Search results
1,550 results
-
Wake One Responds to Lawsuit Filed by ALPHA DRIVE ONE's Gunwoo Gunwoo, a member of the group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, has filed a lawsuit against his agency, Wake One. In response, the agency issued a statement.On the 25th, Wake One announced via its official social media that it has been discussing various plans, including specific schedules and content, regarding Gunwoos future activities. However, the agency noted that differences in their positions led to the current legal proceedings.According to reports from the music industry, Gunwoo recently filed a lawsuit in court seeking confirmation of his status as a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, which is interpreted as a demand to resume group activities.Wake One expressed regret for causing concern and fatigue among fans, stating, We sincerely apologize for the worries this situation has caused. We will respond diligently according to the established procedures regarding this matter.The agency plans to continue team activities as usual. Wake One stated, We will support all seven members so they can focus on music and performances in a stable environment, and we will continue to communicate regarding Gunwoos future entertainment activities. We will do our best to ensure that all our artists can work in a stable environment.ALPHA DRIVE ONE was formed through the Mnet audition program Boys II Planet last year. Gunwoo has been on hiatus since April after facing controversy over inappropriate remarks made towards staff during a pre-debut shoot, for which he issued an official apology.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09 -
Inspire Arena to be Renamed NAVER Arena Under Three-Year Naming Rights Deal The Inspire Arena at the Inspire Entertainment Resort on Yeongjongdo Island will be renamed NAVER Arena starting at the end of December. NAVER has secured naming rights for three years, which is expected to bring changes to the venues branding and digital viewing services.Inspire Entertainment Resort announced on October 26 that it has signed a naming rights and strategic partnership agreement with NAVER.As a result, the official name of Inspire Arena will change to NAVER ARENA at INSPIRE, with the abbreviated name being NAVER Arena. The naming rights agreement will take effect in December and will last for three years, although the specific financial terms have not been disclosed.This agreement goes beyond merely attaching a corporate name to the venue; it aims to combine the business capabilities of both companies.Inspire will continue to manage the operation of the venue and attract various entertainment content, including performances and sports. NAVER will leverage the naming rights for brand marketing while exploring ways to integrate its technology and services into the arena.Key areas of collaboration include a facial recognition-based entry system and smart mapping and navigation services, aimed at reducing inconveniences for attendees as they enter the venue and move around inside.Plans are also in place for events that utilize benefits for NAVER Plus membership users and NAVER Pays facial recognition payment service, Facesign. However, the specific timing and operational details for these services have yet to be finalized.Lee Han-na, Chief Marketing Officer of Inspire, stated, Through our collaboration with NAVER, we aim to enhance the overall customer experience for performances and create differentiated value.Lee Jae-hoo, head of NAVERs Entertainment Services division, said, We plan to utilize NAVER Arena as a space to showcase Team NAVERs branding, technology, and services, and to present various global events leveraging NAVER Plus membership benefits and Facesign.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
-
LG Uplus Launches 'U+tv Daily Life' for Convenient Access to Daily Information LG Uplus announced on October 26 that it has revamped the U+tv home screen and introduced a new service called U+tv Daily Life to help customers conveniently access essential information such as weather and news using artificial intelligence (AI).U+tv Daily Life features a TV Dashboard that allows users to view real-time channels alongside necessary daily information at a glance. Customers can check this information using their familiar TV and remote control without needing to install separate applications or log in.This update responds to changing customer behaviors, as LG Uplus found in a survey of 450 internet TV (IPTV) and cable TV users that 80% had used their TVs for purposes beyond watching content.In line with this shift, LG Uplus aims to expand the role of TVs from merely viewing content to supporting daily life, enabling customers to access essential information such as weather, news, and finance directly from the U+tv home screen without switching between multiple apps and services.While the previous U+tv home screen focused on exploring content like movies and dramas, U+tv Daily Life is designed to provide necessary information alongside live broadcasts.The update also includes features that reflect users behaviors of seeking various entertainment options. The Home Gallery feature allows users to link Google Photos albums to U+tv, enabling them to enjoy family photos on the TV screen. When not watching TV, users can set the screen to display classic and modern art or calendars.U+tv Daily Life will be gradually available on set-top boxes that support ultra-high definition (UHD) 3 or higher. Customers who prefer the previous home screen can change their settings in the startup screen options.Jung Jin-yi, head of LG Upluss Home/Media Product Tribe, stated, U+tv Daily Life is designed to reduce the hassle of switching between multiple apps and screens, allowing customers to easily access the information they need on their familiar TV. We will continue to expand lifestyle-oriented features to make U+tv easier and more convenient for our customers.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
-
Naver Secures Naming Rights for Inspire Arena, Renamed 'Naver Arena' Naver has partnered with Inspire Resort to secure naming rights for the venue, promoting its brand and technology in an offline space. The name change aims to enhance user engagement by combining membership benefits, convenient payment options, and digital technology.On October 26, Naver announced it had signed a naming rights agreement and strategic partnership with Inspire Resort. Starting in December, the official name of the arena within Inspire Resort will be changed to Naver Arena at Inspire for a period of three years. This new name will also be applied to all internal and external communications related to the arena.The two companies plan to collaborate beyond the naming rights agreement, focusing on the overall operation of the venue and services for attendees. Events will be held at Naver Arena and Discovery Park, utilizing Navers face recognition entry and authentication service, FaceSign, along with an on-site entry service based on Naver Pays non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The partnership will also include augmented reality (AR) navigation using Naver Labs digital twin technology.The collaboration aims to provide a differentiated viewing experience by combining Navers online services and technological capabilities with Inspires performance facilities and operational expertise. Naver will offer brand marketing and benefits for Naver Plus membership users, while Inspire will focus on attracting global performance, sports, and entertainment content and managing the arena. This initiative seeks to connect Navers services and technology with real user experiences in an offline venue.Lee Jae-hoo, head of Navers entertainment service division, stated, “Through close cooperation with Inspire, we will utilize Naver Arena as a landmark to showcase Team Navers branding, technology, and services while providing a unique cultural experience. We will continue to target users with various benefits for Naver Plus members and innovative global events utilizing technologies like Naver Pays FaceSign.”The first event at Naver Arena will be Naver x Hyundai Card The Six, taking place from December 25 to 27. This tournament will feature six top female tennis players and is expected to be the first instance of the partnership translating into actual sports content and audience experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08
-
Seoul Becomes Battlefield in Controversial North Korea-Inspired Game Release A new game depicting a fictional scenario where North Korea invades Seoul has sparked controversy in South Korea. The game enhances user immersion by realistically portraying everyday scenes in Korea, while its war scenarios have been utilized to criticize the current governments North Korea and security policies.According to the gaming distribution platform Steam, Activisions first-person shooter (FPS) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward, has reached the top of the popularity rankings. Officially released on October 23, the game centers on a full-scale invasion by North Korea, leading to war on the Korean Peninsula, with South Korean soldiers battling against overwhelming odds.One of the games standout features is its detailed representation of Korean cities and lifestyles. Early in the game, a scene inside a fighter jet includes the name SOUTH KOREA, while urban landscapes reminiscent of real locations like Daerim and Hongdae serve as battlefields. The game incorporates elements of Korean culture, such as the popular chimaek (chicken and beer) tradition and convenience store promotions, enhancing its realism. It goes beyond merely using Korea as a war backdrop by integrating specific local lifestyles into the gameplay.Online reactions highlight the games authenticity and immersive experience. Some users noted that the conversations and combat scenarios among soldiers reminded them of their own military service. The transformation of familiar streets and shops into combat zones has elicited mixed feelings, with some finding it both strange and realistic.However, the game has drawn political attention even before its official release, becoming a topic of security debate. On October 20, An Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myungs remarks on North Koreas nuclear threats, suggesting, If you dont understand the risks of North Korean provocations, you should try playing the game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. He emphasized the need for awareness regarding the threats posed by North Korea.On the same day as the games release, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon acknowledged the controversy, stating, Of course, its a fictional story, but questioned, If that day comes again, are we prepared? He indicated that this question was directed at the security policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration, interpreting the game as a critique of the governments North Korea policy.User reactions remain divided. Some argue that the game, being a fictional portrayal of war, should be evaluated based on its entertainment value and quality. Others believe it serves as an opportunity to reflect on the real security tensions on the Korean Peninsula.* This article has been translated by AI. October 25, 2026 17
-
AIA Life Insurance Hosts K-Pop Concert, Donates 260 Million Won to Underprivileged Youth AIA Life Insurance hosted a K-Pop concert and engaged in charitable activities for underprivileged groups, including children with cancer and youth in need of support. AIA Life Insurance announced on October 25 that it held the K-Pop Together, Give Together concert on October 24 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. The event was part of the AIA Groups AIA One Billion (AOB) campaign, which aims to enhance the physical health and mental well-being of one billion people in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030. More than 7,000 attendees participated, including AIA employees and their families, sales teams, customers, and partners from South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The concert was hosted by broadcaster Park Jae-min and singer Tiffany Young, featuring performances by Jinusean, ITZY, Park Jin-young, Chungha, and Psy. A VIP lounge offered programs showcasing K-culture and K-beauty prior to the performances. In conjunction with the event, AIA Life Insurance conducted social contribution activities. Approximately 1,000 children with cancer and their families, as well as youth in need of support, were invited to the concert. The company donated a total of over 260 million won, including 160 million won to the nonprofit organization Together with Love and 100 million won to the Korean Childhood Leukemia Foundation. Similar charitable activities were also conducted in the Philippines and Singapore in collaboration with the Kythe Foundation and Better Lives Fund, respectively. AIA Life Insurance plans to expand its existing customer experience program, AIA Only Experience, into AIA WE (AIA Wellness & Entertainment), combining wellness and entertainment. This initiative aims to continuously offer cultural and experiential programs that engage customers, sales channel partners, and employees. Hwang Ji-ye, head of marketing at AIA Life Insurance, stated, It is significant that we shared the joy of Korean culture with AIA members from abroad and extended this to charitable contributions for the community. We will continue to leverage our network across Asia to provide differentiated wellness and entertainment experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. October 25, 2026 13
-
Yoon Suk Yeol and 10 Others Reported to Major Crimes Investigation Unit Over Allegations of Covering Up Lime and Optimus Investigations Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president of South Korea, along with 10 others involved in the prosecution and oversight of the Lime and Optimus cases, has been reported to the Major Crimes Investigation Unit over allegations of inadequate investigations and concealment of prosecutorial misconduct. The allegations regarding the inadequate investigation of the Optimus case had previously been dismissed by the Anti-Corruption Agency.On the morning of October 23, the civic group Judicial Justice Restoration Citizen Action (JJRCA) filed a complaint against Yoon and the others for abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights.Regarding the Optimus case, JJRCA raised concerns about the handling of an investigation requested by the Korea Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission in 2018, prior to a major suspension of redemptions. The group claimed that despite allegations regarding the use of investment funds and fraudulent payments, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office dismissed the case in May 2019 without conducting compulsory investigations such as account tracking, asserting that Yoon, who was the chief prosecutor at the time, bore responsibility for the investigation and oversight.The issue of whether Yoon was informed about the case has also been raised. During a National Assembly audit in 2020, Yoon explained that he was not informed because it was a case decided by a senior prosecutor. However, JJRCA contended that given the amount involved and the duration of the case, it likely fell under the jurisdiction of the deputy chief prosecutor and should have been reported to him.However, Kim Yoo-cheol, the former head of the Criminal Division 7 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office who handled the case, refuted this in a post on the prosecutors internal network in 2020, stating that the senior prosecutors decision was not a violation of regulations and that he had not reported or received instructions from the chief prosecutor or the first deputy chief prosecutor regarding the case.The allegations of inadequate investigation into the Optimus case had already been examined by the Anti-Corruption Agency. Following JJRCAs complaint, the agency began its investigation and on May 6, 2022, cleared Yoon and five other prosecutors of any wrongdoing.The Anti-Corruption Agency concluded that failing to establish substantial facts does not automatically constitute negligence of duty. It also stated that the necessity and proportionality of not conducting compulsory investigations, such as account tracking, must be considered, and given the circumstances where the responsible prosecutor directed supplementary investigations, it was difficult to acknowledge the allegations. The agency also found no evidence to support claims of soliciting a cover-up through a lawyer.In relation to the Lime case, JJRCA argued that the prosecution leadership should investigate whether there was an attempt to downplay or conceal allegations of entertainment expenses involving Kim Bong-hyun, the former chairman of Star Mobility.The group raised concerns about the failure to apply bribery charges in connection with allegations involving three prosecutors receiving entertainment in July 2019, claiming that Yoon and six others conspired to deliberately and systematically neglect their investigative duties.Earlier, on October 6, JJRCA also reported Lee Jong-geun, who was the head of the Criminal Division at the Supreme Prosecutors Office, alleging that he attempted to cover up the Lime entertainment expenses case.It remains unclear whether new evidence has been submitted in this latest complaint that differs from the previous Anti-Corruption Agency investigation, or whether the Major Crimes Investigation Unit has commenced an investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. October 23, 2026 15
-
Shinsegae chairman returns to E-Mart helm amid Starbucks fallout SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin was named co-CEO of E-Mart on Friday as the retail conglomerate unveiled a sweeping management reshuffle aimed at strengthening accountability and internal oversight, five months after a Starbucks Korea marketing controversy sparked nationwide criticism and a consumer boycott. The appointment, part of the group's regular executive reshuffle for 2027, puts Chung on course to return to the management of E-Mart, South Korea's largest discount-store chain, 13 years after he stepped down as a registered director in March 2013. Chung will share leadership of E-Mart with Kim Hong-geuk, currently CEO of Shinsegae Casa, who has also been tapped to head the group's online shopping platform SSG.com. The appointments will require approval through the relevant corporate procedures, including a shareholders' meeting. Chung had announced plans in June to take direct responsibility for E-Mart and Shinsegae Property following criticism that he exercised substantial influence over group companies without serving as a registered director accountable to shareholders. The management overhaul also includes changes at SCK Company, the operator of Starbucks Korea, which has struggled to recover from a promotional campaign that drew accusations of trivializing two defining episodes in South Korea's democratic history. SCK Company has established a new digital management division and an information security center to strengthen oversight of marketing content, digital platforms and internal approval procedures. The company has also consolidated its operations divisions and reorganized its beverage, food and merchandise development functions to streamline decision-making. The changes follow a controversy that erupted on May 18, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, when Starbucks Korea promoted a tumbler discount event using the phrase "Tank Day." The wording provoked outrage because it coincided with the commemoration of the military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Gwangju, during which hundreds of civilians were killed. The promotional material also featured the phrase "with a thud on the desk," which critics said evoked the police's notorious explanation for the death of student activist Park Jong-chol in 1987. Police initially claimed that Park had suddenly died after an officer struck a desk during questioning, concealing the fact that he had been tortured to death. The controversy triggered calls for a Starbucks boycott, with consumers posting videos of themselves destroying Starbucks merchandise and civic organizations in Gwangju staging protests against the company. The commercial repercussions have continued for months. According to BC Card transaction data obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jung-a and released on Oct. 12, Starbucks sales through the card provider fell 23.5 percent in the week immediately following the controversy compared with the preceding week. Sales declined year-on-year in 19 of the 20 weeks examined following the incident. During Oct. 1-7, transaction sales were 11.7 percent lower than in the corresponding period a year earlier and 4.9 percent below the May 11-17 period immediately preceding the controversy. The figures cover transactions processed by BC Card rather than Starbucks Korea's total revenue, and do not independently establish how much of the decline was caused by the boycott. The broader Shinsegae reshuffle extends beyond Starbucks. E-Mart and Shinsegae's hotel businesses have strengthened their information security organizations, while convenience-store chain E-Mart24 has established dedicated compliance and information security units. The group has also appointed Choi Taek-won, previously CEO of SSG.com, to oversee management support functions, including personnel and auditing, while Park Seung-hak has been named head of external relations. Hur Min-ho, a former CEO of beauty and health retailer CJ Olive Young, has been recruited to lead Shinsegae Casa. The conglomerate promoted 36 employees to executive positions, while the proportion of executives in their 40s reached a record 18 percent, reflecting a broader generational shift in management. Shinsegae said the appointments were intended to address pressing business challenges, strengthen its core retail operations and accelerate expansion into artificial intelligence, lifestyle, content and entertainment businesses. October 23, 2026 14 -
IVE tops YouTube music video trend chart SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - K-pop girl group IVE's latest single "Looks Can Kill" topped YouTube's worldwide music video trending chart ahead of the release of the group's new EP, Kakao Entertainment said Friday. The music video, released Oct. 19, also ranked No. 1 in six countries including Britain and Japan and entered the top 10 in 18 countries and regions, according to the company. "Looks Can Kill" is the title track of IVE's upcoming six-track EP of the same name, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 26. The album also includes "Mirror Mirror," "SNAKESKIN," "CRUMBS," "Girls Girls Girls" and "Glow Motion." Members Gaeul, Rei and Liz participated in the album's creative process. IVE recently completed its second world tour, "SHOW WHAT I AM," which covered 20 cities and 28 shows. The group drew a combined 127,000 people at Kyocera Dome Osaka and Tokyo Dome, Kakao Entertainment said. October 23, 2026 12 -
Shinsegae Siblings Diverge in Executive Appointments Shinsegae Groups executive appointments for 2027 reveal a split strategy between siblings Chung Yong-jin and Chung Yoo-kyung. Chung Yong-jin has taken direct control of E-Mart and initiated significant management changes, while Chung Yoo-kyung has opted to retain key executives in the department store division, emphasizing stability. The siblings, who are pursuing a corporate split, have adopted different personnel strategies tailored to their respective business situations. On October 23, Shinsegae Group announced its 2027 executive appointments, focusing on strengthening Chung Yong-jins accountability and performance-based management. The most notable changes occurred in the E-Mart division. After being appointed CEO of Shinsegae Property in June, Chung Yong-jin was also named CEO of E-Mart. Following the upcoming shareholders meeting, he will officially assume the role alongside newly appointed CEO Kim Hong-guk, operating under a dual CEO system. As Shinsegae Group aims to evolve from its retail roots into a comprehensive life, content, and entertainment company, Chung Yong-jins leadership is deemed crucial. In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the group is collaborating with Reflection AI, Aman Group in real estate development, and SkyDance in content. Shinsegae Group stated, Chung Yong-jin is poised to lead the groups transformation during this industrial shift centered around AI. Kim Hong-guk, the newly appointed CEO of E-Mart, will also serve as CEO of SSG.com. He is recognized as a product planning (MD) and sales expert, having previously held positions such as head of the product division at E-Mart. His selection as a key affiliate leader follows his success in turning Shinsegae TV Shopping profitable and improving Shinsegae Casas profitability. Assigning both E-Mart and SSG.com to a single professional manager is seen as a move to extend the competitiveness of the offline business into the online realm. This is particularly significant as SSG.com prepares for a corporate split in December, which is expected to accelerate collaboration and profitability improvements across businesses. SSG.com plans to undergo a corporate split in December, dividing into a shopping-focused entity and a new company centered on fashion and beauty, named Shinsegae Mall. In August, E-Mart invested 827.5 billion won to secure a stake from financial investors, raising its ownership to 65.1% (with Shinsegae holding 34.9%). However, under fair trade laws, family members must reduce their cross-holdings in unlisted affiliates to a certain level for the corporate split, necessitating further adjustments. The groups management strategy office has also been reorganized. Choi Taek-won, CEO of SSG.com, has been appointed to oversee management support, while Park Seung-hak, head of leisure at Chosun Hotel & Resort, has been appointed to lead external relations. Vice President Jeon Sang-jin remains in his role, but no announcement has been made regarding the appointment of a new head of the management strategy office, which has been vacant since April. Analysts suggest that Chung Yong-jins direct involvement in management is partly due to performance discrepancies between E-Mart and its subsidiaries. In the first half of this year, E-Marts standalone operating profit rose 15.4% year-on-year to 171.9 billion won, while consolidated operating profit fell 25.2% to 135.3 billion won. Improving the profitability of subsidiaries like SSG.com remains a challenge. In contrast, Chung Yoo-kyung has maintained key executives in the department store division. There were no changes among the core leaders, including Park Joo-hyung, who was promoted to president of Shinsegae last year, Lee Seok-gu, CEO of Shinsegae DF, and Moon Seong-wook, CEO of Shinsegae Live Shopping. The stability in the department store division is believed to be supported by improved performance. Shinsegaes consolidated operating profit for the first half of this year reached 365 billion won, a 75.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Shinsegae International and Shinsegae DF have also returned to profitability, reflecting the results of personnel changes made last year. However, organizational restructuring aimed at enhancing business expertise has been implemented. Shinsegae International has been reorganized into a fashion division and a cosmetics division, with Kim Deok-joo appointed to oversee the fashion business. The cosmetics division will be led by Heo Min-ho, the newly appointed CEO of Shinsegae Casa, who previously served as CEO of CJ Olive Young for a decade. While Chung Yong-jin has made changes to key affiliates and the groups strategic organization, Chung Yoo-kyung has opted to maintain the existing management structure while strengthening expertise in the fashion and cosmetics sectors. Overall, the group has accelerated generational change. This appointment cycle saw a record 36 new executives appointed, with the proportion of executives in their 40s reaching an all-time high of 18%. Shinsegae Group plans to continue conducting personnel changes based on performance and capabilities. The group aims to pursue organizational innovation as it advances into new businesses such as AI, content, and entertainment. A Shinsegae Group representative stated, We will maximize our core business competitiveness through talent discovery based on performance and achieve results in future growth sectors. October 23, 2026 11
-
Shinsegae Group Appoints Jeong Yong-jin as E-Mart CEO, Names Record 36 New Executives Shinsegae Group has appointed Jeong Yong-jin as the CEO of E-Mart and initiated a personnel reshuffle by naming a record 36 new executives. This strategy aims to enhance Jeongs direct management while restructuring the leadership of key subsidiaries and promoting younger executives to accelerate the groups transformation. On October 23, Shinsegae Group announced its 2027 Regular Executive Appointment. The company stated, This personnel reshuffle is aimed at swiftly addressing the challenges the company faces and executing future growth plans without disruption, adding that Jeong, who has declared responsible management, selected partners to lead the groups change and innovation based on merit. The key highlights of this appointment include Jeongs designation as E-Mart CEO and the selection of Kim Hong-guk as the new head of Shinsegae Casa. Jeong, who took office as the CEO of Shinsegae Property in June, is expected to officially assume the role of E-Mart CEO following a shareholders meeting.Jeong plans to lead major subsidiaries directly alongside Kim and the other CEO. He intends to strengthen core business competitiveness while communicating closely with the two executives to disseminate the groups mid- to long-term strategies and vision. Kim, the new CEO, will also serve as the head of SSG.com. He is recognized as a product planning (MD) and sales expert, having previously held positions such as head of home appliance culture at E-Mart and head of the merchandise division. His achievements include turning Shinsegae TV Shopping into profitability and improving the profitability of Shinsegae Casa. Through Kim, Shinsegae Group aims to enhance the online and offline competitiveness of both E-Mart and SSG.com. Notably, the decision to have one person lead both companies comes ahead of the planned separation of SSG.com on December 1. This move is seen as an effort to integrate E-Marts product competitiveness and logistics capabilities into the online business for improved operational efficiency. The groups management strategy office, which serves as the control tower, also underwent key personnel changes. Choi Taek-won, the CEO of SSG.com, was appointed to oversee management support, which includes personnel and auditing, while Park Seung-hak, head of leisure at Chosun Hotel & Resort, was appointed as the head of external cooperation, responsible for public relations and government affairs. Vice President Jeon Sang-jin will remain in his position. External expert recruitment and business restructuring were also part of the changes. Heo Min-ho, who led CJ Olive Young for a decade, has been appointed as the CEO of Shinsegae Casa. Heo will also serve as the head of the cosmetics division at Shinsegae International. Shinsegae International has divided its management structure into fashion and cosmetics, with the current CEO, Kim Deok-joo, taking charge of the fashion division. The generational shift is also notable, with Shinsegae Group appointing a record 36 new executives. The proportion of executives in their 40s reached 18%, the highest level to date. Following the appointment of 32 new executives last year, which raised the proportion of executives in their 40s to 16%, the group continues to expand its recruitment of young talent this year. Shinsegae Group plans to continue conducting personnel appointments based on performance and work capabilities. The group aims to pursue organizational innovation while advancing new businesses in artificial intelligence (AI), content, and entertainment. A Shinsegae Group official stated, Chairman Jeong intends to demonstrate direct leadership during this industrial transformation centered on artificial intelligence, leading the groups changes. Through merit-based talent discovery, we will maximize core business competitiveness and achieve results in future growth sectors as well. October 23, 2026 10
-
CJ and Shinsegae Join Forces to Acquire JoongAng Ilbo, Descendants of Founder Invest CJ Group and Shinsegae are participating in the acquisition of JoongAng Ilbo, a newspaper founded by the late Lee Byung-chul, drawing attention to their ties within the Samsung family. While Lees grandson, CJ Chairman Lee Jae-hyun, and granddaughter, Shinsegae Chairwoman Jeong Yu-kyung, have teamed up, Samsung Group has opted out of the bidding.According to industry sources on October 22, Shinsegae has joined the Daou Kiwoom and CJ consortium as an equity investor, which was initially pursuing the acquisition alone before partnering with CJ ahead of the main bidding.This acquisition is noteworthy due to the historical connection between JoongAng Ilbo and the broader Samsung family. The newspaper was founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1965. His son, the late Lee Kun-hee, was appointed as a director of JoongAng Ilbo and Dongyang Broadcasting in 1968, marking the beginning of his management training. JoongAng Ilbo was part of Samsung Group until it was spun off in 1999, when management was taken over by Hong Seok-hyuns family, who is the brother-in-law of Lee Kun-hee. Following a liquidity crisis, JoongAng Ilbo is now up for sale, marking a shift in ownership after 27 years, with descendants of the founder stepping in as investors.Lee Jae-hyun is the son of the late Lee Maeng-hee, honorary chairman of CJ Group, while Jeong Yu-kyung is the daughter of Lee Myung-hee, chairwoman of Shinsegae Group and the youngest daughter of Lee Byung-chul. Lee Myung-hee has been known to have a special attachment to JoongAng Ilbo, founded by her father.CJ and Shinsegae have both established independent business domains after separating from Samsung. However, analysts suggest that the historical significance of the media company founded by their ancestor may have influenced their decision to participate in the acquisition, with some interpreting it as a family-level decision to not fully relinquish control of the newspaper.In contrast, Samsung has not participated in this acquisition process. Reports indicate that Samsung did not consider acquiring JoongAng Ilbo from the outset. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong is said to be focused on core businesses such as semiconductors and smartphones. Historically, Samsung operated a video business unit but distanced itself from media and entertainment after the Asian financial crisis.CJ has cited the founding spirit of its predecessor as the official reason for its participation. A CJ representative stated, We decided to participate jointly to carry on the founding spirit of Chairman Lee Byung-chul and to consider business synergies in media content, logistics, and advertising. CJ already holds a 9.24% stake in JoongAng Ilbo through its subsidiary CJ Olive Networks. CJ, which operates in broadcasting, film, music, and online video services, sees potential collaboration with JoongAng Ilbo in news, digital content, advertising, and distribution networks.Shinsegaes approach appears to focus more on equity investment rather than securing management control. A Shinsegae representative explained, We plan to create synergies between our premium cultural platform and lifestyle content while respecting JoongAng Ilbos unique identity and expertise. Under Jeong Yu-kyungs leadership, Shinsegae is enhancing its premium content across department stores, duty-free shops, and fashion and beauty sectors, with discussions about integrating JoongAng Ilbos media brand and cultural content into existing retail platforms.The acquisition process for JoongAng Ilbo is still ongoing. The acquisition price is estimated to be around 500 billion won, and the equity ratios and management participation among consortium members are expected to be finalized through future negotiations. Ensuring the operational stability and editorial independence of JoongAng Ilbo post-acquisition is also seen as a major challenge, with CJ having previously stated that it prioritizes editorial independence.An industry insider remarked, The fact that CJ and Shinsegae are jointly pursuing the acquisition of JoongAng Ilbo without Samsungs involvement is a symbolic representation of the historical ties within the Samsung family. However, it will be crucial to balance each companys business interests while securing JoongAng Ilbos independence and competitiveness after the acquisition. October 22, 2026 18
-
Netflix's 'Tantara' to premiere in December SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Netflix's upcoming Korean series "Tantara," starring Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo, will premiere worldwide on Dec. 11, the streaming service said Thursday. Set against South Korea's entertainment industry from the 1960s through the 1980s, the series follows people struggling from poverty to build careers in the country's emerging music business. Song plays Min-ja, who enters the record industry after a difficult childhood, while Gong portrays Dong-gu, her longtime friend who supports her pursuit of success. The cast also includes Kim Seol-hyun as Min-hee, an ambitious woman whose relationship with Min-ja shifts between rivalry and affection, and Cha Seung-won as Seok Gil-yeo, a prominent composer known for turning new singers into stars. The series is written by Noh Hee-kyung and directed by Lee Yoon-jung. Lee Ha-nee and Na Moon-hee also appear. "Tantara" will be released at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11. October 22, 2026 17 -
NCT WISH tops weekly album charts with 'I SPY' SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - K-pop boy group NCT WISH's fourth EP "I SPY" topped South Korea's weekly album charts after selling more than 1.2 million copies on its first day, SM Entertainment said Thursday. The six-track album, released Oct. 12, ranked No. 1 on Circle Chart's weekly album and retail album charts. It also topped Hanteo Chart's weekly album ranking. The first-day sales made "I SPY" the group's fourth consecutive million-selling release, according to the agency. The album also ranked first on the Global K-chart, which combines data from South Korea's Melon, China's Tencent Music and Japan's Line Music for the week of Oct. 12-18. "I SPY" is led by the title track of the same name and follows the group's first full-length album "Ode to Love," released in April. October 22, 2026 17 -
Naver Targets K-Pop Market with Vertical Services Naver is expanding its reach into the K-Pop entertainment market by leveraging its various vertical services. Although it ended operations of its fandom platform V LIVE in 2022, Naver continues to maintain connections with the entertainment sector through its services such as Naver Maps, Chijijik, and Webtoon.According to industry sources on October 22, Naver is enhancing collaborations with entertainment companies by linking its advertising, marketing, and content technologies with K-Pop fandom.Naver has actively pursued its entertainment business in the past, primarily through the fan communication platform V LIVE. Launched in 2015, V LIVE allowed artists and fans to interact in real-time, marking Navers entry into the global K-Pop fandom market.Since then, Naver has established partnerships with major agencies, investing 100 billion won in a fund related to YG Entertainment in 2017 and another 100 billion won in a content fund with an SM Entertainment subsidiary in 2020.Naver later integrated V LIVE into HYBEs Weverse, stepping back from direct operation of the fandom platform. In 2021, Naver collaborated with HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) to merge V LIVE into Weverse, aiming to strengthen competitiveness in the global market through collaboration rather than resource allocation among domestic fandom platforms. Naver invested approximately 411.9 billion won to acquire a 49% stake in Weverses operating company, establishing a business partnership.V LIVE concluded its services on December 31, 2022, after nearly seven years of operation. Despite ending direct management of the fandom platform, Naver retains its stake in Weverse Company, maintaining its relationship with the entertainment platform business.Recently, Naver has been broadening its connections with the entertainment market through its various vertical services. The live streaming platform Chijijik and the short-form service Clip, launched in 2023 and 2024, serve as channels for artists video content.Chijijik has seen participation from celebrities and artists during major sports broadcasts, including the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the North and Central America World Cup, and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This shift from being perceived as a gaming-focused streaming platform to a potential venue for entertainment content showcases its versatility.A Naver representative stated, The increasing instances of celebrities participating in broadcasts, such as the official streaming of Lissenne and voluntary streams by model and broadcaster Jung Hyuk, have confirmed the potential for Chijijik to serve as a communication channel with fans.Naver is also utilizing these user touchpoints for its advertising business. Recently, it held the Naver Entertainment Day 2026, showcasing K-Pop marketing strategies using its services and advertising technologies to major entertainment companies like SM, JYP, and YG.Naver plans to leverage services favored by users aged 10 to 20, such as Naver Maps, Chijijik, Webtoon, the trading platform Cream, and the short-form platform Clip, for artist promotions. The strategy involves exposing new song releases and comeback news across various services, linking them to search and video content consumption.The company is also employing AI-based advertising technology. Navers digital out-of-home advertising (DOOH) solution, AdBoost Screen, launched in November last year, enables advertising across 359,000 digital media outlets in 17 cities nationwide, including cinemas, billboards, public transport, and convenience stores.This year, Navers advertising products, including this solution, were utilized in the comeback marketing for groups like IVE and Lissenne. During a two-week digital single promotion campaign in July, Lissenne saw an increase in search exposure and click rates by 1.8 times and 1.6 times, respectively, compared to the average.Looking ahead, Naver plans to expand collaborations with major entertainment companies and strengthen integrated marketing that connects artist news encountered through outdoor advertising with content consumption on Chijijik and Clip.* This article has been translated by AI. October 22, 2026 16