South Korea

한국, 디지털 표준화 글로벌 허브로 도약

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Nov. 7, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) has reinforced its role as a global hub for digital standardization by hosting two major events: the 19th Korea-China-Japan IT Standardization Cooperation Meeting and the Korea-EU ICT Standardization Strategy Workshop. These gatherings brought together around 70 experts from government, standards organizations, and industry across Korea, China, Japan, Europe, Australia, and other regions.

At the Korea-China-Japan meeting, AI and 6G were identified as key strategic areas, with participants sharing standardization strategies and exploring joint contributions for global standardization efforts. A notable outcome was the decision to establish a special trilateral group focused on AI media standardization, particularly in media codec standards within international bodies like JTC 1/SC 29 and ITU-T.

Meanwhile, the Korea-EU workshop, held for the second time by TTA and EU INSTAR, reviewed a jointly developed standardization roadmap covering AI, quantum technology, data, 5G+, 6G, CEI, and cybersecurity, solidifying future cooperation plans. The TTA also highlighted its ongoing international task force's role in these efforts and its memorandum of understanding with EU INSTAR as key to advancing collaboration.

Son Seung-hyun, TTA chairman, emphasized TTA’s established leadership as a “standardization network hub” in core digital technologies such as AI, 6G, and quantum. TTA plans to continue driving a global standardization ecosystem that integrates technology, industry, and policy while expanding its international cooperation network.

Korea Herald | English | News | Nov. 7, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

A joint fact sheet summarizing trade and security agreements between South Korea and the United States is expected to cite approximately $25 billion in U.S. arms sales to South Korea. The reported deal includes purchases of helicopters, fighter jets, airborne early warning and control aircraft, ballistic missile interceptors, and other defense equipment by 2030. However, the presidential office confirmed that terms have not yet been finalized, with final decisions dependent on government spending capacity and the security environment.

As part of a broader $350 billion investment package in U.S. projects, $200 billion will be allocated to commercially viable projects determined by an investment committee led by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. South Korea’s investment commitment will include an annual $20 billion ceiling to maintain foreign exchange market stability. The remaining $150 billion will support shipbuilding projects led by South Korean companies and include cash, loans, and guarantees.

In return, U.S. tariffs on South Korean-made cars will be reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent, aligning with the reciprocal tariff on other South Korean goods. Pharmaceuticals, lumber products, semiconductors, aircraft parts, and generic drugs will receive most-favored nation treatment or reduced tariffs.

Political disagreement exists regarding whether the agreement requires parliamentary ratification. The ruling party, led by Rep. Kim Byung-kee, is seeking a special bill to provide legal grounds for the $350 billion investment, asserting joint fact sheets and memorandums are not legally binding. In contrast, the main opposition People Power Party argues that given the significant financial impact, the agreement should be treated as a treaty requiring formal parliamentary ratification under the Constitution.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 7, 2025 | UndeterminedEnergy Prices

Korea's clean hydrogen power market faces mounting challenges as the Korea Power Exchange abruptly canceled its Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standards (CHPS) bidding notice on October 17, 2025, just hours before the deadline. This action has intensified concerns about policy consistency and market viability only a year after the CHPS system was launched under the 2021 Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act, which mandates fixed government purchases of clean hydrogen-generated electricity to stimulate demand and scale the sector.

The cancellation is widely linked to President Lee Jae Myung's commitment to phasing out coal-fired power by 2040, with specific implications for the contentious ammonia co-firing technology. Ammonia co-firing, which involves blending ammonia with coal to reduce emissions without retiring coal infrastructure, has faced criticism for nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions and is seen as contradictory to coal phaseout goals. Following the cancellation, the Climate, Energy and Environment Minister indicated that coal-ammonia co-firing projects might be excluded from future bids, creating significant uncertainty for state-run utilities invested in these projects.

Cost remains the principal barrier to expanding clean hydrogen power in Korea. Last year’s inaugural CHPS bidding round saw only one contract awarded due to bids exceeding the government’s price ceiling. With ammonia co-firing likely excluded, power generation costs are projected to rise sharply. Despite some government adjustments, industry experts stress the need for a more realistic pricing mechanism. Major companies like Posco International, SK Innovation, and Hanwha Impact are investing in hydrogen and LNG-hydrogen co-firing facilities, but high costs related to hydrogen production, storage, and ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion persist.

The industry consensus emphasizes the necessity of stable government leadership to develop infrastructure and create a reliable market for clean hydrogen power. Frequent policy shifts are undermining investor confidence in Korea’s still-developing hydrogen value chain. Experts argue that a consistent institutional framework is essential for the sector’s growth amid ongoing technological and financial challenges.