Latest by
-
KT Develops Separate App for Free AI Service 'Everyone's AI' to Expand Partnerships KT is set to launch a separate application for its free artificial intelligence (AI) service, 'Everyone's AI.' The company plans to provide services centered around this app while integrating AI features into existing platforms such as Daum, Musinsa, and Zigbang to broaden user engagement.Lee Jin-hyung, head of KT's AX Business Division, stated during an online briefing on September 11, "The government's initiative aims to create new services rather than simply adding AI features to existing ones. The KT consortium has decided to develop a separate service."The KT consortium includes KT, Upstage, Saltlux, Daum, Musinsa, Zigbang, EBS, Masspresso, and BC Card, among other domestic AI service companies.To expand user connections for the separate app, KT is promoting its 'Inside Eum' strategy. Inside Eum is an open AI ecosystem that integrates AI into various services used by the public, connecting them to a universal AI agent. Unlike traditional AI agents that pull external services into their framework, KT's AI agent facilitates a two-way connection with external services.Lee noted, "Users will have access to a separate 'Eum Agent' and can utilize AI features through the 'Inside Eum' button embedded in existing services from various partners within the KT consortium, such as Danawa and Zigbang."This means users can not only use the Everyone's AI app directly but also access AI search functions on the Daum portal and utilize the same AI features across services from Daum and consortium partners, including KT's Genie TV. According to KT, the combined service touchpoints of consortium partners exceed 60 million.The existing Daum portal will incorporate AI search capabilities, aiming to connect users of existing services to the Everyone's AI ecosystem by merging Daum's search and content with AI.Lee added, "External businesses can also participate. If a business applies, KT will provide the service, and for smaller businesses lacking technical capabilities, we will support the implementation of search engines and other functionalities."Currently, discussions are underway with seven additional companies for partnerships. Lee mentioned, "Businesses providing services in finance, hotel bookings, and restaurant reservations have expressed interest in participating. We plan to sign individual memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with these companies to include them in the Inside Eum ecosystem." He further stated, "We aim to gradually expand services by February or March next year."KT is also committed to strengthening the domestic AI ecosystem. The consortium includes domestic AI model developers such as Upstage, Motif Technologies, and NC AI. Additionally, KT will utilize its own model, 'Mideum,' and Saltlux's 'public specialized model.'Instead of having a single model handle all requests, KT will implement a 'model routing' approach that selects the appropriate model based on user requests. Lee explained, "Upstage's Solar model will be primarily used for inference and agents, while Motif's model will be utilized for tasks requiring long context processing."For AI infrastructure operations, KT will apply its Token Factory technology. Lee emphasized, "Even when using the same graphics processing unit (GPU), applying KT's Token Factory technology can improve efficiency by about 21%. If we actively utilize GPUs and domestic neural processing units (NPUs), we can expect to enhance processing capacity by approximately 32%."To ensure stable service delivery, KT plans to use its own GPUs. Lee mentioned, "In addition to the GPUs supported by the government, we are preparing additional GPUs. We have discussed specific quantities with the government, but we cannot disclose the additional amounts publicly."While the service will be free, KT is keeping the door open for future monetization. Lee stated, "Currently, we are not considering charging the general public. However, if the government allows monetization of public services in the future, we may offer a separate premium service."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:40:00 -
Lee Chang-dong Receives Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival for 'Possible Love' 최휘영 장관이 제83회 베니스국제영화제에서 신작 '가능한 사랑'으로 은사자상(심사위원대상)을 받은 이창동 감독에게 축하의 뜻을 전했다. On September 13, Minister Choi Hwi-young congratulated director Lee Chang-dong for winning the Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival for his new film 'Possible Love.' In a message on his social media, Choi said, "Director Lee, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on receiving the Jury Prize for 'Possible Love' at the Venice International Film Festival." Choi noted, "This remarkable achievement, 24 years after your film 'Oasis' won the same award in 2002, marks another significant milestone in the history of Korean cinema. Your deep artistic spirit, which never ceases to question, has once again resonated profoundly with filmmakers around the world." He added, "Thank you for always being a great pride for the Korean film industry. I also extend my congratulations to the cast and crew, including Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong, who collaborated with you to create this impactful masterpiece." Earlier, Lee's 'Possible Love' won the Jury Prize at the closing ceremony of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival held on September 12 in Venice, Italy. This marks Lee's return to the Venice main award trophy after 24 years since he won the directing award for 'Oasis.' 'Possible Love,' released eight years after his 2018 film 'Burning,' tells the story of a couple of laid-off workers and a wealthy documentary filmmaker couple who confront different lives and desires through their collaboration on a project. The film will have a limited release in some domestic theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:36:00
-
U.S. Rate Hike Concerns Rise Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices 미국의 기준금리 인상 가능성과 국제유가 급등이라는 겹악재가 글로벌 금융시장을 흔들면서 국내 경제에도 경고등이 켜졌다. 금융당국은 경제·금융 수장들이 참여하는 'F4' 회의를 열고 국내 금융시장과 실물경제에 미칠 영향을 점검한다.13일 금융당국에 따르면 정부는 미국 연방공개시장위원회(FOMC)의 기준금리 결정 결과가 공개되는 오는 17일 확대거시경제금융회의를 개최할 예정이다.회의는 경제부총리가 주재하며 금융위원장과 한국은행 총재, 금융감독원장 등 이른바 'F4'가 참석한다. 이형일 경제부총리 겸 재정경제부 장관 후보자가 15일 인사청문회를 거쳐 곧바로 취임하면 이번 회의가 취임 후 첫 금융시장 대응 무대가 될 전망이다.참석자들은 회의에서 FOMC 결과와 국내외 금융시장 동향을 살펴보고 미국의 통화정책 변화가 국내 금리와 환율, 기업 자금조달 여건 등에 미칠 영향을 논의할 것으로 예상된다. 국제유가 급등이 국내 물가와 무역수지, 실물경제에 미칠 파장도 함께 점검할 것으로 보인다.금융감독원도 미국이 기준금리를 인상할 경우 오는 17일 이찬진 원장 주재로 금융상황 점검회의를 개최하는 방안을 준비하고 있다. 기업의 자금조달 여건과 취약차주의 이자 부담을 살펴보고 필요할 경우 대응 방안을 마련할 계획이다.최근 미국의 물가 상승세가 예상보다 강하게 나타나면서 시장에서는 연방준비제도(Fed·연준)가 추가 긴축에 나설 가능성에 무게가 실리고 있다. 지난 11일(현지시간) 발표된 미국의 8월 소비자물가지수(CPI)는 전년 동월보다 3.4% 상승했다.시카고상품거래소(CME) 페드워치에 따르면 금리선물 시장에 반영된 연준의 9월 기준금리 인상 확률은 물가 발표 전날 72%에서 발표 이후 87%로 뛰었다. 연준은 지난 6월 기준금리를 동결했지만 점도표에서는 금리 인하 전망이 후퇴하고 동결이나 인상을 예상하는 시각이 늘었다.주요국 중앙은행의 긴축 움직임도 이어지고 있다. 유럽중앙은행(ECB)은 지난 10일 3대 정책금리를 각각 0.25%포인트 인상했고 일본은행도 이번 주 기준금리를 올릴 가능성이 거론된다. 한국은행 역시 지난달 27일 기준금리를 0.25%포인트 올려 연 3.00%로 조정했다.미국과 이란의 갈등 격화로 국제유가가 배럴당 100달러를 넘어서면서 물가와 금리의 동반 상승 우려는 더욱 커졌다. 유가 상승은 원유 수입 의존도가 높은 한국의 수입물가와 소비자물가를 밀어 올리고 무역수지를 악화시키는 요인으로 작용할 수 있다. 물가 압력이 다시 높아지면 한국은행의 통화정책 운신 폭도 좁아질 가능성이 있다.고금리 장기화 우려가 확산하면서 채권시장도 흔들리고 있다. 미 국채 10년물 금리는 한때 5%를 돌파했고 한국 국고채 3년물 금리도 약 3년 만에 처음으로 4%를 넘어섰다. 2026-09-13 10:32:00
-
Jeju Air Enhances Compliance Training for Employees to Mitigate Risks Jeju Air is strengthening its compliance management system through employee training. On September 11, Jeju Air conducted compliance training for employees in charge of fair trade-related tasks, including finance, accounting, legal affairs, planning, and budgeting, at its Seoul office in Gangseo-gu. The training featured legal experts from Kim & Chang, who lectured on "Preventing Fair Trade Risks in Transactions and Contracts with Affiliates and Clients." The session focused on practical examples that are likely to arise in daily operations and provided specific criteria for resolving these issues, enhancing the training's applicability and realism. A Jeju Air representative stated, "We are working to prevent and mitigate compliance risks through training tailored to the characteristics of each department and its tasks. We aim to lead in ESG management through proactive prevention and internal control management." Additionally, Jeju Air plans to publish an annual sustainability management report starting in 2024, detailing its ESG management achievements and responses to key risks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:28:10
-
LG Display Accelerates AI Transition with 'AX Squad' Initiative LG Display is actively launching the 'AX Squad' initiative to drive a company-wide transition to artificial intelligence (AI).According to LG Display on September 13, the AX Squad is a collaborative system where field workers from various departments, including administration, development, and production, identify AI projects aimed at solving operational issues or repetitive tasks. AI experts from the company’s AX group provide dedicated coaching support.By combining the practical knowledge of field workers with the expertise of AI specialists, the initiative aims to generate effective solutions while enhancing the AI capabilities of employees across the organization.LG Display stated, "To date, over 450 projects have been established," adding that approximately 190 of these projects, including simplifying defect classification in manufacturing, optical simulation in development, and a member survey system in human resources, have completed automation measures.The developed applications are shared through the company's self-developed app market, 'HI-D Agent Hub,' where employees can download them.Previously, LG Display conducted AX training for all employees and established its own internal coding agent, 'HI-D Code,' to maintain security and lay the groundwork for this initiative.The AX transition, which began last year with the manufacturing and development sectors, is now expanding into all non-manufacturing and development areas, including purchasing, supply chain, finance, sales, and marketing, in the second half of this year.The company plans to continue strengthening its transformation into a technology-driven organization through employee-led AI integration from project establishment to execution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:28:00
-
SK Group's Chey Tae-won Envisions Ulsan as AI Manufacturing Hub Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, has proposed the vision of an 'AI City' in Ulsan, integrating manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI) with citizens' daily lives and the arts. His plan aims to enhance Ulsan's manufacturing competitiveness through AI while creating an urban ecosystem where residents can experience the benefits of AI in their everyday lives.On September 11, during the closing session of the '2026 Ulsan Forum' held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center (UECO), Chey emphasized three key directions for the future of Ulsan: Manufacturing AI, 'Everyone's AI,' and 'Art Ulsan.'Chey stated, "The future Ulsan must embody the concept of an AI City. We need to enhance manufacturing AI by integrating technology, manufacturing solutions, and data, while also improving the happiness of Ulsan citizens through Everyone's AI, adding an emotional dimension to our industrial city with art."Everyone's AI is an AI agent that SK is developing for citizens. It will provide personalized public and welfare benefits, as well as lifestyle information, through a versatile chatbot that connects users to administrative, transportation, medical, and educational services.Chey highlighted the importance of speed, scale, and safety in AI trends, along with the need for building sustainable business models. He remarked, "Given the substantial resources invested, we must create better business models for commercialization. AI should be able to generate profits and reinvest in a sustainable structure."He particularly stressed the significance of speed and scale in building data platforms. Chey noted, "While technology is crucial for manufacturing AI and increasing productivity, it is challenging without a large-scale data platform. Collecting data and expanding the necessary data scale is not just an issue for Ulsan but for all of South Korea, and this must precede the success of manufacturing AI."For the youth, he outlined essential skills needed in the AI era: critical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and physical capabilities.This year's Ulsan Forum, themed 'Leading AX, Smart Life Ulsan,' focused on the transition of manufacturing to AI, physical AI execution strategies, and ways to integrate AI into daily life. SK plans to combine Ulsan's AI infrastructure with Everyone's AI to establish a specialized AI ecosystem that citizens and businesses can benefit from.Over 10,900 participants, including university students and residents from Ulsan, attended the forum both online and offline, marking a 5.7-fold increase from the previous year and the largest turnout in history. Chey emphasized, "The Ulsan Forum has established itself as a continuous platform, and I will work to gather ideas and thoughts to drive Ulsan's development."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:20:00
-
NH Nonghyup Bank President Kang Tae-young Assists in Jeju Tangerine Harvest Kang Tae-young, president of NH Nonghyup Bank, along with executives from the bank's sales division, visited tangerine farms in Jeju to lend a helping hand. NH Nonghyup Bank announced on the 13th that Kang and the sales executives assisted with the tangerine harvesting and sorting at a greenhouse farm in Seogwipo, Jeju, on the 11th. This initiative was organized ahead of a two-day sales division meeting starting on the 11th, aimed at reflecting on the value of agriculture and rural areas while experiencing the challenges faced by farmers firsthand. The meeting focused on reviewing key business initiatives and discussing future directions. To support farmers and promote the consumption of domestic agricultural products, NH Nonghyup Bank purchased approximately 4 tons of tangerines, including the amount harvested that day. The purchased tangerines will be given as gifts to the bank's top customers nationwide. NH Nonghyup Bank plans to use this initiative to promote Jeju agricultural products and contribute to revitalizing the rural economy. Kang stated, “All of NH Nonghyup Bank's endeavors should start with a focus on agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. We will continue to be a bank that provides practical support to farmers and revitalizes rural communities.” 2026-09-13 10:20:00
-
Hyundai Motor Completes 'Forest Run 2026' Campaign, Donates 100,000 Trees to Africa Hyundai Motor has successfully concluded its eco-friendly social contribution campaign. The company announced on September 13 that a total of 6,500 participants took part in the 'Forest Run 2026 Final Run' held the previous day. The event featured a 10 km course between Yeouido Park and the Seogang Bridge in Seoul. The Forest Run campaign links participants' running to actual tree donations and plantings. It began in 2016 to raise awareness about fine dust and promote cleaner skies. Over the past 11 years, more than 260,000 people have participated, resulting in the donation and planting of a total of 133,850 trees. This year, Hyundai selected the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian organization, as the official donation partner. Based on the funds raised through participants' entry fees, the company will donate 100,000 trees. The donated trees will be planted in Niger, Africa, through the WFP's 'Half-Moon Project,' which aims to combat desertification and restore soil and vegetation in areas affected by climate change and land degradation. The Half-Moon Project involves creating crescent-shaped structures to capture rainwater and allow it to seep into the ground, helping to restore degraded land into agricultural and pasture areas and support vegetation recovery. A Hyundai official stated, "The Forest Run has established itself as a leading eco-friendly social contribution campaign in the country, going beyond a simple running event. We will continue to grow this campaign to engage more customers and partners in the future." Additionally, Hyundai has linked its running campaign to actual forest restoration efforts, such as creating the 'Ioniq Forest Uljin' in areas affected by wildfires last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:16:20
-
50 Years of Apgujeong Hyundai: What Defines a Future Residential City? Aju Economy is marking the 50th anniversary of the completion of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments with a five-part series titled 'Apgujeong: Building the Future Again.' Introduced in 1976, Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments transformed a sandy area south of the Han River into a premier residential district in South Korea. With features like elevators, central heating, spacious layouts, and a community-oriented environment, it ushered in the era of Gangnam apartments, symbolizing a time when housing transcended mere living space to represent asset value and social status. Now, half a century later, Apgujeong Hyundai stands at the threshold of a massive reconstruction project. The 24 apartment complexes are divided into six special planning zones, with the selection of construction companies for Zones 2 to 5 already completed. However, challenges remain, including construction costs amounting to trillions of won, member contributions, height regulations along the Han River, public contributions, relocation expenses, and transportation plans. This series will begin by revisiting the birth and 50-year history of Apgujeong Hyundai in the first installment. The second part will explore the background of the six special planning zones and changes in urban planning. Subsequent articles will analyze the election of the association president for the largest site, Zone 3, the key issues surrounding the project, and why the construction cost of 5 trillion won is referred to as a '20 trillion won project.' The final installment will propose the conditions for a '100-year housing' concept that integrates AI, robotics, caregiving, energy, and disaster safety. The success of the Apgujeong reconstruction cannot be measured solely by height and housing prices. Advanced technology must care for residents, the complex should connect the Han River and the city, and development profits must harmonize with public interests. Aju Economy will closely examine whether the new Apgujeong can redefine the standards for future housing in South Korea. 2026-09-13 10:16:00
-
Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' Wins Silver Lion at Venice Film Festival, a First for Korean Cinema Lee Chang-dong's new Netflix film 'Possible Love' won the Silver Lion (Jury Prize) at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking the first time a Korean film has received this honor at the festival.At the closing ceremony held on September 12 in Venice's Sala Grande, 'Possible Love' was awarded the Silver Lion in the competition category. This win comes 24 years after Lee received the Silver Lion for Best Director for 'Oasis' in 2002.Receiving the trophy from jury member and presenter director Du Gibong, Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, "Without the patience and waiting of many people, this film would not have come to the world."He continued, "I want to share this feeling with everyone who helped create this film. I am grateful to Netflix for believing in this project and making it possible, especially to the four actors who brought this film to life: Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong."Lee added, "In an era where labor is disappearing and relationships between people are breaking down, I made this film to question what we can do through cinema and what cinema must do. I understand this award as a call to continue asking those questions." He also dedicated the award to the actors, saying, "This award is yours."In a press conference following the ceremony, Lee reflected on the film's themes, saying, "Often, films bring stories of others' suffering, and there are many consumptive elements. I wanted to ask myself how a creator should portray the suffering of others and share it with the audience. I thought that through the process of making a film, we might find a way to share and heal that pain together."Jury member Du Gibong praised the film as Lee's most mature work, saying, "I loved all the details and reflections contained within the film, and I don't think I could ever make such a film myself." Earlier, 'Possible Love' had already garnered overwhelming critical support by winning the International Federation of Film Critics Award on September 11.The lead actors, who are currently attending the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, also sent their heartfelt congratulations remotely.Jeon Do-yeon expressed hope that the award would serve as a great motivation for Lee's next project, saying, "I am already curious about the next film he will show us." Seol Kyung-gu shared his pride in being part of the film, stating, "I am truly honored and proud just to have been involved in this film."Jo In-sung expressed gratitude and honor for receiving such a significant award, attributing the achievement to the efforts and support of those who love Korean cinema. Jo Yeo-jeong congratulated Lee, saying, "I want to thank the director for creating such a wonderful film. I look forward to sharing the deep emotions this film brings with more people as soon as possible."'Possible Love,' released eight years after Lee's 'Burning' in 2018, tells the story of a couple of laid-off workers who meet a wealthy documentary filmmaker couple, confronting their different lives and desires. The film will have a limited release in some domestic theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:12:00