President Lee Calls for Accountability in Biased Broadcasting President Lee Jae-myung criticized certain terrestrial and comprehensive channels on June 2, questioning whether they face penalties for losing neutrality and fairness, likening their reporting to that of a political party's mouthpiece.During a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic review at the Blue House, President Lee made these remarks after receiving a report from Kim Jong-cheol, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission."While newspapers should allow for broad competition, public broadcasters and channels are restricted by the government to prevent other operators from entering the market," President Lee stated. "This can be seen as a type of patent, and with that protection comes responsibility."He further challenged Kim, asking, "From the public's perspective, how can we determine whether some broadcasts are affiliated with a specific political party or merely reflect personal preferences, given their lack of objectivity and frequent dissemination of false information? What happens when such practices become habitual?"In response, Kim noted that the broadcasting review system imposes penalties, stating, "If sanctions accumulate, there could be disadvantages in the process of re-licensing and re-approval for broadcasts."President Lee expressed skepticism, saying, "I have not heard of any significant penalties being enforced over a long period. There have been instances where people have said, 'This is really too much,' but I have not heard of any actions taken in response to that."He emphasized the need for broadcasting and communications administration to be conducted in a calm, fair, transparent, and objective manner that aligns with public expectations. "How can we allow practices that make people frown and question their validity to persist for so long?" he asked.President Lee concluded by stating, "We must ensure that broadcasting and communications administration is clearly aligned with the intent of the law and the expectations of the public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:39:00

Grocery delivery app Kurly to acquire AI startup SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Grocery delivery app Kurly will acquire Seoul-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup 1Z Labs in a bid to improve efficiency across its business operations, according to industrial sources on Tuesday. Kurly plans to issue around 453,518 new shares by early August in a stock-swap deal that will make the startup its wholly owned subsidiary. The two companies have already been jointly developing AI-related technologies, with plans to expand the use of AI across their business, from customer service and advertising to the development of new products and services. According to Kurly, it uses artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks such as producing advertising banners and product images, from planning and design through to final delivery. It also uses AI to handle customer service tasks like inquiries, cancellations, and returns, processing about 40 percent of requests on the same day. The upcoming acquisition comes as the company looks for new growth opportunities after postponing its initial public offering (IPO) in 2023 due to a market downturn that sharply reduced valuations. Founded in 2015, Kurly was among the frontrunners in offering overnight grocery delivery in South Korea through its signature "dawn delivery" service, which allows customers to receive fresh food orders by the next morning. The company was valued at about 4 trillion won (US$3 billion) at its peak in late 2021 after raising 250 billion won in a pre-IPO funding round led by Hong Kong-based private equity firm Anchor Equity Partners. Its valuation later dropped sharply as investor appetite weakened. Since postponing its IPO, Kurly has focused on improving profitability. It posted record first-quarter results in 2026, with revenue up 28.4 percent from a year earlier to 745.7 billion won and operating profit jumping to 24.2 billion won. "The acquisition would help the company strengthen its AI capabilities," said Kurly Chief Executive Sophie Kim. 2026-06-02 11:25:04

The Future of Search: From SEO to AEO and GEO in the Age of AI For over 20 years, search engine optimization (SEO) has been a key growth strategy in the digital media industry. However, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the concept of search itself. As we transition from an era where users clicked links to visit websites to one where AI provides direct answers, media organizations are reevaluating their optimization strategies. During the World News Media Congress (WNMC) held in Marseille, France, on June 1, discussions centered on the evolution of search strategies from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). In the session titled 'Discovery: How to Rethink Search in the AI Era,' experts Clara Soteras, founder of The Audience Club, Barry Adams, a consultant at Polemic Digital, and David Burt, founder of DJB Strategies, noted that the search ecosystem is shifting from a link-based structure to an answer-based one. Traditionally, the goal of SEO was clear: to appear at the top of search results to secure more clicks and visitors. Strategies included keyword optimization, backlink building, and technical SEO. However, the landscape is changing. Services based on generative AI, such as Google AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT Search, and Perplexity, are increasingly providing direct answers by synthesizing information rather than directing users to web pages. AI answer windows are emerging as new channels for information consumption. This shift has led to the introduction of AEO, which focuses on optimizing content so that it can be cited or referenced in AI-generated answers. Rather than merely aiming for top search results, the priority is now to be recognized as a trustworthy source by AI. Establishing clear information structures, expertise, and credibility has become essential competitive advantages. Recently, GEO has also gained traction in the industry. GEO aims to ensure that generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude actively incorporate specific brands and content during the answer generation process. The goal is to be included in the AI's answer creation rather than just appearing in search results. However, industry experts caution that AI has not yet reached a level where it can fully replace existing search traffic. Panelists noted that while traffic from generative AI is rapidly increasing, it still accounts for less than 1% of total traffic for most media organizations. Although AI-based search is growing, it has a long way to go before it can substitute the large-scale traffic provided by traditional search engines. Consequently, there is a growing sentiment in the industry that SEO, AEO, and GEO should be viewed as an evolutionary process rather than interchangeable concepts. If SEO was a competition for clicks, AEO represents a competition for citations in answers, while GEO signifies a competition to become information selected by AI. Yet, a recurring message at WNMC emphasized that, despite technological advancements, the most crucial element remains the relationship with readers. Experts like Barry Adams stressed that while algorithms and platforms constantly evolve, the direct relationship with readers endures. As a result, media organizations are increasing investments in direct engagement through subscriptions, newsletters, mobile apps, and podcasts. Ultimately, while AI is reshaping the future of search, the essence of the media industry remains unchanged. Strong content, a robust brand, and a loyal readership continue to be the foundation of sustainable media business competitiveness. The evolution from SEO to AEO and GEO will persist, but the key to attracting readers remains the same.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:21:00

China Strengthens Regulations on Foreign Investment Amid Security Concerns China is significantly tightening regulations on foreign investments that may impact national security and interests. This move follows the recent acquisition of the Chinese AI startup Manus by U.S. tech giant Meta, prompting concerns about the outflow of advanced technologies, critical data, and skilled personnel. According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, the State Council announced new regulations on foreign investment on June 1, set to take effect on July 1. The new regulations consist of 34 articles that prohibit companies and individuals from transferring restricted goods, technologies, services, and data abroad without government approval during overseas investment processes, including the dispatch of technical personnel, provision of technical support, and operation of training programs. A new security review system for overseas investments will allow authorities to assess investments that could threaten national security and, if necessary, order their suspension. Violations could result in the confiscation of illegal profits and fines. Even completed overseas investments can be halted if deemed a national security risk, with authorities able to order the sale of related stocks and assets. The Hong Kong Ming Pao reported that China has established comprehensive legal grounds to cancel completed overseas investments, suggesting that the risks for foreign investments in sensitive areas like AI technology are increasing. The regulations also explicitly outline penalties for illegal overseas investments, including orders to halt investments and dispose of assets within a specified timeframe, confiscation of investment returns, and fines ranging from 0.05% to 1% of the total investment amount. Authorities may also impose a ban on overseas investments for up to three years or restrict new business registrations. Additionally, foreign companies and individuals that discriminate against Chinese entities during the overseas investment process may face corresponding restrictions or bans on their investment and business activities in China under the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law. This regulatory tightening comes as the U.S. has been increasing restrictions on China in the high-tech sector. China's measures can be seen as a formalization of its response to enhance scrutiny of foreign investments and technology controls under the guise of national security. The Ministry of Commerce stated that these measures are necessary to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors and their overseas investments, as well as to safeguard China's overseas interests from threats or infringements. It emphasized that the protective and defensive nature of these regulations will not affect normal market transactions or the resolution of legitimate commercial disputes. Market observers note that these regulations follow China's intervention in Meta's acquisition of Manus in April. Authorities determined that Manus, which grew based on Chinese technical talent and infrastructure, was circumventing regulations by relocating its headquarters to Singapore after attracting U.S. capital, a practice referred to as 'Singapore Washing.' Xu Xiaoli, head of the WTO Law Research Center at China University of Political Science and Law, told Global Times that the new regulations demonstrate that overseas investments using the Singapore Washing method are illegal and serve as a warning to Chinese companies to strictly comply with overseas investment regulations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:21:00

Hana Asset Management's four US index ETFs cross 1 trillion won in combined assets SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - The combined net assets of Hana Asset Management's four U.S.-index exchange-traded funds have surpassed 1 trillion won, the company said on Tuesday. The fastest growth has come not from its plain index trackers, but from two bond-mixed products designed to take advantage of a 2023 revision to pension-account rules allowing investors to hold them at a full 100 percent allocation. The four funds held a combined 1.0431 trillion won (US$691 million) as of the end of last month. Two are straightforward index trackers: 1Q US S&P 500, which follows the 500 large-cap U.S. stocks in the Standard & Poor's 500, held 308.9 billion won, while 1Q U.S. Nasdaq 100, tracking the technology-heavy Nasdaq 100, held 181.3 billion won. The more telling numbers belong to the other two. The bond-mixed products, 1Q U.S. S&P 500 U.S. Treasury Mixed 50 Active and 1Q U.S. Nasdaq 100 U.S. Treasury Mixed 50 Active, held 286.0 billion won and 266.9 billion won respectively, together accounting for more than half the four-fund total despite being the more specialized offering. The reason is regulatory. Under a supervisory revision that took effect in 2023, these "second-generation" bond-mixed ETFs carry up to a 50 percent weighting in a U.S. index yet are classified as non-risk assets. That classification is the entire story. Current rules bar a retirement pension account from holding more than 70 percent of its reserves in risk assets such as equities. Because the bond-mixed ETFs fall outside that cap, pension investors can hold them at a full 100 percent weighting in defined-contribution, individual retirement pension, and personal pension accounts, raising effective US-index exposure while preserving room under the risk-asset limit. It is that arbitrage, rather than raw appetite for U.S. stocks, that Hana credits for the inflows. "On the basis of the convenience of real-time trading, low fees, and high management transparency, pension investors' use of ETFs is expanding rapidly," said Kim Tae-woo, chief executive of Hana Asset Management. "We plan to continue introducing a range of products tailored to the portfolio needs of pension investors." The milestone illustrates a broader shift in how Korean retirement capital reaches Wall Street: not through direct equity allocation, which the rules constrain, but through structures designed around the constraint itself. 2026-06-02 11:13:24

Police forward Gangnam Style rapper Psy to prosecution over illegal drug prescriptions SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - South Korean police have referred Gangnam Style rapper Park Jae-sang, globally known as Psy, to prosecutors on charges of violating medical laws by using his staff to illegally obtain highly regulated prescription drugs. The case highlights South Korea's strict enforcement of regulations governing psychotropic medications. The 48-year-old singer is accused of bypassing mandatory face-to-face medical consultations to secure sleeping pills and anxiety medication over a multi-year period. Authorities at the Seodaemun Police Station near central Seoul announced Tuesday that they transferred Park, a university hospital professor and management personnel to the prosecution on May 29. A total of six individuals face charges stemming from an investigation that began last summer following an informant tip. From 2022 until last year, Park allegedly received prescriptions for Xanax and Stilnox from a university hospital in Seoul without meeting a doctor in person. He then dispatched his managers and other third parties to collect the medications from the pharmacy. Under South Korean medical law, only physicians who conduct direct patient examinations are authorized to issue prescriptions. The legal framework also strictly dictates that only the examined patient is permitted to collect the prescribed medication. Xanax and Stilnox are psychotropic drugs primarily used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Due to their high potential for addiction and dependency, medical protocols dictate that direct in-person consultations and prescriptions are mandatory. 2026-06-02 11:13:05

APAR Opens 'Pink Lounge' Pop-Up Featuring MediCube Beauty Tech APAR is launching a pop-up store for its beauty brand MediCube to showcase its beauty tech capabilities. The pop-up store will operate from June 3 to 14 on the basement level of the 'The Crown' at Lotte Department Store Avenue L in Jamsil, APAR announced on June 2. The store, themed 'Pink Glow Tech Lounge,' features a signature pink-toned interior to enhance brand immersion. The main area of the event will showcase the full lineup of MediCube's AGE-R beauty devices, developed in-house by APAR. Visitors can experience the recently launched next-generation product, the 'Booster Pro X2,' along with other devices such as the Booster Glow, Booster Pro Mini Plus, Booster V Roller, Booster Vibration Cleanser, and High Focus Shot Plus. Complementary skincare products that enhance the effectiveness of the devices will also be featured. Popular items in the global market, including the 'Zero Pore Pad' and 'Collagen Night Wrapping Mask,' will be available for attendees to try. Various interactive programs will be offered, including a 'Number Matching Game' and a 'Buddy Drawing Game' to help participants intuitively understand the functions of the beauty devices. A separate consultation area will provide personalized product recommendations. In the first quarter of this year, APAR reported a consolidated revenue of 593.4 billion won and an operating profit of 152.3 billion won, marking increases of 123% and 173.7%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Both figures represent the highest quarterly results in the company's history. Revenue from overseas markets, including the United States, surpassed 500 billion won for the first time. APAR is preparing to enter over 3,000 Walmart stores in the U.S. and is in final negotiations for entry into Costco, following partnerships with Ulta Beauty and Target. This domestic pop-up is seen as an opportunity to directly inform local consumers about the brand's expanding presence in global markets. An APAR representative stated, "By internalizing the entire value chain from research and development (R&D) to planning, production, and sales of beauty devices, APAR is achieving a significant competitive edge in the beauty tech market. We hope this pop-up will allow us to showcase MediCube's unique products and brand competitiveness to our customers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:12:00

President Yoon Calls for Accountability in Death of Reservist President Yoon Suk Yeol on June 2 expressed his condolences regarding the recent death of a reservist, urging authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation into the incident and to transparently share the findings with the public.During a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic assessment session at the Blue House, President Yoon stated, "If there are responsibilities that need to be addressed, they must be dealt with strictly."He noted that there have been numerous concerns raised about recent reservist training and the training of soldiers at military bases, including issues such as inadequate medical personnel and emergency equipment during training exercises, as well as outdated military practices that could be harmful."I extend my deepest condolences to those who have suffered unjust harm as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," he said.President Yoon emphasized that the principle of prioritizing citizens' rights and safety applies equally to the military, stating, "It is the duty of the state to ensure that the rights of young soldiers, who dedicate their precious youth for the sake of the national community, are fully protected without any gaps."He urged a thorough examination of whether an outdated perception that soldiers' rights can be overlooked still exists within the military, adding that training practices that do not consider the condition of soldiers or the situation on the ground need to be improved."I hope that measures will be taken to prevent the perception that incidents are merely covered up and that transparency is lacking," he said, assuring that the government will do its utmost to ensure that young people called to serve the nation can safely return to their daily lives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:12:00

Every Vote Shapes the Future of Our Communities: Make Your Voice Heard The 9th nationwide local elections are just one day away. While the campaigning is coming to an end, the choices of voters are just beginning. Candidates have appealed for votes by promising regional development, recovery of livelihoods, and future growth strategies. However, the most crucial aspect of democracy is not the candidates' voices but the participation of voters. No matter how excellent the systems and policies are, they hold no meaning if citizens do not go to the polls. Local elections tend to attract less attention compared to presidential or parliamentary elections, which is reflected in the relatively low voter turnout each election cycle. Yet, local elections are the closest to the daily lives of citizens. Governors, mayors, and local council members make decisions on policies that directly affect residents' lives. A significant portion of the administrative services that citizens experience daily—such as transportation, welfare, education, urban development, environment, and safety—are managed by local governments. Local autonomy is often referred to as the school of democracy. While the central government sets the broad direction for the nation, local governments play a vital role in changing the lives of residents concretely. The choice of leaders by residents can significantly impact the region's competitiveness, administrative quality, and financial management. Ultimately, local elections are a choice that determines the future of the community. Voting is both a right and a responsibility. Democracy is not a system that protects itself; it is maintained and developed through the participation of each citizen. Those who do not vote may express dissatisfaction with the results, but they cannot claim to have participated in the process. The true owners of democracy are the citizens, and voting is the most direct and peaceful way for them to express their will. This election also presents various pressing issues in different regions, including population decline, the risk of local extinction, revitalizing local economies, job creation, youth retention, improving educational environments, and expanding transportation infrastructure. As voters choose leaders to guide their regions for the next four years, they must carefully examine candidates' pledges, qualifications, morality, and administrative capabilities. It is essential to look beyond political parties and slogans and to assess who possesses the vision and execution ability for regional development. Every election season, voices of political disillusionment and apathy emerge. However, indifference will not solve any problems. If citizens choose to abstain from voting because they are dissatisfied with politics, the outcomes will ultimately be determined by those who actively participate. The challenges of democracy can only be resolved through democracy itself. If we desire better politics and administration, we must head to the polls. South Korea has successfully achieved industrialization and democratization, with citizen participation always at the center of that process. The same applies to local elections. The development of regions and the future of the nation ultimately begin with the choices of the people. Tomorrow is Sovereign's Day. A single vote may seem small, but it is far from insignificant. Countless individual votes come together to determine the direction of communities, and those communities collectively shape the future of South Korea. We hope that all citizens will exercise their precious rights and demonstrate a mature democracy. Let us make sure to vote. 2026-06-02 11:09:00

President Lee Promises to Double Governance Speed in Next Four Years President Lee Jae-myung pledged on June 2 to ensure that his administration receives greater public support and evaluation by the end of his term than at its start.During a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic inspection at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "In the next four years, if we double the speed of governance and put in our utmost effort, we can utilize the remaining four years as if they were eight years and work as if we have eight years ahead of us."He noted that the government, which will soon mark its first anniversary, must build on its policy achievements to create more significant changes in people's lives, increase the pace of progress, and broaden its scope starting from the second year of his term.Reflecting on the past year, President Lee acknowledged the challenges faced at the beginning of his term, including political and social shocks from civil unrest, economic turmoil, and shifts in the international order. He expressed gratitude for the public's support and the dedication of public officials, stating, "Despite these difficulties, we have successfully navigated through the crisis."He added, "As a result, we are laying a solid foundation for the normalization and recovery of South Korea, as well as for the country's leap forward."Regarding the tasks for the second year of governance, President Lee emphasized the need to spread the improvements in key indicators such as exports to small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners, and vulnerable populations. He also stressed the importance of establishing robust material and institutional foundations to accelerate the AI revolution and energy transition, while pushing forward the development of advanced industries such as semiconductors, robotics, and defense to open the door to becoming a global economic powerhouse.He concluded by stating, "We must swiftly promote regional balanced development and a transformation of the national territory, which can be seen as South Korea's survival strategy, and prepare effective alternatives to alleviate polarization, aiming for growth for all. We will actively utilize our capabilities and potential to strengthen our status as a responsible global diplomatic and security power in the international community."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 11:06:00