[Interview] [Galaxy Unpacked 2026] Maggie Kang on Making Technology Feel Human

On Feb 25, Samsung Electronics hosted Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, unveiling the third generation of AI phones, Galaxy S26 series.

Maggie Kang, the co-director of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, joined Galaxy Unpacked 2026 as the event’s creative partner, shaping the experience from concept to stage. Kang brought a distinct creative perspective to the launch with her cultural authenticity and imaginative world-building.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Kang to discuss her involvement in Galaxy Unpacked 2026 and how she approached blending culture, creativity and innovation.

Q. The meeting of a cultural icon like you and technology is refreshing. How did you come to take on this role?

Thank you! What excited me about this collaboration wasn’t just the opportunity to advise on an event, but the chance to explore how storytelling and technology intersect. Samsung has long been at the forefront of innovation, and I see technology as a powerful creative medium in itself. Samsung represents a unique bridge between heritage and the future — something I deeply relate to in my own work. This felt less like a typical partnership and more like a shared creative dialogue about how culture and technology can shape new experiences together.

Q. What stood out to you about collaborating with Samsung for the first time? Were there any memorable moments?

I was truly impressed by how open-minded Samsung was throughout the collaboration. I pitched a few ideas that might have been considered a bit unconventional for a tech brand like Samsung, but they were incredibly receptive. This kind of openness allowed us to explore new creative possibilities together.

One memorable moment was when we worked together in person while I was visiting Seoul last December. It was more than just a productive session; it felt like a shared creative journey. The team went out of their way to create an atmosphere where collaboration flowed naturally, even providing delicious local snacks to enjoy during our sessions. Those moments really stood out — they added a personal touch to the professional experience and helped foster a deeper sense of connection.

Q. What did you focus on most when advising on the creative aspects of the event?

As with everything I do, the first thing I focused on was always the story — how can we craft an experience that truly connects with the audience? How do we make technology feel relatable to users?

For me, it was also essential to weave in the Korean element. Samsung, headquartered in Korea, carries with it a legacy that holds a unique cultural significance. I wanted to ensure that this heritage wasn’t just acknowledged but lived through the narrative, even in subtle ways. Whether it’s through visual storytelling or cultural references, I felt it was important to keep that spirit alive, creating a deeper connection for both local and global audiences.

Q. What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from the event?

I hope the audience walks away with a sense of excitement about how Samsung is pushing boundaries and exploring new creative directions. The team truly took bold steps, showcasing ideas we haven’t seen from Samsung before. I want them to appreciate not just the innovation, but the openness — Samsung is embracing a spirit of openness that redefines what the brand stands for.

Q. As you worked on Galaxy Unpacked 2026, how did you view Samsung’s role in shaping culture through technology?

Honestly, I learned so much from working with the Samsung team. There’s so much Samsung is doing to advance technology to improve our lives. I found myself telling the team “I need this right now” many many times! And because so much is being done by Samsung, I really wanted to help get that message across to users — that’s what Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is all about!

What excited me most was helping convey the event’s message: “Stars by Your Side.” Through this theme, we wanted to make AI experiences feel closer, more approachable and personal to users. Collaborating with Samsung allowed me to see firsthand how technology can connect with people on a cultural and emotional level, and to bring that story to the audience in a meaningful way.

Q. Do you plan to continue this type of cross-industry collaboration in the future?

Absolutely, I would love to continue! Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how these skills can bring new perspectives and creativity to the tech space. Collaborating across industries allows for exciting intersections between culture, narrative and innovation, and I hope to keep exploring these opportunities to create experiences that are both meaningful and inspiring.