"No Problem Even During Training"... LG Electronic Mask Chosen by Thai Athletes

120 Athletes for Tokyo Olympics Wear at Bangkok Airport
2nd Generation New Product to Launch Globally in August
Lighter and Improved Performance Compared to Previous Model... Built-in Microphone and Speaker for Easier Communication

The second-generation electronic mask developed by LG Electronics, scheduled to be launched in the global market starting August [Photo by LG Electronics]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] LG Electronics' newly developed electronic mask product is accelerating its global market penetration, leveraging the opportunity of the '2020 Tokyo Olympics.'

According to industry sources on the 23rd, the Thai delegation of 120 athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics wore LG Electronics' 2nd generation electronic masks and held a send-off ceremony at the airport as they departed Bangkok the day before.

This product is an improved version of the 1st generation electronic mask released by LG Electronics in July last year. The official product name is 'LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier.' An LG Electronics official stated, "We plan to launch the new product starting in August in regions such as Thailand where the 1st generation electronic mask was released."

According to LG Electronics, the new product weighs 94g (excluding accessories), making it lighter than the previous generation. Additionally, its ergonomic design minimizes air leakage around the nose and chin, reducing fogging on glasses and sweat on the chin. The company explained that this effect makes it more comfortable even when breathing heavily during exercise. The product is also equipped with a microphone and speaker, allowing users to communicate with others without lowering the mask or raising their voice.

The Thai athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics are wearing the 2nd generation electronic masks, which LG Electronics plans to launch in the global market starting in August, and are taking a commemorative photo at Bangkok Airport.
[Photo by LG Electronics]

Previously, LG Electronics' 1st generation electronic mask was launched in more than 10 countries, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Iraq, and Dubai, receiving positive responses. In South Korea, it applied for a regulatory sandbox expedited review with five related government agencies (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Ministry of Science and ICT; Ministry of Food and Drug Safety; Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency; Korea Fair Trade Commission) out of a total of 46 government departments. The expedited review is a procedure to check whether there are any regulations that could pose problems for launching this product. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recently responded to this request by stating, "There are no separate regulations."

This product is currently classified as an electronic device and has met the electronic product-related certifications required for launch. Separately, the National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety have decided to establish safety management standards for lifestyle-integrated convergent new technology products, which are currently in a regulatory blind spot. An industry official expressed hope, saying, "If safety standards considering the characteristics of products that closely contact the human body are established, the domestic launch and market activation of electronic masks will also accelerate."