Latest news with #Bae
Korea Herald
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Why NewJeans declined re-appeal — and how it could affect main lawsuit against Ador
Legal expert says main trial could take up to two and a half years NewJeans is facing what may be the most difficult moment in its short but high-profile career. The girl group chose not to re-appeal in a court case that had barred them from pursuing independent activities without their agency Ador. Under Korean law, a re-appeal to an injunction ruling must be filed within seven days of notification. Since NewJeans did not meet the deadline, the ruling became final at midnight on Wednesday. The injunction, upheld by the appeals court, recognized Ador as the group's legal agency and prohibited the members from signing advertising or commercial deals without Ador's involvement. NewJeans' decision not to contest the ruling suggests the group has opted to shift its focus — possibly to the main legal battle over the validity of its contract. Why the group declined to re-appeal Entertainment lawyer Bae Jin-sung of Law Firm Myoungjae believes there are two likely reasons for NewJeans' decision not to re-appeal. 'Trials in Korea go through three stages. The first and second instances are fact-finding trials, while the third is a legal review based on those facts,' Bae told The Korea Herald, Thursday. 'Since the factual circumstances haven't changed, NewJeans likely determined there was no legal merit in pursuing another appeal.' The second reason, Bae said, may have been strategic. 'They may have wanted to avoid appearing defiant of the court's decision, especially since it could influence the main lawsuit still in progress.' That main lawsuit began in January, when Ador filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans. The girl group had unilaterally announced the termination of its exclusive contract with the agency in November, citing a breach of trust. The case is currently in the first trial stage, with the third hearing set for July 24. While the recent injunction decision is technically separate from the contract validity case, Bae said it may carry indirect weight. 'The judge in the main case is not legally bound by the injunction ruling, but it could serve as a reference point and may have intangible influence,' he said. How long will the lawsuit take — and who stands to lose more? According to Bae, the main trial could take up to two and a half years, though some extreme cases take up to five years. 'Realistically, each trial level typically takes six months to a year, and even if the case goes all the way to the Supreme Court, it's unlikely to stretch out to five years,' he said. If NewJeans eventually wins, the earlier injunction that upheld Ador's status as NewJeans' agency would become void. This would allow the group to resume independent activities. However, Bae added that Ador could then raise a separate legal claim for lost revenue during the group's inactive period — setting the stage for further litigation. The stakes are high. NewJeans, which debuted in July 2022, is in a key growth phase when constant activity is vital to maintaining its momentum. In contrast, Ador has less to lose, as it can create a new group. Bae also weighed in on NewJeans' legal argument, based on five claims — one of which was the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. 'It's difficult to comment definitively without reviewing the evidence,' he said. 'But based on what has been made public, NewJeans' chances of winning seem low. 'For example, they cited Min's dismissal as a breach of contract, but that's a shareholder right. It's hard to legally frame that as a betrayal of trust or contractual violation,' he added.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Lee turns to technocrats as Korea pushes for AI leadership
Experts say Bae Kyung-hoon's nomination reflects urgency, realism in Korea's AI policy shift President Lee Jae Myung sent a clear signal Monday that South Korea is going all-in on artificial intelligence, tapping AI expert Bae Kyung-hoon, chief of LG AI Research, as the new science minister to spearhead the country's AI initiative. Monday's nomination came on the heels of another high-profile pick from the private sector. On June 15, Ha Jung-woo, the head of Naver AI Innovation Center, was appointed as the first senior secretary of AI and future planning. The newly established post is tasked with leading the country's investments and policies for AI infrastructure. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik explained that the president appointed the 49-year-old AI strategist to help propel Korea into the ranks of the world's top three AI powerhouses. 'We expect Bae to strengthen AI competitiveness alongside Ha Jung-woo,' said Kang. Bringing in top experts from Korea's tech giants LG and Naver highlights how serious the Lee administration is about making Korea a global AI leader. Lee has announced plans to invest over 100 trillion won ($72.29 billion) in public-private funds to push the AI industry forward. 'With both Ha and Bae on board, it is clear that the Lee administration's focus is on AI,' said Hwang Yong-sik, a professor at Sejong University College of Business and Economics. 'There is a growing recognition that relying solely on the public sector for AI development has its limitations. The industry needs both the government and the private sector. While the government can lead, AI advancement is not possible without support from the private sector, hence the appointment of experts from companies.' Bae's career spans startups and South Korea's largest corporations, including Samsung, SK and LG. In 2006, he worked as a senior researcher at Samsung Thales, a joint venture between now-defunct Samsung Techwin and French firm Thales. From 2011 to 2016, he was at SK Telecom's future technology R&D center Bae joined LG Group in 2016 as an AI expert, taking on various AI roles at LG Economic Research Institute, LG Uplus and LG Science Park. In 2020, he became the founding president of LG AI Research, the conglomerate's dedicated AI think tank. Under Bae's leadership, LG AI Research developed the hyperscale language model Exaone in 2021, commercialized it in 2023, and released its third version as open source in 2024. Most recently, his team unveiled Korea's first interference AI model, Exaone Deep, in March. In addition to his corporate leadership, Bae has also served in key government advisory roles related to AI governance and privacy. Not many people in Korea have such deep experience and expertise in the still relatively nascent industry as Bae, said Choi Byung-ho, a professor at Korea University's Human-inspired AI Research Lab. 'In Korea, only a handful of people in the field can handle the frontier model from start to finish, and Bae is one of them," said Choi. Choi stressed the urgency of AI development in Korea. 'We are in a race against time, and speed matters more than ever," he said. "Decision-making has to be fast and precise. We can't afford to put a generalist or bureaucrat in that role. Only experts with real field experience are what's needed.' Once the parliament gives the green light, Bae will be in charge of the Ministry of Science and ICT and oversee the country's science and digital infrastructure policies. He and Ha will work closely to develop national strategies and coordinate interagency efforts to execute AI policies. Both strongly advocate developing homegrown AI models using domestic infrastructure, data and expertise. Their appointments are expected to inject fresh momentum into the administration's push for sovereign AI. At a National Assembly hearing earlier this year, Bae warned that not developing a sovereign AI foundation model would be akin to 'forfeiting national strategic assets,' calling for a strategic approach. Going forward, when asked what is most important at the government level to accelerate AI development and build a Korean model, experts consistently point to infrastructure, which includes data centers, energy systems, supercomputers, graphics processing units, software and data resources. 'Infrastructure is the foundation, and Korea doesn't have the infrastructure it needs,' said Choi. 'At a time when frontier models evolve into global models, Korea needs more infrastructure to make a global model. This is a period of explosive growth. AI develops week to week. Both short-term and long-term strategies need to happen in parallel.'
Korea Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
K-drama industry stands at crossroads: experts
Symbiotic relationship needed for global streaming services, Korean production bodies The Korean drama industry stands at a critical juncture, as experts and industry leaders call for reforms focused on cultivating balanced partnerships with global streaming platforms and safeguarding Korean production companies' IP rights to preserve the nation's cultural influence. At a forum hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, leading experts, including professors of media communications and heads of production studios, gathered to discuss the next phase of Korea's content industry. Hong Seong-chang, the head of Studio S, the drama production subsidiary of SBS, emphasized the need for a symbiotic partnership between Korean studios and international streaming services. Stressing that Korean studios should become more than mere subcontractors, he likened the ideal relationship to that between a crocodile and a plover bird -- mutually beneficial. 'The influence of investors is inevitably strong. (Global streaming services) may have requests, for example, preferring certain genres or wanting dramas to be produced in a particular creative direction," he said, during a forum held in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. "But in truth, there's only one reason Hallyu (Korean Wave) has grown as it has: because we've consistently created content that resonates with Korean audiences. That's what allowed our shows to gain popularity globally. If we had made dramas tailored to the tastes of global viewers from the start, I don't believe Hallyu would have become what it is today," said Hong. 'This is something even global streaming services can't help but acknowledge. We understand best what makes Korean content compelling, and that's something they recognize as well. Moving forward, the ideal strategy is to establish a mutually respectful relationship -- like that of a crocodile and a plover bird.' Amid skyrocketing production fees and fewer shows being made, partially due to Netflix's foray into the Korean drama landscape, Korea Drama Production Association Secretary-General Bae Dae-sik highlighted the industry's precarious state and the critical importance of intellectual property rights. 'The theme of this forum is the next strategy in the global streaming war, and the reason this topic emerged is because the (Korean) drama industry is on the verge of collapse," said Bae. "When producing Netflix originals, handing over IP ownership to Netflix is not something that should be taken lightly. Without retaining IP, hits like 'Squid Game' or 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' end up benefiting Netflix far more than us," said Bae, stressing that the new administration must develop concrete policies and systems to ensure production companies can retain IP. Bae also proposed the establishment of a dedicated professional institution focused exclusively on broadcasting and video content promotion, separate from the current KOCCA. Pointing out that the Korean drama industry's annual production budget —estimated at around 3 trillion won ($2.1 billion) — far exceeds that of the film sector, which has its own institution, he stressed the urgent need for specialized institutional support to help the crumbling industry.
7NEWS
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Bae The Label's Mid-Year Sale has dropped and mums-to-be are snapping up their favourites for less
Bae The Label is delivering serious savings with the launch of their Mid-Year Sale, offering up to 40 per cent off selected styles across their bestselling maternity range. Known for blending fashion-forward design with everyday functionality, the Melbourne-born brand is a go-to for expecting mums who want to feel like themselves through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Founded in 2015 by two Melbourne mums, Bae was created with the goal of redefining maternity wear. Their collections are built around timeless staples made to grow with your body, feed with ease and stay in your wardrobe well after the bump. From bump-friendly cuts to hidden nursing access, every piece is designed with comfort, confidence and longevity in mind. The current sale features some of their most loved knitwear pieces, comfy co-ords, throw-on dresses and easy nursing essentials, many of which are now under $90. Here are the standout styles worth adding to cart before your size disappears. 1. Ambient Nursing Jumper was $119, now $69 This relaxed fit jumper is crafted in a soft mid-weight knit and features a flattering button neckline that doubles as nursing access. Easy to layer, easy to love. Soft, practical and now only $69. 2. Once Upon Textured Cardigan was $109, now $59 A cool-weather layering essential made from a textured cotton knit. With a button-front closure and relaxed fit, this cardigan works beautifully through pregnancy and nursing. Polished, breathable and effortless to wear. 3. In The Moment Knit Jumpsuit was $119, now $79 Made from a super soft knit with a lived-in feel, this wide-leg jumpsuit features a flattering V-neck front and back and a relaxed fit that adapts to your body. Looks polished, feels like pyjamas. 4. Cloud Nine Knit Short (burgundy only) was $79, now $49 Stretchy and supportive with a soft elastic waistband, these ribbed knit shorts are designed to sit above the bump and stay comfy post-baby too. The comfy shorts you'll want in every colour. 5. Intrinsic Button Front Dress was $139, now $89 This long-sleeved knit dress is made from a super soft yarn in a neutral almond tone that can be dressed up or down. With a V-neckline and easy button-front nursing access, it's as functional as it is flattering. The dress you'll reach for morning, noon and night. 6. Got The Edge Dress was $129, now $79 A minimalist dream, this body-con knit dress features contrast trim, a cut-away neckline and stretch that grows with your bump. Body-hugging, bump-loving and built to last. 7. Legacy Button Front Top was $89, now $59 This easy button-down is the ultimate transeasonal knit top. With a flattering fit and front buttons for nursing access, it is designed to layer, lounge or go out. Perfect for pregnancy and beyond. With discounts of up to 40 per cent, now is the perfect time to build a pregnancy wardrobe that feels like you.
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First Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
South Korea presidential elections: Why K-pop stars are ditching the ‘V' sign
South Korea will vote on Tuesday to elect their next president. As voting day nears, celebrities are taking great precautions while making gestures for photos. The 'V' sign is an absolute no for them. Here's why read more The 'V' sign has become taboo for Korean celebrities during presidential elections. Instagram/txt_bighit South Korea is heading to elections on Tuesday (June 3). The East Asian country will elect its new president after months of political upheaval. Democratic Party's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is pitted against the conservative candidate, Kim Moon Soo. The June presidential elections have prompted Korean celebrities to be mindful about their actions in public for fear that they could be interpreted as support for a political candidate. Let's look at what is going on. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'V' sign out, clenched fists in K-pop stars are being wary about their hand gestures and poses as South Korea elects the new president this week. Celebrities are avoiding making the popular 'V' sign in public. As per a report by AllKpop, NMIXX girl group members Bae and Sullyoon organised a YouTube livestream on May 27 during which Bae made the V sign with her fingers. More from Explainers South Korea's presidential election: A look at the pivotal issues However, she immediately shouted, 'No! Don't do the V!", holding her head in distress. Sullyoon tried to ease the situation with a similar gesture. She hesitantly made a V sign as part of a challenge ending pose. However, after realising it might be seen as a political statement, Sullyoon immediately showed one to five numbers with her fingers. The selfies taken on voting days have also stirred controversies in South Korea. Some celebrities have gone to great lengths to choose their poses and outfits, even hiding their hair colour, reported The Korea Times. As the 'V' sign becomes taboo during elections, Korean stars have been clenching their fists when being photographed. The boy band Tomorrow X Together, or TXT, was recently captured showing clenched fists in a group photo. They also grabbed headlines after they improvised their V sign by counting from one to five during a live broadcast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To avoid controversy, virtual boy band PLAVE carefully folded their fingers while posing for a group photo on May 24 during a YouTube livestream. As per AllKpop, the boy band ZEROBASEONE's Kim Tae Rae edited a selfie last week after sharing his picture making a V sign on the fan communication app Bubble, with the caption 'I'm in Korea' via. He wrote a message later: 'Oh right. I heard we shouldn't do the V sign during this season,' and added, 'I'll neutralise it with my blue phone case.' He took down the photo after this text. Why 'V' sign is a big NO K-pop stars have ditched certain poses and hand gestures during the presidential race as they could be perceived as making a political statement. The V sign can be interpreted as support for the conservative People Power Party. It is 'number 2' on the ballot and identified with the colour red, as per the AllKpop report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the V sign resembles the number 2, the gesture can be seen as celebrities endorsing a particular party. South Korea's snap elections South Korea is voting to pick the successor of conservative Yoon Suk Yeol . Yoon was ousted by Parliament last December after he briefly imposed martial law. His impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court in April. Now, liberal Democratic Party candidate Lee is facing People Power Party's Kim in the South Korean presidential elections. Four other candidates are in the race, including Lee Jun-seok of the small conservative New Reform Party. Surveys give Lee an edge over Kim in the presidential race, with the Democratic Party candidate leading with 49.2 per cent against the PPP nominee's 36.8 per cent. Early voting has concluded, with the 21st presidential election slated for Tuesday. With inputs from agencies
