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AI Digital Restoration and Generative AI Search Create a New Future for K-Movie Heritage Film is the most vivid cultural heritage that records the times. However, as time passes, film deteriorates, and once lost footage is difficult to recover. AI is now opening a new era where old films can be restored, visual assets can be permanently preserved, and everyone can easily access them. Mo Eun-young, director of the Korean Film Archive, is drawing attention to whether AI can fully convey the memories of a century of Korean cinema to future generations. Film is National Heritage Film is not just entertainment; it is a record that vividly captures the history, culture, and daily life of an era. An old film contains the streets, architecture, language, and cultural practices of its time. However, film deteriorates over time. Colors fade, scratches appear on the screen, and sound quality deteriorates. If the preservation environment is poor, the original can be lost entirely. Since its establishment in 1974, the Korean Film Archive has been a full member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), and its mission to protect film heritage is not just about preserving the past but also about passing on Koreas cultural identity to the future. AI is opening new possibilities in this field. AI Revives Old Films In the past, film restoration took months or even years, as experts had to manually restore damaged frames one by one. AI is fundamentally changing the restoration process. It can automatically remove dust and scratches, restore faded colors, and improve damaged sound. AI analyzes past footage to estimate the original quality and correct frames. As restoration speeds up, more classic films can be saved. The core value of AI restoration is to revive the legacy of a century of Korean cinema in the digital space. Creating an AI Video Archive The Korean Film Archive houses a vast amount of film and video materials. The challenge is that the more materials there are, the harder it is to find the desired footage. AI directly analyzes the footage. It automatically recognizes characters, locations, historical contexts, and key scenes, generating metadata that allows for natural language searches. 1960s Seoul streets. Films about the Korean War. Scenes of rain. This opens an era where one can find desired footage without knowing the title. The archive is evolving from a simple storage facility to an AI-based video knowledge platform. AI Changes Film Research Film research is also entering the AI era. In the past, researchers had to watch hundreds of films to gather data. Now, AI analyzes directors styles, filming techniques, and characteristics of footage from different eras, helping researchers find necessary scenes. Students can study film history more easily, and researchers can quickly analyze vast amounts of data. AI does not replace researchers; it becomes a new tool that enhances the depth and speed of research. Video Data Becomes a New Content Industry The materials held by the archive should not remain as mere records of the past. In the AI era, video data becomes the source of a new industry. Filmmakers can study classic films to create new works, and documentary producers can utilize historical footage. AI companies can learn from video data to develop new services. Education, tourism, gaming, and exhibition industries can also leverage film heritage data. Good data should create new content, and new content should foster a virtuous cycle of growth in the cultural industry. AI Brings Films Closer to the Public The archive should evolve beyond a storage institution to become a platform where the public can learn about and enjoy films. Generative AI narrows the gap between the public and cinema. When viewers ask questions about films, AI can explain the director, historical context, and filming techniques. It can provide educational content for students, simple language for general audiences, and in-depth information for experts. The public will no longer have to search for information. We are entering an era where AI recommends and explains the films needed. In fact, the archives classic film YouTube channel has already gained 1.05 million subscribers, expanding its reach to the public. AI-based services can further deepen and personalize this connection. AI and K-Movie Connect the World Korean cinema is already recognized for its global competitiveness. Now, it is time to introduce past masterpieces to the world. By utilizing AI translation, subtitles, and voice technology, old Korean films can be easily enjoyed by global audiences. The archive should evolve from merely preserving films to supporting the globalization of K-movies. Korean film heritage can become a new global cultural asset. The Korean Film Archive Must Transform into an AI Organization AI is not just a technology for film restoration. It can assist in material classification, searching, metadata creation, research support, and more. Staff can move away from repetitive tasks to focus on film restoration, research, international cooperation, and developing new services. The archive must transition from a digital archive to an AI archive institution. The task assigned to Mo Eun-young is not limited to preserving films. It is to utilize AI to eternally preserve Koreas film heritage and make it a cultural asset that can be shared by the public and the world. AI helps restore old films, analyze vast footage, and enables anyone to easily find the films they want. Film heritage expands into research, education, tourism, and the content industry. Transforming from a storage institution to an AI platform that revives films. Evolving from an organization that preserves the past to one that supports future content industries. Continuing the memories of a century of Korean cinema through AI forever. This is the new future that the Korean Film Archive must create. :Mo Eun-young, Director of the Korean Film Archive: Mo Eun-young has extensive field experience in film screening, planning, and festival operations, having served as a programmer for the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival, Seoul Indie Animation Festival, and Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, as well as the head of the CinemaTech Department at the Korean Film Archive and the executive director of the Seoul Independent Film Festival. Appointed as the director of the Korean Film Archive in March this year, she has begun a three-year term, preparing for the next decade of Korean film heritage through AI-based digital restoration, advanced video archiving, and the introduction of generative AI search services.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:48 -
YouTube Limits Revenue from AI-Generated Low-Quality Content YouTube has strengthened its revenue generation policy for content utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). The platform will limit revenue from factory-style and edited content, as well as from AI avatars providing advice in sensitive fields such as healthcare and law. This move aims to curb the spread of low-quality content produced in bulk by generative AI.According to the information and communications technology (ICT) industry on July 26, YouTube has revised the guidelines for its revenue generation program, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), to clarify the criteria for monetizing low-quality AI content.The new guidelines took effect on July 16. YouTube has restricted the use of AI to content that incorporates human creativity and plans to guide creators on how to adapt their use of AI tools in the future.The YPP guidelines were established in response to the surge of indiscriminate low-quality AI content on the platform. While the use of AI technology is not entirely banned, YouTube has outlined three types of content that will be disqualified from earning ad revenue.First, revenue generation will be limited for videos produced in a factory-like manner using AI, where the content is mechanically generated with little variation between videos. Second, content that is designed to provoke discomfort, such as staged animal rescue videos aimed at increasing views, will also be excluded from ad revenue eligibility, regardless of whether it is AI-generated.Lastly, the use of AI in sensitive fields such as healthcare, finance, and law has been restricted. Channels featuring AI avatars that provide medical diagnoses, financial advice, or legal consultations will no longer be able to monetize their content.Matt Halprin, YouTubes Vice President of Trust and Safety, stated, While AI tools can assist creators in producing high-quality content, we will draw a strict line against automated channels that lack narrative structure and human creativity. In July of last year, YouTube redefined its YPP guidelines, changing the term repetitive content to inauthentic content to address the issue of template-based videos being repeatedly uploaded for views and ad revenue. This includes similar narration videos with only minor content changes and slideshows produced with the same narration and format. However, YouTube has not banned the use of AI outright; creators can still monetize content that features original commentary or possesses narrative, educational, or entertainment value, even if AI is utilized.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 12:28
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KakaoMap Launches Stray Kids Concert Map, Expands Cultural Event Services KakaoMap has partnered with JYP Entertainment to provide concert venue information on its platform. Users can now search for key locations at the concert, such as ticket and merchandise booths, expanding KakaoMaps exploration experience into cultural events.On July 26, Kakao announced that it will offer information about the Stray Kids World Tour concert taking place at the KSPO DOME in Seoul. Attendees can access the locations of major facilities and concert-related information all in one place on KakaoMap.By searching for Stray Kids Concert or the concert name Run It Seoul in the KakaoMap app, users can find the locations of ticket booths, merchandise booths, album pre-sale booths, and storage facilities, along with concert announcements. Additionally, the platform has introduced a feature called On-Site Talk to allow fans attending the Stray Kids concert to share information and communicate in real time.Kakao is also running an Easter egg event titled Find SKZ in KakaoMap Road View until August 20.Recently, Kakao has been enhancing the utility of its map app as a location-based life platform. The company aims to evolve KakaoMap beyond just navigation, providing users with essential information for their daily lives.Last year, Kakao launched an AI-based location recommendation service called AI Mate Local, and this year it has introduced real-time cherry blossom bloom tracking and Han River bus location services.Furthermore, the map apps functionality has expanded from outdoor navigation to indoor mapping. During the Lunar New Year holiday, KakaoMap launched indoor maps for major agricultural and fishery markets in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, including Garak Market and Gyeongdong Market, and recently introduced indoor mapping services for the National Museum of Korea.Following the dedicated map service for the 2026 Daegu Chicken and Beer Festival, Kakao has collaborated with JYP Entertainment to enhance the concert map, broadening the KakaoMap exploration experience for festivals and events.A Kakao representative stated, We plan to continue expanding KakaoMap services to make it easier and more convenient for users to access the information they need in various cultural spaces, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:48
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Illegal Drugs Detected in Wastewater: 31 Substances Found, Including 8 Club Drugs in Yongsan Last year, 31 types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and ketamine, were detected in wastewater across the country. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety expanded its analysis from a maximum of 22 substances to 243, revealing the use of new drugs and so-called club drugs that had previously gone undetected.On July 24, the Ministry announced the results of the 2025 Illegal Drug Usage Survey. The analysis was conducted on wastewater samples collected from 34 sewage treatment plants across 17 cities and provinces, as well as from densely populated areas such as Yongsan in Seoul, Incheon, Gwangju, and Jeonnam. The upper drainage basin refers to an intermediate collection area where wastewater from various regions converges before entering treatment plants.The survey found 31 types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, and 25 types of medical narcotics, such as zolpidem, in the wastewater samples. Among the illegal drugs, 28 were classified as controlled substances under the Narcotics Control Act, while three were temporary narcotics. Notably, synthetic cannabinoids accounted for the largest share, with 21 types detected.A significant aspect of this survey was the expanded scope of analysis. Since last year, the Ministry has increased the number of detectable drugs to 243 and broadened the survey methodology from focusing solely on sewage treatment plants to include upper drainage basins and specific densely populated areas. As a result, the number of detected illegal drugs rose sharply compared to the previous year, which recorded only seven types.Methamphetamine was found at all survey sites. The estimated daily usage per 1,000 residents at sewage treatment plants was 85 mg, which is lower than levels in the United States (2,109 mg), Australia (1,518 mg), and the Czech Republic (1,175 mg). However, when adjusted for population, it suggests that approximately one in every 10,000 people is using methamphetamine, indicating a widespread issue nationwide.By sampling location, 11 types of illegal drugs were confirmed at sewage treatment plants, 18 types in upper drainage basins, and eight types in densely populated areas. Notably, during the Halloween period last October, wastewater collected near entertainment venues in Yongsan revealed multiple club drugs, including cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and ketamine. These substances were not detected in general sewage treatment plants or upper drainage basins.Considering that only four types of drugs, including club drugs, were detected during weekend surveys in the same area, it suggests that drug usage patterns can vary significantly depending on specific times and locations. There is a possibility that drug distribution and usage surged during events attracting foreign visitors and young people.Based on the survey results, the Ministry plans to expand its monitoring scope. Next year, the number of upper drainage basin survey sites will increase from three to six, and the number of densely populated area surveys will rise from one to three. If illegal drugs are detected during the survey process, the Ministry will promptly provide information to law enforcement and local governments for enforcement actions.Additionally, substances suspected to be new drugs will undergo further analysis for rapid classification as temporary narcotics. A Ministry official stated, Wastewater-based epidemiological surveys are a means to quickly identify regional drug usage trends, adding that they aim to enhance the utility of these findings for enforcement and policy development.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 18:04
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Court rejects bid to block wider distribution of box office hit 'The King's Warden' SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - A Seoul court has rejected a bid to block further distribution of The King's Warden, clearing a legal obstacle to the historical drama's release on streaming services, home video and other platforms. The Seoul Western District Court dismissed an injunction sought by the family of a screenwriter who alleged that the film had copied the script of the 2000s television drama Eom Heung-do. The application was filed against co-producers Onda Works and BA Entertainment, as well as distributor Showbox. Thursday's decision allows the companies to offer the film through over-the-top streaming platforms and DVDs, arrange screenings aboard aircraft and ships, and pursue further overseas distribution. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, The King's Warden has drawn about 16.88 million admissions since opening in February, making it the second-most-watched film in South Korean box office history. It trails only the 2014 historical epic Roaring Currents, which recorded about 17.61 million admissions. The court's 21st Civil Division, led by Presiding Judge Shin Myung-hee, found that the two works were not sufficiently similar despite drawing on the same historical figures and events. According to the ruling, the television screenplay is built around Confucian loyalty, depicting Eom Heung-do as unwaveringly devoted to the deposed King Danjong. The film instead focuses on how Danjong, Eom and the villagers change through their encounters, giving the two works different themes, narrative structures and characterizations. The court said similarities arising from their shared historical setting were insufficient to establish copying because the relationship between Danjong and Eom, the overall plots and the central themes differed. It also found no evidence that Jang, who revised the film's screenplay, had access to the plaintiffs' work. The allegations surfaced after the film's theatrical release, with the screenwriter's family claiming that the film had copied elements of the earlier drama. July 24, 2026 17:19 -
SM Entertainment to host running event for K-pop fans this fall SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - A running event bringing together K-pop singers and their fans will be held this autumn, talent mill SM Entertainment said on Friday. Dubbed "SMTOWN RUN CLUB 26," the event is scheduled to be held at Wangsan Marina in the western port city of Incheon on Oct. 3, featuring a 10-kilometer course followed by live performances by SM artists and singers. The event was inspired by the "SM London Run," a fan-coined name for an impromptu run last summer in which SHINee member Minho and fellow SM stars ran through central London while taking part in the annual SMTOWN LIVE tour in the city. Photos and videos from the outing went viral on social media, prompting the company to turn the idea into an official event. Those interested can sign up through sneaker resale platform KREAM from Aug. 6 to Aug. 13, with more information available on the event's official website and Instagram account. July 24, 2026 17:15 -
Jennie takes creative control of new single 'Less than a Lover' SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - BLACKPINK's Jennie released a new single, Less than a Lover, on Friday after taking part in both the songwriting and visual production of the project. The track arrived at 1 p.m. (0400 GMT), according to OA Entertainment. Jennie contributed to its lyrics and composition, drawing on the atmosphere of summer while developing the song. Less than a Lover centers on the anticipation and lingering uncertainty of a relationship suspended somewhere between friendship and romance, the agency said. Jennie also participated in directing the song's music video, extending her involvement beyond the recording process. She is set to headline Lollapalooza Chicago, which runs from July 30 to Aug. 2 at Grant Park, before performing at Summer Sonic 2026 in Tokyo on Aug. 14 and Osaka on Aug. 16. July 24, 2026 17:05 -
K-pop impresario Park Jin-young shows off biceps in photos for new single SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - K-pop singer and producer Park Jin-young on Friday shared several behind-the-scenes photos to promote his new single released the previous day. "WET" marks his first summer-themed single since "When We Disco," his 2020 collaboration with Sunmi, a former member of K-pop girl group Wonder Girls. The reggae-inspired track was also chosen as the main theme song for this year's "Waterbomb," one of South Korea's biggest summer music festivals. The photos show Park showcasing his choreography with dancers under red lighting during the single's music video shoot. His namesake agency, JYP Entertainment, said Park reduced his body fat percentage to below 10 percent for his return, showing off his biceps and toned physique. He wrote, composed and produced the single, describing it as "reggaeton with a Latin American sound that perfectly matches the heat of summer," and said it is about dancing until "your whole body is soaked in sweat." Park, who performed the song on Mnet's "M Countdown" the previous day, is set to appear at the Waterbomb festival in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on Sunday. July 24, 2026 16:51 -
China-based K-pop boy group CIIU to release album next month SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - China-based K-pop boy group CIIU will release their first extended play (EP) next month since making their debut last year, their agency JYP Entertainment said on Friday. CIIU debuted in August 2025 under JYP Entertainment's "Globalization by Localization" strategy, which develops artists tailored to individual overseas markets. The strategy first produced Boy Story in China before expanding to Japan-based girl group NiziU and U.S.-based girl group VCHA. Following their debut, CIIU's first single entered the top 10 of QQ Music's daily popularity and trending charts. With the EP, "Closer To 'You'" slated for release on Aug. 4, its title track "Closer" centers on themes of youth and emotional growth, portraying the journey of growing closer to someone. The release is built around the group's signature "C-Tro Pop" style, which blends Chinese retro influences with contemporary pop. The promotional rollout began earlier this month with the release of a teaser poster and concept film. On July 14, CIIU pre-released the B-side track "Step By Step" along with its accompanying music video. The song combines the sound of a traditional Chinese wind instrument with hip-hop elements. Another B-side, "Next To You," is scheduled for release on Aug. 19. Beyond music, the boys have expanded their presence in China through collaborations with local brands and promotional events. They were recently selected as an advertising model for Chinese electric bicycle brand Xinri and are partnering with theme park operator Fantawild for promotional events. They are also scheduled to perform at the 2026 TMELive International Music Awards on Aug. 22 before meeting fans in Shanghai on Aug. 29 to mark the first anniversary of their debut. July 24, 2026 11:14 -
K-pop quartet aespa release new album in Japan SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - K-pop girl group aespa released their first Japanese mini album on Friday as they seek to expand their presence in Japan. "KISS N TELL" features six songs including the title track of the same name, a dance-pop song with upbeat piano melodies, rhythmic beats and layered harmonies, with lyrics exploring deepening friendships through shared personal concerns and emotions, according to their agency SM Entertainment. Released alongside the album, the music video for the title track is set in an amusement park and showcases the quartet's choreography against bright, summery visuals. The album also includes "ATTITUDE," a theme song for the Japanese television anime "Kill Blue"; "In Halo," featured in the drama "First Bite"; and three new songs, "Orbit Pop," "Fangirl" and "Done with Rules." The latest release comes about two years after aespa debuted in Japan with their single "Hot Mess" in 2024. Meanwhile, aespa will perform at this year's Lollapalooza Chicago in Grant Park, a music festival in Illinois, in August. July 24, 2026 11:04 -
HK Inno.N Achieves Dual Wins in Social Media Marketing HK Inno.N has been recognized for its achievements in social media marketing, winning awards on both YouTube and Instagram.The company announced on July 24 that its official YouTube channel, Channel Inno.N, and its Instagram account received the grand prize and excellence award, respectively, at the 2026 Social Eye Awards, achieving a dual victory.Now in its eighth year, the Social Eye Awards is the largest SNS awards ceremony in South Korea, organized by the Korea Internet Professionals Association (KIPFA) under the Ministry of Science and ICT. A panel of over 4,000 business marketing experts and creators evaluated entries across five categories using 15 assessment criteria. This year, a total of 296 companies participated.Channel Inno.N won the grand prize in the medical and pharmaceutical category, marking its second consecutive year of receiving this honor. The channel was praised for effectively delivering medical and health information through relatable content, ensuring public benefit and content dissemination while providing practical value to viewers.In the past year, Channel Inno.N recorded a total of 9.75 million views, with the number of likes increasing by 199%, demonstrating active two-way communication between customers and the brand.Notable content includes the talk series Infomentary, which provides insights into the pharmaceutical industry, the entertainment content Circle King Ha-jun, which experiences health clubs, the interview series Inno.N Molraewato reflecting the brands philosophy, and recruitment and company performance content ㅇㄴㅇ (Inno.N).HK Inno.Ns official Instagram also received the excellence award in the pharmaceutical category. The account has expanded its engagement with customers by providing editorial content that explains proper medication usage and the new drug development process, leveraging the expertise of the pharmaceutical industry.A representative from HK Inno.N stated, We have been working to lower the entry barriers of the complex pharmaceutical and bio industry through content, allowing the brand to establish meaningful relationships with customers. We will continue to create empathetic content that reflects our corporate values and customer needs from HK Inno.Ns perspective.Meanwhile, HK Inno.N is expected to report second-quarter results that fall slightly below market expectations.According to an iM Securities report, HK Inno.Ns consolidated revenue for the second quarter is projected to be 267.2 billion won, with an operating profit of 29.5 billion won. While these figures represent a 2% and 51% increase, respectively, compared to the same period last year, they are below the market consensus of 276.6 billion won in revenue and 31.7 billion won in operating profit.The report noted that domestic sales of K-Cab are expected to decline slightly due to changes in accounting standards for drug price refunds. However, it is anticipated that increased exports of finished products and royalties from China will largely offset this decline. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the long-term growth momentum remains valid based on K-Cabs entry into the U.S. market and its subsequent pipeline.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 10:40
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Court Dismisses Request to Ban Screening of 'The King and the Clown' Over Plagiarism Claims The Seoul Western District Court dismissed a request to ban the screening of the film The King and the Clown, which was accused of plagiarizing the script of the drama Eom Heung-do.On July 23, the courts 21st Civil Division, led by Judge Shin Myung-hee, rejected the injunction filed by the heirs of the dramas scriptwriter against the films co-producers, Onda Works and BA Entertainment, as well as the distributor, Showbox.The production companies are allowed to screen the film on aircraft and ships, as well as provide it through OTT (over-the-top streaming services) and DVDs, without export restrictions.The court found no substantial similarities between the submitted script and the film The King and the Clown. It stated, The heirs script centers on a Confucian loyalty narrative as its core emotional theme, maintaining a consistent tone of loyalty and dedication to King Danjong from beginning to end.In contrast, the film The King and the Clown focuses on the theme of change and growth through the interactions between Danjong, Eom Heung-do, and the villagers, asserting that the themes, narrative structure, and character settings of the two works are entirely different.The court acknowledged that both works are based on historical facts and real characters, which may lead to some similarities, but emphasized that the relationship between Danjong and Eom Heung-do, the overall plot, and the main themes are completely distinct. It also noted, There is no evidence to prove that Director Jang had access to the heirs script.Previously, allegations had emerged that The King and the Clown plagiarized the script of the drama Eom Heung-do, which aired in the 2000s. The film has attracted a total of 16.88 million viewers, making it the second highest-grossing domestic release, following Ode to My Father with 17.61 million viewers.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 21:24
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Director Na Hong-jin Wins Action Cinema Award at New York Asian Film Festival Na Hong-jin has won the Action Cinema Award at the New York Asian Film Festival for his film Hope. On July 23, the films distributor Plus M Entertainment and Yonhap News reported that Na received the Daniel A. Craft Outstanding Action Cinema Award on July 20 at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival. Na expressed his gratitude, stating, Thank you sincerely for the congratulations. I feel very good to receive such a significant and meaningful award. The New York Asian Film Festival, which began in 2002, is a leading festival in North America dedicated to showcasing Asian films and culture. The Daniel A. Craft Outstanding Action Cinema Award was established in memory of Daniel Craft, a co-founder of the festival and an action film enthusiast who passed away in 2013. The award honors filmmakers who have advanced the art of action cinema. Meanwhile, Hope is a science fiction film that depicts events in the port town of Hopohang, near the Demilitarized Zone, where an unidentified creature arrives and causes turmoil. The film is currently in theaters.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 20:20
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Samsung says foldables have arrived — now AI is the real race SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said foldable smartphones have entered the mainstream, shifting the competitive battleground from hardware form factors to artificial intelligence as it expands its Galaxy Z8 lineup and pushes agentic AI across its device ecosystem. Speaking to reporters after Galaxy Unpacked in London, TM Roh, Samsung Electronics' chief executive and head of the Mobile eXperience (MX) division, said the newly unveiled Galaxy Z8 series marked a new stage for the foldable market, where consumers are increasingly choosing devices based on different usage needs rather than form factor alone. Samsung introduced three foldable models this year — the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 — targeting users seeking productivity, immersive entertainment and portability, respectively. The company also highlighted its new Flex Titanium technology, which combines reduced weight with improved durability in its latest foldables. Roh said foldable smartphones had reached a level of maturity both technologically and commercially, adding that growing competition reflected broader market acceptance rather than a threat to Samsung's leadership. "More companies entering the market means foldables have become mainstream," Roh said. "The technology and customer understanding we have built over the past seven years remain difficult to replicate." Looking beyond hardware, Roh said artificial intelligence would become the next key differentiator for smartphones. He said Samsung aims to expand Galaxy AI to 800 million users by the end of this year, while evolving AI from a question-and-answer tool into an "agentic AI" capable of carrying out tasks on behalf of users. Roh also emphasized Samsung's broad device ecosystem, saying smartphones, watches, televisions and home appliances would allow the company to deliver more personalized AI experiences than competitors focused on a single product category. He added that protecting users' personal information would remain a priority, saying sensitive personal data would stay on devices whenever possible and users would be able to understand and control how AI processes their information. Samsung also identified digital health as one of the areas where AI could create the greatest value. The company said its latest Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health platform expand health monitoring beyond sleep, exercise and nutrition to include broader biometric indicators aimed at helping users identify potential health risks earlier. July 23, 2026 13:27 -
Hankuk Securities Lowers YG Entertainment's Target Price Amid Q2 Performance Concerns 와이지엔터테인먼트가 2분기에는 시장 기대치를 밑도는 실적을 기록하겠지만, 하반기 빅뱅과 베이비몬스터를 앞세운 공연 확대에 힘입어 실적 개선이 본격화될 것이라는 전망이 나왔다. 송지원 흥국증권 연구원은 23일 와이지엔터에 대해 투자의견 '매수(BUY)'를 유지하고 목표주가를 기존 6만5000원에서 5만8000원으로 하향 조정했다. 업종 밸류에이션 하락과 연간 실적 추정치 조정을 반영했다. 송 연구원은 와이지엔터의 2분기 연결 매출액을 1069억원, 영업이익을 88억원으로 전망했다. 이는 전년 동기 대비 각각 6.4%, 5.5% 증가하는 수준이지만 시장 컨센서스인 영업이익 96억원에는 못 미치는 수치다. 블랙핑크 미니 3집의 높은 기저효과와 투어 종료, 공연 회차 감소 등이 실적 부담으로 작용한 것으로 분석했다. 다만 하반기에는 실적 모멘텀이 크게 강화될 것으로 내다봤다. 빅뱅의 20주년 월드투어와 신보 발매를 비롯해 베이비몬스터 월드투어, 트레저 팬콘서트가 집중되면서 공연 매출이 확대될 것으로 예상했다. 특히 빅뱅 월드투어는 현재 공개된 일정만으로도 최대 약 174만명 규모의 관객을 수용할 수 있으며 실제 모객은 약 130만명 수준으로 추정했다. 공연 확대는 MD(상품) 매출 증가로도 이어질 것으로 전망했다. 송 연구원은 베이비몬스터와 빅뱅 공연이 집중되는 하반기 MD 매출이 상반기 대비 140% 이상 성장할 것으로 예상했으며, 4분기 데뷔 예정인 신인 보이그룹도 중장기 성장 기반을 강화할 것으로 평가했다. 그는 올해 연간 매출액 6000억원, 영업이익 748억원을 기록할 것으로 전망하며 "2분기 실적은 다소 아쉽지만 실적의 무게중심은 하반기에 있다"고 평가했다.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 08:32