Latest news with #KimIn-tae
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
IBK invests W10b in Furiosa AI to bolster Korea's chip sovereignty
Industrial Bank of Korea said Monday it is investing 10 billion won ($7.25 million) in Furiosa AI, a leading Korean startup specializing in artificial intelligence semiconductors, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's strategic tech autonomy. The state-run lender highlighted Furiosa AI's role in advancing Korea's independent AI chip technology, noting the company had turned down a buyout offer from a major US tech firm in favor of developing its own hardware. Reports in March revealed that the offer came from Meta, which Furiosa rejected to focus on its next-generation accelerator, RNGD, slated for mass production in the latter half of this year. The latest funding adds to a series of financial backing the policy lender has provided to Furiosa AI since its inception, including seed loans, venture capital and tech-focused financing. The lender also deployed its hybrid 'IBK Venture Loans' product, combining investment and loans, to bridge the firm's liquidity needs during the pre-mass production phase. IBK said the 10 billion won injection was part of a broader 150 billion won raised in the funding round and expressed hope the investment would enhance Korea's competitiveness in AI chips and help local players expand globally. 'We will do our utmost to support Korea's venture ecosystem so that more companies like Furiosa AI can emerge,' said Kim In-tae, executive vice president of Innovative Financing Group at IBK. 'We remain committed to driving technological innovation and fostering a dynamic startup environment.' IBK has supported ambitious startups through both financial and non-financial means, including 2.5 trillion won funneled into venture capital funds since 2023. In 2024, it also launched a public offering fund program aimed at channeling capital into AI and other key strategic industries.
Korea Herald
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
K-fashion shines at 2025-2026 fall-winter Paris Fashion Week
The 2025-2026 fall-winter Paris Fashion Week, held from March 3-11 at Palais de Tokyo, showcased a range of global fashion brands, with some K-fashion labels grabbing the spotlight. As one of the world's four major fashion weeks, Paris is known for its avant-garde and artistic presentations, and this season, Korean designers made a powerful statement with their innovative designs. On the first day of the event, Kimhekim, the brand of Korean designer Kim In-tae, celebrated its 9th anniversary with a collection that seamlessly blended tailoring with Korean sensibilities. The "L'atelier Kimhekim" collection featured sophisticated details such as draping couture, pearl embellishments and mesh materials, creating elegant and flowing silhouettes that captured attention. Kimhekim, which debuted in 2014, is known for its daring experimentation, mixing traditional Korean attire with modern aesthetics. This season, the brand presented looks that were both playful and refined, with soft drapery and sleek silhouettes that resonated with a global audience. The following day, designer Park Chun-moo's brand, De Moo, unveiled its "From Nothing" collection. The collection, built around the brand's signature colors of black and white, highlighted a striking contrast of bold tones. De Moo's minimalistic approach was enhanced by the use of textures such as wool, jacquard, cupra and metallic fabrics, blending traditional and contemporary influences to create a sensory experience. Park emphasized that the collection served to extend the brand's identity and reaffirm De Moo's unwavering values within the contemporary fashion landscape. As K-fashion rapidly evolves, Korean designers are leveraging new technologies to introduce fresh, experimental designs. While lacking the long histories and heritage of European labels, Korean fashion brands are quickly responding to consumer demands and setting trends on the global stage. "A new generation is emerging, blending colors and details with such precision that they create styles even more original than the originals. This movement is not only gaining attention but also inspiring global markets to emulate K-style, with K-pop idols and K-drama stars amplifying its influence," said an official from Korea Creative Content Agency who was at the event. Korean celebrities also made waves at Paris Fashion Week. Blackpink's Rose, the global ambassador for Saint Laurent, captivated audiences with her presence at the brand's show in a long white sleeveless dress. Meanwhile, Ive's Jang Won-young embraced a cowgirl-inspired look as the ambassador for Miu Miu, and actor Park Seo-jun showcased a genderless look at the Chanel show, pairing a white tweed jacket with a Camellia corsage for an elegant touch. DJ Peggy Gou, a global sensation, attended the Chanel show in a tweed top layered with a belt and chain.
