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OpenAI's Sam Altman to Visit South Korea for Key Meetings with Major IT Firms Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, will visit South Korea from June 14 to 15 for a series of meetings with major domestic IT companies, including Samsung Electronics, Kakao, and Naver. According to a report by Yonhap News on June 11, during his visit, Altman is expected to discuss collaboration on AI semiconductors and business innovation with Samsung Electronics, while also exploring opportunities for expanding AI services based on KakaoTalk with Kakao. He is also anticipated to seek potential partnerships with Naver, focusing on cloud and data center sectors. Notably, discussions with Samsung are expected to follow up on the 'Stargate' project agreed upon last year. Stargate is a $500 billion initiative to build AI data centers in the U.S., led by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix participating as suppliers of high-performance AI memory. On June 15, Altman will visit Samsung Electronics' Digital City in Suwon, where he will give a lecture on advancements in AI technology and business innovation to employees. He is also set to meet with senior executives to discuss expanding the use of ChatGPT and collaborating on AI infrastructure. Later that day, he is expected to meet with Kakao CEO Jeong Shin-a to discuss strengthening the integration of KakaoTalk and ChatGPT, as well as developing new AI services. Plans for a visit to Naver are also being coordinated, with discussions on potential collaboration in AI infrastructure. This visit marks Altman's return to South Korea approximately eight months after his last trip in October 2025. The industry is keenly observing whether this visit will lead to more concrete AI collaborations between OpenAI and domestic companies. 2026-06-11 17:09:00 -
Trump Discusses Sharing AI Company Profits with the Public Donald Trump, President of the United States, has reiterated his interest in finding ways to share the profits from artificial intelligence (AI) companies with the public. This comes amid growing concerns about job losses due to automation, leading to discussions about the possibility of the U.S. government acquiring stakes in major firms. According to Reuters, Trump stated during a press briefing in the Oval Office on June 10 that he plans to meet with 12 to 15 executives from leading AI companies soon. He emphasized, "We are discussing ways to give something back to the people. If that happens, the public will become very wealthy." He added, "I believe they will do it," and noted that such a move would receive significant support. The White House has not disclosed the names of the companies that will be represented at the meeting. Earlier, on June 5, Trump expressed a desire to discuss sharing the benefits of the AI industry's success with Americans during a meeting with AI companies. He mentioned that related stakes could potentially be offered to the American public. This proposal aligns with growing public skepticism about technology in the U.S. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 53% of American adults believe that the spread of AI could result in job losses for themselves or their family members. Similarly, a Quinnipiac University survey found that 55% of respondents think AI will do more harm than good in daily life. Within the industry, similar proposals have emerged. OpenAI announced in April the creation of a "public fund" to invest in AI companies and related technology firms, with plans to distribute profits to citizens. Anthropic also stated it would establish a $200 million fund to study the impact of AI on jobs and the economy. However, the specifics of how these plans would be implemented remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the government would directly hold shares, if a separate fund would manage dividends, or if private entities would voluntarily participate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:06:00 -
From Ejae to BTS, K-pop in spotlight at World Cup SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - K-pop is set to steal some of the spotlight at this year's FIFA World Cup, with singer Ejae, who gained global fame through Netflix's hit animation, scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony, and BTS set to headline the halftime show at the final. According to organizers, Ejae, along with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, is scheduled to perform "DNA," the official anthem of this year's World Cup, at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday. The song also features David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion. The opening ceremony is set to take place at Estadio Azteca shortly before the tournament's first match between co-host Mexico and South Africa, followed by separate ceremonies in Los Angeles and Toronto, as this year's quadrennial football tournament is hosted by three different countries. EJAE is a South Korean-American singer-songwriter known for her songs included in the soundtrack of Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." She is also credited with writing the Korean lyrics for "DNA." "It's especially meaningful because I was able to write Korean lyrics in the song, representing Korea on this stage is such an honor," EJAE told FIFA. She also recalled that watching football fans in Seoul take to the streets to cheer for the South Korean squad during the 2002 World Cup remains one of her most unforgettable childhood memories. Meanwhile, BTS will perform at the final halftime show along with American pop icon Madonna and Columbian pop star Shakira on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, commonly known as MetLife Stadium. The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who also contributed to BTS's latest album "Arirang" released in March this year. The show will be orchestrated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, who also participated in the septet's latest album "Arirang" released in March this year. BTS member Jungkook previously performed at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 2026-06-11 17:05:44 -
Seven More Regions Selected for Rural Basic Income Pilot Program The South Korean government has selected seven additional regions, including Jin-an and Muju in North Jeolla Province and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang Province, for its rural basic income pilot program. This expansion increases the number of pilot areas from 10 to 17. On June 11, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the results of the application process for the rural basic income pilot program, which will run until next year. The newly selected regions include Hwacheon in Gangwon Province, Boeun in North Chungcheong Province, Jin-an and Muju in North Jeolla Province, Gurye and Boseong in South Jeolla Province, and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang Province. The rural basic income pilot program provides a monthly payment of 150,000 won (approximately $130) in local love gift certificates to all residents living in designated areas that have been classified as population decline regions. The ministry has been conducting pilot programs in 10 counties, including Yeoncheon, Jeongseon, Okcheon, Cheongyang, Jangsu, Sunchang, Gokseong, Sinan, Yeongyang, and Namhae, since this year to combat population decline. A total of 44 counties applied for the program, resulting in a competitive ratio of 8.8 to 1. An evaluation committee composed of private experts in rural policy and basic income assessed the applications based on regional development indices, income return models, and local funding availability. In this round of applications, Hwacheon County proposed a model that returns profits from its annual trout festival and shared community assets to fund the basic income, while Jin-an County presented a model focused on creating a solidarity fund and supporting entrepreneurship through the basic income. Residents in the newly selected rural areas will undergo qualification checks, including application submissions and residency verifications, before receiving the basic income in the form of local love gift certificates starting in August. However, to prevent fraudulent claims, new residents will have to confirm their residency for 90 days after applying. The ministry anticipates that the additional seven counties will experience positive economic impacts from the rural basic income program. In the initial 10 pilot counties, the population increased by 4.7% and the number of new businesses rose by 13.7%. The ministry expects that the income of rural residents in the newly selected areas will also increase, stimulating local consumption. To support the implementation of the rural basic income, the ministry plans to provide close assistance through the Rural Basic Income Promotion Team. The budget for this year's rural basic income program is set at 70.6 billion won (approximately $63 million). Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong stated, "The rural basic income pilot program is an effective policy that can simultaneously improve residents' quality of life and revitalize the local economy. With the expansion of the target areas, we will do our utmost to support rural communities in overcoming the threat of extinction and regaining vitality."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:03:00 -
South Korea Expands Economic Cooperation with Central Asia The South Korean government is seeking to enhance economic cooperation with Central Asia by exploring collaboration in supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy sectors. On June 11, the Ministry of Finance and Economy announced that it held a meeting of economic cooperation experts with Central Asia, chaired by Deputy Minister Heo Chang, at the Government Complex in Seoul. This meeting was organized in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Korea-Central Asia Summit scheduled for September, aiming to identify practical cooperation projects and expand economic ties with Central Asia, a key partner in the New Northern Policy. Participants emphasized the region's significant potential as a logistics hub and its rich energy and mineral resources, advocating for strengthened supply chain cooperation. They agreed on the need to expand collaboration in future industries such as AI and digital transformation, renewable energy, biotechnology, and smart infrastructure, while providing tailored support for South Korean companies entering these markets. Deputy Minister Heo stated, "We plan to actively incorporate the various policy proposals and cooperation ideas discussed today into future policy formulation and preparations for the summit. We will work to strengthen high-level cooperation channels, including the Korea-Uzbekistan vice ministerial meeting, and enhance the economic and financial cooperation foundation to elevate Korea-Central Asia collaboration to a new level." He added, "This summit will be the first of its kind hosted by South Korea and Central Asian countries, and it will be the only multilateral summit held domestically this year, serving as a catalyst for advancing Korea-Central Asia economic cooperation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:03:00 -
Court Rules Same-Sex Couples Are Legally Recognized Communities, Orders Damages A South Korean court has ruled that same-sex couples form a legally recognized living community, ordering a third party responsible for a relationship breakdown to pay damages. According to Yonhap News on June 10, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Appeal Division 3-2, led by Judges Kim So-young, Jang Chang-guk, and Moon Jong-cheol, partially upheld a lawsuit filed by a same-sex partner, referred to as A, against C, the former partner of A's ex-lover, B. The court ordered C to pay A 10 million won (approximately $8,500) in damages, reversing an earlier ruling that had dismissed the case on the grounds that same-sex relationships were not legally protected. The judges determined that A and B's relationship constituted a living community that extended beyond a mere romantic partnership. They noted that the couple was recognized by their families, attended family events together, and shared financial responsibilities, such as jointly paying for their apartment. The court stated, "The two formed a de facto living community with mutual intentions of marriage, combining economically, physically, and emotionally." While current laws do not recognize same-sex marriage or de facto relationships, the court concluded that this does not exclude the living community they formed from legal protection. The judges emphasized that a living community established by same-sex couples, based on mutual intentions of marriage, is a right recognized under the constitutional right to pursue happiness. They asserted, "The necessity to protect the benefits arising from the formation of a living community cannot be denied." The court also referenced a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that recognized health insurance eligibility for same-sex partners, stating that similar living communities also require legal protection. As a result, the court acknowledged 10 million won of the 30 million won (approximately $25,500) in damages sought by A, holding C accountable for the relationship's breakdown. The civil rights group All Marriage issued a statement praising the ruling, noting its significance in recognizing same-sex couples as living communities deserving of legal protection. This ruling is noteworthy as it acknowledges the need for legal protection for de facto relationships among same-sex couples in a context where same-sex marriage is not recognized under current law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 16:54:00 -
Art Center Nabi Reopens with 'A Pregnant Pause' Exhibition "The butterfly has flown here," Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, said during the opening ceremony of the reopening exhibition 'A Pregnant Pause' held on June 11 in Sagandong, Seoul. At the event attended by dozens of art community members, Noh expressed her excitement about the reopening, stating, "We are preparing ourselves to nest and seek new intersections between art and technology, nature and humanity." Referring to the exhibition's title, Noh remarked, "To create a delicious meal, one needs to let it rest. Great things do not happen instantly." She added, "I believe that time, patience, and letting things rest are essential, making 'A Pregnant Pause' a relevant theme for our era. This will prompt us to reconsider the role of art in an age where everything unfolds at our fingertips due to AI." Noh also emphasized her commitment to supporting active artists, expressing gratitude for the community's support and encouragement. Founded in 2000, Art Center Nabi is Korea's first media art institution. It has previously been located in the SK Group's headquarters, the Serin Building. Following the confirmation of Noh's divorce from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, the center has moved to a new independent building in Sagandong, marking a new chapter in its 26-year history. In a press release, Noh highlighted the concept of a 'next chapter.' She stated, "This event marks the closing of 26 years and the reopening in Sagandong is a time for the next chapter to grow from within, yet to be fully revealed." She further noted that the 'embryonic vitality' found in the works of artist Han Jin-soo, who explores the slow fermentation of time between machines and nature, resonates deeply with the moment of reopening. The new space, designed to operate as a self-sufficient art museum, is expected to enhance Art Center Nabi's unique identity. It aims to unfold a new chapter as a future-oriented cultural platform where technology, nature, art, and urban environments intersect. The exhibition 'A Pregnant Pause' showcases constant transformation. Bubbles of food float in the wind, spreading across a white background, while small feather brushes move busily, creating different forms moment by moment. The process of one breaking and another being filled continues, moving forward without pause. At the opening ceremony, Han Jin-soo explained, "My works do not progress toward a clear purpose or outcome. Instead, they create opportunities for each individual to express their unique stories." He added, "I hope viewers take the time to experience their uniqueness and have their own moments of pause." The exhibition runs from June 12 to August 1. 2026-06-11 16:54:00 -
Korea's ruling front humbles as approval rating droops in election aftermath SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - The honeymoon period had been unprecedentedly longer for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung compared with past leaders, but it eventually came to an end. Just before departing for a European tour on Wednesday, Lee took time for a moment of self-reflection. In a post on X, he apologized to the public and pledged to "work harder" with greater modesty and openness after a string of polls showed his approval ratings falling sharply in the aftermath of the June 3 local elections. The remarks echoed the contrite tone Lee adopted days earlier during a news conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, when he described the ruling party's disappointing local election performance as "a warning from the people." Lee's approval rating, which had remained comfortably above 60 percent throughout much of his first year in office, has fallen rapidly since the local elections exposed growing voter fatigue with the ruling camp and signaled a revival of the conservative opposition. A survey conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute on Monday and Tuesday and released Wednesday showed Lee's approval rating falling 9.4 percentage points from late May to 50.4 percent. Negative assessments rose 10.5 percentage points to 45.7 percent, narrowing the gap between approval and disapproval to within the survey's margin of error for the first time since he took office. Support for the governing Democratic Party slid in tandem, dropping 4.7 percentage points to 38.6 percent, while the opposition People Power Party climbed 6.5 points to 38.1 percent. The decline was particularly pronounced among younger voters and in the southeastern industrial belt. Disapproval reached 62.3 percent among voters in their 20s and 59.9 percent among those in their 30s, while negative views also surged in the Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang region. A separate survey released Wednesday suggested the political momentum may be shifting even more dramatically. The poll, conducted by Cho Won C&I for Straight News from June 6 to June 8, showed support for the PPP at 41.6 percent, edging past the DP at 40.4 percent. It marked the first time the conservatives outpaced the liberals since Yoon's martial-law stunt and impeachment. The same survey showed Lee's approval rating dropping 13.3 percentage points to 50.6 percent, while disapproval climbed 12.5 percentage points to 45.5 percent. Taken together, the polls suggest the June 3 local elections may have served as a watershed moment — one that has shaken what once seemed an iron DP grip on power and clouded the party's once-comfortable path to extending its rule into another term. Rep. Park Sun-won of the DP told AJP the waning numbers were "deeply distressful." Lawmakers from both parties cited a combination of factors behind the shift in public opinion, including the ballot paper shortage controversy during the local elections, growing unease over the ruling party's legislative agenda, and the emergence of new conservative leadership figures. The ballot shortage incident, which forced some polling stations to suspend voting temporarily and left voters waiting for extended periods, sparked nationwide criticism and allegations that citizens' voting rights had been compromised. "The decisive cause was the infringement of citizens' voting rights resulting from the ballot paper shortage incident," said PPP lawmaker Park Sung-hoon. Park also cited a range of factors that fueled public resentment toward what he described as the ruling camp's growing arrogance, including its push for the special prosecutor bill on canceled prosecutions, the politicization of the Starbucks controversy and the consolidation of conservative voters during the local elections. The legislation, championed by the DP, seeks to investigate allegations of politically motivated prosecutions under the previous Yoon administration. Critics, however, argue that parts of the bill could effectively grant a special prosecutor authority to nullify existing indictments, making it one of the most contentious legislative proposals in recent months. "Through the local elections, the public warned that the Lee Jae Myung administration and the DP were acting too arrogantly and doing whatever they wanted," said PPP lawmaker Ahn Sang-hoon. Calling the bill a symbol of overreach, Ahn said voters were bewildered that the ruling party appeared determined to revive the proposal immediately after the election. Ahn also cited concerns over housing policy and efforts to support the stock market through the National Pension Service, while attributing the PPP's improving fortunes to growing expectations surrounding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. Their victories in the local elections were widely viewed as strengthening the reform-minded wing of the conservative party and broadening its appeal among moderate voters. PPP lawmaker Woo Jae-jun similarly argued that public expectations for change within the opposition had helped boost the party's support. "I think expectations that our party will change before the DP have been reflected in the PPP's approval ratings," he said. Even within the ruling party, some lawmakers acknowledged growing public frustration."The ruling party must be humble and inclusive," a three-term DP lawmaker said on condition of anonymity. "During this local election, we became complacent." The lawmaker also criticized what he described as excessive enthusiasm for stock market promotion by the government and ruling party, arguing that many ordinary investors had not benefited from recent market gains while foreign capital continued to leave Korean equities. He added that the party must use its upcoming national convention to reorganize its leadership and reconnect with voters before public dissatisfaction hardens into a more lasting political trend. 2026-06-11 16:53:18 -
K-Beauty Platform Whaekai Global Accelerates AI Transformation Whaekai Global, the operator of the beauty platform Whaekai, is rapidly innovating its operations through artificial intelligence (AI). The company aims to apply AI agents across its organization, moving beyond simple automation of repetitive tasks, and to leverage its verified technological capabilities to support the growth of its partner brands. According to industry sources on June 11, as AI transformation (AX) emerges as a new growth strategy across various sectors, Whaekai Global is pushing for a shift to an 'AI native organization' based on its data utilization capabilities. The company plans to foster a culture where employees actively use AI tools and redesign their workflows. A notable example is the in-house developed AI data analysis assistant, 'DAHAE.' Previously, when data analysis was needed, teams had to submit requests to the data analysis department and wait for results. However, since the introduction of DAHAE in February, users can input questions in natural language via the collaboration tool Slack, allowing the AI to search for relevant data and generate necessary queries to provide results. Since its launch, DAHAE has quickly increased its usage within the organization. In just three months, it processed over 7,500 analysis requests, reducing the burden of repetitive data analysis tasks by more than 90%. The data strategy team has also shifted from handling simple inquiries to focusing on high-value tasks such as service improvement and business strategy development. Whaekai Global emphasizes that its AI utilization is not limited to specific development teams but aims for a company-wide transformation. Non-development roles, such as product owners and designers, are encouraged to create and apply necessary systems, thereby changing the organizational culture. Lim Kwang-bin, head of product at Whaekai Global, stated, "We have moved beyond simple technology adoption to a stage where employees systematize repetitive tasks and design their own tools. The experience of implementing automation will provide us with a competitive edge to respond flexibly to the rapidly changing market environment." The scope of AI utilization is also expanding. Whaekai Global is strengthening its structure to connect brands with sales channels based on vast beauty data. By automating some processes that previously required manual review and judgment, the company has improved both operational speed and efficiency. AI transformation is also underway in global marketing. The processes for discovering and vetting influencers on global social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been automated, creating a foundation for the sales team to share necessary information in real-time. The benefits of improved operational efficiency are becoming evident. An AI-powered system for detecting abusive reviews has reduced review processing time by 89%, while the automation of photo review checks has decreased processing time by 94% without compromising quality. The company has also seen revenue growth, with consistent increases in sales from its global advertising operations and improved performance from brands and edit shops. Beyond internal efficiency, Whaekai Global plans to provide AI-based growth infrastructure for brands on the Whaekai platform. The company is currently preparing a self-serving partner system that allows partner brands to manage everything from product operations to marketing. This system aims to leverage Whaekai's database of over 10 million reviews and AI capabilities as tools for brand growth. Lim added, "Our next goal is to expand the verified capabilities of our AI agents as a growth infrastructure for brands on the Whaekai platform. We aim to enable K-beauty brands to grow more rapidly based on Whaekai's data and AI capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 16:51:00 -
Startup Agency Strengthens Network Between AI Tech Startups and Demand Companies The Startup Promotion Agency is enhancing its network between AI transformation (AX) technology startups and demand companies, including large, medium, and small enterprises, public institutions, and hospitals. On June 10, the agency announced it hosted the 'Link-Up Four Domain AX Program Startup-Demand Company Meetup Day' in Seoul. This event served as a collaborative platform to combine the AI capabilities of leading startups with the infrastructure of prominent domestic and international demand companies, facilitating the swift application of cutting-edge technology for demand companies and providing startups with opportunities for practical experience and market access. Over 150 participants, including selected demand companies and startups, attended the event. This year, demand companies were selected through evaluations based on four key technology domains: manufacturing (robots, drones, automobiles, factories, ships), finance, content, and bio-health. A total of 47 companies applied, resulting in a competitive ratio of 1.6 to 1, with 27 companies ultimately selected (10 large enterprises, 7 medium enterprises, 1 small enterprise, 3 hospitals, and 6 public institutions). Additionally, 37 startups with AI technology were chosen after evaluations. The event included a session on operational schedules, technology protection, and fair collaboration, followed by individual networking activities where demand companies and startups discussed collaboration directions and the proof of concept (PoC) methods for applying AX in industrial settings. Earlier in April, the Startup Promotion Agency recruited demand companies for its open innovation program 'InnoWave,' which supports joint proof of concept and commercialization between leading startups and large, medium, and public sector companies. Through this initiative, the agency aims to expand participation not only to leading startups but also to TIPS-selected companies, helping demand companies discover technology partners and increasing participation from public institutions and local governments to enhance the potential for proof of concept and public procurement connections using public infrastructure and services. Yoo Jong-pil, head of the Startup Promotion Agency, stated, "This is a powerful opportunity for startups with unique technologies and demand companies willing to solve industry challenges to lead the AI transformation of core industries through collaboration. We will fully support the ambitious cooperation between these companies to achieve successful outcomes and enhance international competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 16:48:00