Media & Press

As the era of generative AI becomes more established, the existing SEO (search engine optimization) system based on search engines is being shaken. Google's 'AI Overviews,' which presents summarized answers and key information for complex questions at the top of search results, is expanding even further. Additionally, Google has experimented with and introduced a stronger reasoning-based AI Mode. The number of subscribers to OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, has surpassed 800 million globally and 20 million in South Korea. Various generative AI services such as Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, and Grok are emerging, diversifying the channels for information search.

The Graduate School of Communication at Chung-Ang University held a special lecture with Chainshift on December 3rd, focusing on changes in the AI search environment and response strategies. Titled 'How to View Online and AI Search?', the lecture was overseen by Professor Min-kyu Lee of Chung-Ang University and was attended by executives from major media companies and current journalists. It provided a forum to discuss the changes in the information distribution structure in the AI era and the future of the news industry. Jumin Geon, COO of Chainshift, who conducted the lecture, explained that "AI has ushered in an 'Answer-First' era, where it generates instant answers without users needing to click," noting that ChatGPT and perplexity-based searches are rapidly spreading in the global market.

As global economic recession, trade conflicts, and supply chain risks heighten uncertainty, companies are making AI-based marketing transformation (AX) an essential strategy for next year. Alongside the changing search environment (AEO·GEO), the need for AI agent-based consumer journeys, and mass production of content, the core of marketing is shifting towards technology that simultaneously achieves 'hyper-personalization' and 'performance optimization'. Amidst this trend, this year's 'Digital Marketing Insights 2026 (DMI 2026)' is focused on providing practical solutions and will feature rich sessions comprising presentations and panel discussions from experts in each field, generating high expectations.

The AI search optimization technology startup '체인시프트(Chainsift)' has been selected for TIPS, a private investment-led technology startup support program by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, just four months after its establishment. 체인시프트 has quickly expanded its collaboration with domestic and international corporations based on its proprietary search engine optimization technology, and has proven its competitiveness in next-generation AI search optimization technologies such as AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). The company plans to enhance this technology through the TIPS project. AEO and GEO are technologies that optimize corporate content to be naturally exposed in the new AI search environment according to changes in Google and Naver algorithms, and the proliferation of AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. This is a rapidly growing field.

The low growth trend in the global economy and trade conflicts due to the U.S.-China tariff war, along with uncertainties arising from supply chain risks, are expected to continue until 2026, following this year. Companies are seeking solutions to these uncertainties in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Marketing is no different, as the pressure to improve efficiency intensifies. AI technology is now creating a major transformation that reshapes the 'infrastructure' of corporate marketing strategies beyond just being a simple tool. With the rapid changes in AI search environments through the introduction of AI agents and technologies like AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), 'hyper-personalization' and 'performance optimization' utilizing AI have emerged as key factors determining the success or failure of marketing.

In the rapidly changing AI era, a conference will be held to explore digital marketing strategies for 2026 with the keywords 'hyper-personalization' and 'optimization.' IT media Tech42 announced on the 18th that it will host the 'Digital Marketing Insight 2026 (DMI 2026)' event on December 9 at Amorise Hall, GS Tower, Yeoksam-dong, Seoul. This year's fifth event, titled 'Personalized & Optimized: The Future of Digital Marketing 2026,' will focus on the challenges and solutions faced by marketers in the rapidly evolving AI search environment due to the introduction of AI agents. Amid the uncertainties brought on by low global economic growth and the U.S.-China tariff war, marketing leaders from industry will directly share their strategies for the upcoming year.

Antler Korea, the Korean branch of the global startup studio Antler Group, announced on the 29th that it has made new investments in nine teams selected through its 'Startup Generator (Accelerator) Batch 6' program. The companies selected for Batch 6 investment are △ Navio, an AI agent that discovers potential opportunities in shipping △ Mentat, a licensing database for AI learning books △ RecoveryBridge, an automated evaluation system for real estate non-performing loans (NPLs) △ GenPage, a hyper-personalized sales landing page △ Chainshift (ChainShift.ai), an AI search optimization (GEO) solution △ ZET AI, an AI for maximizing advertising performance △ Pomona AI, a high-throughput experimental infrastructure for plant research △ Phronesis, a hyper-personalized immersive learning space △ CoffeeCherry, which introduces next-gen coffee through proprietary auto-extraction technology, among others.

Smilegate Orange Planet has selected a total of 14 teams in its regular recruitment for the second half of 2025. Orange Planet selected 6 teams for 'Orange Farm' and 8 teams for 'Orange Garden' based on their stage of commercialization. Orange Farm targets teams that need initial investment and significant business advancement, while Orange Garden is for startup teams needing initial support. In this regular recruitment, over 400 teams applied from various fields including travel, advertising, content, productivity, beauty, data, and commerce. Orange Planet selected startups with execution capability and growth potential through document evaluations, interviews, and presentations. Smilegate Investment also participated in the selection process to review initial investments.

Korea’s only true AIEO platform, ChainShift is leading the evolution from SEO and AEO toward a new frontier of AI-driven digital visibility. As AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity reshape how people discover, compare, and purchase products, traditional SEO tactics are no longer enough.