AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Shin Hye-an
  • Nexons MapleStory Expands Offline Presence in Jamsil
    Nexon's 'MapleStory' Expands Offline Presence in Jamsil Nexon is collaborating with the Lotte Group to expand the offline presence of its flagship intellectual property (IP), MapleStory, in the Jamsil area. Following the introduction of the themed space "Maple Island" at Lotte World Adventure in April, they have now launched a large-scale exhibition and pop-up store at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. This initiative aims to enhance the experiential content of the long-running IP, which has been in service for 23 years. On May 22, Nexon and Lotte Group kicked off the offline event "Maple Attack! with Lotte" at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. Visitors to the area around Lotte World Mall in Jamsil were greeted by a vibrant display of MapleStory characters. Even in the early hours, many people were seen taking photos in front of a large "Orange Mushroom" art balloon set up at Seokchon Lake. The grassy area next to Lotte World Tower featured various interactive experiences for attendees. One highlight was the "Henesys Jump King" mini-game, where participants could jump on a trampoline to control a character on a large screen. By linking the "Maple Hands+" app, users could participate with their actual game characters, allowing both MapleStory players and the general public to enjoy the activities. Other attractions included a photo event where participants could hunt "Zombie Mushmom" using weapon props and capture the moment with Polaroid photos, as well as a "Bubble Shower Time" where bubbles were sprayed on-site. While the existing Maple Island at Lotte World focused on ticketed attractions, this outdoor exhibition is notable for its accessibility to the general public visiting Jamsil. The presence of MapleStory characters in the Jamsil area is significant for the Lotte Group, as it helps attract visitors. By connecting key locations such as Lotte World Tower, Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Mall, and Lotte Cinema with the MapleStory IP, they aim to increase visitor dwell time. The draw of Maple Island has already been confirmed. According to Nexon and Lotte World, attendance at Lotte World Adventure increased by about 20% in April compared to the week before the opening of Maple Island. This figure also represents a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating that the presence of MapleStory fans has positively impacted visitor numbers. MapleStory is highly regarded as a valuable IP for collaboration in the retail sector, particularly due to its strong user base among those in their 20s and 30s. Launched in 2003, the game has evolved from a teenage audience into a consumer base with significant purchasing power, leading to effective offline collaboration strategies. The expansion of "Maple Attack! with Lotte" into outdoor exhibitions, pop-up stores, Uniqlo, Lotte Wellfood, 7-Eleven, and Lotte Cinema reflects this trend. The exhibition spans not only outdoor spaces like the grassy area but also extends into Lotte World Mall, where MapleStory merchandise is featured alongside products from Uniqlo and 7-Eleven. The Lotte Group has also integrated the MapleStory IP into its retail and content subsidiaries, expanding into various sectors such as fashion, food, and film. At Uniqlo, a custom event called "UTme!" featuring MapleStory characters is being held, while limited-edition products from the collaboration with Lotte Wellfood are available through convenience stores, supermarkets, and online channels. This strategy aims not only to increase foot traffic to Lotte World Mall but also to drive actual sales. This is not the first time Nexon and Lotte have collaborated using Nexon's game IP. In 2021 and 2022, they partnered on the "KartRider" IP at Lotte World, and last year they expanded their collaboration to include MapleStory and "Dungeon & Fighter," confirming the influence of gaming fandom. This exhibition is part of a series of MapleStory events that will continue through next month. Nexon plans to hold a regular showcase for MapleStory next month and will release the animated film "Dear My Hero," based on the MapleStory IP, through Lotte Cinema. A Nexon representative stated, "We are seeing the benefits of expanding offline connections with users through our collaboration with the Lotte Group. If there are opportunities for the MapleStory IP to expand in various forms and meet users in offline spaces, we will continue to hold related events."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:41:23
  • Kraftons PUBG Mobile Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Kia Collaboration
    Krafton's PUBG Mobile Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Kia Collaboration Krafton has launched an online game and offline experiential pop-up in collaboration with Kia to celebrate the 8th anniversary of PUBG Mobile. The initiative aims to strengthen direct communication with users and expand the long-term service foundation of PUBG Mobile. On May 21, Krafton opened PUBG Seongsu and Kia Unplugged Ground in the Seongsu area of Seoul. The concept, dubbed 'Zone 8,' combines the core element of the game, the magnetic field, with Kia's EV mobility in a collaborative project. PUBG Mobile, launched in 2018, is Krafton's mobile adaptation of the original PC game, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). The PUBG intellectual property (IP) has become a significant revenue source for Krafton. The company has been actively expanding the PUBG IP through various game versions, including PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile India. According to Krafton's first-quarter results, revenue from PUBG's PC, console, and mobile IP grew by 14% and 30%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. A Krafton marketing representative at the PUBG Seongsu event stated, "As we celebrate eight years since the launch of PUBG Mobile, we recognize the importance of communicating with long-time players. This offline experience zone was prepared to enhance that communication with our users." Krafton's collaboration with Kia for the 8th anniversary of PUBG Mobile reflects this focus. The PUBG games, including PUBG Mobile, fall under the open-world shooting genre. In PUBG Mobile, players navigate vehicles such as cars, buses, and motorcycles into a shrinking magnetic field, which is a key gameplay element. Krafton has brought this experience outside the game by incorporating vehicles into the offline pop-up. This marks the first collaboration between PUBG Mobile and a domestic automotive brand. The Kia vehicles featured in the offline experience zone include the EV3, EV4, and PV5 models. These vehicles represent Kia's EV lineup and serve as key objects in the collaboration, showcasing vehicle skins from the game. Previously, PUBG Mobile collaborated with global automotive brands like Porsche. This partnership allows Kia to present its electric vehicle lineup to a younger gaming audience, while PUBG Mobile integrates real vehicles into its game world, enhancing the realism of the collaborative content. Located near Ttukseom Station, the Kia Unplugged Ground is designed with a 'combat zone' concept. The layout includes EV landing, item farming, EV4 RC car racing, and a laser battle zone, allowing visitors to experience in-game activities such as parachuting, shooting, and item hunting. Kia's EV3, EV4, PV5 vehicles, RC cars, and parachute figures are arranged like game objects to seamlessly expand the experience of Kia's EV lineup. The pop-up zone at PUBG Seongsu, located about a seven-minute walk away, features a realistic representation of the magnetic field, allowing for an immersive PUBG Mobile experience. It includes a large blue dome air dome, an in-circle challenge, a direct play zone for PUBG Mobile, a puzzle zone (8UZZLE), and a message wall. Visitors to the experience zone enjoyed activities such as navigating obstacles to avoid the magnetic field or test-driving Kia vehicles set up within the air dome. While the Kia Unplugged Ground focuses on in-game content experiences like shooting and farming, PUBG Seongsu emphasizes creating a photo zone where visitors can explore the game environment and take pictures. According to Krafton, the primary user demographic for PUBG Mobile is in their teens and twenties, which is younger compared to the 2030 age group that predominantly plays the PC version of PUBG. The decision to operate an experiential zone in Seongsu reflects the preferences of this younger audience. At the PUBG Seongsu craft zone, users could create maps directly on their smartphones. In the actual PUBG Mobile game, players can create their own maps, a feature that was not available at the game's launch in 2018 but has been introduced by Krafton to enhance user-generated content (UGC) for long-term engagement. A representative at the site explained, "As the service period for PUBG Mobile has extended, we have attempted to expand the in-game experience through UGC content." A Krafton spokesperson stated, "This collaboration is designed to allow users to experience PUBG Mobile not only through in-game content but also through community events and offline pop-ups. We hope that users will continue to engage with PUBG Mobile through these immersive experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:01:52
  • Kakao Faces First Joint Strike Threat Amid Prolonged Labor Dispute
    Kakao Faces First Joint Strike Threat Amid Prolonged Labor Dispute Kakao is facing a potential strike as prolonged labor negotiations over bonuses and job security continue. The Kakao Union, part of the Korean Chemical Fiber and Food Industry Workers' Union, escalated pressure by approving a strike vote on May 20, while Kakao aims to reach a consensus during the mediation period. According to the IT industry on May 21, a total of five Kakao entities, including Kakao Corp, Kakao Pay, Kakao Entertainment, DK Tech, and XL Games, held a rally on May 20 to support the strike vote, which passed in favor of a strike. The two sides extended the mediation period after their first meeting on May 18, with the next session scheduled for May 27. If mediation fails, the union at Kakao Corp will gain the right to strike. Previously, four subsidiaries had sought mediation from the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission due to stalled wage negotiations, but mediation was halted during the first meeting, granting them strike rights. The Kakao Union has been unable to reach an agreement on the compensation structure, including bonuses, during previous wage negotiations. Concerns about job security have also arisen amid ongoing restructuring within Kakao's subsidiaries. During the rally on May 20, the union presented four key demands: 1) management reform and accountability, 2) job security and community safety nets, 3) fair performance compensation and profit distribution, and 4) the establishment of universal labor conditions and welfare systems. The union believes that the difficulties in wage negotiations stem not only from the compensation system but also from job insecurity and a management-centered performance distribution structure. They plan to continue discussions on their collective demands separately from wage negotiations. Industry sources indicate that the Kakao Union requested bonuses amounting to 13-15% of Kakao's operating profit last year. However, the union clarified on May 20 that their collective demands are separate from the wage negotiations and that they have not demanded bonuses based on operating profit. There is a divergence in perspectives between the union and management regarding Kakao's performance improvement. The union argues that the efforts of employees during the restructuring and cost-efficiency measures have contributed to profitability, warranting discussions on profit distribution. Conversely, Kakao is cautious about expanding compensation due to uncertainties surrounding AI investments. Recent analyses suggest that Kakao's profitability improvements are largely due to restructuring and cost adjustments rather than aggressive business expansion. Kakao has been accelerating its restructuring efforts, including transferring shares and management rights of subsidiaries such as Kakao Games, Kakao Healthcare, and AXZ, the operator of the portal Daum. As a result, the number of Kakao's subsidiaries has decreased from 142 in September 2023 to approximately 93 currently. The outcome of the upcoming mediation session on May 27 is expected to be a critical turning point for the potential strike. If a strike occurs, it could impact Kakao's ongoing services, including KakaoTalk, as well as its planned AI projects and schedules for the second half of the year. Kakao is currently working on a project to integrate AI agents into its core messaging service, KakaoTalk, which encompasses conversation, search, recommendations, and payments. A strike could pose challenges for the advancement of these new business initiatives. The four subsidiaries outside of Kakao Corp are involved in finance and gaming sectors. A Kakao representative stated, "Since both parties agreed to extend the mediation period on May 18, the company will continue to strive for a smooth agreement during the remaining time. We will also work to ensure that there are no disruptions to our ongoing services and project plans." Meanwhile, the potential for Kakao's strike to influence labor relations in other IT companies is being closely watched. The IT Committee of the Korean Chemical Fiber and Food Industry Workers' Union, which includes companies like Naver, Nexon, and Neople, also participated in the rally on May 20. Given that Neople's union previously conducted a strike over bonus distribution issues, the ongoing labor disputes surrounding compensation structures in the IT industry may resurface.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 14:28:04
  • Bespin Global Unveils AI Transformation Strategy at AWS Summit Seoul 2026
    Bespin Global Unveils AI Transformation Strategy at AWS Summit Seoul 2026 Bespin Global announced on May 21 that it participated in the AWS Summit Seoul 2026, hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), to showcase its AI transformation (AX) strategy centered around the HelpNow AI Foundry, aimed at generating tangible results for domestic and international businesses. The AWS Summit Seoul 2026 is the largest AI and cloud conference in South Korea, focusing on generative AI and cloud technologies, sharing the latest technological trends and innovative case studies across various industries. As a gold sponsor, Bespin Global operated an exhibition booth and held presentation sessions to highlight its AI technology capabilities and customer success stories. At the exhibition booth, Bespin Global showcased its technological expertise and experience, focusing on the HelpNow product line, including HelpNow AI Foundry and HelpNow Journey to AI. The company also presented success stories from various industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail, and public sectors. A representative from Bespin Global stated, "We provided specific execution strategies to address the AI transformation challenges faced by companies, along with insights that can lead to business outcomes." The HelpNow AI Foundry is an orchestration platform that supports the entire process necessary for realizing enterprise AI, from data integration to security governance. Key features include an AI agent workflow builder, enterprise RAG management (RAGOps), GraphRAG & ontology studio, enterprise large language model operations (LLMOps), and AI governance & security monitoring. It offers a one-stop solution for agent deployment and utilization, enhancing search quality through data refinement and logical answer derivation for complex queries by combining RAGOps and knowledge graph technology. Additionally, it provides a flexible LLMOps environment tailored to business characteristics while establishing security monitoring systems, such as privacy protection and role-based access control (RBAC), enabling companies to operate AI services safely and transparently. The company is focused on ensuring that AI adoption leads to concrete business outcomes through HelpNow Journey to AI. This initiative aims to present a clear AX direction that organizations can tangibly experience. It minimizes uncertainties in the adoption process through data analysis-based ROI and prototype feasibility validation, establishing a phased execution roadmap. During the presentation session, Jang Hyung-hwa, head of the AXT division, emphasized the importance of efficient AI operations through HelpNow AI Foundry, defining the concept of an AI platform that provides an environment for AI agents to yield tangible results. The enterprise AI market is currently shifting from simple AI adoption to AI orchestration, which integrates and manages fragmented models and data. AI orchestration platforms connect and manage various AI technologies and data within companies. Over the past five years, Bespin Global has accumulated enterprise AI technology and consolidated its product line under the HelpNow brand last year. In April, the company launched the HelpNow AI Foundry orchestration platform and the strategic consulting service Journey to AI to address the practical AX concerns of businesses, targeting the enterprise AI market. Han Sun-ho, vice president and CAIO of Bespin Global, remarked, "Many companies are considering AI adoption or conducting proof of concepts (PoC), but they struggle to connect this to actual business value. Bespin Global aims to be a reliable partner, helping companies realize AX quickly and safely while achieving meaningful results through technical infrastructure and practical AX success methodologies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:58:58
  • IBM Launches Second Quantum Revolution with Hybrid Quantum Computing
    IBM Launches Second Quantum Revolution with Hybrid Quantum Computing "We are currently in the era of the 'Second Quantum Revolution.' Quantum computing is already being utilized in various industries, including life sciences and drug development," said Petra Florijune, IBM's Global Quantum Sales Director, during the 'IBM Asia-Pacific Quantum Connect' media briefing held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. IBM emphasized that quantum computing has progressed beyond research and experimental stages and is now being applied in real-world industrial settings. The company aims to enhance the applicability for businesses through a hybrid approach that combines traditional central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and quantum processing units (QPUs). At the event, IBM presented the latest advancements in global quantum technology and its applications across various industries. Florijune and Dr. Baek Han-hee, IBM's Quantum Director, discussed the current state of quantum computing, industry use cases, and future commercialization roadmaps. Florijune characterized the present as the 'Second Quantum Revolution.' He stated, "Following the first quantum revolution that enabled technologies such as semiconductors, lasers, and MRI, quantum computing has now entered a new phase that innovates areas difficult to solve with classical computing." He added, "Quantum computing is no longer a distant future technology; it is now being utilized to solve real problems. We are moving from an experimental phase to a stage where businesses and research institutions apply 'quantum utility' in their actual workflows." Florijune also highlighted the rapidly increasing economic value of the quantum computing market. According to IBM, the Boston Consulting Group estimates the potential economic value of quantum computing to exceed $850 billion. IBM emphasized the importance of a 'hybrid approach' to enable practical applications of quantum computing. Dr. Baek stated, "It is crucial that quantum computers do not completely replace CPUs or GPUs but rather combine the strengths of each technology." To this end, IBM is conducting research to integrate its quantum systems with Japan's RIKEN supercomputer Fugaku and the University of Tokyo's GPU-based supercomputer Miyabi. The briefing also highlighted industry application cases. In the life sciences sector, a collaboration between the Cleveland Clinic and RIKEN expanded molecular simulations from eight atoms to over 12,000 atoms by 2024. Florijune remarked, "This case is just the beginning and is developing rapidly." In finance, HSBC has implemented quantum computing for bond issuance predictions and trading optimization, achieving a 34% improvement in prediction accuracy. In materials and logistics, Boeing is conducting molecular simulations for new materials to address aircraft corrosion issues. Additionally, they are developing algorithms to optimize delivery routes for thousands of ships and vehicles. IBM reported a cumulative contract amount of approximately $1 billion in its quantum computing business last year. The company outlined its roadmap for the commercialization of quantum computing technology. IBM aims to demonstrate 'quantum advantage' in terms of cost and accuracy compared to classical computers within this year. By 2029, it plans to introduce fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC). IBM also emphasized its strategy for expanding the ecosystem. Florijune noted, "Currently, over 300 partners, including large corporations, startups, universities, and research institutions, are participating in the IBM Quantum Network. IBM's open-source development kit, Qiskit, has become a platform widely used by global quantum developers." Dr. Baek stated, "If the quantum ecosystem in the Korean market expands, we will continue to provide ongoing support and collaboration, including additional system implementations." Florijune concluded, "Quantum computing is a technology that requires a long preparation time. We must start practicing now to complete the marathon of the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 17:27:00
  • Nexon Partners with Naver to Enhance User Experience and Expand Gaming Ecosystem
    Nexon Partners with Naver to Enhance User Experience and Expand Gaming Ecosystem Nexon is teaming up with Naver to enhance user convenience and expand the gaming and streaming ecosystem. On May 18, Nexon announced a transition event for 'Naver Login Members' and introduced the Chijijik 'N Connect' project. Naver Login Members can use their Naver ID to log into Nexon and make payments through Naver Pay. Nexon users aged 14 and older who have completed identity verification can convert their existing accounts to a Naver ID. After switching to a Naver Login Member, users will retain their previous gaming records, and all transactions within Nexon will be processed via Naver Pay. Additionally, Nexon is launching the N Connect project to promote the creation of broadcast content based on Nexon IP through Naver's live streaming platform, Chijijik. N Connect aims to connect users, creators, and games. It will offer rewards based on activity, growth, and impact, reflecting viewer participation in Chijijik broadcasts. A content support center will also assist creators in producing Nexon-related content. Nexon plans to support Chijijik partners, pro, and rookie streamers in creating and broadcasting content based on Nexon games. The collaboration will enhance the experience for users, allowing them to seamlessly transition from watching their favorite streamers to playing games. The Chijijik N Connect will operate in a preseason phase until September 22, with the regular season set to begin in October. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to strengthen user data connections and organically combine Nexon's game intellectual property with Naver's services, providing personalized content and an expanded gaming experience for users. To celebrate the opening of the Naver Login Member application page, Nexon will offer benefits to participants. Users who switch their login account to a Naver ID by July 20 can choose a coupon pack for one Nexon game, such as Dungeon & Fighter, MapleStory, or Mabinogi Mobile. Participants in the FC Online 8th anniversary event will also receive rewards. Last September, Nexon and Naver signed a strategic partnership agreement to combine 'playing games' and 'watching games' using AI and data to provide new content. This project marks the first linked service introduced since the agreement was signed. The account integration is expected to facilitate mutual user inflow between Nexon's gaming audience and Naver and Chijijik's platform users, enhancing the lock-in effect where gaming and content consumption occur simultaneously.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 20:39:22
  • Upstages Lee Geon-soo Appointed as New CEO of AXZ Following Acquisition
    Upstage's Lee Geon-soo Appointed as New CEO of AXZ Following Acquisition AXZ, the operator of the portal Daum, has initiated a management change just over a week after acquiring Upstage. Yang Joo-il, the current CEO of AXZ, is set to leave the company at the end of this month, with Lee Geon-soo, the head of Upstage's AI search division, reportedly appointed as his successor. According to sources in the information technology (IT) industry on May 18, Upstage has designated Lee Geon-soo as the new CEO of AXZ. Lee was recruited by Upstage in April from his previous role as CEO of Connectwave. Lee is known as an expert with a strong understanding of platform sectors, having graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in business administration. He became an executive at Naver in 2014 and oversaw the Naver Place business and the Naver Glace (CIC, Global Place) organization until 2023. During his tenure at Connectwave, Lee was involved in a large-scale private language model (LLM) development project with Upstage. He is expected to play a key role in linking Upstage's LLM, 'Solar,' with Daum's AI search portal. Yang Joo-il has served as CEO of AXZ since May 2023, when Kakao launched the Daum business unit as a corporate independent company (CIC). He reportedly expressed his intention to resign following the confirmation of Upstage's acquisition of Daum. Upstage plans to transform Daum into an AI search portal following the acquisition. The goal is to enhance the existing portal search into a generative AI-based search service, utilizing Daum's long-accumulated data and traffic from news, cafes, and searches, based on its LLM, Solar. The IT industry anticipates that the management change at AXZ may lead to further organizational restructuring. Kakao reportedly checked with AXZ employees last December regarding their willingness to return to Kakao or remain at AXZ. Industry insiders believe that the likelihood of AXZ personnel moving back to Kakao is low. Upstage stated that Lee's appointment as CEO is not yet finalized and that there are no decisions made regarding the personnel reallocation within Daum's organization, which is primarily composed of Upstage employees. Meanwhile, the Kakao branch of the National Chemical Fiber Food Industry Labor Union has expressed opposition to Yang Joo-il's resignation in connection with the AXZ sale. In an official statement on May 14, the union criticized Yang, stating, "Yang Joo-il, who encouraged employees by saying, 'We are setting sail into a vast ocean' at the time of the spin-off, decided to resign immediately after the sale through a share exchange with Upstage was confirmed, which is a deceptive exit." The union also criticized Kakao CEO Jeong Shin-ah, saying, "Despite assuring employees that 'we will not consider a sale' during the spin-off, the company moved forward with a sale just months later, which is a unilateral restructuring aimed at meeting financial metrics and removing personnel." They highlighted that the repeated spin-offs and sales, along with the management's 'exit' actions, pose significant risks to the value of Kakao as a company. The union has also raised concerns that the AXZ sale could lead to internal restructuring at AXZ, stating, "Given that there have been many cases of restructuring following sales in the past, we are worried that this could lead to job insecurity once again."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 17:30:40
  • LG CNS Introduces Humanoid Robots at Curlys Logistics Center
    LG CNS Introduces Humanoid Robots at Curly's Logistics Center LG CNS is partnering with e-commerce company Curly to implement humanoid robots and enhance logistics automation at its centers. The collaboration aims to determine the types of robots and tasks suitable for the logistics environment through on-site suitability verification. On May 18, LG CNS announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a proof of concept (PoC) for humanoid robots and logistics automation. The signing ceremony was attended by Curly Chief Operating Officer Heo Tae-young, LG CNS Executive Vice President Park Sang-kyun, and Executive Vice President Lee Jun-ho of the Smart Logistics and City Division, among other key executives from both companies. The agreement outlines plans to leverage Curly's logistics infrastructure to develop humanoid robot suitability verification, logistics intelligence solutions, and explore new business opportunities. Curly is enhancing its delivery services based on a retail tech-driven logistics infrastructure, expanding its offerings from fresh produce to beauty, fashion, and home goods. The humanoid robot PoC at Curly's logistics center is a central element of this partnership. Both companies will identify logistics tasks that can reduce worker burdens and improve safety through robot implementation. Additionally, they plan to verify the on-site suitability of LG CNS's robot learning and operation platform, 'Physical Works.' This will involve measuring and analyzing the robots' task accuracy, execution speed, and efficiency improvements compared to existing methods. LG CNS will integrate automation equipment and logistics operating systems at Curly's logistics center to streamline the entire logistics process from receiving to storage, picking, and shipping. Previously, LG CNS has worked on the construction of Curly's Gimpo integrated logistics center and Changwon logistics center, acquiring expertise in managing ambient, refrigerated, and frozen environments in one location, as well as logistics know-how for rapid delivery. Based on successful applications of humanoid robots in logistics centers, both companies plan to jointly explore new business opportunities and advance next-generation logistics intelligence driven by robotics. Industry experts predict that by 2030, 25% of the global humanoid robot deployment will focus on logistics and warehousing, making logistics centers a key battleground for the robotics industry. Recently, LG CNS unveiled its RX platform, 'Physical Works,' designed for real industrial applications. This platform enables quadrupedal robots, wheeled robots, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to operate independently and collaborate effectively. Notably, demonstrations showed humanoid robots picking plastic bags off boxes on conveyor belts and passing them to quadrupedal robots for transport. Given that Curly's logistics center is expected to have a similar environment, the collaboration between Curly and LG CNS is anticipated to catalyze the growth of the domestic logistics robotics commercialization industry. Heo Tae-young, Curly's COO, stated, "Curly is accumulating vast amounts of data from our logistics operations and leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency. We hope to achieve innovation in logistics by connecting LG CNS's physical AI technology with our operational data." Park Sang-kyun, Executive Vice President of LG CNS, remarked, "The combination of Curly's logistics operational expertise and LG CNS's technological capabilities can create significant synergies in the field of logistics automation. Through this collaboration, we aim to develop innovation technologies centered on the field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:51:05
  • Naver Cloud Showcases Naver Care Call at Japans Public Sector Week 2026
    Naver Cloud Showcases 'Naver Care Call' at Japan's Public Sector Week 2026 Naver Cloud announced its participation in the 'Local Government & Public Sector Week Japan 2026' held in Tokyo, where it showcased its artificial intelligence (AI) welfare phone service, 'Naver Care Call.' The company aims to strengthen its presence in the Japanese public market through this initiative. The Local Government & Public Sector Week is Japan's largest exhibition in the smart city and public digital transformation (DX) sectors, sponsored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Last year, approximately 21,000 officials from 554 local governments attended the event. This year's exhibition took place from May 13 to 15. At the exhibition, Naver Cloud operated a booth where visitors could experience the Care Call service firsthand. Attendees received Care Call phone calls on their smartphones, engaging in conversations with AI about daily well-being and health status. The booth also demonstrated the interactive capabilities of the Care Call's conversational AI technology. A Naver Cloud representative stated, "We received positive feedback from key local government officials in Japan, who recognized the interactive features as practical solutions that can be implemented immediately." During the exhibition, Naver Cloud conducted consultations with several local governments interested in adopting Care Call, expanding its business connections nationwide. According to the company, Naver Care Call is characterized by its natural Japanese language proficiency and has been in use since June of last year in Izumo City, one of Japan's super-aged cities. The AI infrastructure is utilized to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks for welfare personnel, addressing gaps in care due to workforce shortages. Additionally, Naver Cloud held a seminar during the exhibition focused on 'Digital Transformation in Elderly Care' in collaboration with Izumo City, sharing the results and operational processes of the Care Call pilot program. According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 2.4 million care workers will be needed this year. Industry reports indicate that Japan's senior market is expected to reach 100 trillion yen (over 900 trillion won) by 2025, driving rapid growth in the country's age tech market. In response to workforce shortages, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is promoting 'Care DX' policies, heavily investing in pilot projects that incorporate AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into care settings to address issues such as the aging population and solitary elderly individuals. The local government market in Japan presents high entry barriers, but once a product's performance is validated locally, there are significant opportunities for nationwide expansion. Naver's recent success in Izumo City has positioned it favorably at this exhibition. Kim Yoo-won, CEO of Naver Cloud, remarked, "Last year, we took our first step into the Japanese public market through our collaboration with Izumo City, and this time we have expanded our connections by meeting with local government officials from across the country. As the demand for care in Japan continues to rise, we aim to strengthen our foothold in the public market as a partner that addresses practical issues with AI technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:18:17
  • Phishing Emails Masquerading as Naver Plus Membership Notifications
    Phishing Emails Masquerading as Naver Plus Membership Notifications Phishing emails disguised as Naver Plus membership payment notifications are being circulated, aiming to steal user account information. These emails trick users into clicking links that lead to fake security pages where they are prompted to enter their passwords. According to the IT industry on May 17, Naver has issued a warning through its customer service about phishing emails posing as "Naver Plus Membership Payment Completed" notifications, urging users to exercise caution. Naver stated, "The phishing emails are titled 'Payment Completed.' The company clarified, "Official Naver notification emails do not use this format." Users should also carefully check the sender's email address, as phishing emails use domains other than the official Naver domain 'navercorp.com.' Additionally, clicking the 'Go to My Membership' button in the phishing email redirects users to a fraudulent domain. The phishing email browser displays a warning labeled 'Attention Required.' Naver emphasized, "Naver login and security settings pages only request information from 'nid.naver.com.'" If users have entered their account information on the phishing page, they should change their Naver account password as soon as possible. They should also update passwords for any other sites using the same ID and password as their Naver account. Phishing attempts impersonating Naver have been repeatedly confirmed. Last August, a new phishing scheme exploiting the frequently used 'easy login' feature was discovered. Naver has previously advised users to verify the domain in the browser's address bar when using the easy login feature.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 11:48:55