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In many places around the world, daily life is now spent primarily within the safer confines of home. One of the byproducts of this new homebound lifestyle is that there is more time to contemplate important topics, such as what can we do to make the world a better place? When we consider how to ensure a good future for the planet and its inhabitants, sustainability is likely one of the first words that comes to mind. But what exactly is enough sustainability and how do we get there? Sustainability is commonly used to refer to a broad range of activities and initiatives geared towards maintaining the health of the environment and promoting a lifestyle more in balance with nature. However, it is not something that can be achieved through focusing on any one area, or through the efforts of any one person. Sustainability requires everyone to play their part and reassess – and in many cases, change – the way they live, work and play. As a leading consumer electronics manufacturer, LG has long been a proponent of doing right by the consumer and the planet, an approach that can clearly be seen in its latest home entertainment products, including its acclaimed OLED TVs. Sustainability is factored into every stage of LG OLED TV’s lifecycle, from product development to manufacturing and usage and even disposal. The company’s next-generation TVs use panels that have received Eco-Product recognition from Swiss-based SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, a respected provider of testing, inspection and certification services based in Geneva.1 SGS found LG OLED panels to be particularly strong in key evaluation categories covering the lowering of indoor air pollutants, the reduction in the use of hazardous substances, and recyclability. LG OLED’s “eco” credentials are largely the result of its unique, self-lit display technology, which also enables the pixel-level dimming so crucial to the TVs’ superior picture quality. As it does not require a backlighting structure, LG OLED uses fewer components (mostly made from plastics, one of the major causes of environmental problems) than LED-LCD TV and emits less indoor air pollutants. Indoor air quality also can be a concern about any electronic devices because of the potential health issues that volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) released into the air may occur when heat is generated. Total VOC emissions from an LG OLED panel is less than 50 percent of a typical LCD TV panel and unlike some high-end LCD products, LG OLED TV panels do not use any components containing hazardous substances such as cadmium and indium phosphide. The panels also offer excellent resource efficiency and a comparatively-high recycling rate, all of which speaks to LG’s consistent and wide-ranging efforts to increase sustainability at all points of its products’ journey. Not only is LG OLED TV better for the environment and indoor air quality, but protects consumers’ eyes as well. With people spending more time in front of their TVs in the social distancing era, instances of eye strain and fatigue have been on the rise. In a survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Fight for Sight, more than a third of all respondents said that their eyesight had worsened in recent months.2 Where watching the TV is concerned, screen flickering and the emission of blue light are the main culprits for eye-related issues. Screen flickering is known to cause eye fatigue and headaches, and after prolonged exposure, even diminished vision, while blue light can lead to disruptions in sleep patterns, eye strain, dry eyes and feelings of exhaustion. With LG OLED, neither flickering nor blue light is a problem. Thanks to their advanced OLED panels, LG OLED TVs have been certified low blue light by TÜV Rheinland and flicker-free by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). What’s more, the company’s latest OLED lineup boasts the world’s first Eyesafe-certified TV panels, which meet the low blue light emission requirements of the US-based health standards agency. In tests conducted by Eyesafe, LG’s OLED panels emit approximately 50 percent less blue light than similarly-sized premium LCD TV panels. When it comes to immersive home entertainment experiences, sound quality is just as important as picture quality. LG OLED TVs are not the only “eco” products considering the planet and consumers. LG’s latest audio solutions that deliver dynamic, realistic sound, demonstrate the same focus on sustainability that can be seen in its next-gen TVs. LG’s 2021 soundbars use recycled materials such as resin for the outer cases of many of the models while some models feature jersey fabric made from recycled PET bottles and have been certified as meeting the Global Recycled Standard.3 In fact, many of LG’s soundbars have received UL 2809 Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, an assurance to consumers that these products are indeed as environmentally responsible as advertised.4 In another measure to reduce environmental impact and waste, LG has adopted earth-minded packaging for the entire lineup. Using mainly recycled molded pulp, and greatly reduced quantities of EPS foam and plastic, the packaging has earning Eco Product certification from SGS.5 As such, the soundbars have been assessed by SGS to have minimal environmental impact, emitting less air pollutants, containing few hazardous substances and providing a high degree of recyclability. What’s more, the packaging is designed in an “L” shape so more soundbars can fit in a typical delivery truck, lowering CO2 emissions. For home entertainment products that take both consumers’ and the environment’s health into consideration, LG continues to lead the way with a commitment as unwavering as its resolve to deliver the most immersive home entertainment experience possible. # # # 1 According to SGS Eco Product Certification ECO/18/CEBEC/00003, OLED TV panels are recognized as Eco Products based on data showing they reduce the use of hazardous substances (Cd and InP free), reduce indoor pollutants (VOC) emissions from used phase and are excellent in resource and recycling efficiency. 2 Online poll of 2,021 respondents conducted by YouGov on behalf of Fight for Sight in November 2020. 3 Models SP7Y, SP2W, G1. 4 Models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y, SPD7Y, SP2W. 5 Models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y. View the full article

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With home still the place to be in early 2021, many consumers are investing in ways to make their living environments more comfortable, convenient, healthy and even a little bit more stylish. So much in fact that high-end home categories including premium household appliances, premium furniture and designer interiors are seeing across the board growth this year. In a recent survey conducted by the Luxury Institute’s Global Luxury Expert Network (GLEN), 56 percent of respondents agreed that high-end home appliances will see a jump in sales throughout 2021, while 68 percent felt the same about the home furnishings market and 96 percent expressed confidence in the continuing growth of the health and wellness sector.1 With more time spent at home, consumers are fueling a boom in the home furnishings market as they find more time to curate their own living spaces. It might be argued that this trend is long overdue since who wouldn’t agree that homes should be designed by the people who are going to spend the most time in them? And premium furniture brands seem more than happy to embrace innovation while still adhering to their brand heritage and design identity. Pairing timeless beauty with exclusive technical and design innovations, Italian luxury furniture maker Molteni provides the customization options – and style – that discerning consumers demand. A great example of this is Molteni’s tailored wardrobe system which offers a range of material and design choices, including doors with 180-degree hinges, exposed aluminum frames inlaid with four-millimeter-thick crystals and handles made from pewter or clad in eco skin.2 Interior design can reflect current aesthetic trends and the technology as well as the individual tastes and lifestyles of a home’s occupants. Since the arrival of the pandemic, many people are choosing materials, fixtures and products for the home not only for reasons of lifestyle-fit, but because they create a more sanitary environment. Several brands including Kohler and Marazzi have introduced solutions for a healthier, more hygienic living space to meet growing consumer demand. Kohler introduced a collection of touchless and voice-activated kitchen faucets compatible with Alexa and Google and toilets with hands-free flushing, to reduce the chances of spreading germs.3 Italian tile manufacturer Marazzi introduced antibacterial Carácter tiles with antibacterial properties. LG is also seeing strong interest in its luxury lifestyle products under the LG SIGNATURE brand. A perfect example is LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellar with InstaViewTM technology. With wine sales up during the pandemic, this might just be the perfect home furnishing for vino lovers to store different wine varieties in precisely-controlled, customizable climate zones for their viewing pleasure without opening the door – which would disturb the consistent temperature – with a simple knock. LG SIGNATURE honors the essence of each product it makes, elevating both functionality and aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology and distinctive, minimalist design. Cue LG SIGNATURE OLED R, the world’s first rollable TV that movie lovers will want to choose over the cinema. The TV’s 65-inch flexible OLED display delivers supreme picture quality and creates new design possibilities and spatial freedom by disappearing from view when not in use. LG’s revolutionary TV offers three compelling modes – Full View, Line View and Zero View – where the amount of visible screen changes to suit the content or the situation. Empowered with advanced technology, stylish design, and hygiene-promoting features, the today’s luxury products represent innovation at its finest. The new wave of home-living solutions, like those from LG SIGNATURE, are making life infinitely more comfortable and elegant in the stay-at-home era. # # # 1 Luxury Institute: Top-Tier Luxury Experts’ Forecast for the Luxury Industry in 2021, PR Newswire, Oct. 1, 2020. 2 Designer Wardrobes Modern Contemporary Design | Molteni&C. 3 KOHLER Expands Smart Home Collection at CES 2021, Emphasizes Wellbeing and Touchless Experiences for Kitchen and Bath, PR Newswire, Jan. 11, 2021. View the full article

Since LG’s announcement to withdraw from the smartphone business, Vietnam’s production facility has become the topic of much speculation and rumors, given its role as LG’s largest smartphone production base. But the evolution and transformation of the Haiphong Campus is only just beginning with the future looking bright for Vietnam and LG’s local employees. “Exiting smartphone production here is part of LG’s plan to restructure our core product portfolio,” said Jung Hai-jin, president of LG Electronics Vietnam. “The closing of LG’s mobile business will not significantly impact LG’s production, business activities or employees in Haiphong.” Jung said LG will reorganize and expand its Vietnam production by focusing on manufacturing a wider range of products that are currently in high demand around the world, such as home appliances. LG plans to complete the transformation and reallocate all workers within this year. Additional investment plans will be announced once the transformation has been completed. LG opened its Haiphong Campus in 2015 to produce smartphones, TVs as well as household appliances. Affiliates such as LG Innotek and LG Display have also setup in Haiphong, producing camera modules and displays. Currently there are more than 16,000 employees at Haiphong and if all goes according to plan, LG’s Vietnam manufacturing center should see strong growth in the years to come. # # # View the full article

Designed for Urban Dwellers Who Desire Clean Clothes in a User-Friendly Environment SEOUL, Apr. 20, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its first smart laundromat outside of its home country test market, signaling the future direction of the laundromat experience. LG’s Laundry Lounge is a digital, contactless public laundry facility located in Manila, Philippines designed to deliver a premium and convenient laundry experience for both owners and customers. With only 30 percent of households in the Philippines owning washing machines and even less owning dryers, commercial laundromats are very popular. And even for those 30 percent, the machines tend to be small, meaning having to run multiple loads for large families. As a result, commercial laundromats are quite popular in the Philippines and considered a good business for investment, with as many as 1,500 new laundromats opening every year. But the pandemic has made visiting laundromats a stressful experience for many. With LG’s Laundry Lounge, owners can monitor their business remotely while customers can check washer/dryer availability and keep an eye on the progress of their clothes from any location. And because LG is a global leader in laundry solutions, users Laundry Lounge can feel confident knowing that their clothes are getting the best care possible in an LG washing machine or dryer. The Laundry Lounge app makes the entire laundromat experience healthier and easier. Available for Android devices, LG’s app allows customers to make contactless payment, reserve a washer or dryer in advance and monitor their laundry’s progress from home or the car so there’s no need to wait in line. Laundry Lounge owners can also be part of the solution rather than the problem by running their business completely remotely. Revenues, machine breakdowns and any other issues are communicated via the app so there’s no need to be on site all the time. LG’s commercial washing machine and dryer models employ many innovative features to deliver clean, gentle clothing care. Every washing machine incorporates effective hygiene technology that cleans the drum before, during, and after every cycle and LG’s commercial dryer employees high temperature air to sanitize clothes of germs and bacteria. For maximum hygiene, the Laundry Lounge includes LG Styler wardrobe management units which customers can use to steam clean clothes such as coats, suits and scarves that cannot be washed in water. “The opening of LG’s first digital Laundry Lounge outside its test market demonstrates LG’s commitment to providing operators and customers with a smarter, safer way to turn laundry into big business,” said Don Kwack, senior vice president and head of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution Company’s overseas sales and marketing. “LG Laundry Lounge introduces both smart and convenient features to the laundromat environment, trends which we think urban consumers will really appreciate.” # # # View the full article

Bright 6,000 ANSI Lumens Laser Projectors Deliver 4K UHD and WUXGA Images, Smart Connection and More Convenient Features for Business SEOUL, Apr. 16, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) has added two new outstanding offerings to its ProBeam lineup of business projectors. The new models – BU60PST and BF60PST – offer a number of enhancements and features that bring greater performance to the office or school. With great image quality and a plethora of useful features, these latest LG ProBeam models can help users better deliver important information and key messages in almost any setting, from the boardroom to the classroom. LG’s premium projectors are ideal for use in diverse setting, including corporate, retail, hospitality or education. Introduced last year, LG’s ProBeam brand of projectors are designed to deliver premium-level projection solutions for professional environments. Both new projectors provide improved brightness and high resolution for crisp, clear images to everyone in the room. Model BU60PST delivers a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) image at a maximum of 300 inches (measured diagonally), approximately four times the clarity of WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200), the resolution offered by many business projectors currently on the market. Peak brightness of 6,000 ANSI lumens and contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 translates to images that can be seen just as easily in daylight conditions as in a darkened environment.* The laser light source in both ProBeam models is rated for 20,000 hours, approximately four times longer than projectors with conventional lamps. With support for HDR10, both BU60PST and BF60PST can reproduce stunning HDR content as it was meant to be seen, with exceptionally deep blacks and rich, dynamic, colors. Like their predecessors (models BU50NST and BF50NST), LG’s latest ProBeam solutions are equipped with features that are perfect for business meetings and conferences. Users can connect either of the new projectors directly to a company or conference facility network via wired or wireless connection, eliminating the need for a laptop. Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel files can be opened directly from a USB device thanks to the built-in Office viewer. Screen sharing and screen mirroring make it especially easy to project content from devices running the Windows or Android operating system, giving users more options for displaying their presentations. “As offices and schools reopen, we expect there will be a growing demand for upgraded presentation tools after the Zoom era,” said Jang Ik-hwan, senior vice president and head of the IT business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. “Designed specifically for business and education environments, LG ProBeam projectors are adaptable solutions that can facilitate better communication and enhance productivity.” LG’s new 2021 ProBeam models will be available starting in the second quarter in North America, followed by key markets in Europe and Asia. Key Specifications: BU60PST BF60PST Projection System DLP DLP Native Resolution 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) HDR HDR10 HDR10 Light Source Type Laser (LD + P/W) Laser (LD + P/W) Light Source Life Time (High Brightness) 20,000 hours 20,000 hours Brightness 6,000 ANSI Lumens 6,000 ANSI Lumens Contrast Ratio (Full On / Full Off) 3,000,000:1 3,000,000:1 Noise (Typical) High / Mid / Low 33 / 30 / 29 dB(A) 33 / 30 / 29 dB(A) Projection Lens Lens Shift Horizontal ± 20%, Vertical ± 50% Horizontal ± 20%, Vertical ± 50% Zoom x 1.6 x 1.6 Screen Size 40-300 inches 40- 300 inches Throw Ratio 1.30 – 2.08 1.30 – 2.08 Sound Speaker Output 5W + 5W Stereo 5W + 5W Stereo Bluetooth Yes Yes Gross Size (W x D x H) 580 x 441 x 273 mm 580 x 441 x 273 mm Net Weight 9.7 kg 9.2 kg HDMI 2 2 USB Type-A 2 (USB 2.0) 2 (USB 2.0) Platform webOS 4.5 webOS 4.5 DICOM O O HDBaseT O O RS-232 O O # # # * Brightness, or lumens, is based on the perceived brightness equivalent to the brightness of lamp projector. View the full article

Recognized Again for Excellence in Product Design by Industry Experts SEOUL, Apr. 14, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) has once again been recognized for its strength in consumer and industrial design, earning an impressive 31 product design accolades at this year’s Red Dot Award, one of the design industry’s top honors. Introduced at CES 2021, LG’s designer appliances was honored with 5 awards which includes InstaView® Door-in-Door® refrigerator, Fridge and Freezer pair, CordZero stick vacuum, air conditioner and Styler. Among the most meaningful is the honor bestowed upon LG designer appliances in the Materials and Surfaces category for their implementation of color, material and finish (CMF). Introduced as a bold reimagining of conventional appliances, LG’s designer appliances is a melding of technologically advanced home appliances with premium materials that can be customized to meet the specifications of each customer. Materials such as stainless steel, glass, metal and FENIX – an innovative material with advanced coating technology developed by Arpa Industriale – are utilized to illuminate the refinement of each product in the collection. Other honors include recognition for LG WashTower, a single-unit, vertical laundry solution that frees up more floor space while handling ultra-large loads, for exceptional design. Beyond home appliances, a number of LG’s computer products such as UltraGear gaming monitor and LG gram were commended for their advanced, sleek designs that exemplified the products’ core values. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the three most prestigious professional design competitions in the world and the distinctive mark has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for exceptional design. This year some 7,800 products were submitted for the jury’s consideration. “As a brand that strives to deliver quality products with exceptional design, it is always a great honor to receive recognition from Red Dot,” Lee Chul-bae, head of LG Electronics’ Corporate Design Management Center. “LG is devoted to meeting consumers’ desire to enhance the quality of space with high-quality products that also look good and we will continue to pursue innovative designs that deliver on these expectations.” # # # View the full article

The foundation of the fast-growing field of behavioral economics is that small changes lead to big results. In the Harvard Business Review, professors John Beshears and Francesca Gina write that “changes need not involve a lot of time and effort to implement; in fact, very simple adjustments can produce powerful benefits for individuals and organizations.”1 To encourage consumers to make small changes to achieve a common goal, LG a sustainability-focused online campaign #CareForWhatYouWear which has to date achieved 100 million cumulative views on LG Electronics’ YouTube channels over the globe including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and so on. The campaign reflects LG’s ESG philosophy and leverages the company’s global presence to deliver a message of hope and sustainability to consumers world over. The video that introduces the campaign shows the significant environmental impact of disposable fashion and the growing volume of clothing being thrown away every year after very little use – 5.8 million tons in Europe alone.2 Most importantly, the video highlights how consumers can play a part in improving the situation by taking better care of the clothes in their care, recycling old garments instead of discarding them and passing on unwanted items to others who will make use of them. LG’s range of laundry solutions, including washing machines, dryers and the Styler, can extend the lifespan of garments, cleaning and refreshing with thorough yet gentle care that minimizes fabric damage.3 The #CareForWhatYouWear campaign invites consumers to join the sustainable clothing movement and share how they keep their favorite items of clothing looking great season after season. As part of this campaign, LG is also collaborating with NET-A-PORTER, a leading online luxury fashion retailer, to offer a limited-edition line of stylish, environmentally-responsible clothing. Made from highly durable, machine washable materials, the collection was designed to be easily cared for at home without the need for dry cleaning’s harmful chemicals. # # # 1 https://hbr.org/2014/09/to-change-employee-or-customer-behavior-start-small# 2 “Textiles and the environment in a circular economy.” European Environment Agency, 2019. 3 Washing machine: AI DD provides 18 percent more fabric protection to help extend the lifespan of clothing. Tested by Intertek in March 2019, comparing Cotton cycle with 2kg of underwear to LG’s conventional Cotton cycle (F4V9RWP2W vs. FC1450S2W). AI DD available for three cycles (Cotton, Mixed Fabric, and Easy Care). Dryer and Styler: Using LG’s low temperature heat pump technology, LG DUAL Inverter Heat Pump Dryer and Styler help protect clothes from damage. Results may differ depending on load composition and environmental factors. View the full article

Most everyone agrees that technology and innovation have made our lives immensely easier and more productive. Two decades ago, working and studying from home was an entirely different experience without broadband, smartphones or Zoom. But there has been a need to make such technological innovation more accessible to everyone. As part of the company’s new ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) initiatives covering human rights, LG is committing to making its home appliances more accessible to the physically challenged. The new vertical laundry solution, WashTower, will be the first appliance from LG to include audio instructions and braille overlays. LG will increase the number of more accessible home appliance products and markets over the course of the year, starting with the enhanced WashTower and CordZero M9 robot vacuum cleaner. Voice instructions in LG WashTower and CordZero M9 vacuum will make it easier for customers with visual impairment to access the appliance’s many advanced features via audio prompts alone. Additional tones will be implemented throughout the washing machine so there is clear feedback whenever a button is pressed to better guide the user in selecting the correct function and options. Navigating LG WashTower’s Center Control for visually impaired customers will be infinitely more convenient with the use of braille overlays. Accessibility enhancements for more LG products including robot vacuums, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and air conditioners are in the works. With a greater commitment toward good ESG management, LG is putting in place the necessary components to help ensure a better society for all and a better life for every customer. This effort has not gone unnoticed by LG’s long-time accessibility partner in the United States, the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM), who is also a member of the LG Accessibility Advisory Council. “LG’s U.S. accessibility council activities are particularly noteworthy; global teams from LG come together to host nearly a dozen leading U.S. accessibility experts and disability advocacy organization leaders,” said Donna Danielewski of NCAM. “They provide candid and critical input and feedback on LG’s latest hardware, software, and planned activities – while also receiving updates about LG’s progress along its accessibility journey. Our team in NCAM is always grateful for the opportunity to learn from the council participants (as well as representatives from all levels of LG) while also bringing our own expertise to the table.” # # # View the full article

LG Reassures Current and Future Customers Following Announcement to Withdraw from Mobile Industry SEOUL, Apr. 8, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) announced today that all premium LG smartphones currently in use will receive up to three iterations of Android operating system updates from the year of purchase. This promise comes on the heels of the announcement earlier this week that LG will be exiting the mobile business by the end of July. The three OS update guarantee applies to LG premium phones released in 2019 and later (G series, V series, VELVET, Wing) while certain 2020 models such as LG Stylo and K series will receive two OS updates.* LG will continue to manufacture phones through the second quarter to meet contractual obligations to carriers and partners. This means customers can still purchase LG mobile phones currently in inventory and service support and security software updates will continue to be provided for a period of time for certain devices. Customers should contact their local LG customer service center for additional details. # # # * Future updates will depend on Google’s distribution schedule as well as other factors such as device performance and compatibility. View the full article

Advanced Solar Panels Featuring N-type Half-cut Cells Deliver Industry-leading Power Output and Durability SEOUL, Apr. 7, 2021 — The newest, advanced solar panel from LG Electronics (LG), featuring the company’s innovative N-type half-cut cells, delivers high power output and comes backed by a 25-year warranty. The LG NeON H solar panel is ideal for both residential and commercial applications as it offers carbon-free energy and long-lasting reliability in a package that delivers enhanced performance compared to the previous model. With the majority of solar panels on the market today employing positive-type cells, LG NeON H utilizes sophisticated negative N-type cells with a temperature coefficient of -.33 percent per degree Celsius.1 The bifacial cell structure of N-type cells also enables the cells to absorb sunlight from both the front and rear sides. As a result, the panel provides outstanding output, generating maximum 390W from its 120 cells while simultaneously minimizing power loss.2 The highly durable energy solution can withstand harsh weather conditions and is also resistant to light-induced degradation (LID), the loss of performance from exposure to sunlight in the initial hours after installation.3 LG is the world’s first manufacturer to operate in-house solar testing facilities certified by two major international inspection and certification bodies – UL and TÜV Rheinland. Meeting industry-standard testing criteria, LG NeON H panels are guaranteed to operate at 90.6 percent of their original performance even after 25 years of continuous use.4 “Our new NeON H solar panel is the most reliable and efficient renewable energy solution that LG has ever created,” said Kevin Kim, vice president and head of the energy business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. “As one of only a handful of manufacturers with the confidence to offer a quarter-century warranty on its solar products, LG is continuing its commitment to providing efficient, effective solutions that stand the test of time.” # # # 1 Temperature coefficient verified based on internal accelerated test data. 2 Certified by CSA Group, January 2021. 3 Initial performance verified based on internal accelerated test data. 4 25-year performance verified based on internal accelerated test data. Actual performance may vary depending on the environment or conditions of use. View the full article

SEOUL, Apr. 7, 2021 — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the first quarter of 2021. LG reported tentative consolidated revenues of KRW 18.8 trillion in the first quarter of 2021 with an operating profit of KRW 1.5 trillion. Revenue and operating profit increased 27.7 percent and 39.2 percent, respectively, from the same quarter the previous year. Both quarterly revenue and operating profit are the highest in the company’s history. These figures are the tentative consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS provided as a service to investors prior to LG Electronics’ final earnings results including net profit. Details regarding each division which will be announced officially later this month. # # # View the full article

With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, New Soundbars Not Only Sound Great, They’re Designed with the Environment in Mind SEOUL, Apr. 6, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) is commencing the worldwide rollout of the 2021 LG Soundbar lineup, with new models delivering a more premium audio experience, versatility and convenient control while upping the ante with eco-consciousness designs and packaging. The new lineup offers high-quality audio, easy connectivity, smart functionality and stylish aesthetics with a modern look that are designed to complement LG’s stunning TVs and works well with any décor. New for this year, the company’s soundbars allow users to take advantage of LG TV’s AI Sound Pro feature. Audio from the TV is played through the soundbar via TV Sound Mode Share, delivering the superior audio processing power of AI Sound Pro on the more capable speakers of the new soundbars. LG’s soundbars now offer all of the same sound modes as its latest TVs, allowing users to easily switch between the soundbar and the TV using the TV remote. The 2021 lineup is compatible with multiple voice assistants including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri.1 Now it’s easier than ever to control devices and play one’s favorite music from compatible device and services. And with support for Apple AirPlay 2, customers can stream, control, and share their favorite music and other content directly from their iPhone, iPad or Mac. When it comes to performance, LG’s 2021 soundbars inherit all the strengths of their predecessors with many of the new models featuring Meridian Audio tuning and Meridian technology, when in Music Mode for an exceptionally authentic listening experience. A new feature, Meridian Horizon technology, is the result of LG’s long-term partnership with Meridian Audio.2 This innovation up-mixes two channel stereo content into immersive, multichannel audio to provide audiences with a truly immersive listening experience regardless of their position or location in the room. All the 2021 soundbars from LG support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for dynamic three-dimensional audio. With Dolby Vision compatibility via 4K pass-through, the new models ensure the level of picture and sound quality needed for genuinely cinematic home viewing. LG’s soundbars also combine up-firing front height channels with wireless rear up-firing height channels to envelop users in lush, textured sound. Many of the new models are Hi-Res Audio certified, insuring lossless playback at 24bit/96kHz with all the vibrancy and nuance of the original studio recording. Upgraded user convenience and easy connectivity are built into the 2021 LG Soundbar lineup with HDMI eARC support enabling a higher bitrate, high resolution content and uncompressed Dolby Atmos® audio with just one cable, while USB playback and Bluetooth streaming offer more convenient ways for users to enjoy their favorite audio content on the latest models. LG’s sophisticated AI features further elevate the user experience. AI Room Calibration offers optimal sound in any environment, using spatial awareness technology to measure a room’s dimensions then customizing the soundbar’s audio settings in accordance with the specific characteristics of the space. AI Sound Pro uses adaptive sound control to automatically adjust frequency range and sound field extension, depending on which genre of content the user is watching: news, music or cinema. While the importance of home entertainment has grown in the era of social distancing, so has concern for the environment and consumer support for companies and products that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. From production processes to the materials and packaging used, LG’s latest soundbars are designed with the health of the planet in mind. In its effort toward a sustainable future, LG is taking a more eco-minded approach to product development, packaging and shipping of its 2021 soundbars, designing the first audio products in the industry to receive SGS Eco Product Certification. For many soundbar model cases LG replaced materials used in previous models with recycled materials, one model featuring jersey fabric made of recycled PET bottles.3 Certified as Global Recycled Standard-compliant and UL environmental claim validated, each SP7Y soundbar means almost seven fewer plastic bottles occupying landfills. To reduce environmental impact and waste even further, LG adopted friendlier packaging for its entire soundbar lineup. Using mainly recycled molded pulp and far less EPS foam and plastic, the packaging has earning Eco Product certification from Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), a respected provider of testing, inspection and certification services based in Geneva, Switzerland.4 To receive this designation, the soundbars were deemed by SGS to have minimal environmental impact as they emit less air pollutants, contain few hazardous substances and provide a high degree of recyclability. What’s more, the packaging is designed in an “L” shape so more units can fit in fewer trucks, which means lower CO2 emissions, a crucial part of achieving environmental sustainability. New LG Soundbar models including SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y and SPD7Y will begin rolling out starting this month in key markets in Europe and North America, with additional models coming later this year. Specifications: FEATURES SP11RA SP9YA SP8YA SP7Y SPD7Y Sound Total wattage 770W 520W 440W 440W 380W Channels 7.1.4 5.1.2 3.1.2 5.1 3.1.2 Rear Speakers Rear & Up-Firing Optional (SPK8) Optional (SPK8) Optional (SPK8) Optional (SPK8) Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X Y Y Y DTS:X Virtual Y Meridian Horizon Technology Audio and Meridian Audio (Music Mode) Y Y Y Y Y Hi-Resolution Audio Y Y Y Y Y AI Room Calibration Y Y Y – – AI Sound Pro Y Y Y Y Y Convenience eARC Y Y Y ARC Y 4K Pass-Through with Dolby Vision Support Y Y Y – Y Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, AirPlay 2 Y Y Y – – LG TV Synergy TV Sound Mode Share, Sound Bar Mode Control Y Y Y Y Y Eco Eco Product (SGS) Y Y Y Y – UL ECV Y Y Y Y Y # # # 1 Models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA are compatible with multiple voice assistants. 2 Models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y, SPD7Y feature Meridian Horizon. 3 Model SP7Y uses jersey fabric made from PET bottles. 4 Models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y are certified as Eco Products by SGS. View the full article

Stepping Away from Phone Manufacturing and Sales Enables Company to Focus on Growth Sectors Including EVs, IoT and B2B Solutions SEOUL, April 5, 2021 — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) announced that it is closing its mobile business unit. The decision was approved by its board of directors earlier today. LG’s strategic decision to exit the incredibly competitive mobile phone sector will enable the company to focus resources in growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services. LG will provide service support and software updates for customers of existing mobile products for a period of time which will vary by region. LG will work collaboratively with suppliers and business partners throughout the closure of the mobile phone business. Details related to employment will be determined at the local level. Moving forward, LG will continue to leverage its mobile expertise and develop mobility-related technologies such as 6G to help further strengthen competitiveness in other business areas. Core technologies developed during the two decades of LG’s mobile business operations will also be retained and applied to existing and future products. The wind down of the mobile phone business is expected to be completed by July 31 although inventory of some existing models may still be available after that. # # # View the full article

If necessity is the mother of invention, then innovation could be viewed as the father of the patent. As of the end of 2020, LG Electronics was one of the world’s top patent holders with more than 87,000 patents to its name, many of them related to steam technology found throughout the company’s lineup of premium household appliances. Two successful products that rely on steam for their effectiveness are LG Styler and LG TWINWash, appliances that in themselves are the result of years of research, development and tinkering. In fact, the Styler debuted in 2011, nine years after the idea of the steam-based wardrobe management product was given the green light to begin development. Without a patent system to protect the hundreds of thousands of hours and hundreds of millions of dollars invested to develop products like LG Styler, there would be little incentive for companies to innovate. In fact, the Styler is a compilation of more than 180 LG patents covering features such as the Moving Hanger to shake bacteria and allergens* out of suits and dresses to the tune of 200 vibrations per minute and Gentle Dry to draw moisture out of clothes without shrinking or damaging delicate fabrics. The patented TrueSteam in conjunction with Pants Crease Care deliver wrinkle-free trousers with sharp creases, all without an ironing board. While the innovation inherent to LG Styler launched a whole new category in home appliances, LG TWINWash was a game changer in its own way. The engineers and designers behind LG TWINWash took a look at a mature product that hadn’t seen much innovation in decades and got to work on solving the age-old problem. With TWINWash, not only can one launder a pair of pants and some socks without feeling guilty about wasting water and electricity, frazzled parents can wash heavily soiled baby clothes separately from adult clothes… simultaneously. One of the patented core technologies that made TWINWash possible is LG’s Direct Drive, which could deliver more reliable, more effective and quicker results than competing technologies. One of the many people responsible for LG’s innovation leadership is Dong-won Kim, Ph.D. Laboratory Leader of Living Appliance R&D Lab at LG who is responsible for over 1,000 patents during his 25 years as a researcher at LG. In 2019 he was honored with the Invention King of the Year Award by the Korean Intellectual Property Office. “Fundamentally, a home appliance should be able to minimize the effort needed to complete one or more household chores but it has to be convenient and easy to use as well,” Kim explained.” When developing a new product, it is essential to constantly ask oneself, ‘Is this bringing value to the customer?’ At LG, we believe this should be the basis for all good product design.” Kim gets his ideas for his inventions from listening to LG customers and everyday people. “LG Styler came from a conversation I had with the wife of a colleague who told me she removed wrinkles from clothes by hanging them in a steam-filled bathroom,” Kim recalled. “The Styler takes this basic concept and expands on it with a combination of user-friendly design and a number of other unique technologies.” “The idea for LG TWINWash came after a survey we conducted in 2007 in which 60 percent of the responders said that they wished their washing machines could wash separate loads at the same time,” Kim said. “I’m sure other washing machine makers had heard this complaint before but a two-drum washing machine is no simple matter, which may explain why TWINWash still has no equal even after six years.” Like all of LG’s products, LG TWINWash and Styler are products based on innovation and creativity fueled by the need to make consumers’ lives more convenient. But innovating can be a laborious and expensive process and this is where the patent system can help drive technological advancement. For inventors like Kim Dong-won, the assurance that his intellectual property will be protected is incentive to keep creating and improving consumers’ lives. # # # * Certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF) for reducing 99.9 percent of house dust mite allergens and Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Certified as an asthma and allergy friendly® appliance by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). View the full article

Life as we knew it may never be the same again. More time spent at home has piqued the interest of consumers looking to adopt a more intelligent way of living. This growing desire for seamless, connected, “work and play” environments is what is bringing the future faster to consumers today. Fortune Business Insights predicts1 the smart home market to reach USD 622.59 billion by 2026. In fact, that’s barely scratching the surface if LG ThinQ as anything to say about it. What makes the smart technology less daunting today is because now everyone has a smartphone. And through that smartphone, consumers can control all aspects of their connected devices from the bed, the car or the office. The fact that the LG ThinQ app has been downloaded over 30 million times is proof that there is an audience that’s hungry for the conveniences offered by smart products. But what conveniences are we talking about here? Well, in one research study, LG ThinQ app users in the US said they were most satisfied with the app’s remote-control capabilities.2 Although some smart appliances such as robot vacuums are able to do the work for you, there still isn’t a washing machine that can pick up dirty clothes off the floor or a refrigerator that stocks itself. But just being able to control and monitor the home ecosystem from any location brings a whole new dimension of convenience. The LG ThinQ app was designed to seamlessly connect with the company’s AI-enabled products and services, giving the user full visibility and access to all compatible home appliances while home or on the go. One Korean user discovered LG ThinQ to be an invaluable solution for her laundry routine. “With remote control and monitoring, I can set the washing machine to finish according to my schedule, which means I’m always free to take the laundry out immediately. I no longer have to worry about smelly or wrinkled clothes,” the user said.3 Proactive Customer Care (PCC) and Smart Diagnosis expand the user experience and is another key way ThinQ has made customers’ lives easier. After self-diagnosing every connected appliance on the system, the ThinQ app alerts users and relays insightful suggestions and tips for maintaining their products’ peak performance, such as changing the filter at appropriate times. “It’s great to have the ThinQ app on hand to remind me when it’s time to replace the air purifier filter,” said one participant in the survey. Instead of having to call in and wait hours (or days) for a service technician to visit, PCC and Smart Diagnosis help users identify and resolve the issues themselves. One ThinQ user noted, “Thanks to the PCC feature I’m able to receive alerts on my parent’s appliances so I can do all the maintenance work for them.” Beyond adding value, LG smart home solutions are delivering more environmentally friendly features to match the priorities of environmentally-conscious consumers. In fact, energy-saving capabilities are one of the top drivers for American consumers switching from conventional devices to smart home products, according to the survey. On the LG ThinQ app, energy monitoring dashboards displaying monthly usage information are available for every appliance so that users can see where they might be able to save energy by modifying their behavior. “I can never remember if I shut the refrigerator door all the way or switched the TV off,” admitted an environmental advocate who participated in the research. “Being able to check and control all of this on my phone is a huge relief.” Vacation mode is another proven way to minimize energy use in the home when empty, and features such as Active Save perform tasks like measuring refrigerator openings throughout the day so that refrigerators can switch from low to high power modes automatically, all according to when the user prefers using them. The ThinQ app is constantly evolving to better meet consumer needs. Additional features to be introduced in the 1st half of this year include Scan-To-Cook and Meal Kit orders which take the stress out of planning and preparing meals at home. Future features and services will focus on delivering the freedom and convenience that make LG customers’ lives measureably more comfortable than without ThinQ. Learn more about LG’s smart appliances and the ThinQ app at www.LGThinQ.com. # # # 1 https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/smart-home-market-101900 2 Kantar survey commissioned by LG surveyed 500 respondents with household incomes within the top 60 percentile in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. 3 Nielsen survey commissioned by LG interviewed 40 Korean IoT brand users between ages 20-44. View the full article

This is first installment of ‘On the Job’, where we put the spotlight on some of the talented and creative individuals in the global LG family. Today we take a look at the important role played by the company’s innovative digital designers. As any creator or inventor will agree, taking an idea and turning it into something real is no small feat. When it comes to creating a new product, it is the role of the digital designer to translate the concepts, sketches and plans generated during the design process into a three-dimensional representation of what the finished article might look like. Giving virtual or physical form to something that does not yet exist can be just as challenging as it sounds and it’s the job of LG’s digital design professionals to turn imagination into reality. While pen and paper will always have their place in design, digital designers normally utilize more advanced tools such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and 3D printers to give shape to projects. VR makes it possible to realistically simulate how a product will actually look and feel, offering valuable insights that looking at a drawing or inspecting a 3D-model on a computer screen simply cannot deliver. LG’s designers even create virtual environments based on real living spaces so that prior to a design being finalized, they can accurately assess the product’s ability to spatially and aesthetically harmonize with a range of different interior styles and configurations. The selecting of colors, materials and finishes is a crucial part of the design process and can mean the difference between how a product is perceived and received by consumers. Digital designers provide valuable support in this area as well. The work of LG’s digital designers were instrumental in getting the green light to make LG Furniture Concept Appliances a reality. The arrival of 3D printing has made the essential step of transforming a product’s design into a tangible model considerably easier for digital design pros. The ability to create three-dimensional drafts of products which can be touched as well as viewed helps LG’s designers identify areas that need further consideration faster than ever before. 3D printing not only reduces the need to rework designs, it also shortens the overall product development time, allowing LG to bring products to consumers faster. As LG digital designer Lim Hwi-tae explains it, “The role of a digital designer is to create something out of nothing, to take an image or a world that exists only in the imagination and bring it to life using technologies such as VR and 3D printing. “Our biggest goal as digital design practitioners is to shorten the amount of time it takes to bring new and improved products to market,” said Ryu Byoung-gi, another dedicated digital designer at LG. “The detailed digital visualizations we produce during the product development phase help to make that happen, and that’s something we’re all very proud of.” By turning the imaginary into reality in less time, LG’s digital designers continue to make significant contributions to the realization of the company’s global, consumer-centric mission – to create innovation for a better life. # # # View the full article

Cassette-type Ceiling Air-Handling System Helps Create Healthier and Safer Indoor Environments SEOUL, Mar. 25, 2021 — Commercial air conditioning technology from LG Electronics has garnered a number of recognitions from trusted international organizations for its ability to improve indoor air quality. Certifications from Intertek, TÜV Rheinland and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) awarded to LG Dual Vane Cassette system are confirmation of the effectiveness of LG HVAC solutions in delivering clean air. The LG DUAL Vane Cassette is the world’s first HVAC solution to receive UL’s GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. LG Dual Vane Cassette was also recognized by Intertek for reducing the presence of harmful particles in indoor air.1 Its outstanding air purification capabilities are possible thanks to LG Plasmaster Ionizer+ technology which emits over 3 million ion clusters to attract and carry away allergens and bacteria. For these reasons alone, LG DUAL Vane Cassette is the ideal option for use in schools and healthcare facilities where air quality is of utmost priority. Another recognition comes courtesy of TÜV Rheinland which certified LG’s 5-step air purification system for effectively removing ultrafine dust, allergen and harmful bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus from the air.2 What’s more, LG Dual Vane Cassette’s air-cleansing and allergen-removing capabilities are also certified by the British Allergy Foundation. LG’s Dual Vane Cassette is an effective and versatile system air conditioning product featuring two vanes that help to deliver strong airflow and wide, even coverage. With six different modes, users can tailor airflow direction and strength to any space or to suit their own individual preferences. “These trusted certifications attest to the importance LG places on prioritizing its customers’ well-being,” said James Lee, executive vice president and head of LG’s Air Solution Business. “HVAC plays a central role in making indoor environments comfortable and safer for their occupants and LG will continue to deliver solutions that meet the highest international standards for healthy operation and effective performance.” # # # 1 Certified by Intertek for removing more than 99.9 percent of bacteria including Escherichia coli KCCM 11234, Staphylococcus aureus KCCM 40050 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCCM 11321. 2 Certified by TÜV Rheinland for removing 99.9 percent of ultrafine dust measuring 50 nanometers in up to 35 minutes and 99.9 percent of ultrafine dust measuring 100 nanometers in up to 41 minutes. Also certified for reducing up to 99.9 percent of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria in 60 minutes and up to 99.4 percent of Phi-X174 virus in 30 minutes. Tests conducted in chamber of 60 meters3. View the full article

Although today’s women have made progress in gaining more freedoms and rights, there is still much room for improvement. In much of the developed world, women can work outside the home, vote in elections, decide if they want to have a family, even become president if they so choose. But the customs and standards of the 18th century prevented women from detaching themselves from the family and domestic functions that were imposed on them and from following their true dreams. With Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of the musician and composer Wolfgang Amadeus, it was no different. Since childhood, “Marianne” easily handled musical instruments and performed at concerts with her brother, where she gained prominence and was an inspiration for many. But as she grew older Maria Anna had to put her career aside to build a family, causing her great talent to be forgotten over time. Aiming to amplify visibility around this important story of classical music, LG Electronics in Brazil brought Marianne’s work to the 21st century through technology. With access to 66 letters and 90 pages of the musician’s diary, the contents of her diary were transformed into musical notes, making it possible to hear what Anna wanted to express but was not able at that time. A German interpreter was invited to record the reading of Marianne’s letters and diary. All texts found written in German were carefully analyzed so that the pronunciation tone became the song entitled Das Königreich Rücken, the imaginary kingdom between Marianne and Mozart. The communication campaign was conducted by the agency Almap BBDO. The concept behind it was to honor the memory of Marianne and many other talent women who have been forgotten over time. It was a way for LG to celebrate the power of women on this International Women’s Day. Because of its originality, the campaign saw significant mentions in various media outlets covering marketing, lifestyle and technology. A video of the musical composition is available on LG Brazil’s social network channels and on YouTube. By LG Brazil Staff # # # Photo Credits: https://bit.ly/3eMLFFf View the full article

Announced by LG’s US office on the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness (March 20), The Happiness League is honoring “Superhero Teachers” from across the United States for their heroic efforts equipping students with social and emotional wellness skills needed to persevere and succeed in life. These champions of social-emotional learning have gone above and beyond to support today’s youth as the global pandemic, coupled with rising social and political discord, worsened a growing national mental health crisis. America’s youth face an exceptionally high risk, with 63 percent of young adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.* “This month marks a full year of social restrictions that have created a potentially dangerous tipping point for the mental health of America’s youth,” said Christine Ackerson, head of corporate social responsibility for LG Electronics USA, whose flagship CSR program, Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, is behind The Happiness League initiative. Whether logging on to teach virtually or donning PPE in classrooms every day, teachers have had to reimagine how to engage their students and ensure safe and positive learning environments in the new environment. Teachers worked on the front lines and played a crucial role in maintaining consistency, normalcy and inspiration for America’s children. “They are truly superheroes providing our youth with the courage to endure and prosper, and deserve special recognition,” Ackerson said. These educators inspire their students to embrace six sustainable happiness skills: gratitude, human connection, positive outlook, purpose, generosity and mindfulness. Over the next several weeks, 50 Superhero Teachers across the United States that personify these “Super Skills” will be inducted into The Happiness League and honored by LG and its Experience Happiness partners – Be Strong, CASEL, Discovery Education, Inner Explorer and The Greater Good Science Center – for their dedication and inspiration to young people. Each teacher will be awarded an LG UltraWide computer monitor and receive a commemorative superhero cape highlighting their super skill. The award-winning Life’s Good: Experience Happiness program already has reached more than 4 million students with a science-based curriculum developed to equip youth with the skills necessary to better cope with stress and anxiety, build resilience and support a life-long happiness mindset. Backed by decades of scientific research, Experience Happiness worked with experts in social-emotional learning, education and the science of happiness to identify the six happiness skills, which can be learned, practiced and strengthened. To learn more about happiness super skills and meet America’s Superhero Teachers, click here. By LG USA Staff # # # * “Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 14, 2020. Photo Credits: https://www.lgexperiencehappiness.com/happinessleague View the full article

While the trend toward online engagement was well underway long before the pandemic, social distancing has forced many companies to look at how they could further improve customer engagement in an era when physical trade shows and retail showrooms were off-limits or cancelled altogether. As a result, the move toward a more virtual world has accelerated for many companies, with its share of successes as well as disappointments. One success story is LG’s experience in leveraging a virtual destination beloved by millions of MZ Gen and other gamers around the world – Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Released in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or ACNH for short, quickly became one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch platform, breaking the console game record for the most digital unit sales in a single month with five million purchases at launch, and to date has sold more than 31 million copies worldwide.* While enjoying the game’s colorful, cute, and oddly soothing form of escapism, players can drop by LG dream addresses OLED ISLAND and LIT ISLAND by using codes DA-7677-3136-5978 and DA-2218-2553-1949. LG is the first-ever consumer electronics company to have its own dream addresses in ACNH, both of which are open to any of the game’s residents. On OLED ISLAND, visitors can experience a virtual lifestyle with LG OLED TV and learn about the product’s strengths and features while visiting special zones filled with LG OLED products, such as the home cinema zone and the Self-lit Gallery. Additionally, visitors can hunt for hidden treasure across the island – there are a total of 40 wrapped gifts to be found, each with a TV inside. On LIT ISLAND, tourists will find a gaming zone, music studio, gym, soccer field, baseball field and a basketball court all featuring LG OLED TVs. The island offers other entertaining diversions as well, such as hidden pathways that can be explored with a variety of tools to be obtained to earn a special prize. Players can also head over to the Instagram account of LG’s virtual influencer, Reah Keem, to check out her fun-filled visit to the island. Expanding upon VR and AR, LG Virtual Studio allows consumers to bring LG’s award-winning OLED TVs and innovative range of AV products into any room in one’s home virtually. With detailed, 360 degree rotatable renders of each model, visitors can clearly see how LG’s products would look in a given space and how much room they would take up. By simply visiting the LG Virtual Studio website, consumers can get a good sense of which options are best suited to their homes and lifestyles. Another helpful virtual resource for consumers interested in buying or learning more about LG TV products is LG TV Simulator. Use this tool to see how much space every 2021 LG TV (including OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell, UHD and FHD) requires and how they would look in different types of interiors. The simulator offers three living room sizes to choose from, six interior styles and every TV screen size and mount option to make the virtual experience as customizable and accurate as possible to the real experience. For consumers more interested in upgrading their TVs than playing games, LG is employing virtual reality and augmented reality to help customers choose the right product even when visiting the showroom is off limits. Thanks to AR technology, the LG OLED Gallery Series TV site instantly turns one’s living room into a fully furnished space enabling customers to visualize how LG OLED Gallery TV would look in one of four themed environments – Gallery, Sports, Gaming and Cinema. Whether it’s an online gaming world or an augmented reality site for shoppers, virtual environments are proving themselves to be immensely useful during these unprecedented times of social distancing. And with the pandemic speeding up the arrival of the metaverse, engaging fans and potential customers in virtual environments such as ACNH will only become more commonplace. # # # * https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html View the full article

LG Electronics is committed to taking systematic action across its diverse business portfolio to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from all of its operations by 2030. Expanding its eco-friendly businesses such as electric vehicle (EV) components and solutions as well as renewable energy business is a key part of this strategy. To better understand why LG and other forward-thinking companies are investing heavily in ESG, it’s important to first understand at what we’re facing. Extreme weather conditions and climate-related natural disasters are on the rise all around the world. Reports warn that sea level will rise by 30 centimeters by 2100, with even more rise caused by land ice melt.1 Unprecedented monsoon rains in Pakistan last year caused devastating floods in Karachi that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. In Australia, bush fires raged for months due to soaring temperatures and drought whereas in California and the western half of the United States, more than 8,000 wildfires laid waste to the natural environment and drove thousands from their homes. And it’s not only homo sapiens that are under attack. According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 20 to 30 percent of all species will be at risk of extinction if the current average global temperature rises by 1.5 to 2.5 degrees Celsius. A staggering 40 percent will become extinct if the temperature rises by an additional four degrees Celsius. With their habitats gone, many animals will simply be unable to survive, which won’t bode well for even for the species that manage to dodge extinction. The world’s nations are working together to slow the advance of climate change, with key examples of this cooperation being the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement. While the former involves mostly developed nations and focuses solely on the reduction of greenhouse gases, the latter is notable for bringing together both developed and developing nations and recognizing the need for financial support, technology transfer and operational transparency in the fight to reduce emissions globally. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The agreement calls upon its signers to gradually reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide to ultimately achieve carbon neutrality by the second half of the 21st century. Carbon neutrality is a state where carbon dioxide emissions are effectively net zero, meaning the amount of carbon emitted is equal to that removed from the atmosphere. This will ultimately require the phasing out of fossil fuels and converting to 100 percent renewable and highly efficient energy sources. Nations including Denmark, England, France, Hungary, New Zealand and Sweden have already enacted laws targeting the goal of carbon neutrality. Other developed countries such as the US, China and Japan, have not yet enacted relevant legislation but have announced specific goals pertaining to carbon neutrality, while South Korea’s leaders have outlined a plan to become net zero by 2050. Not only nations but global corporations are also concerned about the environmental impact of their operations, as are their customers. Of the US-based companies that participated in the Deloitte Resource 2020 Study, about 75 percent reported that their customers expected renewable energy sources to account for a certain percentage of all business-related electricity usage. The study also found that approximately 77 percent of companies are now engaged in actively promoting the use of renewable energy, a trend that is expected to continue and grow in the coming years. More companies today are acknowledging that in order to secure long-term business viability and grow brand loyalty, it is essential to pursue a low-carbon future. For its part, LG is growing its renewable energy business and has established 6.7MW PV power-generation facilities in South Korea, generating a combined 8,832MWh of solar energy in 2019 alone. That same year, LG started mass-producing the LG Solar Car roof for EVs, which can charge a vehicle’s battery using collected solar energy. LG is also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases through solutions that increase the mileage of electric and hybrid vehicles, and also via a wide range of residential and commercial solar power products. In the process of broadening its portfolio to embrace a more eco-friendly business, LG Electronics expects to cut greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing by 50 percent compared to 2017 by the end of 2030. LG Carbon Fund was established in 2017 to support the development of GHG-reducing technologies and solutions through the virtual cycle concept wherein all profits from LG Carbon Fund investments are funneled back into the effort to reduce greenhouse gases. LG is also an active participant in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project, which seeks to curb harmful emissions through investing technology and capital in developing countries. For its efforts, Corporate Knights’ recent 2021 Carbon Clean200 report ranked LG 13th among publicly traded companies with the highest level of eco-friendly management based on various factors such as reduction of carbon emissions during production of goods and services, usage of eco-friendly materials and conversion to alternative energy.2 LG was praised for its efforts in producing home appliances with first-class energy-efficiency ratings. The next installment of this ESG series will take a look at LG’s wide ranging and innovative efforts to create more environmentally-compatible consumer and commercial products. # # # 1 https://www.climateaction.org/news/warming-oceans-to-raise-sea-levels-30cm-by-2100-study-finds 2 https://www.corporateknights.com/reports/2021-clean-200/clean-200-16136460 View the full article

Sadly, in 2021 there are still millions of children worldwide who don’t have access to quality education. Like many developing countries around the world, Kenya is working hard to address this situation and meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 on the delivery of an inclusive and equitable education for its people. To provide its youth with the learning opportunities they deserve, a key component of Kenya’s efforts is renovating and expanding existing infrastructure. In Machakos County, about 60 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the LG team in Kenya is supporting this worthy goal by helping to improve learning facilities at several local schools, including the Machakos School for the Deaf and the Kyumbi Primary School. LG is working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Kenya and the county government of Machakos to provide students in the county with a learning environment that can help them reach their full potential. From boosting students’ health and attendance to increasing academic achievement and providing a greater sense of self-worth for both students and teaching staff, improving a school’s facilities has been shown to have a number of positive effects. To better serve its 225 hearing-impaired students, the Machakos School for the Deaf identified the need for a new library as well as a significant upgrade to its existing water borehole and plumbing. As a key donor, LG Kenya participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the library last month. During the event, students thanked benefactors with enthusiastic songs and dance and participated in a tree planting to enhance the school’s grounds. LG Kenya is also contributing toward the construction of two new toilet blocks and donating several home appliances including refrigerators for the school’s kitchen and washing machines and dryers to keep students’ uniforms clean. “The pandemic has increased the need for safe, resilient and healthy communities, and schools are a large part of that equation,” said Habitat for Humanity Kenya spokesperson Ruth Odera at the ceremony. “We are glad to contribute towards meeting this need in Machakos County through providing quality buildings and improved access to water and sanitation at the Machakos School for the Deaf.” Addressing ceremony attendees, LG Electronics Managing Director for East and Central Africa, Kim Sa-nyoung, added, “LG believes strongly in giving back to the community and making life better. This project is also important to us since it aids Kenya’s overall efforts to meet the United Nations’ SDG4 and create fair and equal learning opportunities for all.” LG Kenya is also part of an initiative benefitting 400 early learners at Kyumbi Primary School in Machakos County. In operation since December, the project involves the construction of restrooms, classrooms, kitchens and various other facilities to improve learning outcomes. At an event to mark the project’s launch, Father Joseph Mutuku cut the ceremonial ribbon and blessed the construction site on behalf the school’s official sponsor, St. Christopher Catholic Parish Kyumbi. The work at Machakos School for the Deaf and Kyumbi Primary School is set to be concluded by March this year, with all infrastructure fully completed and ready to support the next generation in their learning journey. Through forging partnerships and fostering trust with the local community, government and like-minded organizations, LG is making a difference today, and helping to pave the way for a better tomorrow. By LG Kenya Staff # # # View the full article

Entering 2021 has given Australians new hope as they recover from a year that most might want to delete from memory. However, others would urge these people not to forget a year that still had so much good on display, especially down under where Aussies were determined to pull together and do what it takes to make life better for its people, every single day. To honor those staring directly in the face of difficult times, LG kicked off its LG Local Legends (#LGLocalLegends) program last May. Since then, LG has crowned 24 local legends who have been doing their bit and more for local communities to make lives that bit easier for so many around them. LG Electronics in Australia has awarded each winner’s selflessness with LG home prize packages that let them live life more easily through the company’s convenient and connected devices. Some of their stories were featured on the company’s global newsroom to promote and inspire similar acts of kindness among people of other nations. With so many outstanding gestures and noble actions made among the 2020 LG Local Legends winners it wasn’t hard to find more individuals to highlight. Let’s meet three more from this special group of people almost a year on from its creation. EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN Merissa Forsyth was named an admirable LG Local Legend for her efforts in empowering young girls to be comfortable and confident in their own bodies through her not-for-profit Pretty Foundation. Close to nine years ago she had her eureka moment and quit her corporate job to focus on campaigns empowering women and girls alike. And after endless research and meetings with experts she discovered that in Australia, 38 percent of 4-year-old girls are dissatisfied with their bodies, 34 percent of 5-year-old girls reported an intention to diet and 68 percent of 5- to 8-year-old children reported being teased for their appearance,* which gave birth to the Pretty Foundation – a charity focused on early education and prevention. “Why wait for girls to become women before celebrating them?” said Merissa. With this in mind, she felt it was her duty to form the Pretty Inspirational Awards, which coincide with International Women’s Day, to celebrate the grand achievements of girls under 18 years of age. These inspiring girls were given the spotlight as role models for the younger generation thanks to their strong character, amazing skills and impressive abilities across various fields. RESCUER OF MISSING AUSSIES Adele Jago deservedly claimed her LG Local Legend status after dedicating thousands of hours every year searching for missing persons, such as those lost in the Australian bush or misplaced due to natural or man-made disasters. Through her passion and dedication to protecting and rescuing others, she founded a not-for-profit organization, Search Dogs Sydney, which utilizes a dedicated team of qualified volunteers that train canines to aid the NSW police department in the search for missing or lost people. “Approximately 38,000 people go missing in Australia every year, and more than 2,600 have been missing for a while,” said Adele. “Lowering these statistics is what motivates me every day.” In the future, she hopes to have teams like Search Dogs Sydney all over NSW that can be deployed as soon as someone is reported missing. LIFEGUARD FOR QUEENSLAND’S BEACHES Inspired by his father’s involvement in lifesaving rescue teams, Scott Collins has dedicated 36 years of his life to keeping Queensland’s beaches safe. As a volunteer for the non-profit organization Surf Life Saving Australia, the largest volunteer movement of its kind and Australia’s leading coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority, Scott was more than qualified to be an LG Local Legend. National coastal safety is crucial in keeping Australians and tourists safe around some of the nation’s most dangerous parts. Between 2018 to 2019 alone, there were 122 coastal drownings which is above the past 15-year average. Lowering this heartbreaking statistic is what motivates Scott and his team to ensure appropriate educational programs and lifesaving services are in place to address Australia’s issues when it comes to coastal safety. The LG Local Legends campaign brings LG Australia so much closer to local consumers, and displays the team’s unwavering support for those sharing its commitment to making life better. Click here to learn more about the LG Local Legends recognized in 2020. By LG Australia Staff # # # * Source: https://prettyfoundation.org/why-pretty View the full article