South Korea

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedUnemployment

Unemployment among South Koreans in their 30s surged by 29.7% year-on-year, reaching 164,000 in November, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. This marks the fourth consecutive month of rising unemployment in this age group, with the latest increase being the largest since January 2021. The unemployment rate for those in their 30s rose by 0.7 percentage points to 2.9%, while rates for those in their 50s and 60s declined. The youth unemployment rate (ages 15–29) remained steady at 5.5%, though employment among this group decreased by 177,000 compared to the previous year.

The employment situation is worsening due to a prolonged economic slowdown, weak domestic demand, and the adoption of AI technologies, which have reduced hiring particularly in manufacturing and construction sectors. The number of 'inactive' individuals—those not working or seeking work—in their 30s reached a record high of 314,000 in November, contributing to a record total inactive population of 2.54 million across all age groups. Youth employment has been declining for 19 months, with the 20s age group's employment rate falling below that of those in their 60s, indicating a severe labor market imbalance.

The economic slowdown has led companies to cut investment and hiring, fueling a cycle of reduced consumption, further impacting job availability. Rising living costs and interest burdens add to household financial pressures. In response, the South Korean government plans to launch new youth employment measures as part of its 2026 economic growth strategy to address these challenges and support the inactive youth population.

LG전자, 퀄컴과 미래 AIDV 시대 선도

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

LG Electronics, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, has developed a generative AI-based high-performance computing device (HPC) for vehicles, advancing the AI-centered vehicle (AIDV) era. This new technology, called the “AI Cabin Platform,” will be revealed to automaker customers for the first time at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, starting January 6. The AI Cabin Platform integrates various open-source generative AI models, including vision-language models, large language models, and image-generation models, to enhance in-vehicle infotainment and create a new experience for occupants.

The AI Cabin Platform is powered by Qualcomm’s “Snapdragon Cockpit Elite,” which enables all AI computations to be processed locally within the vehicle. This local processing ensures faster, more reliable operation and improved security by eliminating the need for communication with external AI servers, thereby reducing the risk of data leaks. The platform uses interior and exterior cameras to analyze the vehicle’s surroundings and occupant conditions, providing context-appropriate guidance and customized images.

Earlier, at CES 2025, LG and Qualcomm showcased an HPC platform integrating infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride Flex system-on-chip, recognized for its cost and performance benefits. Eun Seok-hyun, LG Electronics’ Vice President and head of the VS Business Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to leading the transition from software-defined vehicles (SDV) to AI-centered vehicles (AIDV) through strengthened global partnerships.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedReal Estate

Korea's heritage authorities and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have held initial talks to address disagreements over a proposed high-rise redevelopment project near Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Seoul. Officials from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Seoul city government met to discuss practical matters ahead of further coordination between central and local authorities. No consensus was reached on whether a heritage impact assessment is needed for the project.

The redevelopment plan involves Sewoon District 4, located directly across from Jongmyo Shrine, where the city has decided to double the building height limit to 145 meters. Heritage officials argue this could harm the shrine’s historic landscape, while the city contends the project would rejuvenate the area by adding new open green spaces. UNESCO has requested a heritage impact assessment, but Seoul has not yet responded. Additional preliminary talks and a full coordination meeting involving senior officials are planned to resolve the dispute.