LG Twins Ends 29-Year Long Wait With Historic Win

A photo of LG Twins players celebrating their win at the Jamsil Stadium in South Korea with a phrase "Life's Good" overlapping

Regarded as one of the most popular sports in the country, baseball in South Korea is more than just a sport – bringing loyal fans to stadiums who cheer for their choice of ten Korean teams that make up the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The KBO season concludes each year with the championship series known globally as the ‘Korean Series.’

On November 13, LG, the owner of KBO team LG Twins, celebrated its first Korean Series win in 29 years. Established in 1982 as Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Chungyong – translated as ‘Blue Dragon’ – the baseball club was acquired by the LG Corporation in 1989, and was subsequently renamed LG Twins. The following year, the Twins won their first Korean Series title and went on to win their second in 1994. And, finally, the 2023 KBO League Season ended Monday night the way it hadn’t for nearly three decades: with the LG Twins as the champions for the third time.

To celebrate this historic and iconic win, LG announced it will hold numerous events throughout November for its domestic fans and customers – making up one of the largest fandoms in the league – fully embracing the enduring bravery of the LG Twins players and the unwavering optimism of their fans.

# # #

LG Honored With Significant Number of CES 2024 Innovation Awards

From OLED TVs to webOS Content, LG Wins the Most Awards in History to Total 33,
Including Two Best of Innovation Awards

SEOUL, Nov. 16, 2023 – LG Electronics (LG) has been recognized for the technological and design excellence of its latest lifestyle solutions, earning more than 30 CES^® 2024 Innovation Awards across Home Appliance, Home Entertainment and B2B categories, including two coveted Best of Innovation Awards for LG OLED TVs.

Bestowed every year by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) – the organization behind CES, the world’s largest annual consumer electronics tradeshow – the CES Innovation Award program recognizes innovative consumer products and services across a multitude of device and technology categories.

Of the 33 CES Innovation Awards LG will receive at CES 2024, 15 have been awarded to LG TVs including 12 for LG OLED, marking the 12th consecutive year that the company’s self-lit TVs have received CES Innovation Award honors. As the leader and original creator of OLED TVs, LG has refined its premium TV innovation year after year. Today, LG offers the widest lineup of OLED TVs from 42-to-97-inch screen sizes, as well as unique and innovative OLED TV form factors. LG OLED TVs are prized by consumers worldwide for their exceptional picture quality, which delivers vibrant, accurate colors, deep blacks and infinite contrast.

Among the new LG Home Entertainment innovations also honored are LG Soundbars, LG XBOOM Portable Speakers and LG Smart TV webOS apps. LG Home Appliance products honored this year include LG SIGNATURE Washer & Dryers. LG Business Solutions products honored include LG UltraGear Gaming Monitors, LG SMART Monitor, LG gram Laptops and LG CLOi ServeBot.

The full list and details of LG’s CES 2024 Innovation Award recipients will be announced at CES 2024 on January 7.

# # #

Partnering With Kenya Red Cross to Save Lives With Blood

As a global corporate citizen, LG has always tried to do its part to create a Better Life for All. In line with this mission, the company signed an agreement with the Korean Red Cross in 2004 and, since then, has been conducting yearly blood donation campaigns. While launched by headquarters in South Korea, this initiative has actively been taken up by LG offices around the world.

In Kenya, LG East Africa joined forces with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA) in an initiative aimed at combating the rising blood shortage in Kenya. The remarkable “Life’s Good Blood Drive” – held recently at LG’s Kenrail Towers and Adlife Plaza brandshops – successfully collected 121 pints of blood.

(From left to right) Festus Koech, regional manager for Nairobi at Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority; Lee Dong-won, managing director at LG East Africa; and Bradley Namulanda, Red Cross Kenya Blood Donation Coordinator for Nairobi County

The one-off partnership served as a lifeline in addressing immediate blood shortages in healthcare facilities and hospitals, as well as in emergencies and surgical procedures. What’s more, the blood drive exemplified LG’s commitment to extending its Life’s Good brand promise to the broader community by improving the quality of life through social responsibility initiatives.

The Life’s Good Blood Drive targeted 500 LG employees and volunteers from KTTA and KRCS, all working together to facilitate public blood donations aimed at bolstering the national blood supplies. The 121 donors willingly provided consent, shared their brief health histories before a 10-minute donation process followed by a 15-minute recovery break. The collected blood was then tested and sent to the national blood bank, with the donors receiving their blood donation cards a week later.

The blood drive served a dual purpose by also educating LG employees on the significance and advantages of blood donation. KRCS played a crucial role in conducting recruitment and planning the overall activity while KTTA, as a government entity, ensured the safety of donated blood, including its transportation to the blood bank for screening before distribution to hospitals. LG East Africa actively participated by providing available venues, organizing the donation drive and encouraging employees to donate blood.

The successful conclusion of this donation drive and the collection of safe blood will not only help address the immediate and critical shortages experienced in healthcare facilities and hospitals but will also serve as a lifeline in emergencies and surgical procedures by providing renewed hope for patients battling life-threatening conditions.

Contributed by LG Kenya

# # #

Supporting the Dreams of Youths With Disabilities Through GITC

Last month, for the finals of the 2023 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC), more than 460 participants gathered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to compete in various challenges to test their IT capabilities.

In each of the six challenges, winners were announced based on their excellence in completing IT-related challenges, such as creating presentations and spreadsheets, conducting text and image searches, producing and editing videos, coding a self-driving car program and developing ideas for technology that can improve the lives of those with disabilities.

Let’s hear from a few of the winners of this year’s GITC.

Muhammad Naazir Danesh, a fifteen-year-old from Malaysia, was named the Global IT Leader for GITC 2023. Muhammad not only placed first in the eContent Challenge and eCreative_Smart Car Challenge but second in the eCreative_IoT Challenge and third in the eTool_Spreadsheet Challenge.

“Receiving such a big award has left me at a loss for words,” said Muhammad, who participated in GITC for the third time this year. Muhammad aims to pursue further studies in the IT field with a goal to work in the tech industry in the future.

The first-place winner of the eLifeMap Challenge was Seerano Johnpov, a fifteen-year-old from Cambodia. Seerano has long been interested in computer hardware and repair, which is what motivated him to apply for GITC. While he has faced many difficulties since birth due to his arm disabilities, Seerano has always tried to find solutions and stay positive. “If I get the opportunity, I’d like to study IT more seriously in the future.”

In the eTool_Spreadsheet Challenge, eighteen-year-old Minseong Park from South Korea was awarded first place. Having participated in GITC on the recommendation of his teacher, Minseong has a dream to also become a special education teacher. According to Minseong, GITC was the perfect opportunity for him to gain experience in communicating and collaborating with youths with disabilities and now, he has an even greater desire to prove his abilities.

From the Philippines, seventeen-year-old Dave Soriano was recognized as the third-place winner of the eCreative_Smart Car Challenge. Despite his disabilities, Dave always tries to stay positive and active, loving to spend his free time going on walks, playing online games and swimming. With a dream to become a computer engineer, Dave hopes that his “current self can be a role model for friends who, like me, struggle with severe disabilities.”

Last but not least, Fabya Najwa Azhari, a twenty-year-old from Indonesia, was awarded the second-place winner of the eCreative_Smart Car Challenge. Having participated in GITC in 2021 and 2022, Fabya was encouraged to try again this year thanks to the support of her friends and family. “Through this experience, I learned how to become a stronger person, and with perseverance, I believe that disability can cross boundaries,” shared Fabya, who aims to pursue further studies in information science.

Each participant of the GITC displayed not only dedication and determination but the bold optimism of the company’s Life’s Good brand promise to complete their challenges, even when faced with difficult tasks.

Through GITC, the company hopes to continuously support youths with disabilities to mature into IT professionals and empower them to pursue their dreams and transcend all barriers in terms of ability, religion and nationality.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to learn more about how LG aims to create a Better Life for All.

# # #

2023 LG SMART Monitors Don’t Require PC Connection

LG SMART Monitor displaying favorite sports teams through personalized sports alert feature

New 31.5- and 27-Inch LG SMART Monitors Feature Outstanding IPS Displays,
Built-in Remote-Working Features and Content Curation Services

SEOUL, Nov. 8, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) is unveiling its latest LG SMART Monitor lineup (models 32SR50F and 27SR50F). The versatile, new 31.5- and 27-inch monitors don’t require any PC connection at all, and are ideal for productivity. Along with advanced IPS displays that deliver true-to-life colors and strong contrast, LG SMART Monitors feature LG’s webOS 23 platform, which provides more convenience for working remotely as well as streaming favorite shows, sports and music.

Great for entertainment and getting work done, LG SMART Monitors boast high-performance IPS displays and HDR 10 support. The vibrant, accurate images produced by the new monitors help bring content to life and also enhance the user’s experience when participating in conference calls, working on documents or researching on the Internet. With its 3-sided virtually borderless design, the 27-inch model presents a sleek, minimalist look that can elevate one’s space and boost the sense of immersion.

Equipped with webOS 23, the latest LG SMART Monitors offer outstanding convenience. The 32SR50F and 27SR50F provide easy access to streaming apps¹ which offer tailored recommendations for movies, series and music from the Home Board screen, and personalized sports profiles² – complete with customizable sports service cards – that make it simple for users to keep up with the sports they love. LG SMART Monitors store the user’s favorite leagues and teams, notify them of upcoming games and provide up-to-date schedules and key statistics. Also included is the LG Mood Music function, which serves as a personal DJ; curating playlists based on the user’s musical preferences.³

Handy solutions for those working from home, the monitors come with built-in LG Home Office software that supports various productivity programs⁴ including Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar. LG SMART Monitors help further enhance workflow and remove the need to connect directly to a PC by allowing users to easily share content from their smart devices via AirPlay 2 and Miracast. The new monitors can even function as smart home hubs, with support for LG’s ThinQ Home Hub making it possible for users to monitor and manage their home appliances. Through the ThinQ app, the 32SR50F and 27SR50F are able to connect with various IoT-compatible household appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines.

“The LG SMART Monitor series is designed with a focus on meeting the personal preferences and unique demands of various kinds of users,” said Seo Young-jae, senior vice president and head of the IT business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. “Moving forward, LG plans to introduce new SMART Monitors that will be able to accommodate an even broader range of lifestyle needs.”

The new LG SMART Monitors are scheduled to be released in key markets in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, with availability starting in the U.S. this November.⁵

Key Specifications:

		LG SMART Monitor (32SR50F)	LG SMART Monitor (27SR50F)
Size / Resolution	Screen Size	31.5-inch	27-inch
Size / Resolution	Resolution	FHD (1,920 x 1,080)	FHD (1,920 x 1,080)
Graphic	Panel	IPS	IPS
	Color Gamut (Typ.)	sRGB 99%	NTSC 72%
	HDR	HDR 10	HDR10
	Refresh Rate / Response Time	60Hz / 8ms	60Hz / 14ms
Interface	USB Type-C™	–	–
	HDMI	O (x2)	O (x2)
	USB 2.0	O (x2)	O (x2)
	Wi-Fi	O	O
	Bluetooth	O	O
	Speaker	5W (x2)	5W (x2)
Smart Feature / Service	OS	webOS 23	webOS 23
	Microsoft Office	O	O
	Voice Assistant	LG ThinQ, Alexa	LG ThinQ, Alexa
	Mobile Casting / Mirroring	AirPlay 2 / ScreenShare	AirPlay 2 / ScreenShare
Accessory		HDMI / White Remote Control	HDMI / White Remote Control

# # #

¹LG webOS 23 supports streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube. Many streaming apps available on webOS require a paid subscription. Support for specific streaming apps may vary by country.
²Feature only available on models sold in the US market.
³Access is available after logging in and completing preferred team registration.
⁴Separate login to the program is required.
⁵Available model options may vary by country.

[Mobility Inside] Overseas Hubs of LG’s Mobility Technology

Illustration of engineers taking a closer look at a vehicle

World-class companies recognize the importance of owning and controlling proprietary technology, with the leaders emphasizing how the original and unique technology is a key determinant of success and the foundation for fostering innovation in areas yet to be ventured by others. This is probably why LG CEO William Cho often says, “Acquiring and developing proprietary technology is vital for survival.”

The same applies to the mobility business. As cars evolve ever more into ‘computers on wheels,’ the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous driving, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and 5G is advancing the future of automobiles. In anticipation of the changes taking place, LG’s Vehicle component Solutions (VS) Company has constantly strived over the years to develop exclusive mobility technology, which involves establishment of its overseas R&D centers.

To give a better glimpse of what they are and what they do, we will take a closer look at LG Soft India (LGSI) and LG Electronics Development Vietnam (LGEDV).

Researchers from LG headquarters (HQ) and LGSI collaborating in Bengaluru, India

Based in Bengaluru, India, LGSI is the company’s largest overseas R&D center and a key partner of LG VS Company in the development of infotainment software solutions including vehicle telematics, Audio Video Navigation (AVN) unit, instrumental cluster, Center Information Display (CID) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The center regularly holds meetings with LG HQ in Seoul, South Korea, to review solutions and benchmark one another in efforts to develop optimal solutions for globally renowned automotive OEMs.

LGSI holds frequent workshops with OEMs to discuss work scopes, check on development processes and review verification results as well as the quality of engineering outputs. The combination of such operations helps strengthen the capabilities of the staff at not only the R&D center but also HQ, ultimately contributing to the further improvement in the quality of the company’s mobility solutions. The center’s extensive development experience also plays a big role in the advancement of other businesses such as LG Home Entertainment Company’s webOS platform and AI solutions.

Researchers from LG HQ and LGEDV collaborating in Hanoi, Vietnam

LGEDV, with offices in Hanoi and Danang, Vietnam, is another major overseas R&D center that works closely with LG VS Company. It is responsible for the development and verification of LG’s major product solutions. The engineers at LGEDV are known for their extensive knowledge in solution development as well as their zeal for self-improvement. They boast abundant experience not only in development capabilities, but also in overall aspects of software engineering, including project management, quality assurance and code quality management.

The significance of LG’s overseas R&D centers has grown in recent years with the emergence of Software-defined Vehicles. Unlike traditional automobiles that relied heavily on mechanical components, trending vehicles are now integrating vehicle components with software that can satisfy diverse demands and conditions in terms of variety, quality, safety, reliability and even entertainment.

Under such circumstances, it is necessary to see things from various perspectives and discuss solutions based on different experiences in order to come up with original technologies, which is why LG is garnering talents from across the globe. With engineers from diverse backgrounds and skills, LG will continue its journey of developing innovative solutions to offer mesmerizing mobility experiences.

# # #

LG Establishes Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research in Alaska

At the ceremony for the consortium for advanced heat pump research in Alaska, Sean Parnell (chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage) and James Lee (head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG) are shaking hands

Consortium to Advance Research, Enhance Operational Capabilities of Heat Pumps in
Extreme Climates and Boost Long-Term Competitiveness of LG’s HVAC Solutions

SEOUL, Nov. 7, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) is establishing a research facility in Alaska, USA, to accelerate its research and development efforts in the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). The new research lab comes under the newly formed Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (CAHR), a collaboration between LG and local universities. The company anticipates the joint effort will enhance the competitiveness of its HVAC products through delivering groundbreaking innovations in ‘cold climate’ technology.

LG will operate the state-of-the-art facility in conjunction with the College of Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ highly regarded HVAC Lab.

Improving the heating performance of heat pumps operating in regions with very low temperatures – such as Alaska – is a challenge due to the reduction in refrigerant circulation caused by the cold. LG recognizes the need to develop and validate products in extreme cold conditions, which led it to establish the research lab in Alaska. The jointly-run lab will facilitate the collection of operational data at low-temperatures, hastening the development of solutions that can reliably produce top-tier performance in the harshest climatic conditions.

The CAHR aims to foster HVAC innovation through undertaking specialized R&D, providing access to key resources, and creating a culture centered on learning and problem-solving. LG will conduct research in two dedicated facilities: a university-owned building on the Anchorage campus and a site in Fairbanks, Alaska, that will be constructed like a real-world home. The Fairbanks facility will be equipped with a diverse range of sophisticated LG HVAC solutions, including ducted and duct-free indoor and outdoor units as well as the company’s revolutionary Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater.

LG and its university partners will oversee a variety of tests designed to assess performance under various environmental conditions, such as snow, rain and extremely low temperatures, and by introducing different variables that have not previously been considered in testing heat pump efficacy. LG believes that the results of the research will contribute to better product heating performance, quality and reliability.

“Collaboration in research is the cornerstone of UAA’s mission, and our partnership with LG advances climate solutions in the HVAC industry and beyond,” said Sean Parnell, chancellor of University of Alaska Anchorage. “UAA is proud to lead this collaboration with LG to further innovation across industry and our communities.”

“For LG, the ultimate goal of creating the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research is to lead the global heat pump industry and provide a differentiated customer experience,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG will raise the industry bar and push the limits of existing heat pump technology, developing solutions that deliver peak performance irrespective of environmental conditions.”

The Alaska research lab is expected to help LG make significant strides in both the North American and European HVAC market, enabling it to further strengthen its core technologies and first-class solutions, such as inverters and heat pumps, and boost overall product competitiveness. The company is also confident that the R&D efforts soon to be initiated under the CAHR will help shape the future of the HVAC industry.

# # #

Creating an Inclusive Society With ‘Appliances for All’

Image of five people standing on the top of the Earth with LG's products that enhance accessibility floating in the air

When products or services are poorly designed, they can inadvertently create barriers that exclude people with disabilities. Every company should work to improve accessibility to ensure convenience extends to such individuals as well as older adults.

As a part of The Better Life Plan 2030, LG demonstrates its commitment to creating a sustainable and accessible world, guided by the mission of a Better Life for All. To see how LG is working to incorporate accessibility features and universal design into all its product groups, let’s explore how the company is striving to provide value and unparalleled experiences through its technological innovations that ensure a better life is truly accessible for all.

Universal UP Kit
It may be hard for people facing physical challenges to operate home appliances or open and close doors. For these consumers, LG has created the ‘Universal UP Kit’ that aims to enable everyone, regardless of their gender, age or disability, to easily use the company’s products. Making its debut at IFA 2023, the kit includes attachable accessories that allow easy use of refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, wireless vacuum cleaners and water purifiers. What’s more, to reduce its carbon footprint, the Universal UP Kit is made with recycled plastic.

Automated and Convenience Features
Due to air pressure, refrigerators can be hard for anyone to open, and many people have experienced not being able to open the refrigerator with hands full of groceries. To solve this problem, the LG Objet Collection Fridge is equipped with an ‘Auto Door,’ enabling users to open the refrigerator door with one touch.

The LG SIGNATURE refrigerator also provides an Auto Open Door™ feature thanks to the smart sensor detector at the foot of the refrigerator, opening the door without the need to press or touch anything. The inside of the refrigerator features the ‘Auto Smart Drawer,’ enabling the drawers to glide out automatically. Various other LG appliances deliver similar comfort and convenience, with features including dishwasher doors that open upon cycle completion, washing machines that automatically dispense detergent and air purifiers that notify users to change the filter.

Speech Recognition
LG has also launched products with voice recognition features for consumers with motor impairment who may have difficulty operating products with their hands. The LG PuriCare Water Purifier, the first water purifier launched in South Korea with voice recognition features, allows users to ask for their desired amount of water without any buttons. This feature is also available in other LG products, including air conditioners, the LG CordZero™ ThinQ robot vacuum, select four-door refrigerator models and LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellars, and will be expanded to more products gradually.

Braille Stickers
For customers with visual impairments, LG has developed and distributed braille stickers in South Korea, consisting of 10 icons with embossed braille guidelines, which include ‘power,’ ‘start and stop’ and ‘Wi-Fi.’ Available since last year at no additional cost, the stickers can be attached to all the company’s home appliances and, when linked to the LG ThinQ app, users can receive more assistance through voice guidance.

Embossed Button Remote Control
For consumers with disabilities, operating home appliances that have an abundance of buttons can be difficult, and this has become even more challenging as recent consumer electronics favor flat LED touch systems over raised buttons. To alleviate these problems for people with visual impairment, LG has created remote controls with embossed power, volume, channel and number buttons. Customers can also opt to press the ‘voice recognition button’ and operate their TV through voice commands.

‘Listen to the TV Together’
As people age, hearing loss is natural and, for older citizens who enjoy watching TV with their family, it can be difficult to set a volume that is okay for everyone in the room. While some channels provide subtitles, according to feedback from senior citizens, the experience isn’t the same without the intended audio. For customers who are hard of hearing, LG TVs are equipped with a ‘Listen to the TV Together’ feature, which simultaneously enables audio output to the TV speaker and another Bluetooth device. The company has worked to consider customers’ pain points, so people with hearing difficulties can continue to enjoy the watching experience with their loved ones.

Sign Language Expansion
In addition, LG TVs offer a ‘Sign Language Expansion’ feature, allowing people with hearing impairment to enlarge the size of the language interpreter on the screen, so they can read lips and hand signs more clearly.

Committed to creating an inclusive society where no one is left behind, LG is actively enhancing its accessibility features and accessories. Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to hear more about how LG is contributing to creating a Better Life for All.

# # #

A Giant LG WashTower to Capture the Eyes of Parisians

Image posted on Instagram to promote LG WashTower event

To raise awareness for the LG WashTower™, which has been garnering increased popularity among European consumers, LG France set out to win the hearts of French consumers with a unique experience zone. On October 28, the company unveiled a giant structure in the shape of LG WashTower at Pompidou Centre in Paris, catching the eyes of Parisians and tourists alike. For one day, the general public was invited to discover the new design and advantages of the all-in-one laundry solution inside the 8-meter-high column created with realistic proportions and design.

Located in Beaubourg, one of the capital’s oldest districts and the beating heart of Paris since Medieval times, the Pompidou Centre is home to Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art and an important cultural center for Parisians as well as tourists. With daily traffic in the area estimated at around 50,000 visitors a day, it was the perfect location to promote the new LG WashTower.

Upon entry, visitors were met by a model dressing room installed with an actual LG WashTower, showing consumers how the product can flawlessly blend in with home spaces while providing more information about the conveniences the product can provide. And, to provide a source of entertainment, the experience zone featured a game event, offering visitors an opportunity to win LG WashTower figurines created in partnership with famous German toy brand Playmobil.

LG also promoted Busan’s bid to host the World EXPO 2030, setting up banners in the area as part of efforts to highlight the beautiful port city as the best candidate to host the global event.

First introduced in France in July last year, the LG WashTower saw solid sales growth of 150 percent after the launch of its compact version in June this year. The new WashTower Compact is smaller than the 2019 version by 100 millimeters in width, 170 millimeters in depth and 235 millimeters in height, requiring less installation space than a stackable or side-by-side washer and dryer pair of the same laundry capacity. Thanks to its compact size, the LG WashTower has been highly praised by European consumers as a space-efficient solution that delivers greater convenience.

The company plans to further promote the WashTower globally, focusing on its sleek and minimal design as well as the exceptional performance and convenience it provides.

# # #

LG to Supply Its Automotive Content Platform to Hyundai Motor Group’s Luxury Genesis Brand

Multi-display function in action inside the cabin

Company Joins Forces With Hyundai Motor Group and YouTube
to Deliver More Entertaining Infotainment Experiences With the New Genesis Models

SEOUL, Nov. 1, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) has announced that it will apply its in-vehicle infotainment system – featuring webOS for Automotive, the company’s automotive content platform – to Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motor Company, Kia corporation, Genesis)’s new Genesis models. On October 31, LG hosted Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai) and YouTube at a ceremony in Los Angeles, U.S., to celebrate the introduction of webOS for Automotive to Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, and to discuss collaborations to enhance the in-vehicle entertainment experience.

Hyundai’s new Genesis models are equipped with an infotainment system that takes full advantage of webOS for Automotive. Passengers in the front and back seats can now comfortably watch the high-definition content they typically enjoy on their smartphone or TV in compliance with driving and safety regulations. Infotainment displays can stream content with the immersive sound quality Genesis has engineered.

This collaboration is noteworthy as it marks LG’s first unveiling of its automotive content platform. LG introduced webOS for Automotive to extend its unique customer experiences and services to the road. Leveraging the proven popularity and convenience of webOS, which has reached cumulative sales of 200 million in the Smart TV market, the company has developed a new version for vehicles so that drivers and passengers can enjoy a wide array of over-the-top (OTT) services, including YouTube, in an optimized cabin setting.

LG, Hyundai and YouTube worked in close collaboration to bring YouTube’s native TV app to WebOS for Automotive, providing an optimized in-vehicle viewing experience. In addition, the YouTube app uses the newly developed native touch solutions on WebOS for Automotive.

Always at the forefront of innovation in the infotainment market, LG is constantly enhancing driving and chauffeur experiences by drawing on the extensive technology and insight it has accumulated over decades in the TV and home appliance spaces.

With webOS for Automotive, customers can comfortably enjoy the variety of content available on TVs at home within their vehicle. It provides differentiated mobility experiences that bring more value to life on the road by extending their living space to their vehicles.

“Thanks to technological development based on SDV, people can comfortably enjoy various video content in their vehicles,” said Kwon Hae-young, vice president of the Infotainment Development Center at Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue to expand our collaboration with major global content companies to provide more diverse and valuable in-vehicle experiences to our customers.”

“YouTube provides breadth and depth of audio and video content that is optimized for in-vehicle entertainment. We are proud to be part of this collaboration that’s taking in-vehicle entertainment to the next level,” said Tony Archibong, managing director of Global Product Partnerships at YouTube.

“LG remains committed to introducing the most advanced vehicle solutions, including webOS for Automotive, as we strive to elevate the customer experience for drivers and passengers while also accommodating the diverse demands of car manufacturers,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle component Solutions Company.

Based on a rich understanding of customer and their living spaces, LG held a press conference at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany in September, where LG CEO William Cho shared the company’s perspective and presented its vision for the future mobility industry under the theme of “Taking Life’s Good on the Road.”

# # #

[Mobility Inside] How Software-Defined Vehicles Are Conquering the Mobility World

Image of a vehicle created above the human hand holding a smartphone

Today, some of the most widely used features in the latest vehicles, such as infotainment, telematics, ADAS, OTA and security, rely almost completely on the software they employ. As a result, the vehicle software powerhouses of the world are now the ones paving the way forward for a sector that plays a major role in most people’s daily lives.

There’s not much one can do about a smartphone’s old hardware, but its software, like the operating system (OS), apps and security it employs, is a completely different story as it can be brought up to date through regular updates supplied by the maker. And at long last, this benefit has reached the automotive world thanks to the emergence of Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), a breakthrough that allows vehicles to get better with age.

Since SDV has become immensely popular in the mobility space, the stronger the mobility company is, the more diverse the information it acquires and its areas of work become. So, how exactly is LG pioneering the ever-evolving automotive ecosystem based on SDV? Let’s explore some of the distinct driving experiences this incredibly advanced technology delivers.

SDV, the Future of Travel

While SDV can be sorted into CASE (Connectivity, Autonomous, Sharing, Electrification), they share one thing in common – sophisticated software that helps them connect, develop and operate. Software has developed at such an incredible pace in recent years that it’s now even more important than the vehicle’s hardware when it comes to its performance, aesthetics and characteristics, which is why they’re being called “smartphones on wheels.”

Currently, most global premium automakers are developing SDV and applying it to their newest models. LG, which develops automotive solutions for some of the biggest car brands in the world, is a leading provider of infotainment, telematics, center information display (CID) and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) solutions.

A More Seamless Mobility Experience, Courtesy of SDV

Among the long list of SDV benefits, perhaps the most valuable to customers is the seamless travel experience it enables through over-the-air (OTA), which unlocks even more enjoyable and convenient driving experiences for drivers and passengers alike.

Unlike cars with internal combustion engines which must be released with fixed hardware specs, SDV provides the hardware in advance and then allows the software to set driving performance features and options through the wonders of OTA. What this means is that car specs at the time of purchase are not set in stone and, rather, they can be changed according to the user’s preferences later on – and they don’t even have to visit a service center to do so.

Besides navigation and infotainment, SDV can be used to improve the performance of wipers, cameras, batteries, seat belts and brakes, which can be updated via OTA for the connected car experience that gets newer and smarter every day without the replacement of parts. What’s more, it matches the user’s driving habits with optimal driving routes, in-car temperatures and subscription services.

Much more than a software management system, SDV links with the external transportation infrastructure and other smart devices to make daily life even more convenient. Running low on fuel on the way to work? This innovation suggests the most efficient stopover at a charging station. It can also connect some functions to a smartphone app, giving users remote control. And, if there’s a vehicle in the next lane driving erratically or an abnormality in the road ahead, SDV can detect the hazard in quick time and then enhance safety to protect occupants against the risks that humans cannot judge fast enough.

Taking Life’s Good on the Road

In September 2023, LG announced its vision at ‘IAA Mobility 2023’ in Munich, Germany. This unveiling included news on the vehicle infotainment system – a key future mobility tech that provides various driving information and entertainment features at once, high-capacity telematics, digital interfaces (digital cockpit) and LG’s advanced technologies, such as the big data and cloud innovations that manage and analyze vehicle data to provide automakers with a differentiated SDV solution.

LG is securing the global competitiveness it needs to grow into a top-tier vehicle components company through its wide range of technologies for each domain, including software for CID which includes infotainment, telematics and ADAS software. LG’s core competitiveness comes from its vast expertise in consumer electronics and its insight into the customer experiences relating to home appliances, home entertainment and displays.

In the SDV era, where software is king, LG will do everything it can to deliver the most comprehensive mobility solutions to leading carmakers based on its vast know-how.

# # #

LG Encourages Youth With Disabilities to Pursue Their Dreams at 2023 Global IT Challenge

The winner of 2023 Global IT Challenge posing for a photo on the podium

Held in Abu Dhabi, the First Onsite GITC Finals Since 2019
Attracted Nearly 500 Participants From 18 Countries

SEOUL, Oct. 30, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) hosted the finals of the 2023 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from October 24-28. The successful event, held offline for the first time in four years, saw 461 youth with disabilities from 18 different countries compete in a total of six, diverse IT challenges.

The challenges included the two-part eTool challenge, a test of participants’ skill creating presentation slides and utilizing spreadsheets; the eLifeMap challenge, an assessment of one’s ability to conduct text and image searches online; the eContent challenge, an evaluation of video production and editing capabilities; and the eCreative challenge, which tasked entrants with coding a self-driving car program and developing an idea for a technology that improves quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Established in 2011 to help young people with disabilities become more proficient in information and communication technologies (ICT) and support them to develop the confidence and practical tools needed to fully engage in society, the 2023 GITC was hosted by LG Corporation, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi, and organized by LG, Zayed Higher Organization, UAE and the GITC Organizing Committee.

To date, more than 5,000 youth with disabilities from 40 countries have taken part in GITC. The competition continues to serve as a springboard for youth with disabilities, with many former participants going on to careers in IT-related fields and other areas of business.

Historically, most GITC participants have come from countries within Asia, including South Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand. This year, however, GITC grew in diversity, playing host to youth from countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Egypt and Kenya, for the first time.

At the conclusion of the rigorous five-day event, Muhammad Naazir Danesh from Malaysia was named the overall winner of the 2023 GITC. He scored high marks in all categories of this year’s GITC.

Despite having a severe physical disability, Muhammad Naazir Danesh has always been passionate about the IT field since childhood. In spite of his challenges, he aims to become an IT specialist in the future. Motivated by the recognition from this GITC, he is determined to work hard to accomplish his dream.

“My journey to becoming a global IT leader was paved by the invaluable contributions of those I’ve met,” said Muhammad Naazir Danesh. “This recognition is both an honor and a motivation to chase my greater dreams in the future.”

During the event, LG introduced the contestants to its Universal UP Kit in a dedicated exhibition space next to the competition venue. The kit, unveiled for the first time at IFA 2023, is a collection of innovative home appliance accessories and add-ons designed to make usage easier for everyone, regardless of gender, age or disability. Those GITC competitors who experienced the Universal UP Kit in person were full of praise for LG’s inclusive, new solutions.

In addition, the company set up a photo zone that includes the Life’s Good brand promise and even distributed branded goods that encompass LG’s brand philosophy and core values. GITC was the prime event to show the meaning of Life’s Good, with all the participants working hard to complete their challenges, even when faced with difficult tasks. The company is hopeful that all GITC participants will continue to take on bold challenges and use optimism to overcome any challenges they come across in the future.

A responsible global corporate citizen, LG will continue to empower youth with disabilities around the world through supporting initiatives such as GITC. “GITC is the perfect platform for young people with disabilities seeking to communicate with the world through IT, transcending barriers in terms of ability, religion and nationality,” said Yoon Dae-sik, senior vice president of External Relations at LG Electronics. “We will continue to support youth with disabilities through GITC and encourage them to keep on pursuing their dreams.”

# # #

LG Announces Third-Quarter 2023 Financial Results

A picture of LG Twin Towers in the daytime

High Performance, Strong Profitability Reflect Progress in Advancing Busines
Portfolio, Accelerating B2B Business and Procuring New Growth Engines

SEOUL, Oct. 27, 2023 — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced third-quarter 2023 consolidated revenue of KRW 20.7 trillion and operating profit of KRW 996.7 billion, both the second highest third-quarter figures in the company’s history. The noteworthy performance was driven by both the company’s core home appliance business and vehicle solutions, one of its future growth engines. Home appliances more than doubled its operating profit year-over-year while vehicle solutions recorded an all-time high operating profit.

The strong performance reflects the company’s smooth progress in the execution of its future vision for 2030, leading to solid revenue and profits despite a prolonged economic slowdown. The fundamentals of LG’s 2030 vision, announced last July, is to focus on B2B expansion, non-hardware business model innovation as well as the development and acquisition of new growth engines with the aim to go beyond a home appliance company to truly become a Smart Life Solutions company capable of connecting and expanding diverse spaces and experiences.

The revenue growth was greatly bolstered by expansion in B2B, including automotive parts and HVAC systems – a key factor behind the second highest third-quarter figure in the company’s history. Revenue in B2B grew significantly to account for approximately 35 percent of overall revenue this year.

B2B segments are less influenced by economic conditions compared to B2C, and stable revenue and profits can be expected once the business is properly set up. Another merit is the lock-in effect that can help promote the development of a strong long-term relationship with clients and customers. LG plans to develop additional growth opportunities in the area by going beyond merely supplying B2B products to expand into providing high added-value business solutions in connection to the supplied products. The goal will be to boost B2B revenue to over KRW 40 trillion by 2030.

Third-quarter operating profit increased by more than 30 percent both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter. A key contributor to the high profitability was the company’s business model innovation – combining non-hardware solutions such as content and subscription services with traditional hardware products such as home appliances and TVs. In the past, a one-off revenue was recorded when a product was sold. This has now transformed into generating recurring revenue from the use of solutions on platforms installed in the millions of products used by consumers of LG devices.

In developing and acquiring new growth engines, LG aims to focus on investing in promising businesses that not only show high potential but can also create synergy with existing businesses. Investment into electric vehicle charging is a prime illustration of such strategy. The company has plans for global expansion beginning next year in collaboration with diverse partners.

The seamless operation and solid progress of the company’s 2030 vision’s three pillars – leading growth of company (B2B), generating profit (non-hardware) and boosting enterprise value (new growth engines) – is a strong demonstration of LG’s advancement toward achieving Triple 7 (average growth rate and operating profit of 7 percent or more and enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 7 or more).

LG will continue to focus on accelerating its business portfolio transformation efforts into the fourth quarter, seeking to maintain high-growth in B2B with vehicle component solutions taking the lead, while at the same time growing sales of key product lineups as the end-of-year peak season approaches. Simultaneously, the company plans to optimize efficiencies through enhanced demand forecasting to support stable profitability going forward.

The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company generated third-quarter revenue of KRW 7.46 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 504.5 billion. The operating profit more than doubled year-over-year, attributable to strong competitiveness in overall business operations including manufacturing, procurement and logistics. Revenue maintained strong versus last year’s third quarter, aided by strategic repositioning of product lineups in response to softened demand as well as expansion of B2B lineups including HVAC, parts and built-in appliances. LG plans to leverage the electrification and decarbonization trend in HVAC systems to accelerate its B2B growth momentum. For example, in the United States, the company recently committed to a series of actions supporting California’s goal to install six million electric heat pumps by 2030. LG is also actively expanding its HVAC portfolio with new Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems. In the fourth quarter, the company will seek to spearhead a paradigm shift in home appliances with the LG ThinQ UP 2.0 expanding business into services and subscriptions. Four upgraded features for the ThinQ UP have already been released in North America, accelerating the speed of customer experience innovation.

The LG Vehicle component Solutions Company’s third-quarter revenue was KRW 2.5 trillion and operating profit KRW 134.9 billion – the highest among all third-quarter revenue and operating profit. The company is accelerating its pace of growth based on stable management of its supply chain and an order backlog that is expected to reach KRW 100 trillion by the end of the year. The business unit is expected to exceed KRW 10 trillion in annual revenue for the first time this year, setting the stage to become a key driving force in LG’s overall growth. Growth is still expected to be high due to the accelerating transition to electric vehicles and soaring demand for high added-value parts, despite some concerns of a temporary slowdown of demand in the automotive parts industry. In light of such developments, LG plans to maintain its growth momentum by focusing on high added-value projects and acceleration of regional production at the LG Magna plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

The LG Home Entertainment Company recorded third-quarter revenue of KRW 3.57 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 110.7 billion. The company maintained its profitable growth by effectively managing marketing expenses despite increased LCD panel prices, while also diversifying profit sources based on the growth of content and services business built on its smart TV platform. The company is accelerating its transition from a product-based business to a platform-based media and entertainment business as the content and services market continues to grow. To this end, in addition to expanding collaboration with various content providers, the company is upgrading TV operating systems to expand the content experience of customers. The number of TVs powered by webOS, the foundation of LG’s content and services business, is expected to reach 300 million units by 2026.

The LG Business Solutions Company’s third-quarter revenue was KRW 1.33 trillion with an operating loss of KRW 20.5 billion. Both revenue and profitability weakened due to the softening of demand for IT products. As challenging business conditions persist, the company continues to innovate customer experiences with premium IT lineups such as commercial displays and foldable laptops that provide customized solutions, while also making progress in fostering the electric vehicle charger business, one of LG’s new growth engines.

Earnings Conference and Conference Call

LG Electronics will hold a Korean / English conference call on October 27, 2023, at 16:00 Korea Standard Time (07:00 GMT/UTC). Conference call participants are instructed to pre-register online to receive a private PIN. To participate in the conference call, dial +82 31 810 3130, enter passcode 6418# and then the PIN. The corresponding presentation file will be available for download at the LG Electronics website before the call.

# # #

LG’s Industry-First Wireless OLED TV Named to TIME’s List of Best Inventions of 2023

A man stands in a gray living room, looking at the LG SIGNATURE OLED M3 model mounted on the wall

LG’s SIGNATURE OLED M 97-Inch TV Honored for Delivering 4K Without the Cables

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Oct. 25, 2023 — This week, TIME revealed its annual list of the Best Inventions, naming LG Electronics’ (LG) industry-first 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M to the list which features 200 extraordinary innovations changing our lives. Launched in the U.S. this past August, the LG SIGNATURE OLED M is the world’s first OLED TV with 4K 120hz wireless connectivity and is available in 97-, 83- and 77-inch models.

The TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023 list is compiled by nominations from TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as AI, green energy, and sustainability. Each contender is evaluated on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact. See the full list here: time.com/best-inventions-2023.

Of the new list, TIME’s editors write: “The result is a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions)—including the world’s most powerful supercomputer, a game-changing entertainment venue, and a new shape—that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”

Drawing on a decade of OLED innovation to deliver exceptional viewing experiences, the LG SIGNATURE OLED M is a testament to LG’s technical and design prowess. The LG SIGNATURE OLED M features a Zero Connect Box to wirelessly transmit high-quality video and audio to the screen at 4K 120Hz, leaving the area around the screen free from the visual distractions of cables and TV accessories. The LG SIGNATURE OLED M’s wireless solution represents true innovation and a crucial step forward in the evolution of TVs.

To learn more about the LG SIGNATURE OLED M, visit LG.com.

# # #

LG Broadens ‘Mission for the Future’ Initiative, Enabling More Innovators to Change the World

New Process Supports Year-Round LG NOVA Collaboration With Startups,
With the Goal to Accelerate New Ventures Aimed at Creating a Better Future

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2023 — LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ North American Innovation Center, has launched the next version of its Mission for the Future program designed to discover, build and grow highly impactful mission-driven new businesses in collaboration with startups and entrepreneurs. The program, accumulating more than 3,500 submissions from startups over the last two years, is shifting to a year-round process to increase its ability to deeply engage with selected companies to advance technology innovations and build new ventures that will help create transformational positive change in the world.

Now starting its third year, the program is designed to drive the growth of innovative ideas across the key market areas that have a positive impact on people and the planet, including digital health, cleantech, futuretech and the smart life. The cleantech category includes companies working on software and platform for efficient energy management, sustainability, ESG initiatives for better planet health. While futuretech is focused on the convergence of new emerging tech such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, automation, sensor technologies and others to create innovative applications that solve for challenges that people face every day. LG’s objective is to find new market opportunities by collaborating with companies to create innovative solutions and business ideas, build and test them in the open markets and accelerate market growth with support from LG’s global brand and resources.

The call for submissions opens today. Startups, companies and entrepreneurs are invited to submit their ideas to work and grow their company with LG, a global brand leader in consumer electronics, at www.lgnova.com/join-the-mission. If selected, the companies will have the opportunity to work closely with the LG NOVA team in a multi-month Corporate Accelerator Program to accelerate business growth, receive recommendations for investments through LG NOVA’s capital partners (including the NOVA Prime Fund and the NOVA Capital Alliance), and explore the potential of creating new businesses underneath the LG brand and portfolio. Studies have shown after five years, businesses nurtured in a business incubator have a survival rate of 87 percent compared to a rate of 44 percent for startups without support.

“Over the past two years, we’ve built a great community of innovators, established a strong network of capital partners and made new strides in collaborating with companies outside of LG to build new businesses. In this third year, we’ve created a new process that will enable us to be more agile at addressing changing market needs and launching solutions that address real-world problems to drive transformational change for a better tomorrow,” said Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, LG Electronics senior vice president of innovation and head of LG NOVA.

The Mission for the Future initiative is also set to broaden its scope to grow innovation by creating more opportunities for idea sharing and collaboration with the wider innovation community through discussions taking place this week at LG NOVA Innovation Festival at the Hibernia in San Francisco, on October 25-26.

Rhee said LG NOVA’s program has demonstrated “remarkable success in fostering interest, innovation and collaboration across industries.” Last year, LG received more than 2,100 applications, with 756 applications focusing on digital health, 783 applications in futuretech and 574 applications in cleantech. Several companies that have participated in the program have not only accelerated their business growth but have also made notable contributions to digital health, cleantech and futuretech.

By joining the Mission for the Future initiative, the companies will join a community of innovators working to create innovative technological solutions to advance and improve people’s lives. In this initiative, spearheaded by LG NOVA, companies will have opportunities to collaborate, come together to discuss key topics for entrepreneurs and innovators and network with investors, corporate partners and institutions to find opportunities for business growth.

The call for submissions open today. Learn more about the opportunity at www.lgnova.com/join-the-mission.

# # #

SUBSCRIBE