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LG Electronics Reports 3rd Quarter Operating Profit of 781.8 Billion Won, Up 13.5% LG Electronics has surpassed 71 trillion won in cumulative sales for the year by the end of the third quarter, indicating it is on track to exceed last years record annual sales. The company is experiencing growth in new business areas, particularly in business-to-business (B2B) sectors, which is accelerating its goal of achieving 100 trillion won in annual sales by 2030.On October 7, LG Electronics announced its preliminary consolidated sales for the third quarter reached 23.827 trillion won, with an operating profit of 781.8 billion won. This represents an increase of 8.9% and 13.5%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Despite external uncertainties such as the Middle East conflict and rising logistics and material costs, the company improved profitability through growth in its core businesses and cost structure enhancements.For the first three quarters of the year, cumulative sales totaled 71.3807 trillion won, marking the first time it has exceeded 70 trillion won. Cumulative operating profit also surpassed 4 trillion won for the first time, reaching 4.346 trillion won.The company is likely to set a new record for annual sales this year. Last year, LG Electronics reported approximately 89 trillion won in sales, the highest in its history. By the end of the third quarter, it had achieved about 80% of last years total sales. If it records over 18 trillion won in sales in the fourth quarter, it will surpass last years performance.The goal of reaching 100 trillion won in annual sales is becoming more attainable. To achieve this target this year, LG Electronics would need approximately 28.6 trillion won in sales in the fourth quarter, making the likelihood of reaching this goal limited. However, with the strong potential for record-breaking sales this year and ongoing growth, the company may achieve its 100 trillion won target ahead of schedule by 2030.Earlier, LG Electronics announced its Vision 2030 plan in 2023, outlining its ambition to become a company with 100 trillion won in sales by 2030. The strategy focuses on transitioning from a traditional home appliance-centric business model to fostering B2B, non-hardware, and new business areas as its three main growth drivers.The B2B sector has become a central pillar for both expanding its scale and generating stable profits. LG Electronics aims to achieve 40 trillion won in B2B sales by 2030, expanding its operations in automotive, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and digital signage. Unlike business-to-consumer (B2C) sectors, which are sensitive to consumer market fluctuations, B2B can secure stable revenue and profits based on long-term contracts.The automotive business has continued to grow, supported by stable revenue conversion from its order backlog. The sales of premium products in the vehicle infotainment sector have also increased, establishing it as a cash cow in the B2B field. The HVAC business is seizing new growth opportunities due to rising demand for cooling solutions driven by increased investment in AI data centers. LG Electronics is enhancing its domestic and international production capabilities to meet this demand.The companys traditional strength in home appliances has also contributed to its performance growth. A dual-track strategy targeting both premium and volume segments, along with the expansion of appliance subscriptions, online sales, and B2B operations, has driven revenue growth. Operational efficiencies in manufacturing and logistics have also helped maintain a solid profit structure.The media and entertainment division, responsible for the TV business, has seen growth thanks to increased sales of premium products like OLED TVs and expansion in emerging markets. The growth of the webOS platform, along with a higher proportion of premium products and marketing cost efficiencies, has allowed the division to maintain profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. October 7, 2026 20: -
K-drama, K-pop — and now Hangeul joins the K-wave SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - A decade ago, learning Korean was a way to catch the nuances of K-drama dialogue and song lyrics. Today, foreigners are learning it to enter universities, build careers and make a life in Korea. Few can dispute the global ascent of Korean pop culture as K-everything fills social media feeds. All three seasons of Netflix’s “Squid Game” occupy the top three spots on the platform’s all-time ranking of non-English television series. Its first season drew 265.2 million views in its first 91 days, followed by 192.6 million for Season 2 and 145.8 million for Season 3. Korean pop music has traveled just as far. “APT.,” by BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars, was the third most-streamed song worldwide on Spotify in 2025. The ever-expanding global reach has introduced millions to Korean through lyrics, subtitles and online fan communities. For some, an affection nurtured on screen is becoming a life beyond it. Digby Kartney, a 33-year-old American living in Gwangju, traces his path to Korea back to K-pop and Korean dramas. Kartney bred interest in Korean culture while growing up in the United States and now works as an English teacher. “I might have started to become interested in Korea through Korean music or dramas, but that interest grew into something big enough that I ended up moving to Korea to make a living,” Kartney told AJP. He found his current job through the Seoul Foreign Portal, a city-run website providing information for foreign residents. His experience points to a shift worth considering ahead of Hangeul Day on Oct. 9 - Korean may be a language people discover through entertainment, but it is increasingly one they study for education, employment and a longer-term future in the country. The holiday celebrates Hangeul, the Korean writing system created under King Sejong in the 15th century. From subtitles to classrooms Recent figures suggest that motivations for learning Korean are becoming increasingly practical. A 2025 survey by the King Sejong Institute Foundation found that 50.9 percent of 1,323 foreigners with experience learning Korean cited preparation for study or academic programs in Korea as a reason. Another 37 percent cited career development. The foundation’s King Sejong Institutes enrolled a record 239,020 students worldwide in 2025, about 28,000 more than a year earlier. The expansion is also visible on Korean university campuses. International enrollment in South Korean higher education institutions reached 253,434 in 2025, up from 91,332 in 2015, according to government statistics — nearly tripling in a decade. The total included 120,150 undergraduates, 41,278 master’s students and 17,762 doctoral students. Another 58,764 were enrolled in language-training programs. For Kang Yoon-do, a 35-year-old university international affairs officer, the change has been gradual but noticeable. He traces part of the early surge in interest to Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” followed by the global rise of BTS and the spread of Korean films and dramas through streaming platforms such as Netflix. But his conversations with students today often center less on entertainment and more on what comes next. “When I counsel students, a very large number of them say they want to find a job in Korea,” Kang said. “In the past, someone might have come simply because they liked Korean content and wanted to study the language. Now I see more people formally learning Korean because they want to live here and make a living.” Asian students still make up most of the foreign students Kang encounters, although he has noticed a broader mix of nationalities on campus. National figures reflect that pattern. Chinese students accounted for 30.2 percent of Korea’s international student population in 2025, while Vietnamese students represented 20.7 percent. Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Nepal were also among the largest countries of origin. The shift extends beyond the arrival of more Western fans. It concerns what learners across nationalities expect the language to offer as an initial interest develops into plans for education and work. A language for what comes next Yoo Seong-ho, a professor of Korean language and literature at Hanyang University, said K-pop, cinema, television dramas and literature helped create the initial demand for Korean. But cultural popularity alone no longer fully explains why people keep studying it. “Korean cultural content certainly had an impact, but Korea’s overall standing has also risen,” Yoo said. As more foreigners study, work and establish lives in Korea, the language has gained practical value, he said. “Watching dramas or films may be the beginning,” Yoo said. “But few people continue studying a language just for that. They study it because of their future and their careers.” Those opportunities also extend beyond Korea. Some learners return home to become Korean-language teachers or translators, or to work in other Korea-related fields, Yoo said. “Korean has become a kind of gateway,” he said. What lies beyond that gateway, however, depends on more than language proficiency. Yang Jin-young, a 30-year-old human resources employee at Coupang, said foreign applicants form part of the company’s recruitment pool, although requirements differ by position. Basic Korean communication may be sufficient for some logistics positions, Yang said. For IT and professional roles, recruitment generally focuses on job qualifications rather than nationality, age or gender. Coupang also recruits foreign professionals under visa categories including D-7 for intra-company transferees and E-7 for designated professional activities, according to Yang. Speaking Korean does not guarantee employment. A software engineer, logistics worker and corporate manager face different requirements, and language skills are one part of a broader set of qualifications. Still, the growing numbers of language learners and international students suggest that Korean is acquiring a place in ambitions that reach well beyond the next episode or album. For years, global charts measured how far Korean culture had traveled. Increasingly, classrooms and workplaces reveal what happens after it arrives. But for many, the K-wave has carried them from following Korean lives on screen to building one of their own. October 7, 2026 17: -
Park Jin-young Addresses Trademark Controversy Surrounding 'Phenomemon' Park Jin-young, co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Cultural Exchange, addressed the controversy surrounding JYP Entertainments trademark application for the governments K-culture project Phenomemon. He stated, It seems we used various methods out of a desire to do well, fearing that someone might take the trademark from us.During a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on October 7, Park responded to criticism from Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party regarding the overseas rights and the process of the Phenomemon project.Park acknowledged that while it is not typical for a company like JYP to apply for a trademark and then transfer it to the government, it was done with good intentions. He admitted, I think it was not a normal method.Rep. Bae raised concerns about the allocation of overseas rights to JYP for a project that is backed by hundreds of billions of won in direct and indirect government funding. He pointed out that the dedicated corporation that will manage the project will include JYP and three other major agencies, questioning the lack of separate contracts or agreements to ensure public interest. He warned that the four major agencies could monopolize the project.In response, Park argued that the agencies involved in Phenomemon are participating despite forgoing immediate profits. He explained, If the representatives of the four companies perform separately during the Phenomemon event, they could earn two to three times more. Each company could make significantly more money if they held their own concerts. He added, I asked YG, SM, and HYBE to participate, and while we are currently facing losses in the hundreds of millions of won, we decided to proceed due to the long-term vision and the potential benefits for other industries stemming from this initiative.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young also commented, stating that Phenomemon is a process of exploring how to collaborate with the four major agencies. He acknowledged that there were concerns due to limited disclosures during this process but emphasized, The four major agencies are not here to seek profits from a government event.Choi further explained, This is a collaborative effort to leverage the global achievements of the four major agencies for K-culture. While I understand the concerns regarding the process of discussions, which differ from previous practices, I ask for understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding this project. October 7, 2026 15:
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LG Electronics Q3 profit up 13.5% on year, down 50.5% on quarter SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - LG Electronics kept up double-digit annual growth in the third quarter, although halved from from the April-June period, as the South Korean premium household appliance maker pushed its B2B business in vehicle electronics and coolants to ride on the AI boom, according to its disclosure Wednesday. In its earnings guidance, the company estimated an operating profit of 781.8 billion won ($584 million) for the July-September period, up 13.5 percent from a year earlier but down 50.5 percent from the previous quarter amid slowed external demand and less favorable exchange rate. Revenue rose 8.9 percent on year to 23.83 trillion won ($17.8 billion), while remaining virtually unchanged from the second quarter. LG attributed the revenue growth to resilient demand for its core products, continued expansion in business-to-business operations and sales growth in emerging markets, including the Global South, despite an unfavorable business environment stemming from the war in the Middle East. Profitability also improved as the company's home appliance and vehicle component businesses maintained solid margins, while its television business posted a sharp improvement from a year earlier. Companywide cost reductions and operating leverage from higher sales helped offset increases in logistics, material and fixed costs, LG said. For the first nine months of the year, LG reported cumulative revenue of 71.38 trillion won, up 9.2 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit jumped 55.9 percent to 4.03 trillion won. It marked the first time the company's nine-month revenue surpassed 70 trillion won and operating profit exceeded 4 trillion won. By business, LG said its Home Appliance Solution division continued to grow on increased sales of premium and mass-market products, alongside expansion in subscription services, online sales and B2B operations. Its Media Entertainment Solution business recorded year-on-year sales growth, helped by stronger sales of premium televisions, including OLED models, and expansion in emerging markets. The division remained profitable as LG increased the share of premium products and streamlined marketing spending. The Vehicle Solution business maintained steady growth as its order backlog translated into sales, while a higher proportion of premium automotive infotainment products helped strengthen profitability. The Eco Solution business, which includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning products, maintained revenue at roughly the previous year's level as overseas sales increased. Profitability edged down, however, as LG continued investing in new production capacity and hiring for new businesses. LG is also expanding investment in artificial intelligence-related growth areas, including cooling systems for AI data centers and robotics. The company is expanding cooling-system production capacity at home and abroad while investing in a robotics data factory in Seoul and actuator production infrastructure in Changwon, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The figures are preliminary and were compiled under Korean International Financial Reporting Standards. LG Electronics is scheduled to release its finalized third-quarter results, including net income and detailed performance by business division, later this month. October 7, 2026 11: -
Kakao Entertainment Partners with Atlantic to Expand K-Pop Global IP Kakao Entertainment is teaming up with a global music group to collaborate on strategies for K-Pop artists overseas expansion, covering everything from music production to distribution and marketing. The partnership aims not only to support the global advancement of K-Pop artists but also to jointly discover and nurture new music intellectual properties (IP).Kakao Entertainment announced on October 7 that it has formed a strategic partnership with Atlantic Music Group (AMG), a key music group under Warner Music Group (WMG).Under this agreement, the two companies will work together on strategies for the global growth of K-Pop artists, encompassing music production, distribution, marketing, and promotion across the music business. They plan to leverage their combined music business capabilities and global networks to pursue new label partnerships for K-Pops international expansion.Atlantic Music Group includes several music labels such as Atlantic Records, 10K Projects, and 300 Entertainment. Atlantic Records has showcased music from global artists like Bruno Mars, Charli XCX, and Coldplay, expanding its influence in the global music market.Kakao Entertainment will contribute its expertise in music IP planning, production, distribution, artist management, marketing, and fan communication across the K-Pop industry. Atlantic Music Group will bring its experience in artist and music discovery (A&R), marketing, promotion, and international networks.This collaboration particularly focuses on accelerating the overseas expansion of K-Pop artists. Instead of the traditional approach of first developing artists and music IP domestically before expanding internationally, the two companies will jointly establish strategies considering the global market from the initial planning stages.In the music production phase, they will promote collaborations with overseas artists, including features, and after the release of music, they will conduct distribution and digital marketing using global streaming platforms and social media. Local activities, such as appearances on TV and radio and communication with global fanbases, will also be part of their collaboration.A Kakao Entertainment representative stated, This partnership signifies the pooling of our capabilities to explore the potential of K-Pop artists and IP together and expand in the global market. We aim to diversify our connections with the global K-Pop fandom and continuously enhance K-Pops global influence based on our accumulated expertise and networks.* This article has been translated by AI. October 7, 2026 11:
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LG Electronics Reports 3rd Quarter Operating Profit of 781.8 Billion Won, Up 13.5% Year-on-Year LG Electronics announced on October 7 that it recorded a consolidated revenue of 23.8 trillion won and an operating profit of 781.8 billion won for the third quarter of 2026. Revenue increased by 8.9% compared to the same period last year, while operating profit rose by 13.5%.Despite challenging conditions, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the company maintained a strong market position in its core businesses and continued to grow sales based on its differentiated competitive advantages. Growth also persisted in the high-potential global South region and in its business-to-business (B2B) operations.Profitability improved significantly, with double-digit growth compared to the previous year. The home appliances and automotive electronics sectors served as cash cows, benefiting from solid profitability in both business-to-consumer (B2C) and B2B areas. The TV business also saw substantial improvements in profitability compared to last year. Efforts to enhance cost structures across the company, combined with the operating leverage from increased sales, offset rising logistics, material costs, and fixed expenses.This year, LG Electronics has consistently achieved significant year-on-year growth in both revenue and operating profit each quarter. For the third quarter, the cumulative revenue reached 71.4 trillion won, with a cumulative operating profit of 4.3 trillion won. This marks the first time in 2026 that cumulative revenue exceeded 70 trillion won and operating profit surpassed 4 trillion won.The companys robust profit generation capabilities are paving the way for investments in future new businesses. To meet the surging demand for AI data center cooling solutions, LG is enhancing its production bases both domestically and internationally and expanding its production capacity. In the field of physical AI, the company is investing in the largest data factory in Seouls Yangjae and establishing production infrastructure for key robotic components in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province.The home appliances division has contributed to revenue growth through a dual-track strategy encompassing premium and volume segments, along with expansions in appliance subscriptions, online sales, and B2B operations. Continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency in manufacturing and logistics have also helped maintain a solid profit structure.The media and entertainment division achieved revenue growth compared to last year, driven by increased sales of premium products like OLEDs and expansion in emerging markets. The webOS platform business continued its growth trajectory, maintaining profitability through an increased share of premium sales and efficient cost management.The automotive electronics division has experienced stable growth based on smooth revenue conversion from its order backlog. The growth in revenue has been bolstered by an increased share of premium sales in the vehicle infotainment sector, establishing it as a stable cash cow in the B2B space.The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) division maintained revenue levels comparable to the previous year, primarily driven by increased sales in overseas markets. However, profitability saw a slight decline compared to last year due to ongoing investments in new production capacity and workforce expansion for new business initiatives.The preliminary results announced are based on the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS). LG Electronics plans to disclose its consolidated net profit and business unit performance for the third quarter at an earnings briefing scheduled for the end of this month. October 7, 2026 11:
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Shinsegae invests $1 billion in Paramount-Warner deal SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group is investing $1 billion in the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. The deal marks a major push by the South Korean retail group into the global entertainment business. The investment, worth about 1.36 trillion won, will be made through an offshore investment vehicle that will acquire shares issued in connection with the transaction. Shinsegae said the move is aimed at combining global entertainment content with its retail, property and leisure businesses. The equity investment deepens a relationship that began with the two groups’ partnership on the Hwaseong theme park project. Shinsegae last year announced plans to work with Paramount on a 4.57 trillion won development spanning about 4.2 million square meters, with a Paramount-branded theme park as its centerpiece. Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on Tuesday, bringing the two companies under a combined group renamed Skydance Corp. The company now brings together film and television businesses including Paramount, Warner Bros. along with streaming services Paramount+ and HBO Max. Shinsegae said it plans to explore the use of franchises including Paramount's "Mission: Impossible," "Star Trek" and "Top Gun," as well as Warner Bros. properties such as "Harry Potter" and "Game of Thrones," across its offline businesses. One potential venue is Starbay City, a large-scale development planned in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, where Shinsegae is preparing a theme park. The group had already been working with Paramount on the project and said Warner Bros. content could broaden the attraction's entertainment offering. Shinsegae also sees potential to introduce entertainment-based attractions and themed spaces at its Starfield shopping complexes and to explore partnerships linking HBO Max and Paramount+ with membership programs operated by its retail affiliates. The group said the investment could eventually lead to cooperation on Korean original content and other projects targeting the broader Asian entertainment market. October 7, 2026 10: -
Hyundai Mobis Documentary Wins Three Global Awards Hyundai Mobis has won three global content awards for its documentary showcasing research and development efforts.The company announced on October 7 that its documentary titled Why Fight Cold? which captures the daily lives of researchers developing new technologies at a winter testing facility in Sweden, has received accolades at major global content awards, including the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards.The approximately 20-minute video features researchers working on key chassis technologies for future mobility, such as electronic braking systems (EMB), rear-wheel steering systems (RWS), and air suspension.Set against the backdrop of Swedens winter testing facility, where temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius, the documentary illustrates the challenges faced by researchers as they repeatedly validate and enhance the technologies.The film was a finalist in the automotive category at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, marking its second consecutive year as a nominee. Additionally, it won a silver award at the North American Telly Awards in May and received two grand prizes at the Muse Creative Awards in the documentary and automotive categories.Hyundai Mobis aims to go beyond merely introducing specialized automotive technologies by creating content that showcases the research and development process and the experiences of its team members, making it easier for the general public to understand the technology.In South Korea, the documentary also won the top award in the YouTube category at the 2026 Social Eye Awards and the grand prize in the media and entertainment category at the ICT Awards Korea.Meanwhile, Hyundai Mobis continues to present various content, including videos and newsletters, through its brand media site, Mobis Live.* This article has been translated by AI. October 7, 2026 08:
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Shinsegae Group Invests 1.4 Trillion Won in Warner Bros. Acquisition Shinsegae Groups investment of 1.4 trillion won in the acquisition of Warner Bros. is seen as more than just a foreign equity investment. The strategy aims to create a new business model that combines retail and entertainment by linking global intellectual properties (IPs) such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mission: Impossible, and Top Gun with Shinsegaes shopping malls, theme parks, online video services (OTT), and memberships.The key lies in Shinsegaes strength in space. Starfield, operated by Shinsegae Property, has developed a complex shopping mall model that integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure to increase customer dwell time. By adding global IPs, the shopping space can be transformed into a destination for enjoying content.According to industry sources, Shinsegae is considering introducing experiential facilities and themed spaces utilizing Paramount and Warner Bros. IPs at Starfield, Starfield Market, and Starfield Village. Pop-up exhibitions and experiential facilities based on content like Harry Potter and Mission: Impossible are among the potential applications.The most immediate beneficiary is expected to be the Hwaseong Star Bay City project in Gyeonggi Province, where Shinsegae plans to develop a large-scale theme park. Initially, the plan was to utilize Paramounts Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, and Top Gun, but the addition of Warner Bros. content significantly broadens the range of available IPs.This investment could also change the role of Shinsegae Property. While it has focused on developing and operating complex shopping malls centered around Starfield, it may now expand its business scope to include content planning and experiential space management using global IPs. This shift represents a move from a real estate development and leasing focus to enhancing space value through direct content utilization.Another business opportunity Shinsegae sees is the integration of OTT and memberships. By linking HBO Max and Paramount+ with the groups online and offline memberships, including those at E-Mart, it can use content subscription benefits as a customer retention strategy. This means expanding the traditionally discount-focused retail membership into a lifestyle service that includes content.Shinsegae emphasizes customer touchpoints in this investment. Both retail and entertainment are businesses that consumers experience directly. By combining global content with its existing offline spaces, Shinsegae expects to attract new customers while increasing visit frequency and dwell time.In the long term, Shinsegae envisions not just utilizing content but also producing it. This involves collaborating with Paramount, which now includes Warner Bros., to co-produce original Korean content and distribute it globally through HBO Max and Paramount+.Ultimately, the core of this investment is Shinsegaes aim to expand its competitive edge in retail from products to content and experiences. By connecting Starfield with global IPs and OTT, Shinsegae seeks to broaden its business scope into a platform that integrates retail and entertainment.A Shinsegae Group official stated, “This investment will provide an opportunity to leap forward as a platform company in the Asian content market.” October 6, 2026 17:
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Shinsegae Bets $1 Billion on Warner Bros. Acquisition to Expand Global Content Shinsegae Group is investing $1 billion (approximately 1.4 trillion won) in the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a major American entertainment company. The investment aims to expand its retail-focused business into global content and integrate intellectual properties (IP) owned by Paramount and Warner Bros. into Starfield and theme parks, creating new growth opportunities. On October 6, Shinsegae Group announced that Shinsegae Property will invest in Paramounts acquisition of Warner Bros. alongside David Ellison, co-CEO of Skydance, and the American investment firm RedBird. Shinsegae Property, a subsidiary of E-Mart, will acquire 100% of the shares in the RedBird-affiliated co-investment vehicle RB Tentpole for $1 billion. This will allow indirect investment in the new shares issued during the merger process of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. Shinsegae plans to utilize global IP from Paramounts films such as Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and Star Trek, as well as Warner Bros. Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, in its existing retail business. The company is considering creating experiential facilities and themed spaces in Starfield, Starfield Market, and Starfield Village, and integrating content into the theme park currently under development in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, called Star Bay City. Additionally, Shinsegae is exploring ways to link online video services (OTT) like HBO Max and Paramount Plus with memberships from E-Mart and other group affiliates. In the long term, the company aims to expand its business scope to include co-production of original content in South Korea. The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. is valued at approximately $110 billion, combining major content and media assets, including Mission: Impossible, Harry Potter, CBS, CNN, HBO Max, and Paramount Plus. A Shinsegae Group official stated, This investment will serve as a stepping stone to diversify into a new business area that combines entertainment beyond simple equity investment. October 6, 2026 17:
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Tving CEO Choi Joo-hee Apologizes for Data Breach, Promises Prevention Measures Choi Joo-hee, CEO of Tving, apologized on October 6 for the recent data breach involving the platform, stating, I am sorry. We will work to prevent a recurrence.Choi made the remarks during a National Assembly audit by the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, responding to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jeong-heon regarding accountability for the data leak.Lee pointed out that Tving had 39.54 million accounts and source code compromised, and criticized the company for leaving developer access credentials unencrypted in plain text.In response, Choi explained, We have provided affected customers with phishing prevention measures and various entertainment point coupons.Other company representatives affected by the data breach also issued apologies.Im Han-wook, CEO of Toss Payments, acknowledged, There were shortcomings. We are providing cash vouchers to merchants to compensate for damages and are enhancing our internal systems as well as oversight of merchants.Hong Seung-il, CEO of Healing Paper, which operates the app Gangnam Unni, expressed, I feel responsible for failing to protect sensitive personal information.* This article has been translated by AI. October 6, 2026 15:
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Super Junior's Yesung marks 10 solo years with new album SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - Super Junior member Yesung will release his second full-length album "Where We Are" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, marking the 10th anniversary of his solo career, SM Entertainment said. "Where We Are" includes lead single "Pedazos," a modern rock track whose title means "pieces" in Spanish. Yesung wrote lyrics for nine of the album's songs and co-composed one track. The album marks his first full-length Korean release since his solo debut in 2016 and follows his sixth EP "It's Complicated," released in November 2024. Yesung will follow the album with an eight-city Asian tour, beginning with three concerts at KBS Arena in Seoul from Oct. 16 to 18. Reflecting on the milestone, the singer said he hopes to continue making music rather than define his solo career around a single sound. AJP Takeaways - Yesung released his second studio album on his 10th solo anniversary year. - The album contains 12 tracks. - He wrote lyrics for nine songs and co-composed one. October 6, 2026 15: -
WayV's Xiaojun to make solo debut with 'Hey, Somebody' SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - K-pop boy group WayV member Xiaojun will make his solo debut later this month with his first EP "Hey, Somebody," SM Entertainment said Tuesday. The five-track album will be released at noon on Oct. 26 and will include both Mandarin and English versions of its title track. Xiaojun has previously released collaborations, featured on other artists' music and recorded drama soundtracks, but "Hey, Somebody" will mark his first solo album. The release comes as WayV carries out its third concert tour, "BORN THIS Way." The group performed in Hangzhou on Monday and is scheduled to play Chengdu on Wednesday. The physical edition of the EP will also be released Oct. 26. AJP Takeaways - Xiaojun will make his solo debut on Oct. 26. - "Hey, Somebody" contains five tracks. - The title song will be released in Mand October 6, 2026 15: -
Protests Against 'Assassins' Film Expand to Burger King Headquarters Protests surrounding the film Assassins have spread from the actors home to the production company and now to the advertising clients headquarters.On the morning of October 6, a protest was held in front of the G Tower in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The 4th and 5th floors of this building house BK, the domestic operator of Burger King, which previously used actor Yoo Hae-jin as a model. The protesters are demanding the films screening be halted and apologies from the production team and actors.Earlier, on October 4, protests took place in front of Yoo Hae-jins home and the building of Hive Media Corp, the production company. Members of the New Liberal Alliance and Bella Do gathered outside the actors residence in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, using loudspeakers. According to unofficial police estimates, about 50 people participated, prompting the deployment of two riot police units, dialogue police, and traffic police.Protests in front of the actors home are scheduled to continue until the end of this month. The New Liberal Alliance filed a report indicating that protests would occur from October 3 to 31, with 20 participants starting at 4:30 PM, utilizing two broadcasting vehicles and a makeshift stage. Kim Sang-jin, the representative of the New Liberal Alliance, posted a photo of this report on his social media on October 1, inadvertently revealing the address and street number of the actors residence.Kim has previously served time for charges related to threatening public figures by visiting their residences. He was indicted for visiting the homes of then-Seoul Central District Prosecutor Yoon Seok-yeol, the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and then-JTBC President Son Seok-hee 14 times from 2019, receiving a one-year prison sentence in the first trial on April 1, 2024. He was released after completing his sentence in April 2025.Yoo Hae-jins agency, VAST Entertainment, stated on October 5 that it is taking the threats seriously and is gathering evidence to respond as necessary.Burger Kings contract with Yoo Hae-jin as a model ended on September 30. The company explained that it had used the actor for a short-term campaign aligned with the seasonal product launch, and all major advertisements have concluded. Burger King has disabled the comment feature on its advertisement videos. Kiwoom Securities also ended its campaign featuring Yoo Hae-jin but has maintained the one-year model contract established in April.Seoul Police Chief Ko Beom-seok stated during a regular briefing on October 6 that any threats or harassment against the actor would be dealt with strictly according to the law. So far, no illegal activities related to the protests have been confirmed, and no requests for personal protection from Yoo Hae-jin have been received. However, if safety concerns arise, the police will enhance patrols and prepare for personal protection. The Jongno Police Station is investigating the complaints related to the film.Earlier, Joo Jin-woo, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, referred to Yoo Hae-jins appearance on social media, labeling him as North Korean-like, which sparked subsequent calls for boycotts and protests. The production company has stated that the film is not intended to establish a new historical conclusion or to deny or distort existing facts.Assassins is a film based on the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo during the 1974 Liberation Day ceremony. Released on September 23, it has surpassed 2 million viewers amid ongoing protests.* This article has been translated by AI. October 6, 2026 14:
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Hearts2Hearts joins Primavera Sound 2027 as only K-pop act SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - K-pop girl group Hearts2Hearts will perform at Spain's Primavera Sound next year as the only K-pop act on the festival's announced 2027 lineup, SM Entertainment said Tuesday. The girl group will appear during the Barcelona festival's main program from June 3 to 5 at Parc del Fòrum. Primavera Sound, launched in 2001, has grown into one of Europe's major multi-genre music festivals. The appearance adds another overseas festival to Hearts2Hearts' schedule after performances at iHeartRadio Wango Tango in Los Angeles and Indonesia's Lalala Festival in 2025. Hearts2Hearts also released a Korean-language version of its Japanese debut single "ICONIC HEART" on Monday. AJP Takeaways - Hearts2Hearts will perform at Primavera Sound Barcelona in June 2027. - The group is the only K-pop act in the lineup announced so far. - The booking follows festival appearances in the United States and Indonesia. October 6, 2026 13: