Journalist
Kim Dong Young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
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Naver's new AI model ranks second among Korean models in global benchmark SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - Korea's largest internet company Naver's new high-performance reasoning AI model has been listed on a global AI evaluation index for the first time, ranking second among domestic models. Naver Cloud's HyperCLOVA X SEED Think (32B) reasoning model scored 44 points Tuesday on the Intelligence Index compiled by Artificial Analysis (AA), a global AI performance evaluation organization. The language models are tested by AA through 10 evaluation datasets, testing each models' capabilities across reasoning, knowledge, math and programming. The model trailed only Motif Technologies' Motif-2-12.7B, which scored 45 points. Other Korean models included LG AI Research's EXAONE 4.0 32B with 43 points and Upstage AI's Solar Pro2 at 38 points. Google's Gemini3 Pro and OpenAI's ChatGPT 5.0 topped the index with 73 points each. Naver's model also achieved 87 percent in an evaluation that assessed agent tool usage capabilities through a simulated telecommunications customer support scenario, the highest score among Korean AI models. Industry observers said the results demonstrate the model's potential as an omni-modal agent, a next-generation AI technology that extends beyond conventional multi-modal capabilities. Naver Cloud unveiled two omni-modal models on Monday that can simultaneously understand and generate text, images and voice from the outset, including the reasoning model HyperCLOVA X SEED Think and an upgraded version of its HyperCLOVA X platform called the Native Omni Model. 2025-12-30 09:31:54 -
Nota to supply AI optimization tech for Samsung's next-gen Exynos 2600 chip SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - Korean AI model optimization firm Nota AI said Tuesday it has signed an agreement with Samsung Electronics to supply AI optimization platform technology for the tech giant's next-generation mobile application processor, the Exynos 2600. The deal marks a consecutive contract for Nota, following its previous partnership for the Exynos 2500. Under the agreement, Nota will participate in developing the next version of Samsung's proprietary toolchain, Exynos AI Studio. Nota's hardware-aware AI optimization platform, NetsPresso, is capable of reducing AI model sizes by up to 90 percent while maintaining accuracy. The technology is designed to enable large-scale generative AI models to run smoothly on mobile devices without cloud connectivity. The partnership will also focus on automating optimization pipelines, allowing developers to implement the latest AI models in the Exynos environment more efficiently. "This collaboration, which has continued since the Exynos 2400, proves that Nota's technology is creating tangible value when combined with Samsung hardware," Nota AI CEO Chae Myung-su said. The Exynos 2600 is expected to power Samsung's upcoming Galaxy smartphone lineup. 2025-12-30 08:42:37 -
Home robots take center stage as Korea leads physical AI push at CES 2026 SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Robots that cook, clean and care — and appliances that think before users speak — will define South Korea's showcase at CES 2026, where Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group roll out a new generation of "physical AI" spanning smart homes, humanoid robots and intelligent mobility. The world's largest consumer electronics show opens Jan. 6 in Las Vegas under the theme "Innovators Show Up," drawing about 4,500 companies from 160 countries. This year's spotlight falls on physical AI — systems capable of perceiving, reasoning and acting in the real world, rather than merely generating text or images. Korea is expected to command an outsized presence. The country secured about 60 percent of CES 2026 Innovation Awards and captured eight of the 15 prizes in the robotics category, according to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, underscoring its growing influence in embodied AI technologies. Samsung Electronics will step away from its usual standalone booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center and instead stage an "AI living platform" exhibition at the Wynn Hotel. The showcase will present a fully connected environment linking televisions, home appliances, mobile devices and services through unified software and artificial intelligence. At the center is the company's Bespoke AI refrigerator, powered by Google's Gemini and Cloud technologies. The appliance moves beyond simple ingredient recognition to offer personalized meal recommendations based on users' dietary patterns and health data. "In pioneering the application of vision-based AI technology, Samsung has led innovation in the kitchen appliance market," said Jeong Seung-moon, head of the R&D team for Samsung's digital appliances business. "Through collaboration with Google Cloud, we aim to deliver an even higher level of consumer experience." LG: "affectionate intelligence" and household robots LG Electronics will showcase what it calls "affectionate intelligence" across its premium Signature lineup, marking the brand’s 10th anniversary. Around 10 appliances embedded with large language models will respond to natural voice commands — including instructions such as asking a refrigerator to preserve meat for a specific period. The highlight of LG's exhibition will be the CLOiD home assistant robot. Equipped with two articulated arms, seven degrees of freedom per arm and five-fingered hands, the robot is designed to handle delicate household tasks. It embodies LG's vision of a "Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time," in which machines take over repetitive chores to free up human time. Hyundai Motor Group will return to CES after a two-year absence, unveiling AI-integrated mobility technologies that blur the boundary between vehicles and intelligent companions. Among them is a robotaxi capable of detecting passenger fatigue and emotional states, automatically adjusting lighting, temperature and entertainment settings. Boston Dynamics, Hyundai's U.S. robotics subsidiary, will also demonstrate its Atlas humanoid robot. Industry observers are watching closely for signs of readiness to deploy the machine in Hyundai's manufacturing operations. Korean startups are also drawing attention with applied robotics solutions recognized by CES 2026 Innovation Awards. GoLe Robotics won for its AA-2 last-mile autonomous delivery robot, which uses flexible materials to reduce injury risk in collisions with children or elderly pedestrians. The robot also features improved navigation, obstacle avoidance and automated elevator-calling capabilities. Navifra received an award for its vision-based AI system that enables robots to stop with millimeter-level precision without relying on lidar or floor markers, significantly simplifying installation and real-world deployment. Hurotics and Humanix were recognized for rehabilitation and exercise robots, reflecting CES 2026's growing emphasis on "empathy AI" — technologies designed to enhance quality of life rather than simply expand functionality. Korea's strong showing comes as competition in physical AI accelerates worldwide. China's TCL has taken over Samsung's former prime exhibition space at the convention center, showcasing 115-inch and 163-inch micro LED televisions. Hisense is promoting its AI cooking assistant and integrated smart home platform, while robot vacuum maker Dreame Technology now occupies space previously used by SK Group, presenting physical AI demonstrations including robotic pool-cleaning systems. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics will unveil its G1 humanoid robot, priced from around $13,500 for fully functional models. Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote on Jan. 5 focused on physical AI and robotics, projecting the technology could transform 10 million factories and 200,000 warehouses worldwide. The chipmaker plans to demonstrate more than 20 use cases involving robot training and digital twin technologies. Japan's MinebeaMitsumi will make its CES debut with humanoid robot solutions using high-torque micro actuators for robotic hands, while U.S.-based Realbotix plans to unveil four AI-powered humanoid robots with advanced conversational abilities. "We've built a world-class foundation for AI embodiment where software and hardware meet personality and presence," said Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel. CES 2026 runs through Jan. 9 and is expected to draw about 140,000 visitors. Samsung Electronics CEO Roh Tae-moon and newly appointed LG Electronics CEO Lyu Jae-cheol are both scheduled to address attendees, as Korea positions itself at the forefront of the global race to turn artificial intelligence into physical reality. 2025-12-29 14:47:09 -
Celltrion wins FDA nod for phase 1 trial of bispecific antibody cancer drug SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Celltrion said Monday it has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to begin a phase 1 clinical trial of CT-P72/ABP-102, a bispecific antibody drug designed to treat HER2-expressing solid tumors. The drug, co-developed with U.S.-based Abpro, employs a T-cell engager mechanism that links immune cells directly to cancer cells expressing the HER2 protein. Celltrion plans to begin dosing patients next year following preparatory procedures, according to a company statement. Preclinical studies presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer conference in November showed the drug suppressed tumors in mice with both high and low HER2 expression, while demonstrating tolerability in primate toxicity tests at doses up to 80 milligrams per kilogram. "CT-P72/ABP-102 is a multispecific antibody candidate that showed potential for improved therapeutic index through antibody binding adjustments in preclinical stages," a Celltrion official said. The approval marks Celltrion's second regulatory milestone for its novel drug pipeline in recent months, following the FDA's fast-track designation for its antibody-drug conjugate CT-P70. Celltrion aims to expand its pipeline to 20 novel drug candidates by 2027, including 10 in clinical stages, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on biosimilar products. 2025-12-29 10:22:41 -
Korea Zinc clears legal hurdle for $7.4 billion U.S. smelter project SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - A South Korean court on Wednesday dismissed an injunction filed by Young Poong Group and MBK Partners seeking to block Korea Zinc's landmark investment deal with the U.S. government, paving the way for the world's largest non-ferrous metal smelter to proceed with a $7.4 billion refinery project in Tennessee. The Seoul Central District Court rejected the plaintiffs' request to halt a third-party share allocation that would give the U.S. government-led joint venture a 10 percent stake in Korea Zinc. The ruling marks a pivotal victory for Chairman Choi Yun-birm, who has been locked in a bitter proxy fight with rival shareholders for over a year. Under the investment plan approved by Korea Zinc's board on Dec. 15, the company will build a strategic minerals refinery in Clarksville, Tennessee, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and operations commencing in 2029. The facility will produce 13 metals, including 11 critical minerals, along with semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid. The joint venture's largest shareholder will be the U.S. Department of War, holding a 40.1 percent stake. The Young Poong-MBK alliance had argued that Korea Zinc's decision to issue new shares rather than invest directly was designed to secure a "white knight" to defend Choi's leadership rather than raise capital. If Korea Zinc proceeds with the share issuance on Dec. 26 as planned, the Choi camp's combined holdings, including stakes held by allies including Hanwha Group, LG Chem, and the National Pension Service, would reach about 45.5 percent of voting shares, overtaking the Young Poong-MBK bloc's 43.4 percent. Young Poong and MBK expressed regret over the court's decision. "We cannot say that concerns over potential damage to existing shareholders' value, fairness of the investment contract, and long-term financial and managerial risks Korea Zinc will bear have been sufficiently addressed," the two said in a joint statement. Korea Zinc welcomed the ruling. "We will carry out this project, which will drive Korea Zinc's future growth, without disruption and successfully enhance corporate and shareholder value," the company said. Industry analysts note that U.S. government participation could classify Korea Zinc as an American security asset, potentially complicating any future takeover attempts by the Young Poong-MBK alliance. 2025-12-24 16:30:43 -
Hate it or not, Coupang remains indispensable to Korean consumers — for now SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Coupang is facing intensifying scrutiny from regulators in South Korea and the United States, alongside a growing list of civil and class-action lawsuits. Yet despite mounting criticism over its handling of a massive data breach, the e-commerce group remains deeply embedded in daily life for Korean consumers — from shopping and food delivery to streaming. This week, the South Korean government launched an inter-agency task force to investigate what officials now describe as a national crisis rather than a routine corporate incident. The task force brings together 10 ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Fair Trade Commission. "The government views this not as a simple corporate data breach but as a serious social crisis that has undermined public trust," said Ryu Je-myung, second vice minister of science and ICT, at the task force's inaugural meeting, adding that Coupang's response to date was "deeply concerning." Coupang disclosed on Nov. 29 that a former employee had accessed customer data through overseas servers for about six months starting in late June without detection. The company initially reported the breach to authorities on Nov. 18, estimating 4,500 affected users. That figure later ballooned to 33.7 million — nearly its entire user base. The e-commerce giant drew further criticism for initially referring to the incident as data "exposure" rather than "leakage," and for removing its apology notice from its homepage within days. Founder and executive chairman Bom Kim has yet to appear publicly despite repeated calls from lawmakers and regulators. "Even the heads of far larger global companies such as Meta and Amazon have appeared before congressional hearings," said Rep. Choi Hyung-du of the ruling People Power Party, accusing Kim of showing disregard for Korean consumers. At a Dec. 17 National Assembly hearing, Coupang sent only interim chief executive Harold Rogers, a U.S.-based executive who required an interpreter, prompting bipartisan frustration. Rogers said the breach did not require disclosure under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission materiality standards — a position now being tested in American courts. A shareholder class action filed on Dec. 19 in California's Northern District federal court alleges Coupang made false or misleading statements and failed to disclose the breach in a timely manner, causing investor losses. The company's shares have fallen about 20 percent since the breach became public, closing at $22.43 on Wednesday. In Seoul, the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee is scheduled to hold a two-day hearing starting Dec. 30 to examine the breach, alleged unfair trade practices and labor conditions. Despite the regulatory and political pressure, industry analysts say Coupang's structural advantages remain formidable. "From its logistics network to bundled services, there is still no competitor that matches Coupang in terms of customer value," said Shin Kwang-su, a professor of e-commerce at Kyung Hee University's Graduate School of Business. "There may be short-term friction, but it will not be easy for rivals to alter this trajectory." Recent precedents support that view. SK Telecom lost about four percent of its subscribers following a SIM-card data breach in April but stabilized within months, maintaining market share in the high-30-percent range. Still, competitors are moving quickly to exploit the opening. Naver has partnered with Market Kurly to launch a premium grocery service aimed at Coupang's Rocket Fresh. Naver Plus Store, its AI-driven shopping app launched in March, has become the fastest-growing e-commerce platform by downloads this year, according to Sensor Tower. SSG.com, the online retail arm of Shinsegae Group, is revamping membership benefits and expanding premium offerings. CJ Logistics, which handles deliveries for Coupang's rivals, saw its shares hit a 52-week high this month on expectations that even a modest shift in consumer behavior could lift parcel volumes. The political dimension adds further uncertainty. President Lee Jae Myung has called for tougher penalties and a more effective punitive-damages regime. The ruling Democratic Party is expected to revive the Online Platform Act after concluding non-tariff negotiations with the United States, potentially placing dominant platforms such as Coupang and Naver under stricter regulatory oversight. For now, hate it or not, Coupang remains the indispensable giant of Korean e-commerce — battered, besieged, and still without a clear successor waiting in the wings. 2025-12-24 15:48:47 -
Lotus transforms Seoul showroom into immersive art gallery SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Lotus Cars Korea finished its art collaboration event at its flagship showroom in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district on Wednesday, merging contemporary Japanese art with high-end automotive design. The event, held from Dec. 21, drew guests from fashion, design, automotive and lifestyle sectors. London and Seoul-based creative directing teams Nazferatu and Aube Arte orchestrated the showcase. Japanese contemporary artist Ryota Daimon headlined the event with a live painting performance, using a vehicle as his canvas. The artist, known for fusing street culture with traditional Japanese aesthetics, transformed the car into what organizers described as an artistic object rather than mere transportation. Korean sculptor Oum Jeong-soon, whose work has featured at the Gwangju Biennale, contributed installation pieces exploring the relationship between space, objects and human presence. Bang & Olufsen's high-end audio systems provided an immersive soundscape throughout the venue. "This art collaboration was an attempt to extend Lotus's pursuit of performance and design sensibility into the broader lifestyle sphere," a Lotus Cars Korea official said. "We plan to continue expanding touchpoints with customers through brand activities that combine art, culture and spatial experiences." The company indicated it would pursue similar differentiated marketing initiatives in 2026, seeking to carve out a distinctive brand identity in South Korea's competitive luxury automotive market. 2025-12-24 10:55:59 -
Naver, Spotify open joint popup store in Seoul to showcase audio content partnership SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean internet giant Naver and global music streaming service Spotify have launched a two-day popup store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong to promote their content partnership. The popup store, running from Dec. 23 to 24 at XYZ SEOUL, allows Naver Plus membership subscribers to experience integrated audio content services from both platforms. Non-members can also gain access by signing up for the membership on-site. Since Nov. 27, Naver Plus membership subscribers have been able to access Spotify Premium Basic as part of their monthly subscription, enabling them to stream Spotify's extensive music library at no additional cost. The venue features multiple experience zones highlighting the integration between Naver's services and Spotify. A navigation zone demonstrates how Naver Maps can sync with Spotify to recommend playlists based on saved destinations, while a search zone allows visitors to find and play music directly through Naver's search results. The popup store also includes interactive areas where visitors can create customized eco-bags and view works by graffiti artists. A special room dedicated to South Korean boy band Stray Kids member Felix, who serves as campaign ambassador for both companies, is also available. Naver said it plans to continue online and offline promotional events to strengthen user engagement with the Naver-Spotify collaboration. 2025-12-23 17:47:53 -
Samsung Biologics acquires GSK biopharmaceutical plant in U.S. for $280 million SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics said Monday it has signed an agreement with GSK plc to acquire a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland, marking the South Korean contract drugmaker's first production foothold in the United States. The deal, valued at about $280 million, will see Samsung Biologics America, a U.S. subsidiary, take over the 60,000-liter drug substance plant formerly operated by Human Genome Sciences. The asset transfer is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. The Rockville facility, nestled in the heart of Maryland's biotechnology cluster, comprises two manufacturing buildings capable of supporting antibody drug production from clinical trials through commercial scale. Samsung Biologics will retain all 500 employees at the site and inherit existing production contracts, securing a stable pipeline of large-scale contract manufacturing orders. The acquisition establishes a dual production network linking Samsung Biologics' headquarters in Songdo, South Korea, with the new U.S. base, enabling the company to offer clients greater flexibility and supply chain resilience amid shifting regional regulatory landscapes. The expanded footprint comes as Samsung Biologics recently bolstered its domestic capacity with an additional 1,000-liter bioreactor at its second plant, bringing total production capacity in Songdo to 785,000 liters across five facilities. "This landmark acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare and bolstering our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. The investment will enable us to deepen our collaboration with federal, state, and local stakeholders to best serve our customers and partners while ensuring a reliable and stable supply of life-saving therapeutics," said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. Regis Simard, president of global supply chain at GSK, said the transaction ensures continued U.S.-based production of critical medicines for American patients. "This deal enables us to further focus on building the agility, capacity and capability needed in our manufacturing network to deliver the next generation of specialty medicines and vaccines," he said. 2025-12-22 09:47:19 -
CJ CheilJedang brings Bibigo brand to Netflix's Culinary Class Wars Season 2 SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - CJ CheilJedang said Thursday it has supplied a branded pantry stocked with Korean food products for Netflix's cooking competition series Culinary Class Wars Season 2 expanding its global marketing push following a similar tie-up with Squid Game Season 2. The food giant provided a dedicated Bibigo-branded pantry that appeared in episodes released on Dec. 16, featuring ingredients ranging from basic condiments to signature ready-to-eat products for competing chefs to use during the show. The pantry includes Korean staples such as fermented pastes including gochujang and doenjang, alongside Bibigo's flagship products including instant rice, dumplings, kimchi, and processed meats. An internationally beloved series which pit 80 unknown chefs against celebrity chefs in a culinary competition last season, Culinary Class Wars was the first Korean unscripted series to lead Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English) TV list for three consecutive weeks. CJ CheilJedang plans to launch collaborative products tied to the show, following its product partnership with Squid Game Season 2 last year. "The support for Culinary Class Wars Season 2 carries significant meaning, as we not only have a diverse product portfolio led by Bibigo, but have also invested in discovering and nurturing Korean chefs through our Cuisine.K initiative," a company official said. Despite viewer anticipations, Season 2 has faced controversies, with one of its main judges Paik Jong-won embroiled in allegations over origin labeling violations and agricultural land law breaches, while some dishes in the competition have drawn plagiarism accusations. 2025-12-18 11:58:23