South Korean biotechnology firm Bioneer said Monday it had filed a patent application for candidate materials for COVID-19 treatment co-developed with its subsidiary siRNAgen Therapeutics. According to Bioneer, it analyzed nucleic sequences of the SARS virus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and found matching sequences. Based on those matches, Bioneer said it created 960 candidate materials and is currently testing which one is most effective to COVID-19. “As coronavirus

SK Global Chemical, an affiliate of South Korean energy giant SK Innovation, said Monday that it would make 70 percent of its products green by 2025. Currently only 20 percent of its products are considered green, and the change is needed not only for the environment but also to ensure long-term survival, the company noted. In a recent online meeting with staff and executives, SKGC President and CEO Na Kyung-soo openly questioned whether the conventional chemical business would survive in

South Korea’s chipmakers are again on edge over the second round of technology war between the United States and China involving semiconductors, according to industry sources Monday. Although the flagship businesses of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix pivot on memory products, which aren’t yet subject to the new US sanctions on China’s tech giant Huawei Technologies, worries are growing over the their dependence on US technologies broadly applied to the comprehensive proces

Philip Morris Korea said Monday it would hold a four-week promotion event to introduce limited edition goods to celebrate the third anniversary of the launch of Iqos, the flagship heat-not-burn product, in South Korea. During the event, PMI Korea said it will introduce two limited editions of device covers. The first edition, “Sun Rose,” represents the colors of roses, and the second edition “Twilight” draws the color of the sky in spring, the tobacco company explaine

Remdesivir, an investigational ebola treatment by US-based Gilead Sciences that is increasingly being pursued as as an effective COVID-19 treatment globally, has now become the barometer for all future coronavirus treatments, according to Seoul National University Hospital on Monday. SNU Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, are two clinical trial sites for remdesivir in Korea included 73 sites across the world. “This NIH clinical research proves remdesivir as th

South Korean tire manufacturer Kumho Tire said Monday that it bagged a supply deal for Spanish automaker SEAT’s flagship model Ibiza.  The company said Kumho Tire’s Ecowing ES31 185/65R 15 88H is being supplied to SEAT’s bestselling compact hatchback Ibiza since November 2019.  SEAT is the only automaker in Spain, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group. It is known to have Italian design and German technology prowess, according to Kumho Tire. Named after a Spanish

Mercedes-Benz Korea said Monday that it has launched an upgraded third-generation version of its flagship sport utility vehicle the new GLS here.  The seven-seater SUV was first introduced in Korea in October 2016.  “The new GLS will suit the active lifestyle of high-end customers, as it can be dubbed as the S-Class of SUV,” said Mark Raine, vice president of product and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea during the unveiling ceremony. S-Class refers to the automaker&rsqu

Automaker’s ambitious model returns with useful voice recognition system

Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Monday it has acquired halal certification for its biologics drug Easyef solution. Easyef solution is a recombinent human epidermal growth factor that treats diabetic foot ulcer. “Since December 2019, it is required for all biologic drugs distributed in Indonesia to indicate whether they are halal certified or not. In order for the wider Muslim population to be able to access our drugs, we are expanding the number of halal certified products,” a Daewo

LS Cable & System said Monday its photovoltaic cable has received international standard certification from Germany’s TUV SUD, a global certification authority. TUV SUD assessed that LS C&S’ 1,500 voltage direct current solar cables conform to functions and safety standards of International Electrotechnical Commission and European Standards, according to the cable maker. The firm expects the certification to serve as an opportunity to expand not only in the domestic marke

IT powerhouse Korea challenged as China wades in with economies of scale and US-China rivalry intensifies upon COVID-19

IT powerhouse Korea challenged as China wades in with economies of scale and US-China rivalry intensifies upon COVID-19

IT powerhouse Korea challenged as China wades in with economies of scale and US-China rivalry intensifies upon COVID-19

IT powerhouse Korea challenged as China wades in with economies of scale and US-China rivalry intensifies upon COVID-19

More than 80 percent of vehicle plants in 13 major car-manufacturing countries resumed limited operations as of mid-May as new coronavirus restrictions were eased, an auto industry association said Monday. Vehicle plants in the United States and 12 other major car-manufacturing countries began to restart production, though not in full operation, since mid-April, and more lines are expected to resume operations this month. "It will take some time for the auto plants to return to full op