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Telecommunications & Media

Time spent or user numbers? Naver vs Google battle for search lead

Competition between Naver and Google for leadership in South Korea's search market is intensifying in the AI era. Google has led Naver in monthly active users for two straight months, but Naver users spend about 5.9 times more total time on its app. Naver also leads Google in the share of visits to external websites that come via search engines. The indicators measure different behaviors and do not directly count total searches.

Telecommunications & Media

iPhone 18 launch nears; will mobile carrier subscriber battle heat up

South Korea's mobile number-porting market, lifted by Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z8 series, is in focus again as Apple prepares to unveil new products. Porting rose in August from July, and the iPhone 18 launch this month could intensify competition among SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus. The scale of porting will depend on carrier incentives and distribution promotions, while Apple’s launch timing and supply strategy could also affect demand.

AI & Enterprise

Homegrown AI foundation model, GPU power and chatbot safety set to dominate 2026 parliamentary audit

South Korea's 2026 parliamentary audit is expected to focus on market results for a government-backed homegrown AI foundation model, plans to operate 260,000 high-performance GPUs and safety measures for AI chatbots, especially for children and teenagers. A National Assembly research report flagged issues including GPU power supply, overseas outflows of AI talent, AI literacy and youth protection. It said support has focused on technical development more than market entry.