Samsung Electronics’ Music Studio, a wireless Wi-Fi speaker, was born from this evolution. Drawing inspiration from an orb and a dot, visual representations of how sound expands, its design stands out as a distinctive presence in any space. Meanwhile, its finely tuned acoustics flood a space with lush, immersive sound, elevating the fundamental value of audio.

▲ Music Studio 5 (left) and Music Studio 7 (right) feature an object-inspired design that visualizes how sound expands to complete the aesthetics of a space.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Jongmin Kim of the Product Planning Group, Jongbae Kim of the Sound Lab and Minsun Kang of the Product Design Group — all within the Visual Display (VD) Business Division — to explore how Music Studio redefines the boundaries between sound technology and design.

▲ (From left) Jongbae Kim (Sound Lab), Minsun Kang (Product Design Group) and Jongmin Kim (Product Planning Group), all from the VD Business Division

From Casual Listeners to Immersive Listeners: Tailoring the Listening Experience

The reasons people choose audio devices are more varied than ever, shaped by personal tastes and how they enjoy content. As immersive spatial audio from movies to games becomes a staple beyond just music, more listeners seek products that blend cutting-edge performance with inspired design.

Jongmin Kim explained the thinking behind Music Studio: “We focused on preserving the essence of sound while ensuring the product blends naturally into its surroundings, optimizing the overall user experience.” The decision to introduce two distinct models was based on in-depth consumer analysis. “We identified different needs between ‘casual listeners,’ who enjoy background music in their daily lives and ‘immersive listeners,’ who focus on the finer details of sound and fully engage with content,” Kim added. “Based on this, we differentiated the core value of each model to better serve each listening style.”

▲ Music Studio tailors the listening experience to user preferences, differentiating the core value of each model for optimized everyday use.

Collaboration with global partners was also a key factor in expanding the listening experience. “To deliver meaningful value to users, we worked closely with our partners,” Kim said. “As a result, we were able to introduce Spotify Tap — a Wi-Fi-based feature that allows users to start music with a single button press without using a smartphone — to Music Studio for the first time globally, creating a differentiated user experience unique to Samsung audio products.”

Bringing Live-Like Immersion to Everyday Spaces With Music Studio 7

Creating an immersive audio environment requires highly sophisticated sound engineering. Designed specifically for spatial audio, Music Studio 7 underwent nearly two years of development and validation. At its core is a 3.1.1 Channel system that delivers sound in four directions — front, left, right and upward — along with advanced acoustic technologies that precisely control each channel.

▲ Music Studio 7 uses Waveguide and Pattern Control technologies that precisely control sound directivity, delivering immersive spatial audio reminiscent of a live performance.

Jongbae Kim emphasized, “To create a sense of space from a single device, it is essential to control each channel so that sounds do not blend together. The ‘Waveguide’ and ‘Pattern Control’ technologies applied to Music Studio 7 are core technologies for spatial audio sound.”

The high-frequency range, which has strong directivity, can be easily controlled using the physical structure of the Waveguide. However, the mid-frequency range, which has relatively longer wavelengths, is difficult to narrow down in directivity using only the Waveguide. Pattern Control is a technology that suppresses specific sound areas using phase control signals. By inputting phase control signals based on Left, Right and Top channels into the front channel, it prevents the directivity of each channel from spreading unnecessarily. This enhances channel separation and delivers a more immersive sense of depth and 3D moving effects, even with a single speaker. Kim explained, “With these technologies, we have made it possible to clearly perceive the precise location and movement of sound using just one speaker.”

▲ With precise acoustic engineering that delivers distortion-free sound at both high and low frequencies, Music Studio 7 produces deep, rich, high-quality audio despite its size.

To push performance even further, AI Dynamic Bass Control tackles the low-frequency distortion often found in compact speakers. This technology automatically analyzes and fine-tunes the woofer’s nonlinear movement, delivering deep, powerful bass from a surprisingly small package.

Music Studio 5 Balances Design and Sound Through Refined Aesthetics

Music Studio 5 offers harmonious sound wrapped in sculptural elegance and lifestyle-oriented design. Minsun Kang shared, “One of our biggest challenges was preserving Music Studio’s unique look while making sure it excelled as a speaker.”

A key influence was the collaboration with acclaimed furniture designer Erwan Bouroullec, which helped define Samsung Audio’s design language. Kang noted, “Blending Bouroullec’s artistic vision with Samsung’s practical approach, we crafted a look that feels at home as part of daily life.” Early on, the team experimented with bold forms to spark creativity, but turning these ideas into a high-performing speaker brought unique technical hurdles in arranging components and perfecting the acoustic structure.

▲ Music Studio 5 features a micro-perforated structure that balances object-like design and acoustic performance within an interior-friendly aesthetic.

Kang shared, “To achieve both sculptural refinement and rich sound, we used a micro-perforated design on the front of the product. From afar, it stands out as a striking piece, but up close, its structure reveals the essence of audio.” In recognition of its design brilliance, Music Studio 5 was honored with the Gold Award at the prestigious iF Design Awards 2026. Kang added, “This achievement is the result of close teamwork with Bouroullec and the relentless dedication of our entire design team. We feel a special connection to this product, as it truly captures the meeting point of technology and aesthetics.”

In addition, Samsung’s proprietary Bluetooth audio codec, SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec), ensures stable, high-quality sound even without wires, perfectly uniting sleek design with top-tier performance.

Expanding the Sound Ecosystem With Q-Symphony

Rather than functioning as a standalone device, Music Studio offers an integrated entertainment experience through seamless connectivity and optimized sound synchronization across devices. As a Wi-Fi speaker with fully wireless connections except for power, it offers the flexibility to place it freely throughout the home. Jongmin Kim emphasized, “Regardless of where it is placed, Music Studio delivers sound optimized for the user’s listening environment, whether for music or video content.”

The Q-Symphony feature, which wirelessly connects with Samsung TVs, further enhances this experience. Supporting up to five devices simultaneously — including 2026 Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars — creates a more immersive surround-sound environment without limitations across product types.

Kim explained, “Users can freely configure the system to suit different spaces and use cases — for example, by connecting up to five Music Studio 7 units or pairing a Q-Series Soundbar with four Music Studio speakers. In such a configuration, the system supports up to 19.1.8-channel output, delivering dense, room-filling sound.”

He continued, “Our ultimate goal is to expand connectivity to a wide range of platforms — including partner products, TVs and mobile — so that users can experience optimal sound throughout every moment they engage with content.”

▲ Music Studio 7 (left) delivers immersive spatial audio, while Music Studio 5 (right) offers a refined, object-inspired design — together creating an integrated sound experience through seamless device connectivity.

Going beyond the conventional speaker form, Music Studio sets a new standard for both performance and design. Samsung Audio’s innovation continues to enrich everyday spaces with immersive sound and refined aesthetics.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

Securing computational design data through 4D scanner

Developing wearables with the optimal fit and comfort remains a difficult yet crucial challenge. Not only do these factors make the device feel more seamless to use, but they are directly tied to maximizing overall performance and sensor accuracy. However, the fact that each person’s anatomy is completely unique presents a major hurdle. But what if there was a way to meticulously engineer comfort, fit and sensing so precisely, it could deliver the optimal experience for nearly everyone?

Samsung’s solution is Computational Design. This multidimensional process harnesses AI and advanced computing to analyze hundreds of thousands of quantitative and qualitative data points to generate, test, and refine product designs with greater precision. The result is a fundamental shift from subjective feedback to objective, data-driven engineering, creating superior products with the optimal fit for the widest range of users.

That description captures computational design in the abstract—like a dictionary definition. To understand how computational design is actually used to create superior wearables, Samsung Newsroom visited the Samsung Design Innovation Center (SDIC) in San Francisco, home to the Computational Design Lab.

Federico Casalegno, EVP and Head of the Samsung Design Innovation Center

Spearheading the SDIC is Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President and Head of the Samsung Design Innovation Center, who has spent the past two decades mastering the practice of computational design and leading the implementation of this core concept into Samsung’s product development. We sat down with Federico to discuss how SDIC employs computational design as a primary tool to create and optimize experiences for Samsung’s wearables, particularly the Galaxy Buds4 series.

Q. Tell us about SDIC’s role.

At SDIC, our mission is to deliver meaningful experiences by understanding people and their evolving lifestyles—always in the context of human-centered design. Ultimately, we want to delight customers and create products that help people live happier, healthier, more creative, and more productive lives, while building a better future for all and preserving the environment. To achieve this, SDIC brings together the power of design and creativity with data-driven decision-making. Supported by AI, machine learning, robotics, and advanced computing, our talented, multidisciplinary team of designers is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering unparalleled user experiences and real, tangible benefits.

At SDIC, design is combined with AI, data, and computing to achieve maximum comfort for wearable devices.

Q. What exactly is computational design, and what is the philosophy behind it?

While we live in a unique era of technological innovation, Samsung’s approach to design was always deeply human-centered as we believe that technology without humanity is merely perfection without purpose. Computational design is how we bring this philosophy to life—it is the process of harnessing the immense power of AI, data, and computing to design products for people, rather than expecting people to adapt to our products. This approach helps us to create devices that are fundamentally functional, intuitive, comfortable and beautifully crafted. Today, this methodology is applied all across our wearable portfolio, including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Buds4 series.

The computational design process involves various state-of-the-art testing equipment, including 4D scanning.

Q. How does computational design turn the ‘fit’ of a device into an objective, measurable metric?

For developing something as personal as a wearable that remains in contact with you for extended periods, fit is an essential element. It’s not just about comfort though; a secure fit is also needed for maximizing the precision of the device’s sensors. However, traditional design methods fail to measure wearability objectively, as they only rely on a small sample of people for product testing.

Computational design fundamentally changes this. By leveraging massive, digitalized datasets and advanced AI simulations, it transforms wearability into a quantifiable metric that allows Samsung to measure comfort and fit like never before. By being able to consider all the unique shapes and curves of the human ear or the wrist through computational design, our designers are equipped with trustworthy, objective insights that are difficult to attain through traditional methods.

Optimal design parameters are derived through AI and physics-based simulations, which are then cross-verified with robot testing.

Q. Tell us in detail how the computational design process works in the lab, and how it was implemented in the Buds4 series.

Our computational design process relies on three elements: real people, digital twins, and robots. We capture 3D and 4D scans of a diverse global audience, integrating precise anatomical data to create ‘digital twins.’ We then run AI and physics-based simulations, cross-validating the results with physical robot testing.

For the Buds4 series, we applied this exact process to achieve perfect wearing comfort and premium sound. We analyzed hundreds of millions of global ear data points and ran more than 10,000 simulations to perfect the new blade design. This objective data led us to subtly reduce the size of the main head[1] and refine the angle of rotation—minor adjustments that resulted in a dramatic, universally validated increase in stability and comfort.

Q. How does Samsung’s computational design ultimately benefit the users?

Samsung’s computational design process is powered by a unique proprietary dataset built exclusively from within Samsung, and our team has developed several specialized AI programs based on this data. This combination gives us unique insights while we constantly innovate our design processes and methods. For Galaxy Buds and Watch specifically, this translates into improved wearing comfort, stability and sensor accuracy—key factors that elevate both the user experience and product performance.

Samsung’s lineup of wearables, such as Galaxy Buds4, Galaxy Watch8, and Galaxy Ring, all incorporate computational design in its development process.

Q. Looking ahead, how do you see Computational Design evolving over the next decade?

Computational design is now a foundational element of Samsung’s development process across all our wearable products. Our goal remains to maximize wearability, fit, comfort and sensor performance to ultimately serve the people using it.

Looking ahead, the true power of this process is its continuous evolution. As our dataset continues to grow, custom AI tools will drive more accurate simulations and deeper insights. These advancements will not only further improve product wearability, but also unlock exponential innovations down the line that lead to an entirely new category of wearables that can redefine the boundaries of user experience. Ultimately, this symbiotic partnership between computational design and AI frees our designers to be more creative, empowering us to deliver measurably superior products and experiences for the people who use them.

[1] Galaxy Buds4 only

From adopting micro-size RGB (red, green, and blue) LEDs as a backlight unit to pursuing enhanced color expression and integrating AI technology for ultra-large displays, the development of the Micro RGB TV was a continuous series of firsts — with virtually no reference points to guide the process.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Insang Hwang of the Visual Display (VD) Business Division’s Product Planning Group to learn more about how this new category of the Micro RGB TV was developed.

▲ Micro RGB TV recognized for its technological excellence in the global market

Creating a New Category with No Reference

The Micro RGB TV began as a project to create an entirely new category in the TV market. Hwang recalled, “Because the mission was to create a category that didn’t previously exist, every department — from development to sales and marketing — had to work together with a shared sense of urgency and responsibility.”

One of the biggest challenges was the absence of any reference point. The team had to develop new technologies and products from scratch while simultaneously defining the value they could deliver to consumers. “We went beyond simply applying RGB light sources,” he said. “We developed a proprietary concept called ‘Micro RGB,’ which miniaturized even the backlight unit itself to the micro level.”

Pursuing 100% BT.2020 — The “Ultimate Color Gamut”

At the core of the Micro RGB TV is its color reproduction. By applying RGB LEDs as the backlight unit, the display achieves wide and highly accurate color reproduction.

“Although the Micro RGB TV started with the goal of delivering richer color reproduction, there was no clearly defined industry standard at the time,” Hwang said. “We felt a strong sense of responsibility, believing that the conditions we set could become the new standard for the market. That’s why we set the ambitious goal of achieving ‘100% BT.2020’ — the ultra-high-definition color standard defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and often referred to as the ‘ultimate color gamut.’”

▲ Micro RGB TV achieves 100% BT.2020 — the “ultimate color gamut” — setting a new standard in the TV market.

Achieving 100% BT.2020 means that a level of color reproduction once limited to professional monitors can now be experienced on TVs — one of the most widely used displays in everyday home environments. It also marks a significant advancement in the technical standards of the display industry.

The journey, however, was far from easy. “In the early stages of development, we struggled to reach the target values,” Hwang recalled. “However, through persistent efforts to achieve perfect color reproduction, the development team was ultimately able to meet its goal.” He added, “It wasn’t just about developing new technology. We also worked to establish measurable standards to validate its performance.”

Bringing Cutting-Edge Technology into Everyday Viewing

For product planners, the top priority is to convert advanced technology into an experience that users can easily perceive in everyday life. “We continuously thought about how to translate Micro RGB’s powerful hardware performance into a practical viewing experience,” Hwang said. “We focused on making its key strength — color — something users can feel naturally in everyday content while delivering an immersive viewing experience.”

“While Micro RGB achieves one of the highest color gamuts available in TVs today, only a limited amount of content fully utilizes it,” he noted. “So we enhanced software capabilities to ensure users can experience the difference across a wider range of content — from HDR content to everyday content such as OTT streaming and sports.”

One of the key features is Micro RGB Color Booster Pro. Hwang explained, “Leveraging a high-performance neural processing unit (NPU), AI analyzes content in real time to enhance color expression with precision. This allows users to enjoy Micro RGB’s vivid color performance not only in HDR content but also in everyday viewing.”

▲ Hwang explained that Micro RGB Color Booster Pro enhances color for a richer and more vivid viewing experience.

He added, “For example, in soccer — one of the sports most frequently watched on TVs — the newly introduced AI Football Mode Pro automatically detects the content and enhances colors such as the grass and team uniforms. With the global football season kicking off in June, it’s a feature worth noting for those seeking a more immersive viewing experience.”

In addition, the TV incorporates a Glare Free feature designed for real-world viewing environments. “We applied glare free technology so users can consistently enjoy Micro RGB’s exceptional color performance regardless of lighting conditions,” Hwang explained. “Whether in a dark room or a brightly lit space, viewers can stay fully immersed without reflections interfering with the screen.”

Scaling Immersion with a 130-Inch Display

The newly introduced 130-inch ultra-large model delivers an overwhelming sense of immersion, as if the entire wall comes to life. As screen size increases, maintaining image detail becomes increasingly critical.

Hwang said, “We equipped the TV with Supersize Picture Enhancer, an AI-powered picture quality technology optimized for ultra-large displays. Thanks to this, viewers can enjoy Micro RGB’s rich colors and sharp image quality without distortion or pixelation.”

The sound experience and design were also significantly enhanced. “With a 160W 10.4.2-channel speaker system, the TV delivers immersive sound that fills the entire space without the need for external speakers,” he added.

▲ Micro RGB TV features a wall-mount design that integrates seamlessly with the space, enhancing immersion.

The Micro RGB TV’s signature wall-mount design further reinforces immersion by blending the display seamlessly into its surroundings. “We developed a proprietary pocket structure and wall-mount bracket[1] so the TV can sit flush against the wall with virtually no gap,” Hwang explained. “We focused on delivering an optimized viewing experience for ultra-large screens across picture quality, sound, and design.”

Toward the Next-Generation Screen Experience

The Micro RGB TV goes beyond technological advancement — it expands the boundaries of how users experience screens in everyday life while setting new standards for the industry.

“Samsung TVs are evolving into screens that seamlessly integrate into users’ lifestyles and living spaces, understanding their preferences through data and enabling interactions,” Hwang said. “They will go beyond content consumption to become powerful platforms that connect limitless experiences and services.”

As the Micro RGB TV continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Samsung is paving the way for the next generation of screen experiences.

[1] Applicable to 85-, 75- and 65-inch models only

Embodying this human-centered design approach, “Expressive Design”, Samsung Electronics achieved a remarkable milestone at the globally renowned Red Dot Design Award 2026, with all 16 of its submitted entries[1] recognized.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with designers from the Visual Display (VD) Business to hear the stories behind their design philosophy and innovation.

▲ (From left) Jangho Kim, Sanghyeon Na, Chulyong Cho, Minsun Kang, Jaeneung Lee and Yongjoo Lee

OLED TV S95H: A New Direction in TV Design

The OLED TV S95H received the Best of the Best award in the Product Design category, taking the long-standing paradigm of minimalist TV design in a new direction — one defined by presenting only what is necessary and boldly revealing its structure to create a framed, art-like object with a screen that appears to float.

▲ The OLED TV S95H, honored as the Best of the Best at the Red Dot Design Award 2026. [2]

Q. The S95H moves beyond the conventional bezel-less design to emphasize its presence as a design object. What inspired this paradigm shift?

Cho: Bezel-less designs have become the norm in today’s TV market, and it is increasingly difficult for brands to express a distinct identity. Beyond ultra-slim form factors, we believed it was time to rethink what a TV means in living spaces.

▲ (From left) A comparison of a conventional OLED TV and the OLED TV S95H

As TVs become larger, their presence within a space continues to grow. We believed it was important for the TV to blend naturally into the space, much like furniture or a lifestyle object. By incorporating various colors and materials into the frame, we developed designs that enable users to reflect their personal tastes.

▲ Chulyong Cho, Head of the Design Team, VD Business at Samsung Electronics

Q. The FloatLayer design — where the front panel appears to float in front of a metal frame — stands out. What kind of experience were you ultimately aiming to deliver through this design?

Cho: Our goal was to add both the atmosphere of the space and viewing immersion. We boldly exposed the metal plate to soften the contrast between the screen and its surroundings so that the product can seamlessly blend into its environment like it’s part of the interior. We also separated the screen and frame into different layers to create a more immersive experience. The screen layer highlights the OLED technology and picture quality of the S95H, while the frame layer helps the product integrate naturally into the living space.

▲ The OLED TV S95H preserves the ultra-slim profile that defines OLED displays while exposing its rear metal plate in all directions.

Breaking away from the conventional approach of eliminating the surrounding bezel, the design instead layers two contrasting materials to maximize visual impact. By prioritizing harmony with the surrounding space, the designers were able to create the S95H’s distinctive structure.

The S95H does not stop at a fixed sense of beauty. It allows users to express their personal taste through customizable elements integrated into its exterior.

Q. The customized decorative frames and art pattern on the back of the TV are also impressive. Where did these ideas begin?

Lee: We wanted to reflect users’ diverse interior preferences directly in the product — from wood tones and white tones to colorful styles. To achieve this, we applied an assembly structure that allows users to attach and detach decorative frames magnetically, with additional frame options available separately in various colors and materials to reflect their lifestyle.

▲ Jaeneung Lee, Head of the Product Design Group, VD Business

For the TV’s rear pattern, we used precision molding technology to arrange small cells in a random pattern, creating a surface with a texture that subtly changes depending on the light and viewing angle. This allows users to experience a new sense of detail every time they use the TV.

▲ (From left) The OLED TV S95H’s rear pattern and its enlarged view

Q. Users have a growing preference for zero-gap wall mounting. How have you responded to this?

Lee: No matter how beautifully a TV is designed to resemble a piece of art, it can lose its appeal and sense of immersion if it protrudes from the wall.

Essential elements required for operation — like sound holes and vent holes — were carefully integrated between the display and the frame, allowing them to remain out of the users’ line of sight while fully maintaining their functionality. With this approach, the TV fits closely against the wall, creating a clean, gallery-like composition — as if a framed piece of art were hanging in the space.

▲ The S95H was designed to minimize the size of the wall mount and integrate it into the rear of the TV, allowing it to sit as close to the wall as possible.

Where Design, Sound and Usability Converge

Beyond its elegant design, The S95H delivers three-dimensional, immersive audio through the gap between the screen and the metal plate, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. Moreover, the Wireless One Connect solution minimizes complex cable connections to maintain a clean, refined look while ensuring reliable wireless use even over long distances.

▲ The Wireless One Connect solution

TVs Designed for Any Space

Building on this achievement, TVs should evolve into lifestyle objects that reflect diverse user preferences and blend into any space. While delivering optimal viewing, the goal is to create harmonious aesthetics that allow users to express their personal style through design.

Looking ahead, Samsung will continue to advance its human-centered Expressive Design approach to reshape homes and everyday lives.

Buy the OLED S95H 4K Samsung Vision AI Smart TV (2026) here: https://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/oled-tv/s95h-77-inch-4k-smart-tv-qa77s95haexxm/

[1] The two products honored with the Best of the Best distinction were the OLED TV S95H and the Bespoke AI Laundry series. Fourteen additional products were named winners: Music Studio 5, The Movingstyle, Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, Bespoke AI Jet Bot, Bespoke AirDresser, Bespoke AI Ice Water Purifier, Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner, Jet Fit, Bespoke AI WindFree Combo Gallery Pro Air Conditioner, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy XR, 5G Street Radio Solution, Spatial Signage and Portable SSD T7 Resurrected.

[2] These images are for illustrative purposes only and include elements created using generative AI tools.

In response, Samsung asked a simple question — can anyone create Hollywood-style videos on a Galaxy mobile phone? The answer is the Cinematic Look-Up Table (Cine LUT) feature on the Galaxy S26 series. While the APV codec provides the foundation for cinema-quality video, Cine LUT brings a distinct color style to the footage.

Cine LUT makes professional-level color grading — once reserved for experts — accessible to anyone. Samsung collaborated with internal teams and external specialists to bring the feature to life. The Mobile eXperience (MX) Business led final camera implementation, Samsung Research developed core video processing technologies and U5K Imageworks — a colorist studio behind globally recognized productions — helped shape its visual aesthetic.

Following the introduction of the APV codec, which delivers a visually lossless level of image quality, Samsung Newsroom spoke with three key developers behind Cine LUT — Sugon Baek of the Camera Image Quality R&D Group at the MX Business, Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks — to hear the story of its creation.

(From left) Taesik Eom, Bomi Kim and Sugon Baek

Q. What is a LUT? What sets Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series apart?

Baek: A LUT is essentially a “map” that tra

nsforms one set of colors into a desired look. Unlike conventional filters that simply overlay color, Cine LUT reinterprets Samsung Log[1] footage to deliver the depth and look of professional filmmaking.

Kim: It’s optimized for Log video. By leveraging its wide gradation,[2] the feature precisely reconstructs color and brightness to preserve subtle tonal details often lost with conventional filters for richer, more natural depth.

Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Thriller LUT and Blockbuster LUT

Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Coming-of-age LUT and Romance LUT

Q. What led to the development of Cine LUT?

Kim: While Galaxy devices supported Log video for high-quality capture, color grading remained challenging for users. We aimed to make professional-looking results accessible without advanced editing skills.

Baek: We wanted to create an experience that lets users preview cinematic footage at the moment of capture, then apply a LUT and share the video with a single tap in the Gallery.

(From left) Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Sugon Baek of the Camera Image Quality R&D Group at MX Business

Q. How did the collaboration with U5K Imageworks begin? How was Cine LUT developed?

Eom: Our collaboration began two years ago with Rec. 709 LUT advisory work for Samsung Log video, where we refined strong colors into more natural tones — an experience that led to Cine LUT. For this project, we developed multiple versions across three intensity levels — neutral, soft and strong — and tested them in diverse scenes, ultimately selecting four core styles.

Kim: Building on U5K’s color direction, we validated the concepts against quantitative criteria to ensure consistent performance in different environments, refining them through testing until creative intent and technical quality aligned.

Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks

Q. What challenges did you face during development?

Kim: We needed a large dataset to validate performance across diverse conditions. Testing in real-world environments — from natural and indoor lighting to day and night — and close collaboration were key to capturing the nuances of color.

Baek: Maintaining consistent, undistorted color in different environments was challenging. Through continuous testing, we developed a LUT that balances subjective preference with objective quality.

Q. What was the key consideration in creating looks optimized for mobile phones?

Eom: Ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions was key. Since lighting, exposure and white balance constantly vary, we focused on creating looks that remain natural in any situation.

Kim: Quality was our top priority. We analyzed each frame and validated performance using tools like color charts, gray balance and vector scopes.

Q. Why were these four styles chosen for the Galaxy S26 series?

Baek: We analyzed the visual language of popular film genres and identified four representative styles. From the high-contrast Blockbuster to the fresh Coming-of-age, warm Romance and moody Thriller, each color palette was designed to give everyday scenes an instant cinematic look.

Users can preview Cine LUTs when shooting in Log and easily apply them to recorded footage using editing tools.

Q. Which Cine LUT styles do you recommend for different situations?

Eom: There’s no fixed answer — it depends on the situation. Blockbuster suits high-contrast environments like outdoor and urban scenes; Coming-of-age fits soft, trendy settings like cafes or vlogs; Romance adds warmth to character-driven scenes; and Thriller creates a more striking impression.

Q. What stood out to you in user feedback?

Baek: We expected it might be seen as just another video effect, but the response exceeded expectations. Users quickly recognized that combining Log shooting with Cine LUTs expands creative possibilities beyond simple filters. We’re also seeing more users choose styles based on the scene, with high-quality videos widely shared on social media — and even inspiring new ways to create content.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

Baek: We aim to further establish the Galaxy S26 series as a professional-grade camera. We hope to see more content that resonates with both creators and viewers and will continue to set new standards in video creation.

Kim: As the world changes rapidly, our goal is to identify next-generation technologies. Through close collaboration with business divisions, we will work to bring them into products and deliver innovative experiences to users around the world.

Baek, Eom and Kim watch a video with Cine LUT applied.

Born from close collaboration, Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series transforms everyday moments into cinematic visuals. Beyond its technical achievements, the feature marks an important step toward making video creation more accessible — lowering barriers once reserved for professionals and enabling anyone to express themselves.

Heesub Han, a commercial and documentary director, shot a series of short films on Galaxy S26 Ultra using the APV codec and Samsung Log. Explore the videos below to discover the possibilities of Cine LUT through the making-of and short films.

[1] A technique that uses a logarithmic curve to expand detail in darker areas. While camera sensors capture brightness uniformly, the human eye is more sensitive to changes in shadows. Log helps footage better reflect natural perception.

[2] The smoothness and precision of tonal transitions in an image — how it shifts between light and dark.

▲ Artist Sun is known for her work that reframes mass-produced objects. Credit:© Andrea Rossetti.

Following Art Basel Hong Kong 2026, Sun’s “Ken” (2023) is exclusively featured in the new Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Collection on Samsung Art TVs[1].

To mark the occasion, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Sun about her artistic philosophy, her visual language and what inspired this collaboration with Samsung Art Store.

▲ “Ken” (2023) reflects Sun’s distinctive approach to culture. Credit: Sun‘s Studio and BANK.

Painting the Familiar Anew

Q: “Ken” (2023) is featured in this year’s Art Basel Hong Kong collection on Samsung Art Store. What’s the meaning behind this work?

My earlier iterations of “Ken” were all relatively small. This version is the first time I’ve painted him at a large scale — three meters across. I wanted the male figure in the painting to become the object of the gaze.

Barbie’s boyfriend feels very characteristic of our current moment. He has had all roughness and resistance removed. He is handsome, healthy and radiant. But he is empty. Inside, he is just plastic. He exists only as Barbie’s counterpart. I did not want to paint him as a toy, but as a living, beautiful head. When pilgrimage is stripped of traditional faith, it begins to reflect a problem of modernity.

“They were my companions in childhood, and they also carry the imprint of the time we live in.”

Q: Many of your paintings begin with familiar objects, toys or images from everyday life. What draws you to those subjects, and what do they allow you to explore as an artist?

I grew up in China in the 1990s, so I—and most people my age—did not have siblings. It was also a period of rapid economic change, shaped by reform and greater openness to global trade. My hometown, Wenzhou, is known for manufacturing.

As a child, I often visited local factories owned by friends’ families. The assembly lines and showrooms were filled with toys,eyeglasses and such goods ready for export to markets around the world.  At home I spent a lot of time alone with my dolls while my parents were away.

Later, when I was in college, I visited the city of Yiwu, known for its wholesale markets. I was struck by these small everyday objects — their shapes, materials, colors and textures all seemed to carry the atmosphere of a particular era. That experience led me to begin my “Man-Made Objects” series.

In the modern world, objects have become increasingly short-lived. I feel attached to these fleeting things made on assembly lines. They were my companions in childhood, and they also carry the imprint of the time we live in.

Q: What does painting allow you to do with these familiar objects that another medium might not?

Much like the subjects of my work, paint itself is also a material object. In a sense, I use one object — paint — to represent another object through realism. What matters to me is the painting’s physical presence. That is the key difference between a painting and an image of a painting on a screen: the painting exists physically as a real, tangible object.

I care deeply about the concept of painterliness, but I do not want my brushwork to be too expressive or too obvious. I do not want the texture to call attention to itself on the surface. I prefer to let it emerge quietly, in hidden and subtle places.

Where Nostalgia Meets the Present

“As a painter, I know painting is a very old medium. But as a younger artist, I am open to trying new languages and new tools.”

Q: What first drew you to painting as your way of seeing and interpreting the world?

I studied at an art school in Beijing, but painting had already been part of my life since childhood. Over time, through constant practice and repetition, I gradually developed my own artistic language.

When I was little, I loved Shogo Hirata’s fairy tale books and would constantly copy the characters. I was also obsessed with “Sailor Moon” and drew its characters over and over again. I still remember one moment in kindergarten when I drew a princess for my classmates and cut small slits into her dress with scissors. When I held it up to the sunlight, the light came through and made the dress seem as if it were glowing. Everyone was delighted. I think that may have been the moment I realized how interesting drawing could be—and that I wanted to keep doing it.

Q: Your paintings are incredibly precise, but they also leave room for ambiguity and feeling. How do you think about that balance as you work?

Only when the choice of object, the coolness of the brushwork and the objectivity of the viewpoint are pushed to a very high degree of precision can ambiguity and emotion rise within the painting. Otherwise, it would simply be a depiction of an object, without meaning.

▲ “Ken” displayed on The Frame Pro as a part of the Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Collection on Samsung Art Store.

Q: How have you seen technology shape the way art is made, shared and experienced today — and where do you think that relationship is headed?

New technologies are constantly reshaping the way art is made today. As a painter, I know painting is a very old medium. But as a younger artist, I am open to trying new languages and new tools. That does not necessarily mean bringing them directly into my paintings. Rather, they push me to reflect on what painting means at this moment — what I should paint next, and how I should paint it.

From the Fair to Everyday Life

Q: Samsung Art Store creates a different context for discovering and experiencing art at home. How do you think your work resonates differently on displays than it does in a gallery or museum?

When my work is shown in a more private and intimate setting through a digital screen, it can take on a different feeling from the original painting. That shift is interesting to me because it allows people to encounter the work in everyday life, in a more personal way. On displays like The Frame, viewers can spend time with an image in their own space and notice details they might experience differently in a gallery or museum. At the same time, the original painting still has its own physical presence, so I hope people remain curious to see both. Right now, “Ken” is on view at the Long Museum in Shanghai.

▲ Users can explore a wide range of artworks in 4K quality on Samsung Art TVs. (From left) 2026 OLED S95H, The Frame Pro and Micro RGB.

Q: What interested you in partnering with Samsung Art Store to bring your art into the home, and what do you hope viewers take away from that experience?

I just hope my friends turn on their Samsung TV, see my giant “Ken” and get a little surprise!

Samsung Electronics serves as the official display partner of Art Basel and launches the Art Basel Collections on Samsung Art Store. These curated digital exhibitions are available exclusively on the Samsung Art Store and feature artists showcased at four Art Basel venues—Hong Kong, Basel, Paris and Miami Beach. Samsung Art Store brings together more than 5,000 artworks in 4K  from over 800 artists and 80+ partners in a single subscription service. Available across Samsung’s expanded 2026 Art TV lineup, it offers a new way to live with art through screens designed to fit naturally into everyday interiors.

For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/

[1] Samsung Art TVs include all 2026 models with Samsung Art Store above the M80H, except S90H and S85H.

This powerful combination of technology and talent has already reaped rewards. After securing a dominant win at the 2025 Chicago Marathon and shattering the half-marathon world record this March in Lisbon, the 25-year-old is now targeting success at the 2026 London Marathon.

▲ Jacob Kiplimo trains for the London Marathon with his Galaxy Watch8.

To mark World Health Day (WHD) 2026 on April 7, Samsung Newsroom asked him to detail his data-driven training regime, which embodies this year’s WHD slogan, “Together for health. Stand with science.”

With exclusive access to his Samsung Health metrics, we take an inside look into his grueling training program, which has seen him cover over 100 km in just one week. Discover how insights led him to adjust his training for optimal recovery and how even a “rest day” can include a 3 km run.

▲ Screenshots from Kiplimo’s Samsung Health app show his varied training routine, including light jogs and long-distance runs.

Q. Congratulations on your recent world record at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon. What’s the secret to your success?

There’s no secret. It’s just about discipline. You have to work hard, be extremely focused, and manage your energy — knowing when to rest and when to push harder. But honestly, the most important part is that you have to really want what you’re working toward. I wouldn’t have broken the world record if I didn’t follow that formula.

Q. You finished second at the 2025 London Marathon and are now preparing to go one step further at this year’s event. What role has your Galaxy Watch8 played in your training?

My coach doesn’t live in Uganda, so my Galaxy Watch8 has basically become his personal assistant here. Even though he’s not with me, he can get real-time analysis and reports on my running form through the Running Analysis feature in Samsung Health. We track my heart rate and pay close attention to my pace for each kilometer. During the harder sessions, I also monitor the asymmetry readings to see if I’m overcompensating on one side so I can avoid strain. Contact time is another key aspect I keep an eye on, making small adjustments to my form to ensure every stride is as efficient as possible. I always try to improve my running economy, so these insights are incredibly helpful.

▲ Kiplimo’s Samsung Health data from March 13–19 reveals how he ramps up his training routine throughout the week.

Q. Looking at your recent Samsung Health data, we can see some clear patterns in your training routine. Tell us about your regime.

Consistency is key, but athletes must not be obsessed with training. What many people don’t realize is that rest is equally as important as physical training. To compete at your best, you need to be able to maximize your energy, and the only way to do that is through consistent rest. But “rest” doesn’t always mean no training. A rest day can mean running 3 km instead of 40 km. You have to be consistent in what you’re doing, but you also need to listen to your body and know when to slow down. Technology can help a lot with this.

Q. Can you give us an example of how a specific insight from the Samsung Health app led you to adapt your training program?

The decision to run 3 km instead of 40 km that I just mentioned was a true story. After experiencing some lingering soreness during a recent 24 km run, I decided to turn what was intended to be a 40 km run into a light 3 km jog to ensure I could recover and have the stamina to get through 40 km another day. The Samsung Health app was very helpful for me here. It kept me informed so I could allow my body to fully recover and prevent a potential injury or burnout.

Q. We’ve seen how a professional runner like yourself uses data to reach their goals. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their running journey, and how can the Running Coach feature get them on the right track?

For beginners, it is very important to ease into things and be patient. You will build up stamina over time; it’s about knowing when to push yourself and when to stop. Not everyone has a personal coach with them to tailor a training plan. But the Running Coach feature provides customized programs to help even beginners train for a marathon. It tells you exactly what you should be doing during a run, motivates you and helps you improve. New runners are fortunate to have this fantastic technology which can guide them every step of the way. It’s also great for more experienced runners looking to take on a full marathon as it provides structured training programs.

Q. On World Health Day, the message is “Together for health, stand with science.” How does this relate to your own philosophy?

Science helps me throughout my training. I don’t know where I would be without the ability to track data on my Galaxy Watch8. I use that science to shape my daily routine. Science and technology help me perform at my best, and I believe they can do the same for anyone.

From a young runner in Uganda to a world-record holder, Kiplimo proves what happens when relentless dedication meets smart technology. Whether you are an elite athlete striving for the podium or someone taking your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, Galaxy Watch8 provides actionable insights to help you build healthier habits and reach your goals.

Samsung Electronics has independently developed the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec, a technology designed to enable high-quality video editing and has released it as open source. The codec made its debut on Galaxy S26 Ultra launched in March, setting a new benchmark for mobile video creation. By preserving image quality while minimizing loss throughout the editing process, APV enables more precise, professional-grade video production.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with developers from the Visual Solution Team of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics to hear the story behind APV, from technical challenges faced in development to the thinking that shaped it.

Junseang Min (left) and Sunmi Yoo (right) of MX Business at Samsung Electronics

Q. What led to the development of the APV codec?

Yoo: Conventional video codecs experience some data loss during the compression process required to reduce file size. In particular, as the repeated editing process tends to result in noticeable degradation in image quality, a new codec has been developed to fundamentally address these limitations.

To this end, we proposed a collaboration with Samsung Research. Samsung Research took the lead in standardizing APV, and then MX business worked closely over the past three years to ensure its support as part of the Android standard.

Q. What is the APV codec, and what are its key advantages?

Yoo: APV is a video codec that has been formally standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It is optimized for editing, preserving as much data as possible while delivering excellent compression efficiency relative to image quality. At the same quality level, it can reduce file size by more than 10 percent compared to similar codecs.

Min: It also delivers refined color reproduction based on the YUV 4:2:2 and achieves visually lossless level of image quality, while maintaining minimal degradation even after multiple rounds of editing.

Sunmi Yoo discusses key advantages of the APV codec.

Q. Why did you choose to release APV as open source?

Yoo: We chose to develop APV as open source to encourage wider adoption and to build an ecosystem through standardization — ultimately bringing the technology and its benefits to more users. No matter how advanced a technology is, if it isn’t widely used, it becomes obsolete.

Q. What were the key priorities in implementing APV codec on a mobile device?

Min: Moving from standardization to commercialization was a challenge on a completely different level. To enable real-time processing of UHD and 8K video within the constraints of mobile devices, efforts were focused on thermal management and system-level optimization. With APV, UHD 30fps footage can reach up to 6GB per minute, so we partnered with Samsung Electronics’ Memory Business to ensure data storage stability. As a result of validating the latest Samsung portable SSD models across all recording resolutions on Galaxy S26 Ultra over more than nine test cycles, stable data transfer performance was secured even under high-load conditions.

Yoo: Building the APV ecosystem also required close collaboration with a wide range of partners. We worked closely not only with chipset manufacturers, but also with companies developing editing tools and video players.

Q. How does it feel to see the APV codec debut on Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Yoo: As more expert-level users such as YouTubers and influencers emerge, we wanted to lower the barriers to entry for video production, which has traditionally required access to professional equipment. Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with four built-in cinematic LUTs (Look-Up Tables), and we hope this allows more users to easily create film-like visuals right from their hands.

Min: What stands out most to me is developing a dedicated pro kit for Galaxy S26 Ultra in collaboration with a camera accessory specialist. Despite the tight timeline leading up to the Galaxy Unpacked where the product was unveiled, we were able to refine the overall quality, which makes it especially meaningful. It laid the foundation for Galaxy to be utilized in professional video production workflow.

Junseang Min talks about the APV codec debut on Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Q. As a developer from the Visual Solution Team, what are your plans going forward?

Yoo: We plan to continue advancing the codec so that both users and creators can find even greater value in Galaxy-based video editing. Through APV, we look forward to the day when Galaxy S26 Ultra is even used in film production environments.

Min: Our goal is to make it easier for everyday users to create professional, cinematic content. We’ll also continue collaborating with partners to expand the APV ecosystem.

With the APV codec, Galaxy S26 Ultra moves beyond incremental innovation. It lowers barriers to entry while raising the bar for what mobile video production can be. An era has arrived where a single Galaxy device can take users from shooting to editing to sharing at a professional level. And at the intersection of Galaxy S26 Ultra’s technology and creators’ imagination, the possibilities are wide open.

At the exhibition, Samsung Electronics operated a 350-square-meter booth and presented its vision for next-generation HVAC solutions under the theme “Enabling Better Living.” Spanning residential to commercial applications, Samsung demonstrated how AI-driven energy management and advanced maintenance innovations can deliver tangible benefits in real-world environments.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Hye-seong Baek, Vice President of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics, to discuss the company’s HVAC innovations and strategies.

▲ Hye-seong Baek, Vice President of Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics

 Q. What were the key factors behind Samsung’s participation in this year’s AHR Expo?

Since Samsung’s first official debut in 2015, Samsung has showcased its latest innovations at the AHR Expo every year. Additionally, North America is the world’s second-largest HVAC market, and it represents a critical arena where the industry’s most advanced technologies compete.

At this year’s exhibition, Samsung directly engaged with its partners to share its differentiated business vision and AI-based HVAC solutions, while further strengthening mid- to long-term partnerships built on mutual trust.

Q. What were the key products and solutions showcased at this year’s Expo?

Samsung unveiled a wide range of solutions that bring enhanced convenience and connectivity to diverse industrial applications and customer environments.

In the commercial segment, Samsung introduced the DVM S2+, a high-efficiency, large-capacity air-conditioning solution with significantly enhanced AI capabilities. At its core is on-device AI that learns from its environment in real time to minimize energy consumption while delivering optimal indoor comfort.

In line with residential sustainability trends, Samsung is targeting the North American unitary[1] market with Hylex, an inverter-based outdoor unit that uses the low global warming potential (GWP)[2] R454B refrigerant, as a key product. The newly introduced Hylex features inverter technology that delivers high energy efficiency, low noise and a compact design tailored to North American consumer preferences.

Samsung also strengthened its EHS lineup of residential air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs), offering a practical alternative to conventional fossil-fuel boilers while maximizing hot-water supply and heating efficiency.

▲ Samsung Electronics showcased its HVAC system and solutions at the AHR Expo 2026

Q. At this year’s CES, Samsung shared its vision of HVAC solutions serving as a new growth engine. Why is Samsung increasingly focusing on the HVAC sector?

HVAC is a core technology that regulates temperature and humidity across residential, commercial and industrial facilities, and the HVAC sector plays an essential role in supporting everyday life by providing optimal air conditions in these spaces. In recent years, the market has gained further momentum amid global efforts to address climate change, paired with increasingly comprehensive regulations on eco-conscious energy use. Looking ahead, Samsung anticipates the market to grow annually at a stable rate of approximately 5%.

Samsung is focusing on scaling HVAC services in connection with smart homes and smart cities. By integrating Samsung’s AI technologies and SmartThings across the broader HVAC market, Samsung expects to see strong potential to create meaningful synergies ranging from remote maintenance to energy cost optimization.

Q. What do you see as the key trends shaping the U.S. HVAC market in 2026?

This year, the key trends in the U.S. market are sustainability and high efficiency. Environmental regulations such as the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants are continuing to expand into the commercial sector, alongside new design and installation standards being introduced. In response, the market is shifting away from high energy-consuming, fixed-speed air conditioners toward high-efficiency inverter heat pump systems.

In the residential segment, demand for eco-conscious HVAC heat pumps is steadily increasing, while the adoption of VRF(Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems is accelerating in the commercial sector. This is driving greater diversification across HVAC solutions, while rising demand for AI data centers and high-performance computing is fueling the growth of precision cooling systems as an increasingly important market segment.

Moreover, AI-based predictive maintenance and optimization technologies — along with comfort and energy-saving solutions enabled by a wide range of IoT sensors — are becoming more widespread, with improvements in energy and operational efficiency emerging as a key industry trend.

Q. What sets Samsung apart from its competitors in the highly competitive North American HVAC market?

In North America, the residential segment accounts for approximately 70% of the HVAC market, while the commercial segment represents about 30%. In the residential space, Samsung is expanding its regional distribution network with Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, its joint venture with leading residential HVAC provider Lennox. Through this venture, Samsung leverages its energy-efficient, inverter-based ductless lineup.

In the commercial segment, Samsung is working closely with FläktGroup, Europe’s largest HVAC equipment provider — which the company recently acquired. Together, the companies offer comprehensive, customized solutions centered on modular chillers,[3] tailored for high-value applications such as data centers and cleanrooms.

Above all, Samsung’s most distinctive strength lies in the hyperconnectivity enabled by SmartThings and SmartThings Pro. In residential settings, this means continuously evolving experiences as a result of seamless connectivity, while in commercial environments, it manifests as advanced solutions that significantly enhance building-wide energy optimization and maintenance efficiency.

Q. What are Samsung’s goals in the North American HVAC market?

The goal is clear: to leap forward as a top-tier HVAC player in the North American market by leveraging advanced technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

Building on Samsung’s unique strengths in the ductless segment, Samsung is planning to expand into the ducted market — where centralized systems are the norm — through strategic synergies with FläktGroup. With the combination of Samsung’s chiller technologies and FläktGroup’s advanced cooling solutions, Samsung will deliver optimized solutions for data center applications.

In parallel, Samsung will continue to accelerate the rollout of products with low GWP and further strengthen AI-powered energy-saving technologies. Through these efforts, Samsung aims to deliver a differentiated, integrated energy management experience for consumers in the North American residential market, where heating and cooling account for a significant share of electricity consumption.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Commonly used in North America, residential unitary systems cool homes and mid-sized buildings by distributing chilled air through ductwork.

[2] A metric that indicates the amount of energy the emission of 1 ton of gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emission of 1 ton of carbon dioxide.

[3] A system designed with cooling capacity divided into multiple independent modules, enabling a stable supply of heating and cooling to meet a building or facility’s load requirements.

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.