Choi Su-yeon: "Embedding AI in Naver's Core Services... Investing 1 Trillion Won in AI Ecosystem"

Naver Holds 'DAN 24' Integrated Conference
AI Closely Integrated into Services for Tens of Millions Including Search, Maps, and Shopping
"Growing the AI Ecosystem"... 1 Trillion Won Invested in Impact Fund

Last year, Naver unveiled its massive artificial intelligence (AI) 'HyperCLOVA X,' and now it is integrating AI technology into core services such as search, maps, and shopping. With a broad lineup of AI technologies, the company is moving toward commercialization to strengthen service competitiveness. Additionally, to foster the AI ecosystem, Naver is establishing the 'Naver Impact Fund' and plans to invest 1 trillion KRW over the next six years.

On the 11th, Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, announced these plans at the Team Naver integrated conference 'DAN 24' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The plan is to closely integrate AI foundational technologies such as HyperCLOVA X and Twin XR, unveiled last year, into core services used by tens of millions of users to enhance competitiveness.

Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon is giving a presentation at the Team Naver 'DAN24' conference on the 11th. Provided by Naver

Declaration of 'On-Service AI' Integration of AI Foundational Technologies into Search, Maps, Shopping, etc.

First, the newly introduced generative AI search feature was presented. It currently combines AI and personalized recommendation technologies within integrated search. The 'AI Briefing' feature, which will be introduced in the first half of next year, was also unveiled. This technology focuses not only on providing good answers but also on showing many reliable sources. It will also be applied to foreign language searches such as English and Japanese. CEO Choi emphasized, "We will embed AI technology into integrated search to create a virtuous cycle where more content receives traffic," adding, "We aim to bring greater opportunities to the creator ecosystem."

Naver Maps will evolve to the next level by incorporating spatial intelligence technology from Naver Labs through 'Street View 3D.' Street View 3D goes beyond traditional navigation functions by capturing offline information in 3D. Additionally, offline spaces will be recreated online using augmented reality (AR) navigation, indoor maps, and virtual reality (VR) indoor tours. VR indoor tours are expected to provide a sense of presence without physically visiting event venues, offering new business opportunities for offline sellers.

Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, is giving a presentation at the Team Naver 'DAN24' conference on the 11th. Provided by Naver

Spatial intelligence technology will also lead to global collaborations. Naver Labs plans to jointly research construction site robot applications using digital twins and positioning systems with not only Saudi Arabia but also Swiss robotics startup Swiss-Mile. In Japan, a project applying robots and AR guides within smart buildings is underway with NTT East Japan.

The advertising platform will be advanced through 'ADBoost (ADVoost).' ADBoost is a new AI-specialized advertising platform that helps advertisers manage ad creatives and operate ad campaigns. It provides optimized advertising solutions to advertisers and delivers more relevant ads to users. Naver confirmed that after piloting ADBoost on the Home Feed, click-through rates (CTR) increased by 40%, cost per click (CPC) decreased by 28%, and overall advertising efficiency improved by more than 30%.

In the shopping sector, an AI shopping app will be launched in the first half of next year. Separate from the Naver app, the 'Naver Plus Store' mobile app will offer more personalized benefits and product recommendations. The Naver Plus membership will expand user benefits, and the delivery portfolio will diversify with options such as 'Now Delivery' and 'Dawn Delivery.'

Establishment of 'Impact Fund' to Support AI Ecosystem Growth... 1 Trillion KRW Raised Over 6 Years

The commitment to AI investment was reaffirmed. CEO Choi stated, "To protect the domestic AI ecosystem, we will continue technology development through research and development (R&D) investments amounting to 20-25% of sales."

'Project Flower,' which supported small businesses and creators, will expand its scope to the AI ecosystem. The expanded 'Impact Project' will include three areas: Tech Impact, which helps anyone access Naver technologies such as AI; Business Impact, which turns unique ideas and products into business opportunities; and Community Impact, which participates in solving social issues and contributes to building healthy communities.

Naver will organize an 'Impact Committee' to lead this initiative and establish the 'Impact Fund' to invest approximately 1 trillion KRW over six years. Naver's nonprofit educational institution, the 'Naver Connect Foundation,' will invest 60 billion KRW over the next five years to expand AI education curricula and nurture talent.