Latest news with #Kakao
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Treat yourself this weekend
Pick up stationery at a cute gift shop in Bukchon, watch the sunset from a kayak on Han River or read in a seat with a view. Walk around Anguk Station with cute props The neighborhood surrounding Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line No. 3, where traditional Korean landmarks sit right alongside modern buildings, is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. And if you feel like picking up a small souvenir to remember the day, there's a spot worth stopping by. Zero Space Bukchon, which opened on Oct. 9 last year, is the chain of brick-and-mortar stores of design studio Zero Per Zero. In addition to the Bukchon location, the brand also operates stores in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The Bukchon store is filled with everything from stationery and interior decor items to small accessories, among which a series of products inspired by Korean imagery stands out. A section of the shop is dedicated to its Seoul Souvenirs series, which features cute illustrations of iconic Korean scenes and items. Visitors can browse through stickers, magnets, keyrings, postcards and posters featuring famous landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Buddhist statues from Gyeongju. Zero Per Zero is also officially licensed to produce and sell goods featuring Miffy, the beloved Dutch children's book character. Posters, postcards and Miffy dolls dressed in colorful outfits are available. Zero Space Bukchon is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zero Space Bukchon 5-5 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Kayaking on Han River Rent a kayak from Four Season Leisure in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and spend a day gliding along the Han River, which runs across the capital from east to west. Four Seasons Leisure recommends that kayakers go just before sunset to take in the panoramic river views as they paddle their way -- alone or in groups -- down the river that's 41 kilometers long and 2.5 to 5.5 meters deep. A two-hour trip is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and participants are encouraged to bring their own soap and shampoo, clothes to change into after kayaking, and waterproof carry-on bags to keep gadgets like cellphones dry. Sunset kayaking runs separately from 6-8 p.m. and sunrise kayaking runs from 6-8 a.m. Renting a stand-up paddleboard instead of kayak is also an option during the same time slots. Kayakers will receive brief training before heading to the river, and lifeguards will be monitoring them in case of emergency, according to Four Seasons Leisure. Participants can ask instructors to take photos of them kayaking, it added. Those interested should check out the Naver reservation website for Four Seasons Leisure. A reservation link will be sent to those who have called the number listed there. Four Season Leisure can also be reached via the Kakao messenger app. Inclement weather conditions may lead to cancellations. Four Season Leisure 2326 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Cozy, vintage nook with books There's no better weekend retreat than a cozy nook filled with books, vintage charm and a sweeping view. Visit Fikee, a haven for quiet discovery situated in the heart of the city. More than just your average cafe, Fikee invites visitors to channel their inner urban explorer, wandering through curated boxes of books handpicked by the owner. The atmosphere is equal parts intimate and imaginative, complete with exclusive merch like Fikee-branded calendars and a listening corner with an analog touch, where you can pick your soundtrack for the day via iPod and headphones. The menu also goes beyond your standard espresso and tea offerings. Fikee serves up desserts, craft coffee and even a selection of alcoholic beverages for those seeking a mellow evening wind-down. The whimsical space offers a different kind of adventure -- one that invites you to slow down, sip something warm and let the stories find you. Fikee is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Mondays and the first Wednesday of each month. 81 Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul jy@ siyoungchoi@ yoonseo.3348@
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Hybe sells entire SM Entertainment stake in RM618m deal, making China's Tencent second-largest shareholder
SEOUL, May 28 — K-pop agency HYBE will sell its entire 9.38 per cent stake in SM Entertainment to China's Tencent for 200 billion won (RM618 million). In a regulatory filing yesterday, HYBE said it will offload 2,212,237 shares at 110,000 won each. That price is lower than SM Entertainment's closing share price of 129,900 won on the Korea Exchange the same day, Korea JoongAng Daily reported. 'We divested noncore assets as part of a choice and concentration strategy,' HYBE said in the filing. 'Secured funds will be used to secure future growth engines,' it added. The block trade is scheduled for completion after the market closes on Friday. HYBE acquired the stake in 2023 during a high-profile battle to gain management control of SM Entertainment. It initially bought 14.8 per cent of SM Entertainment from founder Lee Soo-man, before selling 8.62 per cent to Kakao in March 2023 and another 3 per cent later that year. Tencent will become SM Entertainment's second largest shareholder after the deal, following Kakao and Kakao Entertainment, which hold a combined 41.5 per cent stake. 'We will strengthen our partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment,' SM Entertainment said. SM Entertainment manages major K-pop acts including NCT, aespa and WayV, a group focused on the China market.
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Business
- Pink Villa
HYBE decides to sell 243 billion KRW stake in SM Entertainment to THIS Chinese company
In a surprising twist that's sending waves through the K-pop world, HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS, SEVENTEEN, and more, has decided to sell all of its shares in SM Entertainment, home to groups like EXO, NCT, Red Velvet, and aespa. And who's buying? None other than Tencent Music, a major Chinese entertainment player, is marking a big shift in who holds power in K-pop's business side. On May 27, according to a filing with the Financial Supervisory Service, HYBE's deal is valued at around 243 billion KRW (roughly USD 178 million), involving 2.2 million shares, which represents 9.66 per cent of SM's total stock. The shares will be sold at 110,000 KRW each, which is about 15 per cent lower than SM's current market price. After the transaction is completed on May 30 through a block deal after market close, Tencent will become SM's second-largest shareholder, right after Kakao. HYBE Owned Part of SM? Yes. In early 2023, HYBE jumped into the battle to gain control of SM Entertainment. HYBE had acquired a 14.8 per cent stake from SM's founder, Lee Soo Man, during a fierce fight with Kakao over SM's future. But after some back-and-forth, Kakao won the battle for control. HYBE backed off and began offloading its shares, first selling part to Kakao and now selling the rest to Tencent. Why Is HYBE Selling Shares Now? HYBE reveals this is part of 'reorganizing non-core assets,' meaning SM is no longer part of its long-term strategy. Instead, HYBE wants to focus on future growth, possibly new talent, technology, or global expansion, especially with BTS members currently on military hiatus. The timing of the sale also makes sense. SM Entertainment's stock has been going up, rising by about 20 per cent in the past month. Why? People are getting hopeful that China might start allowing more Korean entertainment again, like K-pop concerts and dramas. So for HYBE, this was a good moment to sell, while the stock price was still high and before things could change again. What Does This Mean for K-pop? This move shakes up the power balance in K-pop. For HYBE, it's a clean break from SM — a former rival in the same market. Now, HYBE can fully focus on its artists, platforms like Weverse, and global plans, especially with the return of BTS on the horizon starting in 2025.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
OpenAI Expands to Seoul Amid Booming ChatGPT Demand
Microsoft (MSFT) -backed OpenAI is expanding its operations in South Korea, aiming to tap into the Asian country's fast-growing subscriber base. The artificial intelligence (AI) company announced on Monday that it is opening its first office in Seoul amid rising demand for its ChatGPT service. OpenAI has already established a local business entity in the country. Confident Investing Starts Here: OpenAI Makes Strategic Entry into Seoul Interestingly, South Korea is OpenAI's second-largest paying subscriber base for ChatGPT, after the U.S. The company is following its users, aiming to offer better services by establishing a local office. Additionally, OpenAI has begun hiring employees within the country to harbor strong relationships and partnerships. OpenAI is expected to reveal more details about the new office and its collaborations with Korean businesses in the forthcoming months. Earlier this year, OpenAI had announced its plan to develop AI products for South Korea's chat app operator, Kakao. Commenting on the news, OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, stated that South Korea offers a favorable environment with a full-stack AI ecosystem. Kwon highlighted the country's wide-ranging AI ecosystem, which includes everything from advanced silicon chips to state-of-the art software, and a user-base ranging from students to seniors, making it a highly promising market. Kwon is also visiting Seoul to meet with officials from both the main opposition Democratic Party and ruling People Power Party as part of OpenAI's expansion plans. The step underscores OpenAI's ambition to expand internationally by localizing services, as it has done in cities like Paris, London, and Tokyo. Which Is the Best AI Stock to Buy Now? We used TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool for Best Artificial Intelligence Stocks to determine which stock is most favored by analysts. Investors can invest in any of these stocks after thorough research. Currently, Microsoft, Meta (META), Alphabet (GOOGL), Micron (MU), Amazon (AMZN), and Nvidia (NVDA) have earned Wall Street's 'Strong Buy' consensus rating, with MU stock offering the highest upside potential among them.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Business
- First Post
OpenAI to set up office in Seoul as demand for ChatGPT grows in South Korea
South Korea has the largest number of paying ChatGPT subscribers after the United States, according to OpenAI. read more OpenAI will set up its first office in Seoul and has established an entity in South Korea as demand in the country jumps for its ChatGPT service, the company said on Monday. South Korea has the largest number of paying ChatGPT subscribers after the United States, according to OpenAI. OpenAI has also begun hiring staff to support partnerships with the country and expects to announce further details on this in coming months, the company said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Korea's full-stack AI ecosystem makes it one of the most promising markets in the world for meaningful AI impact, from silicon to software, and students to seniors,' Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon said in a statement. More from Tech South Korea protests China's maritime restrictions in shared waters Earlier this year, OpenAI announced it would develop artificial intelligence products for South Korea with chat app operator Kakao. Kwon, who is visiting Seoul, is set to hold a meeting with officials from the main opposition Democratic Party and the ruling People Power Party, local media reported.
