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Lee Gyu-lee

Korea Times Business Reporter

Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.

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Tech & Science

Tech firms double down on voice AI as next battleground emerges

As global tech giants race to redefine voice as the next major interface for artificial intelligence (AI), local tech and telecom firms are also accelerating efforts to secure an edge in the domain with Korean-language optimized AI services and multimodal technologies. The rapid shift comes as global companies, including Google, Apple, Microsoft and Meta move to embed voice into AI agents and connected devices, enabling systems that can understand context, execute tasks and interact naturally with users across devices and environments. Google recently introduced Gemini Intelligence, a new AI feature on Android powered by its Gemini AI agent technology, at its Android Show: I/O Edition earlier this month. Unlike earlier voice assistants that were largely limited to short commands such as setting alarms, the new system is designed to automate multistep tasks, including reservations, shopping and food orders across applications. Apple is also expected to unveil a significantly upgraded version of Siri at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference next month. The new Siri is anticipated t

May 22, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Tech firms double down on voice AI as next battleground emerges
Companies

KT invites foreign customer’s family to Korea in global store campaign

As the number of foreign residents in Korea surpasses 2.7 million, KT is stepping up efforts to move beyond basic telecom services, deepening engagement with foreign customers through what it calls localized, high-touch marketing. As part of this strategy, the telecom company recently held a special event to invite one of its foreign customers’ family to the country in a bid to strengthen customer loyalty. The campaign was carried out earlier this month at KT’s Global Store in Ansan, a city known for its large multicultural community, offering foreign residents in Korea a chance to reunite with family members while introducing them to Korean culture. The event brought husband and daughter of Filipino expat Ma. Jovelle Curiba for their first visit to the country after about two years of living apart. During their six-night stay, the family visited major tourist destinations, including N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong and Nami Island, and attended KT Wiz’s baseball game, offering them firsthand cultural experience. “Inviting my family to Korea felt impossible, but KT gave us a gift we will

May 20, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
KT invites foreign customer’s family to Korea in global store campaign
Companies

Shinsegae chief apologizes over Starbucks Korea ‘Tank Day’ controversy

Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, issued a public apology Tuesday over the controversial “Tank Day” promotion held by Starbucks Korea on Monday, the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising — a marketing blunder that drew criticism from President Lee Jae Myung. In a statement addressed to the public, Chung said he “deeply wounded the spirits of those who sacrificed for the May 18 Democratic Uprising, their bereaved families and the people of Korea,” adding that he bows his head in apology on behalf of the group. He described the promotion as “an inappropriate marketing campaign that should never have happened and cannot be tolerated,” calling it “an inexcusable mistake that trivialized the pain and sacrifice of those who dedicated themselves to the nation’s democracy. “I fully recognize that all responsibility for this matter lies with me,” Chung said, pledging to review the group’s decision-making process and strengthen historical awareness and ethical standards across all affiliates. He also promised employee education, a transparent inv

May 19, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Shinsegae chief apologizes over Starbucks Korea ‘Tank Day’ controversy
Tech & Science

Jusung Engineering commercializes ALG transistor integration technology

Jusung Engineering announced Monday that it has shipped what it described as the world’s first atomic layer growth (ALG) transistor full-integration semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a global semiconductor company, as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of the next-generation semiconductor market. The equipment supplier, which operates across semiconductors, displays and solar, said the shipment marks the commercialization of its proprietary technology for advanced transistor manufacturing. As the global semiconductor industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace with the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), chip manufacturing technologies are being pushed beyond traditional scaling limits, fueling demand for next-generation architecture. For decades, chip performance gains have come from shrinking transistor dimensions, or tech migration, allowing more devices to be packed into the same area. However, as nodes approach physical limits, rising leakage current and power consumption have become critical constraints, prompting leading chipmakers to shift from planar

May 18, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Jusung Engineering commercializes ALG transistor integration technology
Tech & Science

LG CNS, Kurly partner on humanoid robots for smart logistics

LG CNS is partnering up with e-commerce operator Kurly to test humanoid robots and expand automation across logistics operations, as both companies push to enhance efficiency in fulfillment centers. The company announced Monday that the two recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conduct a proof of concept for humanoid robots and collaborate on advanced logistics automation. Kurly, known for its early-morning fresh food delivery service, has been expanding its product categories into beauty, fashion and home goods, building on its retail-tech logistics infrastructure, while scaling its logistics capabilities. The company has accumulated large volumes of operational data across its fulfillment network, which it aims to leverage for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven optimization. Under the agreement, the companies will use Kurly’s logistics infrastructure to validate humanoid robots in real-world environments, develop intelligent logistics solutions and explore new business opportunities. “Kurly’s logistics expertise, combined with LG CNS’ technological capabilities

May 18, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
LG CNS, Kurly partner on humanoid robots for smart logistics
Companies

HD Hyundai Marine Solution enters North American data center power market with AEG deal

HD Hyundai Marine Solution, the maritime service arm of HD Hyundai, is entering the North American data center power solutions market after signing a memorandum of understanding with U.S. energy infrastructure developer Aperion Energy Group (AEG). Under the agreement, the two sides will establish a long-term cooperation framework to operate and maintain 33 power generation engines installed at a data center AEG is building in Texas. Earlier in April, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a separate contract with AEG to supply power generation facilities for the data center using 20-megawatt-class HiMSEN engines, totaling 684 megawatts. As rapid advances in artificial intelligence technology drive a surge in electricity consumption, the reliability of backup and prime power systems has become a key factor in efficient data center operations. HD Hyundai Marine Solution plans to use the partnership to expand its presence in North America by showcasing the proven performance of HiMSEN engines and its engine maintenance expertise. The collaboration is expected to go beyond engine supply, with pla

May 18, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
HD Hyundai Marine Solution enters North American data center power market with AEG deal
Companies

Nexon hits record Q1 earnings on global franchise growth

Nexon reported record first-quarter earnings, driven by strong global demand for its flagship franchises and accelerating growth outside traditional East Asian markets. The game giant posted revenue of 152.2 billion yen ($960.82 million) and operating profit of 58.2 billion yen, up 34 percent and 40 percent year-over-year, respectively. Its net profit jumped 118 percent to 57.2 billion yen, marking all-time quarterly highs across the three metrics. The results reflect Nexon’s push to expand globally, a strategy outlined in its Capital Markets Briefing (CMB) event in March. Revenue from North America and Europe surged 310 percent year-over-year, while other regions, including Southeast Asia, grew 111 percent, both reaching record growth. Overseas sales accounted for 62 percent of total revenue, offsetting weaker momentum in China. Growth was led by the MapleStory franchise and the extraction shooter title ARC Raiders, which helped diversify its revenue base. MapleStory franchise revenue climbed 42 percent from a year earlier, supported by robust global user growth for its newer titles, i

May 15, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Nexon hits record Q1 earnings on global franchise growth
Companies

Former US lawmakers urge deeper Seoul-Washington industrial cooperation

Former U.S. lawmakers emphasized the need for deeper Korea-U.S. industrial cooperation and stronger private sector partnerships, as businesses in both countries navigate shifting supply chains and rapidly evolving technologies. Seven former U.S. Reps. — Jay Chang Joon Kim, Bill Flores, Steven Palazzo, Bart Gordon, Donna Edwards, Ron Kind and Frank Guinta — visited Seoul this week for a series of business and policy exchange events aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties and supporting Korean companies’ expansion into the U.S. market. The former lawmakers gathered with Korean business leaders and industry officials, including former Incheon Regional Tax Office Chief Park Soo-bok and former Tech University of Korea President Park Ghun-su, for a dinner event hosted by the Korea-China Entrepreneurs Association at a hotel in Gangnam District on Thursday. Former U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, speaking on behalf of the delegation, said that what makes a healthy relationship is “a strong economy based on shared values, on trade and on the things that we share together to try to make the

May 15, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Former US lawmakers urge deeper Seoul-Washington industrial cooperation
Companies

Dongwha Electrolyte secures exclusive lithium salt supply deal with Chinese producer

Dongwha Electrolyte has secured a long-term supply agreement with Chinese lithium salt producer Sunyes Zhongning New Materials Technology strengthening its access to a key battery material amid rising demand from electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company, an electrolyte manufacturing subsidiary of Dongwha Enterprise, said Thursday that the exclusive purchasing deal covers lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), the standard electrolyte salt in commercial lithium-ion batteries. Financial terms, contract duration and volumes were not disclosed. Sunyes Zhongning specializes in manufacturing LiPF6, operating an annual capacity of about 5,000 tons, which is equivalent to supplying roughly 35,000 tons of electrolytes. With the latest agreement, Dongwha Electrolyte expects to secure critical raw materials in advance while improving its cost structure, as demand for LiPF6 continues to rise with the expansion in the energy storage system (ESS) and electric vehicle markets. “This agreement provides a foundation for supplying high-quality electrolytes to customers without disruption

May 14, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Dongwha Electrolyte secures exclusive lithium salt supply deal with Chinese producer
Companies

SK Networks Q1 operating profit jumps 102%

SK Networks posted a sharp improvement in first-quarter earnings, driven by stronger performance across its core businesses and gains from artificial intelligence (AI)-related investments. The company reported revenue of 1.74 trillion won ($1.17 billion) and operating profit of 33.4 billion won for the first quarter on Thursday. Revenue rose 6.5 percent year-over-year, while operating profit more than doubled, surging 102.4 percent. The earnings growth was driven by stronger profitability in core units, including its subscription-based, AI-powered appliance platform SK Intelix, information and communications segment and Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts division. SK Intelix gained on a rise in subscribers, while Walkerhill saw improved performance across rooms, food and beverage and off-property operations amid a recovery in domestic and international tourism demand. Net profit also improved significantly from a year earlier, swinging to 42.7 billion won, supported by strategic investments in AI-related ventures. "The first quarter saw notable improvements in our core businesses, while other op

May 14, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
SK Networks Q1 operating profit jumps 102%
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