AI becomes defining battleground at World News Media Congress MARSEILLE, France, June 1 (AJP) — Artificial intelligence has emerged as the defining battleground for the global news industry as publishers, editors and policymakers gather in southern France this week to debate the future of journalism amid one of the most disruptive technological shifts in decades. The 77th World News Media Congress, organized by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), will bring together more than 1,000 media executives, editors and innovators from over 60 countries in Marseille, including leaders from The New York Times, The Guardian, POLITICO and the European Commission. While the annual gathering traditionally focuses on the future of journalism and media business strategies, this year's agenda is overwhelmingly shaped by artificial intelligence, reflecting the technology's growing influence on newsroom operations, audience engagement, content distribution and revenue models. Generative AI has rapidly moved from a newsroom experiment to a strategic priority for publishers worldwide. At the same time, it has raised pressing questions about copyright, misinformation, editorial integrity and the long-term sustainability of professional journalism. Among the invited speakers is AJP, the English-language news platform of Aju Media Group, which has emerged as one of South Korea's early adopters of AI-driven newsroom innovation in one of the world's fastest-moving digital media markets. AJP Managing Editor Seo Hye-seung will participate in a session titled "How AI Is Transforming the News Experience," sharing how the organization has leveraged AI technologies to broaden its international reach, enhance content distribution and develop new audience experiences as a relatively young player in the global news industry. A.G. Sulzberger, chairman and publisher of The New York Times, will open the congress with a keynote address titled "AI, Journalism and the Uncertain Future of the Public Square." The speech is expected to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping press freedom, public discourse and journalism's role in democratic societies at a time when AI-powered platforms are increasingly influencing how information is created, distributed and consumed. Sulzberger, a fifth-generation leader of the Ochs-Sulzberger family that has controlled the newspaper since 1896, has overseen one of the industry's most closely watched digital transformations. Since becoming publisher in 2018, he has led the Times to more than 12.8 million subscribers by the end of 2025 through a subscription bundle that spans news, games, cooking and audio products. He has also become a leading advocate for stronger copyright protections for publishers amid escalating disputes between news organizations and AI companies over the use of journalistic content to train large language models. The congress will also bring together policymakers shaping the future of artificial intelligence regulation and digital governance. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, oversees the European Union's policies on artificial intelligence, digital regulation and cybersecurity. A former Finnish education minister and member of the European Parliament, she will deliver the closing keynote outlining Europe's vision for technological sovereignty, democratic resilience and the role of journalism in the digital age. Another prominent participant is Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who has spearheaded the publication's reader-revenue strategy while overseeing its expansion across Australia, the United States and Europe. At the plenary session "In Conversation," she will join AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd to discuss digital transformation, reader-supported journalism and the future of news organizations in the AI era. Goli Sheikholeslami, chief executive of POLITICO Media Group, will also address how publishers are adapting their business strategies to the AI age. Since taking the helm in 2022, Sheikholeslami has overseen POLITICO's expansion across North America and Europe. She previously held senior leadership positions at New York Public Radio, Chicago Public Media and The Washington Post. At the plenary session "Redefining Media Strategies in an AI-Transformed World," she will discuss how publishers are rethinking newsroom operations, business models and long-term growth strategies as generative AI reshapes the media landscape. As news organizations confront declining traditional revenues, changing audience habits and growing competition from AI-powered information platforms, the debates in Marseille are expected to provide an early glimpse into how journalism intends to defend its value while harnessing the opportunities of the technology transforming it. For many publishers, the question is no longer whether AI will change journalism, but whether journalism can adapt quickly enough to shape how AI changes the public's relationship with news. 2026-06-01 10:16:19

KOSPI hits fresh high as Nvidia chief's expected Seoul visit raises AI partnership hopes SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI crossed the 8,500 mark for the first time in its history in early Monday trade, rising 2.2 percent to 8,662.4 points, extending last Friday's record close of 8,476.2. The gains came ahead of Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang's expected visit to Seoul this week for meetings with LG and Naver, fueling expectations of potential artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics-related partnerships between the world's dominant AI chipmaker and South Korea's most aggressive robotics investors. LG Electronics advanced 28.0 percent to 375,000 won, sustaining the bulk of an earlier limit-up print, with the rally unmistakably a group-level rerating rather than a single-stock move: LG the holding company surged 21.1 percent to 177,500 won, LG CNS climbed 25.9 percent to 143,300 won, and NAVER advanced 10.3 percent to 258,000 won as the AI infrastructure theme widened beyond the LG orbit. The machinery sector rose 8.4 percent, led by Robostar at 30.0 percent and Doosan Robotics at 25.4 percent, confirming the buying is a physical AI and robotics rerating rather than a rotation within the semiconductor trade. Samsung Electronics rose a more measured 3.8 percent to 329,000 won while SK hynix eased to 2,313,000 won — the chip names rising but no longer leading, ceding the morning to a theme that has spent most of 2026 in their shadow. The rerating carries fundamental support: LG Electronics reported first-quarter operating profit of 1.67 trillion won in late May, 32.9 percent above the prior year and well ahead of consensus, validating the market's reassessment of a stock that spent five years as a chronic underperformer. Foreign investors extended their selling streak to at least a sixteenth consecutive session — a run that has seen them unload nearly 50 trillion won since early May, a cumulative figure without modern precedent in the South Korean market — but the more significant flow development of the morning was institutional investors turning net buyers of 836.3 billion won, a reversal from the institutional selling that defined much of May and a sign the demand base is broadening beyond the retail buying that has been the index's primary support. Domestic individuals added 486.3 billion won in net purchases. The won weakened to 1,510.1 against the dollar, breaching the level for the first time since the Bank of Korea flagged currency pressure in last Thursday's rate decision, a reminder that the equity record and the currency strain are two sides of the same foreign-selling dynamic. The junior KOSDAQ recovered to near flat at 1,074.2, reversing an earlier 2.2 percent decline as robotics and growth names caught the physical AI bid. The morning's gains rest on a question the market has not yet answered: whether the expected Huang's visit here would produce contractual cooperation or remain at the level of strategic signaling. LG Electronics has risen approximately 220 percent this year, surpassing every analyst price target, and the gap between a confirmed Nvidia partnership and a well-photographed meeting is the principal downside risk to an index that has now set records in four of its past five sessions. 2026-06-01 10:12:00

NVIDIA to Unveil Groundbreaking AI PC Chips Featuring SK Hynix Memory in Taiwan NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is set to unveil next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) PC chips in Taiwan, which will incorporate SK Hynix's LPDDR5X memory. Following its success in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for servers, SK Hynix is accelerating its integration into NVIDIA's ecosystem within the AI PC market. According to industry sources, Huang will focus on the AI chips 'N1' and 'N1X' during his keynote address at GTC 2026 in Taiwan. These products are expected to be system-on-chip (SoC) solutions that combine Arm-based central processing units (CPUs) with NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs). Reports indicate that SK Hynix's LPDDR5X will serve as the primary memory supply for these chips. The chips are anticipated to support up to 128GB of LPDDR5X, a significant increase compared to typical smartphones or existing laptops. To run generative AI and on-device AI functions directly on laptops, not only CPU and GPU performance but also memory capacity and bandwidth for rapid data processing are crucial. This indicates that the expansion of AI PCs is directly linked to the growing demand for high-performance, low-power DRAM. The N1 and N1X are viewed as NVIDIA's first serious foray into the AI PC market. The N1 targets the premium AI laptop segment, while the N1X is aimed at high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Specific details regarding core counts, power design, and GPU configurations are expected to be revealed in the official announcement. A key feature of these chips is the integration of CPU and GPU within a single package. Traditionally, the PC market has been dominated by Intel and AMD, with NVIDIA enhancing performance through external GPUs. In contrast, the N1 and N1X aim to redefine the fundamental computing architecture of PCs by combining Arm CPUs with NVIDIA GPUs, focusing on AI. The competitive landscape for AI PCs may also shift. Previously, laptop comparisons focused on CPU performance, battery efficiency, and graphics capabilities. However, as generative AI becomes integrated into PCs, the ability to execute large language models, generate images and videos, assist in coding, and analyze documents will become key competitive factors. The N1 and N1X are designed to consolidate CPU, GPU, and memory into a unified AI computing platform. Industry analysts suggest that these products could disrupt the Intel-centric PC ecosystem. Arm-based chips have already demonstrated energy efficiency in the smartphone and tablet markets. The combination of NVIDIA GPUs and AI software could create a new competitive axis in the Windows PC market. Analysts view NVIDIA's collaboration with Arm as a significant challenge to the x86-dominated PC landscape. For SK Hynix, the opportunity to benefit from NVIDIA's influence extends beyond HBM to LPDDR. The company has improved its performance in the AI server market through HBM supply, and expanding LPDDR5X supply for AI PCs would position it within NVIDIA's value chain on both server and client sides. The 128GB LPDDR5X integration is particularly significant for memory suppliers. This capacity far exceeds the LPDDR amounts typically found in smartphones. If AI PC shipments increase substantially, the rise in memory capacity per unit could lead to revenue growth. Unlike traditional PC DRAM demand, which has stagnated due to slower replacement cycles, AI PCs require high-capacity memory, presenting a new demand opportunity. The most direct beneficiaries of the N1 and N1X project are likely to be memory suppliers like SK Hynix. Just as NVIDIA elevated HBM to an essential component in the AI server market, the importance of high-capacity, low-power memory is expected to grow in AI PCs. As AI processing shifts from the cloud to PC devices, technologies that reduce memory bottlenecks will become critical for product performance. Recently, the presence of SK Hynix memory was confirmed on NVIDIA's N1 and N1X sample boards, increasing the likelihood of supply. In response, a representative from SK Hynix stated, "We cannot confirm details regarding collaborations with clients due to security regulations." 2026-06-01 10:09:00

Korbit Launches Contact-Based Cryptocurrency Transfer Service Korbit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, has introduced a new service that allows users to send virtual assets using only a phone number and real name. This service eliminates the need for complex wallet address entries, enhancing the convenience of cryptocurrency transfers to resemble traditional bank transfers. On June 1, Korbit announced the launch of its "Send via Contact" service, which enables users to transfer virtual assets without entering the recipient's wallet address, relying solely on their phone number and real name. The service aims to reduce the risk of errors associated with incorrect address entries during cryptocurrency transfers while improving user convenience. The transfer limit is set at 1 million won per transaction and 10 million won per day. There are no additional transfer fees, as transactions are processed internally within the exchange, eliminating blockchain network fees and waiting times. If the recipient is not a Korbit member, they will receive a notification via text message about the transfer. The recipient must complete the Korbit registration and identity verification process within 72 hours of the transfer request to receive the virtual assets. If not completed within the timeframe, the transferred assets will be automatically refunded to the sender. Security features have also been implemented. Each transfer step includes multi-factor authentication and alerts about potential financial fraud. Transfer notifications will only be sent if the recipient's phone number and real name match. Lee Jung-woo, Korbit's Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer, stated, "The Send via Contact feature is the first step in simplifying the cryptocurrency transfer experience to the level of traditional financial transfers. We will continue to enhance our services to improve both user convenience and security."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:06:00

Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-sung Emphasizes Trust as the Essence of Currency Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-sung emphasized that the essence of currency lies in trust, not technology. He explained that the central bank's role is to provide a public framework that allows society to trust and use currency. In his opening remarks at the '2026 BOK International Conference' held on June 1 at the Bank of Korea headquarters in Seoul, Shin stated, "The origin of the central bank is fundamentally related to its public nature, which is a very compelling argument." Shin noted, "The central bank is already facing short-term issues such as high inflation," adding that the conference would provide an opportunity to address not only immediate policy challenges but also broader topics. He remarked, "A lesson we must always remember is that currency is a social institution. It is not merely about technology; it concerns how our society coordinates economic activities." He continued, "Currency exists fundamentally to coordinate our economic and financial decisions. When people make payments, there must be trust that they will receive something in return. A key question to consider when discussing future currency systems is how to preserve that trust within the currency itself." Shin added, "We will not limit our discussions to short-term forecasts at this conference. This event will be an opportunity to broaden our horizons, examine the overall landscape of central banking, and gain a deeper understanding of complex and wide-ranging issues." He also mentioned that the conference would explore the central bank's role within the currency system and address broader historical issues, stating, "We will look to the future while also learning from past lessons."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:03:00

Companies Honor Fallen Heroes with Memorial Activities As Memorial Day and the Month of National Defense approach, various companies are engaging in social contribution activities to honor veterans. Executives and employees are participating directly to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen heroes and fulfill their social responsibilities. According to industry sources, SKC conducted a grave site cleaning activity at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery to honor fallen heroes ahead of the 71st Memorial Day. The event included participation from CEO Kim Jong-woo and CFO Park Dong-joo, along with other executives and employees. Since establishing a volunteer group in 2004 and forming a sister relationship with the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in 2008, SKC has continued its activities for 19 years. The volunteer team began with a moment of silence at the Memorial Tower before moving to the 19th grave site, which honors 913 military personnel who died in service. They placed national flags, removed weeds, and cleaned the gravestones. A SKC representative stated, "Through this activity involving both executives and employees, we were able to once again honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. We will continue our regular social contribution activities as a responsible company that contributes to the nation and the community." Hyosung also visited the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery on May 22 to conduct a grave site cleaning volunteer activity. Since 2014, Hyosung has held this event twice a year, with employees participating directly. On that day, 15 participants from Hyosung, including employees from Hyosung TNC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Hyosung Chemical, as well as university student supporters, paid their respects at the Memorial Tower and engaged in cleaning activities at the 9th grave site, which is part of their sister relationship, including placing national flags and collecting wilted flowers. Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-jun has emphasized the importance of continuing social contribution activities to honor and remember the noble sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to protect the country. GS Global announced that on May 27, about 40 employees, including CEO Kim Sung-won, participated in a grave site cleaning and environmental beautification activity at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery. After paying their respects at the Memorial Tower, employees engaged in cleaning tasks such as washing gravestones, removing weeds, and organizing the surrounding area, reflecting deeply on the significance of honoring veterans. A GS Global representative stated, "To fulfill our corporate social responsibility, we have linked our grave site cleaning activities with support for childcare, ensuring our employees are directly involved. We will continue to engage in social contribution activities that provide tangible help to the nation and the community." Global shipping company Pan Ocean also held volunteer activities at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day. About 30 Pan Ocean employees first visited the Memorial Tower to express gratitude for the noble sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country. They then conducted maintenance activities at the 43rd grave site (with 1,122 interments), which is part of their sister relationship. Since 2010, Pan Ocean has continued its grave site maintenance and flower offering activities annually. A Pan Ocean representative remarked, "This was a meaningful time for employees to reflect on their love for the country while honoring the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives for it. We will continue to fulfill our social responsibilities through various social contribution activities." Memorial Day commemorates the loyalty of those who sacrificed their lives for national defense and marks its 71st observance this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:00:00

Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Rises Amid Diminished U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes The won-dollar exchange rate opened higher as hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace agreement faded. In the Seoul foreign exchange market on June 1, the exchange rate for the Korean won against the U.S. dollar was 1508.1 won. The rate opened at 1508.8 won, up 0.9 won from the previous session. The renewed preference for safe assets appears to be linked to difficulties in the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. At the same time, the dollar index, which measures the value of the U.S. dollar against six major currencies, rose by 0.14 to 99.05. On May 30, The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump did not approve a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Previously, U.S. and Iranian officials had tentatively agreed on the peace MOU, with only final approval procedures remaining. An Iranian news agency also reported that Iran plans to propose new amendments, indicating that the country is thoroughly preparing for a no-deal scenario. In the bond market, foreign investors have sold a net 1.4162 trillion won worth of securities. Minkyoung Won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The won-dollar exchange rate is expected to rise in line with increasing international oil prices due to weakened optimism regarding the U.S.-Iran negotiations. There is a high likelihood that foreign capital will continue to exit the domestic stock market, and even if individual and institutional buying supports the KOSPI, demand for remittances in the foreign exchange market will lead to an increase in the exchange rate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:57:00

South Korea targets Honduras, Latvia and Kenya to diversify food exports SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - The Korea International Trade Association has identified Honduras, Latvia and Kenya as strategic target markets to reduce South Korea's heavy reliance on the United States, China and Japan for food exports. The strategy aims to leverage the global popularity of South Korean culture to open new trade channels and sustain long-term growth. South Korean food exports have grown at an annual rate of 5.8 percent since 2015, surpassing 9 billion dollars in 2024. However, more than 50 percent of the export volume over the past decade remained concentrated in just three nations, prompting industry calls for immediate market diversification. The association published its findings Monday in a report outlining export competitiveness and market expansion strategies. Researchers selected the three countries based on surging local interest in South Korean culture, noting they all met strict criteria for cultural fan club growth and consumer goods import increases between 2021 and 2023. The report recommended specific product categories and localized approaches for each emerging market. For Honduras, researchers highlighted snacks such as sweets and ice cream, advising companies to launch sweet, large-capacity products and focus on hypermarket promotions to capture a growing youth demographic and urban population. In Latvia, which recorded the highest food import openness among 14 candidate nations, the association projected strong demand for mild sauces and dressings. The report suggested an integrated marketing campaign spanning YouTube, Google and expanding offline retail networks like hypermarkets and convenience stores. Kenya was identified as a target market for processed rice foods, including tteokbokki and rice crackers. The country offers a rapidly expanding consumer base, improved mobile payment infrastructure and an active e-commerce sector where platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp can drive localized sales. Across all three markets, the association urged exporters to strictly comply with local ingredient labeling rules and eco-friendly regulations driven by environmental, social and corporate governance standards. "Export channel diversification is the key that will determine the competitiveness of K-food going forward," said Kim Moo-hyun, chief researcher at the association. "Our companies should actively utilize services from related organizations, and the government must also strengthen communication with local regulatory authorities centered on diplomatic missions, acting as one team." To support these expansion efforts, the trade association plans to publish five strategic reports on consumer goods exports this year. The organization will also host business-to-business exhibitions linking South Korean companies with local buyers in Ho Chi Minh City and Paris in June, Jakarta in September, and Los Angeles in October. 2026-06-01 09:53:11

Kakao Union to Strike for Job Security and Compensation Reform The Kakao Union plans to initiate a partial strike on June 10. The union argues that ongoing sales, spin-offs, and restructuring have created job insecurity and demands improvements to the management-centered compensation system. In a statement on June 1, the Kakao branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said, "Our core demand is to stop the sales, spin-offs, and restructuring resulting from continuous management failures and to secure job stability. We also seek to reform the compensation system that allows management to monopolize excessive rewards while causing job insecurity through poor decision-making." The union explained that the partial strike is intended to address concerns from users about the potential disruption of major services like KakaoTalk. The union stated, "We plan to conduct a four-hour partial strike and a rally in Pangyo on June 10. We will start with this limited action and may escalate the strike depending on the negotiation situation." Previously, negotiations between Kakao and the union had gone through mediation by the Labor Relations Commission, but no agreement was reached, leading the union to secure the right to strike. However, according to the union, no formal negotiations have taken place since the second mediation concluded. A union representative noted, "We have not met separately with the company since the second mediation, and there are no scheduled official meetings following the strike." Regarding the expected participation in the strike, the union stated, "We will know the scale of participation only on the day of the event," and did not provide specific numbers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:48:00

Defender Jo Yu-min Injured, Out of World Cup; Jo Wi-je Replaces Him Jo Yu-min, a central defender for the South Korean national team, will miss the 2026 FIFA North Central America World Cup due to injury. On June 1, the team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, announced that Jo Yu-min has been released from the squad due to his injury. According to the team, Jo was diagnosed with a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, requiring an estimated eight weeks for recovery following a medical examination. Jo sustained the injury while playing as a central defender in a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago on May 31 at Brigham Young University's South Field in Provo, Utah. He fell to the ground after twisting his right ankle while attempting to block an opposing player. After signaling for a substitution, Jo received treatment from the medical staff but was unable to continue and was carried off the field. Subsequent evaluations indicated that he would need to return to South Korea for treatment and rehabilitation, leading to his withdrawal from the team. Jo Wi-je from Jeonbuk Hyundai has been called up as his replacement. He was already in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a training partner and is listed on the preliminary roster of 55 players for the World Cup. He is expected to be included in the final 26-man squad, which is due on June 1. Baek Jun-ho of Stoke City, who was substituted during the match due to concerns over an ankle injury, has been reported to be in good condition.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:48:00