AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Na Seon Hye
  • Broadcasting Commission Grants KT Skylife 7-Year License Renewal
    Broadcasting Commission Grants KT Skylife 7-Year License Renewal The Broadcasting Media Communications Commission has approved a 7-year license renewal for satellite broadcaster KT Skylife. During its 15th plenary meeting on June 5, the commission reviewed the renewal application for KT Skylife, whose previous license expired last year, and decided to grant a new license valid for 7 years. This review marks the first license renewal assessment for a pay-TV operator since the commission's establishment. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the detailed plan for pay-TV operator license renewals and offshore retransmission approvals, which was adopted in April. The review committee, chaired by Commissioner Ko Min-soo, consisted of nine experts in broadcasting and media, law, management, economics, accounting, technology, and viewer interests. KT Skylife received a score of 697.52 out of 1,000, surpassing the renewal threshold of 650 points. Consequently, the commission approved the 7-year license renewal. The commission noted that it expanded the quantitative evaluation criteria to enhance objectivity and transparency. It particularly focused on measuring performance against business plans and previous renewal periods to strengthen consistency and predictability in evaluation standards. The conditions for renewal were significantly simplified. While the previous renewal included 20 conditions and five recommendations, the new approval imposes only five core conditions. However, to ensure the public responsibilities of satellite broadcasting, the following five conditions were mandated: submission and approval of an investment plan for sustainability, a plan to provide one-way satellite broadcasting services to over 50% of subscribers, and enhancements to the independence and expertise of the board of directors. Commissioner Kim Jong-cheol stated, "We will rationally improve and operate related systems to harmonize the competitiveness and public nature of the pay-TV industry. I urge KT Skylife, as the sole national satellite broadcaster, to fulfill its role in addressing poor reception and preparing services for unification." In response to the decision, KT Skylife expressed that the approval secures a stable foundation for its satellite broadcasting operations for the next seven years, stating, "We will continue to fulfill our public responsibilities as a satellite broadcaster and strive to enhance viewer rights and develop the media ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 15:36:00
  • Jang Seok-bok Appointed as IBS Director, Aims to Foster Over 10 Pioneer Research Teams
    Jang Seok-bok Appointed as IBS Director, Aims to Foster Over 10 Pioneer Research Teams "At the forefront of knowledge, what matters most is 'who poses innovative questions and suggests new directions.' The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) will establish more than 10 'pioneer research teams' to strengthen its role as a hub for new discoveries and concepts," Jang Seok-bok, the newly appointed director of IBS, stated during his inauguration ceremony held at the IBS headquarters in Daejeon on June 4. The event was attended by key figures including Choi Young-ki, director of the Korea Virus Research Institute, Choi Yoon-sung, director of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and Kwon Myun, acting director of the Heavy Ion Research Institute, along with IBS team leaders and members. Jang, who has been a prominent researcher since being appointed as a team leader at the inception of IBS in 2012, has led the Molecular Activation Catalysis Research Team and contributed significantly to the growth and development of IBS. His term as director will last from June 2026 to June 2031. In his inaugural address, Jang emphasized that IBS has accumulated world-class research capabilities over the past 15 years and must now focus on new discoveries and concepts as its core values, moving beyond mere excellence. He outlined a vision for IBS to evolve into a 'Discovery Hub' that explores uncharted territories and proposes new questions and research directions, rather than just accumulating results in established fields. To achieve this, he proposed several key operational directions, including the introduction of pioneer research teams, the establishment of an open research system, strengthening the competitiveness of the headquarters and research infrastructure, presenting future-oriented research directions, and fostering a healthy organizational culture based on public trust. Drawing from his experience in identifying and nurturing young researchers, Jang announced plans to support innovative researchers through the establishment of 'pioneer research teams' and enhance the system for talent discovery and development. He also mentioned expanding flexible collaborations with domestic and international universities, research institutes, and industries to build an open research ecosystem. Jang highlighted the importance of strengthening research competitiveness centered around the headquarters, stating that the newly constructed second building will create an environment that attracts outstanding researchers from both domestic and international backgrounds. He expressed commitment to expanding research infrastructure and ensuring that the heavy ion accelerator becomes a prominent research facility utilized by researchers worldwide. Additionally, he outlined plans to actively expand future research areas such as quantum science, systems biology, synthetic biology, and new materials, while proactively responding to changes in research environments driven by computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. "A research culture that does not fear failure, combined with stable yet bold administrative and technical support, is essential for the emergence of an outstanding research institute," Jang stated. "I will do my utmost to ensure that IBS grows into a research institution that earns the trust and support of the public and sets a new direction for global science." IBS was established in November 2011 to conduct world-class basic science research. The Ministry of Science and ICT expressed optimism about Jang's appointment, noting that his academic authority and extensive experience in research will contribute to IBS's advancement as a leading global research institution and the development of the domestic basic science research ecosystem. 2026-06-04 17:27:00
  • Commemorative Stamp for 100th Anniversary of June 10th Movement to Be Issued
    Commemorative Stamp for 100th Anniversary of June 10th Movement to Be Issued The Korea Post, under the Ministry of Science and ICT, announced on June 4 that it will issue 480,000 commemorative stamps on June 10 to mark the 100th anniversary of the June 10th Movement. The stamps symbolically capture the desire for Korean independence and the historical significance of the June 10th Movement. They feature a waving Taegukgi (Korean national flag), contemporary newspaper articles, crowds participating in the movement, and monuments, all reflecting the meaning and history of the independence struggle. The June 10th Movement was an anti-Japanese independence movement that began on June 10, 1926, coinciding with the anniversary of King Gojong's death. It was a mass movement that transcended political ideologies, often regarded as the second March 1st Movement. The Korea Post expressed hope that the commemorative stamp would serve as a reminder of the historical significance of the June 10th Movement, which united various groups under the common goal of independence, regardless of specific ideologies or social classes. Additionally, the Korea Post plans to sell a commemorative stamp featuring the girl group BLACKPINK starting June 16 at post offices nationwide. The BLACKPINK stamp set will be priced at 8,800 won for ten stamps.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:51:00
  • Koreas FAST Ecosystem Development to Enhance Global Competitiveness
    Korea's FAST Ecosystem Development to Enhance Global Competitiveness The Broadcasting and Media Commission (BMC) is taking steps to establish a Korean-style FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) ecosystem aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of the FAST service market. On June 4, the BMC held an industry meeting at the Samsung Innovation Museum in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss strategies for strengthening the global competitiveness of FAST services. FAST allows viewers to enjoy real-time channels and content for free in exchange for watching advertisements, and it has been rapidly growing, particularly in North America. According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global market size for FAST is estimated to reach $14.33 billion this year and is projected to grow to $31.29 billion by 2031, with an average annual growth rate of 16.91%. The meeting was attended by 25 participants, including BMC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol, representatives from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, channel operators such as NewID and Smart Media Lab, broadcasters like KBS, MBC, and SBS, content producers, and AI technology companies like HudsonAI and Eastsoft. Before the meeting, attendees observed a service demonstration by Samsung Electronics and heard from President Lee Won-jin about future business strategies. During the meeting, Samsung Electronics and NewID presented their current status and future strategies for global platform and channel operations. HudsonAI shared examples of localizing broadcast content using AI technology. Participants agreed that the growth of the FAST market could provide new revenue opportunities for domestic broadcasters and content producers. They shared challenges and tasks necessary for securing competitiveness in the global market, discussing reasons why Korean content has not met viewership expectations in the global FAST market. They noted that current FAST channels primarily repackage and broadcast previously produced content, failing to adequately reflect local viewer demand. To enhance the competitiveness of Korean content, they suggested a strategic approach that analyzes North American viewer preferences and demands to plan and schedule content accordingly. Discussions also included the K-FAST initiative, which aims to develop customized content planning linked to advertising based on viewer data. Chairman Kim emphasized, "For the domestic broadcasting and media industry to find new avenues, it is essential to actively utilize global distribution platforms like FAST. The BMC will closely collaborate with relevant departments to foster the K-FAST ecosystem and enhance the distribution competitiveness of domestic broadcasting and media companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:33:00
  • South Korea Launches 2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy
    South Korea Launches 2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy The Ministry of Science and ICT is preparing a national science and technology blueprint aimed at the 100th anniversary of Korea's liberation in 2045. The initiative focuses on securing technological sovereignty for South Korea and aims to elevate the country to a leading position in science and technology (G3) by establishing the '2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy,' centered on future strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and biotechnology. On June 4, the Ministry held the inauguration ceremony for the '2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy Committee' and its first general meeting at the President Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The 2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy is a long-term national strategy aimed at advancing South Korea to a G3 status in science and technology. It will develop detailed strategies specialized in the science and technology sector, linked to the 'Korea 2045 National Development Strategy.' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Beom-kyu stated, "This is a critical time to reflect on how we view science and technology and how we should live in the future. Through this committee, we will discuss not only AI but also how science and technology will change the world in 20 years." To establish the strategy, the Ministry has launched a strategy committee consisting of a general committee and eight subcommittees. The general committee is co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Baek and Lee Kwang-hyung, President of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The subcommittees focus on eight areas: future design, superintelligence and hyperconnectivity, life and medical sciences, climate, environment and energy, future mobility, space and deep-sea exploration, future materials and manufacturing, and innovation policy. Experts from academia, industry, and research, along with young researchers and science fiction writers, will participate in identifying future technological agendas and supporting strategy development. During the inauguration ceremony, the timeline and direction for developing the 2045 Frontier Strategy were revealed. Jeong Il-young, a researcher at the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), noted, "We have moved beyond an era where a catch-up growth strategy was effective; now is the time for us to transition into a leading country that designs its own future." Consequently, this strategy will deviate from the traditional approach of relying on a single future vision. Instead, it will derive multiple future scenarios and combine future forecasting with reverse engineering to validate feasibility. The strategy development will proceed in a four-stage cyclical structure: designing future visions, identifying science and technology challenges, setting directions for frontier organizations and research and development (R&D), and proposing improvements to the national science and technology system. The subsequent open discussion covered various topics, including space data centers, investment in young researchers, and scientific talent. Park Soo-bin, the youngest member of the committee and a graduate student at Yonsei University, emphasized the need for investment in basic sciences. She remarked, "As we prepare for 2045, we should reflect on what thoughts guided us in 2006 to prepare for 2026. Just as fields like quantum and AI have become central, continuous investment in basic sciences is essential." Following this inauguration, the Ministry plans to fully operate each subcommittee. Based on this groundwork, it aims to identify science and technology challenges in the third quarter and prepare a list of frontier technologies and a draft strategy in the fourth quarter. A public hearing is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, with the final strategy to be announced in the second quarter. Deputy Prime Minister Baek emphasized, "By 2045, the 100th anniversary of our liberation, South Korea should no longer be a follower of advanced nations but should firmly establish its technological sovereignty and position itself as a science and technology powerhouse contributing to human progress." He added, "We will do our utmost to prepare for the next 20 years of South Korea's science and technology by gathering the wisdom of top experts in each field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:24:00
  • Korean Ministry of Science Appoints Jang Seok-bok as New Director of IBS
    Korean Ministry of Science Appoints Jang Seok-bok as New Director of IBS The Ministry of Science and ICT has announced the appointment of Jang Seok-bok as the new director of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), marking the fourth director in the institute's history. Jang, who also serves as the head of the Molecular Activation Catalysis Research Group at IBS and a distinguished professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), will begin his five-year term immediately. Born in 1962, Jang graduated from Korea University with a degree in chemistry in 1985. He earned his master's degree in chemistry from KAIST in 1987 and completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1996. Jang has made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry and catalytic reactions, being recognized as one of the top 1% researchers globally for eight consecutive years. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), a leading journal in the field of chemistry. Since the establishment of the IBS research group in 2012, Jang has led the Molecular Activation Catalysis Research Group. His appointment marks the first time an IBS research group leader has been elevated to the position of director. The Ministry of Science and ICT expressed optimism about Jang's appointment, stating, "With a scholar who possesses both academic authority and practical experience in research, we expect IBS to advance as a leading global research institution and contribute to the development of the domestic basic science research ecosystem." IBS was established in November 2011 to conduct world-class basic science research, with its headquarters located in Daejeon. The institute collaborates with major science and technology universities in South Korea, including KAIST, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), to foster cooperative research initiatives. 2026-06-04 14:09:00
  • NC AI Supplies Autonomous Welding Robot AI Brain to Hanwha Oceans Merchant and Special Vessels
    NC AI Supplies Autonomous Welding Robot AI Brain to Hanwha Ocean's Merchant and Special Vessels NC AI announced on June 4 that it has secured a contract with Hanwha Ocean to develop a vision recognition-based welding model and an autonomous welding model using collaborative robots. This project aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) vision recognition with precise robotic control technology for welding, a critical process in shipbuilding. NC AI and Hanwha Ocean are working towards implementing a "physical AI solution for autonomous welding" that enables robots to recognize and assess welding areas independently, performing optimal welding in real-time. The welding process in shipyards presents extreme challenges for vision recognition AI due to intense arc light, sparks, real-time welding fumes, and camera lens contamination from outdoor and harsh environments. In arc welding, the temperature can rise from approximately 5,500 to 30,000 degrees Celsius, while plasma arc welding can reach ultra-high temperatures of up to 25,000 degrees Celsius. To address these challenges, NC AI is conducting research that incorporates real-time feedback from Hanwha Ocean's actual worksite data and engineers. The goal is to develop a "shipbuilding-specialized vision recognition technology" that can accurately extract geometric welding lines and detect welding defects in real-time, even amidst strong noise and contamination. NC AI is particularly emphasizing its advanced multimodal technology as the driving force behind this welding automation. This year, it plans to introduce the next-generation industry-specific vision language model, "VAETKI Vision," which is an upgraded version of last year's "VARCO VISION 2.0," as a key engine for the Hanwha Ocean project. Lee Yeon-soo, CEO of NC AI, stated, "We aim to successfully develop robust vision recognition technology and autonomous control models that can overcome dust and contamination on-site, creating a world-class physical AI model that can be deployed in actual shipbuilding processes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 08:24:00
  • TVING Reports Data Breach Affecting User Information
    TVING Reports Data Breach Affecting User Information TVING, an online video streaming service, has reported a data breach that has compromised the personal information of some users due to unauthorized external access. On June 3, TVING announced on its official website that it had confirmed the unauthorized access to its systems, which resulted in the leakage of certain members' personal information. The company stated that it took immediate security measures upon discovering the breach and significantly enhanced its monitoring systems to prevent further damage. The leaked information includes user identification IDs, names, birth dates, genders, phone numbers, and email addresses. However, sensitive financial information such as resident registration numbers and payment details were not part of the breach. TVING clarified that it does not hold such sensitive information due to the structure of its services, thus this breach does not involve those data points. To prevent secondary damage, TVING has advised users to change their passwords immediately. The company emphasized the importance of changing passwords, especially if users have reused their TVING account credentials (ID and password) on other sites or services, as this poses a risk of identity theft. Additionally, TVING has established a dedicated customer support center and plans to focus on minimizing user impact through public notifications. Further details regarding the breach's specifics and remedial procedures will be provided as they become available. A TVING representative stated, "We are closely investigating the cause of the breach and the extent of its impact, prioritizing customer protection and taking all necessary measures. We will cooperate fully with government and relevant agencies to establish preventive measures against future incidents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 12:18:00
  • Generative AI Becomes Ubiquitous, 92.6% Usage Rate Among 20-Somethings
    Generative AI Becomes Ubiquitous, 92.6% Usage Rate Among 20-Somethings Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people search for information, shifting from traditional search engines to asking AI questions. Notably, the usage rate of generative AI among individuals in their 20s has reached 92.6%, indicating its establishment as a daily service. On June 3, the Ministry of Science and ICT released the results of its '2025 Telecommunications Business Survey.' According to the findings, the experience rate of using generative AI stands at 78.1%. Among age groups, those in their 20s reported the highest usage rate at 92.6%. Furthermore, 47.1% of respondents expressed trust in the information or news obtained through generative AI, significantly outpacing the 9.2% who did not trust it. The survey also indicated that generative AI is influencing changes in search service usage behavior. About 60% of generative AI users reported that they have replaced more than 50% of their search functions with AI. Specifically, 18.8% indicated that they have replaced 60-70% of their searches with AI, followed by 17.7% who replaced 50-60%, and 16.5% who replaced 70-80%. The tool is also being utilized extensively in work and study, with 76.4% of respondents stating that generative AI has helped improve productivity in these areas. Conversely, only 1.9% felt it was not helpful. In examining overall digital platform usage, search portals and messaging services continue to show the highest usage rates. The survey found that 98.7% of respondents used search portals, followed closely by messaging services at 98.5%, place and map services at 96.8%, e-commerce at 95.6%, and video-sharing services at 92.7%. Daily usage rates were highest for messaging services at 91.3%, followed by search portals at 85.8%, video-sharing services at 69.5%, and social networking services at 56.6%. This suggests that most citizens are using major platform services almost daily. Competition among platforms is intensifying. In the past three months, the rate of 'multi-homing,' or using two or more platforms, was highest for e-commerce at 83.9%, followed by social networking services at 79.9%, search portals at 76.9%, and place and map services at 69.1%. E-commerce users were found to use an average of 3.4 platforms, indicating a highly competitive market. In contrast, the rates for secondhand trading (25.9%) and app markets (24.9%) were relatively low, suggesting that users exhibit strong loyalty to specific platforms. Experiences of changing primary platforms were notably higher in food delivery (27.0%) and e-commerce (20.9%). However, app markets (10.3%) and messaging services (9.4%) showed lower transition rates, indicating a strong lock-in effect among users. Common reasons for not switching platforms included habits, service quality, and the desire to maintain usage history. Additionally, last year's revenue from domestic value-added telecommunications services was estimated at 502.9 trillion won, with digital platform service revenue accounting for 161.5 trillion won. These figures represent increases of 15.3% and 5.4%, respectively, compared to the previous year. According to real-time app and payment data analysis solution WiseApp and Retail, ChatGPT had 23.45 million monthly active users in April. Gemini recorded 8.45 million users, while Claude had 2.41 million. Among these, Claude saw the most significant growth compared to the same month last year, with a user growth rate of 1,148%. Gemini followed with a growth rate of 1,034%, while ChatGPT's growth was 34%. 2026-06-03 12:03:00
  • Budget Mobile Providers Lose Subscribers for Second Consecutive Month
    Budget Mobile Providers Lose Subscribers for Second Consecutive Month The budget mobile provider (MVNO) market has recorded subscriber losses for the second consecutive month. After experiencing growth through the first quarter of the year, MVNOs shifted to a decline in April, which worsened in May. According to data from the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KTOA) released on June 2, the net loss of MVNO subscribers in May totaled 11,211. This marks an increase of 3,858 from the 7,353 subscribers lost in April. This is the first time MVNOs have seen two consecutive months of subscriber losses since the SK Telecom (SKT) SIM card hacking incident in August and September of last year. However, analysts note that this decline is occurring amid intensified competition among the three major telecom companies—SKT, KT, and LG Uplus—to attract subscribers. Following the repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act, competition over subsidies has intensified, particularly with the recent launch of the Galaxy S26 series, which has accelerated the departure of MVNO users. Forecasts suggest that the exodus from the MVNO market may worsen. LG Uplus has introduced an integrated pricing plan that includes a 5G option starting this month, while SKT and KT are set to launch mid-range pricing plans on July 1. This raises concerns that the appeal of low-cost plans, which have been a key competitive advantage for MVNOs, may diminish. The mobile telecommunications market is rapidly transitioning from LTE to 5G. According to data from the Ministry of Science and ICT released on May 21, LTE subscribers decreased from 19,329,763 in August of last year to 18,323,894 in March, a drop of 1,005,869. In contrast, 5G subscribers increased from 37,506,623 to 38,927,406 during the same period, a rise of 1,426,783. A significant issue for the MVNO market is its continued reliance on LTE. As of March, LTE subscribers accounted for 93% of all MVNO users, totaling 9,713,009, while only 584,315 were 5G subscribers, representing just 5.6%. Industry experts express concern that if the three major telecom companies expand integrated pricing plans that combine LTE rates with 5G services and data assurance options, the demand for low-cost LTE plans—MVNOs' core competitive edge—could diminish. The ongoing subscriber losses for MVNOs are seen as closely linked to these market changes. Some analysts argue that the government's policies aimed at reducing communication costs may conflict with efforts to support the MVNO sector. While the government has previously supported MVNOs to foster competition in the telecom market, the recent push for mid-range 5G pricing plans from major carriers may inadvertently weaken MVNOs' price competitiveness. One industry expert noted, "In a market where MVNOs exist, directly lowering the prices of telecom companies can ultimately narrow the space for MVNO operators. If the goal is to alleviate the burden of communication costs, it would be more effective to lower wholesale prices for MVNOs rather than adjusting retail prices for telecom companies." 2026-06-02 15:24:00