AI PRISM: Personalized Economic Briefing
*Editor's Note: AI PRISM (Personalized Report & Insight Summarizing Media) is an AI-based customized news recommendation and summarization service developed with support from the Korea Press Foundation.*
KEY ISSUES
Chinese Tech's European Offensive Intensifies at MWC 2025
A record 350 Chinese companies participated in MWC 2025, up 21.5% from 288 last year, showcasing advanced technologies including humanoid robots and robot phones. Industry analysts suggest China is positioning Europe as a strategic bridgehead for advanced technology amid the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Korean companies face urgent pressure to reassess their global competitiveness.
K-Battery Big 3 Push Beyond EVs Into AI and Robotics
LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On will unveil AI data center batteries and robotics solutions at InterBattery 2025. The exhibition marks a strategic pivot toward ESS, AI infrastructure, and robotics as companies seek to break through the EV market slowdown.
Homeplus Rehabilitation Plan Faces Funding Crisis
The Seoul Rehabilitation Court is expected to rule on Homeplus's rehabilitation plan around March 4. The plan's core requirement—securing 300 billion won ($220 million) in debtor-in-possession financing—remains unresolved. Liquidation would trigger store closures, massive layoffs, and cascading impacts on suppliers throughout the retail ecosystem.
CEO NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
1. Chinese Tech Showcases Backflipping Robots, 360-Degree Camera Phones
Honor unveiled a backflipping humanoid robot and a robot phone capable of autonomous 360-degree rotation filming at MWC 2025. Industry observers note Chinese firms are concentrating resources on MWC as U.S. CES participation faces restrictions. Xiaomi accelerated its European localization strategy with premium smartphones co-developed with Leica and an electric hypercar concept. Korean companies including LG Uplus, KT, and Samsung Electronics responded with AI agent robots, physical AI platforms, and autonomous manufacturing systems.
2. K-Battery Makers Unveil Tech for CubeSats, Medical Drones
LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On announced AI data center battery solutions at InterBattery 2025. LG Energy Solution debuts next-generation UPS rack systems and BBU solutions for AI data centers. Samsung SDI showcases solid-state batteries targeting mass production in late 2027 alongside physical AI applications. SK On presents high-energy-density LFP pouch batteries and container-type DC blocks with EIS-based diagnostic technology.
"This exhibition marks a turning point as the battery industry expands from EVs into AI energy infrastructure and robotics," an industry official said.
3. Homeplus Faces Uncertain Future Despite Rehabilitation Extension
Securing 300 billion won in DIP financing has stalled after top creditor Meritz Securities and Korea Development Bank declined support. Only MBK Partners has offered 100 billion won in initial funding, contingent on replacing current management. MBK Chairman Kim Byung-joo pledged personal assets as additional collateral.
"Without clear funding or an acquirer, extending rehabilitation means little more than buying time," an industry official said.
CEO REFERENCE NEWS
4. POSCO Future M Unveils Next-Generation Cathode Materials
POSCO Future M will showcase ultra-high-nickel cathodes with over 95% nickel content, LFP cathodes, solid-state battery cathodes, and silicon anodes at InterBattery 2025. The company will also present open innovation progress with U.S. solid-state battery specialist Factorial. POSCO Group is building an end-to-end battery supply chain through investments spanning Argentine salt flats, Australian lithium mines, and African graphite deposits.
5. DeepX Demonstrates AI Chips for Hyundai Robots to President Lee
AI semiconductor startup DeepX demonstrated its Hyundai Motor robot AI chips to President Lee Jae-myung at the Korea-Singapore AI Connect Summit. DeepX will mass-produce "Edge Brain," an on-device AI chip co-developed with Hyundai Motor Group that handles robot perception, decision-making, and control without cloud connectivity.
"We will make Korea a global leader in physical AI through domestic AI semiconductor technology," said DeepX CEO Kim Nok-won.
6. Samsung Display Unveils Privacy-Protecting OLED Technology
Samsung Display showcased "Flex Magic Pixel" technology at MWC 2025, which controls light diffusion at the pixel level to block side viewing angles. The hardware-based privacy solution addresses growing demand for AI-personalized data protection. The company also presented OLEDoS displays with 5,000 pixels per inch and a "Mini Pet Bot" companion robot using freeform OLED.
"Displays in the AI era are evolving into personalized, intelligent platforms," said Samsung Display Vice President Kim Tae-woo.
