[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] The "Korea Electronics Show (KES)," the nation’s largest electronics and information technology (IT) exhibition, has expanded this year into a platform that breaks down barriers between industries, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). SamsungElectronics highlighted AI technologies integrated into home appliances and mobile devices, while LGELECTRONICS showcased AI technologies expanding into industrial settings, such as robotics and data center cooling. As major domestic industry exhibitions converge through AI and collaboration with CES, the world’s largest technology exhibition, gains momentum, the role of the KUKJEON appears to be expanding.

Korea Electronics Show (KES) 2026, which opened on the 13th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, marks its 57th edition this year. Notably, this year’s event featured the integrated launch of “K-Connect AI,” which links five industry-specific exhibitions covering electronics, semiconductors, robotics, manufacturing, and machinery.

Yong Seok-woo, President of SamsungElectronics’ Consumer Electronics (DX) Division and Chairman of the Korea Electronics and Information Technology Industry Promotion Agency (KEA), stated in his opening remarks that day, “K-Connect AI, where innovations across different industries are connected through AI, will serve as a meaningful opportunity to jointly explore the potential for change and expansion in our industry.”

President Yong emphasized, “This year’s KUKJEON slogan is ‘AI in Motion,’” adding, “We will demonstrate how AI goes beyond mere potential to drive industrial transformation, corporate growth, and the creation of new markets.”

These changes were also evident in the exhibition spaces of SamsungElectronics and LGELECTRONICS. SamsungElectronics showcased an AI ecosystem spanning home appliances, mobile devices, and displays in an exhibition hall spanning approximately 869 square meters. At the entrance to the exhibition hall, the company displayed media art featuring 28 Galaxy Z Fold8 series devices synchronized with the lighting installation “Project Luna.”

In the home appliance section, the company introduced the “AI Food Manager,” which recognizes and manages ingredients inside the refrigerator, and the “Bespoke AI Combo,” which adjusts washing and drying settings based on the condition of the laundry. In the TV section, visitors could experience the “Vision AI Companion,” which converses with users to provide content information. The company placed emphasis on connecting AI capabilities not just to individual products, but to the overall user experience in daily life.

LGELECTRONICS has expanded the scope of its AI technology to include industrial applications. The 902-square-meter exhibition hall was divided into everyday and industrial zones, showcasing a variety of technologies ranging from the home robot “Cloid” to AI data center cooling solutions. In particular, the industrial zone featured a data center cooling solution that integrates a chiller, a cooling water distribution unit (CDU), and a cold plate. The company also exhibited physical AI-related technologies, such as smart factories and actuators—key components for robots.

Another change at this year’s KUKJEON is the expansion of global collaboration. KEA is co-hosting “CES Unveiled Asia Seoul” with the U.S. Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of CES. The goal is to expand opportunities for innovative Korean companies to connect with global media, investors, and overseas markets.

President Yong stated, “South Korea’s innovations, which once reached the world through CES, will now meet global innovations at the KUKJEON,” adding, “We will connect CES’s global technology and network with the domestic industry and further expand opportunities for our innovative companies to directly engage with global media, investors, and new markets.”

Fabrizio Kinzi, President of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), who attended the opening ceremony that day, also remarked, “Korea is one of the world’s most important sources of innovation,” adding, “From global leaders like KIA CORPORATION, LGELECTRONICS, SamsungElectronics, and SK hynix to startups bringing bold ideas to the global stage at CES, Korean innovators are vital members of the CES and CTA communities.” This marked his second visit to the KUKJEON Electronics Show, following his visit in 2023.

Park Jae-young, Vice Chairman of KEA, met with reporters at the event and, regarding the collaboration with CES, said, “Starting with this Asia Unveiled event, we hope to create programs next year that will provide more concrete support to our companies.”