Trigem pledges to focus on growth

Trigem Computer Inc., the second-largest Korean computer manufacturer, declared that it would restart an aggressive marketing campaign for its personal computers. The new policy follows an increase in sales this year, ending the restructuring the company had to go through because of a slumping computer market and the failure of its affiliated companies, including Korea Thrunet Co., a broadband carrier. “Until now, we had to only think of survival, but we will be aggressive in development from now on,” Park Il-hwan, the president of Trigem said in a launching show yesterday. The new product, called “Lluon,” is a next-generation computer that combines TV, DVD, radio and camera functions. Lluon costs 300,000 won to 400,000 won more than other models, aiming to position itself as a luxury brand. Trigem lost 490 billion won ($407.7 million) last year and began restructuring. The company closed its office in Yeoksam-dong in southern Seoul in July to move to its factory in Ansan, Gyeonggi province. It also sold unprofitable affiliated companies. As the result, the company made a 1.4 billion won profit this year through the third quarter. by Cho Min-geun