Korea's KakaoTalk admits to feed pratfall and will return to original format by December SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - KakaoTalk, bowing to massive backlash and acknowledging the failure of its largest redesign to date, will restore its original interface by the end of the year after a clumsy attempt to introduce an Instagram-like picture feed to a platform used by virtually all South Koreans. A KakaoTalk spokesperson told AJP on Thursday that the company is "working to restore the original layout by year-end" in response to negative "user feedback," meaning the arbitrary photo feed will be removed from the main page and offered only as an optional feature. Asked why the feed had been placed on the main screen in the first place, the spokesperson said that "some users wanted an easier way to view friends' updates without tapping each profile," but conceded that "the redesign did not meet broader user expectations." At a company event in September 2025, Kakao announced plans to evolve into an AI-powered "super app," integrating multiple services into a single platform. On September 23, it rolled out a sweeping update that replaced the traditional "Friends" tab with a social media–style feed, automatically displaying friends' profile updates and status messages. The redesign, widely seen as an attempt to push KakaoTalk toward a social-media model, sparked widespread complaints from users who found the new format confusing, intrusive, and misaligned with how the app is used in everyday life — from business communication to money transfers. Unlike WhatsApp, LINE, or WeChat, which open directly to chat lists, KakaoTalk's feed-first interface broke from global norms and alienated long-time users. According to IGAWorks' Mobile Index, the app's average monthly usage time per user fell from 700.17 minutes in September to 677.85 minutes in October, a decline of about 22 minutes. The figure also marked a drop from the third-quarter average of 694.82 minutes. A separate online survey of 1,000 users aged 20 to 60 by the Korea Press Foundation's Media Research Center showed that 91 percent felt "uncomfortable being exposed to less-close acquaintances." Only about 20 percent found the new format convenient for checking updates or interacting through likes and comments, while nearly 80 percent said they wanted to return to the previous version. The company declined to specify the financial cost of the redesign and rollback, saying that "it is difficult to measure, as updates occur monthly and costs are mixed." The episode underscores how even dominant platforms can stumble when they misread consumer needs. 2025-11-12 16:18:20

Korean firms scale back UAM plans amid delays in commercialization SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Major South Korean companies are retreating from the once-hyped Urban Air Mobility, or UAM, market as delays in commercialization and regulatory hurdles cloud the industry’s near-term prospects. The technology, envisioned as a new mode of eco-friendly urban transport that could ease traffic congestion, has been touted globally as a growth industry worth more than $60 billion by 2035. But with commercialization timelines slipping and profitability still out of reach, Korean companies are beginning to reconsider their roles. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport had originally planned to commercialize its “K-UAM” program this year, but postponed the target to 2028 in August — a move that dampened momentum among corporate participants. Analysts say the long development horizon and uncertain returns have made it difficult for companies to justify continued investment. LG Uplus, the telecommunications affiliate of LG Group, recently dismantled its UAM division after initially joining a development consortium. SK Telecom also withdrew from the second phase of the K-UAM demonstration program last month, citing technological and regulatory challenges. The company, which began its UAM project in early 2021, told shareholders in March that it would take a cautious approach amid the changing market environment. Hanwha Group, one of the earliest Korean investors in UAM technology, is also scaling back. Its subsidiaries Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems halted funding for the U.S. eVTOL startup Overair in June and are reportedly moving to divest their shares, signaling a strategic retreat from direct aircraft development. Industry experts warn that these moves could slow South Korea’s broader ambitions to develop a domestic UAM ecosystem. “For such projects to succeed, comprehensive management strategies are needed, but the momentum has stalled,” said Kim Kwang-ok, a professor at Korea Aerospace University. “Profitability and revenue cannot be guaranteed, making the UAM market outlook cloudy.” * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-12 16:06:37

Samsung expands Galaxy XR use to corporate training, moving beyond gaming and entertainment SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Samsung is taking its extended reality (XR) headset beyond gaming and entertainment, introducing immersive corporate training programs that blend artificial intelligence with XR through its “Galaxy XR” device. Starting this month, Samsung Human Resources Development Center began using the Galaxy XR for employee education programs, covering meditation, company history, leadership, language, and debate sessions. About 20,000 employees—from new recruits to executives—will undergo training using the headset annually. The Galaxy XR, which Samsung co-developed with Google and Qualcomm and released in October, runs on the Android XR platform. It enables users to interact with 3D environments through voice, gaze, and gestures, allowing them to simulate presentations, hold meetings, or revisit historical milestones such as the founding of Samsung in 1938. Samsung first hinted at broader ambitions for XR at its October launch event, saying the device could go beyond gaming to include sports experiences, industrial simulations, and medical or educational applications. The company also highlighted its potential in B2B services—such as training workers for hazardous sites or conducting medical education in controlled virtual settings—reflecting the group’s long-term strategy to build an ecosystem around spatial computing. Through the AI-powered system, participants can receive real-time, personalized feedback from virtual avatars and repeat exercises in realistic environments without the pressure of live evaluation. The XR-based training is designed to increase engagement and overcome the limitations of conventional classroom learning. Samsung said it will continue working with experts and develop new content optimized for next-generation XR devices. The company aims to integrate feedback from trainees and expand AI-XR education into additional fields in partnership with Samsung Electronics. 2025-11-12 15:47:51

South Korea maintains support for UN resolution on North Korean human rights abuses SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - South Korea will continue to support a UN General Assembly resolution condemning North Korea's human rights abuses and violations. According to the resolution disclosed on Wednesday, South Korea remains a co-sponsor, dispelling speculation that Seoul would soften its stance toward North Korea to avoid provoking Pyongyang under President Lee Jae Myung's rapprochement. After co-sponsoring the resolution from 2008 to 2018, South Korea withdrew under the Moon Jae-in administration due to concerns about inter-Korean relations, but rejoined in 2023 under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s tougher stance toward the North. "The government believes it is important to improve the human rights situation in North Korea and will continue to cooperate with the international community. This is why we are participating as a co-sponsor of this resolution," said a Foreign Ministry official. The resolution is expected to be adopted at the UN General Assembly's plenary session next month. This year's resolution condemns North Korea for diverting excessive resources to military spending and illegal nuclear and missile programs at the expense of its people. It also highlights the worsening human rights situation there including the plight of separated families, following North Korea's announcement in January 2024 that it would no longer pursue reunification with the South. North Korea has strongly opposed these resolutions. Last November, a spokesperson for its Foreign Ministry denounced the resolution as a "provocation" led by the U.S. and its allies, claiming it infringes on the country's dignity and sovereignty. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-12 15:46:54

Korea's G-Star 2025 loses earlier glow and star names as industry falls into doldrums SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - G-Star 2025, South Korea's annual expo once celebrated for showcasing the country's global gaming prowess, opens Thursday in Busan in a visibly downscaled form that reflects a stagnating blockbuster pipeline and weakening earnings across the industry. The event at Bexco will feature about 3,010 booths, down from 3,359 last year, and will notably miss major players such as Nexon, Pearl Abyss and Smilegate. The subdued tone follows the game industry's grim third-quarter results. Netmarble and Krafton were the only two of the five largest publishers to post modest revenue gains, as Korean companies that once dominated online and mobile gaming now struggle to fend off Chinese rivals amid a lack of major new releases. Korea failed to secure a single spot in the top 10 mobile games by revenue in October, according to Sensor Tower. China's Tencent ranked second, with domestic competitor Century Games taking fifth. NCSoft, which posted an operating loss of 109.2 billion won last year after years of declining users, is mounting an all-in wager on "Aion 2," the massively multiplayer online role-playing game launching Nov. 19. The company is operating 300 booths as the event's main sponsor. "We have considerable confidence internally in Aion 2," NCSoft CEO Park Byung-moo said in a recent earnings call. The game will preserve the original title's aerial combat while expanding player-versus-environment content. The company will also showcase looter-shooter "Cinder City" and three additional titles. Netmarble, last year's Grand Prize winner at the Korea Game Awards, will operate 112 booths with 145 demo stations for titles including "Solo Leveling: Karma" and "Project Evilbane," a cooperative action game receiving its first public demonstration. Krafton will unveil "Palworld Mobile" for the first time, developed by its PUBG Studios using Japanese studio Pocketpair's creature-collection franchise. The firm continues searching for a successor to its aging Battlegrounds franchise, which will have a separate booth run by Kakao Games. Smaller exhibitors will take up much of the remaining space. Webzen will feature its defense game "Gate of Gates" with cosplay models used in recent promotions. Neowiz will demonstrate a spin-off of "Sanabi," a dystopian action-platformer blending Korean cyberpunk aesthetics with narrative gameplay. Gravity plans to exhibit 18 titles, including a new Ragnarok Online project. Amid sour sentiment at home, several major publishers are shifting their focus overseas through the Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom. Pearl Abyss showcased "Crimson Desert" at both Tokyo and Cologne this year but is skipping Busan. Smilegate, which ran a large booth at Tokyo, is participating only in business-to-business meetings at G-Star. Nexon, last year's main sponsor, also attended the Tokyo Game Show but opted out of this year's Busan event. Foreign players are filling part of the void. Blizzard Entertainment is returning after a 12-year absence with an "Overwatch 2" experience zone and will participate in the expo's official esports tournament. Japan's Sega and Bandai Namco Entertainment will operate booths with existing franchises, and game engine developer Unity will also join. "The convention remains one of Korea's premier exhibitions, giving companies a platform to present new products to the public," said Kim Jung-sun, a professor of game content at ChungKang College of Cultural Industries, dismissing arguments about G-Star's decline. "With the proliferation of game festivals and viral marketing channels, participation has become a more strategic choice. G-Star is evolving beyond a platform for game companies — it now serves content creators and related industries as well." 2025-11-12 15:46:19

Mercedes-Benz chief visits Seoul to discuss deepening ties with LG, Samsung SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Ola Källenius, chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, is set to meet with top South Korean corporate leaders in Seoul this week as the German automaker looks to expand partnerships in next-generation automotive technologies. Källenius’s visit highlights Mercedes-Benz’s strategic push to strengthen its supply chain and technology partnerships in Asia — particularly in South Korea, home to some of the world’s leading suppliers of batteries, displays, and high-performance chips essential to the future of mobility. Källenius will hold talks with senior executives from LG Group on Thursday at the company’s headquarters in Seoul, according to the group. The discussions are expected to center on collaboration in automotive electronics and software-defined vehicles, or SDVs — the emerging class of cars whose functions are increasingly controlled by software. Attending from LG will be Chief Executive Cho Joo-wan of LG Electronics, Kim Dong-myung of LG Energy Solution, Jeong Cheol-dong of LG Display, and Moon Hyuk-soo of LG Innotek. The companies are likely to discuss the supply of batteries, displays, sensors, and other key components that could underpin Mercedes-Benz’s future electric and digital vehicle platforms. Källenius last met with LG leaders about 18 months ago at a private “Tech Day” in Germany, where the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation. Following that meeting, he wrote on social media that Mercedes-Benz aimed “to deliver exceptional digital product experiences” and was “confident in setting new standards with LG as a strong partner.” The Mercedes-Benz chairman’s visit underscores the growing importance of South Korean technology companies in the global auto industry’s transition to electric and software-driven vehicles. In addition to his meetings with LG, Källenius is scheduled to meet Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong to explore opportunities in automotive semiconductors, batteries, and display technologies. Samsung SDI President Choi Joo-sun and Samsung Display President Lee Cheong are also expected to attend. He is also expected to meet Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of HS Hyosung, which operates HS Hyosung The Class, an official Mercedes-Benz dealer in South Korea. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-12 15:44:17

Wedding costs fully disclosed in Korea as marriage aversion among 30s deepens SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Bulging wedding costs stand as a growing reason for South Koreans in their late 20s and 30s to put off tying the knot, deepening the country’s demographic woes and prompting antitrust authorities to enforce full disclosure on wedding charges. Starting Wednesday, wedding service providers in South Korea — including studios, dress rental shops and makeup salons — must disclose all pricing terms, including refund policies, before signing any contracts. Responding to mounting complaints about sticker shock in the country’s notoriously expensive and opaque wedding procedures, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced revisions to the Mandatory Disclosure Regulation for Key Advertising and Pricing Information. All wedding-related businesses, from venues and planners to photo studios, must now post prices for base packages, optional add-ons, cancellation penalties and refund terms on their official websites or on the state-run Price Information Portal (price.go.kr). Violations can result in administrative fines of up to 100 million won ($73,000), with a six-month grace period before full enforcement begins. Weddings have increasingly turned into a luxury — and a reason many couples skip the ceremonial procedure or forgo marriage altogether. A 2025 survey by the Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association found that 42 percent of unmarried Koreans have “no plans to marry,” with one in four citing financial burden as the main reason. Including housing, the average cost of marriage now exceeds 360 million won ($266,000), while a single wedding ceremony in Seoul costs about 26.6 million won ($19,600) on average. According to the latest data from the Korea Consumer Agency, the cost of a wedding in the affluent Gangnam district averaged 33.36 million won as of June, compared with the nationwide average of 20.74 million won. The figure covers the wedding hall fee and the bundled package of photography, dress rental and makeup. A separate survey by matchmaking firm Gayeon placed the average cost of the bundled package alone at 4.79 million won. Consumer complaints filed with the Korea Consumer Agency jumped 63 percent between 2021 and 2023. Korea’s long-standing “showcase wedding” culture — where families compete to stage lavish ceremonies and photo shoots — has fanned wedding inflation and forced many to swallow the extra burden to avoid ruining one of the biggest days of their lives. Couples say the new rule could correct the exploitative nature of the market. Kim Ga-hyun (30), who is preparing for marriage, said financial stress often leads to conflict among families and fights between couples. “Wedding costs keep snowballing and cause arguments,” she said. “Knowing prices upfront can be helpful since we at least know what we’re getting into.” Eunhye Lee, director at the Korea Wedding Planners Association, said the policy will bring mixed results for the industry. “From a consulting perspective, price disclosure actually makes it easier for us to explain total package costs to clients,” she said. “But many vendors are hesitant because each service combines both product and quality, so it’s difficult to set a uniform standard.” Still, the move is welcomed by consumers. Seoul resident Kim Kyu-bin (29), who married in 2023, regrets the rule came too late. “The extra bill arrived only after I fell in love with a dress. Knowing the price ahead would help plan the wedding more realistically.” How pricing disclosure will help rationalize costs, contain inflation, or even bolster the country’s record-low marriage rate — 3.8 per 1,000 people — remains to be seen. 2025-11-12 15:41:08

Seoul's bike-sharing service marks 10 years with 250 million cumulative rides SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Marking its 10th year, bicycle-sharing app Seoul Bike has accumulated more than 250 million rides, or 25 per resident of the capital, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Wednesday. Launched amid much skepticism in October 2015 with some 2,000 bicycles at 150 locations, the app, also known as "Ddareungi," has grown to around 37,500 bikes across more than 3,000 stations in the city. According to the city government, during weekdays, more than half of users commuted with the service during morning and evening rush hours, while on weekends, about 41.9 percent used it in the afternoon, likely for leisure activities. About 8.5 percent of weekday users and 10.5 percent of weekend users relied on the service during late-night hours after midnight, suggesting it was often their most accessible option when public transportation was not available. The number of foreign users and tourists has also been on the rise, with their rides reaching 50,599 in the first nine months of this year, a 2.5-fold increase from the same period in 2019. As part of efforts to further boost the service, a new three-hour rental option was added this week to the existing one- and two-hour time limits, allowing users to enjoy longer rides without the hassle of frequent returns. To ease congestion, users are encouraged to rent and return bikes in less crowded areas, earning extra mileage points as a reward. The city government has partnered with around 80 local bike shops to enhance maintenance and ensure riders' safety. "Over the past decade, we have strived to provide a safer and more convenient public bike service for Seoulites, and we will continue those efforts," said Yeh Jang-gwon, a city official. 2025-11-12 14:56:00

KAIST develops flexible ultrasound sensor that can diagnose and treat without surgery SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - KAIST researchers have developed a new flexible ultrasound sensor that can both capture medical images and deliver noninvasive therapy without the need for surgery or external beamforming. The breakthrough could open new possibilities for wearable medical devices and home-based treatment systems. The team led by Professor Hyunjoo Lee of the KAIST School of Electrical Engineering announced on November 12 that it has created a flex-to-rigid (FTR) capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) using a semiconductor-based MEMS process. The device can freely adjust its curvature to match the contours of the human body while maintaining high output performance, making it suitable for both diagnosis and treatment. At the core of the design is a low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) inserted inside the sensor. When an electrical current is applied, the alloy melts, allowing the transducer to reshape; once cooled, it solidifies and retains the desired curvature. This mechanism enables the device to form precise ultrasonic focus points without any electronic beam steering, ensuring stable imaging and stimulation even under repeated bending. Unlike conventional polymer-based CMUTs, which often produce weak acoustic output and lose focus due to low stiffness, KAIST’s FTR structure combines a rigid silicon base with flexible elastomer bridges. The result is a highly durable, adaptable sensor that retains its electrical and acoustic stability even after multiple deformations. In laboratory tests, the output power reached levels equivalent to or higher than low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a therapeutic ultrasound used to stimulate nerves and organs without damaging tissue. When applied to animal models, the sensor successfully delivered noninvasive stimulation to the spleen, reducing inflammation and improving movement in arthritic mice. Professor Lee said the technology could play a key role in future wearable and home medical systems, enabling real-time diagnosis and treatment without surgical intervention. “By integrating the flexibility of wearable devices with the precision of high-performance ultrasound, we’re moving closer to truly personalized, hands-free healthcare,” she said. The research, co-led by Dr. Sangmok Lee and Ph.D. candidate Xiaojia Liang as first authors, was published online in npj Flexible Electronics on October 23 under the title “Flexible ultrasound transducer array with statically adjustable curvature for anti-inflammatory treatment.” 2025-11-12 14:52:47

Hanwha Aerospace earns top global certification for R&D excellence SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace said on Wednesday that it has received the highest possible rating in a global assessment of research and development capabilities. The company earned a Level 5 certification under Version 3.0 of the Capability Maturity Model Integration, or CMMI, a global standard developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense. The designation represents a benchmark for advanced quality management and continuous improvement in complex engineering and software systems. Level 5 certification, rarely achieved even among top-tier defense contractors, indicates that Hanwha Aerospace operates with highly optimized R&D processes and a culture of systematic performance improvement, the company said. The certification covers the company’s core defense operations, including ground weapon systems, precision-guided munitions, and energy storage systems for submarines — all key components of South Korea’s growing defense export portfolio. “The quality of defense products is directly tied to national security, making rigorous management systems as vital as technical innovation,” Hanwha Aerospace said in a press release. “We will continue to strengthen our R&D management to become a trusted global defense partner.” Hanwha Aerospace has emerged as a central player in South Korea’s efforts to expand its defense and aerospace industries. The company supplies engines, propulsion systems, and precision components to both domestic and international defense programs, while also investing in next-generation technologies such as space launch vehicles and urban air mobility. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-12 14:09:07