NHN Shares Surge Nearly 50% in Six Trading Days Amid AI Cloud Growth NHN's stock price has surged nearly 50% in just six trading days. This increase is fueled by expectations of improved performance following the easing of regulations on web board games, alongside growing investor interest in the company's artificial intelligence (AI) cloud business. Analysts suggest that NHN is transitioning from a gaming and payment-focused company to one centered on AI infrastructure. As of 10:22 a.m. on June 1, NHN shares were trading at 55,300 won, up 4,400 won (8.64%) from the previous trading day. During the session, the stock reached a new 52-week high of 59,000 won. The recent upward trend has been steep, with NHN experiencing three consecutive days of gains. The stock jumped 10.95% on May 28 and 22.50% on May 29. Just six trading days ago, on May 22, the stock was priced at 38,200 won, marking a nearly 50% increase since then. Market analysts believe that expectations for improved performance are now being reflected in the stock price. The existing cash cow, the web board game business, is benefiting from regulatory changes, while the AI cloud business is emerging as a new growth driver. NHN Cloud's expansion into AI data centers and GPU services is shifting market perceptions. NHN Cloud offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) to both public and private sectors. Starting in the second quarter, AI-related revenues are expected to gradually reflect the government's GPU as a Service (GPUaaS) initiative, the expansion of AI agents in public institutions, the normalization of the Gwangju AI data center, and the large-scale GPU cluster project with Krafton. Particularly noteworthy is the launch of the water-cooled AI data center in Yangpyeong at the end of March, which has marked the official start of GPU-based AI services. Song Ji-won, an analyst at Heungkuk Securities, stated, "The Yangpyeong region's GPU B200 is expected to start generating revenue in the second quarter, and this project alone could lead to approximately 300 billion won in revenue growth over the next five years." NHN has achieved about 80% of its previous revenue guidance with only 60% of its total 7,656 GPUs, which has heightened market expectations. Considering the potential for additional sales and price increases, further upward revisions to performance forecasts are anticipated. Analysts also assess that the growth potential in NHN's technology sector is stronger than expected. Kim Dong-woo, an analyst at Kyobo Securities, noted, "Even without contributions from the government GPU business, technology sales have grown 19.0% year-on-year based solely on existing CSP and MSP revenues. Given the expansion of public AI transitions and GPU business growth, the technology sector's growth rate is likely to accelerate further this year." However, the recent rapid increase in stock price has raised concerns. NHN's small shareholders hold only 28.23% of the company, while the largest shareholder owns 56.8%, and treasury stock accounts for 7.11%. With relatively low circulating shares, stock price volatility may increase due to supply and demand imbalances. Additionally, the nature of the AI cloud business entails significant initial investment costs. In the first quarter, NHN Cloud incurred 7.3 billion won in amortization expenses, falling short of market expectations for operating profit. The ongoing expansion of GPU investments may further increase cost burdens, leading to short-term fluctuations in performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:45:00

Korea's Ministry of Culture Launches Initiatives to Attract Foreign Tourists The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is launching initiatives to attract foreign tourists to various regions in South Korea, coinciding with the record number of visitors this year, particularly around the BTS concert in Busan. On June 1, the ministry announced that it will hold a "Welcome Week" event at Gimhae International Airport from June 1 to June 14, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Visit Year Committee. This event is designed to accommodate the expected surge in foreign tourists visiting Busan for the BTS concert on June 12 and 13. A welcome booth will be set up in the arrivals area on the first floor of the airport, offering multilingual tourist information, local tourism details, and on-site reservations for themed tourism packages. Visitors will receive a welcome kit that includes a welcome card, a map of Korean tourist attractions, and K-food items. In the departure area on the second floor, farewell images will be displayed on electronic boards, and travelers will be given goodbye cards and traditional cultural souvenirs to leave with a warm impression of Korea. In addition to the offline events, customized information will be provided in eight foreign languages through the overseas promotion platform "VisitKorea." This will include guides to BTS-related attractions in Busan, safety travel guidelines for crowded areas, and information on public transport restrictions. "The number of visitors to Korea from January to April this year has reached an all-time high, indicating a positive trend in inbound tourism," said Kang Jeong-won, head of the tourism policy division at the ministry. "We aim to expand the journey of foreign tourists to various regions, ensuring both quantitative and qualitative growth in inbound tourism through enhanced infrastructure, improved reception capabilities, and strengthened promotion efforts." In response to the growing demand for health and wellness-focused travel, the ministry is also accelerating the development of K-Wellness tourism. Following the implementation of the "Healing Tourism Industry Promotion Act" on April 9, the ministry has selected 20 specialized wellness tourism sites known for their ability to attract foreign tourists from an existing list of 88 excellent wellness destinations. The selected sites include Daegu's "Sayuwon," which won the "Star of Korean Tourism" award in 2025, and "Awon Hanok" in Jeonbuk, where BTS filmed a video and photoshoot. The "WE Hotel Jeju," operated by the Halla Medical Foundation, is also among the chosen locations. The government plans to support each of the selected sites with up to 50 million won for competitiveness enhancement projects. This includes overseas promotion using global platforms and establishing a digital service environment tailored for foreign visitors to help these sites become key destinations for international tourists. Furthermore, the ministry aims to systematically support the creation of a healing tourism ecosystem by quickly implementing basic plans, training professionals, and designating healing tourism industry zones based on the regulations established on April 21 under the Healing Tourism Industry Act. A ministry policy official stated, "Wellness tourism is a future growth industry that combines tourism, health, and healing. We will actively support the development of specialized wellness tourism sites to establish a globally competitive Korean wellness tourism model and help Korea become a leading destination for healing tourism worldwide."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:39:00

Kakao union sets June 10 partial strike as labor standoff sharpens SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - Kakao's union announced it would stage a four-hour partial strike on June 10, escalating a deepening standoff with management over job security and the company's executive pay structure. The Kakao branch of the Korean Chemical, Textile & Food Workers’ Union laid out its demands and walkout schedule in a statement on Monday, marking the latest step toward the messaging giant's first-ever headquarters strike. The union said its core demand was to halt the sales, spin-offs and restructuring it blames on years of management missteps, and to secure stable employment. It also called for an overhaul of a pay system it said rewards executives lavishly even as their decisions fuel worker insecurity. "We are well aware of deep concern over possible disruptions or problems with KakaoTalk and other services so closely woven into daily life," the union said, adding it would hold the four-hour stoppage and a rally in Pangyo on Wednesday, June 10. The union signaled it could sharpen its action, saying it had opted for a limited walkout rather than an immediate all-out strike and would ratchet up pressure depending on the course of further talks. The move follows the collapse of a second mediation session at the Gyeonggi National Labor Relations Commission on May 27, which handed the union the legal right to strike. Industry officials see little chance of an extreme outage such as a KakaoTalk blackout even if the union escalates, noting that most platform systems are automated and that non-union and standby staff can keep maintenance and operations running. The standoff comes amid a swell of labor unrest across South Korea's tech and chip sectors, where workers are pressing for a bigger share of profits. Samsung Electronics' union has sought 15 percent of chip-division operating profit, while Hyundai Motor's union has demanded 30 percent of net profit in its 2026 wage talks. 2026-06-01 10:36:41

Naver Shares Surge Amid Anticipation of Jensen Huang's Visit Naver's stock has continued to rise sharply as expectations grow for collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, who is expected to visit South Korea this week. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:23 a.m. on June 1, Naver shares were trading at 260,500 won, up 26,500 won (11.32%) from the previous day. The stock opened at 247,500 won and briefly reached 262,000 won in early trading. Industry sources indicate that Huang will discuss AI collaboration with major domestic IT companies, including Naver, during his visit. Previously, Huang gained attention for a meeting with Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, at a chicken restaurant during the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju last October. Analysts have also positively assessed Naver's potential for expanding its AI business. Lee Seung-hoon, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, stated in a report that "Naver is fully launching its 'AI Tab' service, which explores users' complex search intentions and contexts in real-time conversational formats," maintaining a target price of 320,000 won and a 'buy' recommendation. He added, "The 'AI Briefing' service, which summarizes the core of search queries to provide users with optimal information, has become a key engine for maximizing conversion rates within the search ecosystem," and noted that Naver is intensifying synergies with its next-generation advertising platform, 'ADVoost,' to enhance targeting efficiency for advertisers. Furthermore, he highlighted that Naver's self-developed large language model, HyperClovaX, holds a significant advantage in the amount of Korean data learned compared to global big tech competitors. He stated that Naver is entering a phase of realizing sales from tailored AI infrastructure solutions for the domestic B2B enterprise market, particularly in public, finance, and manufacturing sectors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:36:00

LG Display Unveils Gaming OLED Lineup in Taiwan LG Display is accelerating its entry into the rapidly growing global gaming OLED market. The company aims to strengthen its leadership in the premium gaming monitor sector with a robust product lineup and next-generation technology roadmap. Starting June 4, LG Display will host a "Taiwan Gaming OLED Roadshow" in Taipei for key global clients, running until June 10. The event will feature over 20 global gaming monitor manufacturers who will experience LG Display's new technologies firsthand and discuss potential collaborations. The roadshow will focus on the theme of "Faster, Clearer, and Brighter Display Experiences." LG Display plans to unveil its flagship gaming OLED lineup and next-generation technology roadmap, along with comparative demonstrations against liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to showcase OLED's distinct competitive advantages. Currently, LG Display boasts the industry's largest gaming OLED lineup, ranging from 20 inches to 40 inches. The event will showcase the world's only mass-produced 39-inch model, along with the most popular 27-inch OLED monitor panel. The 39-inch OLED monitor panel is the first in the world to achieve 5K2K ultra-high resolution. It features a 21:9 aspect ratio and a maximum 1500R curvature design, enhancing immersion in racing and simulation games. The wide screen and curved design maximize the gaming experience. LG Display will also introduce the "RGB Stripe OLED," which uniquely arranges red, green, and blue (RGB) subpixels in uniform sizes. This design minimizes color bleeding and ensures sharp text even at close distances. It supports a high refresh rate of up to 240 hertz, enhancing usability for both gaming and document work. Next-generation technology will also be highlighted. LG Display plans to showcase a gaming OLED that meets the "DisplayHDR True Black 1000" standard set by the global display standards organization VESA. This technology allows for accurate color representation as intended by content creators, with peak brightness reaching 2000 nits for a more vivid display. The 27-inch 5K OLED panel is also noteworthy. With a high resolution of 220 pixels per inch (PPI), it provides print-level detail for tasks requiring precision, such as graphic design and video editing. LG Display has applied its proprietary surface treatment technology to reduce reflectivity to an industry-low 0.3%. Leveraging over a decade of expertise in tandem white OLED (WOLED) technology, LG Display entered the monitor OLED market in 2022. In just two years, it has rapidly expanded its market share, securing over ten global monitor manufacturers as key clients. Lee Hyun-woo, head of LG Display's large business division, stated, "Building on our technological leadership in large OLEDs, we will expand collaborations with global clients for both current and next-generation products. We aim to provide gamers with the perfect display experience and actively target the rapidly growing high-end monitor market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:33:00

Samsung Display Unveils Gaming OLED Lineup at Computex 2026 Samsung Display is set to showcase a wide range of gaming OLED products at Computex 2026. The lineup includes 16 models spanning portable gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors, aimed at capturing the premium IT display market. According to industry sources, Samsung Display will present its offerings from June 2 to 5 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, featuring OLED panels for portable gaming PCs starting at 8.8 inches up to a 49-inch QD-OLED monitor. Among the highlights is the debut of an ultra-slim OLED panel for laptops, which reduces the thickness by over 20% compared to existing mass-produced models while maintaining OLED's deep blacks and fast response times. For monitors, the key product is a QD-OLED that achieves both 4K resolution and a 360Hz refresh rate. Samsung Display explained that it optimized the circuitry and driving system to deliver high resolution and high refresh rates simultaneously. Industry experts anticipate a shift in gaming monitor demand from high-refresh-rate LCDs to OLED and QD-OLED models, predicting an increase in OLED monitor adoption among major PC brands this year. The new QD-OLED technology, known as 'Penta Tandem,' will also be introduced. This technology enhances efficiency, lifespan, and brightness by increasing the blue OLED stacking structure from four to five layers, making it suitable for HDR gaming and high-quality content. Samsung Display will also set up a gaming experience zone where visitors can play shooting games on a 500Hz QD-OLED monitor or compare the response times and color representation between a 49-inch QD-OLED and an LCD. Collaborations with game companies such as Krafton, Pearl Abyss, EA, and Neowiz will also be showcased. Son Dong-il, Vice President of Samsung Display's Large Display Business Division and IT Business Team, stated, "The technological trend in the high-end gaming display market is shifting from LCD to self-emissive displays. We will lead the way in showcasing technologies that enhance gamer immersion." 2026-06-01 10:33:00

NCSoft Reports Strong Growth Driven by Legacy IP and New Ventures NCSoft is demonstrating the results of its two-year restructuring efforts through its first-quarter performance. The revival of legacy game intellectual properties (IPs) and the integration of mobile casual gaming have led to revenues and profits that significantly exceed market expectations. Industry experts view NCSoft's restructuring as the beginning of a structural transformation rather than a one-time event. According to the gaming industry on June 1, NCSoft reported its first-quarter results during a conference call held on May 13, revealing consolidated revenues of 557.4 billion won, operating profit of 113.3 billion won, and net profit of 152.4 billion won. Revenue increased by 55% year-over-year and by 38% from the previous quarter, while operating profit surged 2,070% compared to the same period last year (5.2 billion won). The primary drivers of this performance rebound are the successful launches of two PC massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), Aion 2 and Lineage Classic. First-quarter PC game revenue reached 318.4 billion won, marking a 210% increase year-over-year and a 69% increase from the previous quarter. This is NCSoft's highest quarterly PC revenue on record. For the first time since the launch of Lineage M in 2017, NCSoft's PC game revenue has surpassed its mobile game revenue. Launched simultaneously in South Korea and Taiwan last November, Aion 2 generated 136.8 billion won in quarterly revenue. The company noted that Aion 2's active user engagement and high-quality gameplay contributed to achieving the highest quarterly revenue among NCSoft titles. Aion 2 is also set for a global launch in North America and Europe in the third quarter, indicating significant growth potential. Lineage Classic recorded quarterly revenue of 83.5 billion won. Since its release on February 11, it has accumulated 200 billion won in revenue over 90 days. NCSoft reported that the game has attracted new users in their 20s and 30s while maintaining a solid daily active user (DAU) base among its existing older fan demographic. The mobile casual gaming segment is also noteworthy. The performance of Lihuhu (Vietnam) and Springcoms (South Korea), both acquired by NCSoft last year, is being reflected in this quarter's results for the first time. This marks the beginning of new revenue streams in NCSoft's previously MMORPG-focused revenue structure. Starting in the second quarter, results from JustPlay (Germany) will also be included, suggesting rapid expansion for NCSoft. This earnings surprise is interpreted as evidence that NCSoft's promised "predictable growth structure" is taking shape, rather than being a result of a one-off new release. The company has previously outlined three main growth pillars: enhancing legacy IPs like Lineage, Aion, and Guild Wars; securing new IPs in genres like shooters and subcultures; and expanding into mobile casual gaming. In the second half of this year, NCSoft plans to accelerate its new IP initiatives. The company is preparing for the global launch of Aion 2 in the third quarter, along with a diverse lineup of genres, including the PC console open-world tactical shooter "Cinder City," the animated action RPG "Limit Zero Breakers," and the time survival shooter "Time Takers," all set for global testing and release. Co-CEO Park Byung-moo stated, "Based on our efforts over the past two years for structural improvement, we are designating this year as the year of innovation for NCSoft. As our business structure becomes more predictable and steadily growing, we ask for your continued support for our future achievements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 10:30:00

Hana Bank Relaunches 'BEST 11 Savings' with Up to 11% Interest for World Cup Hana Bank announced on June 1 that it has relaunched its 'BEST 11 Savings' product, offering an interest rate of up to 11.0% based on the performance of the national team in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. The product will be available for 30,000 accounts until June 24. Customers can invest between 10,000 and 200,000 won per month, with a contract period of six months. The base interest rate is 2.0%, with an additional preferential rate of up to 0.2% and a special preferential rate of up to 8.8%, totaling a maximum of 11.0%. Preferential rates include 0.1% for automatic transfers and another 0.1% for marketing consent. The special preferential rates are contingent on the team's performance: 1.5% for reaching the Round of 32, 2.0% for the Round of 16, 5.5% for the quarterfinals, and 8.8% for the semifinals, applied at the time of maturity. A representative from Hana Bank's Inclusive Finance Product Division stated, "We are reintroducing the 'BEST 11 Savings' in response to continuous requests for its return after it sold out quickly upon its initial launch in November 2022. We will continue to offer various products and services that football fans in South Korea can enjoy together." 2026-06-01 10:30:00

The Era of AI Creating AI: A National Imperative Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is racing toward a singularity. Having progressed beyond the inability to explain its thought processes, AI has now entered a phase where it can create AI itself. Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon stated, "It is time for us to challenge ourselves to create AI frontier models on par with those of the United States and China." This declaration reflects a significant industrial transformation driven by advancements in AI technology. Just as the steam engine evolved into the internal combustion engine and subsequently into the electronics industry, we are now witnessing an era where technology begets technology, leading to an 'infinite amplification of gaps.' Countries possessing advanced general-purpose AI (AGI) will experience rapid growth, while those relegated to technology consumption risk becoming data and knowledge colonies. Our future may become dependent on the technological ecosystems of the U.S. and China. Building an independent frontier model also serves as a robust social safety net to address the knowledge and educational disparities within our society. If access to cutting-edge AI models is determined by capital, the gap between those who enjoy quality knowledge and education and those who are marginalized will widen uncontrollably. The government's initiative to provide free AI services to all citizens through the 'Everyone's AI' project is part of this context. Ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital intelligence is fundamental to future welfare and upholding democratic values. The issue of productivity polarization among companies cannot be overlooked. Large corporations with abundant capital can invest in high-performance frontier AI models worth trillions of won, maximizing their pace of innovation. In contrast, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups may be forced to rely on lower-performing, budget models, leading to predictable outcomes. Technological inequality will result in productivity gaps among companies, ultimately leading to the decline of SMEs and the devastation of the industrial ecosystem. To foster coexistence and innovation between large and small businesses, the government must establish a reliable and accessible independent frontier AI infrastructure at the national level. However, mere slogans and declarations will not suffice. The annual AI equipment investments of the so-called 'Big Four'—Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta—exceed 150 trillion to 200 trillion won per company. This amount surpasses the total annual research and development (R&D) budget of the South Korean government and even the total investment in the semiconductor industry. Therefore, the government needs to innovate rigid personal data protection regulations and provide comprehensive support for high-quality data and computing resources for AI learning, effectively laying down an 'AI highway.' Rapidly resolving institutional uncertainties, such as the establishment of an AI fundamental law, is the responsibility of the political sphere. The private sector must also invest with the belief that AI is the 'second semiconductor.' Just as it took the lead in investing massive capital to realize the dream of becoming a world-class semiconductor powerhouse, securing frontier AI models will also require significant capital investment. There is an urgent need for private companies to take bold risks and make decisive investments in the foundational technologies and infrastructure that will shape South Korea's digital territory. The timeline for the era of AI creating AI is moving much faster than human predictions. Will we bequeath a digital colony bound by chains of technological dependency, or will we lead in the AI era? The steps we take now will determine the fate of South Korea for the next century. 2026-06-01 10:24:00

South Korea's Tourism Strategy Aims for 30 Million Foreign Visitors The government of President Lee Jae-myung marks its first anniversary, having made significant strides to revitalize the stagnant tourism sector and expand K-tourism. Notably, during the 11th Expanded National Tourism Strategy Meeting in February, the president announced an ambitious goal to achieve 30 million foreign tourists, moving the target date up by a year. With nearly 18.94 million visitors recorded last year, the government's commitment to elevating tourism as a key growth engine is timely. Among the most notable achievements are bold deregulations and infrastructure improvements from the consumer's perspective. The government has effectively lowered barriers for incoming tourists. The introduction of a visa-free entry pilot program for groups of three or more from Indonesia, along with relaxed multiple visa requirements for major Southeast Asian countries like China and Vietnam, reflects a practical response to market demands. Expanding access to automated immigration checkpoints for citizens of key countries has also significantly enhanced entry convenience. Efforts to disperse foreign tourists from the capital region to local areas are commendable. The concentration of 80% of visitors in Seoul has long been identified as a structural weakness in K-tourism. To address this, the government has aggressively expanded direct international flights from regional airports and provided incentives such as reduced facility fees for airlines that introduce new routes, greatly widening access to local destinations. The swift implementation of the '100×100 Project' to boost domestic tourism is another positive initiative aimed at ensuring that tourism benefits flow to small businesses and local economies nationwide. Despite these clear successes, it is essential to assess whether the necessary systemic improvements have been made to meet these lofty goals. For tourism revitalization campaigns to transcend one-off festivals, there must be a continuous supply of differentiated, high-value content. Above all, addressing persistent issues such as overcharging and unfriendliness that tarnish the image of K-tourism remains an unfinished task. While the government has proposed various measures, relying solely on local governments and the industry for self-regulation has shown limitations in eradicating these on-the-ground problems. If the focus remains solely on short-term numerical targets, the dream of becoming a tourism powerhouse may slip further away. For K-tourism to take a significant leap forward, institutional enhancements and advanced infrastructure are urgently needed to support quantitative growth. Establishing a super-regional connectivity network that transcends administrative boundaries is a crucial starting point. It is necessary to organically redesign travel routes so that visitors can seamlessly move to key locations across the country via KTX and other transportation options. Furthermore, leveraging major events like the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju as catalysts for regional tourism activation is essential. To support these efforts, a thorough review of related laws, such as the Tourism Promotion Act, is necessary to strengthen the 'Tourism Saemaul Movement' on the ground. Outdated regulations should be boldly removed, and effective standards for eliminating unfair pricing and protecting tourist rights must be refined. Tourism is at the forefront of enhancing the national brand and supporting domestic consumption. If the past year laid the groundwork for expanding the tourism sector, the next challenge is to use this success as a stepping stone to create a South Korea that visitors will want to return to. 2026-06-01 10:24:00