Pouch-type batteries are drawing renewed interest in defense and robotics as battery companies expand beyond slowing EV demand into sectors such as energy storage. The format offers high energy density and design flexibility but has faced concerns about rapid heat transfer between cells during thermal runaway. With all-solid-state solutions still years away, competition is shifting to external safety materials such as thermal barriers. Demand is also emerging from submarines and robots, though high material costs remain a hurdle for mass adoption.

More mid-sized and small companies are entering advanced industries using South Korea’s corporate restructuring scheme. The Industry Ministry panel approved 31 firms in three rounds from December to July, with plans to invest 439.5 billion won over five years and hire 927 people. Many shift existing process technologies into new markets such as semiconductor glass substrates, AR modules and EV components. The ministry is offering investment-attraction consulting, while petrochemicals pursue capacity cuts through separate restructuring projects.