YouTube will tighten the requirements for creators to monetise content from Feb. 1, 2027. Creators seeking to join the YouTube Partner Program will need 1,000 subscribers and 8,000 valid watch hours over the past year, or 20 million valid Shorts views in the past 90 days. The current threshold is 4,000 hours or 10 million Shorts views. Existing participants will face new conditions to maintain revenue.

South Korea\'s three mobile carriers have begun activating Samsung Electronics\' new foldable smartphones for customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8. SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus started early activation nationwide from Aug. 4 through stores and official online malls, ahead of the Aug. 7 launch. Carriers said the Fold8 drew the highest share of pre-orders and rolled out promotions including points, prize events, trade-in compensation, plan discounts and device-care services.