[Report] Maggie Kang Makes Surprise Appearance at Galaxy Unpacked...Rain Fails to Dampen the Excitement

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Held in San Francisco

Over 1,400 Media Representatives and Influencers from Around the World Gather

One-Hour Product Showcase Draws Cheers for New Features

The global unveiling event for Samsung Electronics' third-generation artificial intelligence (AI) phone, the Galaxy S26 series, was held on the 25th (local time).

Maggie Kang, director of the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' attended Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' held in San Francisco, USA, on the 25th (local time). Photo by Unpacked Press Corps

In front of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, where the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event took place that morning, the venue was packed with media representatives and influencers from around the world.

Although it was a cloudy day with a light rain and temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, the excitement and anticipation of the crowd, who had waited a year to experience the next-generation Galaxy S series, filled the event with energy. [Related article: "Call Me a Taxi" – Galaxy S26 Makes AI Easier to Use... "Aiming for 800 Million Units Sold"]

Approximately 1,400 estimated attendees busily captured every corner of the exhibition hall with their phones and cameras to document the vivid scenes on site.

Before the event began at 10 a.m., familiar songs such as BTS’s “Butter” and “Golden,” the original soundtrack from K-Pop Demon Hunters (hereafter referred to as Kedeheon), played throughout the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The product experience zone view at 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' held on the 25th (local time) in San Francisco, USA. Provided by Samsung Electronics

In particular, Maggie Kang, director of Kedeheon, served as creative advisor for this Galaxy Unpacked, drawing attention by making an in-person appearance at the event.

With a beaming smile, director Maggie Kang took commemorative photos with attendees and enjoyed the celebration marking the debut of the next-generation AI phone, the Galaxy S26.

She was reportedly involved in overall storytelling, including event planning, crafting the announcement message, designing the invitation, and directing stage elements.

Maggie Kang said, "Samsung serves as a special bridge connecting tradition and the future," and added, "Unpacked felt like more than a simple product launch; it was a source of cultural inspiration."

In a nod to K-culture, traditional Korean confectionery, Yakgwa, was served at the refreshment corner inside the venue.

The Galaxy Unpacked event, which unveiled the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds4 series, featured about an hour-long product introduction session.

Attendees’ reactions were particularly enthusiastic regarding the Galaxy S26 series, which, as a third-generation AI phone, offers heightened innovation and a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.

Each time a new feature was introduced, cheers and applause erupted from the audience.

Features such as the agentic AI function, which automatically navigates and launches apps, an image editing tool that realizes imagined pictures, and the world's first 'Privacy Display' introduced in the mobile industry, all received positive responses.

Attendees actively used the devices in various experience zones set up throughout the venue, sharing the event in real time with the world via social networking services (SNS) and media outlets.

President and CEO Tae Moon Roh (head of the DX division) emphasized that AI should serve as the foundational infrastructure of our lives, operating seamlessly for everyone, anywhere.

He said, "We are continuing to close the gap between the possibilities of AI and real-world experiences," adding, "We will pursue innovations that improve quality of life and strive to provide everyone with the same high-quality experience."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.