Krafton deepens Nvidia partnership to explore robotics collaboration
According to Krafton, its CEO Kim Chang-han visited the Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday to meet with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and discuss ways to bolster their existing partnership, which was first unveiled when Krafton announced the development of co-playable character technology in collaboration with Nvidia at the CES 2025 tech trade show in Las Vegas in January.
Krafton said the two leaders exchanged wide-ranging views on the future direction of technological cooperation, focusing on driving innovation in developing games through agentic AI and exploring the potential to expand into robotics, such as humanoids powered by embodied AI.
'I'm thrilled that our collaboration with Nvidia on on-device AI has led to the launch of the first meaningful product in gaming AI,' Kim said during his meeting with the Nvidia chief, referring to Krafton's inZOI, a life simulation game recently launched for early access.
Unlike traditional nonplayable characters that follow scripted behaviors in game, inZOI CPCs, which are advanced AI-driven characters enabled by an on-device small language model for gaming built with Nvidia's technology, dynamically consider different game situations and respond accordingly in real time to enable more natural, immersive experiences for human players.
Krafton intends to keep innovating gaming experiences for players by integrating CPC technology into other titles, such as the blockbuster hit battle royale shooter PUBG: Battlegrounds' franchise, aiming to position itself as a leader in the gaming industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Korea Herald
National security adviser meets visiting US representatives ahead of Lee-Trump summit
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lak met with two visiting US Representatives on Tuesday and discussed ways to bolster industrial cooperation and the alliance between the two nations, the presidential office said. Wi met Rep. Beth Van Duyne and Rep. Richard McCormick, as President Lee Jae Myung is preparing to hold his first summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 25. He highlighted that Korean companies have been investing in strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and automotive batteries, in their districts of Texas and Georgia, asking for their support to further advance the bilateral alliance and industrial cooperation for "win-win" outcomes, the office said in a release. Samsung Electronics has been building a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas. Hyundai Motor Group is constructing a new electric vehicle plant in Georgia and partnering with Korean battery maker SK On to build a battery plant there, in addition to SK On's two battery plants in the state. Wi expressed his expectation that Lee and Trump will reaffirm the strong alliance and have in-depth discussions on ways to advance it, and the two lawmakers pledged their full support for a successful summit, the office said. Van Duyne and McCormick also promised to support further US investments by Korean companies to strengthen economic cooperation and pledged to work together for bipartisan support in Congress for the Korea-US alliance, it noted. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
10 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Citi eyes Korea's mid-market growth as key global hub
From K-beauty to tech and manufacturing, Citi supports Korean exporters with cross-border financing Tasnim Ghiawadwala, global head of commercial banking at Citi, reaffirmed the bank's long-term commitment to Korea, describing the country as a hub of innovative mid-sized companies eager to capture global market share. From cosmetics brands breaking into European retail chains to industrial suppliers expanding alongside global clients, she said Korea's export-oriented companies offer fertile ground for the bank's cross-border financing and advisory services. Making her first visit to Korea since assuming her role in 2021, Ghiawadwala spent three days meeting key commercial banking clients and reaffirmed Citi's long-term commitment to the Korean market. 'As Citi continues to grow its commercial banking client base worldwide, Korea remains a strategically important market within its global franchise,' Ghiawadwala said in an exclusive interview with The Korea Herald while visiting Seoul starting Tuesday. She shared her views on Citi's global strategy, how Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) supports client growth across markets and why Korea is integral to the bank's mid-market ambitions. Q. How important is the Korea market to CCB, and what does Citi hope to achieve here? Korea is an incredibly important market for CCB. We see Korea as one of the more exciting and active markets in Asia with innovative mid-sized companies disrupting long-established industries globally or reshaping the state of the global supply chain. Take beauty and skincare as an example. Since COVID-19, there's been an explosion of demand for Korean beauty and skincare brands not only at home but abroad as well – in the UK, Boots, a well-known pharmaceutical and beauty store, has started carrying select Korean beauty brands. CCB Korea provides banking services to the full K-beauty ecosystem, including major cosmetic ODMs, K-beauty brands and online retailers to aid in their global expansion. For example, a leading Korean skincare manufacturer seeking to set up overseas manufacturing facilities needs capital – that's where we can step up and support not just in one country but across the globe, including China and the US. A Korean online retailer selling abroad in the US and select European and Middle Eastern markets needs support with FX hedging and payments – again, CCB has provided those essential products and services to help grow sales. In recent years, Citi has supported Korean companies in strategic cross-border initiatives and maintained a strong relationship with K-SURE, aiding outbound financing and export capacity building. Q. What are some emerging industries or sectors in Korea where CCB sees strong growth potential, and how is Citi helping clients tap into those opportunities? In Korea, Citi Commercial Bank is structured by industry verticals, with teams of bankers specializing in specific industries. This allows us to deliver tailored financial solutions leveraging Citi's global capabilities across financing, global cash management, FX or cross-border expansion. Two sectors with strong momentum are digital technology & communication and industrials. These include online travel agencies, K-beauty ecosystem, cloud services, platform businesses, and mid-sized Korean suppliers across auto-parts, semiconductors, chemicals, and consumer electronics – many critical partners in the value chains of Korea's leading corporates. As these companies grow globally and expand production alongside their clients, Citi provides working capital loans and global cash management. For example, we support Korean suppliers entering new markets with solutions to manage liquidity, optimize FX flows, and navigate regulatory environments. Q. Could you tell us more about Citi Commercial Bank – the types of clients you serve, the financial solutions you provide, and where CCB operates globally? Citi Commercial Bank is an important part of Citi's strategy and a key growth driver. We have identified a significant opportunity to expand Citi's value proposition to mid-sized corporates globally. Our aim is to deliver all products and solutions available at Citi — payments, liquidity management, trade finance, working capital, hedging and advisory services — to mid-sized corporates throughout our global network spanning more than 90 countries. We generally define our market segment as companies with annual sales between $10 million and $3 billion. Our client base typically consists of mid-sized corporates that either already operate in multiple geographies or have plans for international expansion. As a leading global bank with an extensive network, we support these clients with diverse products across multiple countries and entities. Q. How important is the CCB business to Citi's overall franchise? How does CCB contribute to the bank's equity story? CCB is a significant contributor to our banking franchise and broader Citi. Within Banking, we work closely with the Investment Bank and Corporate Bank to provide strategic client coverage. We offer select mid-sized clients access to investment banking products and solutions, supporting them through their entire life cycle. We also advise finance and treasury teams and C-suite executives, tailoring financial strategies to their needs. This may involve leveraging products from other Citi businesses, such as treasury management, working capital and FX hedging. Many clients are privately owned, so we partner with our Wealth business to support founders and senior management with wealth management, enabling seamless management of financial and business affairs. Q. What are your key global priorities for the CCB business? Our key priorities include executing the 2022 growth strategy, aiming to double our market share in the addressable wallet to 4 percent. We've advanced initiatives such as upskilling bankers with training on market knowledge and Citi's product offerings, enhancing client-centric advisory. We launched CitiDirect Commercial Banking – a digital platform providing clients one-stop access to products and some self-service capabilities. Global banker driving Citi's mid-market push Before rejoining Citi in 2021 to lead Citi Commercial Bank, Ghiawadwala held senior leadership roles at Barclays and Citi across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, driving business expansion, innovation and key initiatives such as the UK COVID-19 government loan schemes. With over 20 years of experience in investment, corporate and commercial banking, she is recognized for her leadership in promoting workplace equality and diversity. She holds a degree from King's College London and is a Chartered Management Accountant. hnpark@
Korea Herald
10 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Korea Inc. ramps up Vietnam investments on stronger ties
Seoul, Hanoi pledge deeper cooperation in high-tech, energy, supply chains, targeting $150b trade by 2030 South Korean and Vietnamese business and government leaders vowed to bolster cooperation in high-tech sectors, supply chains and energy, as both countries look to navigate mounting geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies. The commitment was made during the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum held Tuesday at Lotte Hotel in Seoul, hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with South Korea's trade ministry, the Vietnamese embassy and Vietnam's finance ministry. It was organized to mark General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam's visit to Korea, the first time Vietnam's top leader had traveled here in 11 years. 'The domestic and global environment facing both countries today is not easy,' Chey Tae-won, chair of KCCI and SK Group, said in his opening remarks at the forum. 'The spread of protectionism, such as the US imposing reciprocal tariffs, and rising geopolitical conflicts have increased uncertainty in the global economy, while existing growth models are reaching their limits.' Chey stressed that such crises "cannot be overcome by the strength of one country alone," calling for 'solidarity and cooperation with trustworthy partners to make a breakthrough.' 'The two countries are optimal partners in times of crisis,' he said, highlighting digital and high-tech industries, supply chains and energy as four key areas where the two countries can cooperate. In response, Vietnam Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang said Vietnam and South Korea are nations with 'similar cultures and strategic partners that are key components of regional and global value chains.' 'The Vietnamese government welcomes South Korean companies to expand not only in Vietnam but also into third markets with us, and we are ready to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, pledging support for large-scale joint projects. Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok attended the forum, as well as about 300 corporate leaders, including Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee, SK Innovation CEO Choo Hyeong-wook, LG CNS President Hyun Shin-gyoon and Lotte Shopping CEO Chung Jooon-ho. Some 200 Vietnamese officials and business leaders were also present, including Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Petrovietnam Chair Le Manh Hung, Viettel chair and CEO Tao Duc Thang and Military Bank Chair Luu Trung Thai, among others. Trade between the two countries has expanded from $500 million when diplomatic ties were established in 1992 to $86.7 billion in 2024. At a summit held Monday, the leaders of Korea and Vietnam agreed to reach $150 billion by 2030. Vietnam is now the third-largest trading partner for South Korea after China and the US, while South Korea maintains its No. 3 position with Vietnam. Seoul is also the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with cumulative investment totaling $92.5 billion and about 10,000 South Korean companies operating in the country. On Monday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted a state dinner to welcome General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, reiterating expanded cooperation in high-tech energy and infrastructure projects between the two countries. More than 120 senior officials and executives from major Korean conglomerates with significant operations in Vietnam attended the dinner at Cheong Wa Dae, which was previously the presidential residence. They include SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte Group Chair Shin Dong-bin and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Chair Jung Won-ju. South Korea's major conglomerates have poured billions of dollars into Vietnam over the past decade, relying on it as a critical partner in their industrial supply chain. Samsung Electronics, which manufactures around half of all its smartphones in the country, has invested $23.2 billion since it started investing in Vietnam in 2008 and employs a workforce of over 90,000 people. Samsung, as the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam, said it will expand investment in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, as well as Vietnam's digital transformation. LG Group also has a significant presence in Vietnam, with its total investment reaching $8.24 billion in 2024 primarily through its subsidiaries LG Electronics, LG Display and LG Innotek that have their facilities in the Haiphong region. LG Display recently announced an additional $1 billion investment aimed at boosting OLED manufacturing capabilities at its Haiphong facility. Daewoo E&C is also broadening its property development activities and investment portfolio across Vietnam, building on the success of its major township development, Starlake City in Hanoi. The construction company is leading multiple ventures, including a joint $900 million hydropower project with Vietnamese developer TTA, while also planning a $390 million investment in a new urban development project in Thai Binh province.
