Sendbird Demonstrates AI-Powered Customer Support at AWS Summit 2026 "I will recommend outfits A, B, and C based on your preferences." At the Sendbird booth during the AWS Summit Seoul 2026 held on May 21 at COEX, an AI stylist immediately began suggesting products as soon as attendees accessed the fashion shopping mall-themed live demo screen. The AI proposed various styles based on customer preferences and previous purchase history, explaining which situations each outfit would suit. When a reporter inputted, "I want to dress more casually," the AI adjusted its recommendations accordingly. Sendbird is a global AI communication company that provides enterprise chat and consultation solutions. Recently, it has focused on developing 'AI agent' technology that goes beyond simple chatbots to remember customer context over the long term and perform actual tasks. At this AWS Summit, the company showcased scenarios where AI handles reservations, exchanges, rebookings, and connects consultations in hotel, airline, and e-commerce environments. One of the standout features was the 'memory-enabled AI.' All conversations and actions with customers are stored in a memory format, allowing seamless continuation even when switching channels. If a shopping inquiry starts in a messenger and transitions to a voice call, the AI retains the previous conversation details, eliminating the need for customers to repeat themselves. During the live demonstration, the AI processed a product exchange request. It recognized the order history and previous inquiries, identified the reason for the exchange, and then connected the customer via voice call to provide pickup schedules and estimated delivery times. If complex issues or refund requests arose, the AI would connect the customer to a human representative. However, unlike traditional customer service, there is no need to explain the situation from the beginning, as the AI summarizes the entire conversation for the representative. This functionality leverages AWS cloud technology. Voice connections and representative integration are operated on AWS Connect, designed to ensure a smooth transition between AI and human representatives within a single workflow. The core of this technology is the 'Cross-Channel AI Memory,' which maintains customer context across messaging and voice channels. Similar processes were demonstrated in hotel and airline scenarios. In the hotel demo, the AI recommended rooms and restaurants based on the customer's stay history, family composition, and preferences, even handling reservations. In the airline demo, when a flight delay occurred, the AI proactively suggested alternative flights and managed seat reassignments and compensation notifications. Sendbird believes that AI is evolving beyond simple response-based chatbots to perform actual operational tasks. Lee Sang-hee, CEO of Sendbird Korea, stated during a keynote session the previous day, "The future competition in AI will not be about who creates the smartest AI, but rather who can continuously remember and connect customer relationships and contexts." Real-world implementations are increasing. According to Sendbird, Hanssem has integrated AI customer support into its order, delivery, and installation inquiries, automating over 90% of customer inquiries. Coupang Eats is also operating an AI-based customer support system. Sendbird plans to expand its AI communication infrastructure to enable companies to build their own brand-based AI concierges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:51:34

Fair Trade Commission Chair Joo Byeong-gi: Government Efforts Lead to Processed Food Price Reductions Joo Byeong-gi, the Chair of the Fair Trade Commission, stated on May 20 that it is fortunate that efforts by the commission and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs have led to price reductions for processed foods such as bread, ramen, and snacks since March.During a meeting of the Special Task Force on Consumer Prices held at the Government Seoul Building, Joo noted that the flour milling industry voluntarily reduced flour prices by up to 8.2% during the commission's investigation and review process.He added, "The Fair Trade Commission has imposed independent price re-determination orders to restore competition prior to collusion and has also established new disciplinary regulations to eradicate repeated collusion."The meeting also included a report on the review results regarding collusion in essential consumer goods, specifically eggs and flour. Joo explained that the Fair Trade Commission decided to impose a fine of approximately 600 million won on the Korea Egg Producers Association for artificially setting the standard price for egg transactions under the pretext of protecting farmers' rights and compelling farmers to comply.He emphasized that such collusion has been a major reason for rapid price increases and slow decreases for consumers.Following the commission's detection of collusion, there are expectations for improvements in the distribution structure. Joo stated, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to enhance management and improve the distribution structure by excluding policy support, revoking association establishment permits, and establishing a verification and announcement system for egg farm prices. This is a significant achievement resulting from collaboration among relevant ministries to detect unfair practices and improve the distribution structure."Joo also announced plans to strengthen monitoring of collusion activities taking advantage of supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. He mentioned that the commission is conducting on-site investigations into four manufacturers and sellers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers suspected of collusion amid recent supply instability. He stated, "We plan to impose strict penalties if any legal violations are detected."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:49:28

Cultural Sensitivity Lacking in Recent Controversies from Starbucks to Dramas While the public is sensitive to historical issues, the business sector often remains indifferent. A recent series of incidents in the cultural and retail industries highlighted a significant lack of historical sensitivity. The backlash from exploiting painful modern history and tradition for profit has been severe. The most egregious misstep occurred in the retail sector. On May 18, marking the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju Democracy Movement, Starbucks Korea named a tumbler discount event "Tank Day" and included the phrase "Bang!" in promotional materials. This trivialized the tanks used by the military to suppress civilians and the absurd explanations given by police during the 1987 torture and death of Park Jong-cheol. The controversy quickly escalated. Shinsegae Group promptly canceled the event and dismissed the president in an attempt to mitigate the fallout, but public sentiment remained cold, leading to a boycott of Starbucks. On May 20, President Lee Jae-myung weighed in, recalling a previous controversy involving Musinsa's sock advertisement, stating, "Money may be the root of all evil, but one should not act in such a manner while wearing a human mask." This marked a direct warning from the highest authority against crossing ethical lines in pursuit of profit. The entertainment industry has not fared any better. The MBC drama "21st Century Daegunbuin," which had a budget of 30 billion won, faced intense backlash for its poor historical accuracy. It hid behind the guise of a fictional constitutional monarchy while misrepresenting the emperor's status and introducing dubious Chinese tea-drinking customs, providing fodder for Northeast Asian territorial disputes. It echoed the painful mistakes of the 2021 SBS drama "Joseon Exorcist," which was canceled after two episodes due to similar controversies, and tvN's "Mr. Queen," which faced legal penalties for dismissing the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty as mere "trash." Despite the gravity of the situation, the responses from the writers and directors responsible for historical accuracy have been slow, leaving only the lead actors to face public outrage and offer tearful apologies. The government's late response, suggesting the return of funding after the controversy erupted, has drawn criticism for being a typical example of bureaucratic ineptitude. Given that we vividly remember the struggles for independence and democracy, it is natural for us to be sensitive to historical issues. If we fill the void left by a lack of proper historical understanding with shallow commercialism and irresponsible creativity, we cannot avoid public disdain. A few insincere apologies cannot cover the deep and damaging wounds that have been inflicted on the public's historical consciousness. 2026-05-21 09:47:10

Hyundai Glovis Partners with Ocean Cleanup to Tackle Marine Plastic Waste Hyundai Glovis continues its efforts to support the removal of marine plastic waste. On May 21, Hyundai Glovis announced the extension of its partnership with the global nonprofit Ocean Cleanup until 2030. The partnership, which began in 2023, has recently been expanded to include a broader scope of collaboration. As of March this year, over 50,000 tons of plastic waste have already been collected. Hyundai Glovis is utilizing the Automated Debris Imaging System (ADIS) developed by Ocean Cleanup to assist in collecting data on marine plastic. ADIS automatically detects and photographs floating plastic waste using cameras installed on ships, recording their location. Currently, Hyundai Glovis has installed and operates a total of 20 ADIS cameras on 10 of its Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), providing the collected data to Ocean Cleanup. This initiative contributes to identifying the locations and sizes of plastic accumulation areas in major shipping routes, including the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Hyundai Glovis plans to expand the number of vessels equipped with ADIS and is exploring various collaborative options leveraging its global logistics and transportation network. A Hyundai Glovis representative stated, "Over the past three years, we have achieved significant results in addressing the marine plastic issue through our collaboration with Ocean Cleanup. We will continue to leverage our global maritime network and logistics capabilities to make a tangible contribution to environmental protection." Meanwhile, Hyundai Glovis is gradually expanding its eco-friendly collaborations utilizing its global fleet and logistics network.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:43:43

South Korea's Exports Reach Record $52.7 Billion Amid Semiconductor Surge Despite the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, South Korea's exports surged over 60% in mid-May, reaching a record high for the period, driven by a semiconductor supercycle.The Korea Customs Service reported on May 21 that exports from May 1 to May 20 totaled $52.652 billion, marking a 64.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure surpasses the previous record of $38.6 billion set in May 2022.When adjusted for working days, the average daily export amount was $3.9 billion, a 52.6% increase, despite one fewer working day compared to the previous year.By category, semiconductor exports soared to $21.951 billion, a remarkable 202.1% increase, setting a new record for the period. Semiconductors accounted for 41.7% of total exports, up 19 percentage points from a year earlier.Exports of computer peripherals also skyrocketed by 305.5%, while petroleum product exports rose by 46.3%. However, exports of passenger cars and home appliances saw declines of 10.1% and 6.3%, respectively.Regionally, exports to major markets increased significantly, with China up 96.5%, the United States up 79.3%, Vietnam up 70.2%, Taiwan up 110.4%, and the European Union up 21.7%. The combined share of the top three countries—China, Vietnam, and the United States—accounted for 51.8% of total exports.During the same period, imports rose by 29.3% to $41.618 billion.In terms of categories, imports of semiconductors increased by 55.5%, semiconductor manufacturing equipment by 116.2%, machinery by 11.9%, and petroleum products by 58.6%.Notably, energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and coal, rose by 23.9% compared to last year.The import of crude oil, directly affected by the Middle Eastern conflict, increased by 26.4% to $6.052 billion, influenced by rising international oil prices and a strong won-dollar exchange rate.Imports from China, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Vietnam all saw increases, while imports from Russia decreased by 6.3%.With exports exceeding imports, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $11.034 billion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:42:00

Samsung Electronics and Union Reach Tentative Agreement to Avert Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union have reached a tentative agreement after four rounds of marathon negotiations, successfully averting a strike. According to industry sources on May 21, the two sides finalized the "2026 Wage and Performance Bonus Tentative Agreement" at 10:30 p.m. the previous day, deciding to postpone the union's planned strike. The core of this agreement addresses the contentious issue of institutionalizing performance bonuses through a strategy of "stock payments" and a "10-year written commitment." The performance bonuses for the semiconductor (DS) division, which was the main point of contention, will now include a new "Special Management Performance Bonus" separate from the existing Excess Profit Performance Incentive (OPI), applicable for the next ten years. This compromise balances the union's demand for institutionalizing performance bonuses with the company's concerns about financial burdens. Initially, the union had sought 15% of operating profit but ultimately agreed to a rate of 10.5%, aligning with industry standards. In return, the union successfully eliminated the previously proposed cap on the payment rate. The OPI system will remain unchanged, as the company expressed caution about altering it due to concerns over future investment capacity and potential impacts on the broader industry. Ultimately, they opted to maintain the current system without changes. The allocation ratio for performance bonus funding, which faced last-minute negotiations, was agreed upon at 40% for the entire division and 60% for individual business units. Consequently, 40% of the funds will be evenly distributed among three business units, while 60% will be allocated based on performance. Given the current management situation, a significant portion is expected to favor the memory division. The wage increase rate was settled at a total of 6.2%, combining a base increase of 4.1% with a performance increase of 2.1%. This increase will be retroactively applied to salaries from March of this year. Additionally, improvements in welfare measures were included, such as the introduction of a housing loan system, increased childbirth and family benefits, and enhancements to shift work compensation. Thanks to this dramatic agreement, the worst-case scenario of disruptions in semiconductor production has been avoided. The tentative agreement will be finalized through a vote among union members scheduled from 2 p.m. on May 22 to 10 a.m. on May 27. 2026-05-21 09:39:23

Fuel tax cut to be extended for another two months SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - The Ministry of Finance and Economy said Thursday it will extend the fuel tax cut for another two months through the end of July, citing mounting inflationary pressure from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the decision was made after consultations with relevant ministries to help curb price increases. The current 15 percent tax cut on gasoline and the 25 percent cut on diesel, both set to expire at the end of this month, will now remain in effect through July 31, keeping the fuel tax at 698 South Korean won per liter for gasoline and 436 won for diesel. The measure follows an earlier extension in March, as the Middle East conflict continued to disrupt fuel supplies. "We believe the extension will help relieve pressure on consumer prices," a ministry official said. Consumer prices rose 2.6 percent in April from a year ago, the highest in 21 months. Prices of petroleum products, in particular, jumped 21.9 percent, marking the steepest rise since July 2022. Meanwhile, the ministry also pledged to crack down on the hoarding of key products and goods to help keep prices stable and ferret out price-rigging practices and other irregularities. 2026-05-21 09:36:53

Mirae Asset Securities Raises Target Price for Shinsegae International Amid Luxury Growth Mirae Asset Securities announced on May 21 that it has raised its target price for Shinsegae International to 19,000 won, citing expected benefits from the expansion of luxury consumption. The firm maintained its investment recommendation of "buy." Analyst Bae Seung-hoon stated in a report that the company’s main channel, department stores, has entered a phase of structural growth, and he anticipates that the company’s investment points will align with this trend. Bae noted that the high-end fashion segment, which has a significant share in the company's business, saw a 35% increase in growth in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, while imported cosmetics grew by 20%. He highlighted that these categories are contributing significantly to overall sales, with overseas fashion accounting for 37% and imported cosmetics for 30% of total revenue, suggesting even higher contributions in terms of profit. He added that the current economic environment is particularly favorable for luxury goods, and he expects continued performance improvements driven by this sector. Furthermore, Bae projected a significant increase in foreign demand, noting that foreign purchases at department stores are primarily focused on luxury goods and fashion, which overlap substantially with the company's business areas. He anticipates that the trend of benefiting directly from inbound foreign customers will continue alongside department store growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:36:30

Hana Bank Supports K-Robot Development with HD Hyundai Robotics and Credit Guarantee Fund Hana Bank is set to provide 9 billion won ($7 million) in financial support to enhance the global competitiveness of South Korea's robot industry. The initiative aims to support not only the technological development of robotics companies but also their overseas exports.On May 21, Hana Bank announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Robotics and the Credit Guarantee Fund to promote the development of next-generation robotic solutions and facilitate entry into international markets.This MOU is part of Hana Financial Group's 'Hana All Growth Project,' which aims to inject a total of 100 trillion won ($75 billion) over five years, including 84 trillion won ($63 billion) in productive finance, by 2030.HD Hyundai Robotics, a leader in the domestic industrial robot market, is accelerating the development and mass production of physical artificial intelligence (AI)-based collaborative robot technology.Under the agreement, Hana Bank and HD Hyundai Robotics will each contribute 4.8 billion won ($3.6 million) and 12 billion won ($9 million) to the Credit Guarantee Fund. The fund will use these resources to provide a total of 9 billion won in guarantee support.The beneficiaries will be outstanding partner companies participating in joint projects with HD Hyundai Robotics. Hana Bank and the Credit Guarantee Fund plan to provide these companies with working capital (short-term liquidity funds).Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Fund will offer preferential benefits for five years after the initial guarantee, including a 100% guarantee rate and fixed guarantee fee rates.A Hana Bank representative stated, "We will continue to provide comprehensive support as a reliable global partner for small and medium-sized enterprises."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:33:59

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Group Deploys Near Cuba Amid Military Intervention Speculation As speculation grows regarding the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Cuba, a U.S. aircraft carrier group has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea near the island. The U.S. Southern Command announced on May 20 via X (formerly Twitter) that the Nimitz aircraft carrier, along with the destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), has been positioned in the region. The Southern Command described the Nimitz strike group as a "model of readiness, presence, unmatched operational range and lethality, and strategic advantage," noting that the Nimitz has demonstrated combat capabilities worldwide, contributing to regional stability and the defense of democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf. Commissioned in 1975, the Nimitz is the longest-serving active aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Initially scheduled for retirement this year due to aging, its decommissioning has been postponed amid increased operational demands on U.S. forces, particularly due to the conflict with Iran. This deployment coincides with the announcement of charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. On the same day, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Castro with involvement in the 1996 incident where two aircraft operated by the Miami-based Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by Cuban military forces, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Earlier this year, the U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug terrorism charges, also deploying an aircraft carrier group to the Caribbean at that time. The deployment of the carrier group follows reports that President Donald Trump is seriously considering military intervention in Cuba. Politico reported on May 18 that Trump believes energy supply chain disruptions and economic sanctions alone will not lead to regime change in Cuba, prompting a review of military options. U.S. military leadership is reportedly exploring various military scenarios beyond just capture and extradition operations. Since taking office, Trump has labeled Cuba a failed communist state, applying pressure through sanctions and energy supply chain disruptions. He has also indicated that Cuba could be the next target for military action following Venezuela, warning that Cuba could become a military target after the conflict with Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:31:26