Daum Seizes Opportunity for Revival in AI Era Once dubbed the "people's portal," Daum is seizing a revival opportunity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Since its launch in 1995, Daum led the popularization of the internet in South Korea with services like Hanmail and cafes. However, its prominence waned in the 2000s until it was acquired by AI company Upstage, marking a potential resurgence. On May 7, Upstage finalized a contract to acquire AXZ, the operator of Daum, from Kakao. This deal involves a stock exchange where Kakao transfers its AXZ shares to Upstage while acquiring a stake in Upstage. With this acquisition, Daum transitions from being part of Daum Communications, which merged with Kakao in 2014, to being owned by Upstage. This change signifies more than just a transfer of ownership; Upstage aims to transform Daum into a next-generation AI portal, revitalizing its competitive edge in the AI era. Daum's heyday began with Hanmail and cafes. The free webmail service launched in 1997 popularized personal email, expanding Daum's initial user base. The introduction of Daum Cafe in May 1999 fostered online community culture, evolving Daum from a simple email service to a comprehensive portal. However, Daum's dominance was short-lived. In the 2000s, Naver gained traction with its "Knowledge-in" feature, shifting the portal market's focus. User engagement expanded beyond news and email to include shopping, video, and community features. As the mobile era emerged, Google significantly increased its market share, leaving Daum without a clear path to recovery. Although Daum sought a resurgence through its merger with Kakao in 2014, its strategic presence diminished within Kakao's mobile ecosystem. Daum's search market share fell to single digits, and it struggled to regain its former influence as a comprehensive portal. Critics noted that Daum had become reliant on news consumption and limited community features. Kakao separated Daum into an independent entity in 2023 and established AXZ through a physical spin-off last year. Despite declining search share and user attrition, Daum has been restructuring to revive its core portal functions, including news layout changes, enhanced content recommendations, and community feature improvements. Recently, it reintroduced a "real-time trends" feature. With Upstage's acquisition of AXZ, Daum plans to evolve into a next-generation AI portal. The strategy focuses on integrating Daum's accumulated search and content data with Upstage's AI technology. Upstage intends to enhance services based on Daum's search capabilities, including the integration of contextual AI.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:56:22

Upstage Completes Acquisition of Daum Operator AXZ AI company Upstage has finalized its acquisition of AXZ, the operator of the portal Daum. Upstage plans to integrate its large language model (LLM) with Daum's search and content data to build a next-generation AI portal aimed at creating an accessible AI service ecosystem. On May 7, Upstage signed a formal acquisition agreement with Kakao, which will transfer its entire stake in AXZ. This marks Kakao's separation from the portal business 12 years after it absorbed Daum in 2014. The two companies had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in January to initiate the acquisition, followed by four months of in-depth due diligence. The MOU outlines the transfer of Kakao's entire AXZ stake to Upstage, with Kakao acquiring a minority stake in Upstage through a stock exchange. Upstage aims to transform Daum into an AI-driven portal and implement 'Context AI' services. This shift is expected to move away from keyword-based searches to a portal that understands user intent and context. Upstage's proprietary LLM, 'Solar,' will be central to the implementation of Context AI services. The company plans to combine Solar with Daum's extensive Korean language data accumulated from news, cafes, and blogs to enhance AI search capabilities and restructure the portal's services around AI. Additionally, Upstage anticipates that the acquisition will synergize with the government's 'Independent AI Foundation Model' project. Kim Seong-hoon, CEO of Upstage, stated, "The combination of Upstage's AI technology and the 30-year history of the Daum portal will mark a symbolic turning point in ushering in a new era of AI portals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:54:58

Upstage Acquires Daum, Aiming for AI-Driven Platform Synergy Upstage's acquisition of the portal Daum has sparked significant interest in South Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This marks the first instance of a generative AI company securing a large consumer interface after primarily focusing on business-to-business (B2B) growth. Upstage plans to integrate its proprietary large language model (LLM) SOLAR with Daum's search and content data to create an "AI composite platform." The goal is to transform Daum into a next-generation AI portal that understands user intent and context, moving beyond simple search services. The envisioned future differs from traditional portal operations. Instead of merely listing links in response to search queries, the AI will analyze context and intent to summarize, recommend, and generate necessary information, resembling a "context AI service." An Upstage representative stated, "By combining Daum's vast data and traffic with Upstage's AI technology, we will create a new type of AI platform." Once a leading portal, Daum's current search market share is below 5%, having fallen behind Naver and Google. Its presence has diminished due to mobile transitions and intensified search competition, leading to a loss of younger users. Industry experts note that "it is challenging to rebound through traditional portal competition alone," suggesting that innovation driven by AI services is crucial for finding a breakthrough, which underpins this major deal. Daum has recently revamped its services to attract users, introducing an AI-based real-time issue service in March. Unlike the previous method of simply aggregating search volumes for "real-time search terms," the new service analyzes search logs and news articles with AI to provide trending keywords every ten minutes. Upstage is expected to enhance search accuracy and personalized recommendations by integrating its SOLAR model. Upstage's strength lies in its proprietary AI model, SOLAR, which has gained recognition for its performance in Korean language processing and document comprehension, expanding its applications in the corporate sector. Previously, Upstage's business structure focused on B2B in finance, law, and manufacturing. Daum, with its extensive user data, represents a significant internet platform. The combination of these entities is seen as more than just a platform acquisition; it represents the merging of "AI model + large user data + service platform." Portals are rapidly evolving around AI. Naver has launched a beta service called "AI Tab," integrating its search with places and shopping, while expanding AI agent capabilities. Google is also accelerating its integration of generative AI, Gemini, across its search and web browser, shifting the search paradigm from user exploration to AI-curated information delivery. There are also expectations for synergies with government projects. Upstage participates as a lead contractor in the Ministry of Science and ICT's "Independent AI Foundation Model" initiative. The development of Korean AI technology in this context could provide users with seamless access to AI services in their daily lives through the Daum platform. Industry analysts emphasize the significance of a domestic AI company securing a large consumer platform based on its own model, stating, "The synergy created when long-accumulated portal data combines with a proprietary foundation model will be a key point of observation for the domestic AI ecosystem." However, challenges remain. The AI search market is already dominated by global tech giants, and user behavior regarding portals is changing rapidly. An industry insider remarked, "Ultimately, the key is not just the AI technology itself but how innovatively it can be utilized," highlighting the importance of whether Upstage can build a domestic AI portal model through Daum.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:53:00

Kim So-young Denies Charges in Motel Murder Trial Kim So-young, 20, has reiterated her denial of charges in a trial related to a series of motel murders. On May 7, video footage was shown in court for the first time, depicting Kim leading a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The Seoul Northern District Court held the second hearing for Kim, who is facing murder charges. She appeared in court wearing a prison uniform. While witness testimonies were conducted behind closed doors, Nam Eon-ho, the lawyer representing the victims, shared details on social media after the proceedings. Nam stated that when the court asked Kim if she had any questions for the victim, she expressed a desire to ask, "Did the victim ever make unwanted physical contact with you in the past?" Nam argued that this suggested Kim wanted to claim she offered the drugged drink as a means of self-defense against unwanted advances from the victim. Victim A testified that after taking a sip of a vitamin drink offered by Kim, he found it bitter and refused to drink more, but Kim insisted he finish it. After the witness testimonies, the court reviewed CCTV footage showing Kim and the disoriented man entering an elevator at a café in Namyangju. The footage showed the man struggling to stand and being guided by Kim, who appeared to be conversing with him while showing him her phone. This behavior elicited murmurs of discontent from the courtroom audience. The prosecution had additional footage prepared but could not present it due to technical issues. Kim is accused of administering drinks laced with benzodiazepine to three men between mid-December and February, resulting in the deaths of two and one losing consciousness. She was indicted in March. On April 30, she faced additional charges for injuring three other men using similar methods. The court plans to decide whether to consolidate the two cases at the next hearing, scheduled for June 11 at 4:30 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:51:07

Weather Forecast: Cloudy Nationwide with Rain in Gangwon and Jeju Mountains On Friday, May 8, most of the country will be cloudy, except for the capital region. According to Yonhap News, rain is expected in the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, eastern North Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, and Jeju Island early in the morning. Light rain of less than 0.1 mm is forecast for the inland and mountainous regions of Gangwon in the morning, with some areas in Gangwon receiving rain in the afternoon. Expected rainfall in the mountainous areas of Gangwon and Jeju is around 5 mm. Strong winds of up to 55 km/h (70 km/h in mountainous areas) are anticipated across most regions, necessitating caution for facilities and safety. A strong wind advisory may be issued for Jeju Island due to very strong winds. In the waters off Jeju, excluding the northern and southern coasts, waves could reach 1.5 to 3.5 meters in height, prompting a possible wave advisory in the early morning and afternoon in the central and northern parts of the East Sea. Morning temperatures are expected to range from 7 to 14 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs between 18 and 22 degrees. Air quality is forecast to be 'good' nationwide. Waves in the East Sea are expected to be 0.5 to 2.0 meters, in the West Sea 0.5 to 1.5 meters, and in the South Sea 0.5 to 1.0 meters. In the offshore waters (about 200 km from the coastline), wave heights are predicted to be 0.5 to 3.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the South Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:49:22

Iranian Media Claims Physical Action Against South Korean Vessel Iranian state media reported that Iran has taken "physical action" against a South Korean vessel. According to Yonhap News Agency, Iran's Press TV stated on May 6 that targeting a South Korean ship for violating newly defined maritime rules signals Iran's commitment to defending its sovereignty. While the specific name of the vessel was not mentioned, it is believed to refer to the HMM Namoo. The column also claimed that the U.S. halted its "Project Freedom" not out of goodwill, but due to Iran's asymmetric military deterrence and calculated responses. This contradicts the Iranian government's assertion that it was not involved in the explosion and fire on the HMM Namoo in the Gulf region. In a statement on May 6, the Iranian embassy in South Korea firmly denied any military involvement in the incident involving the South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. While the column did not specify the military as the actor behind the alleged physical action, it contrasts with the embassy's claims of non-involvement. The embassy warned that ignoring operational realities in a tense military environment could lead to unintended incidents, placing responsibility on those who disregard such considerations while navigating the area. Although the Iranian military did not initiate an attack on the "innocent" HMM Namoo, it suggested that the vessel may have disregarded Iran's navigation rules, implying a potential justification for a physical response. Press TV operates as a state-run English-language outlet aimed at conveying the Iranian government's perspective to the West. The column also justified Iran's recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stating that a serious ultimatum delivered to the UAE shattered any illusions that war would be confined to international waters. It noted that redefining the Strait of Hormuz to include UAE territorial waters, particularly the Port of Fujairah, was a strategic move. The column warned that this shift would come as an unexpected shock to the U.S. and its allies, as Fujairah, located outside the Strait, had long been considered a safe rear base, a role that has now fundamentally changed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:47:53

Rising Burden of Loss Compensation Amid Uncertain Oil Reserve Release Timing The South Korean government's policy of releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilize prices is set to conclude in a month, but the future direction remains unclear. As international oil prices remain high, concerns are growing over the increasing burden of loss compensation for the refining industry, raising questions about the sustainability of the policy.The government has relied on short-term measures like the oil price cap and reserve releases, leading to heightened market uncertainty due to a lack of an exit strategy.Strong earnings amid growing domestic losses raise concerns over budget limitsIndustry analysts estimate that the combined operating profit of the four major refiners (SK Innovation, S-Oil, GS Caltex, and HD Hyundai Oilbank) for the first quarter of this year could approach 5 trillion won, a significant improvement from the previous year.The surge in oil prices due to the Middle East conflict has driven up the prices of petroleum products like gasoline and diesel. Refineries benefit from selling crude oil acquired at lower prices before the conflict, resulting in improved refining margins.However, the domestic market situation is different. The industry reports losses ranging from 1 trillion to 3 trillion won since the implementation of the price cap. While much of the revenue comes from exports and industrial sales not subject to the cap, the burden of domestic losses is nearing its limits.The government's burden of loss compensation is also increasing. If the current trend continues, the losses in the refining sector could exceed the 4.2 trillion won set aside by the government for compensation over six months.Concerns about additional financial burdens are growing within and outside the government. Nonetheless, officials maintain that they will uphold the principle of compensating legitimate losses.Moon Shin-hak, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated in a briefing, "The government has announced that it will fully compensate for legitimate losses, and it is the government's responsibility to secure the funds."However, if international oil prices continue to rise, discussions about securing additional funds will likely become unavoidable. Recently, international oil prices fell below $100 per barrel amid hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but concerns about declining global oil inventories due to the Middle East conflict persist. As the summer peak season approaches, fears of supply disruptions could lead to another spike in prices.Disputes over loss calculations signal uncertainty in oil reserve exit strategyThere are clear differences between the government and the industry regarding loss compensation criteria. The government aims to maintain a cost verification-based settlement approach for transparency in tax expenditures. Deputy Minister Moon stated, "Loss amounts will be calculated based on cost criteria."In contrast, the industry argues that the complexities of crude oil acquisition and refining make it difficult to determine costs for individual products. They advocate for incorporating the Singapore oil product price (MOPS) as a benchmark, indicating potential challenges in the settlement process ahead.Despite the impending end of the strategic oil reserve releases, the government has not disclosed specific plans or follow-up measures. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) resolution, the government must complete the reserve releases by June 9, but no detailed schedule has been provided.Deputy Minister Moon explained, "The government is taking a cautious approach to the release of strategic oil reserves, as there is still volatility with the ceasefire negotiations showing progress and then uncertainty returning."The government prioritizes price stability over absolute price levels. Moon noted, "Even if a ceasefire occurs, prices may not decrease significantly for some time, as many experts point out. Stability in price fluctuations is more important than falling a few dollars."He added, "If prices move within a certain band and show stability, the market and consumers can adapt. However, we cannot rule out the possibility of increased price volatility even after a ceasefire."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:45:40

South Korea Freezes Oil Price Cap for Third Time Amid Economic Concerns The South Korean government has decided to freeze the fifth oil price cap, marking the third freeze since the second increase. Despite rising international oil prices and accumulated factors for further increases, the government is prioritizing inflation concerns. However, the ongoing freeze amid rising price pressures suggests that future fiscal burdens may increase. Concerns about the prolonged situation are also growing as the government lacks a clear exit strategy. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 7 that the fifth oil price cap, effective from midnight on May 8, will maintain regular gasoline at 1,934 won per liter, diesel at 1,923 won, and kerosene at 1,530 won. The price cap system was implemented on March 13 due to rising international oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, which has increased inflationary pressures. The initial price cap set regular gasoline at 1,724 won, diesel at 1,713 won, and kerosene at 1,320 won. The second price cap, effective March 27, set the same prices as the current freeze. Subsequent price caps were also frozen every two weeks, continuing this trend. Moon Sin-hak, Deputy Minister of Industry, noted that while international oil prices fluctuate around $100 per barrel, recent peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have led to a decline. He emphasized that uncertainty remains, and the cumulative factors for price increases have not been fully addressed. He added that consumer price inflation, which had stabilized earlier this year, has risen since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, with oil product prices increasing by 22% compared to the previous year. Given the overall inflationary environment, the government decided to freeze the price cap to prioritize public welfare. Without the price cap, gasoline prices would be around 2,200 won, and diesel would be about 2,500 won. Yang Gi-wook, head of the Ministry's Resource Security Office, indicated that gasoline prices have remained stable compared to April, with cumulative price increase factors estimated at 200 won for gasoline and 400 won for diesel. However, diesel drivers may face a greater burden due to higher remaining price increase factors. Deputy Minister Moon explained that diesel is linked to public welfare, while gasoline is tied to inflation concerns. Although there were discussions about adjusting cumulative increase factors, the decision was made to maintain the freeze after extensive deliberation. The government acknowledges the growing fiscal burden but lacks a clear exit strategy for the price cap. An additional budget of 4.2 trillion won has been allocated for the price cap, but increasing fiscal pressures may necessitate further budget adjustments. The government stated that both physical and price factors must stabilize. Deputy Minister Moon remarked that the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and price volatility must be monitored, emphasizing the need to consider both factors alongside public welfare and inflation. Meanwhile, the government anticipates oil supply exceeding 210 million barrels from May to July, with May's supply expected to be 7.5 million barrels, June's at 6 million barrels, and July's at 7 million barrels, representing over 80% of normal import levels. The naphtha secured in May is expected to stabilize at around 90% of normal levels, with Deputy Minister Moon confirming that May's oil quantities are mostly finalized, while June and July figures are considered minimum estimates.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:43:15

Deputy Minister Moon Warns of Concerns Over Samsung Strikes Amid AI Transition Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Shin-hak stated on May 7 that the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, known as M.AX, is being pursued out of a sense of urgency to remain competitive globally. He emphasized the need for both labor and management to share a common understanding during negotiations. Speaking to reporters at the government complex in Sejong, Moon addressed the ongoing strikes by the Samsung Biologics union and the impending strike by the Samsung Electronics union. He noted, "While it is not appropriate to comment on specific companies, there are significant concerns for the domestic industry. It is necessary to observe the negotiation process as discussions unfold." The Samsung Biologics union conducted a full strike from May 1 to 5 before resuming operations on May 6. Their demands include a 30 million won bonus per member, a 14% wage increase, a 20% profit-sharing bonus, and the establishment of fair personnel standards. They particularly insist on obtaining union consent for the introduction of dark factories. Meanwhile, the Samsung Electronics union is demanding the elimination of the performance bonus cap, currently set at 50% of annual salary, and a distribution of 15% of total operating profit as bonuses. They have threatened a total strike from June 21 to July 7 if no agreement is reached. Moon asserted that M.AX is not merely an option but a necessary industrial policy to maintain the competitiveness of the sector and the potential growth rate of the economy. Regarding a recent audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection on Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's nuclear export, he explained that responsibilities are divided between the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the audit and stated that the ministry is considering the issues pointed out. He added, "Our intended direction aligns with the audit's findings, and we are preparing to make an announcement soon." On the topic of the U.S. investment project, he remarked, "It is too early to make any predictions or statements." He also mentioned that the audit concerning the Korea National Oil Corporation's export of 900,000 barrels from a total of 2 million barrels of strategic oil reserves is in its final stages, promising to provide explanations once the audit is complete.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:41:18

National Assembly Passes 115 Bills Including AI Data Center and Defense Semiconductor Laws The legal framework to support the activation of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has been established. Additionally, a law to support the development of defense semiconductors has been enacted. On May 7, the National Assembly passed 115 bills, including the 'Special Act on the Promotion of the AI Data Center Industry' and the 'Law on the Development and Support of Defense Semiconductors.' A proposed constitutional amendment was not voted on due to a lack of quorum. The AI Data Center Promotion Act focuses on easing facility regulations and introducing special zones to enhance the construction and operation of AI data centers. It also includes provisions for related infrastructure and financial support. Some lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill might prioritize industrial growth at the expense of environmental and social costs for future generations, but it passed with 176 votes in favor out of 201. The bill regarding defense semiconductors, which mandates the Minister of National Defense to establish a basic plan for their development, also passed with 201 votes from 203 present. This law establishes a Defense Semiconductor Promotion Committee to review key policies and plans related to defense semiconductors and allows the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to pursue research and development (R&D) for military semiconductors. The 'Basic Law on Life Safety,' which guarantees public safety rights and outlines the responsibilities of the government and local authorities, also cleared the Assembly. This law will establish a National Life Safety Commission under the President, requiring the government to develop a comprehensive life safety plan every five years. A National Safety Accident Investigation Committee will also be created under the Prime Minister to investigate major safety incidents. Additionally, the 'Comprehensive Amendment to the Basic Law on Low Birth Rates and an Aging Society' was processed, changing its name to the 'Basic Law on Population Strategy' and expanding the committee's scope. Bills to support the development of Arctic shipping routes and solar power generation projects were also approved. A bill amending the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, which requires registration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance for businesses dealing in virtual asset transfers, also passed. Meanwhile, the National Assembly attempted to present a constitutional amendment, but the ruling party did not participate in the vote, preventing it from proceeding. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik announced that the amendment will be reintroduced in a session on May 8.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:39:12