South Korea Prepares for Semiconductor Boom Amid AI Revolution 2026 finds South Korea once again at the forefront of the semiconductor industry. The world stands on the brink of a massive artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, with semiconductors at its core—and South Korea is central to this development. Just a few years ago, the South Korean semiconductor sector was in deep decline, facing plummeting memory prices and a harsh winter for major players Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix amid a global economic slowdown and rising inventories. However, the advent of the AI era has rapidly transformed the global industrial landscape. The generative AI revolution, sparked by ChatGPT, has led to explosive investments in data centers and AI servers worldwide. AI's need to process vast amounts of data simultaneously has created a demand for ultra-fast, high-capacity memory, specifically high-bandwidth memory (HBM). While the global AI industry currently revolves around Nvidia, South Korean memory technology is integral to its operations. If the U.S. dominates AI platforms and software, South Korea supplies the “memory” essential for the AI era. This situation has led the market to label it a “semiconductor supercycle” not seen in 43 years. Yet, South Korea must remain cautious at this juncture. Economic booms can cloud judgment. Historically, when a specific industry surges, South Korean society tends to view it as a permanent future. From the rise of heavy industries in the 1970s to shipbuilding and steel in the 1980s, IT and semiconductors in the 1990s, real estate and construction in the 2000s, and more recently, platforms and secondary battery trends, the country has often embraced the fortunes of one industry as the fate of the entire nation. However, industrial history is cyclical. Booms lead to over-investment, which results in oversupply, ultimately causing price crashes and restructuring. This harsh cycle is a recurring theme in capitalist industrial history. The semiconductor industry is no exception. In the 1980s, Japan dominated the global semiconductor market, instilling fear in the U.S. over its aggressive expansion. Japanese companies nearly monopolized the memory market, leading many to declare it the “Japanese era of semiconductors.” However, following the bubble burst and structural changes, coupled with U.S. technological and trade pressures, Japan's semiconductor industry rapidly declined, paving the way for South Korea's rise. Samsung Electronics emerged as a dominant force in the memory market, and SK Hynix also ascended to global prominence. Yet, this journey was fraught with challenges, as the South Korean semiconductor industry endured numerous downturns, price collapses, and the global financial crisis. This makes the current moment crucial, as booms can be the most perilous times. Recent debates in South Korea may seem like mere wage disputes, but they reflect deeper issues. Conflicts have arisen over how to distribute record-high operating profits, with labor groups asserting that these results are due to workers' dedication, while markets and minority shareholders argue that profits should primarily benefit shareholders. Meanwhile, lawmakers have raised the point that semiconductors are a strategic national industry. The clash of these three perspectives highlights that semiconductors are no longer just an industry; they have become a key export sector, a matter of national security, a driving force in the stock market, and a cornerstone of youth aspirations and the nation's future. Consequently, semiconductors are increasingly treated as if they embody the “nation itself.” This is where the danger of “semiconductor disease” begins. The term “Dutch Disease” in economics refers to the phenomenon where a specific industry or resource becomes overly dominant, disrupting the balance of the entire national economy. Originally coined from the Netherlands' experience with a natural gas boom that weakened its manufacturing competitiveness, South Korea now faces a similar risk in a different form. As the semiconductor industry grows too powerful, there is a potential for the national economy, financial markets, and policy decisions to become overly skewed towards semiconductors. In fact, the South Korean stock market has effectively become synonymous with the semiconductor sector. When Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rise, the entire market follows suit; conversely, when the semiconductor sector falters, the South Korean economy feels the impact. This is not a healthy long-term structure. Over-reliance on a single industry can ultimately destabilize the entire economy when that industry's cycle shifts. A more pressing issue is the essence of the AI era. Many currently believe that the AI industry will experience perpetual growth. However, the history of technology industries does not support this notion. The dot-com bubble, the LCD industry, and the solar and battery sectors all underwent significant cycles. AI will inevitably face oversupply, price competition, shifts in technological standards, geopolitical risks, and the challenge posed by China. The Chinese factor is particularly significant, as the country is pouring vast resources into AI semiconductors and memory industries. Despite existing technological gaps, China is waging a national effort to establish its own semiconductor ecosystem amid U.S. technological sanctions. Underestimating the speed at which a competitor can catch up is the most dangerous aspect of industrial competition. Japan once chased the U.S., South Korea pursued Japan, and now China is targeting South Korea. Ultimately, the semiconductor industry is a battleground with no permanent victors. Moreover, the AI era will not conclude with mere memory competition. Future competition is likely to encompass a vast ecosystem involving semiconductors, energy, software, cloud computing, data centers, robotics, AI platforms, defense AI, and quantum computing. At this critical juncture, South Korea faces a pivotal choice. While it currently boasts world-class memory competitiveness, relying solely on memory is insufficient for future security. The true victor in the AI era will likely be the nation that dominates the entire AI ecosystem. The strength of the U.S. is not solely due to Nvidia; it stems from a cohesive ecosystem that includes OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla, integrating AI platforms, cloud services, data centers, and software. In contrast, South Korea remains overly focused on a hardware-centric structure. Thus, South Korea's real challenge is not merely the distribution of operating profits. The crucial question is how to prepare for next-generation AI frameworks, energy efficiency innovations, AI software and data sovereignty, global supply chain restructuring, talent development, industrial diversification, and energy strategies. Particularly in the AI era, energy issues are critical. AI data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity. Ultimately, semiconductor competitiveness is likely to be intertwined with energy competitiveness. This is why major U.S. tech companies are competing to secure nuclear, LNG, and renewable energy sources. The AI era is not just a semiconductor era; it is an “era of energy and data.” Currently, the world is undergoing three significant transitions simultaneously: the AI revolution, U.S.-China hegemonic competition, and energy and supply chain restructuring. Semiconductors lie at the intersection of these three axes. The U.S. has begun to view semiconductors as a security issue, while China sees them as a matter of national survival. Europe is also investing heavily to revive its domestic semiconductor industry. Consequently, semiconductors have evolved from a mere industry to a strategic asset of modern civilization. However, this reality necessitates a more sober approach. The moment one becomes complacent in a boom, the risk begins. The saying “居安思危” (think of danger in times of peace) applies here. The South Korean semiconductor industry is undoubtedly positioned at the pinnacle of global competitiveness. Yet paradoxically, this may be the most perilous moment. History has not favored arrogant victors for long. The industries that survive are not those intoxicated by current booms but those that prepare for future crises. The same holds true for South Korea's semiconductor industry. What is needed now is not mere celebration but a clear strategy. Labor must consider long-term competitiveness, companies should prioritize future ecosystems over short-term results, and the government must focus on the overall structure of national industries rather than political popularity. Above all, balance is essential. Semiconductors are a core strategic industry for South Korea. However, they must not become a “semiconductor disease” that engulfs the entire nation. The world has already entered an era where the AI revolution, U.S.-China hegemonic competition, energy restructuring, and supply chain wars are unfolding simultaneously. For South Korea to survive amidst these monumental changes, what is needed is not just a jackpot but the ability to design future structures. Preparing for a downturn without succumbing to the euphoria of a boom, and prioritizing future survival structures over current profits, is the true strategy that the South Korean semiconductor industry and the entire economy must adopt. The AI era is just beginning, and South Korea stands at the center of this monumental historical transition. Ultimately, the nations that survive will be those that prepare for future crises rather than those that revel in current successes. The same applies to industries. Semiconductors should be a source of pride for South Korea. However, the nation must also prepare for a future that extends beyond semiconductors. This is the true national strategy and the condition for South Korea's survival in the AI era.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:42:00

Group tourists from Indonesia allowed temporary visa-free entry until year's end SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - Tourists from Indonesia are now allowed visa-free entry to South Korea from Thursday through the end of December. According to the Ministry of Justice, Indonesian tourists traveling in groups of three or more, whether independently or through a travel agency, are allowed to stay in South Korea for up to 15 days without a visa. The temporary measure in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes as Seoul seeks to boost tourism and domestic spending after Indonesian arrivals reached a record high of 365,596 visitors last year. The number of visitors from Indonesia has rebounded since the coronavirus pandemic, rising from around 250,000 in 2023 to more than 330,000 in 2024, after a pre-pandemic high of 270,000 in 2019. The measure is part of Seoul's broader push to boost tourism, aimed at attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030, by easing entry requirements for Southeast Asian travelers and expanding multiple-entry visas. Instead, they have to undergo stricter screening procedures to minimize illegal overstays. Travel agencies are also required to upload tourist lists to a state-run immigration portal at least 24 hours before arrival, or 36 hours in advance for travelers entering by ship. Immigration authorities will thoroughly review the lists to identify high-risk individuals including those previously involved in illegal stays or subject to entry restrictions. Such travelers are excluded from the visa-waiver program. Travel agencies could have their licenses revoked if the rate of tourists who go AWOL exceeds an average of 2 percent per quarter. 2026-05-28 14:41:02

Investors Becoming Addicted to Risky Bets in Stock Market The stock market is reflecting a trend similar to the way people develop a taste for spicier food. When visiting a noodle shop or a tteokbokki restaurant, customers can choose from mild, medium, spicy, and extra spicy options. Initially, even the mild flavor can feel quite hot, causing one to sweat and think, "Next time, I should go for something less spicy." However, as time passes, that initial sensation fades, and soon, the same flavor no longer satisfies. The thought of trying just one level spicier begins to emerge. Spicy flavors can be addictive. As the palate becomes accustomed to the heat, it seeks out stronger flavors. What was once a challenge, like spicy tteokbokki, eventually leads to a search for dishes like fire chicken or extremely spicy options. The palate, now adapted to the stimulation, finds previous levels of spice to be bland. Consequently, the demand for spiciness becomes increasingly refined. The average flavor no longer suffices, and there is a craving for stronger tastes and more intense sensations. Currently, the stock market appears to be following a similar trajectory. Funds that once sought safety in bank deposits and savings accounts have shifted to the stock market, but even that is no longer satisfying. Money is rapidly flowing into leveraged ETFs, inverse ETFs, futures products, and single-stock derivatives. The market's appetite for returns is increasingly leaning toward more stimulating options. A notable example is the launch of the Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix double-leverage inverse products, which attracted 2 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion) in transactions within just one day, with total trading volume reaching 10 trillion won. The surge in trading volume for single-stock leveraged ETFs, particularly for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, indicates that the market is transitioning from a simple bull market to a phase of high-risk betting. It is important to note that the stock market has always been paradoxical. The most dangerous moments often occur not when fear is rampant, but when everyone is overly optimistic. As the KOSPI index continues to set record highs, ushering in the "8,000-point era," the market atmosphere is nearing a state of excitement. The issue is not merely an increase in available funds but a shift in the nature of that money. In the early stages of a bull market, investors tend to be relatively cautious, analyzing corporate performance and industry outlooks before investing in blue-chip stocks or index products. However, as the bull market extends and stories of profits circulate, the mood shifts. Investors who initially thought, "Let’s hold onto good companies for the long term," begin to wonder, "Is there a way to earn more quickly and significantly?" At that moment, the focus of the market shifts from physical investments to products that bet on direction and volatility. The recent behavior of the Korean stock market exemplifies this trend. The expansion of the ETF market itself is not inherently negative; the growth of low-cost, diversified investment tools is a positive development for capital markets. However, the direction of this growth is concerning. There is a rapid increase in leveraged products that amplify the rise and fall of specific stocks, inverse products that bet on declines, and futures-based ETF trading. This indicates that investors are beginning to bet on volatility and short-term returns rather than corporate value. Particularly alarming is the concentration on single stocks. While Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are representative of South Korea's strong economy, even the best companies do not see their stock prices move in a straight line. Prices can fluctuate based on earnings expectations, valuations, global economic conditions, interest rates, and supply-demand changes. Betting on the daily direction of a specific stock with high leverage approaches speculation rather than long-term investment. While profits can be maximized when prices rise, losses can also escalate exponentially if the direction shifts. History has shown this pattern repeatedly. During the KOSPI's rise in 2007, individual investors flocked to ELWs and the futures and options markets. The optimism of the bull market fostered the belief that "betting harder would yield greater returns," but when the financial crisis hit the following year, losses for high-risk product investors snowballed. The same was true in 2021, when the leveraged ETF craze took hold amid ultra-low interest rates and liquidity, but losses doubled as rapid interest rate hikes and corrections in growth stocks began in 2022. Of course, there is no need to criticize the act of seeking returns while taking risks; that is the essence of capital markets. However, what the current market must be wary of is not the risk itself, but the desensitization to risk. The urgency of thoughts like, "Everyone else is making money," and "If I miss this opportunity, I will fall behind" is driving investors toward increasingly stimulating products. A palate accustomed to mild flavors seeks out stronger spices. However, there are limits to spiciness. If the palate cannot handle it, it will ultimately lead to distress. Similarly, if excessive risk preference accumulates in the market, even minor adjustments can cause significant shocks. Losses can grow exponentially, while recovery becomes much more challenging. It may be time to consider a "spice detox" for the market. 2026-05-28 14:36:00

Naver Distinguishes Itself in AI Search and Shopping Against Google "Google pays 80 billion won annually to use content from the U.S. community Reddit. The era where content is a weapon will continue, and companies with high-quality data will survive in the generative AI competition," said Kim Kwang-hyun, Naver's Chief Data and Content Officer (CDO). He emphasized that Naver's 27 years of accumulated search technology and data-content ecosystem will be key competitive advantages in the AI era. The content assets built on Naver's platforms, such as Knowledge iN, blogs, and cafes, have fueled its growth in the search market and are expected to serve as differentiated strengths in the AI landscape. On May 28, Naver hosted a media roundtable at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, focusing on its data and content strategy in the AI era. Kim Kwang-hyun, along with Lee Il-koo, head of content services, and Kim Sang-beom, head of the search platform, presented strategies to enhance the content and creator ecosystem and strengthen AI search service competitiveness. Naver appointed Kim Kwang-hyun as CDO earlier this year. He joined Naver in 2000 as a search developer and has held various roles related to search, including heading the search platform until last year. His role is expected to extend beyond improving existing search quality to connecting content and data within and outside Naver to enhance AI service competitiveness. Kim highlighted that Naver has clear differentiators compared to Google in the South Korean market. While Google's strength lies in global search data, Naver excels in lifestyle search data from Korean users and original user-generated content (UGC). He noted that Naver can secure a significant advantage in vertical areas such as shopping, local searches, and reservations, where search leads to execution. "When ChatGPT first emerged, the market's reaction was astonishing, but after the launch of Google Gemini, the usage of ChatGPT has somewhat declined. The quality of content queries based on Google's search capabilities has created this difference," Kim said, adding, "Korean users still prefer Naver search because it provides the best information for daily needs, making Naver distinctly different from Google in terms of content quality." In line with this, Naver plans to invest 1 trillion won over the next five years to develop its content ecosystem. The company believes that the competition among global AI platforms will increasingly depend on the quality of data and service competitiveness rather than just the performance of the models themselves. Naver is also launching the AI fellowship program 'Naver Mate,' which will select 3,000 creators monthly and provide approximately 20 billion won annually to support their activities, aiming to strengthen UGC. Kim pointed out the need for Naver to establish independent competitiveness to prevent high-quality Korean content from flowing to overseas platforms. He remarked, "Recently, Korean content has been accumulating on foreign platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and we need to consider whether this is a desirable direction in the long term. By striving for coexistence with creators and improving the platform to accumulate quality content domestically, Naver and South Korea can lay the groundwork for new growth not only in the current AI era but also in future technological changes." Naver also unveiled its strategy to enhance AI search service competitiveness, aiming to implement an 'AI integrated agent.' The core of this strategy is a 'product-native large language model (LLM)' designed and optimized for specific service scenarios, differing from existing general-purpose models. Kim reiterated that Naver AI has distinct advantages over Google AI in vertical search areas. Naver has accumulated vertical search data that allows for execution from product search to purchase and delivery, and the company plans to focus its capabilities in this area. He stated, "Just as OpenAI aimed for artificial general intelligence (AGI) from the start, Naver has also contemplated whether to pursue AGI. The biggest differentiator of Naver AI compared to Google AI is vertical search. Naver is likely the only company globally that can complete a service from product search to purchase and reservation within a single platform." Additionally, Naver plans to expand its AI search offerings with the upcoming launch of 'Smart Lens,' a camera-based search service, following the release of 'AI Briefing' in March and the beta version of 'AI Tab' last month. Smart Lens will enable direct connections from visual searches to purchase execution. According to Naver, AI Briefing currently has 30 million monthly users, and AI Tab surpassed 3 million cumulative users within a month of its beta launch. The officially launched AI Tab next month will expand its user base from Naver Plus membership subscribers to all users. This is expected to enhance the synergy of generative AI search across Smart Lens, AI Briefing, and AI Tab.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:34:00

Early Voting Raises Challenges for Exit Poll Predictions in June 3 Elections As early voting for the 9th nationwide local elections takes place from May 29 to 30, attention is turning to the challenges of predicting election outcomes. A higher early voting turnout increases the variables affecting exit poll results announced on election day. Exit polls are conducted by asking voters who they chose after they cast their ballots. The challenge arises from early voters, who do not participate in the exit polls conducted on election day. Therefore, early voters are not included in the sample for the exit polls conducted at polling places on June 3. However, early voting results will not be entirely excluded from broadcasters' predictions. KBS, MBC, and SBS, the three major broadcasters, have formed a joint prediction survey committee, KEP, to conduct exit polls for the June 3 elections. KEP will carry out exit polls at 595 polling stations nationwide and will also conduct phone surveys of 28,500 early voters to estimate their preferences. This means that election day voters will be surveyed at polling places, while early voters will be assessed through separate phone surveys. As early voting increases, relying solely on exit polls from election day becomes more challenging to gauge overall public sentiment. The timing for the release of exit poll results is also established. According to KEP's guidelines for citing exit poll results, predictions for winning candidates and estimated vote percentages can be reported starting at 6:15 PM, 15 minutes after polls close on June 3. Exit polls cannot be conducted during the early voting period. They can only be carried out outside polling places on election day, at least 50 meters away, in a manner that does not compromise the secrecy of the vote. Political parties, candidates, and general organizations are also prohibited from conducting exit polls on election day. As early voting increases, the complexity of broadcasters' predictive surveys will inevitably rise. This is due to potential differences in political preferences, age demographics, and regional participation rates between election day voters and early voters. In particularly close races, how early voter preferences are estimated and incorporated could significantly impact the accuracy of predictions. Early voting for the 9th nationwide local elections will take place on May 29 and 30 from 6 AM to 6 PM at polling stations across the country. Voters can participate in early voting at any location nationwide, regardless of their registered address.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:34:00

Korean Horse Racing Industry: An Opportunity to Shed the Stigma of Gambling "Adhering to purchase limits is the start of healthy leisure activities." This phrase was prominently displayed throughout Let's Run Park in Gwacheon during a recent visit. The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) has implemented measures to combat gambling addiction, including capping betting amounts at 100,000 won per transaction. Despite these efforts, the stigma surrounding the domestic horse racing industry as a 'gambling industry' remains a persistent challenge. This perception is evident in everyday life. For commuters using the southern Gyeonggi Line, the area around the horse racing park station on weekends is often viewed as inconvenient. The sight of patrons congregating, reeking of alcohol and cigarettes, evokes associations of 'gambling' rather than 'leisure.' The atmosphere at the venue itself significantly shapes the overall image of the industry. The KRA is making strides toward change. It has rebranded the racetrack from 'horse racing park' to 'Let's Run Park' and expanded facilities for families, such as Ponyland and a horse museum. These efforts aim to transform the venue into a 'recreational space.' However, it is debatable whether these initiatives have led to a genuine shift in public perception. On the day of the visit, there appeared to be more patrons focused on betting than on family activities. In fact, a 2024 survey on gambling habits revealed that 36.3% of respondents cited 'thrilling excitement' and 16.3% mentioned 'profit expectations' as their primary reasons for purchasing betting tickets. In contrast, horse racing in other countries presents a different image. The Kentucky Derby in the United States has become a cultural event with high viewership, while the Royal Ascot in the UK is celebrated as a royal tradition. Japan's Japan Cup has evolved into a global sporting event featuring world-class horses. In these contexts, horse racing is consumed as 'sport with a narrative' rather than merely 'gambling.' The recent discussions regarding the relocation of the KRA and Let's Run Park transcend mere logistical concerns. They present an opportunity for a structural redesign of the Korean horse racing industry. The process of changing physical locations could redefine the very nature of the industry. Japan's example is worth noting. Japanese racetracks have become family-friendly entertainment complexes, successfully attracting younger audiences, particularly following the popularity of the mobile game Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The strategy of characterizing popular racehorses and expanding into content and merchandise has also been noteworthy, transforming horse racing from a 'competition' into a 'cultural' phenomenon. The key question is, "Who is the target audience?" Currently, Let's Run Park has not moved beyond its focus on older patrons. Last year, the total number of visitors to Let's Run Park Seoul included 2.25 million horse racing customers and 2.13 million non-racing customers. A KRA survey conducted in 2024 indicated that 90% of horse racing customers were over the age of 50. This underscores the need for new spaces to be designed to naturally attract younger and family-oriented visitors. To achieve this, location is crucial. As promised by the government, accessibility to Seoul must be ensured, and various entertainment elements should be integrated beyond horse racing. Additionally, a long-term strategy to transition horse racing into a recreational sport must be pursued simultaneously. Above all, a shift in the government's role is essential. Without a clear vision and support measures, pushing for relocation could exacerbate existing uncertainties in the field. In fact, there are significant concerns within the KRA regarding the uncertainty of policy direction. The horse racing industry is interconnected with the broader equine industry, transcending the notion of a mere gambling sector. A recent conversation with an equine industry stakeholder highlighted that, "If horse racing is elevated to a healthy sport, it will lead to an increase in the equestrian population, growth in the thoroughbred breeding industry, and heightened demand for professionals such as trainers, jockeys, and veterinarians." It is hoped that the ongoing discussions about the KRA and Let's Run Park relocation will not merely result in a physical move but will serve as a starting point for the Korean horse racing industry to break free from its 'gambling' label and be reborn as a 'cultural and industrial' entity. 2026-05-28 14:34:00

BHC Opens First Food Court Location at H Mart in San Francisco Dining Brands Group announced on May 27 that BHC has opened a new store in the food court of H Mart in San Francisco. This marks BHC's first location in the San Francisco area and the company's first food court-style store in the United States. H Mart is an Asian supermarket chain operating over 100 stores across the U.S., serving as a key distribution channel for K-food among both the local Korean community and American consumers. The new store occupies approximately 12.5 pyeong (about 415 square feet) within H Mart. It is the first food court model introduced after previously launching restaurant and fast-food formats in the U.S. The store features a counter and kiosk ordering system to enhance accessibility and convenience. The menu reflects local consumer preferences, focusing on wings and tenders. It includes BHC's signature items such as fried, hot fried, and various dipping sauces like Machoking, Red King, Hot Puring Mayo, and Puringcle Mayo. Additionally, it offers Korean dishes like kimchi fried rice, ramen, fish cake soup, cheese buldak, and chicken rice bowl to attract local consumers interested in K-food. The store has received positive feedback since its opening, with lines forming outside shortly after it launched in early May. Weekend sales reportedly exceeded 10 million won. Brian Shin, head of BHC's U.S. operations, stated, "By opening in a highly accessible large supermarket, more consumers can experience BHC's menu in their daily lives. We plan to expand our brand experience in the U.S. market by reflecting local food culture and consumer trends." Currently, BHC operates 47 stores across eight countries, including the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. The company entered the U.S. market in 2023 with its first location in the Farmers Market in Los Angeles and now has eight stores in the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:32:00

39% of South Koreans Have Used ChatGPT as AI Adoption Grows A recent survey found that 39% of South Koreans have used generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. This marks a continuous increase in usage over the past three years, alongside growing concerns about the potential for misinformation and criminal misuse. The Broadcasting and Media Commission and the Korea Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion released the findings of the "2025 Intelligent Information Society User Panel Survey" on May 28. According to the survey, 38.9% of respondents reported having experience with generative AI, an increase of 14.9 percentage points from the previous year and 26.6 percentage points from 2023. Users spend an average of 49.6 minutes per day using generative AI. Notably, 68% of respondents reported using generative AI for more than 30 minutes daily. The primary reasons for using generative AI include its efficiency in information retrieval (86%), assistance in time management (72.6%), support for learning activities (68.2%), help with complex problem-solving (64.8%), and aid in routine tasks (64.8%). However, concerns about the negative impacts of generative AI have also risen. The survey indicated significant increases in worries about misinformation dissemination (+9.6 percentage points), criminal misuse (+9.0 percentage points), and the generation of content that is difficult to verify (+8.9 percentage points) compared to the previous year. Other concerns, such as job replacement, decreased creativity, copyright infringement, and the creation of biased or discriminatory content, have also grown. Among those who do not use generative AI, 63.5% cited a lack of knowledge about how to use it or difficulty in learning. Other reasons included the cost of services being burdensome (59.2%), difficulty in selecting suitable services (59.1%), concerns about privacy and personal data breaches (59%), and ethical issues (59%). The survey emphasized the need for responsible service operations to protect user rights by both generative AI providers and AI recommendation service providers. For generative AI service providers, 81.3% of respondents indicated that measures should be established to prevent users from generating content that infringes on others' rights, such as internal checks or reporting procedures. Regarding AI recommendation service providers, 79.3% of respondents stated that users should be informed about the criteria used by AI algorithms to select content. Additionally, about 75% of respondents believed that government intervention is necessary when related services contradict the public interest. Meanwhile, a survey by WiseApp and Retail reported that as of April, the monthly active users of ChatGPT in South Korea reached 23.45 million, the highest ever recorded. This figure represents an increase of approximately 6 million from the previous year's 17.49 million. Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude also saw significant growth, with user numbers increasing by about tenfold and twelvefold, respectively, to 8.45 million and 2.41 million compared to the previous year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:32:00

CJ OnStyle Accelerates AI Commerce, Customer Engagement Quadruples with ChatGPT CJ OnStyle is rapidly transitioning to AI-driven commerce, utilizing platforms like ChatGPT. The company reported on May 28 that from May 1 to 25, traffic to its app and website via conversational AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini increased more than fourfold compared to the same period last January. Earlier, on May 15, CJ OnStyle launched a dedicated app within ChatGPT, allowing customers to search for products and check broadcast information before being directed to the official CJ OnStyle app. Users can ask questions like, "Recommend beauty products around 50,000 won suitable for gifts" or "Suggest rain boots for this summer," and receive related product and broadcast information. CJ OnStyle has optimized AI for 600,000 products within its dedicated ChatGPT app, with plans to expand this to 1 million by the end of the year. This data will also enhance search and recommendation services in its own app. The company is already seeing positive results from AI recommendations in its app. CJ OnStyle analyzed customer purchase, search, and click data using AI to provide personalized product and video recommendations, resulting in a 37% increase in sales from the recommendation section of the app in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. Since last year, CJ OnStyle has been restructuring its product data and content to be more understandable for AI. The company explained that through Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), it has enhanced data structures to ensure accurate display and citation of brand and product information when AI generates responses. CJ OnStyle plans to expand its integration with various AI platforms, starting with ChatGPT. A company representative stated, "We will continue to enhance product data and commerce capabilities to strengthen our AI-driven commerce competitiveness." Meanwhile, CJ OnStyle reported a revenue of 378.5 billion won in the first quarter of this year, a 4.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The company aims to maintain its growth momentum in the second quarter by leveraging fandom IP and premium product competitiveness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 14:30:00

Jensen Huang Joins Tsinghua University Advisory Board Led by Tim Cook Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is set to join the advisory board of Tsinghua University, which is chaired by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Huang is intensifying efforts to penetrate the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) chip market through this advisory role. The Financial Times reported on May 28, citing multiple sources, that Huang accepted an invitation to join the advisory board of Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management (SEM) after accompanying President Donald Trump on his recent visit to China. Located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is one of China's top science and engineering institutions, and it counts Chinese President Xi Jinping among its alumni. The SEM advisory board aims to strengthen the international network of the business school and support long-term strategic planning. In addition to Cook, the advisory board includes prominent figures from the U.S. tech industry such as Elon Musk, Michael Dell, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta. Financial leaders like Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, and Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, are also members. From China, notable participants include Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, Pony Ma, chairman of Tencent, and Li Yanhong, CEO of Baidu. The FT noted that Huang's participation comes as NVIDIA faces ongoing restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, highlighting his efforts to maintain connections with Chinese academia and industry. Since April of last year, NVIDIA has faced significant limitations in the Chinese market. At that time, the Trump administration banned the export of NVIDIA's AI chip H20, developed for China, in accordance with existing export regulations. Earlier this year, limited sales of the more advanced H200 chip to select Chinese customers were approved, but the Chinese government imposed import restrictions to protect its domestic semiconductor industry. In a recent interview with CNBC, Huang stated that U.S. export controls have effectively ceded the Chinese market to local competitors like Huawei. He noted that China once accounted for over 20% of NVIDIA's global revenue but cautioned against expecting any short-term approvals for advanced chip sales, saying, "Don't expect anything." However, Huang reaffirmed his commitment to returning to the Chinese market, stating, "We would be very happy to serve that market. There are many customers and partners there, and we have been there for 30 years." The SEM advisory board was established in 2000 by former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji. It is considered a rare high-level exchange channel for leaders from both the U.S. and China to meet amid escalating technological and economic tensions. Advisory board members typically hold annual meetings in Beijing, serving as a behind-the-scenes communication channel between Chinese policymakers and global business leaders. 2026-05-28 14:28:00