SOOP Unveils AI Manager to Replace Streamers with Persona-Based Technology SOOP has introduced a persona-based artificial intelligence (AI) manager capable of continuing broadcasts in place of streamers. On June 9, SOOP announced the beta version of its AI manager service, 'SARSA 2.0,' with a full launch scheduled for June 26. SARSA 2.0 features new capabilities that allow the AI to engage directly with users during broadcasts, in addition to existing functions for summarizing AI broadcasts and managing chats. Notably, the AI can maintain the flow of a broadc June 9, 2026

Naver Shares Plummet 10% After Initial Surge on Nvidia Partnership News Naver's stock, which surged on news of a partnership with Nvidia for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, reversed course and fell sharply the following day. As of 2:04 PM on June 9, Naver shares were trading at 255,000 won, down 24,000 won (8.60%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 290,000 won and briefly climbed to 308,500 won before selling pressure caused a decline. On June 8, Naver announced plans to collaborate with Nvidia on a global AI factory, capturing June 9, 2026

Jensen Huang Boosts Sales by 1024% Amid Retail Challenges As Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, concluded his five-day visit to South Korea, products associated with him, ranging from convenience store snacks to chicken and beverages, have gained significant attention online, benefiting related brands.On June 9, Seven-Eleven reported that sales of its private brand product, the "Seven Select Honey Banana HBM Chips," surged by 1024% from the same days the previous week, between June 6 and June 8.This spike in sales was largely attributed to a gathering known June 9, 2026

Trust in Election Commission Eroded by Voting Issues in Local Elections A week after the June 3 local elections, the fallout is intensifying. What initially appeared to be a ballot shortage issue in certain areas of Seoul has now expanded to 140 polling stations nationwide. Additionally, it has come to light that nearly 1,300 names were omitted from the voter registration list at a polling station in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. Allegations and controversies continue to swirl even after the election has concluded. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. June 9, 2026

PSK Shares Surge on Semiconductor Investment Expansion Hopes PSK, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, is experiencing a strong surge in its stock price due to growing expectations for increased investment in the semiconductor sector. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:06 PM on June 9, PSK shares rose by 30,100 won (27.07%) to 141,300 won. The company has been on a steep upward trajectory, reflecting optimism about improvements in the semiconductor equipment market. Following a 26.27% jump on June 4, the stock rose another 10.58% on June 5, brin June 9, 2026

South Korea's Per Capita GNI Falls Behind Japan and Taiwan Again, But $40,000 Goal Is Closer Last year, South Korea's per capita Gross National Income (GNI) stood at $36,963, remaining in the $36,000 range for the third consecutive year. Although the country fell behind Japan and Taiwan again, a significant increase in national income during the first quarter of this year has raised the possibility of reaching the $40,000 milestone sooner than previously expected. According to the Bank of Korea's report released on June 9, the per capita GNI for last year increased by 0.3% compar June 9, 2026

SeeDevice Initiates Defamation Lawsuit Against KBS and KBS America SeeDevice Inc., a California-based venture specializing in quantum image sensors, announced on June 9 that its defamation lawsuit against KBS and its U.S. subsidiary, KBS America, has entered the court proceedings. In a press release, SeeDevice stated, "This case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, stemming from a false report in August 2024 by KBS and KBS America, which claimed that SeeDevice's technology was fraudulent and that governm June 9, 2026

U.S. Expands Sanctions List Against Chinese Tech Firms, Including Alibaba and Baidu The United States has broadened its scope of technology restrictions against China. The U.S. government has now included companies in e-commerce, search, electric vehicles, biotechnology, robotics, and telecommunications equipment as security risks. On June 8, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Defense updated its list of Chinese companies deemed to support the military, adding about 24 new firms. Among those included are Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, Wuxi AppTec, Unitree, June 9, 2026

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Highlights HBM During Visit to South Korea Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, concluded a five-day visit to South Korea, which was more than just a business trip or client meeting. His presence underscored the current state of national industrial competitiveness as he engaged with major players like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to discuss collaboration opportunities.Notably, the term Huang mentioned most frequently during his visit was not artificial intelligence (AI) or data centers, but high-bandwidth memory (HBM). He requested "more HBM June 9, 2026

KG Group to Return Half of Profits to Shareholders Over Next Five Years KG Group announced that it will return half of its net profits to shareholders over the next five years, focusing on a robust shareholder return policy while presenting long-term growth strategies. The company aims to prioritize the normalization of its undervalued corporate worth as a key management task.On June 9, KG Group held a press conference in Yeouido to unveil its long-term management plan.The event featured CEOs from six major listed subsidiaries, including KG Chemical, KG Eco Solution June 9, 2026