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  • Crown Park Hotel Seoul Wins ICT Award for AI Chatbot Implementation
    Crown Park Hotel Seoul Wins ICT Award for AI Chatbot Implementation Crown Park Hotel Seoul has streamlined its booking process and introduced a 24-hour AI chatbot for inquiries, earning recognition with the 'Platinum Prize' in the hotel and resort category at the ICT Award Korea 2026.According to Crown Park Hotel Seoul, the newly revamped official website was awarded the 'Platinum Prize' in the hotel and resort category at the ICT Award Korea 2026.On August 28, the hotel reported that the ICT Award Korea, now in its 23rd year, is organized by the Korea Information Science Promotion Association and Sungkyunkwan University, with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT. The awards recognize outstanding web, app, and digital platform projects.The hotel redesigned its website to make key information about rooms and facilities easily accessible, reducing the steps required for room searches and bookings.The site is optimized for various devices, including PCs and mobile phones, and features an AI chatbot that can assist with reservations and facility inquiries 24/7.The hotel emphasized that the website redesign aimed to reflect its concept of 'urban relaxation' online.Lee Joo-hye, a director at Crown Park Hotel Seoul, stated, "We redesigned the website from the ground up, viewing it not just as a promotional tool but as the first point of contact for customers with the hotel. We plan to gradually revamp the websites for Crown Harbor Hotel Busan and Jeju Crown Country Club to highlight the unique characteristics of each property."The Crown Group operates Crown Park Hotel Seoul, Crown Harbor Hotel Busan, and Jeju Crown Country Club.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:20:00
  • Yuanta Securities Raises S-Oil Target Price by 17.1% Amid Strong Refining Margins
    Yuanta Securities Raises S-Oil Target Price by 17.1% Amid Strong Refining Margins Yuanta Securities announced on August 28 that it has raised its target price for S-Oil from 175,000 won to 205,000 won, an increase of 17.1%, citing strong refining margins and improved crude oil import costs expected in the second half of the year. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Hwang Kyu-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, stated, "The refining sector is experiencing a much stronger performance than anticipated, establishing a virtuous cycle of increased shareholder value. We expect improvements in earnings, reduced financial burdens, and expanded dividends to occur simultaneously in the second half of the year."S-Oil's operating profit for the second half of the year is projected to reach 3 trillion won, a significant increase from 2.4 trillion won in the first half. The operating profits for the third and fourth quarters are estimated at 1.3 trillion won and 1.7 trillion won, respectively. The ongoing disruptions in global refining product supply due to the impacts of the Iran-Ukraine war are expected to sustain strong refining margins.Notably, S-Oil's complex refining margin has exceeded $41 per barrel in the second and third quarters, surpassing Valero's $39 per barrel. This increase is supported by reduced gasoline and diesel supply in Asia due to drone attacks on Russian refining facilities.Starting in September, improvements in costs are anticipated due to a decrease in Saudi Arabia's official selling price (OSP) for crude oil. A $1 drop in OSP is estimated to increase S-Oil's annual operating profit by approximately 300 billion won.Hwang forecasts S-Oil's operating profit for this year to be 5.2 trillion won, with free cash flow expected to expand to 2.4 trillion won this year and 3 trillion won next year. Based on this, he predicts that S-Oil could reduce its net debt to below 6 trillion won by 2027 and increase its dividend per share to around 10,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:16:00
  • Toss Launches Credit Loans for Small Business Owners in Partnership with Woori Financial Savings Bank
    Toss Launches Credit Loans for Small Business Owners in Partnership with Woori Financial Savings Bank Toss is targeting the small business loan market by utilizing an alternative credit assessment model.Viva Republica, the operator of Toss, announced on August 28 that it has partnered with Woori Financial Savings Bank to launch a credit loan product specifically for small business owners, named 'VitaWONis an online credit loan exclusively available through Toss for small business owners. It features a combination of Woori Financial Savings Bank's existing personal credit assessment system with Toss's alternative credit assessment model, the Soho Score.The Soho Score is a credit assessment model developed jointly by Toss and Korea Evaluation Data, specifically for small business owners. While traditional credit assessments primarily focus on past credit transaction history, the Soho Score evaluates the actual income and expenditure of business owners by integrating various financial information.Business owners who receive a high rating from the Soho Score may benefit from lower interest rates compared to existing assessment criteria. This aims to enhance loan accessibility for small business owners with medium to low credit ratings while reducing the interest burden for high-quality borrowers.Lee Seok-tae, CEO of Woori Financial Savings Bank, stated, “We will expand financial accessibility for medium to low credit business owners through data-driven assessments and strengthen the inclusive finance role of savings banks.”Kim Gyu-ha, Vice President of Toss, remarked, “The Toss Soho Score offers a comprehensive evaluation method that considers the business activities of small business owners, which traditional assessments often overlook. We hope this will provide practical options for business owners who have had limited financial opportunities.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:16:00
  • Samsung Electronics Ranks First in Digital Customer Experience for Fourth Consecutive Year
    Samsung Electronics Ranks First in Digital Customer Experience for Fourth Consecutive Year Samsung Electronics is enhancing its digital services before and after product purchases, maintaining its competitive edge in the home appliance sector. The strategy of connecting digital channels from product selection to installation, usage, and after-sales service has led to the company ranking first in the industry for four consecutive years.On August 28, Samsung Electronics announced that it secured the top position in the comprehensive home appliance category in the Digital Customer Experience Index (DCXI) evaluation conducted by the Korea Standards Association on August 27. The survey assessed 68 brands across 20 industries, including home appliances, automotive, and banking, with Samsung receiving high marks for the timeliness, reliability, and completeness of its information.The Digital Customer Experience Index measures consumer satisfaction throughout the process of exploring, purchasing, and using products via digital channels. The Korea Standards Association evaluates information quality, system quality, and personalization levels at various stages: before, during, and after purchase.During the purchasing phase, Samsung.com offers a 'Compare' feature that allows users to view key specifications and features of multiple products on a single screen. The company also provides product recommendations and purchase-related inquiries through chatbots and customer service.In the installation phase, the 'Come On Boarding' feature assists with Wi-Fi connection and product registration. An integrated QR code function allows users to access product registration methods and user manuals all at once.In the usage phase, Samsung is expanding its services centered around AI appliances and SmartThings. The 2026 Bespoke AI Family Hub incorporates a 'AI Vision' feature utilizing generative AI, enhancing ingredient recognition for improved refrigerator usability.Voice control capabilities have also been advanced. The AI voice assistant Bixby now understands user commands and the context of previous conversations, allowing it to execute functions even if users do not provide exact commands.Energy management features are also a key aspect of the digital customer experience. The SmartThings-based 'AI Savings Mode' helps manage energy consumption based on individual usage patterns and surrounding environments.For after-sales service, Samsung operates a remote diagnostic service, enabling customers to check product status through professional consultations without needing to visit service centers or wait for engineers. This service allows users to confirm malfunctions and receive guidance on necessary actions.In the home appliance industry, the performance of products and the quality of digital services after purchase are increasingly seen as critical factors for brand competitiveness. As AI appliances become more prevalent, the role of platforms that connect and manage multiple devices is growing, reflecting this trend.Samsung Electronics plans to expand its services from product exploration to after-sales management based on AI and SmartThings. The strategy aims to secure touchpoints throughout the entire user experience via a digital platform, going beyond merely selling appliances.A Samsung Electronics representative stated, "By combining our AI capabilities with SmartThings, we have enhanced customer-centric experiences throughout the entire purchasing journey. We will continue to innovate in digital customer experience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:16:00
  • Everlands Blood City Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Immersive Experience
    Everland's Blood City Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Immersive Experience Everland's popular fall horror theme zone, 'Blood City,' is set to undergo changes as it marks its 10th anniversary this year. The attraction will shift from a focus on viewing performances to offering immersive content that allows visitors to participate directly in the storyline.On September 12, Samsung C&T's Resort Division will launch 'Blood City Zero: Hell Gate' as part of its fall festival, the company announced on August 27.A teaser released ahead of the opening utilized generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to Everland, the teaser images and videos shared on its official social media platforms since August 24 have garnered over 1 million views within three days.The first teaser image featured zombie characters that have appeared in Blood City over the years. The following day's video showcased a woman transforming into a zombie against the backdrop of the Blood City entrance, accompanied by the phrase 'HELL GATE.' Generative AI was employed to create these scenes.This year, the experience format will also change. Instead of merely exploring designated areas or watching performances, visitors will be invited to actively participate in a large-scale immersive horror experience. Specific details about the content have yet to be revealed.Blood City first debuted in 2017 as Everland's fall season horror attraction. Since then, it has evolved each season with changes to its storyline and layout, collaborating with external creators and intellectual properties (IPs).In 2022 and 2023, it partnered with art director Chae Kyung-sun from the Netflix series 'Squid Game' to create dystopian-themed train stations and a cyberpunk-style future city. In 2024, it will operate an outdoor experience space utilizing popular IPs in collaboration with Netflix, and last year, it reinterpreted the classic 'The Wizard of Oz' within a horror context.For its 10th anniversary, the focus will shift from external IP collaborations to enhancing visitor participation. The aim is to break down the barriers between the audience and the content, allowing them to become part of the story.An Everland representative stated, 'This year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary, we plan to strengthen immersive content that allows visitors to directly engage in the experience.'Blood City will be unveiled during Everland's fall festival starting September 12. During the same period, a walking safari experience and a fall-themed garden will also be available.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:12:00
  • Dunamu Partners with Visa for Stablecoin Payments
    Dunamu Partners with Visa for Stablecoin Payments Dunamu is teaming up with global payment technology company Visa to target the next-generation payment market.On August 28, Dunamu announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Visa to innovate the financial and payment markets using stablecoins and artificial intelligence (AI).The two companies unveiled a detailed roadmap for their strategic partnership on August 27, Korean time, at Visa's Global Market Support Center in San Francisco. The event was attended by Dunamu CEO Oh Kyung-seok and Visa Global President Oliver Jenkins.The partnership aims to combine Dunamu's digital asset technology with Visa's global payment network to explore stablecoin-based payments and global remittances. They will also continue to collaborate in the future financial and payment sectors utilizing AI.They are considering ways to connect stablecoins with global financial and payment infrastructure to expand the practical use of digital assets. The companies will seek stablecoin and digital asset-linked payment services in major global markets. They also plan to explore business models that can enhance the utility of stablecoins based on the recently released open standard OUSD.The scope of collaboration in future payment sectors using AI will also be expanded. They will jointly develop new services and business models that combine AI with stablecoin-based payment and settlement infrastructure.Oh Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu, stated, "The spread of AI, stablecoins, and tokenization is a key trend that will change how finance and commerce operate. Through our collaboration with Visa, a leader in the global payment sector, we aim to connect digital assets with traditional finance and create a new global financial experience that users can feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:12:00
  • Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 395, Over 900 Missing
    Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 395, Over 900 Missing On August 27, a massive flood in the Himalayan region of Nepal near the Chinese border resulted in a sharp increase in the death toll, which has now reached 395. The number of missing persons has surpassed 900.According to reports from Nepalese police, local media 'Online Khabar,' AFP, and BBC, the floods that struck the northern Bagmati Province on August 26 have left 359 people dead and 73 injured as of the afternoon of August 27. Search operations have continued, leading to the discovery of more bodies across the province.Among the deceased are 100 Indian tourists and 25 Chinese workers whose bodies were found near the Trishuli River in Bagmati Province.Abhi Narayan Kaple, a spokesperson for the Nepalese police, stated, "Search operations resumed today, and we expect more bodies to be recovered. The death toll is likely to continue rising. In the past few hours, we have rescued 445 people, including 27 foreigners."The number of missing persons has surged to 910 within a day, with 517 of them being foreigners and over 200 Nepalese. The missing foreigners are reported to be from more than 30 countries, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, Italy, and Ukraine.Among those unaccounted for are nine South Koreans from Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, who were working on a hydropower project in the area. Of another group of ten South Koreans from Doosan Enerbility who were reported isolated, nine have been moved to safety, while one, the site manager, remains in the area along with two embassy staff members.A joint rapid response team from the South Korean government, comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, and the National Fire Agency, departed from Incheon International Airport and arrived in Kathmandu on August 27.The Nepalese National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 80 bridges and 40 kilometers of roads have been damaged, and 85 individuals, including 28 local police officers and 57 soldiers, are missing. Currently, over 17,200 personnel are involved in rescue operations, with approximately 1,470 people rescued so far.Meanwhile, the floods are believed to have been triggered by significant glacial and rock collapses in the Himalayas, attributed to climate change caused by global warming.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 07:36:00
  • National Pension Fund Rebalances, Buying SK Hynix and Naver While Selling Samsung and SK Square
    National Pension Fund Rebalances, Buying SK Hynix and Naver While Selling Samsung and SK Square The National Pension Fund has resumed its domestic stock rebalancing for two months without any significant sell-offs. During this period, the fund has focused on purchasing shares of SK Hynix and Naver while reducing its stakes in Samsung Electronics and SK Square.Since the rebalancing began, the top net purchases in the securities market have included SK Hynix, with a net buy of 1.7995 trillion won. Following SK Hynix are Naver (296.9 billion won), SK Innovation (225.4 billion won), S-Oil (216.9 billion won), Celltrion (205.5 billion won), SK Telecom (191.2 billion won), DB Insurance (187.1 billion won), Samsung Biologics (179.7 billion won), and Korea Zinc (163.1 billion won).On the other hand, the most sold stock was SK Square, which saw a net sell of 1.0286 trillion won. Other significant sell-offs included Samsung Electronics (-574.8 billion won), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-529 billion won), LG Innotek (-220.4 billion won), Hyundai Motor (-197.9 billion won), Hyundai Rotem (-184.1 billion won), and Hanwha Ocean (-147.6 billion won).In July, when the KOSPI index experienced a sharp decline, the National Pension Fund recorded a net purchase of approximately 740 billion won in the securities market. However, in August, as the stock market rebounded, the fund reported a net sell of about 370 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 07:32:00
  • SK hynix Breaks Ground on HBM Plant in Indiana, Targeting Local Supply Chain
    SK hynix Breaks Ground on HBM Plant in Indiana, Targeting Local Supply Chain SK hynix is establishing its first HBM production facility in Indiana, aiming to enhance its responsiveness to local customers while directly integrating into the AI semiconductor supply chain in the U.S.On August 27, SK hynix announced the groundbreaking of its advanced packaging production base for AI memory in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a total investment exceeding $4 billion. The factory is expected to complete its cleanroom by October 2028 and begin mass production of next-generation HBM in the second half of 2029.The Indiana facility will operate in conjunction with existing production sites in South Korea. Wafers produced in Korea will be brought to the U.S. for advanced packaging and testing, creating a structure to supply HBM produced in the U.S. to local customers.This initiative is significant as it marks SK hynix's direct establishment of an HBM supply chain in the U.S. With demand for HBM in AI servers increasing among major tech companies and data centers, the company aims to secure production and R&D bases closer to its customers.The plant will also feature R&D and testing facilities for advanced packaging. Customers, universities, and business partners will collaborate on developing next-generation packaging technologies, prototype production, and performance validation.SK hynix is also working to expand the local ecosystem, with over 100 materials, components, and equipment companies discussing entry into West Lafayette. The construction and operation of the plant are expected to create approximately 7,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.The Indiana facility will also enhance local R&D capabilities. On the same day, SK hynix signed a memorandum of understanding with Purdue University to collaborate on advanced packaging technology research. Together, they will develop next-generation system integration technologies, including HBM and advanced packaging.Industry observers note that the Indiana plant could serve as a hub connecting U.S. customers with research institutions and materials, components, and equipment companies, potentially expanding the HBM supply chain from a Korea-centric model to a U.S.-Korea integrated structure.SK hynix plans to further collaborate with universities and research institutions in the Midwest, aiming to secure local talent and advance technology development to strengthen its HBM competitiveness.Gwak No-jung, CEO of SK hynix, stated, "The Indiana plant will be the first base to provide HBM produced in the U.S. We will expand our investment and collaboration in the U.S. to become a partner in shaping the future of AI."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 07:28:00
  • Listed Companies Must Submit Data by September 15, Financial Supervisory Service Holds Online Briefing on Auditor Designation System
    Listed Companies Must Submit Data by September 15, Financial Supervisory Service Holds Online Briefing on Auditor Designation System The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is holding an online briefing on the auditor designation system to guide listed companies with December fiscal year-ends on submitting designated basic data.On August 28, the FSS announced that it will conduct the 'Online Briefing on the Auditor Designation System' from September 1 to 15, the designated period for data submission.Starting today, the FSS, in collaboration with relevant organizations such as the Korea Listed Companies Association, the KOSDAQ Association, the KONEX Association, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will post videos and explanatory materials about the auditor designation system on YouTube and the respective organizations' websites.The briefing will cover guidelines for preparing designated basic data and key aspects of the auditor designation system. It will address frequently asked questions from companies and auditors regarding periodic designation, reasons for ex officio designation, specific designation periods and methods, and important considerations for re-designation requests.The FSS will also provide information on the periodic designation deferral system implemented since last year, reasons for ex officio designation that fall under the periodic designation period, and options for extending the designation period.Under the External Audit Act, listed companies (excluding KONEX) and large unlisted companies with non-separation of ownership and management that are subject to periodic designation must submit designated basic data annually. Failure to comply may result in the designation of an auditor. Periodic designation is a system that designates auditors for the next three business years for companies that have freely appointed auditors for six consecutive business years.This year, approximately 2,700 companies are required to submit designated basic data for December fiscal year-ends, including about 2,600 listed companies and around 100 large unlisted companies with non-separation of ownership and management. The submission period for designated basic data is from September 1 to 15.Companies must submit their designated basic data through the FSS's External Audit Contract Reporting System, detailing the auditor appointment status for the past six years, whether ownership and management are separated, and the need for industry expertise of the designated auditor. Accounting firms must provide information on the number of certified public accountants, the number of quality control personnel, and their capacity for compensation.The FSS will promptly respond to inquiries from company and accounting firm representatives regarding the preparation of designated basic data through its website and other channels to support the data submission process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 06:04:00