South Korea

LG화학, '전고체 배터리' 상용화 핵심 기술 개발

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

LG Chem announced on November 25, 2025, that it has developed a technology that significantly enhances the performance of solid-state batteries by uniformly controlling the particle size of the solid electrolyte, a critical component of these batteries. The research, published in Advanced Energy Materials, was conducted jointly with Professor Tae-Seop Song's team at Hanyang University and is seen as a major step toward the commercialization of solid-state batteries.

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium batteries with a solid electrolyte, which offers safety and high energy efficiency benefits. However, non-uniform particle sizes in the solid electrolyte can create gaps within the battery cell, leading to performance degradation. LG Chem’s new spray recrystallization method produces uniformly sized spherical electrolyte particles by spraying the electrolyte solution into fine droplets and evaporating the solvent, improving lithium-ion movement and reducing internal gaps.

The uniform electrolytes created by this method adhere better to the cathode material, resulting in about a 15% increase in basic battery capacity and a 50% increase in high-rate discharge capacity, a critical metric for high-power device applications. LG Chem intends to use this technology to accelerate solid electrolyte development and push further toward solid-state battery commercialization.

Shin Hak-cheol, LG Chem's Vice Chairman, highlighted the achievement as a resolution of a core challenge for commercializing solid-state batteries and stated the company’s commitment to strengthening its competitiveness in next-generation battery technologies and leading the global market.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | Epidemics and Pandemics

Korea is experiencing an unusually early and intense flu season in 2025, driven by a new sub-variant of the H3N2 influenza virus called subclade K. This variant has rapidly spread among school-age children and teenagers, causing flu cases to increase 14 times compared to the same period last year. It accounted for 97.2 percent of all flu samples tested nationwide from November 1 to 8. This sub-variant is part of a global surge, also seen in countries such as the United States, Japan, Britain, and Canada.

The emergence of subclade K has created a mismatch with the current flu vaccine, which targets different virus strains selected in February 2025. The vaccine covers H1N1, H3N2 J, and B-Victoria strains but not subclade K, which appeared after vaccine composition decisions were made. Despite this, health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination because it still significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and complications like pneumonia. Recent data from Britain suggest vaccination lowers hospitalization risk by 75 percent in children and 40 percent in adults.

Health authorities urge the public to get vaccinated swiftly, especially as flu activity may soon increase among older adults. Individuals with symptoms such as high fever or muscle pain are advised to seek immediate medical care and use antiviral treatments if necessary. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) continues to monitor the situation closely amid concerns about outbreaks in vulnerable settings such as long-term care facilities.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | UndeterminedMergers & Acquisitions

SK earthon, a Korean oil exploration and production company, has acquired a 34% stake in the North Ketapang oil block located northeast of Java Island in Indonesia. The stake was purchased from Malaysia's Petronas North Ketapang, which retains a 51% share, alongside Indonesia’s state-run PT Pertamina Hulu Energi North Ketapang holding 15%.

This investment aligns with SK earthon's strategy to expand its overseas E&P activities and establish a resource development cluster in Southeast Asia, aiming to develop Indonesia as its regional E&P hub. SK earthon also has ongoing projects in Vietnam, China, and Malaysia.

The company anticipates synergies from partnering with experienced operators Petronas and Pertamina. In addition to the North Ketapang block, SK earthon secured stakes in the Serpang and Binaiya blocks through Indonesian government auctions earlier this year. Since 2022, SK earthon has generated over 1 trillion won ($716.6 million) annually from its overseas E&P projects.

SK earthon is a wholly owned subsidiary of SK Innovation, Korea’s leading refiner and a major affiliate of SK Group, a conglomerate with diversified businesses including semiconductors and construction.