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Naver Expands Live Streaming Ecosystem with Exclusive 2026 World Cup Coverage Naver is accelerating the expansion of its live streaming platform, Chijijik, by leveraging exclusive new media broadcasting rights for the 2026 North America World Cup. The company aims to attract users through this major sporting event and enhance its platform strategy by linking it with Naver Plus membership for shopping and content services. On June 12, Naver reported that the combined peak viewership for the dedicated World Cup broadcast channel and the 'Watch Together' streaming feature during the group stage match between South Korea and the Czech Republic reached 4.82 million. A total of 817 streamers participated in the 'Watch Together' broadcasts. Popular streamer Han Dong-sook's channel recorded a peak viewership of 375,965, while the cumulative live streaming time for all 'Watch Together' broadcasts reached 1,613 hours. This interactive content, which allows streamers and viewers to enjoy the game together, has been praised for attracting a large audience beyond traditional match broadcasts. Naver secured exclusive new media broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup in South Korea from 2026 to 2032 from the Central Group. The company obtained the new media rights from JTBC, providing mobile live broadcasts through the Chijijik app and website. This strategy aims to shift sports broadcasting from traditional television to mobile platforms, expanding user engagement. Chijijik, launched by Naver at the end of 2023, initially focused on game streaming but has recently expanded into e-sports, sports, performances, and entertainment. Naver is committed to developing Chijijik into a comprehensive live streaming platform, with the World Cup seen as a significant opportunity to broaden its reach. The broadcasting service is closely linked to the Naver Plus membership. Live broadcasts of overseas matches, excluding those involving South Korea, are available only to members, while high-definition viewing services for South Korean matches are also offered to members. This strategy aims to leverage World Cup content as a membership benefit to attract new subscribers and enhance user retention and loyalty. Naver Plus membership not only offers shopping rewards but also provides access to various content services, including Netflix, Spotify, and Xbox Game Pass. Naver is working to convert users attracted by the World Cup into members, establishing a virtuous cycle that leads to increased shopping and content consumption. The company is utilizing sports content as a means to acquire users and positioning membership as a link to expand the Naver ecosystem. Chijijik is also focusing on differentiation. During the World Cup broadcasts, the platform will provide real-time AI-generated short clips during matches and player highlights immediately after games, enhancing features tailored to mobile users. The 'Watch Together' feature, with participation from 817 streamers, is a key content differentiator for Chijijik. Users can enjoy real-time chat and streamer commentary, offering a viewing experience distinct from traditional TV broadcasts. Naver is rapidly enhancing Chijijik's content competitiveness. On June 8, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, conducted a live broadcast from Naver's dedicated Chijijik studio, engaging with fans in real-time. Naver plans to continue expanding its live production infrastructure to enhance content competitiveness through large events and creator-driven content.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:51:00 -
Korea and Japan Hold 5th Economic Roundtable in Tokyo The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Japan Economic Club discussed cooperation in the AI industry among business leaders from both countries. Key topics included power efficiency in data centers and care robots, which both nations can address together. On June 15, KITA and the Japan Economic Club held the 5th Korea-Japan Economic Roundtable at the International House of Japan in Tokyo. The theme of the meeting was "Strengthening Korea-Japan Industrial Cooperation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." The Korea-Japan Economic Roundtable serves as a cooperative channel established by KITA's Korea-Japan Exchange Special Committee and the Japan Economic Club to enhance exchanges and private cooperation between business leaders from both countries. The meetings alternate between Korea and Japan, starting with the first meeting in Tokyo in May 2024. About 30 business leaders from both countries attended the meeting, including Jang Jae-jin, chairman of Orient Bio; Honma Masahiko, managing partner of Incubate Fund; and Muta Masaaki, president of Transcosmos. From Korea, AI startups such as Furiosa AI, Newbility, Luton Technologies, and Buren Technologies participated to explore collaboration opportunities with Japanese companies like NTT and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The first session addressed the issue of power efficiency in AI data centers. Jang Jae-jin from Furiosa AI and Katsuhiko Kawazoe, a senior fellow at NTT, presented on the increasing power demand due to AI proliferation and shared strategies for building high-efficiency infrastructure. Industry experts noted that as the burden of electricity costs for AI data centers grows, infrastructure cooperation combining high-performance semiconductors, low-power AI chips, cooling, and power management technologies is emerging as a key area of collaboration between Korean and Japanese companies. The second session focused on the use of physical AI and robotics for elderly care. Kazuhiko Ichikawa, head of healthcare at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Kang Gi-hyuk, CEO of Newbility, led the presentations. Participants agreed on the need to expand cooperation in care robots and physical AI technologies to address aging and labor shortages. Acting Chairman Jang Jae-jin stated, "The recent Korea-Japan summit has strengthened the momentum for cooperation between the two countries. The AI industry is a representative area where Korea and Japan can grow together." KITA plans to hold the 6th Korea-Japan Economic Roundtable in Seoul in the second half of the year, based on the agendas discussed at this meeting. The next meeting will review the outcomes of cooperation projects in AI and robotics and discuss specific collaboration plans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:51:00 -
Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol Advocates for Use of Surplus Tax Revenue Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated on June 15 that surplus tax revenue should be utilized to prepare for the future and to support those in need to alleviate polarization. During his appearance on the Ministry's YouTube channel, "Policy Talk Show: Bold Briefing," Koo shared his views on current issues, including surplus tax revenue. "While a strong economy can lead to increased tax revenue, tax income can fluctuate," he said. "We must support those in need to ensure they can live well, while also preparing for the future and addressing polarization." He added, "We need to provide startup funds for young people so they can pursue their dreams and start businesses. We will ensure that resources are used effectively for future preparedness and current polarization alleviation." Koo projected that demand for memory semiconductors will increase due to the AI transformation. He noted, "Currently, the demand for memory is driven by data centers, but we may see additional demand for memory semiconductors in areas like physical AI." In response to concerns about a semiconductor bubble and market concentration, Koo acknowledged the high proportion of semiconductors in exports but countered, "Exports of computers are also performing well." He highlighted that other sectors, including ships, general machinery, biotechnology, health, secondary batteries, defense, K-content, and K-food, are also excelling in exports, stating, "Even kimchi is exported in the trillions of won." Finally, Koo emphasized, "The direction of the Ministry of Economy and Finance's economic policy is to move beyond semiconductors. We aim to develop second and third types of semiconductors that can match memory semiconductors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:48:00 -
World Cup 26: Football migrates from TV to handheld screens SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - FIFA World Cup seasons once fueled sales of televisions and large screens as football watching became a collective event in living rooms, bars and public squares. That ritual is changing in South Korea. With most matches in the 2026 tournament being played across North America and kicking off during the early morning or daytime hours in Korea, football consumption is becoming a far more private experience, shifting to smartphones, chat rooms and creator-led communities. A World Cup match between Japan and the Netherlands drew 79,000 concurrent viewers on Chzzk, the streaming platform operated by internet giant Naver, early Monday despite a 5 a.m. kickoff and the absence of the Korean national team. The figure came three days after South Korea's opening 2-1 victory over Czechia generated a record 4.82 million peak concurrent viewers on Chzzk, more than six times the platform's previous high. Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the goals for South Korea. Together, the numbers highlight a broader shift in media consumption. For many South Koreans, the World Cup is no longer centered on the living-room television but on mobile streams, real-time chats and digital fan communities. Naver secured exclusive domestic new-media streaming rights to the FIFA World Cup from 2026 through 2032 through a deal with JoongAng Group, placing Chzzk at the center of online viewing for this year's tournament. The record audience for the Korea-Czechia match came despite its weekday morning kickoff, a schedule that initially raised concerns about lower ratings because of the time difference with North America. Instead, mobile-first viewing worked in Naver's favor, allowing people to watch while commuting, at work or away from home. The tournament has also become a monetization platform. Naver Plus Membership and Chzzk's ad-removal subscription provide full high-definition access to all 104 matches. In partnership with game publisher Nexon, viewers can participate in FC Online mini-games and earn in-game rewards, while a Coca-Cola-sponsored score prediction event offers prizes redeemable through Naver Pay. While Chzzk holds exclusive online streaming rights, SOOP, formerly AfreecaTV, has built its presence around creator-led "verbal relay" broadcasts that provide commentary without showing the match itself. Popular streamer Gamst attracted roughly 60,000 viewers during the Korea-Czechia match, underscoring how audiences increasingly follow personalities as much as the sport. The contrast reflects a structural divide in Korea's streaming market. According to mobile analytics firm Mobile Index, Chzzk led monthly active users in March with 3.06 million, ahead of SOOP's 2.37 million. But SOOP maintained a commanding lead in total viewing time, logging 42.5 million hours compared with Chzzk's 28.5 million, representing a 59.3 percent versus 33.4 percent market share. More users opened Chzzk, but viewers spent more time on SOOP. Kakao, meanwhile, has used the World Cup to deepen engagement within KakaoTalk's Open Chat service by creating cheering rooms, quizzes and fan tools designed to keep football conversations inside its messaging ecosystem. Kim Dong-heon, a 38-year-old office worker in Ilsan, said mobile streaming felt natural because it matched his existing media habits. "These days, I spend more time watching YouTube on my phone than watching television, so watching the match on my phone felt natural," Kim said. But he said streaming offered more than convenience. "Watching with streamers is a different kind of sports consumption," he said. "You are not just watching the match. You are talking with people, sharing opinions and reacting in real time." He said online viewing recreated much of the communal atmosphere of public gatherings without requiring fans to leave home. "Even if I went outside, I probably would not talk to that many strangers," Kim said. "Online, I can stay in my room and still feel like I am watching with a crowd." Traditional broadcasters JTBC and KBS remain the primary large-screen destination for households and older viewers. But the market has become increasingly fragmented. Audiences now move seamlessly between television, mobile streams and chat-based communities depending on the time of day, the device in their pocket and the kind of experience they want. For platforms, the competition is no longer simply about who shows the match. It is about who can keep viewers engaged after the final whistle. 2026-06-15 17:44:26 -
Clearer Skies Expected Tomorrow with Highs Reaching 33 Degrees On Tuesday, June 16, skies across the country will gradually clear after a cloudy start. The daytime high is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius, continuing a trend of above-average temperatures. According to Yonhap News on June 15, morning lows on the 16th are forecasted to range from 14 to 21 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will be between 25 and 33 degrees. In the metropolitan area, the perceived temperature may rise to around 31 degrees, prompting caution against heat-related illnesses. The ultraviolet index is also expected to be high, with most regions forecasted to experience a 'very high' level starting at 9 a.m. In maritime areas, strong winds are anticipated, particularly in the southern waters off Jeju Island and the eastern waters of the South Sea, where winds may reach speeds of 30 to 50 kilometers per hour, and waves could rise to between 1.5 and 3.0 meters. Waves in the East Sea and South Sea are expected to be between 0.5 and 1.0 meters, while in the West Sea, they will be around 0.5 meters. In the deeper waters, wave heights are forecasted to be 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East and South Seas, and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:39:00 -
K-FINCO Announces Public Recruitment for New and Experienced Positions K-FINCO announced on June 15, 2026, that it is conducting a public recruitment for employees in the second half of the year. The company plans to select talent across various fields, including new graduates and experienced professionals, as well as lawyers. The recruitment will be divided into three categories: entry-level positions (business, architecture, civil engineering), experienced positions (IT development, IT security), and lawyers. The hiring process will begin with document screening, followed by a written test for entry-level candidates, and two rounds of interviews. Experienced candidates and lawyers will proceed directly to the interview stage after document screening, with final selections subject to a medical examination. There are no restrictions on gender, educational background, major, or age for applicants. However, male candidates must have completed military service or be exempt. Applications opened on June 8 and will close at 9 PM on June 22. Applications can only be submitted online through the K-FINCO recruitment website; mail and in-person submissions are not accepted. The written test for entry-level positions will consist of the National Competency Standards (NCS) job competency assessment and a subject exam. Candidates can choose one subject from business administration, accounting, architecture, or civil engineering, with the exam scheduled for July 11. Following the written test, successful candidates for entry-level positions and those who pass the document screening for experienced positions and lawyers will participate in two rounds of interviews. The final hires are expected to be assigned to the headquarters and regional branches in August. A K-FINCO representative stated, "We are looking for challenging and innovative individuals who will open the future together with Korea's No. 1 construction finance partner, K-FINCO. We encourage everyone to take an interest in and apply for this public recruitment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:36:00 -
U.S. Aircraft Carrier Group Deploys Near Cuba Amid Military Intervention Speculation The U.S. aircraft carrier group has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea near Cuba amid speculation that the Trump administration is considering military intervention in the country. The U.S. Southern Command announced on June 20 via X (formerly Twitter) that the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has been positioned in the Caribbean. This deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201). Southern Command emphasized that the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group represents "readiness, presence, unmatched operational range and lethality, and a strategic advantage," stating that the USS Nimitz has demonstrated combat capabilities worldwide, contributing to regional stability and the defense of democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf. Commissioned in 1975, the USS Nimitz is the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Originally slated for retirement this year due to aging, its decommissioning has been postponed due to increased operational demands following the Iran conflict. This carrier deployment was announced on the same day that the U.S. government indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. The U.S. Department of Justice charged Castro with involvement in the 1996 incident where two aircraft operated by the Miami-based Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by the Cuban military, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Earlier this year, the U.S. also captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on charges related to drug terrorism, deploying a carrier group to the Caribbean at that time as well. The timing of the current carrier deployment coincides with reports that President Trump is seriously considering military intervention in Cuba. Politico reported on June 18 that Trump believes energy supply chain disruptions and economic sanctions alone will not lead to a change in Cuba's regime, prompting him to explore military options. U.S. military leadership is reportedly reviewing various military scenarios beyond just capture and extradition operations. Since taking office, President Trump has labeled Cuba a failed communist state, applying pressure through sanctions and energy supply chain disruptions. He has also indicated that Cuba could be a target for military action following the conflict in Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:33:00 -
Korea Technology Guarantee Fund Signs MOU with Social Venture Partners The Korea Technology Guarantee Fund (KOTEC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 12 with six organizations specializing in social ventures at its Seoul office. According to KOTEC on June 15, the agreement aims to establish a public-private partnership framework for discovering and nurturing local social ventures, while providing a practical support base that reflects the voices from the field. Social Venture Partners (SVP) is a network that collaborates with KOTEC and private intermediary organizations to support the growth of social venture companies and the creation of social value. The intermediary organizations serve as a bridge between the government and social venture companies. The six participating organizations, which have expertise in fostering the social venture ecosystem and supporting startups, include Root Impact, Sopoong Ventures, Series Ventures, My Social Company, Impact Square, and Qunesty. Under the agreement, KOTEC will be responsible for establishing a foundation for discovering and nurturing local social ventures, assessing social ventures, providing impact guarantees, and measuring social value. SVP will support the growth of social ventures through activities such as identifying and recommending promising local social ventures, mentoring and consulting, capacity-building training, and hosting performance-sharing events. Each organization plans to strengthen the foundation for the stable growth of local social ventures and expand field-centered support for social ventures through public-private collaboration. Earlier, KOTEC signed an MOU in March with the Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province to promote the activation of artificial intelligence (AI), climate technology, and smart agriculture. Park Joo-sun, executive director of KOTEC, stated, "We will continue to actively support innovative local social venture companies to become key players in solving social issues and a new driving force for regional economic growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:33:00 -
Home & Shopping to Feature Special Broadcast of 'Saechungmu Rice' from Suncheon Home & Shopping will host a special broadcast featuring the premium 'Saechungmu Rice' from the Suncheon Agricultural Cooperative on June 16 at 4 PM. According to Home & Shopping, the broadcast will showcase a set of 20 kilograms of 'Saechungmu Rice' harvested in 2025. This rice variety, developed by the Jeonnam Agricultural Technology Institute after seven years of research, is renowned for its exceptional quality. The broadcast is part of a support initiative by the Korea Small and Medium Business Administration to help small businesses enter the home shopping market. Earlier, Han Yu-won held the '2026 First Home Shopping Consultation Meeting' on June 9 to assist small businesses in this endeavor. A representative from Home & Shopping stated, "We are honored to support small businesses in collaboration with the Korea Small and Medium Business Administration and to introduce the best products that complement warm home-cooked meals. We hope that families can enjoy a warm and happy dining experience with our carefully cultivated and strictly selected premium Saechungmu Rice."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 17:30:00 -
Korean won, bonds rally on U.S.-Iran framework SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - The South Korean won and government bonds strengthened Monday on signs of foreign return after a de facto resolution to the monthslong Iran crisis. The won closed at 1,511.1 per dollar in the Seoul foreign exchange market, down 8.7 won from the previous session. South Korean government bonds extended last week's rally. The yield on the three-year government bond fell 6.4 basis points to 3.744 percent, while the 10-year yield dropped 7.7 basis points to 4.118 percent. The won and bonds were also supported by a recovery in risk appetite. The benchmark KOSPI jumped 5.2 percent to close at 8,545.98, with foreign investors buying a net 985.8 billion ($652.4 million) won worth of shares on the main bourse. The global market reaction was broad-based. Before regular U.S. stock trading began, Nasdaq-100 futures rose nearly 2 percent and S&P 500 futures gained around 1 percent, while the dollar index fell to its lowest level since June 5 and U.S. Treasury yields declined. The sharpest move came in oil. Brent crude fell more than 4 percent to the low-$83 range per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped more than 5 percent, as markets priced in the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of a U.S. naval blockade on Iran. The market moves came after Pakistan said the United States and Iran had reached a framework aimed at ending the war. U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday U.S. time that the deal with Iran was “done,” while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the agreement would be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. Still, the deal appears closer to a preliminary framework or memorandum of understanding than a final peace agreement. Core issues, including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief and frozen assets, are expected to be addressed in follow-up negotiations during a 60-day ceasefire. For Korean markets, the immediate impact came through oil, the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields rather than a direct shift in Federal Reserve expectations. Lower oil prices eased inflation concerns, while weaker U.S. yields helped support domestic bonds and reduced upward pressure on the dollar-won rate. The move also eased some of the market's tightening concerns ahead of this week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The framework is not enough on its own to revive expectations for rate cuts this year, but it is helping reduce the perceived risk of a rate hike later in 2026. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at the current 3.50 to 3.75 percent range this week, leaving investors focused on its updated economic projections and dot plot. The March dot plot had pointed to one 25-basis-point cut by year-end, but expectations had turned more hawkish before the U.S.-Iran framework was announced, as higher oil prices and strong U.S. employment data raised concerns over renewed inflation pressure. After the strong jobs data released on June 5, futures markets raised the implied probability of a December rate hike to about 68 percent. According to Reuters, markets on Monday put that probability at around 48 to 50 percent, down from the 69 to 70 percent range seen a week earlier. The baseline after the agreement is therefore less a dovish pivot than an easing of hawkish pressure. The median dot in the June projections may still point to rates being held through year-end, but the case for higher dots that imply a rate hike in late 2026 has weakened. Markets are stripping out part of the Middle East inflation premium for now, but the agreement has yet to be formally signed and key issues remain unresolved. If the framework falters, oil prices and inflation risks could quickly return to the center of the FOMC debate, putting renewed pressure on the won and South Korean bonds. 2026-06-15 17:23:17