AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Jinkyu, Myung
  • Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyung-hoon Calls for South Korea to Compete in AI Frontier Models
    Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyung-hoon Calls for South Korea to Compete in AI Frontier Models "It is time for us to challenge frontier models that can compete with the U.S. and China, moving beyond industry-specific artificial intelligence (AI)." Baek Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, made this statement during a press conference on May 29 at the Central Post Office in Seoul, marking his first anniversary in office. He reviewed the past year's achievements in AI infrastructure development, research and development normalization, and reducing communication costs, while emphasizing the need for a focus on frontier models and general artificial intelligence (AGI) in future AI policies. The Ministry of Science and ICT highlighted key accomplishments over the past year, including establishing a foundation for South Korea to become one of the top three AI nations, revitalizing a challenging research and development ecosystem, and ensuring basic communication rights while alleviating public burdens. In the AI sector, the ministry pointed to the promotion of the independent AI foundation model project and the expansion of national AI infrastructure as major achievements. Currently, South Korea has secured 260,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) and is expanding its collaboration with global companies such as OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind. Baek noted, "The most significant change over the past year has been the full-scale establishment of GPU-centered AI infrastructure, ensuring that researchers do not struggle to achieve results due to a lack of GPUs." He assessed that the focus of AI competition is shifting from infrastructure development to securing frontier models. "Until now, we have pursued AI transformation strategies centered on strong industries like semiconductors and manufacturing, concentrating on developing suitable independent AI models," he explained. However, he added that the rapid advancement of frontier models necessitates a reassessment of national strategies. Baek emphasized that to implement AI services accessible to all citizens, industry-specific models alone are insufficient. "South Korea must aim for AI capabilities on par with the U.S. and China," he stated. He also mentioned that securing infrastructure investments is essential for achieving competitiveness in frontier AI. "While we cannot directly compare our AI budget with those of the U.S. and China, it is crucial for South Korea to efficiently expand investments in technology, GPUs, data, and talent across the board," he said. During the conference, the ministry also unveiled plans for AGI and agentic AI. Baek remarked, "In the past, we questioned whether AGI was necessary, but that concern has disappeared. We must prepare for AGI-level frontier models." He added, "Soon, we will enter an era where AI will develop AI models on its own, and we must prepare for the accelerated pace of technological advancement starting now." Regarding the government's 'AI for All' policy, Baek explained that the focus is on expanding AI agents beyond simple chatbot services. "A time will come when citizens, businesses, and government agencies utilize AI agents to enhance productivity," he said, aiming to create an environment where AI provides practical assistance in daily life, including administrative services and financial tasks. On cybersecurity, he stressed the importance of both global cooperation and developing domestic capabilities. "It doesn't matter what rank we hold in cybersecurity; while short-term responses through global collaboration are important, it is even more crucial for South Korea to have the capacity to respond independently," he noted. Finally, Baek reflected on his past year in office, expressing initial concerns about what could be achieved in a rigid organization upon his appointment. "Fortunately, flexible communication, which is central to our culture, has become well established, and communication among staff has improved," he reported. He concluded by stating, "It is important to focus on the basics rather than inter-departmental power struggles, as many ministries rely on the Ministry of Science and ICT. We will concentrate on creating a system that can apply AI in the field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 12:03:00
  • Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyung-hoon Prioritizes Mission-Centric Reform Over Consolidation of Research Institutes
    Deputy Prime Minister Baek Kyung-hoon Prioritizes Mission-Centric Reform Over Consolidation of Research Institutes The Ministry of Science and ICT has announced that it will prioritize mission-centric reform over the consolidation of government-funded research institutes under the National Science and Technology Council (NST). During a press briefing on May 29 at the Seoul Central Post Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon stated, "Rather than first discussing the reorganization of research institutes, we need to set mission-centric tasks first. Once a mission-centric system centered around the K-Moonshot Project is established, discussions on organizational restructuring can follow, but for now, setting mission-centric tasks is the priority." In response to concerns that there are more support staff than researchers at these institutes, First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae noted that it is difficult to make uniform judgments across institutions. He explained, "Each institution has different circumstances, and we need to approach them according to their specific characteristics." According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the current support for research personnel at NST-affiliated institutions is about 17% of the actual work support standard. The ministry also plans to continue improving the treatment of researchers at government-funded institutes. Deputy Prime Minister Baek remarked, "The disparity in treatment between private companies and research institutes is always a concern, and we are discussing how to improve it." Vice Minister Koo added, "It is necessary to continuously improve the treatment of experienced researchers, and we are considering expanding the budget for science and engineering research institutes in the next fiscal budget process." On the same day, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced plans to reform the evaluation system to support challenging research and development (R&D). Vice Minister Koo stated, "The R&D environment is changing rapidly, and the existing evaluation methods have limitations. We are reviewing a transition to a diagnostic and excellence evaluation system centered around experts." He further mentioned, "We aim to present evaluation directions as early as this year or by early next year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 12:03:00
  • LG Uplus Transitions Corporate Network to Wi-Fi 7, Enhancing Smart Office Capabilities
    LG Uplus Transitions Corporate Network to Wi-Fi 7, Enhancing Smart Office Capabilities LG Uplus announced on May 31 that it will fully transition its corporate wireless network to the next-generation communication standard, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), while also restructuring its authentication methods and network architecture. Wi-Fi 7 offers theoretical speeds up to 4.8 times faster than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6/6E, along with ultra-low latency. To enhance the wireless environment at its main office, which experiences high traffic, LG Uplus has adopted key technologies from Wi-Fi 7. The company has implemented a "320MHz ultra-wideband channel," doubling the previous data transmission bandwidth of 160MHz. This expansion allows for seamless connectivity even in crowded environments where many users are accessing the network simultaneously. Additionally, LG Uplus has introduced multi-frequency simultaneous connection technology and the "4K-QAM" technology, which improves transmission efficiency by over 20%. This upgrade aims to stabilize video conferencing and cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to wired LAN standards. A new "Unified IP System" has been established, integrating the wireless authentication framework with an automatic IP allocation system (DHCP). Previously, wireless networks were separated by office locations, requiring re-authentication each time employees moved between buildings. Now, employees can transition between locations such as Yongsan, Magok, and Sangam without interruption, maintaining a consistent network environment. The introduction of a "certificate-based automatic connection system" eliminates cumbersome login procedures, enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, a new "guest-only wireless network" has been created to improve collaboration with external partners while enhancing security. To maximize wireless scalability and management efficiency, LG Uplus designed this infrastructure based on a central data center. The system will first be applied to major offices this year, with plans to gradually expand the Wi-Fi 7 environment to regional branches and business sites nationwide. Kwak Hyo-shin, head of the architecture lab at LG Uplus, stated, "The transition to Wi-Fi 7 is not just about speed improvement; it represents a complete transformation of our corporate infrastructure to a wireless-centric model. We will continue to enhance our network competitiveness, optimized for AI and cloud-based work environments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 10:09:00
  • South Korea Launches AI-Based Cyber Threat Response System
    South Korea Launches AI-Based Cyber Threat Response System The South Korean government is establishing a nationwide cybersecurity framework to address the increasing cyber threats associated with the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI). With the potential for high-performance AI to automate vulnerability discovery and attacks, the government aims to create an AI-based security system in collaboration with the private sector. On May 29, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced the 'Private Sector Cybersecurity Promotion Plan to Counter AI-Based Cyber Threats' during the 9th Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting. Concerns have grown regarding security organizations as vulnerability discovery becomes routine with high-performance AI. In response, the MSIT plans to establish a governance and cooperation framework to publicly address AI vulnerabilities. The government will facilitate rapid sharing and dissemination of information regarding AI vulnerabilities and threats, led by the National Security Office at the Blue House. An emergency response system will be established to enable joint responses to incidents, with a central situation room within the MSIT and separate situation rooms in relevant ministries for the private sector. The government plans to set up a Vulnerability Management Center within the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) to centralize vulnerability and patch management. This center will collect and analyze vulnerability and patch information from both domestic and international sources through the National Vulnerability Database (KNVD) and share it promptly with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), private cooperation channels (C-TAS, ISAC), and relevant ministries. Additionally, the MSIT intends to pilot the use of high-performance AI models, acquired through international cooperation, for vulnerability analysis and patch generation and validation. On May 26, the MSIT held a meeting with OpenAI to discuss responses to AI security threats and measures to ensure AI safety and trust. The government has decided to participate in OpenAI's Government and Agency Trust-Based Access Program (GTAC). Based on this, the government will gradually implement an AI-based automation system for collecting open-source vulnerabilities, automatic analysis and classification, and patch generation and validation. In the corporate support sector, the government is considering analyzing source code that does not include personal data, with the consent of the companies, to identify vulnerabilities and provide AI-based remediation measures. For major companies, the government will promote enhanced security preparedness through asset management, vulnerability assessments, and patch responses. Approximately 1,200 companies and institutions, including those in critical information infrastructure, ISMS-mandated companies, and large enterprises in finance, healthcare, energy, as well as major hospitals and private universities, will undergo sector-specific compliance checks. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be strengthened. The government plans to distribute a web-based tool that allows SMEs to assess their IT assets and security levels, along with providing security investment guidelines and remediation measures. To address open-source vulnerabilities that could be exploited by AI, the government will promote support for Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) generation and analysis technologies. Additionally, it will offer attack surface assessments, expert consultations, and support for vulnerability assessment infrastructure based on high-performance AI models. The government will also enhance its AI-based cyber threat response system. It plans to continuously monitor approximately 350 million global domains and establish a system to detect and block malicious activities and suspicious domains from the initial stages. In the event of an incident related to AI services, the 'Incident Investigation Advisory Committee' will be activated immediately to conduct swift investigations and prevent the spread of damage. The government is also pursuing expanded international cooperation. Starting with OpenAI's GTAC, it aims to enhance participation in AI security projects from global tech giants and foster information-sharing collaborations. Efforts will also be made to establish AI-based threat response and information-sharing systems with cybersecurity agencies in allied countries. Furthermore, the government will prepare and distribute guidelines for responding to vulnerabilities from discovery to patching for manufacturers, companies, institutions, and the general public, while promoting activities to increase security investments. Plans are also underway to hold relay meetings with CEOs from key industries. Starting in 2027, the government aims to transition the domestic cybersecurity framework to be based on independent AI technology and to actively pursue projects to secure AI security sovereignty. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Baek-hoon emphasized, "As the pace of AI development in the field of cybersecurity is rapid, it is essential for our country to establish a security system and global cooperation suitable for the AI era. Through this plan, we will establish an emergency response system to address the large-scale public disclosure of AI vulnerabilities and accelerate the establishment of AI security sovereignty based on our technology and models."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 12:02:00
  • Paid Broadcasting Subscribers Decline for Second Consecutive Year
    Paid Broadcasting Subscribers Decline for Second Consecutive Year The domestic paid broadcasting market continues to experience a decline in subscribers, following its first drop in the first half of 2024. The Broadcasting and Communications Commission announced on May 29 that the number of paid broadcasting subscribers in the second half of last year was 36,150,070, a decrease of 76,030 from the previous half. This downward trend has persisted since the initial decline in early 2024. Specifically, the number of IPTV subscribers in the second half of last year rose to 21,435,425, an increase of 0.46 percentage points compared to the first half. In contrast, the number of subscribers for cable operators (SO) fell to 11,935,236, a decrease of 0.37 percentage points, while satellite broadcasting subscribers dropped to 2,679,578, down 0.1 percentage points from the first half. By operator, KT maintained the highest number of subscribers at 9,123,463 (25.24%), followed by SK Broadband (IPTV) with 6,691,354 (18.51%), LG Uplus with 5,720,439 (15.82%), LG HelloVision with 3,391,130 (9.38%), and SK Broadband (SO) with 2,747,125 (7.60%). Meanwhile, the paid broadcasting industry is calling for swift government policy responses due to declining subscribers and worsening profitability. According to industry sources, cable TV revenues have decreased by 33% over the past decade, with operating profits plummeting by 97%. The burden of the broadcasting development fund is also a major concern for the industry. A representative from a cable company stated, "We are paying 168% of our operating profit towards the broadcasting development fund," adding that some cable operators are unable to meet their fund obligations. He further emphasized, "It is urgent to implement comprehensive and effective support measures, such as reducing the broadcasting development fund, securing legal status for regional channel support, and establishing reasonable content pricing, to ensure that cable TV can maintain its unique value of regional representation and achieve sustainable growth." 2026-05-29 10:56:00
  • SK Telecom to Launch Integrated 4G and 5G Plans in July
    SK Telecom to Launch Integrated 4G and 5G Plans in July SK Telecom (SKT) is set to launch a new pricing plan that integrates its 5G and LTE services, completely overhauling its pricing structure to ensure basic communication even after data is depleted. Starting in July, SKT will implement a phased update to its pricing system, which includes the launch of a 5G and LTE integrated plan, automatic application of age-based benefits, and free data assurance for all citizens, the company announced on May 29. The new plan, named 'Best Light,' will be available on July 2 and is designed to eliminate distinctions between network generations. It will consist of five unlimited data options ('Best') priced between 89,000 and 129,000 won per month, and 11 tiered data options ('Light') offering between 6GB and 250GB, priced from 39,000 to 79,000 won per month. Users of existing 5G devices will no longer be restricted to LTE networks when using LTE plans; they will have the flexibility to utilize both 5G and LTE networks as long as their devices support them. The existing ten pricing plans will also be consolidated into the new integrated plan, starting from the 20,000 won range. The method of applying benefits will also be simplified. Previously, customers had to enroll in separate age-specific plans to receive additional benefits, but now, customers who sign up for 'Best Light' will automatically receive age-based perks. For instance, upon reaching the age of 65, customers will receive an automatic 1.5GB data boost, and youth and student customers will get 50% discount coupons for coffee, movies, and roaming services. Additionally, subscribers to 'Best Pro' and higher plans will gain access to generative AI subscription benefits. Beginning July 1, SKT will also offer a 'Data Assurance Option (QoS)' for 107 LTE plans at no extra charge. This service allows customers to continue using communication services at speeds of up to 400kbps even after their basic data has been exhausted. Customers can opt out of this service through T World, authorized dealers, or by calling 114 if they prefer not to use it. The bundled plans will also be revamped starting July 1. The 'Recent Family Bundle' will remove the requirement for one line each of mobile and internet services, allowing customers to join by bundling only mobile lines, thereby lowering the entry barrier. Enrollment will also be available through non-face-to-face methods. Yoon Jae-woong, head of SKT's Product and Brand Division, stated, "We hope this pricing system overhaul will allow customers to use communication services more easily and comfortably. We will continue to enhance and improve our service system for customer convenience in the future." Meanwhile, LG Uplus announced on May 28 that it will launch its own integrated 5G and LTE pricing plan starting July 1, simplifying its pricing structure from 53 plans down to 18.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 09:24:00
  • Government Selects K-Science Projects Combining Heritage and Technology
    Government Selects K-Science Projects Combining Heritage and Technology The Ministry of Science and ICT has selected a range of research and development (R&D) projects that combine South Korea's unique historical, cultural, and environmental assets with advanced science and technology. The initiative aims to pioneer new research fields by integrating these assets with technology, ultimately leading to global technological leadership. On May 28, the Ministry announced the selection of candidate projects for the 2026 "Our Science (K-Science)" initiative during a meeting at the L Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, attended by representatives from four ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Heritage Administration, the Rural Development Administration, and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. This initiative seeks to link South Korea's unique historical, cultural, and environmental assets with scientific technology, aiming to lead research and explore new fields. The focus is on integrating Korean identity into science and technology, promoting both the acquisition of original technologies and the creation of social and cultural value. Earlier, Park In-kyu, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau at the Ministry, explained the rationale behind the K-Science policy during a press briefing in March, stating, "Just as Jane Goodall became a global brand through her lifelong research on chimpanzees, Korea must cultivate its own unique research themes." The selected candidate projects include: the Ministry of Culture's "K-Museum Technology Development," the National Heritage Administration's "K-Genome Platform Construction," the Rural Development Administration's "Small and Medium K-Smart Farm," and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's "High Astronomy Convergence Research." The Ministry of Culture's "K-Museum Technology Development" project aims to digitize approximately 2.53 million artifacts held by the National Museum of Korea and expand into an AI-based cultural content industry. It will develop technologies for precise exploration of ancient tombs, AI-based environmental control in storage facilities, the construction of cultural heritage significance data, and AI agent-based content creation. The government expects this will lead to citizen-oriented services such as digital twin exhibitions and AI curator services. The National Heritage Administration's "K-Genome Platform Construction" project will analyze ancient human genomes from Korea alongside modern Korean genomes and disease data to reconstruct the origins, migrations, and disease changes of Koreans. The government plans to build a small language model (SLM)-based agent platform to analyze the historical migration routes, living environments, and diseases of ancient Koreans in high resolution, which will be utilized for exhibition and educational content. The Rural Development Administration's "Small and Medium K-Smart Farm" project focuses on developing a Korean-style smart farm model suitable for domestic small-scale farms. It aims to connect the world's first greenhouse technology recorded in the agricultural book "Sangga Yurok" from the Sejong period with modern smart farm technology to promote the scientific and cultural value of Korean agricultural technology. The project will also establish a foundation for global dissemination in connection with discussions on international standards for smart agriculture based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's "High Astronomy Convergence Research" project will verify and analyze approximately 25,000 records of ancient astronomy documented in historical texts such as the Samguk Sagi, Goryeo Sa, and Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. The institute plans to use this data for scientific research on long-period variable stars and solar activity, as well as to digitally restore ancient astronomical heritage and create educational content. The selected candidate projects will undergo a budget review process before being finalized as part of the 2026 "Our Science (K-Science)" initiative. The government also plans to support science culture dissemination consulting for each project starting in the second half of this year. Park stated, "We designed the 'Our Science (K-Science)' policy to promote science and technology policies that the public can actively participate in and feel. We will work with relevant departments to ensure that the public can directly see and experience the process of advancing these research and development projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:02:00
  • 39% of South Koreans Have Used ChatGPT as AI Adoption Grows
    39% of South Koreans Have Used ChatGPT as AI Adoption Grows A recent survey found that 39% of South Koreans have used generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. This marks a continuous increase in usage over the past three years, alongside growing concerns about the potential for misinformation and criminal misuse. The Broadcasting and Media Commission and the Korea Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion released the findings of the "2025 Intelligent Information Society User Panel Survey" on May 28. According to the survey, 38.9% of respondents reported having experience with generative AI, an increase of 14.9 percentage points from the previous year and 26.6 percentage points from 2023. Users spend an average of 49.6 minutes per day using generative AI. Notably, 68% of respondents reported using generative AI for more than 30 minutes daily. The primary reasons for using generative AI include its efficiency in information retrieval (86%), assistance in time management (72.6%), support for learning activities (68.2%), help with complex problem-solving (64.8%), and aid in routine tasks (64.8%). However, concerns about the negative impacts of generative AI have also risen. The survey indicated significant increases in worries about misinformation dissemination (+9.6 percentage points), criminal misuse (+9.0 percentage points), and the generation of content that is difficult to verify (+8.9 percentage points) compared to the previous year. Other concerns, such as job replacement, decreased creativity, copyright infringement, and the creation of biased or discriminatory content, have also grown. Among those who do not use generative AI, 63.5% cited a lack of knowledge about how to use it or difficulty in learning. Other reasons included the cost of services being burdensome (59.2%), difficulty in selecting suitable services (59.1%), concerns about privacy and personal data breaches (59%), and ethical issues (59%). The survey emphasized the need for responsible service operations to protect user rights by both generative AI providers and AI recommendation service providers. For generative AI service providers, 81.3% of respondents indicated that measures should be established to prevent users from generating content that infringes on others' rights, such as internal checks or reporting procedures. Regarding AI recommendation service providers, 79.3% of respondents stated that users should be informed about the criteria used by AI algorithms to select content. Additionally, about 75% of respondents believed that government intervention is necessary when related services contradict the public interest. Meanwhile, a survey by WiseApp and Retail reported that as of April, the monthly active users of ChatGPT in South Korea reached 23.45 million, the highest ever recorded. This figure represents an increase of approximately 6 million from the previous year's 17.49 million. Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude also saw significant growth, with user numbers increasing by about tenfold and twelvefold, respectively, to 8.45 million and 2.41 million compared to the previous year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:32:00
  • LG Uplus Reduces Plans from 53 to 18, Implements QoS Across All Tiers
    LG Uplus Reduces Plans from 53 to 18, Implements QoS Across All Tiers LG Uplus is set to overhaul its telecommunications pricing structure, focusing on a new integrated 5G and LTE plan launching on June 1. The company aims to simplify its pricing by centering on data volume and speed, while implementing a data assurance option (QoS) across all tiers. Additionally, age-based benefits and discounts for bundled services will now be automatically applied without separate applications, streamlining the subscription process. On May 28, LG Uplus held an online press conference to announce the launch of its 'Simply 2.0' campaign, which aims to simplify the subscription and usage processes for its services, particularly focusing on pricing and bundling. Jang Jun-young, head of LG Uplus's marketing group, stated, "This reform is focused on reducing the time customers spend making decisions. Previously, customers had to compare LTE and 5G plans along with data offerings, but the new integrated plan redefines the product structure to simplify selection criteria." The key features of this overhaul include the integrated 5G and LTE plans called 'Data Plan' and 'Plus Plan,' automatic application of benefits based on age and usage patterns, an all-in-one structure that combines mobile and internet services, and expanded 5G roaming coverage. LG Uplus has reduced its plans from 53 to 18, simplifying the structure to allow customers to choose based on data volume and speed. A notable feature is the application of the data assurance option (QoS) across all tiers. However, there are limitations on QoS speeds in the lower-priced tiers. Depending on the plan, QoS speeds can reach up to 400 Kbps, which is sufficient for standard video viewing, messaging, and web browsing, but may not support high-performance gaming or high-definition video streaming. Specifically, for monthly fees: the 'Data Plan 300MB' at 28,000 won offers a speed of 400 Kbps; the 'Data Plan 14GB' at 55,000 won provides 1 Mbps; the 'Data Plan 95GB' at 68,000 won offers 3 Mbps; and the 'Data Plan 125GB' at 70,000 won delivers 5 Mbps. Plans priced at 85,000 won or higher, such as the 'Data Plan MAX,' allow unlimited data usage without speed restrictions. Kang Jin-wook, head of LG Uplus's mobile and digital business group, remarked, "Regardless of the plan chosen, customers will experience uninterrupted data usage, marking a significant change for users. We believe we are entering an era where unlimited access to YouTube and KakaoTalk is possible." Some analysts have raised concerns that expanding QoS to lower-priced tiers could negatively impact the company's profitability. In response, Kang stated, "While there may be concerns about profitability due to the government's announcement of a 380 billion won reduction in telecommunications costs across the three major carriers, we plan to offset this by securing additional revenue through new businesses like AI." Age-based benefits will also be automatically applied without separate applications. For instance, a youth customer using the 'Data Plan 9GB' at 47,000 won will receive 11GB of data monthly, and after exhausting that, they can use data at 1 Mbps. Upon turning 20, they will automatically receive an additional 4GB of data without any application process. The bundling structure for mobile and internet services has also been simplified. Customers can now receive mobile, internet, and bundling benefits with a single subscription, and the previously scattered discount structures can now be easily viewed. LG Uplus will also introduce a dedicated internet product called 'Nugget All-in-One,' which offers the same speeds as existing internet products (100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps) while automatically applying bundling benefits when combined with mobile plans. Roaming services have also been revamped. Customers can now use roaming on their existing tablets or secondary phones without a separate application process. Changes have also been made to voice roaming services, allowing free calls through the 'Exio' roaming service, which previously incurred additional charges. Starting next month, LG Uplus plans to offer free calls based on the Exio service in Japan, expanding to 171 countries worldwide by July. To ensure stable roaming quality in popular travel destinations, the company is collaborating with global network quality analysis firm OpenSignal. They aim to continuously manage customer experience quality, focusing not only on speed but also on network reliability. In the future, LG Uplus plans to introduce an AI-based optimal plan recommendation feature. Kang noted, "From a business strategy perspective, we are preparing an AI-based optimal plan recommendation feature. As discussions on related regulations are underway at the government level this year, we are researching ways to recommend plans that better suit our customers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 11:00:00
  • Controversy Over Stamp Expiration After Compose Coffee App Overhaul
    Controversy Over Stamp Expiration After Compose Coffee App Overhaul The Broadcasting and Communications Commission has initiated disciplinary procedures against Compose Coffee after confirming that the company systematically expired user stamps during the operation of its app service and failed to properly notify users of contract terminations. On May 21, the commission announced that it had completed its investigation into violations of the Telecommunications Business Act by Compose Coffee, which operates the Compose Coffee app and kiosk services. The commission has issued a corrective action notice to the company. The investigation revealed that during the app overhaul, Compose Coffee terminated the existing app service and systematically expired the stamps that users had accumulated. These stamps function as points earned with beverage purchases. The commission also found that the company unilaterally terminated user contracts without adequately informing users of the contract completion, which hindered user interests. The commission plans to finalize the corrective orders and any potential fines after consulting with the business and undergoing a review and decision-making process. The commission stated, "We will continuously monitor actions that cause user harm in the telecommunications service sector, which is closely related to the public's daily life, and will respond strictly to any legal violations." In April of last year, Compose Coffee had previously expired less than ten existing stamps that were individually accumulated at each store during the app overhaul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 20:42:00