POSCO announced Wednesday it has acquired control of U.S. graphene nanoplate manufacturer XG Sciences, boosting the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker’s bid to transform into an all-round materials developer. Graphene is a transparent nano-carbon material that has electric conductivity and flexibility. It is widely used as an electrode in various industrial materials, energy and electronic device...

LG Electronics said Wednesday that it will hire up to 800 disabled people by next year, double its existing number of disabled staff. The hiring will be part of the company’s plan to employ workers in the fields of research and development, production, marketing and business support until June 15. Applications will be accepted at the firm’s website (www.lge.co.kr). “LG Electronics expects to me...

To mark the Queen's diamond jubilee in 2012, the world's biggest drinks company said it plans to produce a limited edition scotch whisky costing £100,000 ($152,465) a bottle. John Walker & Sons said the limited edition of 60 crystal decanters of `Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons` is a unique blend of whiskies distilled in 1952 and finished in a marrying cask of English...

Standard & Poor’s revised its rating outlook for Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Mobis Co. to positive from stable, the ratings company said in a statement Tuesday. “The positive outlooks reflect our view that the four companies will continue to enhance their financial profiles, through stronger market positions and improved profitability.” The outlook revision came as Hyundai a...

The head of Groupon Inc. said Tuesday that the operator of the world’s largest daily discount website is seeking to enter overseas markets to further grow its business outside the United States. Groupon has expanded its business into 46 countries less than three years after its launch as the business model of linking local merchants with customers through half-priced deals turned out to be popul...

Korea’s exports of information technology products gained 4.7 percent on-year in May on steady global demand for mobile phones and rechargeable batteries, the government said Tuesday. The country shipped $13.38 billion worth of IT products abroad last month, despite stiff foreign competition and a general drop in demand caused by fewer people buying electronic products in springtime, the Ministr...

Knowledge Ministry reveals road map for developing eco-friendly energy resources The Ministry of Knowledge Economy on Tuesday revealed a roadmap for developing eco-friendly energy resources aiming to create 1.5 million jobs and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 210 million metric tons by 2030. The roadmap also lays out plans to create a 94 trillion won ($87 billion) domestic market and exports of...