Naver and NVIDIA Form Alliance to Build Gigawatt-Scale AI Factory Naver announced on June 8 that it has reached an agreement with NVIDIA to jointly establish a gigawatt-scale global artificial intelligence (AI) factory. The collaboration aims to leverage NVIDIA's global infrastructure standards alongside Naver's cloud operations to position the company as a key player in the business-to-business (B2B) AI infrastructure market. Naver described the partnership as an integrated collaboration that spans the entire value chain, from identifying global demand to capital cooperation. Notably, Naver will participate as a core global partner, sharing both the successes and risks of the venture. The companies plan to initiate the AI factory project next year, starting with a capacity of 55 megawatts (MW) to capture the surging global demand for AI. One gigawatt (GW) is approximately four times the maximum capacity of Naver's hyperscale data center, Gak Sejong, which can accommodate hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA's latest graphics processing units (GPUs) simultaneously. Naver Chairman Lee Hae-jin and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang met at Naver's headquarters to discuss the specific roadmap for their ongoing projects and detailed cooperation strategies for entering global markets. Naver stated that both companies have already agreed on a direction to secure leadership in the AI infrastructure ecosystem beyond the Asia-Pacific region, extending to Europe and the Middle East. Naver will utilize its hyperscale data center, Gak Sejong, as a base for operations. The company plans to begin operations with 55MW in the first half of next year, expanding to 100MW within the same year and reaching 200MW by 2028 to meet global demand. This is part of a phased roadmap aimed at establishing a gigawatt-scale infrastructure that will dominate the market. Gak Sejong will serve as a base for Naver's AI 'HyperCLOVA X,' with its power infrastructure designed to support the operation of large GPU clusters from the outset. It is six times larger than Naver's first data center, Gak Chuncheon, with a maximum server capacity of 600,000 units. The two companies will also enhance their technical collaboration. Naver's capabilities in building and operating large-scale GPU clusters and its expertise in hyperscale data centers will be integrated with NVIDIA's next-generation high-performance infrastructure platform, DSX. This partnership aims to maximize data center operational efficiency and significantly improve business viability. Additionally, they will begin next-generation technological cooperation in spatial intelligence, utilizing Naver's own spatial modeling and street view data to build the 'Seoul World Model' based on NVIDIA's world foundation model, Cosmos. Recently, Naver joined the 'NVIDIA NeMoTron Alliance,' which includes 12 top-tier global AI companies such as Cursor, Mistral AI, and Perplexity. Naver aims to accelerate the performance enhancement and global applicability of HyperCLOVA X by combining its own data and accumulated learning expertise with the collaborative technological developments from NeMoTron. Chairman Lee Hae-jin expressed optimism about the alliance, stating, "This partnership will provide concrete alternatives for regions and countries around the world to build their own sovereign AI capabilities. It signifies a pivotal moment for Naver's technological infrastructure competitiveness to advance into the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:51:00

Doosan Group Partners with NVIDIA to Accelerate AI Transformation Doosan Group is set to enhance its collaboration with NVIDIA in the fields of Physical AI, robotics, and AI factories. This partnership is expected to support Chairman Park's vision of expanding Doosan's heavy industry portfolio into semiconductor materials and robotics. On June 8, Doosan announced plans to broaden its cooperation with NVIDIA across its core businesses, including energy, electronic materials, and robotics. The collaboration is driven by the close relationship between Doosan's key sectors and NVIDIA's AI factory initiatives, which focus on intelligent robotics, energy solutions, and high-performance electronic materials. The two companies aim to integrate Doosan's products, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities with NVIDIA's accelerated computing and Physical AI platforms. Doosan's Electronics BG will also collaborate with NVIDIA. They will explore opportunities to support next-generation AI data center infrastructure, including the modular server design for producing copper-clad laminates (CCL), a key material used in NVIDIA's AI infrastructure. Doosan Robotics plans to focus on enhancing its ongoing Physical AI collaboration with NVIDIA, aiming to enable robots to more accurately perceive and operate within their environments. This effort will be based on an agentic robotic operating system that handles perception, reasoning, and simulation. Doosan intends to expand its robotics collaboration by integrating NVIDIA's various Physical AI technologies into Doosan Bobcat's construction, landscaping, agriculture, and logistics equipment. This will accelerate the development of world models tailored for industrial settings, allowing equipment to autonomously recognize diverse work environments and make situational judgments. Doosan's energy solutions, including gas turbines, small modular reactors (SMR), and hydrogen fuel cells from Doosan Fuel Cell, are expected to be utilized within NVIDIA's DSX AI factory platform, which serves as a standard for AI factories. Chairman Park Jung-won stated, "Doosan Group is continuously advancing technologies necessary for the AI era in the fields of energy, robotics, and advanced materials, based on our long-accumulated manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration with NVIDIA will greatly assist us in applying AI to our business areas and exploring new opportunities in the AI factory era." NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang remarked, "Korea is a global manufacturing powerhouse, and Physical AI presents new growth opportunities for companies that build, move, and supply energy to the world. By combining NVIDIA DSX and Physical AI with Doosan's energy, robotics, and advanced materials businesses, Doosan Group can secure new growth engines in key areas of the AI era, such as intelligent robots, autonomous industrial equipment, and next-generation infrastructure." Industry insiders noted, "Since Doosan Electronics BG is already part of NVIDIA's supply chain, this meeting is likely to expand the scope of collaboration into the robotics sector. The partnership between the two companies is expected to strengthen further."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:48:00

Lee An-joo Resigns as Democratic Party's Supreme Council Member After Local Election Results Lee An-joo, a member of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council, announced her resignation in response to the results of the June 3 local elections. She criticized the party leadership for relying solely on presidential approval ratings rather than presenting strategies that align with public sentiment. In a Facebook post on the morning of June 8, Lee stated, "Facing the results of this local election, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as a member of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council. Therefore, I intend to step down from my position today and return to being a regular party member. I sincerely apologize for not fulfilling my role in this outcome." She added, "Although I am stepping down from my party position, I will dedicate myself to supporting the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the reform of the Democratic Party, and the future of South Korea. I will strive to listen more closely to the voices of the people and work towards regaining the public's trust in our party." Lee also pointed out that the party's reliance on President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings led to insufficient support in key battlegrounds, including Seoul and the metropolitan area. "Our party failed to present adequate strategies and visions that resonate with regional sentiments, as we depended solely on the president's approval ratings," she said. "We should have engaged more with the public, listened to their voices, and proposed solutions tailored to local characteristics. The loss of support from the centrist and younger demographics, as evidenced in the metropolitan area, must be taken seriously."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:45:00

Korea Expands Digital Tourism Resident Card Program to 52 Regions The "Digital Tourism Resident Card" service aimed at revitalizing tourism in declining population areas will significantly expand. Additionally, a large-scale lodging discount event targeting non-capital regions is expected to energize local tourism this summer. On June 8, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it will increase the number of local governments participating in the Digital Tourism Resident Card program from 44 to 52 in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization. The eight new local governments joining the program include Boeun County in North Chungcheong Province, Sunchang County in North Jeolla Province, Goheung, Damyang, and Wando Counties in South Jeolla Province, Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province, and Sancheong and Hamyang Counties in South Gyeongsang Province. With the addition of these new regions, the number of locations where visitors can enjoy benefits from the Digital Tourism Resident Card has increased from about 1,100 to over 1,400. Notable new benefits include a 30% discount at the Wando Marine Healing Center, a 35% discount on the Damyang Air Experience, and a 25% discount on the Wangpicheon Cable Car in Uljin. To promote the expanded service, an event will be held from June 22 to 30 at a pop-up store in Starfield Suwon for registration verification. An invitation event linked to the Andong "Hahoe Seonyu Fire Festival" is also planned. Gang Dong-jin, the tourism policy director at the Ministry, stated, "Recently, the Tourism Promotion Act was amended to include provisions that support the sustainable and stable operation of the Digital Tourism Resident Card. The Ministry will gather opinions from various sectors until November to revise the enforcement ordinance, which will refine the issuance criteria and benefit standards, preparing for qualitative growth beyond mere expansion. We will work with local governments to provide more benefits to digital tourists, establishing the card as a practical measure to increase the resident population in declining areas." In conjunction with the expansion of the Digital Tourism Resident Card, the "Summer Lodging Sale Festival" will run from June 11 to July 31, aimed at extending the stay of visitors. The event will include hotels, condos, resorts, and pensions located in 85 local governments in non-capital regions. Lodging discount vouchers will be available starting at 10 a.m. on June 11 through online travel agency channels, limited to one per person on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, a new "Extended Stay Discount Voucher" has been introduced to alleviate the burden on long-term travelers. For reservations of one night, discounts of 30,000 won for stays over 70,000 won and 20,000 won for stays under that amount will be offered. For two or more nights, discounts of 70,000 won for reservations over 140,000 won and 50,000 won for reservations under that amount will be provided.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:45:00

IBK Securities Maintains Emart Target Price at 120,000 Won, Highlights Shinsegae Property Growth IBK Securities has maintained its target price for Emart at 120,000 won, citing a strong potential for the company's value to be reassessed in the medium to long term due to the growth of Shinsegae Property. The firm also reiterated its 'buy' recommendation. Nam Seong-hyun, a researcher at IBK Securities, stated, "In the medium to long term, Emart's core business is likely to be Shinsegae Property." He noted that the expansion of Starfield construction sites is leading to sustained increases in operational revenue, and there is a robust pipeline for new developments that could further enhance value. He particularly highlighted that Shinsegae Property is diversifying beyond its traditional shopping mall focus to include mixed-use developments such as theme parks, water parks, golf courses, hotels, resorts, and residential complexes. This mixed-use development model is expected to be a key factor in securing competitiveness and driving future revenue growth. Financial performance is also showing improvement. Last year, Shinsegae Property reported an operating profit of 174 billion won, a 125.1% increase from the previous year, with the first quarter of this year yielding an operating profit of 27 billion won. Nam explained, "The revenue increase from the operations of Starfield and Centerfield is driving the improvement in performance." Emart's core business is also expected to continue its recovery in the near term. Analysts believe that the weakening operational capabilities of competitors, improvements in online business practices, enhanced profitability from consolidated purchasing, and better performance from affiliated companies will positively impact results. Nam emphasized, "In the short term, the recovery of core fundamentals will support performance, but in the medium to long term, the growth potential of Shinsegae Property will be the key driver of value increase."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:45:00

Hana Securities Raises Target Price for Samsung C&T to 650,000 Won Hana Securities announced on June 8 that it is maintaining a "buy" rating for Samsung C&T, citing that the current stock price does not adequately reflect the increased value of its major holdings, including Samsung Electronics. The firm raised its target price from 600,000 won to 650,000 won. In a report released on the same day, analyst Kim Seung-jun noted, "The major controlling stake of Samsung C&T is valued at 106 trillion won, which significantly exceeds the current consensus estimate of 52 trillion won." Kim added, "Despite the recent rise in stock prices, Samsung C&T's valuation remains low. With the current price reflecting a price-to-book ratio (PBR) of 0.7, it is considerably lower than other holding companies such as SK at 1.4, SK Square at 3.3, Doosan at 18.7, and CJ at 1.2. It is also lower compared to construction firms with market capitalizations over 10 trillion won, like Hyundai Engineering & Construction at 1.7, Samsung E&C at 1.8, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction at 2.4." He further explained, "There is a strong narrative that could provide a valuation premium, including quarterly profit growth, accelerating semiconductor investments and the resulting revenue growth, efforts to secure large and small modular nuclear power projects, growth in Raemian orders, and the advancement of solar energy operations in the U.S." Notably, Kim pointed out, "There is also a nuclear power story for the third quarter, as the bidding for the selection of the construction company for Team Korea in Vietnam is expected to take place, and Samsung C&T is anticipated to participate in the bidding." Additionally, he mentioned, "If large nuclear power projects or small modular reactors appear in the form of Team Korea in relation to investments in the U.S. in July, Samsung C&T could gain prominence. Furthermore, we can also expect the potential for securing a large nuclear power project in Romania in the fourth quarter."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:42:00

IBK Securities Raises Shinsegae Target Price by 47% Amid Asset Development Focus IBK Securities announced on June 8 that it has raised its target price for Shinsegae from 530,000 won to 780,000 won, an increase of 47%. The firm maintains a "buy" rating, citing expectations for expanded asset value through large-scale mixed-use developments beyond the company's traditional department store focus. Nam Seong-hyun, a researcher at IBK Securities, emphasized the need to focus on the potential for strengthened fundamentals due to expanded asset development in the medium to long term. He noted that the momentum is shifting from luxury consumption to asset development. IBK Securities predicts that the ongoing Gwangju Shinsegae development and the Seoul Banpo Express Bus Terminal site redevelopment will be key drivers of corporate value enhancement. The Banpo site, covering approximately 100,000 pyeong, is set to undergo a major mixed-use development that will revamp the existing department store, hotel, terminal, and shopping mall. The firm also anticipates that performance momentum will strengthen further in the second quarter. The effects of the main store's renovation are expected to take hold, alleviating the burden of increased depreciation costs, which will improve profitability. Additionally, favorable operating conditions are expected to continue due to a rise in inbound tourists and increased asset values. The closure of the Incheon Airport DF2 duty-free business is also expected to improve profitability in the duty-free sector, along with the recovery of major subsidiaries' performances. Nam stated, "With the opening of Gwangju Shinsegae in 2028, the value of this project is likely to become more prominent, and considering the various development pipelines, a reassessment of asset development value is necessary at this time."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:39:00

Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions; Semiconductor Stocks Plummet As tensions rise in the Middle East, international oil prices have surged, while U.S. stocks have experienced significant declines. In pre-market trading, major South Korean semiconductor companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, saw their shares drop by 7% to 9%, indicating a downturn in investor sentiment and suggesting increased volatility for the KOSPI index. On June 7, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for July delivery rose 3.39% to $93.61 per barrel. Similarly, Brent crude for August delivery also increased by the same percentage, reaching $96.25 per barrel. In contrast, futures for the Dow Jones fell by 0.34%, the S&P 500 by 0.42%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, reflecting a growing aversion to riskier assets. The U.S. stock market has been in a correction phase since late last week. On June 6, the Nasdaq Composite plummeted 4.18%, marking its largest single-day drop since April of the previous year. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones also fell by 2.64% and 695 points, respectively. Over the week, the Nasdaq dropped 4.7%, while the S&P 500 fell by more than 2%, highlighting a pronounced sell-off in technology stocks. Market anxiety began with stronger-than-expected employment figures for May. A robust job market has led to rising Treasury yields, increasing speculation about further tightening by the Federal Reserve. Concerns have also grown regarding the funding burdens faced by tech companies heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, Iran resumed missile attacks against Israel, reigniting geopolitical risks as a key market factor. However, analysts believe the likelihood of this conflict escalating into a full-scale war remains limited. The ongoing negotiations for peace between the U.S. and Iran have not completely broken down, suggesting that the surge in oil prices may not be sustained. Investors are closely watching the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports, as well as SpaceX's anticipated IPO on June 12, to gauge future market direction. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "In the early part of the week, the aftershocks of the decline in U.S. semiconductor stocks will continue. However, midweek will bring significant events, including the U.S. May CPI report, Oracle's earnings, and the SpaceX listing, which will likely lead to increased volatility." Despite this, he noted, "Following recent corrections, the KOSPI's forward price-to-earnings ratio (PER) has dropped to around 7.8, easing valuation pressures. Given that strong profit momentum in the semiconductor sector remains intact, the potential for a cascading decline is limited. Even if volatility increases during the week, it would be prudent to maintain existing positions rather than join in on panic selling." As the U.S. stock market adjusts and geopolitical risks from the Middle East loom, South Korea's leading semiconductor firms, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are both experiencing declines in pre-market trading. As of 8:23 a.m. on June 8, Samsung Electronics was trading at 306,000 won, down 6.99% (23,000 won) from the previous trading day. SK Hynix also fell 9.23% to 1,879,000 won. Other companies, including LG Electronics, dropped 9.9% to 273,000 won, Naver fell 6.46% to 239,000 won, and Doosan Enerbility decreased by 8.58% to 87,400 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:36:00

Jeon Ji-hyun's 'Gunchi' and Kang Dong-won's 'Wild Thing' Dominate Weekend Box Office Films 'Gunchi' and 'Wild Thing' have secured the top two spots at the weekend box office, marking a successful run for Korean cinema. Following its invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, 'Gunchi' is nearing 5 million viewers, while 'Wild Thing,' starring Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, has also performed well in its opening weekend.According to the integrated ticket sales network on June 8, 'Gunchi' attracted 603,876 viewers from June 5 to 7, maintaining its position as the weekend box office leader. The film's cumulative audience stands at 4,727,528, just shy of the 5 million mark.'Gunchi' tells the story of survivors trapped in a building due to an unidentified infection outbreak, facing off against infected individuals who evolve in unpredictable ways. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for expanding the zombie genre with 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula,' the film features a cast that includes Jeon Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo.The film garnered significant international attention even before its release. 'Gunchi' was invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it first connected with global audiences. Following its Cannes debut, the film has quickly drawn viewers in South Korea, reaffirming the strength of Yeon Sang-ho's K-zombie genre.In second place is 'Wild Thing,' which opened on June 3 and attracted 321,190 viewers during the same period, bringing its total audience to 543,724. Despite competition from foreign films like 'Backroom,' 'Michael,' and 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' 'Wild Thing' has maintained a strong presence in the box office alongside 'Gunchi,' showcasing the impact of Korean cinema.'Wild Thing' is a comedy about a three-member mixed dance group called 'Triangle,' which was once a sensation in the music industry but disbanded due to an unexpected incident. The film follows their reckless challenge to seize a second chance 20 years later, with Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun portraying the members, joined by Oh Jung-se and Shin Ha-kyun.As a dark horse in the box office, 'Wild Thing' has resonated with audiences through its blend of 2000s music nostalgia, comedy, and the performances of its cast. It has achieved a CGV Egg Index score of 93%, indicating stable viewer ratings. Online, the film's ballad 'I Like You' challenge has gained traction, further enhancing its popularity beyond the cinema.Among foreign films, 'Backroom' followed closely with 199,822 viewers during the same period, bringing its total audience to 799,641. The film explores the bizarre experiences of Clark and Mary in a strange space characterized by yellow walls and endless fluorescent lights.'Backroom' has gained word-of-mouth popularity, particularly among Gen Z audiences who have engaged with its world through short videos and memes. Being the first country to release the film has also contributed to its spread on social media and video platforms, establishing it as a successful foreign thriller.With 'Gunchi' leading the box office and 'Wild Thing' generating buzz in its opening weekend, the trend of successful Korean films is becoming increasingly evident. Although the two films differ in genre and tone, both are continuing to thrive based on audience reactions, maintaining interest both inside and outside theaters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:36:00

Trade Chief Yeo Han-goo Advocates for Diversifying Trade Networks to Boost Exports Yeo Han-goo, the head of the Trade Negotiation Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on June 8 that despite the rapidly changing global trade environment and increasing uncertainties, South Korea's economy achieved significant milestones last year, surpassing $700 billion in exports and reaching the highest cumulative export amount by May. He emphasized the need to diversify trade networks to maintain this upward trend in exports. During the first meeting of the 2026 Trade Policy Advisory Committee held at the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yeo said, "We will implement proactive trade policies to directly address corporate challenges while demonstrating leadership in international trade norms to realize a trade policy centered on national interests." The Trade Policy Advisory Committee, a private advisory body of the Ministry, consists of 30 experts from various fields to gather opinions on trade policy. This meeting marked the first gathering of the newly formed committee following the expiration of the sixth term earlier this year. The newly launched seventh committee has been strengthened with experts in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital industries, and consumer goods, maintaining a total of 30 members. Participants discussed the rapidly changing global trade environment and shared opinions on policy tasks aimed at expanding export markets and stabilizing supply chains. They also proposed various suggestions on key trade issues, including participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a means to expand trade networks and enhance market access for South Korean companies. The CPTPP, a multilateral trade agreement led by Japan, has included 12 countries since its launch in 2018, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The member countries account for 15% of the world's GDP, prompting the South Korean government to explore membership. However, domestic opposition and international approval processes remain significant variables. The Ministry stated, "We will broadly gather opinions on trade policy through various public-private communication channels, including the Trade Policy Advisory Committee, and plan to respond effectively to the rapidly changing global trade environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-08 08:36:00