Naver said on March 17 it signed a memorandum of understanding with SBS to advance artificial intelligence (AI) technology and create content synergies.

The two companies will cooperate to develop AI-based media technology and strengthen the competitiveness of video content. Key areas include co-producing content that combines SBS production capabilities with intellectual property (IP) from Naver webtoons and web novels, and ways to link SBS content with Naver’s commerce ecosystem.

They also plan to connect broadcast content, platforms and IP into a single ecosystem to drive innovation in the media industry and bolster global content competitiveness. They will also pursue creating social value by linking Naver’s "Naver Impact" programme, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and creators use AI, with SBS efforts to fulfill its public responsibilities.

Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon (최수연) said Naver’s platform capabilities and AI technology would combine with SBS content assets to create synergies. She said she hopes it will help lay the groundwork for growth in the media industry and give creators an opportunity to secure global competitiveness.

SBS President Bang Moon-shin (방문신) said Naver and SBS have been companies that have led the flow of the times, including during the digital transformation era. He said the agreement will serve as a compass for collaboration that maximises mutual synergies in the era of a major AI transformation.