Companies expect AI to lift productivity, but their approaches are narrowing to 2 paths: cutting staff to save costs, or keeping headcount while having existing employees do more with AI. The Wall Street Journal reported layoffs linked to AI have become more visible this year, citing Gartner survey results showing about 80 percent of firms using AI agents or automation are reducing staff. Some companies aim to maintain staffing while increasing output.

KakaoPay said on May 6 it posted record quarterly results, with first-quarter consolidated revenue of 300.3 billion won and operating profit of 32.2 billion won. Net profit was 34.7 billion won. Revenue rose 41.7 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit surged 630.9 percent and net profit rose 141.5 percent. Transaction volume increased 15 percent to 50.9 trillion won.