Seoul presidential office moving back to Blue House by X-mas SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - The presidential office in Seoul will return to the Blue House by Christmas while readying a stronger national data-protection measures and a renewed push for dialogue with North Korea as the Lee Jae Myung administration moves beyond the phase of "a stabilization of diplomacy, security and governance" in the first six months after a snap election and presidential impeachment. The move out from Yongsan premise will be "essentially finished around Christmas," said presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik in a press briefing on Sunday, looking back the first six months under Lee presidency. The return to the presidency’s “rightful home” will become a symbolic reset for the administration as it enters its second phase, he said. The government will reinforce its data-security framework before year-end following the massive personal-information leak at Coupang, building on what officials described as an “initial comprehensive response” already in place. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac used the six-month briefing to emphasize that while inter-Korean relations have seen little movement, the administration has rebuilt the diplomatic environment needed to attempt genuine engagement next year. He rejected speculation that Seoul might adjust its joint military drills with the United States as a goodwill gesture toward Pyongyang, saying the idea is “not under direct consideration” and stressing that exercises remain a function of “evolving security circumstances.” ' Pyongyang has not responded to Seoul’s recent offer of military talks to clarify parts of the Military Demarcation Line and prevent accidental clashes, but President Lee has reiterated that dialogue remains open and necessary. Wi said the administration had worked “without pause” to normalize foreign and security policy that he argued had deteriorated in previous years. He pointed to the stabilization of the Korea-U.S. alliance, “unexpectedly forward-looking” progress with Japan, and the shift of Korea-China ties from their “worst point” toward a recovery track as groundwork for a relaunch of inter-Korean diplomacy. He added that the presidential office plans to execute a “Korean Peninsula Peace Coexistence Process” beginning next year, now that broader regional alignments have been reset. The administration also outlined follow-up steps to last month’s security and tariff negotiations with Washington, including task forces on enriched uranium consultations, nuclear-powered submarine cooperation, and expanded defense-budget coordination. Working-level talks will begin this month, with tangible results expected in the first half of next year. Wi said these efforts reflect Seoul’s intention “to assert a more proactive defense posture” while reaffirming U.S. security guarantees and moving toward the eventual restoration of wartime operational control. On the economic front, Kang and Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom highlighted the successful conclusion of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations as a signature achievement of the administration’s first half-year. Kim said public trust and “the competitiveness of Korean manufacturing” were the foundation of the breakthrough and signaled that Seoul will use the agreement to upgrade the alliance into a 21st-century technology-security-economic partnership. The presidential office said it evaluates its six-month performance under three themes: restoring the public’s everyday economic conditions, normalizing foreign and security policy, and governing with a citizen-first framework. As for the ruling party’s proposal to establish a special court division to handle insurrection-related cases, the presidential office said it would proceed only within “the narrowest constitutionally permissible boundaries.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-07 19:32:04

BTS's RM confesses thinking of disbanding group "thousands of times" SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - BTS leader RM confessed he had repeatedly questioned whether the K-pop superstar group should disband or suspend its activities altogether, despite the seven members all having finished their military service by June this year, implying deep internal pressure and a series of undisclosed circumstances that prevented the group from returning sooner. During a Weverse live session on Saturday, RM directly addressed fans wondering about the group’s long silence. “Many people ask, ‘Why did you waste the second half of 2025?’ or ‘Why didn’t you do anything?’” he said. “I also wanted to pursue various activities after being discharged, but there were circumstances I can’t talk about. I don’t have the right to explain everything, so I can’t disclose it all.” Rapper Suga was the last of the bandmates to be released in June, following RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook earlier in the year and Jin, the eldest who was discharged in June 2024, and j-hope in October in the same year. BTS has not held a concert since October 2022, marking the longest hiatus of the group’s career. After concluding the “Permission to Dance” tour and releasing a series of solo projects, all seven members entered South Korea’s mandatory military service between late 2022 and 2024. Their enlistments halted group activities at a time when BTS was at the height of global influence, driving billions of dollars in cultural exports, tourism and global attention to South Korea. For years, BTS’s military service had been the subject of national debate over whether cultural contributions could warrant exemption. HYBE ultimately confirmed in October 2022 that the members would serve without exception. Their staggered schedules ensured a full-group comeback would not occur until all had been discharged in 2025. With all seven now having completed their service, fans widely expected a swift reactivation of BTS as a full group. RM, however, indicated the path has not been simple. “I couldn’t sleep. The pressure is huge.” RM described the emotional weight of preparing for a return on such a massive scale. “I want to perform right away, but preparing for it requires so much, and the personal pressure is huge,” he said. “Since last month, I haven’t even been able to sleep. I was thinking about whether I should get a prescription for sleeping pills." He apologized for the extended wait. “I’m truly sorry for making you wait so long. But we have our reasons, and we can’t come back easily until we can present something you’ll be satisfied with,” he said. “Considering the scale and all the circumstances involved, this may sound like an excuse, but I ask for your understanding. We will return. There may be times when it’s not exactly what you hoped for, but I will do my best.” RM confirmed that the group’s new album—planned for release next spring—is nearly complete, with the members practicing daily and filming content throughout December. “Our comeback is soon,” he said. “We will be practicing and filming this month.” The livestream took a more vulnerable turn when RM revealed he had repeatedly questioned the future of the group. “I’ve wondered thousands of times, ‘Would it be better for the team to disband or go on hiatus?’” he said. “But the reason we’re still together is because of the love between the members and the respect we have for our fans.” His remarks offered a rare glimpse into the strain of managing expectations of a global fanbase while navigating military obligations, creative direction and personal well-being. “I love you in my own way.” RM ended the livestream with a message to ARMY. “I love you all. I hope you really know that,” he said. “Even if that love doesn’t come back to me in the same way, I’ll keep loving you in my own way.” With the full group reunited and their comeback preparations underway, BTS’s return next spring is poised to be one of the most closely watched events in the global music industry—marking the end of a three-year military hiatus and the beginning of the group’s next chapter. 2025-12-07 16:56:31

Coupang issues follow-up notice on data breach, warns against secondary damage SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - Coupang said on Sunday that there have been no additional personal data breaches linked to the earlier incident, while urging customers to remain cautious to prevent potential secondary damage such as phishing or impersonation scams. In a follow-up notice sent to users, the e-commerce platform said the update was intended to reinforce precautionary guidance related to a data breach first announced on Nov. 29, stressing that the message does not indicate a new security incident. According to Coupang, the data exposed in the breach included customers’ names, email addresses, shipping address books — which may contain names, phone numbers, addresses and shared building entry codes — as well as limited order information. However, the company said it has repeatedly confirmed that no payment-related information such as credit card or bank account numbers, login credentials, passwords or personal customs clearance codes were compromised. Coupang added that the National Police Agency has found no cases so far of secondary damage resulting from misuse of the leaked information following a full-scale investigation. The company said it immediately blocked abnormal access routes upon identifying the breach and has strengthened internal monitoring systems. It also noted that it promptly reported the incident to relevant authorities and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Coupang advised customers to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, verify messages claiming to be from its official customer service channels, and remain cautious of phone calls or messages impersonating delivery workers, sellers or part-time job recruiters. For users who have stored shared apartment entry codes in their address books, the company recommended changing those access codes as a preventive measure. The notice was issued at the request of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Personal Information Protection Commission and the National Police Agency, according to Coupang. 2025-12-07 15:50:48

President Lee nominates Kim Ho-chul as auditor general SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Kim Ho-chul, a veteran human rights lawyer, as auditor general of South Korea’s Board of Audit and Inspection, the presidential office said on Sunday. The nomination was announced by presidential spokesperson Lee Kyu-yeon during a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul. Kim has held a range of senior public and civic posts, including serving as a standing member of a military death investigation panel and chairing the National Police Commission. He has also led major civic groups, including Lawyers for a Democratic Society, and served as a co-representative of the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements. Lee described Kim as a leading human rights lawyer who has consistently promoted public interest and social values, citing his involvement in high-profile institutional issues such as police oversight reforms and investigations into military deaths. “Kim is expected to help restore the constitutional principles of political neutrality, institutional independence and public trust in the Board of Audit and Inspection through the normalization of its audit functions,” Lee said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-07 14:29:47

Traditional Korean liquor sales surge at convenience stores as young consumers embrace local brands SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - Traditional Korean liquor from small regional breweries is gaining popularity at convenience stores, with sales jumping more than five-fold as trendy products attract younger consumers beyond the traditional middle-aged demographic. GS25, a major convenience store chain, said sales of traditional liquor from small breweries through its Wine25Plus online platform surged 5.4 times in the first 11 months of this year compared to the same period last year. Overall traditional liquor sales on the platform increased 2.4 times. The growth comes as breweries introduce low-alcohol products and leverage popular entertainment content for branding. National Tax Service data shows traditional liquor shipments more than doubled to 163 billion won in 2022 from 63 billion won in 2020. GS25 partnered with Daedong Yeojudo, a traditional liquor curation and distribution platform, to help small breweries expand beyond regional markets. The collaboration brought 19 small breweries onto Wine25Plus this year, with over 90 percent based in regional provinces including Gyeongsang and Jeolla. Hoegok Brewery in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, saw sales double after joining Wine25Plus, with the platform now accounting for about 30 percent of total revenue. The brewery produces trendy products using popular TV drama intellectual property. Another brewer, Han Young-seok's Fermentation Lab in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, reported a 26 percent sales increase. Hoegok Brewery's customer base among consumers in their 20s and 30s grew 65 percent this year, GS25 said, adding that restaurants and pubs have begun requesting product listings. "Wine25Plus is helping regional breweries grow from local brands to nationwide brands through our national distribution network and curation system," said Jeon Jun-young, an official at GS25's Wine25Plus. 2025-12-07 11:16:13

When will South Korea get off the treadmill? Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG aren’t just South Korean brands anymore; they’re global fixtures, as ubiquitous as fast Wi-Fi and K-dramas on long-haul flights. There are few corners of the world where someone hasn’t heard of South Korea. In cultural visibility, the last decade has felt as dizzying as the old Han River Miracle — a second, soft-power-driven version. The artificial intelligence boom literally cannot operate without Korean memory chips. K-pop is sung, danced, copied, envied and, in equal measure, admired from São Paulo to Stockholm. K-dramas routinely sit atop global streaming charts. Streets in Seoul no longer look like tourist sites in a single country but like a sampling of the entire human palette. The country now boasts a Nobel literature laureate, Oscar winners and—judging from the nomination chatter—possibly a Grammy next year. Even Google’s search rankings reflect the moment: K-pop Demon Hunters, a whimsical mash-up of Korean tradition, modern culture and idol fantasy, landed at No. 2 in global searches this year. And the stock market? The Kospi has nearly doubled from its 1,961 close in 2015 to above 4,000 this year. By all outward appearances, the country is soaring. Except for one problem: strip away the shiny names and South Korea looks like a nation running on a treadmill. Lots of motion, not enough movement. In just ten years, Korea has had four presidents—not two—because two were impeached along the way. The potential growth rate has withered from 3.3 percent in 2014 to under 2 percent today. The economy grew 2.8 percent in 2015; this year it will limp in at around 1 percent. GDP per capita is stuck in time. Korea has wandered in the $30,000 range for more than a decade. This year’s estimate — $37,430 — puts the country behind Taiwan at $38,066. It is a far cry from projections made in 2015, when Hyundai Research Institute imagined a best-case scenario of hitting $50,000 by 2024. Even their worst-case forecast of 2030 now looks oddly optimistic. Much of this stagnation is tied to the currency. While the Taiwanese dollar has been steady at around 30 per U.S. dollar for a decade, the Korean won has plunged from 1,100 to about 1,480. Had the won remained stable, Korea might already be celebrating the $50,000 milestone. Some critics say the culprit is Korea’s “America habit”—the outsized investment its corporations, pension funds and individuals make in the United States. And the numbers do tell a story. Koreans spent a record $5.93 billion abroad on credit cards in the third quarter. Foreign visitors in Korea spent just $3.76 billion — barely half. Outbound travel hit 7 million people. The travel account logged yet another deficit, because Koreans spend abroad far more enthusiastically than foreigners spend here. Why? Because, as one economist put it, “Korea is expensive.” Official inflation may be 2 percent, but real inflation—when housing is included—feels above 4 percent. The appetite for global assets is even starker. Koreans poured $99.8 billion into overseas securities this year — more than triple the foreign money coming into Korea. The country’s net external financial assets grew from $12.7 billion in 2014 to over $1 trillion today. The National Pension Service (NPS) alone holds 580 trillion won abroad. “Seohak ant” retail traders, once a quirky niche, are now a force. Korean corporations are investing record amounts overseas. And the NPS — now the world’s third-largest pension fund — has become such a whale in global markets that policymakers have informally asked it to help stabilize the won. But here is the uncomfortable truth: money follows returns. Koreans invest abroad because the returns look better there than at home. Which leads to the real issue — not outbound investment but domestic weakness. If a country wants people to study, invest, spend, build, visit and live here, it needs fundamentals that reward those choices. And Korea’s fundamentals have been eroding. The institutions feel fragile. The politics feel turbulent. The demographic outlook feels claustrophobic. And the economic model that powered the last 40 years is now more exhausted than triumphant. A strong currency, a high per-capita income, a magnetic society — these don’t emerge by accident. They come from confidence, predictability, openness, and an economy that feels full of promise rather than boxed-in limits. Without a broad, structural overhaul — one that tackles demographics, service-sector rigidity, education bottlenecks, regulatory clutter and the overcentralized political system — Korea risks becoming a country that is globally famous but internally stalled. And if nothing changes, hitting $50,000 per capita won’t be a milestone. It will remain a beautifully constructed dream — one that fades the moment you step off the treadmill. The author is the managing editor of AJP. 2025-12-06 20:47:34

In the World Cup and the market, the ultimate winner is the one who manages uncertainty The group draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America has presented the Korean national team with a formidable challenge. Facing Mexico, South Africa, and the winner of the European playoffs (Denmark, Czech Republic, Ireland, or North Macedonia) is difficult enough, but the real variable in this group is the environment. The fact that all matches will be played in Mexico becomes an opponent in itself. High altitude, temperature fluctuations, and humidity exert invisible pressure on players’ stamina, tactics, and psychology. This mirrors the economic landscape, where uncertainty dominates the market. Mexico’s vast high-altitude regions, drastic temperature shifts, intense humidity, and overwhelming home support create a competitive arena that cannot be explained by technique or tactics alone. Entrepreneurial mindset is the driving force that helps organizations break through such uncertainty. Numerous studies show that growth is shaped not only by technology or capital, but by behavioral factors such as opportunity recognition, risk-taking, self-efficacy, and innovativeness. When head coach Hong Myung-bo noted after the draw that the first two matches would be played at altitude and the last in over 35°C heat, he identified the essence of the challenge—but recognition alone is not enough. What Korea needs is entrepreneurial leadership capable of turning environment into opportunity. While many coaches focus primarily on the strength of their opponents, Hong pointed first to environmental conditions. This is an appropriate starting point for understanding uncertainty. Yet entrepreneurial thinking does not end with awareness; execution determines outcomes. The same applies to football. Beyond simple environmental analysis, the ability to structure uncertainty into a strategic asset is essential. Mexico’s 1,600-meter elevation significantly increases physical strain, and the heat and humidity of the third match affect passing speed, pressing intensity, and recovery. Add to this the psychological advantage of Mexico’s home crowd. However, these conditions are not unique to Korea—they are variables every team must face. Under identical conditions, performance differences arise not from resources but from behavior, in other words, entrepreneurial mindset. Some teams perceive the environment as risk; others convert it into a preparable opportunity. The distinction stems from the leader’s perspective. Entrepreneurship is not the ability to avoid risk but to manage it and channel it into execution. Hong’s comment that the team “has no choice but to prepare” is directionally correct, but only gains weight when translated into concrete action. Climate adaptation training, load management, rotation plans, and match-specific tactical adjustments are not optional—they are essential strategies that turn uncertainty into a controllable structure. Innovativeness and execution have long been identified as core predictors of entrepreneurial success. The World Cup is no different. What matters more than skill is the leader’s ability to execute with an entrepreneurial mindset. The environment is the same for all teams, but how each team interprets and prepares for it is what separates winners from the rest. The World Cup is won not by the team with the most talent, but by the team that identifies opportunities first and prepares earliest. That is the leadership Korea needs now. Hong Myung-bo stands at that threshold. Altitude, humidity, and home advantage are steep obstacles—but for a leader equipped with entrepreneurship, these obstacles can become stepping stones. Those who see opportunity win. Those who move first prevail. The author is a columnist of Aju Media Corporation. 2025-12-06 13:19:33

Kpop Demon Hunters makes No. 2 most trending search on Google in 2025 SEOUL, December 06 (AJP) - Google’s Year in Search 2025 revealed a digital world captivated by culture clashes, political shocks and breakout entertainment — and Korea’s cultural engine once again emerged as one of the year’s dominant global forces. While U.S. political turmoil topped America’s trending list, Korean pop culture and gaming IP cemented their global imprint: Netflix’s animated “KPop Demon Hunters” surged to No. 2 in the United States' trending searches, Nexon’s ARC Raiders ranked among the world’s hottest games, and Squid Game reclaimed relevance as one of the most-searched TV titles of the year. The most striking global mover was KPop Demon Hunters — an animated adventure where a trio of K-pop idols fight a demonic boy band. Released by Netflix, the film became a cross-platform sensation, riding on K-pop’s established global fandom and the rise of stylized Asian animation. The movie didn’t just dominate film charts; it also spilled into fashion, TikTok edits, and global meme culture, pushing searches for “K-pop,” “K-pop animation,” and “K-pop demon characters” to new highs. Google’s list of “Trending Games of 2025” included heavyweights like Battlefield 6 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, but Korea’s Nexon stood out with ARC Raiders emerging as a breakout global title. The extraction shooter, built by Stockholm-based Embark Studios under Nexon, redefined the genre with communal robot-hunting mechanics and a more casual-friendly loop. With more than 7 million copies sold within a month, ARC Raiders became Korea’s first mainstream global gaming hit since PUBG, reigniting Seoul’s ambition to challenge U.S. and Japanese dominance in triple-A gaming. Squid Game, which reshaped global streaming entertainment in 2021, returned as a trending search in 2025 on the back of renewed global streaming cycles, behind-the-scenes revelations during production of its next installment, and Korea’s political and economic crises echoing the show’s original themes. Google’s trending musicians list for 2025 included household Western names like Bad Bunny and Coldplay — but one of the biggest surprise entries was KATSEYE, the multinational K-pop girl group formed through HYBE and Geffen’s global trainee program. 2025-12-06 10:59:26

Korea draws Mexico, South Africa and European playoff winner, all World Cup games in Mexico SEOUL, December 06 (AJP) - South Korea landed in what many analysts consider a manageable Group A for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, avoiding global powerhouses and setting the stage for Hong Myung-bo’s squad to target its first-ever overseas quarterfinal run. At Friday’s draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Taegeuk Warriors were grouped with host nation Mexico, South Africa, and the yet-to-be-determined winner of European Playoff Path D—a four-way contest among Denmark, Czechia, Ireland and North Macedonia scheduled for March. For Hong Myung-bo, whose side topped the Asian Qualifiers Group B unbeaten (6 wins, 4 draws), the result offered relief and realism: South Korea dodged tournament favorites such as France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil, but must still confront a historically difficult Mexican side on home soil. Favorable logistic: All matches in Mexico South Korea will also enjoy the rare advantage of staying in a single country for the entire group stage—minimizing travel fatigue across the vast North American tournament footprint. June 12 (Guadalajara) – vs. European playoff winner June 19 (Guadalajara) – vs. Mexico June 25 (Monterrey) – vs. South Africa The schedule offers both stability and climate consistency, with the team avoiding long-haul flights between the United States and Canada that other groups must endure. Mexico clash likely to decide the group While Mexico enters the tournament with the second-lowest FIFA ranking among host nations (15th), the team’s athletic, high-tempo style has historically troubled Korea. El Tri leads the all-time series 8–4–3, including World Cup wins in 1998 and 2018. The two sides most recently fought to a 2–2 draw in a friendly in Los Angeles in September, reinforcing expectations of a tight, tactical battle. The U.S. media reaction also highlights Korea as Mexico’s main challenger for top spot in Group A. USA TODAY noted the matchup as “a battle of overall tactical quality,” with Korea’s European-based stars—Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in—forming the spine of a squad entering its 12th consecutive World Cup. South Africa: a wild card with momentum South Africa, FIFA-ranked 61st and the lowest-ranked team in Pot 3, appears on paper to be the least threatening opponent. But Bafana Bafana arrive with renewed confidence after finishing atop their CAF qualifying group ahead of Nigeria. The two nations have never played each other, making the final group match an unpredictable but potentially decisive encounter. The European mystery: Denmark or a softer landing? The biggest variable is the unidentified European entrant. The Path D playoff unfolds next March: Czechia vs. Ireland (March 26) winner meets , Denmark vs. North Macedonia (March 26) winner, Final playoff: March 31. Among them, Denmark (21st) poses the toughest challenge, while North Macedonia (65th) would be the most favorable draw for all three Group A teams. Hong Myung-bo’s mission: a historic overseas breakthrough South Korea enters the North American World Cup as a consistent qualifier with rising expectations. Since debuting in 1954, the national team has reached the knockout stage three times, and famously reached the semifinals in 2002 under Guus Hiddink. Hong, who captained that squad, now seeks to guide Korea to its first quarterfinal on foreign soil. The path is clearer than in recent tournaments: with 48 participating nations and third-place teams eligible for the Round of 32, Group A provides multiple mathematical routes for advancement. A draw free of giants—but full of nuance While Korea avoided the dreaded "Group of Death," Group A is far from predictable as Mexico is dangerous at home and historically strong against Korea, South Africa is inconsistent but capable of giant-killing, and the European playoff winner could dramatically shift the group’s difficulty. Still, compared with groups featuring Spain–Uruguay (H), France–Senegal (I), or England–Croatia (L), Korea’s prospects appear brighter. As Hong Myung-bo put it privately before the draw, the mission is simple: “Avoid the giants early, control our travel and create our chances.” Korea got all three. "It's a little good for us.' South Korea was in Group A with Mexico, one of the co-hosts, South Africa of Africa, and the winner of the European Playoffs (PO) D. Among soccer fans, there is a reaction of "'Greatest honey team ever", he told Korean reporters after the draw. It has become a World Cup in Mexico instead of across Americas, he said as he moved onto tactics. "The first and second games will be held at 1,600 meters above the ground. The third game is not that high, but it is very humid and matches are played in temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. I think that will be the biggest and most important pointIt takes at least 10 days or more than two weeks to adapt to the highlands. If I call up the national team, I think I'll have to go and adapt right away." 2025-12-06 09:29:35

Samsung widens lead in foldable market with latest Galaxy 7 SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics widened its commanding lead in the foldable smartphone segment it pioneered, capturing 64 percent of the global market in the third quarter with its latest Galaxy Z Fold7 despite intensifying competition from Chinese brands, research showed. Global foldable shipments rose 14 percent on-year in the July–September period — the highest quarterly volume to date — with Samsung’s book-type flagship exerting “outsized influence,” according to market tracker Counterpoint Friday. The stronger-than-expected performance was driven by the Z Fold7’s slimmer frame, lighter hardware, improved hinge durability, and reduced crease visibility, features that “broadened its premium appeal,” the firm said. Chinese brands, meanwhile, continued steady momentum. Motorola “emerged as one of the standout performers globally, expanding its foldable base through competitive pricing, strong channel partnerships and favorable usability reviews,” it added. Counterpoint forecasts a “more pronounced expansion phase” for foldables in 2026, helped by Apple’s expected entry in the second half of that year. Samsung is also preparing a first tri-fold model, though initial shipments will be extremely limited. “Scale is not the objective,” said Counterpoint Associate Director Liz Lee. “With competitive dynamics set to shift materially in 2026, especially with Apple’s expected entry into the foldable segment, Samsung is positioning this device as a multi-fold pilot to reinforce its technology leadership. This release is designed to validate durability, hinge architecture and software optimization while gathering real-world user insights ahead of broader commercialization.” 2025-12-05 17:42:45