Samsung Group's 18 affiliates began accepting applications for their first-half open recruitment program on Monday, with hiring expected to exceed 12,000 positions this year.
Applications will be accepted through Samsung Careers website until March 17. The selection process includes job aptitude assessments in March, Samsung Global Aptitude Test (GSAT) in April, followed by interviews and health examinations in May. Software and design positions will undergo coding tests and portfolio reviews instead of GSAT.
The expanded hiring follows Chairman Lee Jae-yong's pledge to boost youth employment at a recent presidential business meeting. Strong earnings projections at Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, driven by AI infrastructure investment, are also fueling the recruitment surge.
Samsung Electronics introduced Korea's first corporate open recruitment program in 1957 and remains the only major conglomerate among the nation's top four to maintain regular hiring cycles.
Lotte Department Store Announces Double-Digit Hiring
Lotte Department Store announced plans to hire new employees in double digits for the first half of 2026. Positions span sales, merchandising, and marketing roles. Candidates will undergo portfolio screening followed by on-site auditions to assess job performance capabilities.
The retailer introduced a new recruitment slogan, "Make your NEXT," emphasizing expertise and responsibility over seniority. Recruitment sessions will be held March 17-18 near major universities in Sinchon and Hyehwa.
Toss Bank Posts Record Profit
Toss Bank recorded approximately 90 billion won in net profit last year, more than doubling the previous year's 43.3 billion won. Customer growth reached 13.7 million, up 23% year-over-year, with monthly active users climbing 26.3% to 9.81 million.
The strong results could bolster valuation prospects as parent company Viva Republica considers an initial public offering.
Lee Se-dol Creates AI Go Program Without Coding
Go master Lee Se-dol completed an AI-based Go education program in just 20 minutes using only voice commands through startup Enhance's "AI OS" platform. The demonstration took place at Seoul's Four Seasons Hotel, where Lee famously competed against DeepMind's AlphaGo in 2016.
The system utilized multiple AI agents working simultaneously across functions including design and development, powered by Anthropic's Claude. Nvidia and Microsoft served as official sponsors.
China's Shenzhen Offers Subsidies for AI Agent Startups
Shenzhen's Longgang district is offering subsidies up to 2 million yuan (approximately 420 million won) to companies developing open-source AI agent technology. OpenClaw, an AI agent capable of directly operating computer systems, has drawn massive interest in China, with over 1,000 people attending a free installation event at Tencent's Shenzhen headquarters.
AI Chatbots Struggle with Complex Financial Queries
Major banks and credit card companies are finding their AI chatbots effective for simple tasks but unreliable for complex product consultations. Shinhan Card's chatbot incorrectly recommended telecommunications cards when asked about KTX discount cards, while Woori Bank's AI loan consultant provided inaccurate information about lease loan requirements.
A Deloitte survey of 2,027 U.S. bank customers found 74% prefer human representatives over AI chatbots even for simple transactions.
