Milan Design Week, the world’s largest and most well-known design and furniture fair, is a mecca for the aesthetically-inclined. At this year’s event, the biennially-held EuroCucina exhibition put the spotlight on the latest trends in kitchen appliances and furnishings, with many of the industry’s major players taking part. A regular at Milan Design Week, LG delivered a stunning showcase of premium built-in kitchen appliances at a booth designed by GamFratesi, the acclaimed architecture and design studio co-founded by Italian Enrico Fratesi and Denmark’s Stine Gam.

To highlight both the ultra-premium Signature Kitchen Suite and LG’s built-in appliance lineups, the diverse range of built-in products on display clearly reflected the company’s dedication to promoting an inspired culinary lifestyle centered around the joy of sharing and savoring quality food. 

“One particularly memorable episode during our collaboration with LG was the differentiation strategy for Signature Kitchen Suite and LG built-in appliances,” said GamFratesi. “This differentiation strategy was well reflected in the booth design.”

The coming together of Signature Kitchen Suite’s True to Food philosophy – founded on the importance of preserving the original flavors of fresh ingredients – and GamFratesi’s design ethos revealed a new vision for kitchen design. LG’s emphasis on quality natural ingredients was echoed by the natural materials and design elements incorporated into the exhibition booth itself, which also reflected the impact of environment and culture on different cuisine traditions. GamFratesi’s subtle use of wood and stone accentuated the beauty of the natural world while simultaneously drawing attention to the connection we form with the planet when cooking and consuming real food.

“The key points to pay attention to are the design of each island and the materials used,” noted GamFratesi. “Each island represents an independent piece of furniture that reflects our design aesthetic.”

Within the booth’s Signature Kitchen Suite zones, GamFratesi complemented the built-in brand’s gorgeous kitchen appliances with natural materials and finishings. Each display kitchen represented a seamless harmony of appliances, cabinetry, counters and décor, highlighting the transformative power of design to create special sanctuaries that celebrate authentic cooking and nature’s beauty.

Evocative, entertaining, yet entirely elegant, the Signature Kitchen Suite wine cellar zone made a lasting impression on visitors to LG’s booth. Here, GamFratesi drew inspiration from the wine-maturation process to craft a calm, almost-meditative space with a ‘cave-like’ sense of depth and a rich, atmospheric mood.

Although the synergy between LG’s built-in appliances and GamFratesi’s kitchen designs is undeniable, the process of smoothly integrating the two for the Milan Design Week showcase was not without challenges. However, through the thoughtful and purposeful placement of appliances with distinct functionalities, and via the introduction of LG’s panel-ready concept, the two innovative companies achieved the ultimate union of form and function. The results, as one can see from the images, speak for themselves.

Through the unprecedented fusion of design, technology and space, the compelling collaboration between LG and GamFratesi presented a new kind of value and a refined kitchen lifestyle. As demonstrated at Milan Design Week, and at other major exhibitions around the world, LG is committed to partnering with like-minded innovators who share its passion for pushing boundaries and elevating everyday life.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom for the latest stories and updates on LG’s exciting collaborations.

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Across the world, the workplace has been undergoing a major transformation with more and more professionals choosing to work remotely each passing year. In 2020, before the onset of the global pandemic, 13 percent of the entire workforce worked from home. In 2023, that number had risen to a remarkable 27 percent, leading to the laptop market’s steady growth and an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0 percent in 2024. Laptop consumption is expected to continue on this strong trajectory in the coming years.^*

To reinforce its foothold in this vital market, LG Taiwan recently held the LG gram 2024 Series Launch Event at Zhuori Coffee Shop in Taipei. The event, which was presented in the form of a light teatime talk session, invited journalists and editors, especially those who contribute to media platforms frequented by digital creators, business professionals and freelancers – the people who stand to benefit the most from the gram’s unparalleled versatility to the unique showcase.

The event showcased two key areas: the LG gram highlight zone and the demonstration zone, where the spotlight shone on the key features of the 2024 lineup. Among them were the powerful gram Link, seamlessly integrated AI capabilities, energy-efficient performance and meticulously crafted lightweight designs, all tailored to elevate communication across diverse scenarios. Boasting a harmonious blend of power and portability, the LG gram series’ ultra-lightweight laptops combine high-end specifications with exceptionally slim yet durable designs and all-day battery life.

Guests were able to experience each laptop from the latest gram series, including LG gram, LG gram Pro, LG gram Pro 2-in-1 and LG gram Super Slim. The event was designed to allow them to immerse themselves fully in the exceptional usability of the product while receiving detailed explanations in person. What impressed them the most were the laptops’ outstanding portability, sleek styling and premium performance.

The devices on display left a lasting impression through their slim and lightweight designs, two aspects that have become synonymous with the LG gram brand. The hands-on experience with the touch display and Stylus pen of the LG gram Pro 2-in-1 convertible laptop, as well as features like LG gram Link and LG Glance by Mira-metrix, were particularly well received by event-goers.

It was the perfect opportunity to reveal something LG Taiwan has been working on for some time – a collaboration with ‘boven Magazine Library,’ the only magazine library in Taiwan, to launch the “LG gram x boven Pop-up Store” which will run from April to June this year. As part of this joining of forces, limited edition collaborative gifts will be given out at boven Magazine Library branches in Taipei and Tainan, where visitors can also witness the latest LG gram offerings.

Stay tuned to the LG Newsroom to explore other engaging events being carried out across LG’s truly global network.

Contributed by LG Taiwan

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* Research from Statista (link) and The Business Research Company (link).

Last year, the company successfully welcomed back LG Showcase 2023, the renowned event in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region after a four-year break. This year, LG Middle East and Africa hosted the event once again to introduce the company’s latest offering in the MEA market.

Held in Abu Dhabi from April 24-25 under the theme of “Reinventing Together,” LG Showcase 2024 spotlighted the latest innovations, serving as the ultimate venue for engaging with stakeholders. The event featured four distinct zones – Cinema, Camping, Café and ThinQ Home – each showing how LG’s innovative products and solutions enhance convenience and entertainment in everyday life. This year’s event largely focused on LG’s lineup of home entertainment products, ranging from TVs to audio and gaming products, offering hands-on experience to over 500 visitors.

Upon entrance, visitors were welcomed by the flagship 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M, the world’s first consumer TV featuring Zero Connect technology, which enables the transfer of 4K video and audio wirelessly at 120Hz. This iconic feature resolves all cable management nightmares and allows for an uncluttered space by having all devices connected to the Zero Connect Box and positioned away from the TV.

Also on display was the innovative LG StanbyME, the 27-inch movable smart screen with a unique flexible design, allowing users to easily take it from room to room to watch content as they please. Designed with mobility in mind, it features a base with 5 hidden wheels and a built-in battery offering up to three hours of screen time. Beyond its display capabilities, the LG StanbyME functions as a smart screen, offering various connectivity options such as wireless mirroring and NFC, which can be activated with a simple tap. In addition, it supports a range of streaming services and applications, all pre-installed for convenience. To top it off, it also comes with touch screen capabilities, as well as a remote for easy use.

LG also showcased its improved LG webOS, which brings to the table a completely revamped home screen with wider title cards and smoother tiles for categories such as Game, Music and Home Office. The smart operating system, now celebrating its 10^th anniversary, expanded into 300 TV brands and 3,500 content partners, including local partners. Over the past decade, the number of active users in the MEA region has surged by twentyfold.

During the event, the company also highlighted its new α (Alpha) 11 processor that will be used in its flagship TVs, which will deliver powerful AI capabilities and enhance the overall viewing experience. This new processor, found in the LG SIGNATURE OLED M4 and LG OLED G4 TVs, is four times more powerful than its predecessor and will refine clarity, color and sharpness, as well as providing a 70 percent improvement in graphics performance and a 30 percent faster processing speed.

LG also put on display its range XBOOM speakers, which deliver bold and loud sounds with strong bass and massive sound. For instance, the LG XBOOM XL9T and its smaller variant LG XBOOM XL5S is the optimal speaker for any party, produces immense sound with booming base and high notes with pixel art and multi color ring lights to bring life to any space. Also on display was XBOOM Go XG8T, an on-the-go speaker that not only packs a powerful punch in audio but can also boost sound further and turns up the party with its studio light feature.

LG also showcased the LG TONE Fit TF7, an earbud that focuses primarily on comfort, convenience and immersive sound. The LG TONE Fit TF7 offers a superior fit for fitness enthusiasts, ensuring customers can focus solely on their workout without any distractions.

And, in the ‘Gaming’ zone, the company unveiled its latest innovations designed for productivity and entertainment. The latest lineup of LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitors is a true testament to LG’s commitment to the gaming industry. Available in sizes of 32-inch (model 32GS95UE), 34-inch (model 34GS95QE) and 45-inch (model 45GS95QE), these OLED gaming monitors are the pinnacle of gaming displays, bringing in a true immersive experience. Also showcased is the LG MyView Smart Monitor, a must-have for productivity and entertainment, even without having to connect to a PC. Designed for multi-tasking, this monitor will allow you to do your daily work, control home gadgets and even stream your favorite content, all from one display.

What’s more, in the ‘Cinema’ zone, the company showcased various products, including the LG MAGNIT (model LSAL006) and LG Soundbar (model MR11 and S94P2), which can create immersive viewing experiences in the home. With a stunning 118-inch, 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution Micro LED display, LG MAGNIT delivers unparalleled picture quality through the brilliance of Micro LED technology.

Moving over to the ‘ThinQ Home’ zone, LG also showcased its diverse range of home appliances that not only enhance daily life, but also provide functionality, unique upgradability and personalization. This includes the ever-popular refrigerator with MoodUP™, which can transform the vibes of any kitchen with LED panel doors that can have their colors customized through the LG ThinQ™ app; the LG Styler, a premium steam cleaning solution that can refresh garments in minutes; and the ARTCOOL air conditioner lineup which features the LG DUAL Inverter Compressor™, a critical element that brings powerful cooling without compromising on efficiency.

LG Showcase 2024 was a great opportunity to introduce how the company is continuously pushing innovation with its diverse range of products and services that enhance the overall customer experience.

Contributed by LG Middle East and Africa

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Dive into a thought-provoking expedition of artistic narratives with LG OLED and widely respected artist and filmmaker Sir John Akomfrah at the 60th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia 2024. Underscoring LG’s commitment to inspiring audiences and empowering artists, this collaboration with Akomfrah captivates visitors with an exemplary illustration of the fusion of art and technology.

“I’ve never had the chance to work with screens on a scale like this – more than sixty displays,” said Akomfrah, sharing his excitement and enthusiasm regarding the exhibition. “I’m truly delighted to collaborate with LG OLED to bring my artistic vision to life.”

Akomfrah’s artwork promises an immersive exploration of multifaceted topics from the historical portrayal of racialized bodies to species extinction, colonial narratives, urban rewilding, the auditory landscape of climate justice and the evolution of music. His evocative works serve as a manifesto for listening as a form of activism and explore postcolonial stories of how humans have adapted throughout history.

Akomfrah’s choice of LG OLED sets the stage for his boldest and most ambitious commission to date, ‘Listening All Night To The Rain,’ a contemplative digital art experience featuring audiovisual narratives from human history. The exhibition compels the audience to engage in an active relationship with the artwork, to look beyond the surface and truly listen to the message the artist aims to convey.

“The show is impossible without LG OLED because I cannot achieve the balance of light and color and proportions in this place in any other way,” Akomfrah explains as he describes the instrumental role of the display in the exhibition. “LG OLED allows for a certain kind of intimacy with my show in a way that couldn’t have been accomplished in another way.”

Comprised of both newly filmed and archival moving-image fragments, newsreel footage, audio and text pieces, the featured artwork adopts Akomfrah’s signature multi-layered ‘bricolage’ style, filling the exhibition space to create a richly immersive experience.

Showcasing his distinctive style, LG OLED exquisitely presents Akomfrah’s artwork through film, sound and time-based works across multiple OLED displays. Attendees are sure to be mesmerized by the realistic landscapes showcased as interlocking, multi-media installations and stand-alone displays.

He also notes that using LG OLED allows for more control over light and color than ever before. LG OLED ideally enhances the final ensemble of the installation; the image, sound and advanced audiovisual capabilities of LG OLED enrich the depth and realism of the artworks’ sensory elements, guiding viewers as they navigate through the visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience.

“LG OLED is thrilled to collaborate with the esteemed artist, Sir John Akomfrah, who through the medium of video, evokes sincere emotions and communicates with the world,” says Kate Oh, vice president of the Brand Communication Division at LG Home Entertainment Company. “We are committed to supporting artists like Akomfrah who inspire and captivate audiences with a deep understanding of the intersection between art and technology. By continuing to partner with globally acclaimed artists, we aim to elevate LG OLED’s prominence and pioneer more achievements as the ultimate digital canvas that inspires the world of art.”

Visitors to the Venice Biennale can experience “Listening All Night To The Rain” at the British Pavilion from April 20 to November 24. Explore the exciting realm of LG OLED ART by visiting the website for all the brand’s latest captivating collaborations.

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Since taking the helm as LG’s CEO at the end of 2021, William Cho has been a strong proponent of transparency, especially in nurturing relationships and open communication within the company’s workforce. This dedication to honest conversation inspired Mr. Cho to launch the ‘CEO F.U.N. Talk’ series, a forum for him to interact with LG employees on critical topics and the company’s future direction. The first CEO F.U.N. Talk of 2024, held on April 15, focused on ‘leadership,’ a vital component in the corporate sphere that merits regular discussion. Leadership was also the central theme at the first CEO F.U.N. Talk of 2023.

As LG aims to transform into a high-performance organization capable of consistent growth, CEO Cho underscores the need for employees to demonstrate “a sense of leadership.” Prior to this month’s talk, Mr. Cho conducted a survey to understand employees’ views of a high-performance organization and its implications for LG. “A high-performance organization is one that persistently pursues excellence to deliver outstanding results and promotes mutual growth between the company and its employees,” stated CEO Cho. He further explained that a passion for continuous learning, goal setting and skill development are essential.

Furthermore, to surpass competitors, LG must provide customers with unique experiences and significant value, thereby creating a unique competitive advantage. Mr. Cho highlighted how effective leadership at all levels drives high performance and successful organizational transformation. “The power of a participatory organizational culture amplifies when each member displays leadership and adheres to the A.C.E. principles,” he said.

CEO Cho’s A.C.E. principles include: ‘Aim for Clarity’ by setting measurable goals, breaking them down into stages and presenting clear results; ‘Conduct with Agility’ to quickly identify key issues and foster a productive work environment while also prioritizing tasks effectively; and ‘Excellence in Process’ – encouraging employees to actively define their roles and responsibilities, enhance collaboration with stakeholders, meticulously analyze all processes and allocate resources appropriately.

Mr. Cho also stressed the significance of the right leadership mindset. He asserted, “Strong willpower and persistence, rather than talent or intelligence, are crucial for achieving your dreams.” He added that every employee should not only lead their own change but also guide others in the broader transformation of LG into a high-performance organization.

Mr. Cho further highlighted organizational culture as a cornerstone for the company’s future growth and evolution. A positive and empowering corporate culture requires an environment where employees can enjoy their work and have the flexibility to change the way that they work to grow and reach their full potential. In line with this, ‘REINVENT LG’ encourages all LG employees to collaborate and innovate. Initially launched to foster a healthy organizational culture, REINVENT LG has extended to the company’s entire value chain and has become a catalyst for ‘high-performance’ management innovation.

Wrapping up the talk, CEO Cho outlined three focal points: ‘Product,’ encompassing business models and strategies associated with LG’s products and services; ‘Process,’ denoting the company’s operational methods; and ‘People,’ emphasizing the enhancement of employees’ skills. By focusing on these pivotal areas and applying its management and leadership principles, LG anticipates short-term improvements in sales and operating profit, and long-term enhancements in its business portfolio and corporate value.

In relation to ‘Product,’ Mr. Cho highlighted how LG is mitigating the impacts of a sluggish global economy by concentrating on its subscription business. This new business model has proven successful despite a decrease in demand in the home appliance market. Discussing ‘Process,’ he expanded on ‘Affectionate Intelligence,’ LG’s AI solution crafted from customer experience data, and explored various AI applications. In the ‘People’ segment, the CEO introduced several systematic training programs and support initiatives that LG is currently implementing.

The tenth CEO F.U.N. Talk took place at LG Twin Tower in Seoul, South Korea, and was attended by over 10,000 employees. Throughout 2024, CEO Cho plans to engage and communicate with more LG employees by extending the program to other business locations in Korea, including Changwon, Pyeongtaek and Gumi.

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