![[Graphic News] Korea ranks 31st in global work-life balance index](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F07%2F14%2Fnews-p.v1.20250714.0d115bbdda044c229bc938d27f41b167_T1.gif&w=3840&q=100)
[Graphic News] Korea ranks 31st in global work-life balance index
The index evaluates countries across categories such as annual leave, sick pay, maternity leave, minimum wage and healthcare systems. Korea's ranking marks a five-spot improvement from the previous year.
Notable gains were seen in minimum wage, average weekly working hours - which fell to 37.9 from 38.58 - and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, which rose by 6 points. However, the country scored relatively low in areas such as sick leave, paid maternity leave and safety, which negatively affected its overall standing.
As in previous years, European countries dominated the top of the list. New Zealand ranked first, followed by Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Denmark. Among other Asian countries, Japan ranked 29th and China 52nd.
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Korea Herald
16 hours ago
- Korea Herald
[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line
Korean battery maker eyes edge over Chinese rivals by diversifying cost-effective battery offerings SK On has begun setting up a pilot line for unidirectional prismatic battery cells at its Daejeon research center this week, as demand grows for this more space-efficient battery format in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. 'Unidirectional' or 'top terminal' cells refer to a battery design in which current flows through terminals placed on the top, optimizing the use of space and simplifying their integration into EVs. Prismatic cells can be made rectangular, unlike the more traditional cylindrical cells. This allows for higher energy density, as there is less empty space between the cells when packed together to make batteries. This initiative marks the completion of SK On's prismatic battery road map, following its earlier launch of a pilot line in 2023 for 'bidirectional' or 'side terminal' prismatic cells, which feature terminals on opposite sides to enhance current distribution and thermal efficiency. 'The initial setup of SK On's unidirectional prismatic battery pilot line — involving equipment delivery, positioning, unpacking, and installation — has start this week,' said an industry source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Full-scale construction will begin next week, focusing on integrating utilities such as electrical connections.' The source added that sample production will commence soon after the line setup is complete, with a mass production schedule to be determined through client negotiations. The move is part of SK On's broader push to narrow the gap with domestic rival Samsung SDI, which already mass-produces unidirectional prismatic cells, while also preparing for large-scale production of bidirectional cells. LG Energy Solution is likewise developing prismatic batteries through a partnership with General Motors in the US and is reportedly building a pilot line at its Ochang plant in North Chungcheong Province. However, the specific type of prismatic cell remains undisclosed. Demand for prismatic battery cells is accelerating due to their high energy density, enhanced safety, and packaging efficiency — qualities that make them well-suited for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to India-based Market Report Analytics, the global prismatic battery market is expected to grow from approximately $25 billion in 2028 to $40 billion by 2033. Automakers including Hyundai Motor Group, GM, Volkswagen, and Ford are increasingly adopting prismatic designs for next-generation EVs and hybrid vehicles. Samsung SDI, for example, signed a seven-year deal with Hyundai Motor in 2023 to supply batteries for its European EV lineup between 2026 and 2032. GM is working with LG Energy Solution on similar deployments. Though SK On has not disclosed specific customers, media reports suggest it may pursue supply deals with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, following a strategic agreement signed last year. Geely owns global brands such as Geely Auto, Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. SK On first unveiled its unidirectional and bidirectional prismatic prototypes at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Seoul in March. Industry experts say its expansion into unidirectional designs could help SK On build a more diversified customer base and better compete with Chinese firms such as CATL and CALB. Those companies have primarily focused on bidirectional formats, which are optimal for cell-to-pack systems that eliminate conventional battery modules. In contrast, unidirectional cells are better suited for modular systems, where battery cells are arranged into packs via intermediate modules — still widely favored in many EV platforms.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Iranian negotiator doesn't rule out exiting nuclear treaty if sanctions are reimposed
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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
US, EU trade talks bolstered by Trump's agreement with Japan
BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) — The European Union and the US are moving toward a trade deal that could include a 15 percent US baseline tariff on EU goods and possible exemptions, two European diplomats said Wednesday, potentially moving President Donald Trump closer to another major trade agreement on the heels of the one he just unveiled with Japan. European negotiators were hoping to reach an agreement to dodge the 30 percent tariff rate Trump has said he would impose on imports from the 27-nation bloc on August 1. The rate, which could also extend to cars, would mirror the framework agreement the US has struck with Japan, which Trump announced late Tuesday. There could be concessions for sectors like aircraft and lumber as well as some medicines and agricultural products, which would not face tariffs, the diplomats said. Washington does not, however, appear willing to lower its current 50 percent tariff on steel, they said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro told Bloomberg News the report from the EU should be taken with "a grain of salt." As talks continued, the European Commission said it would press on with potential counter-measures in case a deal was not reached. EU member states were set to vote on 93 billion euros of counter-tariffs on US goods on Thursday, European diplomats said. A broad majority of members support using anti-coercion instruments if there is no deal, they said. Trump was aiming to secure an agreement on the heels of a complicated deal reached with Japan, the largest foreign investor in the US That deal included a $550 investment and loan pledges from Japan and its commitment to buy 100 Boeing airplanes and boost purchases of US agricultural products. That investment — to be spent at Trump's discretion — would focus on key industries like energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and shipbuilding, the White House said Wednesday. Tariffs on Japan's auto sector will drop from 27.5 percent to 15 percent as part of the agreement, reviving hopes for similar treatment for European cars. Asian and European stock markets rallied as investors cheered the US-Japan agreement, but US stocks showed a more modest rise and earnings reports were gloomy. American businesses making everything from chips to steel reported downbeat results Wednesday, revealing how the Trump administration's chaotic trade policy has hurt profits, added to costs, upended supply chains and weighed on consumer confidence. US automakers signaled their unhappiness with the Japan deal, raising concerns about a trade regime that cuts tariffs on Japanese auto imports while leaving 25 percent tariffs on imports from their plants and suppliers in Canada and Mexico. "Any deal that charges a lower tariff for Japanese imports with virtually no US content than the tariff imposed on North American-built vehicles with high US content is a bad deal for US industry and US auto workers," said Matt Blunt, the president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents General Motors, Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis. Automobile stocks led the climb of European shares after the Japan deal spurred hopes that the US was budging over tariffs on EU cars. EU officials have previously said Washington has shown little sign of doing so. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that Japan received the 15 percent rate on auto tariffs "because they were willing to provide this innovative financing mechanism" that he did not think other countries could replicate. Trump, however, has appeared open to a range of options as the US negotiates trade deals. "I will only lower tariffs if a country agrees to open its market," Trump wrote in a social media post Wednesday. The Republican president said late Tuesday that other countries would be coming to Washington for talks this week. Governments were scrambling to close trade deals before next week's deadline that the White House has repeatedly pushed back under pressure from markets and intense lobbying by industry. US and Chinese officials plan to meet in Stockholm next week to discuss extending an August 12 deadline for negotiating a trade deal. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday would not discuss expectations for the meeting, but said Bessent "looks forward to continuing discussions with his Chinese counterparts."
