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  • South Koreas Everyones Startup Program Relaunches After Data Breach
    South Korea's 'Everyone's Startup' Program Relaunches After Data Breach The 'Everyone's Startup' initiative, a government-led project directed by President Lee Jae-myung, is set to resume operations. The government plans to double the number of participants in the second phase to 10,000 and significantly enhance platform security and personal data management systems to prevent a recurrence of the data breach that occurred during the first phase.On August 13, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the 'Second Phase of the Everyone's Startup Project' during an emergency economic meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol.Everyone's Startup is a nationwide startup audition launched this year under the Lee Jae-myung administration's 'National Startup Era' initiative. The first recruitment in March attracted over 63,000 applicants, the largest number ever for a government startup and idea competition.However, the program was halted after a data breach on June 15, which exposed the personal information of all 5,000 selected participants from the first phase. The government has since been investigating the cause of the incident and implementing measures to address security vulnerabilities. President Lee emphasized the importance of resuming the project during a briefing on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' operations on August 4, stating, "I urge you to proceed with the Everyone's Startup project without hesitation, allowing anyone with an idea to challenge themselves without fear of failure."The Ministry will begin recruiting participants for the second phase on August 20. The selection will include 8,000 from general and technology sectors and 2,000 from local sectors, doubling the number from the first phase. The eligibility criteria will also expand to include entrepreneurs who have started their businesses within the last seven years, up from three years. More than 80% of the selected participants will be prospective entrepreneurs, and at least 70% will be from non-metropolitan areas.Opportunities for re-challenges will also be enhanced. Applicants who were not selected in the first phase will receive additional points based on their completion of mentoring and the improvement of their ideas.New specialized leagues will be introduced, including a 'University League' for college startup clubs and a 'Youth League' for young entrepreneurs. A 'Social Innovation Social Venture League' will also be launched to select innovative technology ideas aimed at solving social issues. Additionally, a 'Global League' will be established in collaboration with local accelerators in Silicon Valley, New York, Singapore, and India.New incubators, including Hana Bank, Shinhan Square Bridge, and Korea Water Resources Corporation, will join the initiative, increasing the total to over 170.To enhance fairness and convenience, the selection process will incorporate joint evaluations by three mentors and mandatory review committees for each institution. An 'AI verification model' will be introduced to check for originality and plagiarism based on external data. The use of startup funds will also be expanded to include online payment processing sectors.The security system will undergo a complete overhaul to strengthen operational stability. The platform's security will be improved based on analyses from external experts, and the personal data management system will be enhanced. A continuous security inspection system will be established in collaboration with external organizations. Regional hub institutions will be designated to manage and supervise local incubators, and a new communication system will be created between the Startup Promotion Agency and these regional hubs.The Ministry plans to select 10,000 second-phase entrepreneurs by October and will connect them with step-by-step incubation, competitions, and public-private support to create a pathway to actual startups.Noh Yong-seok, the acting minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "The intense challenges observed in the first phase have revealed new possibilities for entrepreneurship. The second phase of Everyone's Startup will provide more citizens with opportunities to take on challenges, actively support re-challenges and startups in various fields, and create a foundation for growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem after their challenges." 2026-08-13 08:36:20
  • Pulmuone Expands Tasty Pulmuone Cooking Classes for Families
    Pulmuone Expands 'Tasty Pulmuone' Cooking Classes for Families Pulmuone has expanded its sustainable cooking school, 'Tasty Pulmuone,' to include family units during the summer vacation.On August 11-12, Pulmuone held a family special class themed 'Healthy Dining with Our Kids' at its headquarters in Suseo, Gangnam, Seoul. A total of 16 participants, consisting of eight parents and eight children, took part, filling all available spots on the first day of registration on July 16.Tasty Pulmuone is a sustainable cooking school that opened on Earth Day in April. Previously, it offered regular programs aimed at the general public interested in health and the environment. This is the first time classes have been specifically designed for children and families.During the class, children actively participated in cooking to experience various ingredients. The program featured four dishes: vegetable curry, tofu ragù sauce with vegetable noodles, rice balls, and vegetable pizza. The classes emphasized using tofu instead of meat and incorporating vegetables that children might find unfamiliar into familiar dishes like curry and pizza.The cooking sessions were led by Chef Daniel Choi and a sustainable eating education expert. Prior to cooking, the children received age-appropriate theoretical lessons to help them understand the concept and necessity of sustainable eating.Pulmuone focuses on plant-based and animal welfare-centered foods and diets as key areas of sustainable eating. The '211 Meal Method,' which emphasizes a diet rich in fresh vegetables, low-saturated fat proteins, and whole grains, was also part of the education.Starting with this program, Pulmuone plans to regularly offer special classes that families can participate in during each vacation.Yoon Myung-rang, head of global marketing at Pulmuone Foods, stated, "Since a child's eating habits are formed at the family dining table, the experience of cooking together is the most effective education. We will continue to expand various educational programs through Tasty Pulmuone to ensure the values of sustainable eating are naturally passed on to the next generation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:36:20
  • Police Summon Jeon Hyun-moo, SHINees Key, Onew, and YouTuber for Investigation into IV Aunt Allegations
    Police Summon Jeon Hyun-moo, SHINee's Key, Onew, and YouTuber for Investigation into 'IV Aunt' Allegations Police investigating allegations against the so-called 'IV Aunt' have summoned Jeon Hyun-moo, SHINee's Key (real name Kim Ki-bum), Onew (real name Lee Jin-ki), and YouTuber Ipjjalhanhaetnim (real name Kim Mi-kyung) for questioning.According to Yonhap News and police reports, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has been investigating these individuals since June to confirm allegations that they received illegal medical treatments from a non-medical professional.The police have been looking into claims that a woman, known as 'IV Aunt,' administered IV drips and prescribed antidepressants to celebrities, including Park Na-rae, without a medical license.As suspicions grew that other entertainers were also involved in the illegal practices, the police expanded their investigation.Earlier this year, police conducted searches at the suspect's residence and summoned Park for questioning in May.Reports indicate that the police are also inquiring whether the other individuals were aware that the woman was not a licensed medical professional.Jeon Hyun-moo came under scrutiny after a 2016 broadcast segment showed him receiving an IV drip in a vehicle, which led to a complaint being filed against him amid the 'IV Aunt' controversy.In an official statement, Jeon clarified, "At that time, my health was not good, and I received treatment following a doctor's examination and prescription at a hospital." He added, "The footage circulating online is from a 2016 episode of 'I Live Alone,' and due to a tight filming schedule, the process of receiving treatment was inadvertently captured on camera under the doctor's guidance."Meanwhile, Key and Ipjjalhanhaetnim have acknowledged receiving treatment from the woman and temporarily suspended their broadcasting activities late last year, claiming they believed she was a medical professional.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:36:10
  • Manufacturers Accelerate AI Supply Chain Support for Partners
    Manufacturers Accelerate AI Supply Chain Support for Partners More than 40% of major manufacturing companies in South Korea are supporting the artificial intelligence transition (AX) of their partners. This reflects a broader effort to enhance competitiveness in the manufacturing sector by expanding AI utilization across the entire supply chain.The Korea Economic Association announced on August 13 that a survey conducted by Monoresearch among the top 800 manufacturing companies revealed that 45% of the 200 responding companies are providing support for their partners' AX.Specifically, 39.5% are implementing pilot projects for partner AX, while 5.5% reported that AX has been successfully established in the field. Additionally, 24% of companies indicated they have plans but have not yet started.Companies believe that a comprehensive AI transition across the supply chain is essential for securing competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. A significant 91.5% of respondents emphasized the importance of AX that includes their partners.The anticipated benefits of supply chain AX include 'productivity improvement' at 48.8%, followed by risk management (22.9%) and cost reduction (19.6%). This indicates a recognition that AI is necessary not only for enhancing production efficiency but also for ensuring supply chain stability and cost competitiveness.Support for partners has focused on building a foundation for connecting and utilizing data from production, quality, equipment, and logistics. The most common support areas included data integration and standardization at 34.4%, followed by joint pilot and verification projects at 23.8%. Other key support measures included AX level assessment and roadmap consulting (16.4%) and training and dispatch of specialists (14.3%).However, a lack of infrastructure and expertise among partners has been identified as a barrier to the widespread adoption of AX. The most significant challenge cited by companies was the 'insufficient digital infrastructure and AI utilization capabilities of partners' (43.4%). Other major constraints included difficulties in data integration, standardization, and security management (22.7%), as well as the financial burden of AI implementation (17.5%).Moreover, 86.5% of responding companies believe that government support would be beneficial for expanding partner AX. The most needed policies include financial assistance for AI implementation costs (43.7%) and support for developing AI solutions and standard models tailored to specific industries and processes (25.5%).The Korea Economic Association suggests that the government should support the initial AI implementation costs for partners and the development of industry-specific models, while companies should expand data integration and joint verification with their partners. 2026-08-13 08:36:10
  • Meritz Securities Raises Hanwha Lifes Target Price After Strong Q2 Earnings
    Meritz Securities Raises Hanwha Life's Target Price After Strong Q2 Earnings Meritz Securities announced on August 13 that Hanwha Life's second-quarter net profit significantly exceeded market expectations, prompting the firm to raise its target price from 5,500 won to 6,200 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Jo Ah-hae, a researcher at Meritz Securities, stated, "Considering the rise in interest rates, strong growth in new contract service margin (CSM), and the improving actual-to-expected insurance flow since the third quarter of last year, we expect a favorable trend in insurance profits to continue."For the second quarter of this year, Hanwha Life reported a standalone net profit of 262.4 billion won, a 354.6% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing market expectations by 68%.The CSM for the second quarter was 8.9 trillion won, reflecting a 0.1% increase from the previous quarter. Jo noted, "Although the CSM adjustment amount decreased by 270 billion won due to the application of actuarial assumption guidelines, the regular CSM flow was managed stably due to improved contract retention rates."The retention rate for 25th contracts rose to 78%, up from 77% in the first quarter and 72% in the fourth quarter of last year. The CSM for new contracts also increased by 12.8% compared to the previous quarter.Insurance profits rose by 210.5% year-on-year. The actual-to-expected insurance difference, which indicates the gap between actual and expected insurance payouts, improved steadily from a negative 126.4 billion won in the third quarter of last year to negative 116.1 billion won in the fourth quarter, negative 91.9 billion won in the first quarter, and negative 55.7 billion won in the second quarter.The easing of loss contract burdens due to the application of actuarial assumption guidelines also contributed to the results. Other insurance profits amounted to 49.3 billion won, compared to a loss of 123.4 billion won during the same period last year.As a result, Meritz Securities forecasts that Hanwha Life's new contract CSM will increase by 3.3% year-on-year, with net profit expected to rise by approximately 80% during the same period.However, uncertainty regarding distributable profits due to the burden of surrender reserve funds remains a variable. Jo acknowledged, "There is still uncertainty regarding distributable profits, but given that consolidated profits for the first half increased by 96.0% year-on-year, there is potential for relief from this burden due to future regulatory improvements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:36:00
  • Shinhan Securities: Meritz Financials Stock Multiples Wont Rise Just from Share Buybacks
    Shinhan Securities: Meritz Financial's Stock Multiples Won't Rise Just from Share Buybacks 신한투자증권이 메리츠금융지주가 2분기 견조한 실적을 거둔 가운데 자사주 매입·소각만으로는 주가 멀티플 상승을 이끌기 어렵다는 분석이 나왔다. 향후 지속 가능한 배당 정책이 주가 재평가의 핵심 변수가 될 전망이다. 13일 신한투자증권에 따르면 메리츠금융지주의 2분기 지배주주순이익은 7751억원으로 전년 동기 대비 6.9% 증가했다. 화재 부문 별도 영업이익은 7699억원으로 8.9% 늘었고 순이익은 5583억원으로 6.4% 증가하며 역대 최대 분기 실적을 기록했다. 월평균 보장성 인보험은 120억원으로 21% 증가했고 신계약 CSM 배수는 12.4배로 1배포인트 상승했다. 계리가정 선진화에 따라 CSM 조정액이 6059억원 발생하면서 기말 CSM은 12조1208억원으로 전분기보다 8290억원 확대됐다. 예실차는 391억원 적자를 기록했고 갑상선 전이암 소급 지급으로 292억원이 발생했다. 투자손익은 4070억원으로 전년 동기 대비 18.8% 증가했다. 주식형 자산이 6500억원 순증하면서 평가·처분이익이 확대된 영향이다. 증권 부문 연결 영업이익은 2457억원으로 18.2% 감소했지만 순이익은 2597억원으로 1.4% 증가했다. IB 부문 대손충당금 약 460억원 적립 등 기업금융 부진이 영업이익 감소에 영향을 미쳤다. 반면 위탁매매와 자산관리 부문의 합산 순영업수익은 928억원으로 302% 증가했다. 리테일이 이익 체력의 한 축으로 성장했다는 평가다. 증권거래세와 교육세 부담 확대 등으로 판관비는 21.1% 늘었다. 다만 자사주 소각으로 주당 가치가 높아지고 있지만 이것만으로 주가수익비율(PER)이나 주가순자산비율(PBR) 등 밸류에이션 배수가 추가로 상승할 근거는 부족하다는 평가가 나왔다. 임희연 신한투자증권 연구원은 메리츠금융지주에 대해 “자사주 매입 소각을 통한 주당 가치 상승은 지속되고 있으나, 멀티플 리레이팅의 근거는 부재하다”고 평가했다. 신한투자증권은 메리츠금융의 2027년 예상 ROE를 19.3%, PBR을 1.2배, PER을 6.4배로 제시했다. 다만 목표주가 산출 시점을 2027년으로 변경하면서 목표주가는 기존보다 6.8% 상향한 14만2000원으로 제시했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:32:00
  • Samsung Welfare Foundation Expands Mental Strength Training for Youth in Schools
    Samsung Welfare Foundation Expands Mental Strength Training for Youth in Schools The Samsung Welfare Foundation is expanding its 'Mental Strength' training program to prevent mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among youth in schools. Instead of creating a separate curriculum, the program will be integrated into daily school routines, utilizing short, repetitive sessions during morning assemblies to enhance practical application.On August 11-12, the foundation conducted training for approximately 700 middle and high school teachers and administrators at Yonsei University's Baekjeong Memorial Hall in Seoul, announcing the initiative on August 13.The program was jointly developed by the Samsung Welfare Foundation and a research team led by Professor Kim Joo-hwan of Yonsei University. It focuses on enhancing non-cognitive skills such as self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and self-motivation through repetitive training.Schools will implement the program through a 'Daily Program' lasting about five minutes during morning assemblies and a 'Focused Program' utilizing class time each month. Techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, body awareness, and gratitude training will be included. The design allows teachers to continuously apply the program without significantly altering the existing curriculum.Last year, the Samsung Welfare Foundation piloted the program with 660 students from five middle and high schools in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province over 12 weeks. The results showed improvements in indicators such as task persistence, self-affirmation, and relationships, while levels of depression and anxiety decreased. Notably, students with high participation rates also demonstrated improved academic performance.There is a growing movement to prevent youth mental health issues at the school level rather than relying solely on post-treatment. According to the Ministry of Education and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's '2025 Youth Health Behavior Survey,' about 26% of middle and high school students reported experiencing significant depressive symptoms that disrupted their daily lives for more than two weeks in the past year.The Ministry of Education is also expanding 'social-emotional education' in all schools this year to enhance students' emotional and relational management and mental health capabilities, increasing the emphasis on school-based preventive education.During the training, participants received 15 hours of instruction on the concept of mental strength, the rationale for training, and methods for school application. Following theoretical education, practical sessions included respect and gratitude training, meditation guidance, and how to use a mental growth journal, enabling teachers to apply these techniques in their classrooms.The Samsung Welfare Foundation plans to officially roll out the program to middle and high schools nationwide starting in September. Additional training for participating teachers and supervision from the research team will be provided to ensure the program is effectively integrated into school settings rather than being a one-time initiative.Professor Kim Joo-hwan stated, "Mental strength is not an innate trait but a capability that can grow through appropriate training and repeated experiences. Consistently developing mental strength during adolescence can lay the foundation for improved emotional regulation and resilience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:32:00
  • U.S. CPI Eases Rate Pressure, Boosting KOSPI Amid Semiconductor Optimism
    U.S. CPI Eases Rate Pressure, Boosting KOSPI Amid Semiconductor Optimism The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July met market expectations, easing inflation and interest rate pressures, while the domestic stock market is expected to rebound, driven by the semiconductor sector. Strong performances from AI infrastructure companies like CoreWeave and Supermicro have alleviated concerns over AI demand, and the strength of U.S. semiconductor stocks is likely to foster a positive investment sentiment in the domestic market. However, with recent focus on semiconductor supply and demand, the continuation of sector rotation will be a key factor in determining further KOSPI gains.On August 12, U.S. stocks closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished at 35,770.27, down 21.58 points (-0.04%), while the S&P 500 rose by 0.26% to 4,748.50, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.54% to 26,588.49. The Russell 2000 index, which focuses on small-cap stocks, also gained 0.61%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index surged by 2.49%.The U.S. July CPI aligned with market expectations, with the headline CPI rising 3.4% year-over-year and 0.1% month-over-month, while the core CPI increased 2.5% year-over-year and 0.2% month-over-month. The CPI figures, which did not exceed forecasts, have somewhat eased market concerns regarding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The July CPI has at least further alleviated the risk of a Fed rate hike in September, making it a neutral to positive factor for the stock market." Following the CPI announcement, the probability of a rate freeze in September rose from around 52% to 59% in the federal funds futures market.However, some analysts caution that inflation concerns are not entirely resolved. Temporary factors, such as a drop in accommodation costs following the end of the World Cup, have influenced price stability, while prices for certain services, including healthcare and airfares, have continued to rise. Additionally, international oil prices remain susceptible to geopolitical risks in the Middle East.A key focus in the domestic market is the strength of U.S. semiconductor stocks. Nvidia rose by 3.03%, Micron increased by 4.92%, and SanDisk climbed by 5.76%. SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) surged by 9.01%. With the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up 2.49%, there is a growing likelihood of buying interest in domestic semiconductor stocks.Expectations for AI infrastructure investment have also risen. CoreWeave and Supermicro reported results that exceeded market expectations and provided strong guidance, highlighting that AI investments are translating into actual server and cloud demand and revenue. CoreWeave and Supermicro saw their stocks jump by 19.28% and 19.02%, respectively.Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, noted, "We have confirmed that AI server demand is translating into actual orders, not just expectations," adding that the CPI figures aligned with forecasts have led to a rebound in semiconductor stocks that had recently faced corrections.Consequently, the rebound of semiconductor stocks, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, will be crucial for the domestic market. If the positive momentum from the U.S. continues, it could support further KOSPI gains, especially for semiconductor stocks that have recently faced concerns over peak AI demand and reduced capital expenditures from big tech companies.There is also interest in whether buying interest will spread to sectors outside of semiconductors. In August, 24 sectors, including IT electronics, non-ferrous metals, construction, machinery, and IT hardware, have outperformed KOSPI returns. While semiconductors have struggled this month, some sectors are already showing upward trends, suggesting a potential strengthening of sector rotation.Foreign investor conditions are also improving. The net selling by foreign investors decreased significantly from 48.3 trillion won in June to 9.9 trillion won in July, and by August 12, it had further reduced to around 4.5 trillion won. With the CPI easing interest rate pressures, an improvement in foreign investor conditions could enhance the upward momentum of the domestic market.Volatility has also decreased positively. The KOSPI Volatility Index (VKOSPI) dropped by 9% to the 56-point range, and it has fallen by about 33% in August. One analyst remarked, "We are currently in a phase of stabilizing volatility and sector rotation," noting that while foreign buying is leading, sectors like automotive, healthcare, securities, and retail, which have yet to see stock prices follow suit, are worth watching.However, the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) set to be released later today remains a short-term variable. Given that some service prices showed renewed increases in the CPI, if the PPI results come in higher than expected, concerns over inflation and interest rates may resurface. Therefore, the domestic market is expected to attempt a rise based on the strength of U.S. semiconductor stocks and expectations for a recovery in AI demand, while adjusting its gains in response to the PPI and sector-specific supply changes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:28:00
  • Samsung SDS Expands AI Solution Briteworks to Nine Government Ministries
    Samsung SDS Expands AI Solution 'Briteworks' to Nine Government Ministries Samsung SDS is expanding the implementation of its AI collaboration solution, 'Briteworks,' to nine central government ministries, enhancing its presence in the government AI administrative innovation market.On August 13, Samsung SDS announced that it has confirmed the introduction of the Briteworks AI collaboration solution to nine ministries. Following the earlier confirmation in April with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the new additions include the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Financial Services Commission, and the Overseas Koreans Agency. These ministries are expected to begin services sequentially by the end of August.Previously, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced plans to expand its generative AI-based intelligent work management platform, 'OnAI,' to over 40 central administrative agencies by the end of this year. Samsung SDS is providing Briteworks as the official collaboration tool to support the government's AI administrative innovation efforts. Briteworks integrates various collaboration features, including AI search, knowledge management, document drafting support, messaging, video conferencing, and data sharing.Public institutions handle sensitive personal data and critical administrative information, necessitating a higher level of security. In this regard, Samsung SDS stated, 'Briteworks operates in a public-private partnership (PPP) cloud environment that has obtained the highest security level, 'A,' from the National Intelligence Service, ensuring that central ministries and public institutions can utilize generative AI in a secure environment.'By seamlessly integrating generative AI into workflows, Briteworks aims to enhance the productivity of civil servants and facilitate inter-departmental collaboration. It also offers mobile-based features for real-time reporting, approvals, video conferencing participation, and AI-generated meeting summaries, creating a flexible work environment.Civil servants can quickly find necessary information from vast administrative data through AI search and utilize automatically organized meeting minutes to expedite follow-up tasks. This allows them to continue their work without returning to the office, improving continuity and efficiency.Samsung SDS plans to continuously enhance Briteworks in line with the government's expansion of AI work environments. The company aims to develop it into a government AI collaboration tool that boosts civil servant productivity and the quality of administrative services.Song Hae-kyu, Vice President and Head of the Solution Business Division at Samsung SDS, remarked, 'With a total of nine central ministries now selecting Briteworks as their official collaboration tool, its utilization in the public sector is gaining momentum. We will strengthen integration with the OnAI mobile service to create a convenient and secure work environment for civil servants, actively supporting the transition to AI in the public sector.'Meanwhile, Samsung SDS has proposed innovative administrative solutions based on its full-stack capabilities in the public sector, encompassing the AI agent platform Fabrics, the AI collaboration solution Briteworks, and AI data centers. The company is expanding generative AI services tailored for public tasks, including the 'AI Civil Complaint Supporter,' AI-based procurement law interpretation services, and the government24 public AI search service.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 08:24:00
  • BC Card Partners with Lytton for AI Transformation in B2B Sector
    BC Card Partners with Lytton for AI Transformation in B2B Sector BC Card is collaborating with AI platform company Lytton Technologies to launch an AI transformation (AX) initiative targeting public and private enterprises. On August 13, BC Card announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lytton to jointly pursue the AX project. This partnership will be led by BC Card's AI Data Headquarters and Lytton's AX CIC, a specialized organization for AI transformation. The two companies plan to collaborate on all aspects of AI transformation for businesses, including AI training, AX consulting, AI agent development, and the establishment of automation systems. They will jointly design and operate training programs focused on generative AI and practical AI capability enhancement for government agencies, public institutions, and private companies. The goal is to enhance corporate AI utilization capabilities from the proposal stage to actual implementation. In the AX project, BC Card will leverage its AI technology and data utilization experience, combined with Lytton AX CIC's expertise in AI implementation, to provide tailored AI transformation services for various industries. They will also jointly pursue projects customized to meet the specific needs of businesses, such as AI agent development and automation system establishment. Notably, Lytton AX is expected to expand its collaboration in the financial sector by providing AI solutions that consider the importance of security and reliability in environments like finance. With this agreement, the two companies aim to broaden their collaboration beyond existing AI search services to encompass AI training, AX consulting, AI agent development, and the overall AI transformation business for enterprises, while also exploring new business opportunities together. Oh Seong-soo, Executive Director of BC Card, stated, "This agreement marks an opportunity for BC Card to expand its accumulated AI transformation experience into external projects. We will work with Lytton to build references that lead to results in the corporate field and fully launch our B2B AI business." 2026-08-13 08:20:20