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  • Samsung Revamps AI Subscription Club with Up to 50% Device Buyback Guarantee
    Samsung Revamps AI Subscription Club with Up to 50% Device Buyback Guarantee Samsung Electronics is launching a revamped 'New Galaxy AI Subscription Club' ahead of the pre-sale of its latest 'Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8' series, significantly enhancing purchase and usage benefits.According to Samsung Electronics, the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club guarantees up to 50% of the device's residual value upon return after the subscription period ends, along with various benefits such as discounts on 'Samsung Care Plus' and accessory packages.Notably, the subscription club has expanded the options for subscription periods. In addition to the existing one-year and two-year plans, a new three-year option has been introduced.Subscribers to the three-year plan will receive coverage for damage, as well as the 'Samsung Care Plus Loss/Damage' product, which provides compensation once every 12 months. Free repairs, battery replacements, and on-site repair services are also included. The one- and two-year plans will focus on damage coverage.For customers who purchase a self-supplied model and return the device, the guaranteed residual values are as follows: 50% for the one-year plan, 40% for the two-year plan (50% for the Flip 8), and 25% for the three-year plan.Tailored benefits targeting the Gen Z demographic have also been introduced. Customers who purchase the 'Galaxy Z Flip 8' through a self-supplied model and subscribe to the two-year plan will receive the 'Flip Youth Subscription' benefit, guaranteeing up to 50% residual value upon return after two years. Additionally, a one-month premium plus subscription to the language learning app 'Speak' will be provided.To address security concerns in daily life, financial crime compensation benefits will be offered to all subscribers (customers who register their IMEI). In cases of cyber financial crime such as phishing and smishing, customers can receive compensation of up to 3 million won, and up to 500,000 won for internet transaction and shopping fraud.Monthly subscription fees will vary based on the model and duration. For the Fold 8 Ultra and Fold 8, the fees are 9,900 won per month for the one- and two-year plans and 14,500 won per month for the three-year plan. For the Flip 8, the fees are 8,900 won per month for the one- and two-year plans and 11,500 won per month for the three-year plan.Jung Ho-jin, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, "The New Galaxy AI Subscription Club has been revamped to comprehensively reflect the secure usage needs of foldable phone users, financial security, and the preferences of the Gen Z demographic. We will continue to expand differentiated subscription services tailored to customer lifestyles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:28:00
  • So Ji-subs Chief Kim Ends with 23.0% Ratings, Sets 2026 Record
    So Ji-sub's 'Chief Kim' Ends with 23.0% Ratings, Sets 2026 Record SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Chief Kim' concluded with its highest-ever ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode aired the previous day, achieving a nationwide rating of 23.0% and 23.4% in the capital region. The peak rating soared to 27.1%, setting a new record for the series. The drama also recorded an average rating of 7.4% among viewers aged 2049, with a high of 8.42%. 'Chief Kim' maintained the top spot in its time slot across all channels for ten consecutive episodes and set a new record for the highest ratings of any mini-series aired in 2026. In the final episode, characters Chief Kim (played by So Ji-sub), Seong Han-soo (Choi Dae-hoon), and Park Jin-cheol (Yoon Kyung-ho) fought to protect their families. Joo Gang-chan (Joo Sang-wook) kidnapped the children of Seong Han-soo and Park Jin-cheol, luring the three friends into a trap. Chief Kim was willing to sacrifice himself to save the children, which turned out to be a strategic move to defeat Joo Gang-chan's group. The three men joined forces to overpower Joo Gang-chan's crew, exposing corruption and illicit dealings at Joo Hak Construction. After completing their mission, Chief Kim faked his death and returned to his daughter Min-ji (Seo Su-min). The father and daughter reunited in tears at the columbarium and began a new life under different names and identities. Seong Han-soo and Park Jin-cheol returned to their respective lives but showed their unwavering friendship by helping Chief Kim and sharing a meal together. The series concluded with Chief Kim visiting Lee Do-kyu for a job interview at a new company, 'Baekho Labor.' Hong Seong-chang, head of Studio S, expressed gratitude, stating, "Thanks to the viewers' passionate love for the show, we achieved this remarkable success. The performances of So Ji-sub, Choi Dae-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, and the entire cast, along with the deep paternal love and thrilling action, resonated with many viewers." The production team also thanked the audience for their support from the beginning to the end of 'Chief Kim,' hoping that the story of fathers who willingly sacrificed their ordinary lives to protect their families would leave a warm comfort and exhilarating energy in the hearts of viewers. 'Chief Kim' is a revenge action drama depicting the struggles of a father, a former special agent, who reveals his identity to protect his family.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:24:00
  • Tax Expenditure Reform Underway: Transition from Marriage Tax Credit to Subsidies
    Tax Expenditure Reform Underway: Transition from Marriage Tax Credit to Subsidies The South Korean government is expected to replace tax benefits previously granted to newlyweds with direct subsidies to encourage marriage. The housing savings plan, which has been periodically reviewed for potential elimination, is likely to be made a permanent program to ensure housing stability for low-income households. The family business inheritance tax exemption will undergo a comprehensive redesign for the first time in 30 years to prevent circumvention of regulations.According to government sources, the tax reform plan to be announced in early August will focus on 'livelihood taxes' for citizens and vulnerable groups, as well as 'growth taxes' to support economic development.The most significant change will be the transition of the marriage tax credit into a subsidy. Currently, couples who register their marriage can receive a tax credit of up to 1 million won, but those with low incomes who do not pay taxes miss out on this benefit and must wait until year-end tax settlements. The government is also considering converting tax credits for childbirth, adoption, infertility treatments, and medical expenses for children under six into cash support.The housing savings plan, represented by the housing savings income deduction, is expected to be made permanent by eliminating its sunset provision. This program allows heads of households without homes to deduct 40% of their contributions, up to 3 million won annually, to support housing stability for low-income families.For young workers in small businesses, there are currently tax reductions of 90% on income tax for the first five years of employment, and 70% for seniors and people with disabilities for three years. Additional benefits for workers outside the capital region are anticipated. Currently, young startups in non-capital areas receive up to 100% tax reductions on income and corporate taxes for five years, and further measures are expected.The core of the growth tax reform is the domestic production promotion tax system, referred to as the 'Korean version of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).' This initiative will provide tax incentives for domestic production and investment in strategic industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries, along with the establishment of productive financial ISAs and expanded tax credits for R&D and investment in advanced industries.Tax incentives for startups in new industries such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology will be increased, and advanced safety technologies may be added to the list of new growth and core technologies. Additional tax incentives are also being discussed for companies that invest, hire, or conduct R&D in non-capital regions as part of the '5 Extremes and 3 Specialties' initiative.The family business inheritance tax exemption, introduced in 1997, will be reformed to prevent circumvention by narrowing the scope of eligible industries and land, while strengthening minimum management periods and post-management requirements. Industries that are at risk of being misused as real estate succession tools will be excluded from eligibility, and the evaluation method for inheritance and gift taxes on low PBR listed stocks will also be revised.To prevent intentional 'stock price suppression' by major shareholders, the evaluation method for inheritance and gift taxes on listed stocks will be reformed. A proposal is being discussed to reflect asset and income values in the evaluation of stocks of listed companies with a price-to-book ratio (PBR) below 0.8. The government's stance on the taxation of virtual assets, which has recently raised the need for a fourth extension, is also expected to be clarified during the announcement of the tax reform plan.The government plans to finalize the restructuring of tax expenditures and announce the complete tax reform plan in early August.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:24:00
  • Hanwha Life Launches Customer Panel to Enhance Insurance Services
    Hanwha Life Launches Customer Panel to Enhance Insurance Services 한화생명이 고객 의견을 상품과 서비스 개선에 직접 반영하기 위한 고객패널 제도를 도입했다. 한화생명은 지난 24일 서울 영등포구 63빌딩 본사에서 고객패널 '고객신뢰 플러스 프론티어' 발대식을 개최했다고 26일 밝혔다. 이번 발대식은 고객과의 소통을 강화하고 소비자 중심 경영을 실천하기 위해 마련됐다. 보험 소비자의 실제 경험과 의견을 서비스 개선 과정에 반영하는 '환류 체계'를 구축하겠다는 취지다. 최근 금융소비자보호에 대한 사회적 관심이 높아지고 감독당국의 소비자 중심 경영 요구가 확대되는 점을 반영했다. 고객신뢰 플러스 프론티어는 20~60대를 대표하는 오프라인 고객 20명과 전 연령층으로 구성된 온라인 고객 300명이 참여한다. 이들은 단순한 의견 수렴을 넘어 서비스 개선 과제 발굴과 솔루션 제안까지 수행하게 된다. 주요 과제로는 △보험 가치 제고를 위한 AI 서비스 △보험금 청구 화면 및 문구 개선 △건강보험 약관 용어 개선 △시니어 고객 대상 치매보험 인식 조사 등이 선정됐다. 고객패널은 향후 심층 간담회와 온라인 설문조사, 과제 수행 프로그램 등을 통해 활동을 이어갈 예정이다. 한화생명은 운영 성과를 정기적으로 점검하고 공유할 계획이다. 한화생명 관계자는 "고객신뢰 플러스 프론티어는 실제 서비스 기획과 의사결정 과정에 고객의 시각을 지속적으로 반영하는 소통 창구"라며 "고객패널의 다양한 의견을 유관 부서와 함께 검토해 서비스 개선에 적극 반영하겠다"고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:20:00
  • SK Telecom Supports Startups with Proprietary AI Model API to Expand AI Ecosystem
    SK Telecom Supports Startups with Proprietary AI Model API to Expand AI Ecosystem SK Telecom is providing its proprietary AI model-based API to support the development and validation of AI services by domestic startups. This initiative aims to expand the use of its unique AI foundation model (Dopamo) as part of a government-led startup support program.On July 26, SK Telecom announced its participation in the '2026 Everyone's Challenge AX-LLM,' organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. This program is designed to assist domestic startups in adopting and utilizing domestic AI models through necessary technical collaboration.SK Telecom is participating in this initiative to accumulate use cases for its A.X K1 model, which was developed by the end of last year, through the Dopamo. The goal is to broaden the application of its proprietary model within the startup and developer ecosystem.Seven demand companies with their own large language models (LLMs) are involved in this initiative: SK Telecom, Upstage, LG AI Research, NC AI, KT, Naver Cloud, and Oracle. Startups can choose one of these demand companies to submit their business plans, after which the demand companies will select partners for collaboration.SK Telecom received the most collaboration requests from startups among the demand companies. After a review involving external experts, three companies—Team Limited, Pursely, and Devol Company—were selected for final collaboration.Team Limited offers a personalized shopping curation agent based on a receipt platform. Pursely provides AI-based influencer marketing and promotion automation solutions, while Devol Company offers AI solutions for managing overdue debts.SK Telecom plans to provide the A.X K1 API to these three companies by the end of this year. The initiative will also be linked to the startup acceleration program 'SKTCH with AI' to support service enhancement and business validation.During the collaboration period, each startup will develop and validate AI services that can be utilized at customer touchpoints. They will transition their services to be based on the A.X K1 model and prepare for proof of concept (PoC) for future business collaboration with SK Telecom.Um Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's Sustainable Management Office, stated, 'Through collaboration with startups, we aim to expand the application of SK Telecom's proprietary AI model and contribute to the activation of the domestic AI ecosystem.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:20:00
  • KB Kookmin Bank Utilizes JP Morgans Blockchain Network to Accelerate Export and Import Payments
    KB Kookmin Bank Utilizes JP Morgan's Blockchain Network to Accelerate Export and Import Payments KB Kookmin Bank is set to launch an overseas payment service for export and import companies utilizing a blockchain payment network. This initiative aims to reduce payment times for businesses dealing with countries across significant time zones, such as the United States and the Middle East, and to enhance the speed of trade payment recovery.On July 26, KB Kookmin Bank announced that it will introduce a payment service for export and import companies linked to JP Morgan's blockchain division, Kinexys by J.P. Morgan, next month.KB Kookmin Bank is the first domestic financial institution to utilize Kinexys' blockchain payment network for export and import transactions.Kinexys is JP Morgan's blockchain payment infrastructure designed for institutional clients, including financial institutions and global corporations. The cumulative transaction volume has surpassed $4 trillion, with an average daily transaction amount of approximately $7 billion.The service supports remittances and foreign exchange payments linked to the existing Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment network, enabling near real-time fund transfers 24/7. It also offers a 'programmable payment' feature that allows for automatic payments when certain conditions are met.The service will be available through KB Kookmin Bank's domestic branches and its Singapore branch.Remittance is possible to 10 countries, including South Korea, the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and South Africa. Initially, remittances in U.S. dollars (USD) will be supported.A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "It is significant that we have connected global digital payment infrastructure with domestic corporate financial services. We will continue to expand financial services for corporate clients in line with changes in the cross-border payment environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:20:00
  • Hyundai Sponsors ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Southeast Asias Largest Football Festival
    Hyundai Sponsors ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Southeast Asia's Largest Football Festival Hyundai Motor Company announced that the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Southeast Asia's largest football festival, kicked off on July 24 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.Founded in 1996, the tournament has been renamed the ASEAN Hyundai Cup following Hyundai's first participation as a title sponsor this year. It is the most prestigious national football competition in Southeast Asia, held every two years, and in 2024, it recorded a cumulative viewership of over 540 million across TV and digital streaming platforms.This year's tournament runs from July 24 to August 26, featuring intense competition among national teams from 11 ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, all vying for the championship.Hyundai Motor recognizes football as a powerful platform that connects people and spreads positive values such as challenge, passion, and teamwork. The company has been actively sponsoring various tournaments and clubs.Through global partnerships, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa Libertadores, Hyundai aims to promote the values of unity and solidarity in sports while providing customers with a unique brand experience and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.The sponsorship of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup is significant as it offers Hyundai a strategic opportunity to engage with the Southeast Asian football ecosystem. The company plans to resonate with local fans and convey a brand message that encompasses diverse countries and cultures.To reflect this purpose, Hyundai is launching a promotional campaign and marketing program under the slogan 'Hyundai, Driving ASEAN as One.'On digital channels, Hyundai will showcase content in collaboration with popular influencer Arkan Dika, symbolizing ASEAN's cheering culture and the energy of the younger generation. Following the release of a main film featuring Arkan Dika on July 7, additional social content featuring him will be distributed during the tournament. Arkan Dika previously generated millions of memes on global social media with his cheering performance at an Indonesian traditional boat race last year.During the tournament, a participatory campaign will allow fans to decorate their personal vehicles with stickers. Free stickers reflecting the culture and enthusiasm of various Southeast Asian countries will be distributed to football fans at offline dealer networks and stadium fan booths. Vehicles adorned with these stickers are expected to serve as mobile platforms promoting the ASEAN Hyundai Cup.Prior to the tournament's opening, a trophy tour visited major countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, providing numerous fans with the opportunity to see the championship trophy up close. After the tournament's commencement, Hyundai is actively fulfilling its role as a title sponsor through various activities, including stadium branding, a kids' escort program, and broadcast graphic exposure.During the tournament, Hyundai will offer various purchase promotions, including down payment support and special discounts for customers who buy vehicles. Additionally, events for group match viewings at dealer showrooms, official merchandise giveaways, and prize draws for opportunities to attend the finals will enhance customers' brand experience.Meanwhile, Hyundai plans to officially sponsor a total of 10 tournaments, including club, U-23, and women's competitions organized by ASEAN UNITED FC, through 2028, including its participation as a title sponsor for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:16:00
  • Samsung to Launch AI Glasses Focused on Comfort and Design
    Samsung to Launch AI Glasses Focused on Comfort and Design Samsung Electronics is set to launch artificial intelligence (AI) glasses that prioritize comfort and design. The company aims to create glasses that can be worn all day without discomfort, focusing on minimizing weight and improving balance, heat dissipation, and overall wearability.Choi Jae-in, Vice President and Head of the XR Development Team at Samsung's MX Division, stated during a briefing on July 23 in London that "many companies can create AI glasses, but making a product that people want to wear every day is a completely different challenge." He emphasized that the primary goal was to create glasses that are appealing at first glance and comfortable for all-day wear.The development of the 'Intelligent Eyewear,' a collaboration between Samsung and Google, aims to differentiate itself from existing AI glasses. Rather than prioritizing technical performance, the focus is on design and user experience. Choi noted, "Glasses are a fashion item and a means of personal expression. True AI glasses should not replace smartphones but rather provide a new interface that helps users understand the world and naturally extends mobile AI experiences beyond the screen."Samsung has leveraged its expertise in ultra-compact design from its mobile business. The glasses feature a slim hinge structure, ultra-thin injection technology, and lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminum. The internal components have been reconfigured to balance weight, minimizing any tendency to tilt when worn. Additionally, a new heat dissipation structure has been designed to prevent heat from the device from reaching the user's face.Choi expressed confidence that engineers have worked tirelessly to reduce weight to within 0.1 grams, asserting that these will be the lightest AI glasses available. While the actual weight has not been disclosed, he repeatedly emphasized that they are lighter than competing products from companies like Meta.Quality assurance standards exceed those of existing smartphones. Samsung has conducted tests for high temperature and humidity, human safety, durability specific to eyewear, and even repeated applications of sunscreen. This is due to the need for the glasses to maintain performance in everyday conditions, including exposure to sunscreen, sweat, and UV rays. The glasses can be used for up to nine hours on a single charge and come with a case that allows for more than seven additional charges.Rather than replacing smartphones, the focus is on expanding the AI experience. The Intelligent Eyewear includes a camera, sensors, microphone, and open speakers, enabling users to check messages, receive real-time translations, get directions, and take photos using only their voice. Notably, it incorporates Google's latest 'Gemini Live' technology, allowing the AI to understand the user's surroundings in real time.The core technology is 'split computing,' where heavy AI processing is handled by a Galaxy smartphone while the glasses perform only necessary functions. This structure allows for a thin and lightweight design while maintaining AI performance. Choi explained, "High-performance processing is handled by the smartphone, while the glasses serve to expand the experience," adding that the goal is to naturally extend mobile AI experiences beyond the screen rather than replace smartphones. He expressed pride in being the first major mobile brand to introduce glasses, highlighting the technological possibilities they can explore.The integration with the Galaxy ecosystem is also a significant advantage. Users can immediately view recorded videos in the smartphone's 'Now Bar' and gallery, and control calls and music using gestures from a Galaxy Watch. Existing mobile apps like Samsung Notes, translation services, and Google Maps can be used seamlessly without additional setup. Basic compatibility with both Android and iOS ensures broad usability.Samsung has also focused on privacy protection, a key concern for the adoption of AI glasses. An LED indicator lights up during recording, and the camera is designed to operate only when worn on the face. There is also a feature that disables recording if the LED is covered or taped over. User voice data and video will not be used for AI model training.Samsung views this product as the starting point for the AI glasses market. Choi stated, "Rather than incorporating all technologies at once, we will gradually expand necessary features based on consumer feedback," adding, "Just as Samsung set new standards for form factors, we will create new benchmarks in the AI glasses market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:16:00
  • President Yoon Proposes U.S.-Korea Startup Alliance, Signs MOU with Six VCs
    President Yoon Proposes U.S.-Korea Startup Alliance, Signs MOU with Six VCs President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed expanding U.S.-Korea cooperation beyond security to include technology, innovation, and startups during a meeting with prominent venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. The National Pension Service (NPS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six major U.S. VCs to establish a framework for supporting domestic startups in attracting overseas investment and entering the U.S. market.Speaking at the 'Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup' on July 25, Yoon stated, "Korea and the U.S. should broaden our cooperation from a long-standing security alliance to a technology, innovation, and startup alliance."Following meetings with global tech CEOs the previous day, Yoon discussed strategies for increasing investment in Korean startups with leading Silicon Valley investors known for identifying early-stage tech companies.On that day, the NPS signed MOUs with six VCs: Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, and Khosla Ventures.The total assets under management of the participating VCs amount to $313 billion, approximately 458 trillion won.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung noted in a written briefing that the gathering of the NPS, one of the world's top three pension funds with assets of 1,690 trillion won, and major Silicon Valley investors to discuss U.S.-Korea startup investment cooperation is significant.These VCs are recognized as key players in identifying the growth potential of innovative companies. Sequoia Capital has made early investments in Apple, NVIDIA, and Google, while Andreessen Horowitz has invested in Meta, Instagram, and defense startup Anduril. Khosla Ventures also made early investments in OpenAI in 2019.Andreessen Horowitz has recently opened an office in Korea, demonstrating its commitment to venture investment in the country. The NPS and the six VCs aim to expand strategic cooperation with Korea's innovation ecosystem and establish a long-term partnership to jointly discover promising innovative companies and global investment opportunities.Yoon emphasized, "Korea is an irreplaceable hub of innovation that can offer new growth opportunities to global investors, and we will create the best environment for investment and entrepreneurship in the world."He added, "The U.S. has top-tier venture investment capabilities and a global network, while Korea possesses excellent technology, manufacturing competitiveness, and a dynamic startup ecosystem. If we combine our strengths, we can create the next generation of leading companies like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and Naver that will lead the world in innovation."Yoon also highlighted the role of venture capitalists, stating, "They are not just providers of funds but partners in innovation who discover technological potential and connect strategies and networks to help startups leap into the global market."He noted that when promising Korean startups meet global investment capabilities, investors gain new growth opportunities, and startups can establish a foothold in the global market, creating a successful innovation model where investors and companies grow together.The government plans to improve visa regulations that hinder the influx of overseas entrepreneurial talent and expand collaborative foundations connecting domestic and international companies, research institutions, and investment organizations. The government will also integrate funds from the Korean Growth Fund, the National Pension Service, and private capital to comprehensively support promising startups in their growth into global companies.During a subsequent roundtable, participants shared trends in global venture investment and investment cases related to Korean companies, discussing challenges in improving Korea's investment environment and cooperation between the U.S. and Korean venture ecosystems.Global VC representatives identified a culture that allows for recovery from failure and appropriate investment as essential elements for the success of startups in Korea.In response, Yoon expressed appreciation for the insightful suggestions, stating, "I will work on policies to create a society that provides entrepreneurial opportunities for all citizens, including the youth."He also mentioned that he gained much inspiration from the proposals to improve Korea's investment environment and inquired with Chief Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom and First Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Roh Yong-seok about more feasible ways to connect universities and investors, urging them to review specific policies.Yoon concluded by urging, "Let the world's talent, technology, and capital gather in Korea to create growth opportunities for the next 30 years, and be a strong partner for an irreplaceable Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:16:00
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Unveiled with AI Coaching Features
    Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Unveiled with AI Coaching Features On a sunny afternoon in London’s St. James's Park, the area adjacent to Buckingham Palace was bustling with citizens and tourists enjoying the warm weather. The park's lush greenery, swans, and pelicans attracted runners along its scenic paths.I ventured into the park for a running experience, wearing the Galaxy Watch 9, which Samsung unveiled on July 22. Joining me was BullyJuice, a global health creator with 10 million YouTube subscribers.Before starting, I set the running mode on the Galaxy Watch 9. Once I pressed the start button, the watch displayed real-time data on distance, speed, and heart rate. Although St. James's Park has a relatively flat terrain with various paths, the Galaxy Watch 9 accurately tracked my route.One of the most impressive features was the voice guidance. Shortly after I increased my speed, I received a prompt saying, "Your current pace is faster than your target. Please slow down." This voice feedback helped me manage my pace effectively. When I was tempted to match BullyJuice's brisk pace, the watch's coaching feature prevented me from overexerting myself.The Samsung Health running coach analyzes users' fitness levels and provides personalized training programs. After completing a 12-minute running test, the watch assigns a running level from 1 to 10 based on endurance and fitness. It then automatically recommends suitable training from over 160 specialized programs, ranging from basic fitness to high-intensity workouts.As I ran alongside BullyJuice, the Galaxy Watch 9 encouraged me to maintain a steady rhythm rather than compete for speed. The beautiful scenery of London’s park, combined with the AI coach on my wrist and the presence of a famous YouTuber, made the 3 kilometers feel remarkably short.After finishing the run, I enjoyed reviewing my workout results. The Galaxy Watch 9 not only measured distance and heart rate but also analyzed my fitness and recovery status, providing tailored insights.A new feature, the 'Fitness Index,' comprehensively analyzes personal fitness metrics, including body composition and cardiovascular endurance. It compares users' physical strengths and areas for improvement against others in the same age group using Samsung Health. The 'Daily Load' feature assesses the strain on the heart from daily activities and exercise, advising whether to continue exercising or take a break.The 'Hydration Guide' is another notable addition, alerting users to potential dehydration by measuring sweat loss relative to body weight. This feature helps prevent exhaustion and injuries during long runs or trail running, ensuring appropriate exercise levels.The Galaxy Watch 9 has also improved wearability for extended health data monitoring. It maintains a 'cushion design' with a round display encased in a square body, using a lightweight aluminum frame and soft silicone band. It fits securely on the wrist, minimizing movement during runs.Performance has been enhanced as well. The watch is equipped with the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, improving data processing speed, and the 40mm model features a 390mAh battery, a 20% increase from its predecessor. The display, with a maximum brightness of 3000 nits, allows users to clearly view workout metrics even in bright outdoor conditions.Samsung aims to position the Galaxy Watch 9 not just as a fitness tracker but as a proactive health management device. New features include 'Biometric Signs,' which detect changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen saturation during sleep, as well as a 'Heart Health Score' that analyzes sleep, activity levels, and body composition.After completing the short 3-kilometer run, we gathered by the lake in St. James's Park. The heart rate, pace, and exercise load data that I might have overlooked alone were now recorded on my wrist. Running in London’s park with a renowned health YouTuber, enhanced by personalized advice from an AI running coach, made for a uniquely enjoyable experience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 10:16:00