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  • Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years

    Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years

    As of September 21, 2026, Fin.K.L — Lee Hyori, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yuri — are reuniting as a group after 21 years, their agency confirmed. The four members of the pioneering K-pop girl group are preparing joint activities under the team's name, though a detailed schedule has not yet been announced.

    21 yearsTime since Fin.K.L last operated together under the team's name
    4 membersOriginal members joining this comeback

    Key points

    • Agency Gemstone E&M confirmed Sept. 21 that Lee Hyori, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yuri are preparing to reunite as a full group.
    • It's the first sustained group activity under the Fin.K.L name since a 2005 single — a brief 2019 reunion on a variety show was tied to a broadcast event rather than an ongoing comeback.
    • The four members debuted in the late 1990s and have since branched into solo music, musical theater and acting.
    • No specific format or schedule has been set; the agency says details will be rolled out gradually.

    According to the agency, Lee Hyori, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yuri are once again coming together to prepare official group activities. No detailed schedule has been set, but the agency says it plans to roll out updates in stages over the coming weeks.

    It's been a long time since all four have kept up sustained activity under one team name. The last comparable chapter dates back to a digital single release in 2005. There was a brief reunion after that — the four came back together for a new song tied to a television variety show — but that project was widely seen as a one-off built around a broadcast schedule rather than an ongoing comeback.

    The four members broke into the K-pop scene in the late 1990s and quickly racked up a string of hits, becoming one of the defining acts of Korea's first generation of girl groups. They moved fluidly between innocent, girl-next-door concepts and bolder, more assertive ones, and regularly swept year-end music awards shows during their peak.

    Since the group went quiet, each member has built her own career. One became known for variety shows and solo records, another rose to the top ranks of Korea's musical theater scene, and the other two split time between acting and broadcasting. This new project will reportedly be organized by the agency in partnership with affiliated companies.

    In Korea right nowTrending in Korea right now — the news lit up portals and social media the moment it broke. When the group's brief 2019 reunion happened, the resulting single shot up the charts, so expectations are running even higher now that this sounds like an ongoing comeback rather than a one-time event.

    FAQ

    Who is Fin.K.L?

    Fin.K.L is a four-member group — Lee Hyori, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yuri — that debuted in Korea in the late 1990s and helped define the first generation of K-pop girl groups.

    How is this different from the 2019 reunion?

    The 2019 reunion was a one-off tied to a variety show. This time, the four are preparing to operate under the Fin.K.L name on an ongoing basis, not just for a single event.

    When will new activities start?

    No date or format has been confirmed yet. The agency says more details will be announced gradually.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years조선일보 · Sep 21, 2026핑클, 21년 만에 완전체 컴백…단발성 아닌 진짜 귀환Read the full story & photos at the source →
    동아일보 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years동아일보 · Sep 21, 2026핑클, 21년 만에 완전체 컴백…단발성 아닌 진짜 귀환Read the full story & photos at the source →
    SBS 뉴스 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 YearsSBS 뉴스 · Sep 21, 2026핑클, 21년 만에 완전체 컴백…'40대 독보적 언니들' 돌아온다Read the full story & photos at the source →
    동아일보 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years동아일보 · Sep 21, 20261세대 걸그룹 핑클, 21년 만에 완전체로 뭉친다Read the full story & photos at the source →
    한겨레 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years한겨레 · Sep 21, 2026‘1세대 걸그룹’ 핑클, 21년 만에 완전체 활동…이효리·옥주현·이진·성유리Read the full story & photos at the source →
    노컷뉴스 기사 이미지Fin.K.L Reunites as a Full Group After 21 Years노컷뉴스 · Sep 21, 2026이진까지 합류…핑클, 21년 만에 '완전체 '컴백한다Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • BTS Closes Las Vegas Fest Night 1 After 6-Year Gap

    BTS Closes Las Vegas Fest Night 1 After 6-Year Gap

    As of September 20, 2026, BTS closed out night one of a major music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, their label said. The seven members performed four songs back to back, including the title track from their fifth studio album, marking their first time on that festival's stage in about six years. The group said the set was meant to signal a new chapter for BTS.

    4 songsNumber of songs performed in the set
    ~6 yearsTime since BTS last played this festival

    Key points

    • The show took place at an indoor arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the evening of September 18 local time.
    • BTS opened with the title track from their latest studio album before performing three more songs.
    • Each song featured different visuals on the arena's massive screens, including waves, a city skyline, space, and comets.
    • A girl group from the same label is set to become the first K-pop girl group to perform at the festival on night two.

    The seven-member group returned to the center stage of a major US festival after a long absence. According to the group's label, BTS closed out the festival's multi-artist opening night, taking the final slot of the evening. Given that their last appearance at this festival came before the pandemic, it marked the end of a considerable gap.

    The setlist notably led with tracks from their newly released album. They opened against a backdrop of rippling water visuals on the arena's massive screens, followed by a song set against the glittering nighttime skyline of the host city. As the set moved into older hits, the screens showed a journey from a narrow passage out into vast space, before the performance closed with an image of seven fireballs falling across a desert landscape — a visual echo of the group's seven members.

    During preparations, the members reportedly expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported them over the years. They were said to be especially struck that the crowd sang along even though most of their songs are in Korean.

    A number of top artists across genres also performed at the festival alongside BTS. On night two, a girl group from the same label is set to take the stage — reportedly the first time a K-pop girl group has performed at the festival, following in the footsteps of their label's senior act.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, the long-awaited return to a US stage is being met with enthusiasm. After a stretch when the group's full lineup was limited by military service obligations, returning to a major overseas stage as a complete unit is itself news, with some seeing it as a signal of the direction for their new album era. The news that a junior girl group from the same label will follow on night two is also drawing attention, tied to a broader wave of the label's acts expanding overseas.

    FAQ

    What kind of festival is this?

    It's one of the major annual US music festivals that brings together top pop artists across genres, held over two days at an indoor arena in Las Vegas.

    Why is this billed as a return after six years?

    The group's last appearance at this same festival was in 2020, and they hadn't performed there since.

    Who's performing on night two?

    A girl group from the same label takes the stage on night two, marking what's described as the first K-pop girl group performance at this festival.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Sep 20, 2026BTS, 美 대형 음악 축제 피날레 장식…'스윔' 등 4곡 열창 | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    BTS Closes Las Vegas Fest Night 1 After 6-Year Gap세계일보 · Sep 20, 2026방탄소년단, 美 대형 페스티벌 피날레…'BTS 2.0' 형상화Read the full story & photos at the source →
    스타뉴스 기사 이미지BTS Closes Las Vegas Fest Night 1 After 6-Year Gap스타뉴스 · Sep 19, 2026방탄소년단 정국, 美 '아이하트라디오 페스티벌' 빛낸 '보컬킹' | 스타뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    미디어파인 · Sep 20, 2026BTS+르세라핌, 라스베이거스에 하이브 남매 위용 제대로Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Nobel Laureates Visit Seoul, Talk Science in AI Era

    Nobel Laureates Visit Seoul, Talk Science in AI Era

    As of September 20, 2026, three Nobel laureates took part in an international academic forum at a convention center in Seoul's Gangnam district, discussing how AI will reshape the future of scientific research. The event drew 16 experts from Korea and abroad and roughly 1,200 audience members, with six Korean students joining the laureates for a direct discussion. It marked the third time this kind of event has been held in Korea.

    3Nobel laureates who took part in the forum
    ~1,200Audience members who attended in person
    3rd timeTimes this event has been held in Korea

    Key points

    • The forum was co-hosted by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology and the Nobel Foundation's outreach arm in Sweden.
    • Three Nobel laureates in chemistry, physics, and physiology or medicine took the stage.
    • Six Korean high school and university students joined the laureates on stage to discuss what it takes to be a scientist in the AI era.
    • A vice-minister-level official from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Nobel Foundation's secretary general also met separately with the laureates.

    An academic exchange event normally held in Sweden each December, timed to the Nobel Prize ceremony, made a special international stop in Seoul this time. Korea has hosted the event twice before, and this third edition once again brought the Korean public face to face with world-renowned scholars.

    The lineup of three laureates on stage stood out. They included a Princeton University chemist honored for developing new catalytic reactions, an astrophysicist from the Australian National University recognized for observational proof of the universe's expansion, and a professor at a Massachusetts medical school honored for uncovering the mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Sixteen experts from science, the arts, and philosophy joined them as speakers and panelists.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, attention is centered on the fact that world-class scholars sat down directly with Korean students for a face-to-face conversation. Given that Korea has yet to produce a Nobel laureate in basic science — despite its strength in semiconductors and AI — there's hope that this kind of dialogue could inspire the country's young scientists. The timing, as AI reshapes how experiments and research are conducted, adds to the buzz.

    FAQ

    Is this event held every year?

    The main event, Nobel Week Dialogue, is held annually in Sweden, but this international special edition in Korea is only the third of its kind.

    Did the laureates actually talk with Korean students?

    Yes. Six Korean high school and university students joined a dedicated session on stage with the Nobel laureates to discuss what it takes to be a scientist in the AI era.

    What exactly was the event's theme?

    The core themes were how AI is transforming scientific research and paradigms, and what qualities define a good scientist amid that change.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Sep 20, 2026노벨상 수상자들이 한국 학생에 던진 질문…"AI 시대 과학자란" | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    머니투데이 기사 이미지Nobel Laureates Visit Seoul, Talk Science in AI Era머니투데이 · Sep 20, 2026'노벨프라이즈 다이얼로그 서울' 세 번째 개최…노벨상 수상자 3人 방한 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Samsung Unveils AI-Robot Vision at Silicon Valley Event

    Samsung Unveils AI-Robot Vision at Silicon Valley Event

    As of September 20, 2026, Samsung Electronics says it laid out its mid- to long-term plan to merge AI and robotics at an internal tech event in California. The gathering brought together roughly 80 people, including Samsung executives and developers from overseas tech firms. Noh Tae-moon, who leads Samsung's Device eXperience division, said the goal is to extend AI into every part of daily life.

    ~80 attendeesPeople at the event, including executives and overseas developers
    8th editionNumber of times the event has been held to date

    Key points

    • The event took place at Samsung's Silicon Valley R&D lab on September 18 local time; Samsung shared the news domestically on September 20.
    • Now in its eighth year, the event drew around 80 attendees, including Samsung executives and developers from overseas tech firms.
    • DX Division CEO Noh Tae-moon attended alongside senior executives from the Visual Display, CTO, and Mobile eXperience units.
    • The event built on the 'AI companion for everyday life' vision Samsung first teased at January's CES trade show in Las Vegas.

    Samsung Electronics used the event to once again lay out its AI-centered business overhaul in public. According to the company, the gathering went beyond simply bolting AI features onto individual products like smartphones or TVs — it was meant to share a broader vision of AI supporting a consumer's entire day.

    Alongside Noh Tae-moon, who heads the Device eXperience (DX) division as CEO, the event drew a lineup of top division executives: Lee Won-jin, president of the Visual Display business; Yoon Jang-hyun, the chief technology officer shaping the company's tech strategy; and Choi Won-joon, chief operating officer overseeing the mobile business. That an executive lineup of this caliber turned out to engage directly with overseas developers signals how much weight Samsung is placing on this shift.

    The vision underpinning the event was first previewed at the world's largest consumer electronics show earlier this year. Rather than competing device by device, Samsung is aiming for AI that follows users and assists them wherever they are — at home, in the office, or on the move. In his keynote, CTO Yoon Jang-hyun walked through how that vision could evolve further when combined with robotics.

    Noh said in his remarks that AI has become an unavoidable trend, and that Samsung's goal is to build personalized, intelligent experiences for consumers in every space they occupy. He added that Samsung aims to be a company that leads this transition. Samsung said it plans to keep engaging with overseas tech talent through similar events going forward.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, this move is widely seen as a bellwether for the broader semiconductor and consumer electronics industry. With smartphone and TV sales growth stalling, AI services and robotics are increasingly viewed as the variables that will determine Samsung's next earnings cycle. The fact that the event was held on the US West Coast — targeting overseas developers rather than a domestic audience — is also being read as a sign of how seriously Samsung is competing for global tech talent.

    FAQ

    Was this event a new product launch?

    No. It wasn't a product launch — it was a private tech-exchange event where Samsung executives shared their mid- to long-term AI and robotics strategy with overseas developers.

    Why was it held in the US instead of Korea?

    It took place at Samsung's local R&D facility, making it easier for overseas developers and IT industry figures in the Silicon Valley area to attend.

    When was this vision first introduced?

    It builds on the AI-powered everyday-life vision Samsung first unveiled at a consumer electronics show in the US earlier this year.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    머니투데이 기사 이미지Samsung Unveils AI-Robot Vision at Silicon Valley Event머니투데이 · Sep 20, 2026삼성전자, 美 실리콘밸리서 테크 포럼 개최…AI·로봇 비전 공유 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →
    매일경제 기사 이미지Samsung Unveils AI-Robot Vision at Silicon Valley Event매일경제 · Sep 20, 2026삼성의 다음 승부처는 ‘AI 일상’…노태문 “거스를 수 없는 대세” - 매일경제Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea

    Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea

    As of September 19, 2026, Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has surpassed 11 million admissions in South Korea. The film has held the No. 1 spot in daily advance ticket sales for more than a month straight, putting it on the verge of cracking the all-time top five for foreign films released in Korea.

    11,000,003Cumulative admissions in Korea as of Sept. 18 morning
    47 daysConsecutive days atop Korea's daily ticket presales chart
    No. 5 all-timeForeign box office ranking in Korea it's chasing

    Key points

    • As of the morning of September 18, cumulative admissions topped 11 million.
    • The film has held the No. 1 spot in overall advance ticket sales every day since early last month.
    • It has surpassed Nolan's previous Korean box office record, 'Interstellar,' to become his highest-grossing release in the country.
    • It's now closing in on the record held by the all-time No. 5 foreign film at the Korean box office.

    Christopher Nolan's retelling of a war hero's long journey home is showing no signs of slowing down at Korean theaters. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing network, cumulative admissions for "The Odyssey" crossed the 11 million mark on the morning of September 18. That the film is still adding a steady stream of daily viewers a month and a half after opening is notable in itself.

    Advance ticket sales tell a similar story. The film has held the top spot in overall daily presales without interruption from early last month through today. That streak now makes it the longest-running No. 1 in daily presales for any foreign film released in Korea since 2010, well past the previous record, which had been shared by two other films.

    The admissions milestone matters too. The film already passed "Interstellar" to become Nolan's highest-grossing release in Korea, then kept climbing past new competition to overtake several Hollywood blockbusters that had held higher spots. It's now closing the gap on Korea's all-time No. 5 foreign film.

    The film is Nolan's first release since "Oppenheimer" three years ago. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, following the war hero's journey home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. It opened in Korean theaters nationwide on the 5th of last month and remains in wide release.

    In Korea right nowWhat's drawing attention in Korea isn't just the box office number — it's that a film nearly two months into its run is still holding off a wave of new releases. Moviegoers online describe Nolan's signature big-screen spectacle as must-see-in-theaters viewing, and exhibitors expect its seat occupancy to hold up even through the crowded release slate around Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).

    FAQ

    What is 'The Odyssey' about?

    It follows Odysseus, the war hero, on his journey home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy, with Matt Damon starring in the lead role.

    How does this compare to Christopher Nolan's other films in Korea?

    It has surpassed 'Interstellar,' his previous top-grossing release in the country, to become his highest-grossing film in Korea.

    Why does the presales streak matter?

    It's now the longest stretch any foreign film has held the No. 1 spot in Korea's overall daily advance ticket sales since 2010.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    노컷뉴스 기사 이미지Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea노컷뉴스 · Sep 19, 2026172분짜리 영화 '오디세이', 1100만 관객도 넘겼다Read the full story & photos at the source →
    텐아시아 기사 이미지Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea텐아시아 · Sep 18, 2026'오디세이' 1100만 관객 돌파…곧 국내 역대 외화 흥행 TOP5 | 텐아시아Read the full story & photos at the source →
    일간스포츠 기사 이미지Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea일간스포츠 · Sep 18, 2026‘오디세이’, 이거 어디까지 흥행하는 거예요?... 누적 관객 ‘1100만’ 돌파 [차트IS] - 일간스포츠Read the full story & photos at the source →
    데일리안 기사 이미지Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops 11M Admissions in Korea데일리안 · Sep 18, 2026‘오디세이’ 1100만 돌파…외화 흥행 5위 ‘어벤져스: 인피니티 워’ 기록 눈앞Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • KATSEYE Eyes 4 VMA Nods, Rides Billboard No.1 Streak

    KATSEYE Eyes 4 VMA Nods, Rides Billboard No.1 Streak

    As of September 19, 2026, KATSEYE — the multinational girl group formed by HYBE and Geffen Records — has landed four nominations at this year's biggest US music awards show. Beyond a group-category nod, one of its signature songs is competing for Song of the Summer against top pop stars. The buzz lands just as its latest EP debuted atop the US albums chart, fueling fresh momentum around the nominations.

    4 categoriesKATSEYE's total 2026 MTV VMA nominations
    170,000 unitsUS first-week sales for the latest EP
    4 weeksConsecutive weeks in the Billboard 200 top 20

    Key points

    • An additional round of nominations announced September 18 local time gave KATSEYE a nod in the Group category.
    • The title track from its third EP is up for Song of the Summer, competing against top-tier pop stars.
    • An earlier nomination round in early August put another track up in K-pop and choreography-focused categories, bringing the group's total to four nominations.
    • Its latest EP debuted at No. 1 on the main US albums chart and has stayed in the top tier for over a month.

    KATSEYE is back in the running for one of the biggest nights in American pop culture. In a fresh batch of MTV VMA nominations announced September 18 local time, the multinational girl group scored a nod in the Group of the Year category, while the title track from its third EP is up for Song of the Summer — going head-to-head with tracks from Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, and Ariana Grande.

    That's on top of nods the group already picked up when the first wave of nominations dropped in early August, when another track from the EP landed nominations in K-pop and choreography-focused categories. Combined, KATSEYE is up for four VMA categories this year. The group won a trophy in a breakthrough-performance category last year off a single, so fans are watching to see if they can go back-to-back.

    The charts back up the hype. On the UK singles chart, one album track climbed to No. 18 this week, marking its eighth week on the chart, while the title track logged a fifth straight week at No. 48. On Spotify's Global Weekly chart, the same two songs sit in the high-30s and 80s respectively, and a collaboration track with LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT just entered the list too — putting three KATSEYE-linked songs on the global chart in the same week.

    The US numbers are even more striking on the album side. The third EP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has stayed in the top 20 for more than a month since. With the previous EP and debut release still charting, the group has three projects on the Billboard 200 simultaneously, while two singles sit in the high-20s and high-60s on the Hot 100. First-week US sales for the new EP hit 170,000 units — making KATSEYE the fourth K-pop girl group ever to top the Billboard 200.

    The group is a joint venture between HYBE and Geffen Records, born out of HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk's "multiple hubs, multiple genres" strategy. Members were selected through a 2023 survival show before the group's official US debut in 2024. Live shows are rolling too — the world tour kicked off in Dublin earlier this month, with UK and European stops underway and North American dates starting next month.

    In Korea right nowKorean media and fans are watching this as proof HYBE's global-idol-group blueprint actually works. The fact that KATSEYE is only the fourth K-pop girl group — after BLACKPINK, NewJeans, and TWICE — to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 has become the headline domestically, with industry watchers framing it as validation that K-pop's production system translates to a group built and based overseas. The VMA nominations landing in the same news cycle as the chart milestone have only amplified coverage back home.

    FAQ

    Who is KATSEYE?

    A multinational girl group co-created by HYBE and Geffen Records, with members chosen through a 2023 survival show before officially debuting in the US in 2024.

    What exactly is the group nominated for?

    Group of the Year and Song of the Summer in this latest round, plus K-pop and choreography-focused categories from the August nominations — four categories in total.

    How well is the group doing on US album charts?

    Its third EP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has stayed in the top 20 for more than a month since.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지KATSEYE Eyes 4 VMA Nods, Rides Billboard No.1 Streak조선일보 · Sep 19, 2026'하이브 걸그룹' 캣츠아이, 'VMA' 4개 부문 후보..빌보드200 1위 이어 '쌍끌이 흥행'Read the full story & photos at the source →
    KATSEYE Eyes 4 VMA Nods, Rides Billboard No.1 Streak톱스타뉴스 · Sep 19, 2026캣츠아이, MTV VMA 4개 부문 도전…그래미급 팝스타들과 맞대결Read the full story & photos at the source →
    싱글리스트 기사 이미지KATSEYE Eyes 4 VMA Nods, Rides Billboard No.1 Streak싱글리스트 · Sep 19, 2026캣츠아이, 아리아나 그란데·테일러 스위프트 경쟁…'MTV VMA' 4개 부문 후보Read the full story & photos at the source →
    newsisnewsisRead the full story & photos at the source →

  • AI’s ‘Continual Learning’ Redraws Memory Chip Map

    AI’s ‘Continual Learning’ Redraws Memory Chip Map

    As of September 19, 2026, the rise of 'continual learning' — AI that keeps absorbing new information even while it's serving users — is pushing memory chip demand beyond HBM into server DRAM and NAND. A global investment bank expects related demand to jump sharply next year, and Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are already rolling out competing new technologies to meet it.

    1.6xNext year's HBM bit demand vs. this year (Citi forecast)
    2.8x2028 HBM demand vs. this year (Citi forecast)
    6.42%↑SK hynix share price gain on Sept. 18
    42%↑Y/Y growth in AI-related goods trade, Q1 2026 (WTO)

    Key points

    • 'Continual learning,' where AI models keep training even as they answer queries, has emerged as a wildcard reshaping memory demand.
    • Citigroup expects HBM bit demand to run about 1.6x this year's level next year, and nearly 2.8x by 2028.
    • Samsung showcased a stacked memory-on-accelerator design, while SK hynix unveiled in-memory computing tech, at a US industry event.
    • Korean chip megacaps surged after Nvidia's CEO spoke, and new thematic ETFs tied to the trend keep launching.

    The AI industry's newest buzzword is "continual learning" — an approach that blurs the once-clear line between training and inference. Traditional generative AI learns everything upfront, then just recalls it when answering. Continual-learning models keep absorbing new information even while actively serving users — industry insiders compare it to a student cramming new material mid-exam.

    That shift is rewriting memory chip demand. Citigroup expects the trend, once it takes hold, to push high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand well beyond today's levels: bit demand next year could run roughly 1.6 times this year's, nearly tripling to 2.8x by 2028. Citi argues that even amid memory-spec adjustments and lingering AI-safety concerns, this shift is the key reason supply shortages could persist for years.

    The catch is that no single memory type can handle it alone. Models need to both ingest fresh data and repeatedly tap into vast stores of existing knowledge — and stashing everything in pricey HBM isn't realistic. That's expanding the role of server DRAM and NAND-based storage, and raising the stakes for tech that computes directly inside memory chips.

    Samsung Electronics and SK hynix both debuted new technology to address this at a US AI infrastructure event. Samsung showed off "zHBM," a stacked design that places memory directly atop accelerator chips to shrink data-travel distance, targeting roughly 10x faster response times. SK hynix showcased PIM (processing-in-memory) tech, along with SALT-KV — which sorts data into different storage tiers by type — and a high-bandwidth flash architecture concept.

    Markets are already pricing this in. Shares of both companies jumped after Nvidia's CEO said next year's chip sales could double this year's. Meanwhile, Korean markets have seen a wave of new ETFs tracking US memory makers and HBM-linked stocks. WTO data shows AI-related goods trade climbing 42% year-over-year in Q1 — far outpacing other categories — adding fuel to the bullish demand outlook.

    In Korea right nowKorean investors are riveted by the chip-stock rally and the ETF gold rush it's spawned — several new funds tracking US memory makers or domestic HBM plays launched just this week. Brokerages argue AI infrastructure spending will keep climbing even with high interest rates, though some analysts warn the market's now flooded with near-identical thematic products that don't really differentiate themselves.

    FAQ

    What is 'continual learning'?

    It's an approach where AI keeps learning from new data even while actively serving users, blending it with existing knowledge — effectively erasing the old line between training and inference.

    Why does this matter for Samsung and SK hynix?

    Because AI memory demand could broaden well beyond the HBM market the two companies already dominate, extending into server DRAM and NAND-based storage.

    Could an 'AI slowdown' narrative derail memory demand?

    Some have floated the idea of AI spending cooling off, but there's no evidence of actual order cutbacks yet, and analysts say it would be hard for the whole industry to slow down in lockstep.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    머니투데이 기사 이미지AI’s ‘Continual Learning’ Redraws Memory Chip Map머니투데이 · Sep 19, 2026AI 속도조절론에도…'계속 배우는 AI'가 메모리 반도체 판 키운다 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →
    머니투데이 기사 이미지AI’s ‘Continual Learning’ Redraws Memory Chip Map머니투데이 · Sep 19, 2026'반등도 AI부터…' AI·반도체 ETF 출시 이어진다 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →
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  • Rosé Drops Apple-Backed Single ‘New Trick’

    Rosé Drops Apple-Backed Single ‘New Trick’

    As of September 18, 2026, Rosé has released "New Trick," a single made with Apple, on music platforms worldwide at 8 a.m. today. The raw, driving garage-punk track comes with a music video shot entirely on a single iPhone 18 Pro, folding it into Apple's ongoing Shot on iPhone campaign. Dave Meyers, the director behind videos for Taylor Swift and other global pop stars, handled the visuals.

    No. 3Peak position of "APT." on Billboard's Hot 100
    15 secondsLength of the teaser clip released ahead of the song
    iPhone 18 ProDevice used to shoot the entire music video

    Key points

    • Rosé released "New Trick," a single made in collaboration with Apple, built around the idea of pushing through heartbreak and rebuilding on her own terms.
    • The entire music video was shot on a single iPhone 18 Pro, folding it into Apple's ongoing Shot on iPhone campaign.
    • Direction came from Dave Meyers, who also directed BLACKPINK's "Jump" music video.
    • Rosé broke through globally with "APT.," her collaboration with Bruno Mars, which climbed to No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100.

    BLACKPINK member and solo artist Rosé released both the track and music video for "New Trick" at 8 a.m. on September 18, in partnership with Apple. The garage-punk song pairs raw, driving production with lyrics about moving through hard times at her own pace. Songwriter Amy Allen, who co-wrote her earlier hit "APT.," and producer Andrew Wells, who worked on "Stay A Little Longer," both return for this one.

    The video is the latest installment in Apple's long-running Shot on iPhone campaign, following turns from Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and The Weeknd. It was filmed entirely on a single iPhone 18 Pro. Apple's and Rosé's official accounts both teased the release first with a 15-second clip of Rosé holding candy.

    Directing duties went to Dave Meyers, the veteran music-video director behind work for Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar, among other A-list pop stars — and, closer to home, BLACKPINK's "Jump."

    Meyers first built his name in Korea directing "APT.," Rosé's duet with Bruno Mars that came out ahead of her debut solo album, "rosie," released in December 2024. The song climbed to No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100, cementing Rosé as a global pop star in her own right. She's also confirmed a new solo album is on the way next year.

    In Korea right nowThe collaboration with a global tech giant is being read at home as fresh proof of K-pop's reach. Fans and commentators point to Rosé's inclusion in Apple's worldwide campaign as evidence she's become a global fixture — not just in music, but in fashion and image more broadly.

    FAQ

    What is Apple's Shot on iPhone campaign?

    It's Apple's long-running global marketing push that partners with well-known artists to shoot music videos and other content entirely on iPhone, showcasing the camera's capabilities.

    Who is Dave Meyers?

    He's a prominent American music-video director known for his work with Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and other major pop stars; he also directed Rosé's new video.

    What's Rosé's background?

    She's a member of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK and a solo artist who broke through globally with "APT.," her duet with Bruno Mars that reached No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    동아일보 기사 이미지Rosé Drops Apple-Backed Single ‘New Trick’동아일보 · Sep 18, 2026블랙핑크 로제, 애플 협업 신곡 ‘뉴 트릭’ 발표…거친 개러지 펑크Read the full story & photos at the source →
    문화일보 기사 이미지Rosé Drops Apple-Backed Single ‘New Trick’문화일보 · Sep 10, 2026로제, 18일 신곡 ‘뉴 트릭’ 발표…애플뮤직 캠페인Read the full story & photos at the source →
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  • Deepfake-Busting AI Startup SteelCut Wins Top Prize

    Deepfake-Busting AI Startup SteelCut Wins Top Prize

    As of September 18, 2026, deepfake-detection startup SteelCut has won the top prize at a government-run AI startup competition for its two-part security tech, which blocks manipulation before AI content is made and flags deepfakes after the fact. The contest, designed to connect cash-strapped early-stage startups with investors, drew far more competition this year, with applicant numbers nearly tripling.

    268 companiesStartups that applied this year
    33.5-to-1Odds of making the finals
    80 million won (~$58,000)Total prize pool split among the 8 finalists

    Key points

    • SteelCut showed off a two-layer security solution: one part blocks manipulation before AI content gets made, the other catches deepfakes after the fact.
    • The finals were held at Texfair Hall inside Seoul's Textile Center on September 17.
    • Eight companies made it to the finals out of 268 total applicants.
    • Second prize went to Quantum Hitech, which built an AI platform that estimates a battery's remaining lifespan without taking it apart, and third prize went to autonomous-driving software maker Motif Drive.

    The contest's full name is the Adventurous and Challenging AI Startup Investment Discovery Competition. South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) put it together, with the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KTOA) — whose members include the country's three major mobile carriers — running the show day to day. Rather than leaning on revenue or funding track records, judges weigh how solid the technology is, how original the business model is, and how much room a company has to grow.

    Now in its second year, the competition had a breakout run: applicants jumped from 91 last year to 268, pushing the odds of making the finals past 33-to-1. The surge in interest was enough for organizers to upgrade the top prize to a Deputy Prime Minister and Minister's Award.

    Eight finalists who cleared the preliminary round faced off on September 17 at Texfair Hall inside Seoul's Textile Center. SteelCut, with its deepfake prevention and detection tech, took the top spot. Quantum Hitech, which built an AI platform that estimates a battery's remaining lifespan without taking it apart, placed second, and autonomous-driving software maker Motif Drive placed third. Five more teams picked up honorable mentions: voice-phishing detection service MetaCloud, manufacturing-floor AI infrastructure builder AllInCarbon, image-and-video generation platform Ziro, fintech-for-foreigners startup CrossHub, and construction-automation firm PlanBy Technologies.

    Beyond the trophies, all eight finalists get a shot at funding through a pool backed by the mobile carriers. Organizers also announced a new fund aimed at early-stage companies, with priority going to startups under three years old and this year's winners. The top three teams get extra perks too: dedicated office space and a spot at overseas investor pitch events.

    In Korea right nowWith concerns over deepfake harm growing across South Korea, interest in technology that can catch and stop it has grown right alongside it. The sharp jump in applicants this year is widely read as a reflection of that anxiety. With the government now planning a dedicated fund for early-stage startups, more founders are expected to jump into AI security in the months ahead.

    FAQ

    What does SteelCut do?

    It's a Korean startup that built a two-part security solution: one layer stops AI-generated images and videos from being manipulated before they're created, and the other detects deepfakes after the fact.

    What kind of event is this competition?

    It's a government-run contest designed to find early-stage AI startups with strong technology and growth potential — even without much revenue or funding history — and connect them with investors.

    What do winners get?

    Cash prizes plus a shot at investment through a fund backed by South Korea's three mobile carriers; the top three teams also get office space and a seat at overseas investor pitch events.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

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  • BTS ‘MIC Drop’ Remix Tops 1.6 Billion YouTube Views

    BTS ‘MIC Drop’ Remix Tops 1.6 Billion YouTube Views

    As of September 17, 2026, BTS's 'MIC Drop' (Steve Aoki Remix) music video has crossed 1.6 billion views on YouTube. It's the fourth BTS group music video to reach that milestone. Notably, it's a track released years ago that's still racking up views at this pace.

    1.6 billion viewsCumulative YouTube views for the MIC Drop remix
    4thBTS's tally of group music videos to hit 1.6 billion views
    No. 28 on Hot 100US Billboard chart position the song debuted at

    Key points

    • The music video passed 1.6 billion YouTube views during evening hours recently.
    • It's the fourth BTS group video to hit 1.6 billion views, following three other signature tracks that already reached the mark.
    • The track reworks a song from BTS's fifth mini album into an electro-trap remix by world-renowned DJ Steve Aoki.
    • At release, the song debuted on Billboard's flagship Hot 100 singles chart in the US.

    BTS's label announced that a remix of one of the group's signature tracks has crossed a major YouTube viewing milestone. The song was reworked years ago by world-renowned DJ Steve Aoki into a distinctly electronic sound that departs sharply from the original. Its continued ability to draw viewers years later is drawing fresh attention to the track's staying power.

    This marks the fourth BTS video to hit that view count. With several other flagship music videos already having crossed the same threshold, this latest milestone reaffirms the group's status as a long-running commercial juggernaut. The song itself is built on a track from BTS's fifth mini album, and Aoki's distinct remixing style gives it a mood far removed from the original version.

    The video leans on striking imagery — an interrogation-room-style set lined with microphones and a car engulfed in flames — while the seven members' tight choreography drives the song's intensity. The moment near the end when one member drops the mic has become the track's signature image, still referenced today. At release, the song also charted on the US's leading singles chart, an early sign of its overseas reception.

    The group is currently on a massive new world tour and is set to kick off the first city of its South American leg in early October. With news of this viewing milestone landing right as that leg approaches, it's reinforcing the sense that the group's global pull remains as strong as ever.

    In Korea right nowDomestic fans are celebrating the fact that a song released years ago just hit another major milestone. The news is renewing attention on how actively the group's earlier hits are still being streamed, spotlighting their musical legacy. Buzz is building further alongside their ongoing world tour.

    FAQ

    What is the 'MIC Drop' remix?

    It's a track from BTS's fifth mini album reworked into an electro-trap version by globally renowned DJ Steve Aoki.

    How many times has BTS hit 1.6 billion views?

    This is the fourth BTS group music video to surpass 1.6 billion YouTube views.

    What is BTS doing right now?

    They're in the middle of what's being called K-pop's largest-ever world tour and are about to begin their South American leg.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지BTS ‘MIC Drop’ Remix Tops 1.6 Billion YouTube Views조선일보 · Sep 17, 2026방탄소년단, 4번째 16억 뷰 뮤직비디오 탄생[공식]Read the full story & photos at the source →
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    스타뉴스 기사 이미지BTS ‘MIC Drop’ Remix Tops 1.6 Billion YouTube Views스타뉴스 · Sep 17, 2026방탄소년단, '마이크 드롭' 뮤직비디오 16억 뷰 돌파..팀 통산 4번째 | 스타뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →