Journalist

Lee Jee-won
  • NHN Cloud to Merge Subsidiary Into Innogrid to Build Full-Stack Cloud Platform
    NHN Cloud to Merge Subsidiary Into Innogrid to Build Full-Stack Cloud Platform NHN Cloud is moving to strengthen its cloud business by reorganizing its operations through a merger in which cloud platform company Innogrid will absorb NHN Inje AI&C, an NHN Cloud subsidiary. NHN Cloud said on 27일 it is pursuing a merger between NHN Inje AI&C and Innogrid. Under the plan, Innogrid will absorb NHN Inje AI&C at a merger ratio of about 1 to 31. The merger date is set for July 6. After the merger, the surviving company, Innogrid, will keep its current management structure under CEO Kim Myeongjin to maintain continuity. Through the integration, Innogrid is expected to secure broader competitiveness in private cloud services by combining technology with operations and management capabilities. Based on that, the company plans to step up its push into the enterprise market, including the public and financial sectors. Once the merger process is completed, NHN Cloud will become Innogrid’s largest shareholder and, as the parent company, will focus on generating synergies across management. The strategy is to combine Innogrid’s cloud platform technology with NHN Cloud’s infrastructure operations to build an integrated service system covering the full process from deployment to operations and management. The companies also plan to strengthen their ability to meet high security requirements in the public and financial sectors while improving support for multicloud and hybrid cloud environments, aiming to enhance full-stack competitiveness across the cloud business. An NHN Cloud official said, “Through this business restructuring, we will strengthen the foundation of our cloud business across both the public and private sectors and build a stable growth framework.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 11:15:16
  • Samsung SDS Expands OpenAI Partnership to Sell ChatGPT Edu to Schools
    Samsung SDS Expands OpenAI Partnership to Sell ChatGPT Edu to Schools Samsung SDS said Sunday it is expanding cooperation with OpenAI as it moves to target the education market for generative artificial intelligence. The company said it has secured additional sales rights for ChatGPT Edu and will step up efforts to provide a safer environment for AI use in education. ChatGPT Edu is an AI service for schools, publishers and other education organizations. Samsung SDS said it applies a “non-training policy,” meaning user conversations and responses are not used as AI training data, strengthening data privacy and security. It also supports functions including text generation, coding, data analysis, web browsing, document summarization and building customized chatbots, using the latest GPT-5-based language model, the company said. OpenAI designed ChatGPT Edu based on experience with ChatGPT Enterprise at major universities worldwide, Samsung SDS said, adding that it is being used at the University of Oxford, the University of London, the Wharton School and the National University of Singapore. Samsung SDS said it plans to broaden the service for institutions seeking to adopt generative AI in education and research. It is conducting a proof of concept with Korea National Open University, which it said has about 90,000 members, and plans to discuss a formal rollout. In the corporate market, Samsung SDS said it has continued to add customers since signing its OpenAI reseller partner agreement, offering tailored AI transformation strategies and expanding across industries. It said it recently signed contracts to supply ChatGPT Enterprise to major companies in the public, finance, manufacturing, distribution and service sectors, including Nexen Tire. Samsung SDS said Nexen Tire is pursuing the tool to improve efficiency in tasks such as knowledge search and document drafting, and chose Samsung SDS to build an environment with enterprise-level security and data management. Samsung SDS said it provides end-to-end AI transformation services through a “One-Team” structure spanning AI consulting, development and operations, cloud and security. It said it supports the full process from strategy and AI full-stack design to deployment, companywide expansion and operational upgrades, and provides a stable service environment through its own cloud and GPU-based AI infrastructure. “ChatGPT Edu will help create an environment where generative AI can be used more safely in education,” said Lee Jung-heon, executive vice president and head of Samsung SDS’ Strategic Marketing Office. “Based on our cooperation with OpenAI, we will strengthen our role as an AX partner that goes beyond simple reselling to design and scale enterprise AI operating systems.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 08:31:15
  • Kakao Wraps Ad Conference, Unveils AI-Driven Integrated Advertising Strategy
    Kakao Wraps Ad Conference, Unveils AI-Driven Integrated Advertising Strategy Kakao said it successfully wrapped up its “Kakao The Moment” advertising conference and outlined plans to expand an artificial intelligence-based ad platform. The company said about 1,000 people — including advertisers, agencies and media representatives — attended the April 23 event, where Kakao shared its advertising vision and strategy. Kakao said the conference was designed to review the present and future of its ad business and strengthen partnerships. Kakao presented a plan to expand into an integrated advertising platform that links messaging, display, commerce and AI. Centered on KakaoTalk, the company said it aims to improve both efficiency and performance by offering ad models that blend naturally into users’ daily experiences. Kakao highlighted examples of purchase conversions driven by message ads and user behavior-based targeting that connects display and commerce ads, saying the approach can improve campaign results. AI-driven ad operations were also a key topic. Kakao said it plans to automate and optimize the full process — from campaign planning and audience targeting to creative operations — to boost efficiency and help advertisers run more precise marketing strategies. The company also emphasized building an ad environment based on user consent, including principles for data use and protection. Kakao said it will deliver messages based on consent to receive promotional information and use ad exposure methods that reflect user choice to strengthen trust. Beyond presentations, the event included an AI experience zone, on-site Q&A and a lucky draw. Kakao also linked KakaoTalk-based reservation, notification and open chat features to extend the experience before and after the event and let participants see how ads can be used in real business settings. Jeon Hyeon-su, a performance leader at Kakao, said the conference shared the company’s expansion direction and technology-based competitiveness. “We will continue to build an environment where we can grow with advertisers by advancing AI-based advertising technology and earning user trust,” he said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 15:31:03
  • Smilegate to Launch “Maid of the Storm” Globally on Steam
    Smilegate to Launch “Maid of the Storm” Globally on Steam The maid cafe management tycoon game “Maid of the Storm” is set for an official global release on PC platform Steam on the 24th. Published by Smilegate and developed by Burgerduck Games, the dot-graphics management simulation puts players in charge of running a maid cafe and growing the business. Players manage distinctive maid characters, expand the shop and face competitive elements designed to increase immersion. A key feature is a strategic staffing system that goes beyond basic operations. Players must assign work while factoring in each maid’s condition and emotional state, aiming to maximize efficiency. The game also includes content modeled on real-world maid cafe culture, including performances tied to omelet rice and drink orders, a mini-game that involves drawing with ketchup, and interactive elements such as taking photo cards with customers. Players build the cafe through various episodes with the goal of winning the “Maid Championship,” combining management simulation with character and story elements. A demo previously released on Stove drew positive user feedback, helping validate the gameplay. Smilegate said it plans to use the global Steam launch to showcase the bright, upbeat appeal of maid cafes to players worldwide, including in Japan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 15:22:15
  • OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.5, Pushing Agent-Style AI and ‘Super App’ Strategy
    OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.5, Pushing Agent-Style AI and ‘Super App’ Strategy OpenAI has unveiled its latest artificial intelligence model, GPT-5.5, sharpening competition in generative AI and signaling a shift beyond incremental performance gains toward agent-style AI and a broader “super app” strategy. According to OpenAI on April 23 (local time), GPT-5.5 features markedly improved reasoning and autonomy. The company said capabilities for complex work such as coding, research and data analysis have advanced, with a key focus on “agent-style” task execution that can interpret a user’s intent and map out steps to solve a problem. OpenAI described GPT-5.5 as a core engine for its “AI super app” approach. The model can recognize what is on a screen and carry out computer actions such as clicking and typing, moving across tools in ways the company says bring it closer to collaborating with humans. OpenAI said this would push ChatGPT beyond a chat window into an integrated platform combining work, search and productivity tools. As an example, the company said that if a user asks it to analyze recent market trends, write a report and send it by email, GPT-5.5 can open a browser to gather information, draft the document and operate an email client to complete the task. The company framed this as a move from providing answers to acting as an executor of work. OpenAI also said it strengthened security guardrails to match the model’s capabilities, judging GPT-5.5 to fall into a “high-risk” category because of potential misuse such as cyberattacks. It said the model underwent an unprecedented level of red-team testing, or simulated attacks. The release comes as rival Anthropic has rolled out next-generation models including “Claude Mythos” and “Opus 4.7,” intensifying competition. In a report OpenAI released, GPT-5.5 outperformed Opus 4.7 on several key benchmarks. On “GDPval,” a measure of practical task performance, GPT-5.5 scored 84.9%, about 4 percentage points higher than Opus 4.7. On “Terminal-Bench 2.0,” which evaluates system-control capability, it scored 82.7%, about 13 points higher. On CyberGym, a security-related metric, it scored 81.8%, well above a competing model’s 73.1%. However, on SWE-Bench Pro, a coding benchmark, GPT-5.5 scored 58.6%, trailing Opus 4.7’s 64.3%. OpenAI also raised concerns about possible data memorization by the competing model and said it disagreed with aspects of the evaluation approach. OpenAI said GPT-5.5 will be integrated across its major services, including ChatGPT, accelerating its push toward an “AI super app” that handles a range of tasks on a single platform. As generative AI moves from a support tool to what the company described as a “digital colleague,” OpenAI said broad changes in productivity across companies and industries are expected. At a news conference, OpenAI President Greg Brockman said, “The biggest feature of this model is that it can do more with less instruction.” He added, “Its ability to interpret incomplete or ambiguous problems on its own and decide the next steps has improved significantly.” Brockman said it was “an important advance that will form the foundation for how computers are used in the future and for large-scale agent-style computation.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 11:14:03
  • Naver Cloud, HanmiGlobal Partner to Pursue Saudi Data Center Projects
    Naver Cloud, HanmiGlobal Partner to Pursue Saudi Data Center Projects 저 장 Naver Cloud and HanmiGlobal are teaming up to pursue data center opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other overseas markets. The companies said they signed a strategic memorandum of understanding on April 22 to jointly participate in large-scale data center projects. The agreement is aimed at meeting demand for digital infrastructure in the Middle East and other markets by combining cloud and AI technology with construction project management capabilities. Under the MOU, Naver Cloud will lead infrastructure technology strategy and service model design, drawing on its full-stack capabilities spanning data center construction and cloud and AI services. HanmiGlobal will handle project execution, including consulting on design and construction, schedule and cost management, and local licensing and permits in Saudi Arabia. Naver Cloud has expanded digital and AI cooperation in Saudi Arabia through “Naver Innovation,” a joint venture with the National Housing Co. (NHC), including work on digital twin development and a map-based super app. The company said the new partnership will extend that effort into infrastructure to strengthen its response to local digital transformation demand. HanmiGlobal has built experience in the region since entering the Middle East market in 2007, completing more than 50 projects, the company said. “Through establishing a local corporation and cooperating with key institutions, we have secured a foundation for execution,” Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yu-won said. “We will actively respond to demand for building digital infrastructure in the Middle East and emerging markets.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 09:13:53
  • NCSoft CEO Kim Taek-jin says insight is key in AI era, urges games built on instinctive fun
    NCSoft CEO Kim Taek-jin says insight is key in AI era, urges games built on instinctive fun NCSoft CEO Kim Taek-jin told newly hired employees that “insight” will be a core competitive edge in the age of artificial intelligence. NCSoft said it held a “Conversation with the CEO” event on April 23 at its Pangyo R&D center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi province, where Kim and this year’s new hires discussed competitiveness in the AI era and the direction of game development. “As AI technology advances rapidly, the human role moves further into more essential areas,” Kim said. “To stay competitive in the AI era, you need the insight to see through the essence and meaning of the work you are responsible for.” On game development, Kim stressed what he called “instinctive fun.” “The most ideal game delivers pure fun that is hard to explain in words,” he said. “Beyond logical explanations, we must create fun that stimulates users’ instincts.” Kim also urged new hires to grow quickly. “The new employees who were here 10 years ago are now at the center of the company,” he said. “I hope you grow even faster and lead NCSoft to the next stage.” NCSoft said it has used the “Conversation with the CEO” onboarding program since introducing open recruitment in 2006 to share the company’s philosophy and vision. 2026-04-24 09:00:11
  • South Korea Fines Duo and Two Others After Data Leaks Expose Hundreds of Thousands
    South Korea Fines Duo and Two Others After Data Leaks Expose Hundreds of Thousands South Korea’s privacy watchdog said it imposed a combined 4.7882 billion won (about $47.9 billion won) in administrative fines and 17.4 million won in penalties on three businesses, including matchmaking firm Duo Information Co., for violating personal data protection rules. The Personal Information Protection Commission said it made the decision at its seventh plenary meeting on the 23rd, also ordering corrective measures and public disclosure. Key violations included large-scale data leaks and the collection and storage of resident registration numbers without a legal basis. The biggest breach involved Duo. Investigators said a hacker in January infected a Duo employee’s work PC with malware, obtained database server account credentials and accessed the member database, leaking personal information of 427,464 full members. The leaked data included basic details such as names, dates of birth and contact information, as well as sensitive profile information that could reveal personal characteristics, including education, workplace, religion and marital history. Because matchmaking services handle broad, life-related details, authorities said the risk of secondary harm is high. The commission said Duo lacked basic access controls, such as blocking access after repeated authentication failures, and used weak encryption methods for resident registration numbers and passwords. It also collected and stored resident registration numbers without legal grounds and failed to destroy about 290,000 records after retention periods expired. Authorities also faulted Duo for delaying its report of the breach for more than 72 hours after recognizing the leak and for not notifying users. The commission fined Duo 1.197 billion won and imposed 13.2 million won in penalties, ordering it to notify affected individuals and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence. Two other companies were cited for inadequate safeguards: call center outsourcing firm KS Korea Employment Information and Geumreung Park Cemetery. KS Korea Employment Information was fined in the 3.5 billion won range after an administrator account was stolen, leading to the leak of personal data on about 40,000 employees and applicants and 50,000 personnel documents. Geumreung Park Cemetery was fined 54.2 million won after a website vulnerability exposed personal data of about 5,000 people. “Resident registration numbers must be handled only in limited cases where there is a legal basis,” the commission said, urging businesses to collect only the minimum necessary data and thoroughly implement security measures such as encryption. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 20:39:21
  • Webcash to Shift From Cash-Management Tools to Financial AI Agents
    Webcash to Shift From Cash-Management Tools to Financial AI Agents First-generation South Korean fintech firm Webcash said it will move beyond basic cash-management software and reposition itself as a specialist in “financial AI agents” that can carry out banking tasks directly. Webcash on April 23 held the “Financial AI Agent Conference 2026” at FKI Tower in Seoul’s Yeouido district and outlined a commercialization strategy centered on its core technology, OPERIA. OPERIA is an “intelligent connector” that links general-purpose AI with financial institutions’ relational databases. It converts natural-language requests into standard query language, or SQL, then extracts data and executes tasks within banks’ information and core account systems, the company said. Webcash said the technology can be deployed while keeping existing systems in place, avoiding data migration and helping maintain security and stability. It also said internal tests showed about 99% accuracy. Based on OPERIA, Webcash said it will pursue three agent businesses: cash management, AI banking and management information. It plans to convert major products to an agent-based model in the first half of the year and apply natural-language AI to internet banking to enable “agent banking” that performs tasks such as inquiries, transfers and filings. At the event, Webcash introduced “Cash Management Agent V2” and disclosed use cases for key services including BranchQ. It said it is expanding deployments centered on NH NongHyup Bank and strengthening functions that analyze and forecast corporate cash flows. Webcash said it is conducting an agent-banking proof of concept with NH NongHyup Bank and running a management-information agent pilot with Gwangju Bank, expanding cooperation across the financial sector. Kang Nam-hoon, a vice representative director, said BranchQ has been upgraded to interpret the context of user questions and convert them to fit database structures, and that accuracy has been raised to about 99% by expanding validation data. He said the company has also adopted “context engineering,” moving away from coding-centered development to a prompt-based approach that reflects customer needs and allows faster creation and deployment of customized agents for each company. Vice Chairman Yoon said internet and mobile banking have led customers to handle tasks themselves, but the next shift will be to AI agents carrying out work based on natural-language instructions. “Adopting AI agents is not a choice but an inevitable trend,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 14:54:20
  • Samsung SDS Q1 Operating Profit Falls 70.8% on One-Time Severance Charge
    Samsung SDS Q1 Operating Profit Falls 70.8% on One-Time Severance Charge Samsung SDS said its first-quarter operating profit fell sharply from a year earlier after it booked a one-time severance-related expense. In a regulatory filing on the 23rd, the company reported preliminary consolidated operating profit of 78.3 billion won, down 70.8% year over year. Revenue slipped 3.9% to 3.3529 trillion won. Samsung SDS said the results reflected a one-off 112 billion won retirement benefit expense tied to a change in severance calculation standards. By business, IT services revenue edged up to 1.6105 trillion won. Within that, cloud revenue rose 5.8% to 690.9 billion won, making it the largest share of IT services revenue, ahead of ITO (IT outsourcing). In cloud, the CSP business based on the Samsung Cloud Platform (SCP) grew 12% from a year earlier, supported by rising demand for public-sector AX projects, increased GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) use and expanded cloud network services. The managed services (MSP) business increased 4% on higher sales in finance and the public sector and stronger global partnerships. Logistics revenue fell 7.8% to 1.7424 trillion won. Sales from its digital logistics platform, Cello Square, rose more than 30%, but overall cargo volumes declined and freight rates fell, the company said. Samsung SDS forecast a recovery starting in the second quarter, citing growing public-sector demand for GPUaaS, expanding sales in financial services and wider adoption of intelligent AI services across government, which it expects to support cloud growth. Over the mid-to-long term, the company said it will accelerate a shift to an AI-centered business structure under an “AI full-stack” strategy spanning AI infrastructure, AX and AI services, and AI platforms and solutions. It plans to invest a total of 10 trillion won through 2031. Specifically, it will invest 5 trillion won in AI infrastructure to expand new facilities including the Gumi AI data center and the National AI Computing Center, and 1 trillion won to strengthen competitiveness in AX and AI services and platforms. The remaining 4 trillion won will be used for strategic mergers and acquisitions to secure new growth engines and expand globally. Separately, Samsung SDS said its data center build-and-operate (DBO) business is gaining momentum after winning a conceptual design contract for a data center project led by a major domestic asset manager.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 13:10:07