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Specialized Online Retailers Gain Ground Over General Marketplaces In South Korea's e-commerce market, specialized retailers are becoming more prominent than general marketplaces. While the growth of comprehensive malls has slowed, specialized platforms focusing on fashion, beauty, and household goods are rapidly expanding. As consumer interests become more segmented and inflation drives demand for value, vertical commerce is emerging as a new growth driver.According to the National Data Agency, the online shopping transaction growth rate was 8.6% in January and 5.3% in February, followed by 13.4% in March, 10.0% in April, and 10.3% in May, maintaining a double-digit growth for three consecutive months. In May, the transaction volume for comprehensive malls reached 13.38 trillion won, a 7.8% increase, while specialized malls saw a 13.3% increase to 11.63 trillion won.The annual transaction volume for specialized malls, which was 100.64 trillion won in 2023, is projected to grow to 114.15 trillion won in 2024 and 124.67 trillion won in 2025. As of May this year, the cumulative transaction volume reached 55.87 trillion won, marking a 13.7% increase compared to the same period last year.Changes are also evident in app user numbers. According to Wise App and Retail, the specialized mall app with the highest monthly average users (MAU) in April was Abley, with 9.98 million users, surpassing AliExpress (8.57 million) and Temu (8 million) for the first quarter of this year. Other notable performers include Olive Young, Daiso, and Musinsa, collectively known as 'Oldamu.' Olive Young's users increased from 7.73 million in April last year to 8.83 million this April, while Daiso Mall grew from 3.8 million to 5.13 million. Musinsa also saw an increase from 7.28 million to 7.4 million during the same period.In contrast, comprehensive malls and Chinese e-commerce apps are experiencing a slowdown. 11th Street's MAU dropped from 8.93 million in April last year to 7.7 million this year. AliExpress fell from 8.81 million to 8.57 million, and Temu decreased from 8.48 million to 8 million. Gmarket also saw a decline, dropping from the 7 million range last year to 6.9 million in the first quarter of this year.Industry experts suggest that consumers are increasingly favoring specialized malls that offer curated product selections and recommendations over general marketplaces that simply aggregate a wide range of products. This trend is particularly pronounced in categories like fashion and beauty, where personal preferences play a significant role. Additionally, rising inflation has heightened price sensitivity, driving demand for relatively cheaper products in specific categories, further supporting the growth of specialized malls.The targeted strategies of specialized malls have also proven effective. Abley, the leading company in MAU, utilizes data accumulated from 150 billion transactions annually to provide optimized recommendation services that reflect consumer preferences in real-time.An e-commerce industry insider stated, "Recent consumers are seeking more specialized product assortments and information in their areas of interest, and specialized malls appear to be quickly absorbing this demand."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:04:00
South Korea Eases Regulations for Biosimilar Development The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has relaxed requirements for submitting clinical trial data and certain animal testing materials during the development of biosimilars. This move aims to reduce the burden on domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies and enhance their global competitiveness. On July 14, the KFDA announced the implementation of revised regulations for the approval and review of biological products. Biosimilars are biological medicines that have demonstrated quality and non-clinical and clinical comparability to existing approved drugs. According to the revisions, if quality, non-clinical, and pharmacokinetic comparability are established, the submission of clinical trial data from Phase 3 can be waived. Previously, both Phase 1 and Phase 3 clinical trial data were required for biosimilar approval. The requirements for animal testing have also been eased. If quality and pharmacological comparability are confirmed, the submission of repeated-dose toxicity test data can be omitted. This change aligns with international regulatory trends aimed at reducing unnecessary animal testing. This revision follows a bio-innovation strategy meeting chaired by the President in September of last year. The KFDA stated that it revised the regulations based on feedback from industry stakeholders through public-private consultations. Earlier this year, the KFDA published guidelines on the criteria for determining the necessity of Phase 3 clinical trials for biosimilars and established a system for pre-reviewing clinical trial plans in the early stages of development. The KFDA expressed optimism that the revisions will reduce development time and costs, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of domestic companies. It also emphasized its commitment to ongoing regulatory innovation based on scientific evidence and safety. Meanwhile, the growth of the biosimilar and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sectors has driven record production and exports of pharmaceuticals. According to KFDA data, pharmaceutical production reached 33.8466 trillion won last year, a 3.0% increase from the previous year. For the first time, domestic pharmaceutical exports surpassed $10 billion (approximately 15.5 trillion won), marking the highest production figures since related statistics began in 1998.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:04:00
Mandatory Electronic Shareholder Meetings for Companies with Over 2 Trillion Won in Assets Starting January Companies listed on the stock exchange with total assets exceeding 2 trillion won will be required to hold electronic shareholder meetings starting in January, making it easier for shareholders to exercise their voting rights.According to the Ministry of Justice on July 14, an amendment to the commercial law to introduce electronic shareholder meetings was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung.The amendment aims to address the difficulties shareholders have faced in exercising their rights due to the concentration of shareholder meetings at specific times and locations, often referred to as 'Super Shareholder Meeting Day.'As a result, the amendment mandates that companies with total assets exceeding 2 trillion won must hold electronic shareholder meetings, allowing domestic and international shareholders to participate and exercise their rights from anywhere. As of the end of last year, there were 210 companies with total assets exceeding 2 trillion won, including 201 on the KOSPI and 9 on the KOSDAQ.The Ministry of Justice plans to conduct a mock electronic shareholder meeting in collaboration with the Korea Securities Depository in the second half of this year to help companies and shareholders understand and utilize the electronic meeting system. They aim to ensure a smooth implementation of the electronic shareholder meeting system starting January 1, 2027.Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "The introduction of electronic shareholder meetings has created an environment where domestic and international shareholders can exercise their rights without barriers of distance and time. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work to enhance shareholder participation and facilitate closer communication between companies and shareholders."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:04:00
Despite Increase in Foreign Visitors, Duty-Free Spending Declines Despite a noticeable increase in foreign visitors to South Korea, the mood in the duty-free industry is not entirely positive. While the number of visitors to duty-free shops has risen, the average spending per person has actually decreased. In response, the industry is focusing on enhancing price competitiveness, expanding premium brands, and offering experiential content and VIP services to boost spending. According to the Korea Duty Free Association, sales at domestic duty-free shops reached 1.1117 trillion won in May, a 5.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of buyers rose by 1.8% to 2.62 million. However, the trend among foreign consumers was different. In May, the number of foreign buyers increased by 3.0% to 1,229,264, but foreign sales fell by 2.5% to 857 billion won. Consequently, the average spending per foreign customer dropped from approximately 737,000 won in April to about 697,000 won in May, a decrease of 5.3%. This indicates that while tourist numbers are up, actual spending has contracted. Industry experts attribute this decline to changes in foreign consumer behavior. There is a growing trend for foreign visitors to shop directly in areas like Myeongdong, Seongsu, and Hannam-dong, with stores like Olive Young, Daiso, and Musinsa becoming essential shopping destinations for foreigners, leading to a reduced focus on duty-free shops. In response, the duty-free industry is working hard to secure price competitiveness. Lotte, Shilla, Shinsegae, and Hyundai Duty Free have recently raised their internal exchange rate for domestic brand products from 1,450 won to 1,500 won. This adjustment is seen as a necessary measure to maintain the price competitiveness of domestic brands amid prolonged high exchange rates. As the exchange rate increases, the dollar-based selling price decreases, which could result in a perceived price reduction of about 3-4% for foreign customers. VIP customer services are also being enhanced. Shinsegae Duty Free officially launched its premium pickup service, the 'Airport Mobility Service,' on July 13. Customers traveling abroad can book a vehicle to transport them comfortably between their homes and the airport at their preferred time and location, with professional drivers providing the service. Lotte Duty Free has partnered with the luxury travel concierge platform 'Paris Class' since May to offer one-on-one premium travel concierge services for VIP customers. Shinsegae Duty Free is also targeting young international tourists with experiential content, such as a pop-up featuring AI wearable products at its Myeongdong store. An industry representative stated, "The previous structure where some customers purchased high-priced items in bulk is gradually weakening. Strategies that enhance price competitiveness, premium brands, experiential content, and VIP services will become increasingly important for increasing customer dwell time and conversion rates in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:00:00
Final Negotiations on Minimum Wage Set at 690 Won: Labor Demands Bold Increase, Business Claims Limits Reached As final negotiations for next year's minimum wage begin, labor and management continue to engage in last-minute tensions. Public members have indicated that system improvements are necessary for progress in minimum wage discussions.On July 14, the Minimum Wage Commission held its 14th full meeting at the Government Sejong Center to continue discussions on the minimum wage level for the upcoming year. During the 13th full meeting on July 9, labor representatives proposed a wage of 11,220 won per hour, while management suggested 10,530 won. The gap between the two sides has narrowed from an initial 1,680 won to 690 won.Management has urged for minimal increases, citing the financial limits of small businesses. Ryu Gi-jeong, Executive Vice President of the Korea Employers Federation, stated, "The minimum wage has already reached a high level, and the payment capacity of businesses is at its limit. A conclusion must be reached that allows small business owners and SMEs to maintain employment levels."He also noted that the rate of workers earning below the minimum wage has reached 12.4%, exceeding 30% in businesses with fewer than five employees and in the accommodation and food service sectors. He emphasized the need for a single minimum wage that applies universally, arguing that the realities of vulnerable sectors should guide the decision-making process.Yang Ok-seok, head of the Human Resources Policy Department at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses, added, "Even a 2% increase can pose a significant threat to the survival of small businesses and self-employed individuals. With the outstanding loans of self-employed individuals reaching 1,055.5 trillion won and overdue amounts increasing to 22.3 trillion won, policies to alleviate the burden on SMEs and small business owners are necessary."Conversely, labor representatives argue that increasing the minimum wage is essential not only for the survival of low-wage workers but also as an economic policy to stimulate domestic demand. Ryu Gi-seop, Secretary General of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, stated, "This year's minimum wage increase should go beyond merely covering living costs and serve as a practical catalyst for reviving the stagnant domestic market. What is needed now is not gradual adjustment but a proactive and bold decision."He further emphasized the urgency of including workers in vulnerable positions and addressing the low-wage structure, stating, "Expanding the application of the minimum wage is crucial for restoring fairness across the labor market."Lee Mi-sun remarked, "While incomes remain stagnant, the cost of living has skyrocketed, making it difficult for workers to afford three meals a day on the current minimum wage. The minimum wage for 2027 should be determined based on actual living costs and income distribution indicators to alleviate polarization."Seong Jae-min, a public member and deputy director of the Korea Labor Institute, noted, "This is a critical moment for labor, management, and public members to work together to reach a meaningful conclusion. I urge everyone to make a responsible decision that considers each other's circumstances in accordance with the Minimum Wage Act."If labor and management fail to find common ground in further negotiations, it is likely that public members will propose a range with upper and lower limits to facilitate agreement or voting. The Minister of Employment and Labor must finalize and announce next year's minimum wage by August 5. Considering administrative procedures, a decision is expected by mid-July, prompting the Minimum Wage Commission to engage in marathon negotiations to reach a conclusion.Meanwhile, public members of the Minimum Wage Commission have expressed the need for system improvements to advance discussions on the minimum wage. They stated in a recommendation that, "In an era of rapid changes in the economy and society, including the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growth of platform-based businesses, discussions on minimum wage have been repetitive and stagnant each year. Improvements to the system are necessary to address this situation and facilitate progress in discussions."They also recommended that the Ministry of Employment and Labor establish a task force for system improvements in the second half of this year to comprehensively review and study the current minimum wage system, including its application targets and decision-making criteria, and prepare comprehensive improvement plans for future minimum wage discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:00:00
Lotte Biologics Prepares for Entry into Songdo with Major Contracts in Sight Lotte Biologics is set to officially enter the Songdo era, positioning itself at the center of the domestic contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) competition.According to industry sources on July 14, Lotte Biologics has recently completed the usage approval for its Songdo Bio Campus Phase 1 facility and aims to finalize preparations for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance about six months ahead of schedule by the end of this year.The Songdo Phase 1 facility is equipped to produce 120,000 liters of antibody drugs. Combined with its Syracuse, New York plant, which has a capacity of 40,000 liters, Lotte Biologics' total production capacity will expand to 160,000 liters.Market attention is focused on the company's contract achievements. Lotte Biologics secured four contracts in the first half of the year, including a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) agreement with the UK-based Otimopharma, although specific financial details have not been disclosed. An industry insider noted, "Securing long-term trust from clients to convert into large-scale commercial production contracts is ultimately more challenging and important than building the factory. We need to see substantial contract announcements that can be publicly disclosed."Previously, CEO Park James stated at the BioUSA conference in San Diego last month that discussions for contracts with U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies are in the final stages, raising expectations for contract achievements in the second half of the year.With the usage approval for the Songdo Phase 1 facility, the company is set to intensify its operational testing and validation procedures in the second half of the year, aiming to achieve 'GMP Ready' status and secure its first commercial production contract simultaneously. The second half of this year is expected to serve as a critical test for Lotte Biologics to demonstrate its capabilities through stable plant operations and contract acquisitions.Lotte Biologics is targeting major clients in the U.S. and Europe. The company emphasizes its dual-site system connecting the Syracuse and Songdo plants to enhance its global customer response capabilities. However, large clients prioritize supply stability, quality, and long-term partnerships over pricing. This highlights the need for contract achievements that can demonstrate trust, beyond merely expanding production capacity.In the bio industry, the interest of the group’s chairman holds significant symbolic value. Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group, visited the Songdo Phase 1 facility on July 3, stating, "Biotechnology is a core industry that will lead the group's new leap forward," and urged the team to ensure that scheduled activities proceed without delays.Lotte Group is investing heavily in its bio business. Earlier this month, Lotte Biologics decided to conduct a rights offering worth 255.3 billion won for existing shareholders. If this capital increase proceeds as planned, the total funds injected by Lotte Group into Lotte Biologics since its establishment in 2022 will approach 1.5 trillion won.Lotte Biologics stated, "We will leverage the customer response experience gained at the Syracuse plant to develop the Songdo Phase 1 facility into a hub for large-scale commercial production contracts."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 16:00:00
DeepSeek's Liang Yuanpeng Becomes World's Richest AI Founder with $36 Billion Net Worth Liang Yuanpeng, founder and CEO of the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek, has seen his net worth more than double following a recent funding round, making him the richest founder among global AI model developers.According to Bloomberg on July 13, Liang's net worth has surged from approximately $16.7 billion (about 25 trillion won) to $36 billion (around 53 trillion won). This figure significantly surpasses that of Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei ($8 billion) and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman ($25.5 billion).Bloomberg compared only the founders of companies primarily generating revenue from AI models, excluding big tech firms like Alibaba and Tencent, which operate in diverse sectors, as well as companies involved in the AI supply chain, such as data centers and semiconductor firms.The majority of Liang's wealth comes from his stake in DeepSeek. The company's valuation skyrocketed from $10 billion in April to $50 billion after securing new investments last month. DeepSeek raised $7.4 billion in funding, with Liang personally contributing $3 billion. Following the funding round, he is estimated to retain about 78% of the company's shares.His high ownership percentage is cited as a key reason for his wealth increase. In contrast to many U.S. AI companies, where equity is often diluted among big tech firms, venture capitalists, and co-founders during funding rounds, Liang has maintained most of his shares in DeepSeek, securing both his wealth and control over the company.Liang was born in 1985 in Guangdong Province, China, and studied electronic engineering at Zhejiang University. He later spun off the AI division of his hedge fund, Zhejiang Highflyer Asset Management, to establish DeepSeek in 2023.Highflyer had secured a large supply of advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) before the U.S. tightened export regulations, allowing DeepSeek to develop AI models with minimal reliance on venture capital.DeepSeek gained attention last year by unveiling a model that matched the performance of U.S. competitors like OpenAI at a significantly lower cost. Recently, the company introduced its latest model, V4, emphasizing compatibility with Huawei's semiconductor technology.Bloomberg noted that the symbol of wealth in China's tech industry is shifting from internet entrepreneurs like Jack Ma to state-supported AI founders. Liang has also been ranked eighth among China's wealthiest individuals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 15:56:00
Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Timing of Recount of 2.47 Million Ballots The ruling and opposition parties engaged in a heated debate over the timing of a public recount of 2.47 million ballots from the June 3 local elections, currently stored at the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa District, Seoul. During the first hearing of the National Investigation Committee (NIC) on the alleged violation of citizens' voting rights and election management reforms, the ruling party advocated for an "immediate recount," while the opposition party insisted on conducting it "in conjunction with a special investigation." Yoon Sang-hyun, chair of the NIC, urged during the hearing on July 14 that "we must conclude discussions on the public recount of the 2.47 million ballots stored underground at the Handball Stadium," adding that since the Election Commission has submitted a verification plan for the recount, both parties should quickly agree on the verification method and schedule to present it to the public. He emphasized that the Election Commission should maintain an open attitude toward thoroughly conducting a public recount of ballots amid allegations of twin votes. He also stated that the special investigation should not be delayed, proposing a resolution to expedite the processing of the special investigation law with the agreement of both parties' NIC secretaries. However, since the ruling and opposition parties have differing views on the timing and method of the public recount, further discussions appear necessary. The Democratic Party has stated that if any issues arise during the recount process, they should be addressed within the NIC, insisting that the recount should take place before the second hearing scheduled for July 22. Yoon Geon-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker and NIC secretary, remarked, "The unified voice of the Democratic Party is to conduct an immediate recount," adding that if the special investigation is to be effective, it would require nearly a month. He suggested that if both the special investigation and the recount must occur together, then both should happen right now. Democratic lawmaker Lee Hae-sik also noted, "The recount by the special investigation is part of the investigation process, so how can it be made public? Moreover, there will be those who do not trust the results." He advocated for the NIC to allow for observation and filming, and potentially live broadcasting, to ensure fairness and transparency. In contrast, Choi Bo-yoon, a People Power Party lawmaker, cautioned that the NIC's duration could be extended through committee decisions, raising concerns about how to handle any discrepancies in the recount results and whether to relocate the ballots afterward, and if so, to where. Joo Jin-woo, also from the People Power Party, emphasized that conducting a recount before the special investigation is launched could compromise the integrity of evidence related to the investigation, potentially eroding public trust. He stressed that this is not something that can be rushed, asserting that the special investigation should take precedence. In this context, Seobum-soo, the NIC secretary from the People Power Party, suggested that the best approach would be to conduct the national investigation and the special investigation concurrently, proposing that if the special investigation takes a long time, a separate date could be set during the NIC's duration for public verification. Meanwhile, during the hearing, the Central Election Commission stated that a public recount is feasible regarding the so-called "twin votes," where identical vote counts were recorded at multiple polling stations. Kang Dong-wan, acting secretary-general of the Central Election Commission, noted, "If it proceeds according to the verification procedures under the law regarding testimony and appraisal in the National Assembly, it is possible."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 15:56:00
600,000 Women CEOs Lack Maternity Benefits Amid Low Birth Rate Policies Despite the significant role of women entrepreneurs in South Korea's economy, they face gaps in government policies aimed at addressing the country's low birth rate. While employers are legally required to support employee maternity and childcare, women CEOs do not receive any maternity leave or pay when they give birth.According to a report released on December 2023 by the Women’s Economic Research Institute, part of the Women’s Business Support Center, the number of women entrepreneurs in South Korea has reached 3.37 million, the highest ever, accounting for 40.6% of all businesses. The number of women entrepreneurs has been steadily increasing: 2.77 million in 2019, 2.95 million in 2020, 3.14 million in 2021, and 3.26 million in 2022.However, the sense of exclusion among the 600,000 women CEOs who employ staff is growing. While general female workers, including freelancers not covered by employment insurance, can apply for government maternity benefits, women entrepreneurs running businesses with at least one employee are completely excluded from all maternity and childcare support programs.A representative from the Women’s Business Support Center stated, "The issues surrounding maternity and childcare for women entrepreneurs should be viewed as management challenges that impact not only individual caregiving burdens but also the survival and sustainable growth of businesses. Many women-owned businesses are relatively small or centered around the owner, making it difficult to completely halt operations during maternity and childcare periods, and there are significant practical constraints in securing personnel to replace the owner’s duties and decision-making."During the 5th Women Entrepreneurs Week, held from July 1 to 7, some women entrepreneurs voiced the need for maternity and childcare support programs. Additionally, a recent controversy involving retaliatory actions against employees on parental leave at IKEA Korea has sparked discussions about the establishment of such support systems.The center emphasized the urgent need for tailored programs for women entrepreneurs, distinct from those designed for general workers. A representative noted, "We will establish legal grounds to extend the support period for women startup businesses to include the duration of maternity and childcare. We will also work to minimize management gaps by advocating for measures such as business suspension allowances and support for childcare and replacement personnel, engaging in ongoing dialogue with the National Assembly and the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman."The government has begun to listen to these concerns. On July 9, the Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee met with representatives from small businesses and the SME sector to gather opinions, planning to actively consider these voices in future national population strategy development and continue policy communication.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 15:56:00
NC and Krafton Expand Use of AI in Game Development The gaming industry is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) from a tool for production efficiency to a technology that enhances creative quality and user experience.The Korean Game Policy Association held a policy seminar on the morning of July 14 at the Youth Foundation in Jongno, Seoul, discussing AI technologies and policy challenges applicable to game production and live services. The seminar featured presentations and discussions by Na Gyu-bong, head of NC AI's Barco project team; Seong Jun-sik, head of AI for Game R&D at Krafton; Go Young-jin, head of the Cultural AI Policy Division at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Kim Myung-hoon, a patent attorney at Yulchon LLC.Na Gyu-bong emphasized during his session titled 'Does Technology Truly Augment Creation?' that "AI is a tool that enhances the quality of creation." He stated, "The role of AI is not just to produce new results faster and in greater quantity, but to enable creators to attempt ideas they might have abandoned due to time and technical constraints. AI is providing new opportunities, especially for resource-limited creators."He shared an example from NC's 'Lineage M' background art team, which has utilized NC AI's 'Barco 3D.' He explained that the game, characterized by its isometric view, requires precise angle and composition settings for background art, which previously took 2-3 weeks. With the introduction of Barco 3D, the team can now set the composition and produce the artwork in about a week.AI has also made it possible to implement stories in large commercial games that were previously difficult to tackle. Na noted, "In the past, due to cost and technical issues, it was challenging to attempt certain projects, but with AI, even student creators can produce new forms of games. This is evident in the award-winning entries and educational cases from competitions hosted by NC AI."Seong Jun-sik presented on 'AI in Live Services,' highlighting applications in the first-person shooter game 'PUBG: Battlegrounds.' Krafton is currently focusing on applying AI technology for anti-cheat measures and esports broadcasting.He explained that the anti-cheat system has evolved to detect abnormal gameplay based on data rather than relying solely on simple system information, such as the 'ESP' type hacks that reveal player locations behind walls.Seong also discussed the beta testing of an AI companion named 'Elai,' which communicates with users through voice. Elai features an agent that selects actions and three supporting sub-agents, with a small language model containing approximately 2 billion parameters installed on users' PCs.He stated, "The goal is to verify whether we can apply the latest AI technology to live services. We plan to refine this through multiple experiments."However, it was noted that for AI to be competitive in the gaming industry, there needs to be a balance of creator autonomy, institutional standards, and talent development policies.The Ministry of Culture is promoting a support project worth about 10 billion won this year. This includes 7.5 billion won for an AI transformation (AX) project that supports subscription fees and training for AI solutions for small game companies and startups, and 3 billion won for supporting game production using AI.In the second half of the year, the ministry plans to unveil an AI content strategy that encompasses support for small businesses in AI utilization, fostering leading companies, data infrastructure, and talent development. A bill for the 'AI Content Industry Promotion Act,' which will provide the basis for support and institutional standards for the AI content industry, is also in preparation.Go Young-jin stated, "The utilization rate of AI in games is the highest among content sectors, reaching 70% as of the fourth quarter of 2025." He added, "The government is considering research and development and cooperative support that encompasses not only small game companies and startups but also large companies leading AI utilization."Kim Myung-hoon remarked, "The attitudes of creators and companies toward AI are changing," and suggested that flexible institutional operations should consider company size, game genre, and content type. However, he cautioned that "if the standards are too flexible, it could lead to confusion," emphasizing the need for the government and industry to establish application criteria.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 15:52:00