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  • Hedges Global Order Meeting Transforms with AI in Myeongdong
    Hedge's Global Order Meeting Transforms with AI in Myeongdong On July 23, at the LF Hedge flagship store 'Space H Seoul' in Myeongdong, Seoul, visitors passed through a mint-colored space inspired by London's Portobello Market to view the Spring/Summer 2027 collection, which featured vibrant pink, green, red, and orange displays. International buyers explored the exhibition using an AI digital lookbook instead of traditional Excel order forms. This innovative global order meeting by Hedge combines the story of Notting Hill in London with the essence of Seoul and an AI ordering system. Hedge is hosting its global order meeting for the Spring/Summer 2027 season at this location until July 7. The entire building, covering approximately 1,200 square meters, showcases over 800 products that Hedge plans to sell in the first half of next year. The theme for the season is 'Notting Hill - The Color of London.' Hedge emphasizes a 'brand experience order meeting' that presents both the brand's narrative and its clothing. Kim Hoon, Hedge's Global Creative Director, stated, "When we create not just the clothes but also the atmosphere and story, people can more easily embrace the collection. We naturally connected the collection to Seoul, the city that excites the younger generation, and Notting Hill in London." The exhibition begins with the vintage colors of the Portobello Market in the UK. As the season transitions from spring to summer, the materials become lighter and the colors more vivid. Prints created by the British fabric brand Liberty for Hedge incorporate the Hedge logo and the brand's symbol, the English Pointer. Korean elements are subtly integrated into the colors and materials rather than being overtly displayed. The iconic collection on the 1.5th floor features the traditional five colors of Korea. The denim line 'Hedge Blue,' showcased on the 2.5th floor, captures the transformation from undyed fabric to deep indigo. The curves of the traditional Korean moon jar are expressed in denim silhouettes, and patchwork pieces made from leftover fabric by master seamstress Park Young-ae are also featured.Hedge's business division head, Choi Woo-il, identified Hedge Blue as the next global strategic collection. He noted, "We see denim not just as a single item but as a material that can create a variety of products. In the long term, we aim to grow Hedge Blue to the extent that it could furnish an entire overseas store by itself."This order meeting marks the introduction of AI into Hedge's operations. Buyers can view complete outfits in the AI-generated digital lookbook, examine materials, prices, and sizes for each product, and input their order quantities. Once items are added to the cart, the orders are automatically totaled and sent through a B2B system. Choi emphasized, "We have ensured that the storytelling on-site translates directly into actual orders, simplifying product planning, evaluations, orders, and sales tasks." Hedge is also expanding its international market. After achieving sales of 1 trillion won last year, Hedge operates 600 stores in China, 18 in Taiwan, 9 in Vietnam, and 2 in Russia. The company is preparing to open its first store in Hong Kong in September and plans to enter Thailand and India next year. It is also seeking local partners in France and the Middle East. Ahn Yong-seok, head of the overseas business division, stated, "Hedge prefers local entry through partnerships rather than direct expansion, but we can consider joint investments or joint ventures if necessary."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:40:00
  • Shinsegaes Personalized AI Recognized at Top Global Conference, Set for Retail Launch
    Shinsegae's Personalized AI Recognized at Top Global Conference, Set for Retail Launch Shinsegae Department Store's personalized artificial intelligence (AI) analysis technology, developed in collaboration with Seoul National University, has been recognized for its excellence at a leading global AI conference. On July 23, Shinsegae announced that its 'AI-based personalized customer analysis technology,' developed over a year with the university's Graduate School of Data Science, was accepted as a paper at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) this month. This marks the first time a research outcome from a domestic department store has been included in ICML, a premier international academic conference where major tech companies and top university researchers present the latest AI technologies. For this research, Shinsegae processed approximately 200 million shopping data points from both online and offline sources into 'AI-ready data' to enable the AI to understand and learn independently. The technology models complex variables, including not just purchase history but also store visit patterns and preferred brands, laying the groundwork for precise connections between customers and products. With this technology, even when users open the same Shinsegae Department Store app, they will see completely different personalized screens. For instance, a 40-year-old man interested in sports might see travel packages for soccer matches and discounts on sports brands, while a 30-year-old woman who enjoys wine might receive recommendations for tours of Italian wine regions and limited-edition wine events at the top of her screen. Building on this achievement, Shinsegae plans to introduce an 'AI Sales Agent' in its retail operations early next year. This system will serve as a 'work AI assistant' that helps staff develop marketing and promotional strategies by analyzing customer characteristics and purchasing patterns in real time. Preliminary simulations based on this recommendation technology have shown that the average purchase amount per customer could increase by as much as 46%. Lee Seong-hwan, Executive Director of Sales Strategy at Shinsegae Department Store, stated, "In the future, Shinsegae will continue to enhance customer experience and retail innovation based on AI technology, strengthening data-driven decision-making to create a new retail paradigm." Meanwhile, the competition in AI among department stores is shifting from simple consultations and content creation to the decision-making stage in sales. Lotte Department Store is utilizing a conversational 'BI Agent' for customer analysis, while Hyundai Department Store has deployed an AI mentor named 'Hi,' trained on the work experiences of in-house experts. The introduction of Shinsegae's AI Sales Agent is expected to intensify the competition in customer analysis and product planning among the three major department stores.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:40:00
  • Hanmi Group Sponsors 8th National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired
    Hanmi Group Sponsors 8th National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired Hanmi Group has announced its sponsorship of the 8th National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired. The company will support the introduction of a new creative menu category, aiming to enhance the professional skills and social opportunities for hearing-impaired baristas.The competition, organized by the Cheong-eum Welfare Center, is designed to discover the professional capabilities of hearing-impaired baristas and expand their employment and social participation opportunities.Any hearing-impaired individual capable of making coffee can participate in the competition. Applications are open until July 31, and participants can submit their applications via a QR code on the competition poster. The preliminary round will take place on September 19 at the Cheong-eum Welfare Center, with the finals scheduled for October 24 at the Ilwon Eco Park Center.The competition will feature a main category evaluating latte art skills and a new creative menu category utilizing 'Unsweetened Soy Milk.' This year, the introduction of the creative menu category reflects the growing demand for unsweetened plant-based beverages. Participants will showcase their menus using Hanmi Science's 'Unsweetened Soy Milk from Domestic Beans.' Outstanding participants will receive the 'Unsweetened Soy Milk Creativity Award.'Hanmi Group explained that through this sponsorship, it aims to support hearing-impaired baristas in developing not only coffee-making skills but also menu planning and development capabilities.Additionally, Hanmi Group has been actively engaged in social contribution activities to create stable working environments for people with disabilities and to promote their social participation. At the company's in-house café, 'Equal Garden,' six baristas, including those with severe hearing impairments and developmental disabilities, are employed, with support from a rehabilitation counselor for job management and adaptation.A Hanmi Group representative stated, 'The barista profession is evolving into a specialized field that requires high creativity and practical skills. We hope this sponsorship will help hearing-impaired baristas showcase their abilities and achieve independence as members of society.'Moreover, Hanmi Group continues its long-standing public service campaign, the 'Love Blood Donation Campaign,' which has been ongoing for 46 years, demonstrating its commitment to sharing life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:40:00
  • Samsung, Hyundai chiefs join Nvidia-led global AI forum advisory board
    Samsung, Hyundai chiefs join Nvidia-led global AI forum advisory board SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun have joined the advisory board of a global artificial intelligence (AI) forum led by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, U.S. digital media outlet Semafor reported on Wednesday. Along with more than 40 industry leaders including Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Sony Group CEO Hiroki Totoki, and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, Lee and Chung were named to the advisory board for the inaugural "Silicon Valley & the World" forum, which will be held in Silicon Valley in November and bring together about 350 founders, CEOs, investors and policymakers from around the world. The forum aims to connect innovators developing transformative technologies with policymakers, business leaders and investors, providing a platform to share best practices and address future opportunities and challenges. Separately, Lee and Chung are scheduled to meet with Huang at a two-day AI summit in San Francisco this weekend. President Lee Jae Myung is also expected to attend the gathering during the U.S. leg of his multinational tour, which begins this Friday and lasts through Aug. 3, with stops including Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Germany. 2026-07-23 15:38:42
  • Kyungdong Navien Ranked First in Boiler A/S Service Quality for Eight Consecutive Years
    Kyungdong Navien Ranked First in Boiler A/S Service Quality for Eight Consecutive Years Kyungdong Navien has been recognized for its efforts to improve service quality in the A/S sector.On July 23, Kyungdong Navien announced that it has been ranked first in the home boiler A/S category for eight consecutive years in the customer contact survey conducted by the Korea Management Association Consulting (KMAC) as part of the Korean Service Quality Index (KSQI).As the first in the industry to operate a 24/7 phone consultation service, Kyungdong Navien has expanded customer contact through various channels, including its website and KakaoTalk chat. The company also provides real-time video consultations through its 'Navien Video Support' mobile app, allowing for more accurate and prompt guidance on troubleshooting and solutions.In 2023, Kyungdong Navien became the first in the boiler industry to receive the Consumer-Centered Management (CCM) certification for the seventh consecutive time, earning a place in the 'CCM Excellence Certification Hall of Fame.' The company continued this streak by obtaining the CCM certification again in 2025, marking its eighth consecutive certification.Recently, the company has enhanced the convenience and speed of customer consultations by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In 2021, Kyungdong Navien introduced the 'Navien AI Service,' which analyzes error codes when users upload photos of gas boiler indoor temperature controllers, providing self-help solutions tailored to the situation. In 2024, the company plans to establish an Intelligent Customer Center (AICC) to allow customers to access the 'AI Guide Ebot' chat service through the 'Navien House' online platform and mobile app for any inquiries.Additionally, Kyungdong Navien has been ranked first in the gas boiler category of the National Brand Competitiveness Index (NBCI) for seven consecutive years, recognized for its contributions to energy efficiency and environmental protection as the first in Asia to develop a condensing boiler.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:36:00
  • KT CEO Park Yoon-young Considers Media Subsidiary Integration, Cautious on Tving-Wave Merger
    KT CEO Park Yoon-young Considers Media Subsidiary Integration, Cautious on Tving-Wave Merger KT CEO Park Yoon-young stated that he is contemplating the integration of the company's media subsidiaries.On July 23, Park spoke with reporters after a meeting with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the CEOs of the three major telecommunications companies at SK Telecom's T Tower in Seoul. He noted, "The times are changing, and we are considering this matter," adding that no specific decisions have been made.Earlier, there were speculations that Park was reviewing the integration of KT's media subsidiaries, including Genie Music and Millie's Library.Park also expressed caution regarding the potential merger of Tving and Wave. Concerns have been raised that KT Studio Genie, a major shareholder, has not agreed to the merger.In response, Park said, "We have not received any official requests," and emphasized the need to evaluate what position would benefit the industry, the company, and its partners, given the changing content market.Regarding Edge AI, Park highlighted the importance of infrastructure, stating, "KT has 3,500 local offices, which can be utilized as advanced data centers, or Edge AI." He added, "We will be the first to participate when the government launches pilot projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:36:00
  • Check Card Notifications When Traveling Abroad; Change to App Push for SIM Use
    Check Card Notifications When Traveling Abroad; Change to App Push for SIM Use To prevent loss, theft, and fraudulent use of credit cards while traveling abroad this summer, travelers should set up payment notifications and usage limits before departure. The Financial Supervisory Service provided guidance on July 23 based on major dispute cases to help consumers use credit cards safely both domestically and internationally. When using ATMs at foreign airports or train stations, it is important to shield the keypad to prevent exposure of the PIN. If a transaction is completed with a correctly entered PIN, the cardholder may be held responsible, making it difficult to receive compensation for any losses. Travelers should also be cautious of card cloning and information leaks at private ATMs in secluded areas or at street vendors and bars where the payment process cannot be directly monitored. Using a foreign SIM card may prevent travelers from receiving payment notifications sent via domestic text messages. It is advisable to switch to KakaoTalk or app push notifications from the card issuer before leaving and to save the contact information for the card issuer's lost card reporting center. If a card is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the card issuer and local police. Without a police report or location information at the time of the transaction, compensation for fraudulent payments may be limited. Additionally, lending a personal card to family members may complicate compensation under the terms of service, so it is recommended to obtain separate family member cards. The Financial Supervisory Service urged travelers to utilize domestic payment blocking services to prevent fraudulent transactions occurring while abroad. KB Kookmin Card and Hyundai Card offer such services, while Hana and Shinhan Cards are expected to implement them by the end of this month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:36:00
  • NH Distribution Declares Commitment to Ethical Management
    NH Distribution Declares Commitment to Ethical Management NH Distribution, which operates the agricultural specialty store Hanaro Mart, announced on July 22 that it held an 'Ethical Management Declaration Ceremony' at its headquarters auditorium.During the ceremony, employees recited a 'Commitment to Restoring Trust and Self-Cleansing' statement, reaffirming their dedication to establishing a transparent organizational culture and practicing ethical management. The statement outlined four key commitments: combating corruption, fostering a culture of integrity, complying with laws, and eradicating the provision of money and gifts.A representative from NH Distribution stated, "With this declaration, we will establish ethical standards and strive to embody the values of NH, earning the trust of the public."NH Distribution plans to continue initiatives such as evaluating the integrity of senior employees, providing ethical management training for staff, and conducting case-based training to prevent incidents.Additionally, NH Distribution has recently ventured into live commerce using Naver Shopping Live, aiming to expand its online customer reach and support the distribution of agricultural and livestock products beyond its offline Hanaro Mart sales structure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:28:00
  • President Lee Calls for Real Estate Tax Reform Amid Rising Prices
    President Lee Calls for Real Estate Tax Reform Amid Rising Prices President Lee Jae-myung stated that the current situation of rising real estate prices and low property tax burdens is a "problem that will eventually burst," emphasizing the need for institutional reform even at the cost of political backlash. He suggested that rather than uniformly increasing property taxes, the burden should be differentiated based on factors such as residency status, housing prices, the number of properties owned, and location. He also noted that the existing protections for single-homeowners have contributed to the so-called 'one good house' phenomenon.During the 'National Forum on Real Estate Policy' held on July 23 in Yeouido, Seoul, President Lee remarked, "To normalize our property tax to a level typical of advanced countries, we would need to raise it at least threefold," but cautioned that such an increase could lead to near-riot conditions. He added, "We must prepare for this, even if it incurs some political costs. It will eventually burst. I do not know which generation will face it, but it will have a tremendous impact on South Korea."President Lee referenced Japan's long-term real estate stagnation, stating, "Prices kept rising until they reached a breaking point, leading to discussions of 'lost 20 years, lost 30 years.'" He expressed concern that South Korea might be heading toward a similar peak, warning that the rapid increase in housing prices and rising household debt could lead to long-term economic instability.However, he emphasized that any increase in property taxes should be designed gradually and differentially. He proposed establishing a reasonable tax burden based on typical single-homeownership, while lowering tax burdens for primary residences, affordable housing for low- and middle-income families, and properties in rural areas. Conversely, he indicated that taxes could be increased for high-value homes, multiple properties, and those clearly intended for investment or speculation.President Lee also diagnosed that the existing tax benefits for single-homeowners have exacerbated the 'one good house' phenomenon. He stated, "By respecting and protecting one household, one home, we have treated all homes equally, regardless of their price, leading to the most efficient investment in a single property for profit."He further noted, "Without distinguishing between residential and investment or speculative properties, significant issues can arise from small loopholes," emphasizing that the pressure for investment and speculation in the South Korean real estate market is so high that even minor gaps can lead to major problems. He also mentioned that cases where individuals cannot temporarily reside due to work or children's education should not be classified as investment properties.President Lee highlighted the need for a safety net in light of increased property taxes. He warned that without adjustments to transaction taxes and capital gains tax systems, the effect of increased property taxes on the market could be limited. He suggested that the burden of property taxes could be partially recognized as a cost in the capital gains tax calculation.Regarding the jeonse loan system, he stated, "It seems time for adjustments." He pointed out that providing nearly unlimited jeonse loans in the name of supporting the public has led to rising housing prices, as excessive guarantees and loans have contributed to the risk of jeonse fraud and increased housing prices.The government is expected to review the opinions presented at this forum and incorporate some into a tax reform plan as early as the end of this month. Subsequent measures in the supply and financial sectors are also anticipated to be detailed in phases. 2026-07-23 15:24:00
  • Hyundai Glovis Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 495 Billion Won, Exceeding Market Expectations
    Hyundai Glovis Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 495 Billion Won, Exceeding Market Expectations Hyundai Glovis reported an operating profit of 495 billion won for the second quarter of this year, surpassing market expectations. The company attributed its strong performance to the expansion of its global supply chain, which also led to record sales for the quarter.In a conference call on July 23, Hyundai Glovis announced that its second-quarter sales reached 8.7054 trillion won, a 15.8% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the highest quarterly sales in its history. The operating profit was 495 billion won, reflecting an 8.1% decrease from the previous year, with an operating profit margin of 5.7%.Despite rising geopolitical tensions, including factors in the Middle East, Hyundai Glovis credited its stable global supply chain management capabilities for its solid results.A company representative stated, “The temporary decline in profitability due to short-term oil price increases is something we can recover from in the second half of the year. We will strengthen our business competitiveness based on our consistent profit capacity.”Looking at performance by business segment, the logistics sector recorded second-quarter sales of 2.8558 trillion won and an operating profit of 191.8 billion won. Sales increased by 10.3% compared to the same period last year, driven by growth in non-affiliated operations and North American inland transportation volumes. However, operating profit decreased by 5.9% due to lower contract rates influenced by container market conditions.The shipping business reported sales of 1.6441 trillion won and an operating profit of 130.9 billion won. Sales increased by 20.9% year-on-year, while operating profit fell by 34.6%. Although sales rose due to increased volumes from non-affiliated manufacturers in China, profitability was constrained by rising oil prices linked to geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The temporarily reduced operating profit is expected to gradually recover as freight rates stabilize in the second half of the year.Hyundai Glovis explained, “The decrease in operating profit is due to the timing of cost recognition rather than a change in business competitiveness. The volume of finished vehicle maritime transport remains robust.”In the retail sector, sales reached 4.2055 trillion won, with an operating profit of 172.3 billion won, representing increases of 17.9% and 27.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The strong performance was influenced by the commencement of CKD exports to assembly plants in emerging markets and growth in trading activities due to increased non-ferrous metal volumes.Meanwhile, Hyundai Glovis's total sales for the first half of 2026, including the second-quarter results, amounted to 16.5181 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.1165 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:20:00