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  • Hanwha Ocean Selected as KDDX Contractor Amid HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Discontent
    Hanwha Ocean Selected as KDDX Contractor Amid HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Discontent Hanwha Ocean has effectively been chosen as the contractor for the detailed design and lead ship construction of the Korean next-generation destroyer (KDDX), edging out HD Hyundai Heavy Industries by a narrow margin. With a score difference of less than one point, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received a 1.2-point security penalty, raising the possibility of future appeals and legal challenges. On June 11, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) completed its evaluation of the proposals for the KDDX project and notified both companies of the results. The score difference between the two companies was reported to be 0.5867 points, a gap that ultimately determined the bidding outcome. The decisive factor was the 1.2-point security penalty applied to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Prior to the penalty, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries reportedly led Hanwha Ocean by 0.6425 points in technical scores. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries faced the penalty after a guilty verdict related to the unauthorized photographing and leaking of military secrets concerning the KDDX project. DAPA decided to apply the 1.2-point security penalty to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries until December of this year. Although the company filed for an injunction against the penalty, the court dismissed the request on June 5. As a result, the security penalty effectively determined the outcome of the bidding process. DAPA plans to conduct follow-up procedures, including requests for explanations from each company regarding the evaluation results and potential appeals, with the aim of selecting a preferred bidder by early next month. Subsequent negotiations are expected to lead to a contract by the end of next month. This evaluation result marks the nearing conclusion of the KDDX contractor selection process, which has been mired in controversy and delays for nearly two years. While there are speculations that the two companies may split the construction of six ships—three each or four and two—Hanwha Ocean's role as the lead ship contractor places it in a significantly advantageous position. However, given HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' technical score advantage, disputes surrounding the evaluation results are likely to persist. Some observers suggest that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries may file an appeal or seek further legal action, which could delay the project significantly. In response to the evaluation results, Hanwha Ocean stated, "We will closely collaborate with DAPA to make up for the delayed project schedule and ensure there are no disruptions to naval capabilities by mobilizing all our ship design and construction capabilities. Particularly, as KDDX is a domestically produced destroyer equipped with nine key indigenous development systems, we will strive to achieve world-class performance and quality through perfect system integration." A representative from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries expressed disappointment at not being selected despite having a significant lead in technical scores, stating, "We plan to request a debriefing to confirm the details and rationale behind the evaluation results." The KDDX project involves an investment of 7.8 trillion won to construct six 6,000-ton mini Aegis ships using domestic technology. The contractor selected for this project will gain a strong reference for future exports of Aegis ships, leading to ongoing competition, technical development, and legal disputes between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. In a previous conceptual design project conducted in 2012, Hanwha Ocean (then Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) won the contract over HD Hyundai Heavy Industries by a margin of 21.264 points. Conversely, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secured the basic design contract by a narrow margin of 0.056 points over Hanwha Ocean. Despite a subsequent conviction of its personnel for technology theft, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries retained its status and role as the contractor for the basic design. Following this, DAPA deliberated between direct contracts, joint designs, and competitive bidding for the detailed design and lead ship construction, ultimately deciding to proceed with competitive bidding in December of last year and to select a contractor in the first half of this year. 2026-06-11 19:54:00
  • Kas Opens FIFA World Cup Fan Base Camp in Seoul
    Kas Opens FIFA World Cup Fan Base Camp in Seoul On June 11, as visitors exited Gangnam Station's Exit 11, a massive structure caught their eye. A large installation inspired by Kas beer crates filled the first floor of the Yeoksam Building, announcing the presence of the World Cup pop-up store. OB Beer Kas opened the 'Kas FIFA World Cup Fan Base Camp' in conjunction with the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. As the only official sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup among domestic alcohol brands and a partner of the Korea Football Association (KFA), OB Beer Kas created this ambitious space to harness the cheering energy of the nation. Upon entering, visitors were greeted by sounds and visuals that heightened the World Cup atmosphere. The pop-up's main feature is the 'Base Camp Sticker Tour,' which encourages guests to participate in the experience rather than just observe. Each guest receives a special certification card where they can write their name, nickname, and 'Kas drinking capacity,' and attach an avatar sticker to create their own 'Cheering Warrior,' marking the start of their journey. Deeper inside the venue, six mission zones awaited participants. These included the 'Shouting Booth' where visitors yell into a decibel meter, the 'Human Slot Machine' requiring teamwork to match cheers with chosen images, and the 'Training Room' where participants mimic cheer and soccer movements displayed on screens. Next, guests could kick a ball to hit the letters spelling 'Korea' in the 'Shooting Ground,' write messages of support for the national team on the 'Message Wall,' and quickly touch falling soccer balls in the 'Ten Ten Arcade' to test their reflexes. Those who complete four or more of the six missions receive rewards including Kas World Cup merchandise, tasting vouchers, and photo opportunities. Most visitors showed a strong desire to complete all six missions. After sweating through the cheering missions, guests can enjoy refreshing beer at the 'Kas Cheers Bar.' This space features a limited-edition 'One Team Edition' beer created specifically for the World Cup. The packaging showcases the Taegeuk symbol representing Korea and images of the 11 national team players, visualizing the 'One Team' message that unites players and fans. Kas plans to use this pop-up store as a hub for the excitement of cheering. Special 'Viewing Parties' are scheduled during the group stage matches of the national team, including the first match against the Czech Republic on June 12, the second match against Mexico on June 19, and the third match against South Africa on June 25. Fifty fans selected through a lottery from pre-registered participants will gather for group viewings. Special MC Im Hyung-cheol will participate, presenting the match lineup, key viewing points, halftime analysis, and a lucky draw among various programs. Participants will receive a match day set including the One Team Edition beer, popcorn, and cheering merchandise such as scarves and clappers. The Kas FIFA World Cup Fan Base Camp will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first floor of the Yeoksam Building in Gangnam Station until June 25. Adults aged 19 and older can enter for free with a reservation through Naver Place or by visiting the venue directly. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:51:00
  • National Education Commission Holds 6th Meeting, Delays Decision on History Curriculum Revisions
    National Education Commission Holds 6th Meeting, Delays Decision on History Curriculum Revisions The National Education Commission engaged in a heated debate regarding the Education Ministry's request to expand the modern history content in middle and high school history textbooks and to introduce new elective courses. Amid strong opposition citing the voices from the education field and procedural legitimacy, the Commission decided to postpone a conclusion and continue discussions at the next meeting.The Commission convened its 6th meeting on June 11 at the Government Seoul Building, where it reviewed the Education Ministry's request for revisions to the middle and high school history curriculum. The meeting lasted over an hour and included Chairman Cha Jeong-in, Secretary General Choi Soo-jin, and members Ban Sang-jin and Kim Young-do, along with Education Ministry officials including Vice Minister Choi Eun-ok and School Policy Director Kim Young-jin.Education Ministry: "Revisions are essential to combat historical distortion and foster critical thinking"The discussion was sparked by three key proposals from the Education Ministry: 1) to increase the proportion of modern history (from the opening of ports to the present) in middle school history textbooks from the current 20% to over 30%; 2) to secure instructional time for middle school social studies (including history and ethics); and 3) to introduce a new elective course titled in high school.Kim Young-jin, the Education Ministry's School Policy Director, emphasized the need for these revisions, stating, "The rampant dissemination of distorted historical materials online and on platforms like YouTube complicates classroom instruction and negatively impacts students' historical understanding." He added that the new course aims to help students critically assess the perspectives behind historical content, asserting that verifying sources from diverse viewpoints is essential for developing democratic citizens.Regarding the increase in modern history content, he noted, "Currently, modern history constitutes only 20% of the middle school history curriculum, which leads to significant omissions of important historical facts. To learn history in a contextual and in-depth manner, we must increase the proportion of modern history in Korean history education."Disagreement among commissioners: "Increasing hours infringes on school autonomy and equity among subjects"However, there was a clash between the Commission's members over the Education Ministry's proposals. Concerns about equity among subjects were raised, particularly regarding adjustments to middle school history hours and content. Commissioner Kim Kyung-hoe pointed out, "The Education Ministry's idea of increasing modern history content while maintaining or expanding history hours contradicts the principle of school autonomy." He suggested that increasing hours for one subject would necessitate reducing hours for others, which is impractical for current third-year middle and high school students and inappropriate from an equity standpoint. He proposed further discussion on the matter. Commissioner Lee Kwang-ho also expressed skepticism about adopting the Education Ministry's proposal as is, highlighting the haste of the discussions.Debate over the introduction of : "A solution through integrated subjects" vs. "Resistance from teachers and increased burden"The most contentious issue during the meeting was the proposal to introduce the high school course . While commissioners agreed on the importance of the course's intent, they suggested modifying it to an integrated elective that encompasses social studies and ethics.Commissioner Lee Kwang-ho argued, "In the diverse media environment of the AI era, many social phenomena cannot be addressed through text alone, so it is advisable to revise it into an integrated subject that allows for a combined understanding of history and society." Commissioner Kim Kyung-hoe added, "Issues of information distortion, bias, and discrimination involve not just history but also geographical and ethical content," and proposed a modification to an integrated elective format, noting that the increasing number of high school subjects could be burdensome.However, there was significant pushback from education officials and members with backgrounds as parents and teachers. Commissioner Kang Eun-hee, the Daegu City Education Superintendent, criticized the proposal, stating, "Creating a new subject seems excessively irresponsible." She argued that media literacy is already adequately covered in existing language courses, questioning the need for a new subject that appears to focus on superficial analysis without in-depth research. She warned that introducing another subject in an already crowded selection would disrupt the normal operation of schools.Commissioner Yoon Geon-young, the Chungbuk Education Superintendent, also expressed concerns about the risks of partial revisions. He stated, "Curriculum changes require thorough preparation, and developing and certifying textbooks can take at least three to four years. We must seriously consider whether the course is truly urgent at this time. If passed without sufficient professional review and discourse, who will guide and take responsibility in schools?"Concerns were also raised about the expertise and receptiveness of teachers in the field. Commissioner Kim Joo-sung cautioned, "Creating integrated subjects must be approached with great care," recalling past experiences where ambiguous subject identities made it difficult to establish specialized teachers. Commissioner Ahn Sang-hyun noted that education is highly path-dependent, and even minor changes to textbooks can provoke significant resistance from teachers, who may face challenges in managing multiple subjects and assessment methods. Commissioner Kim Young-do, the President of the Korea Association of Community Colleges, questioned whether frontline teachers are prepared to teach critique and analysis, warning that it could inadvertently instill errors and biased perceptions of history in students.Conversely, a minority opinion argued for preserving the original intent of strengthening history education. Commissioner Jeon Eun-young, representing parents, stated, "There is a growing sense of urgency and demand for history education among parents. If we merge it into an integrated subject, we risk losing the distinctiveness and context of history education, so I agree with emphasizing the identity of history education to promote historical discussions."Chairman Cha Jeong-in: "Modern history content is lacking compared to global standards... We will proceed cautiously"As the debate among the commissioners continued without resolution, Chairman Cha Jeong-in referenced global standards to clarify the nature of the discussions. He stated, "Internationally, the proportion of modern history ranges from 35% to 60%, and in Germany, modern history is taught as a significant majority in high school to cultivate global citizens. Compared to this, our 20% is too low. We need to move beyond fragmented narratives and superficial descriptions to provide contextual storytelling."Chairman Cha acknowledged the concerns raised by commissioners about the portrayal of Korean history as a conflict between progressives and conservatives, as well as the lack of context in the narratives of industrialization and economic development that leave students without a sense of pride. However, he made it clear that he would not rush to a conclusion, reflecting the confusion and concerns in the field.He stated, "While there is an educational necessity and it is a task we must undertake, we cannot rush given the difficulties in subject organization and the significant concerns of parents." He declared that the proposals for the course and the integrated subject modifications would undergo formal review and coordination by expert committees and monitoring groups before being discussed again at the next meeting.Following the meeting, the Commission announced via a separate text notification that it would conduct further discussions at the next meeting, considering various aspects based on the matters discussed today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:45:00
  • Samsung Electronics to Hold Global Strategy Meeting Next Week
    Samsung Electronics to Hold Global Strategy Meeting Next Week Samsung Electronics will hold a global strategy meeting next week to review its business strategies for the second half of the year. With increasing demand for AI semiconductors and growing uncertainty in the global economy, improving performance in both the semiconductor and device sectors is expected to be a key agenda item. According to industry sources on June 11, Samsung will conduct the global strategy meetings for its Device Experience (DX) and Device Solutions (DS) divisions from June 16 to 18. This annual meeting brings together top executives and heads of overseas subsidiaries to share business updates, regional issues, and long-term strategies. The DX division meeting will be chaired by President Roh Tae-moon. It will kick off on June 16 with the Mobile Experience (MX) division, followed by meetings for the Video Display (VD) and Home Appliances (DA) divisions on June 17, and a comprehensive DX division meeting on June 18. The DS division meeting will also take place on June 18, led by Vice Chairman Jeon Yong-hyun. In the MX division, the sales strategy for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold and Flip products is expected to be a central topic. Given the limited recovery in the smartphone market, discussions will likely focus on expanding sales of foldable products, defending profitability, and strategies for the Galaxy AI services. The VD and DA divisions are anticipated to address countermeasures against low-cost competition from Chinese firms and intensified competition in the premium market. Key agenda items will also include expanding TV platform businesses, subscription and service models, and enhancing AI appliance competitiveness. Industry experts believe that Samsung will strengthen its strategy to increase profitability this year by combining AI features and platform services with hardware sales in its device business. For the DS division, the focus will be on restructuring the High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and foundry businesses. Samsung is accelerating preparations for HBM4 mass production and HBM4E development, and it is expected to review supply schedules for major clients and forecasts for AI data center demand during the meeting. The foundry business will also be a significant topic of discussion. Samsung is concentrating on securing new clients and expanding orders ahead of the operation of its Taylor, Texas, factory. Analysts view the improvement of foundry profitability as a crucial factor for the recovery of the DS division's performance this year. The meeting is also likely to address the global economic slowdown, geopolitical risks in the Middle East, and rising raw material prices. Samsung plans to reassess its sales strategies and supply chain responses for the second half of the year to accelerate performance recovery.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:06:00
  • Minimum Wage for Delivery Workers Fails Again, Discussion Postponed to Next Year
    Minimum Wage for Delivery Workers Fails Again, Discussion Postponed to Next Year Minimum wage application for contract workers, including delivery and courier drivers, has once again failed to pass. The Minimum Wage Commission, composed of nine representatives each from labor, management, and the public, held its fifth plenary meeting at the Government Sejong Center on June 11. The commission voted on whether to apply minimum wage standards to contract workers, resulting in 11 votes in favor, 15 against, and one invalid vote. The commission stated, "As a result of the vote on whether to apply a separate minimum wage for contract workers in 2027, it has been decided that the minimum wage will not be separately applied to contract workers." Consequently, discussions on minimum wage application for contract workers will be postponed until next year. Contract work is a form of employment where compensation is based on the results or volume of work as outlined in a contract. This includes special employment and platform workers such as delivery drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and private tutors. Labor groups have been advocating for this issue for several years. Current minimum wage laws allow for the application of minimum wage to contract workers, even in cases where calculating working hours is difficult. However, the lack of specific application criteria has led to criticism that the law is effectively unenforceable. Proponents argue that applying minimum wage to contract workers would reduce instances of "free labor" and prevent excessive workloads, providing a necessary safety net to protect livelihoods and survival from various risks. Conversely, employers argue that minimum wage laws apply only to workers defined under labor standards, and since many contract workers are classified as independent contractors, they should not be included in minimum wage discussions. They contend that expanding minimum wage application would increase the burden on small businesses and other employers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:03:00
  • Adore and Daniel Clash Again in Court Over Contract Violation
    Adore and Daniel Clash Again in Court Over Contract Violation Adore, the agency of the K-pop group NewJeans, and former member Daniel engaged in a heated exchange over contract violations during a damages lawsuit hearing. The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 31, presided over by Judge Nam In-soo, held a hearing on June 11 regarding Adore's lawsuit against Daniel, his mother, and former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin. During the hearing, Adore's representative claimed, "Unlike other members, Daniel independently committed serious contract violations." They presented text messages exchanged between Min and others shortly after a court injunction prohibiting independent activities by NewJeans. According to Adore, the messages indicated that Daniel planned to feature in a song for an American band and had already incurred expenses for filming a music video. Adore argued, "This shows that he had no intention of honoring the exclusive contract despite the injunction, leading us to conclude we could not continue the contract with Daniel, and we notified him of the termination last December." Adore also asserted that Daniel's mother and Min bore responsibility. The agency's representative questioned whether the members made decisions independently during the contract termination process, stating, "Daniel's mother played a significant role in the illegal actions, which is why we are seeking damages from both Daniel and Min, as well as his mother." Daniel's side countered Adore's claims, with his representative stating, "At the time of discussing collaboration with the American band, we believed the contract with Adore had been legally terminated. It is incorrect to claim that Daniel acted illegally on minor issues alone, making it impossible to continue together." They further argued that Adore's damages lawsuit was hindering Daniel's entertainment activities, noting, "Adore is claiming nearly 100 billion won in penalties. What agency would take on an artist with such a massive damages claim?" The court has scheduled an additional hearing for July 2. NewJeans members demanded Min's return, but when their request was denied, they claimed that their contract with Adore was terminated due to violations in November 2024 and began independent activities. In response, Adore filed a lawsuit in December of the same year to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract with NewJeans and sought an injunction to prevent the members' independent activities. The court granted the injunction in May of the previous year, and in October, the first trial ruled in favor of Adore. The NewJeans members did not appeal, solidifying the ruling. Subsequently, the members expressed their intentions to return one by one. However, in December of the previous year, Adore announced it could no longer work with Daniel as a member of NewJeans, terminating his contract and filing a damages lawsuit that included his mother and Min as defendants. Initially, Adore sought damages amounting to approximately 43.09 billion won but later adjusted the claim to about 33.09 billion won. Currently, among the NewJeans members, three have been confirmed to return to Adore, while Min is reportedly negotiating specific conditions for her return.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:00:00
  • Taekwang Group Launches First Beauty Brand Safin with Marine Ingredients
    Taekwang Group Launches First Beauty Brand 'Safin' with Marine Ingredients On June 11, the S Factory in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, transformed into a refreshing marine sanctuary for the launch of Taekwang Group's new beauty brand, Safin. The pop-up store, named "Marine Sanctuary," celebrated the debut of the brand under SIL, Taekwang's newly established beauty subsidiary. Kim Jin-sook, CEO of SIL, expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness as she guided visitors through the pop-up. "This is our first opportunity to introduce the brand to the public, and it feels like a celebration," she said with a bright smile. Safin's standout feature is its use of "Reverse Marine™" ingredients. Unlike many beauty brands that rely on imported Western ingredients, Safin draws inspiration from Korea's unique geographic position, surrounded by the sea. The brand combines premium deep-sea water sourced from 605 meters below the East Sea, clean kelp from the South Sea, and sea silt from the West Sea to create a proprietary complex. Kelp is rich in minerals, plant-based proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Kim explained, "We shifted our mindset away from the notion that foreign ingredients are superior. By blending unique components from Korea's seas, we have developed a distinctive formula that sets Safin apart from competitors." The primary target audience for Safin is women in their 30s and 40s. Kim noted that these women are often at the peak of their careers or balancing busy lives with parenting, leading to a deep understanding of their lifestyle needs. "Women in their 30s and 40s are experienced consumers who have used cosmetics for a long time," Kim said. "They seek products that are easy to use and effective, but there are not many brands that meet both needs while targeting this age group effectively." This philosophy is reflected in the product lineup. The "Skin Reverse Aging Zone Care Patch" (three types) offers convenience for on-the-go use, while the "Skin Reverse Ampoule" (three types) features unique star-shaped packaging that can be used alone or mixed with existing skincare products. SIL was established as part of Taekwang Industrial's 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion) new business initiative. The name "SIL" carries a dual meaning, representing both the thread that connects individual brands and the space that seeks product excellence and sensory experiences. Currently, Safin is building its distribution network primarily through online channels, including its own website and Naver Smart Store, with plans to gradually expand into offline retail. Kim emphasized, "Our short-term goal is to establish Safin as a brand that stands out and is easily remembered by consumers in a crowded market." The Safin pop-up store will be open from June 12 to June 20 on the first floor of S Factory Live. It will feature immersive brand zones, product experiences, and interactive content such as candle-making, photo zones, and games. The store will be open daily from noon to 8 p.m. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:00:00
  • 6th U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group Meeting Confirms Commitment to Deterrence
    6th U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group Meeting Confirms Commitment to Deterrence The U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) announced that it has reaffirmed its commitment to provide extended deterrence to South Korea using all U.S. capabilities, including nuclear options.In a joint press statement issued on June 11, the Defense Ministry stated, "The U.S. and South Korea confirmed their shared goal of North Korean denuclearization."The two nations also discussed the enhancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities, the evolving security environment, and reviewed tasks related to security and information sharing, consultation procedures during nuclear crises, Conventional-Nuclear Integration (CNI), and joint exercises and training.To ensure information security for NCG activities and discussions, the 'U.S.-South Korea NCG Security Guidelines' were established.The sixth NCG meeting was co-chaired by Kim Hong-cheol, Director of Defense Policy at the South Korean Defense Ministry, and Robert Super, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence and WMD Policy. Representatives from both countries' defense, diplomatic, and intelligence sectors attended the meeting.The representatives agreed to report the NCG outcomes to the 58th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and approved the tasks and key activities for the second half of 2026, including plans for the seventh NCG plenary meeting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 19:00:00
  • Lottery Ticket Checked Late Wins First Prize
    Lottery Ticket Checked Late Wins First Prize "I have a habit of checking my tickets all at once after a month or two of buying them." As attention turns to the winning numbers for the 319th round of the Pension Lottery 720+ on June 11, the story of the winners from the 277th round is making headlines. In a recent post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' board, a winner of one first prize and four second prizes from the 277th round shared, "I often buy lottery tickets, and recently I started purchasing the pension lottery as well. Because I buy them regularly, I developed a habit of checking them all at once after a month or two." The winner continued, "This Chuseok holiday was long, so I started looking through the tickets I had saved. I was shocked to discover I had won the first prize. Even when I checked with the QR code, I couldn't believe it, so I rewatched the winning announcement and confirmed at the store where I bought the tickets that a first prize winner had indeed been announced." He expressed, "From the moment I learned of my win during the holiday in my hometown, I felt that my late parents were helping me." The winner, who purchased the ticket at a lottery store in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, responded to a question about his usual lottery purchases, saying, "I buy both Lotto and pension lottery tickets every week." Regarding plans for the winnings, he stated, "I plan to use it to help purchase a house." Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 319th round of the Pension Lottery 720+ will be available after 7:05 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 18:57:00
  • Nexon to End Crazy Arcade Service After 25 Years
    Nexon to End 'Crazy Arcade' Service After 25 Years Nexon is set to discontinue its PC online game "Crazy Arcade," which has been in service for nearly 25 years. On June 11, Nexon announced on its website that the service will officially end on August 13. A representative from Crazy Arcade expressed gratitude to the game's community, stating, "We sincerely thank all the Crazy Arcade family members who have been with us, and we hope the memories we shared will remain cherished. We will do our best to ensure a smooth experience during the remaining period and provide necessary updates." Nexon has been evaluating the viability of its live game services, considering recent declines in new user acquisition and revenue. This decision to end Crazy Arcade's service is seen as part of that evaluation. Additionally, the third-person shooter game "Bubble Fighter," based on the Crazy Arcade intellectual property, is also set to conclude its service on June 24. Last June, Nexon ended the service for another major title, "Kart Rider Drift," which is based on its flagship IP, "Kart Rider." As a result, Nexon will cease the sale of paid items and ongoing events. Refunds will be processed for all purchases made with paid Nexon Cash from March 11 until the service termination date. Items that have not been retrieved from the temporary storage since June 11 of last year will also be eligible for refunds. Furthermore, Nexon plans to distribute free characters and items before the service ends. "Crazy Arcade" was launched in October 2001 and is one of Nexon's early games. It has become a key intellectual property for the company, expanding into the "Crazy Park" brand. The upcoming service termination of "Bubble Fighter" on June 24 is also part of the Crazy Park IP expansion. 2026-06-11 18:42:00