KOSPI Opens Up 0.87% at 5,813.35
The KOSPI opened 50.13 points, or 0.87%, higher at 5,813.35.
KOSDAQ Opens Up 0.89% at 1,153.67
The KOSDAQ index opened at 1,153.67 on Thursday, up 10.19 points, or 0.89 percent, from the previous session's close.
Paju Water Outage Compensation Talks Stall for Four Months
Compensation negotiations for the water outage that affected the Unjeong, Geumchon, and Jori areas of Paju, Gyeonggi Province last November have made no progress for four months. Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) has maintained a passive stance by demanding receipt documentation, drawing intensifying backlash from small business owners. According to the Paju city government on the 20th, the water outage compensation council urged K-water to submit a revised proposal by the end of this month. The conditions include a sincere apology for the incident, blanket compensation for bottled water purchases reflecting citizens' demands, and a compensation plan for affected small business owners. All council members warned, "If a revised proposal that does not reflect our demands is broug
Presidential Office Says Qatar LNG Supply Secure, Reviews Naphtha Export Controls
The Presidential Office stated on the 20th that there are "no problems with supply" of liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid concerns over energy supply disruptions due to Middle East instability. The government has also taken preemptive measures regarding naphtha supply. "We are closely communicating with industry and supporting the import of alternative volumes in response to naphtha supply concerns arising from the Middle East situation," the Presidential Office said. In a media notice released that day, the Presidential Office explained regarding Qatari LNG supply: "The share of domestic imports is not high at approximately 14% as of 2026, and alternative import sources have been secured, so there are no problems with gas supply." The office indicated it would mount an all-out response t
LG Uplus Wins Minister Award for 'Simple. Lab' Ad Campaign
LG Uplus (032640) announced on the 20th that its brand campaign advertisement 'Simple. Lab' won the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award (Digital Category) at the 34th Good Advertising Awards Chosen by Consumers. The Good Advertising Awards Chosen by Consumers is co-hosted by the Korea Advertisers Association and the Korea Consumer Organizations Council, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It is the only award in Korea where consumers directly participate in judging, evaluating message resonance and social value delivery. The award-winning LG Uplus advertisement 'Simple. Lab - A Text Message from Dad One Day' drew viewers in with a realistic narrative of text messages between busy children and parents unfamiliar with technology. The ad garnered sig
Coupang Raises Free Shipping Threshold as Users Return After Data Breach
Coupang is drawing consumer backlash after announcing changes to its free shipping threshold, just as active users are returning following a personal data breach incident. According to IGAWorks Mobile Index on the 20th, Coupang's weekly active users (WAU) reached approximately 28.28 million during the period of the 9th to 15th of this month, down only 2.8% from approximately 29.08 million immediately after the personal data breach incident in November last year. After the breach, some users actually left the platform, causing the figure to temporarily drop to the 26 million range. However, user numbers began recovering after Coupang issued purchase vouchers worth up to 50,000 won per person to affected customers in January. As user numbers rebounded, Coupang adjusted its free shipping c
Korea Mulls Emergency Supply Controls Amid Naphtha Crisis
The Korean government is reviewing emergency measures to stabilize supply of naphtha and major petrochemical products, often called "the rice of industry." The move comes as domestic refiners' crude oil stockpiles are expected to be depleted starting in April, triggering supply chain bottleneck warnings across the country—from naphtha refined from crude oil to various plastics and vinyl products derived from it. Concerns are also rapidly spreading about supply shortages of critical materials such as helium, which is essential for semiconductor manufacturing processes. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and other relevant agencies on March 19, the government is considering invoking "emergency supply-demand stabilization adjustments" as stipulated in the Special Measures Act for Strengthening Competitiveness of Materials, Parts and Equipment Industries and Stabilizing Supply Chains. This measure can be taken when rapid changes in international trade conditions disrupt the smooth functioning of industrial supply chains and pose a significant threat to national economic activity. Once approved by the Cabinet, the government can establish or modify production plans for designated items such as naphtha. The government can also arbitrarily adjust supply priorities and direct transportation, storage, stockpiling, and transfers. It is essentially an ultra-powerful measure capable of stabilizing supply chains in a short period. The supply-demand stabilization adjustment was newly established when the Materials, Parts and Equipment Special Act was comprehensively revised at the end of 2019. This followed Japan's export restrictions on key semiconductor materials in 2019, which put Korean manufacturing in crisis and created recognition that powerful government-level measures were needed to stabilize supply chains during sudden changes in trade conditions. However, no situation has arisen since then that warranted the government playing this card. When the mask crisis erupted due to COVID-19 in 2020 and the urea solution shortage occurred in 2021, the government implemented "emergency supply-demand adjustment measures" that could control overall production, supply, and distribution—but these were based on the Price Stabilization Act. Since the impact of those crises was limited to logistics, transportation, and mask prices, the response came through the Price Stabilization Act rather than the Materials, Parts and Equipment Special Act. A senior government official said, "The supply-demand stabilization measure is essentially an emergency command authority," adding, "Since petrochemical materials are the foundation of manufacturing, we are examining all legal possibilities to prevent the Middle East situation from spreading to supply imbalances or price increases." The government's basic position is to swiftly execute bold measures if necessary, just as it calmed market anxiety with petroleum price caps. The government appears to judge that the crude oil supply crisis from the recent U.S.-Iran war could lead to mammoth-scale shocks unlike previous crises. This is because naphtha refined from crude oil and ethylene processed from naphtha are raw materials used across industries—from shipbuilding and automobiles to clothing, plastic bags, PET bottles, and plastic containers. In the business community, concerns are growing that supply chain bottlenecks could spread beyond petrochemical companies to the entire manufacturing sector. According to the petrochemical industry, Company A notified its suppliers last week of an additional 400,000 won per ton price increase, following a 100,000 won per ton increase on March 1 for ABS and SAN. ABS and SAN are types of plastics used in automotive interiors, cosmetic containers, and kitchenware. Company B raised petrochemical product prices by 200,000 won per ton earlier this month, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags and polypropylene (PP) used in various containers. Company C recently notified customers that "orders received after March 9 will be transacted at prices finalized at the end of March." The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade analyzed in a report released that day that if the Strait of Hormuz blockade is prolonged and international oil prices surge to $150-180, domestic manufacturing production costs would rise by an average of 11.8%. However, some raise concerns that the government's successive market interventions could paralyze market functions. A manufacturing industry official said, "As the government implemented petroleum price caps on gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, refiners now have incentives to raise naphtha prices—which are not subject to price caps—to minimize losses," adding, "Government market intervention could lead to a chain reaction of side effects."...
BTS Returns With Fifth Album 'Arirang' After Nearly Four Years
culture
BTS announced the release of their full-group album "Arirang" on June 20, saying they "prepared thoroughly to return in style, given how long Army has waited." "We feel excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved," the group said through their agency BigHit Music. "We are happy and grateful just to have all seven of us together again, working on something as a team." The fifth studio album "Arirang" is BTS's first new release in three years and nine months since the anthology album "Proof" in June 2022. "Because it's been so long since our last group album, we felt as much fear as excitement, but we're not too worried because we have each other and Army," the members said. The seven members are releasing 14 new tracks including the title song "Swim," which captures the team's identity and universal K-sentiment. Through this comeback, they aim to open a new chapter called "BTS 2.0." Jimin explained the album's message: "We wanted to say that we keep moving forward. There's always pressure to show something new and better. We have countless worries, but we wanted to express our determination to keep swimming forward without stopping." Suga said the group "thought deeply about what is most authentically us" and "focused on 'us' ourselves rather than grand messages." BTS said "Swim" was the song they worked on longest. During songwriting sessions in Los Angeles, the members spent an entire month trying to create something that could surpass "Swim," but found it difficult. After active solo careers around their military service, the members ate together and talked daily while working on songs in Los Angeles. They revisited memories from their rookie days and comforted each other at their lodgings when work wasn't going well. Leader RM described his first impression of "Swim": "It felt like Pyongyang naengmyeon—clean and subtly appealing. The more I listened, the more I felt like I wanted to swim together with everyone." V agreed: "Among the songs with strong sounds, 'Swim' felt the most understated. At first I thought it wasn't a stimulating track, but the more I listened, I realized it's the kind of song you can enjoy for a long time." Jin noted the rhythm point in the middle of the song—a "ddong-dda-da-dang" phrase—as particularly memorable. As the Pyongyang naengmyeon comparison suggests, BTS attempted musical changes with this album. In a documentary teaser, they expressed their will to grow, saying "We can't keep doing the same thing." "If you listen to all the tracks, the album composition itself is solid," BTS said. "We focused on expanding our range—genre, sound, and vocal expression. We tried genres that weren't familiar to us and worked hard to incorporate expressions we hadn't attempted before." Track "FYA" features raw energy with hyper jersey-based sound, while "Like Animals" and "Merry Go Round" add psychedelic textures for a different musical feel. During recording, they adjusted their approach to sound more relaxed and understated than before. The final track "Into the Sun" was created when V was suddenly inspired on his way back from working out. Jungkook said: "Since we had over 100 demo tracks, the process of gathering together to listen to them all at once was particularly memorable. Some songs were worked on separately, so there were quite a few I was hearing for the first time. That process remains a fun memory. It was just so enjoyable and happy." The members said: "It's hard to say we're 100% satisfied, but we're satisfied enough knowing that we're still changing and moving forward." BTS is raising the curtain on their second act, "BTS 2.0," with the fifth album "Arirang" and a massive world tour of the same name. Each member assigned their own meaning to "BTS 2.0": "A new beginning" (Suga), "Growth as artists" (J-Hope), "A story that includes growth" (V), and "A new direction" (Jungkook). RM reflected: "We thought about it countless times, but it's hard to define in just one phrase. I think it's close to 'balance.' Half of it is that we're back together as seven, and the other half is that we need to move somewhere and change. It's not easy, but it's equally happy and fun." Jin added: "If I had to name something that's improved, I'd say the members have grown closer. The atmosphere of naturally laughing and joking around when we're together is the same. These days, when there's a good restaurant, we still go eat together." BTS will hold a group live broadcast on fan platform Weverse at 2 p.m. on June 20 to celebrate their comeback. The following day at 8 p.m., they will hold a large-scale free return concert "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul....
AmCham Opposes Korea's Digital Disaster Safety Law, Citing International Law Concerns
politics
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) has raised objections to the "Digital Disaster and Incident Safety Management Act" currently being pursued by the National Assembly. AmCham argues that applying domestic law equally to businesses with overseas data centers could violate international law. The move is effectively a demand to exclude U.S. big tech companies such as Google and Netflix from regulation, raising concerns it could escalate into a non-tariff barrier dispute and spark trade friction. According to political sources on May 19, AmCham submitted a letter of opposition as the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee accelerated efforts to enact the digital disaster safety law. AmCham argued the legislation could dampen investment by U.S. companies and hinder technological development. The Digital Disaster Safety Act was proposed in response to data center incidents that paralyzed government and private networks, including the 2022 Pangyo data center fire and the KakaoTalk outage. The bill's core provisions would require major operators to systematically manage digital incidents and designate dedicated agencies to submit and monitor management plans. **AmCham: "Extraterritorial Application of Digital Disaster Law May Violate International Law"** AmCham has specifically challenged the law's potential extraterritorial application. In its letter to the National Assembly, AmCham stated: "Excessively expanding extraterritorial scope simply because it affects the domestic market raises concerns about international law violations" and "could conflict with principles of sovereign state independence and non-interference." The "overseas activities" cited by AmCham refers to U.S. internet service companies like Google providing domestic services through overseas data centers. Google and Netflix operate domestic services using data centers in locations such as Singapore. AmCham's demand is effectively interpreted as a request to exclude U.S. big tech from regulatory scope. Under the bill, major operators failing to implement safety management plans could face fines of up to 3% of revenue. AmCham maintains this constitutes excessive regulation compared to the principle of minimal intervention. AmCham's sensitivity to this provision stems particularly from the revenue estimation methodology. The bill allows authorities to estimate revenue based on financial statements and user numbers and impose fines even on companies with overseas data centers. Google has been criticized for underreporting domestic revenue by citing its overseas data centers. As of 2024, Google disclosed 365.3 billion won in revenue, but academics estimate actual revenue at over 12 trillion won. **Opposition Spreads Over Domestic Representative Requirements... "Potential Korea-U.S. FTA Violation"** The strengthening of the current domestic representative system has also drawn AmCham's objection. The Digital Disaster Safety Act requires major operators to designate domestic representatives with substantial control. AmCham argued: "Designating related affiliates would be sufficient, and this may violate the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement." AmCham has been expanding its influence amid the U.S. government's pressure to eliminate non-tariff barriers through tariff threats. Industry consensus holds that AmCham played a significant role when the Korean government conditionally allowed big tech export of high-precision maps last month for the first time in 19 years. Within the National Assembly, there are signs of pushback against AmCham's overt intervention. Some lawmakers emphasized at the Science Committee's legislation subcommittee on May 10 that citizens' digital sovereignty and safety must be the top priority. Kim Hyun, a Democratic Party member of the Science Committee, said: "This intervention constitutes interference in domestic affairs." Lee Jung-heon, also a Democratic Party lawmaker, noted: "Google achieved its long-standing goal with the high-precision map export, but our companies have significant concerns. We should not simply be led by AmCham's position under these circumstances." However, some government officials expressed concern that enacting the law could provoke U.S. companies and lead to another trade dispute. An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT said: "With the U.S. Section 301 investigation underway and tensions from the Coupang situation subsiding, this law could become another source of friction. Careful legislative timing is crucial."...
Korea Mulls Emergency Supply Controls Amid Naphtha Crisis
The Korean government is reviewing emergency measures to stabilize supply of naphtha and major petrochemical products, often called "the rice of industry." The move comes as domestic refiners' crude oil stockpiles are expected to be depleted starting in April, triggering supply chain bottleneck warnings across the country—from naphtha refined from crude oil to various plastics and vinyl products derived from it. Concerns are also rapidly spreading about supply shortages of critical materials such as helium, which is essential for semiconductor manufacturing processes. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and other relevant agencies on March 19, the government is considering invoking "emergency supply-demand stabilization adjustments" as stipulated in the Special Measures Act for Strengthening Competitiveness of Materials, Parts and Equipment Industries and Stabilizing Supply Chains. This measure can be taken when rapid changes in international trade conditions disrupt the smooth functioning of industrial supply chains and pose a significant threat to national economic activity. Once approved by the Cabinet, the government can establish or modify production plans for designated items such as naphtha. The government can also arbitrarily adjust supply priorities and direct transportation, storage, stockpiling, and transfers. It is essentially an ultra-powerful measure capable of stabilizing supply chains in a short period. The supply-demand stabilization adjustment was newly established when the Materials, Parts and Equipment Special Act was comprehensively revised at the end of 2019. This followed Japan's export restrictions on key semiconductor materials in 2019, which put Korean manufacturing in crisis and created recognition that powerful government-level measures were needed to stabilize supply chains during sudden changes in trade conditions. However, no situation has arisen since then that warranted the government playing this card. When the mask crisis erupted due to COVID-19 in 2020 and the urea solution shortage occurred in 2021, the government implemented "emergency supply-demand adjustment measures" that could control overall production, supply, and distribution—but these were based on the Price Stabilization Act. Since the impact of those crises was limited to logistics, transportation, and mask prices, the response came through the Price Stabilization Act rather than the Materials, Parts and Equipment Special Act. A senior government official said, "The supply-demand stabilization measure is essentially an emergency command authority," adding, "Since petrochemical materials are the foundation of manufacturing, we are examining all legal possibilities to prevent the Middle East situation from spreading to supply imbalances or price increases." The government's basic position is to swiftly execute bold measures if necessary, just as it calmed market anxiety with petroleum price caps. The government appears to judge that the crude oil supply crisis from the recent U.S.-Iran war could lead to mammoth-scale shocks unlike previous crises. This is because naphtha refined from crude oil and ethylene processed from naphtha are raw materials used across industries—from shipbuilding and automobiles to clothing, plastic bags, PET bottles, and plastic containers. In the business community, concerns are growing that supply chain bottlenecks could spread beyond petrochemical companies to the entire manufacturing sector. According to the petrochemical industry, Company A notified its suppliers last week of an additional 400,000 won per ton price increase, following a 100,000 won per ton increase on March 1 for ABS and SAN. ABS and SAN are types of plastics used in automotive interiors, cosmetic containers, and kitchenware. Company B raised petrochemical product prices by 200,000 won per ton earlier this month, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags and polypropylene (PP) used in various containers. Company C recently notified customers that "orders received after March 9 will be transacted at prices finalized at the end of March." The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade analyzed in a report released that day that if the Strait of Hormuz blockade is prolonged and international oil prices surge to $150-180, domestic manufacturing production costs would rise by an average of 11.8%. However, some raise concerns that the government's successive market interventions could paralyze market functions. A manufacturing industry official said, "As the government implemented petroleum price caps on gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, refiners now have incentives to raise naphtha prices—which are not subject to price caps—to minimize losses," adding, "Government market intervention could lead to a chain reaction of side effects."...
BTS Returns With Fifth Album 'Arirang' After Nearly Four Years
culture
BTS announced the release of their full-group album "Arirang" on June 20, saying they "prepared thoroughly to return in style, given how long Army has waited." "We feel excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved," the group said through their agency BigHit Music. "We are happy and grateful just to have all seven of us together again, working on something as a team." The fifth studio album "Arirang" is BTS's first new release in three years and nine months since the anthology album "Proof" in June 2022. "Because it's been so long since our last group album, we felt as much fear as excitement, but we're not too worried because we have each other and Army," the members said. The seven members are releasing 14 new tracks including the title song "Swim," which captures the team's identity and universal K-sentiment. Through this comeback, they aim to open a new chapter called "BTS 2.0." Jimin explained the album's message: "We wanted to say that we keep moving forward. There's always pressure to show something new and better. We have countless worries, but we wanted to express our determination to keep swimming forward without stopping." Suga said the group "thought deeply about what is most authentically us" and "focused on 'us' ourselves rather than grand messages." BTS said "Swim" was the song they worked on longest. During songwriting sessions in Los Angeles, the members spent an entire month trying to create something that could surpass "Swim," but found it difficult. After active solo careers around their military service, the members ate together and talked daily while working on songs in Los Angeles. They revisited memories from their rookie days and comforted each other at their lodgings when work wasn't going well. Leader RM described his first impression of "Swim": "It felt like Pyongyang naengmyeon—clean and subtly appealing. The more I listened, the more I felt like I wanted to swim together with everyone." V agreed: "Among the songs with strong sounds, 'Swim' felt the most understated. At first I thought it wasn't a stimulating track, but the more I listened, I realized it's the kind of song you can enjoy for a long time." Jin noted the rhythm point in the middle of the song—a "ddong-dda-da-dang" phrase—as particularly memorable. As the Pyongyang naengmyeon comparison suggests, BTS attempted musical changes with this album. In a documentary teaser, they expressed their will to grow, saying "We can't keep doing the same thing." "If you listen to all the tracks, the album composition itself is solid," BTS said. "We focused on expanding our range—genre, sound, and vocal expression. We tried genres that weren't familiar to us and worked hard to incorporate expressions we hadn't attempted before." Track "FYA" features raw energy with hyper jersey-based sound, while "Like Animals" and "Merry Go Round" add psychedelic textures for a different musical feel. During recording, they adjusted their approach to sound more relaxed and understated than before. The final track "Into the Sun" was created when V was suddenly inspired on his way back from working out. Jungkook said: "Since we had over 100 demo tracks, the process of gathering together to listen to them all at once was particularly memorable. Some songs were worked on separately, so there were quite a few I was hearing for the first time. That process remains a fun memory. It was just so enjoyable and happy." The members said: "It's hard to say we're 100% satisfied, but we're satisfied enough knowing that we're still changing and moving forward." BTS is raising the curtain on their second act, "BTS 2.0," with the fifth album "Arirang" and a massive world tour of the same name. Each member assigned their own meaning to "BTS 2.0": "A new beginning" (Suga), "Growth as artists" (J-Hope), "A story that includes growth" (V), and "A new direction" (Jungkook). RM reflected: "We thought about it countless times, but it's hard to define in just one phrase. I think it's close to 'balance.' Half of it is that we're back together as seven, and the other half is that we need to move somewhere and change. It's not easy, but it's equally happy and fun." Jin added: "If I had to name something that's improved, I'd say the members have grown closer. The atmosphere of naturally laughing and joking around when we're together is the same. These days, when there's a good restaurant, we still go eat together." BTS will hold a group live broadcast on fan platform Weverse at 2 p.m. on June 20 to celebrate their comeback. The following day at 8 p.m., they will hold a large-scale free return concert "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul....
AmCham Opposes Korea's Digital Disaster Safety Law, Citing International Law Concerns
politics
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) has raised objections to the "Digital Disaster and Incident Safety Management Act" currently being pursued by the National Assembly. AmCham argues that applying domestic law equally to businesses with overseas data centers could violate international law. The move is effectively a demand to exclude U.S. big tech companies such as Google and Netflix from regulation, raising concerns it could escalate into a non-tariff barrier dispute and spark trade friction. According to political sources on May 19, AmCham submitted a letter of opposition as the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee accelerated efforts to enact the digital disaster safety law. AmCham argued the legislation could dampen investment by U.S. companies and hinder technological development. The Digital Disaster Safety Act was proposed in response to data center incidents that paralyzed government and private networks, including the 2022 Pangyo data center fire and the KakaoTalk outage. The bill's core provisions would require major operators to systematically manage digital incidents and designate dedicated agencies to submit and monitor management plans. **AmCham: "Extraterritorial Application of Digital Disaster Law May Violate International Law"** AmCham has specifically challenged the law's potential extraterritorial application. In its letter to the National Assembly, AmCham stated: "Excessively expanding extraterritorial scope simply because it affects the domestic market raises concerns about international law violations" and "could conflict with principles of sovereign state independence and non-interference." The "overseas activities" cited by AmCham refers to U.S. internet service companies like Google providing domestic services through overseas data centers. Google and Netflix operate domestic services using data centers in locations such as Singapore. AmCham's demand is effectively interpreted as a request to exclude U.S. big tech from regulatory scope. Under the bill, major operators failing to implement safety management plans could face fines of up to 3% of revenue. AmCham maintains this constitutes excessive regulation compared to the principle of minimal intervention. AmCham's sensitivity to this provision stems particularly from the revenue estimation methodology. The bill allows authorities to estimate revenue based on financial statements and user numbers and impose fines even on companies with overseas data centers. Google has been criticized for underreporting domestic revenue by citing its overseas data centers. As of 2024, Google disclosed 365.3 billion won in revenue, but academics estimate actual revenue at over 12 trillion won. **Opposition Spreads Over Domestic Representative Requirements... "Potential Korea-U.S. FTA Violation"** The strengthening of the current domestic representative system has also drawn AmCham's objection. The Digital Disaster Safety Act requires major operators to designate domestic representatives with substantial control. AmCham argued: "Designating related affiliates would be sufficient, and this may violate the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement." AmCham has been expanding its influence amid the U.S. government's pressure to eliminate non-tariff barriers through tariff threats. Industry consensus holds that AmCham played a significant role when the Korean government conditionally allowed big tech export of high-precision maps last month for the first time in 19 years. Within the National Assembly, there are signs of pushback against AmCham's overt intervention. Some lawmakers emphasized at the Science Committee's legislation subcommittee on May 10 that citizens' digital sovereignty and safety must be the top priority. Kim Hyun, a Democratic Party member of the Science Committee, said: "This intervention constitutes interference in domestic affairs." Lee Jung-heon, also a Democratic Party lawmaker, noted: "Google achieved its long-standing goal with the high-precision map export, but our companies have significant concerns. We should not simply be led by AmCham's position under these circumstances." However, some government officials expressed concern that enacting the law could provoke U.S. companies and lead to another trade dispute. An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT said: "With the U.S. Section 301 investigation underway and tensions from the Coupang situation subsiding, this law could become another source of friction. Careful legislative timing is crucial."...
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View All ›![Front Page Unboxing March 16, 2026 (Mon) [ON AIR | Seoul Economics]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/8mYnUIt2xP4/mqdefault.jpg)
Front Page Unboxing March 16, 2026 (Mon) [ON AIR | Seoul Economics]
Start your day with essential insights on South Korea's economy. Our expert analysts break down the latest market movements, corporate earnings, policy changes, and industry developments that shape Asia's fourth-largest economy.
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Polestar to Install 400 EV Chargers in Korea by 2030
Swedish premium electric vehicle brand Polestar announced on the 19th that it plans to establish its proprietary "Polestar Charging Stations" at 40 locations in South Korea by 2030, installing a total of 400 EV chargers. Key locations for the charging stations include The Rivermall Gangdong, Yeongdeungpo Times Square, and Jongno Tower. Polestar said it selected these sites after analyzing customers' vehicle usage patterns and charging frequency. The company will partner with T-map Mobility and iPARKING to install the chargers. Additionally, Polestar is offering charging fee discounts and cashback benefits through the end of this year for drivers of its electric SUV "Polestar 4" who complete prepaid point registration. "We will continue to expand practical charging infrastructure so tha
HLB Pep Signs Neoantigen Peptide CDMO Deal with Japan's ReproCELL
HLB Pep (196300), a peptide materials specialist, announced on the 19th that it has signed a supply contract with Japanese cell therapy company ReproCELL for patient-customized neoantigen peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients. Customized therapy involves selecting neoantigens specifically expressed in each patient's cancer through prior genetic analysis, then manufacturing them as peptides. Neoantigens are proteins newly generated during genetic mutation processes in cancer cells, characterized by their expression only on cancer cell surfaces and absence in normal cells. When targeted, they enable selective attack on cancer cells without damaging normal cells, drawing attention as next-generation precision medicine technology. Under this contract, HLB Pep will produce neoantigen-deri
Korean Pharma Firms Retain CEOs, Add New Businesses Amid Uncertainty
Korea's pharmaceutical and biotech industry is focusing on strengthening operational fundamentals in response to mounting internal and external business uncertainties as the annual general meeting season begins. The sector faces amplified uncertainty from persistent "triple headwinds" of high oil prices, elevated exchange rates, and high interest rates that directly pressure profitability, compounded by global supply chain instability and generic drug price reduction pressures. Industry observers expect companies to prioritize organizational stability by reappointing proven leaders rather than pursuing dramatic changes, while modernizing governance structures in line with strengthened Commercial Act amendments and diversifying revenue sources. According to industry sources on March 19,
Markets
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Property
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US Leads Global AI Trainer Workforce; Korea Ranks Fourth in Asia-Pacific
The United States employs the largest number of AI trainers worldwide, according to a new report on global hiring trends. Global HR and payroll platform Deel released its "2025 Global Hiring Report" on Monday. The report analyzed data from more than 37,000 companies across approximately 150 countries, covering over one million employment contracts. AI trainers have emerged as one of the fastest-growing occupations globally, the report found. Currently, more than 70,000 AI trainers work at over 600 organizations. The position recorded the fastest growth among international hires on Deel's platform, surging 283% year-over-year. These workers perform tasks ranging from basic data annotation to specialized work in healthcare, economics, and translation. The United States leads with 58% of a
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Daily puzzles and brain teasers
Technology
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LG Uplus Wins Minister Award for 'Simple. Lab' Ad Campaign
LG Uplus (032640) announced on the 20th that its brand campaign advertisement 'Simple. Lab' won the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award (Digital Category) at the 34th Good Advertising Awards Chosen by Consumers. The Good Advertising Awards Chosen by Consumers is co-hosted by the Korea Advertisers Association and the Korea Consumer Organizations Council, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It is the only award in Korea where consumers directly participate in judging, evaluating message resonance and social value delivery. The award-winning LG Uplus advertisement 'Simple. Lab - A Text Message from Dad One Day' drew viewers in with a realistic narrative of text messages between busy children and parents unfamiliar with technology. The ad garnered sig
Pearl Abyss Launches 'Crimson Desert' After Seven Years of Development
Roh Hyun-sub
Uijeongbu City Launches Three-Stage Startup Support System
Kang Do-won
BOK July Rate Hike Scenario Emerges Amid War-Driven Inflation Fears
Kang Do-won
Teletubbies Launch TikTok Live 'Gift Master' Event in Korea
Kim Tae-young
Politics
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Presidential Office Says Qatar LNG Supply Secure, Reviews Naphtha Export Controls
The Presidential Office stated on the 20th that there are "no problems with supply" of liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid concerns over energy supply disruptions due to Middle East instability. The government has also taken preemptive measures regarding naphtha supply. "We are closely communicating with industry and supporting the import of alternative volumes in response to naphtha supply concerns arising from the Middle East situation," the Presidential Office said. In a media notice released that day, the Presidential Office explained regarding Qatari LNG supply: "The share of domestic imports is not high at approximately 14% as of 2026, and alternative import sources have been secured, so there are no problems with gas supply." The office indicated it would mount an all-out response t
Society
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Sports
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Oh Hyeon-gyu Scores as Besiktas Extends Winning Streak to Two
South Korean national team striker Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) has reignited his scoring form ahead of his call-up for the national team's two A-matches this month under head coach Hong Myung-bo. Oh netted the opening goal in Besiktas's 2-1 home victory against Kasimpasa in the 27th round of the 2025-2026 Turkish Süper Lig at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey, on Sunday (Korea time). The win extended Besiktas's winning streak to two games, lifting the club to fourth place in the league standings with 52 points. Oh started as the lone striker and found the net just 11 minutes into the first half. He converted a cross from Orkun Kökçü on the left flank with a right-footed volley from the front of the penalty area, redirecting the ball into the left corner of the goal. The goal ended a three-m
Jung Moon-young
Kim Chae-young Defeats Lee Chang-ho for First Mixed-Gender Tournament Title
Yang Jun-ho
Nike Unveils Tiger-Striped Korea World Cup Jerseys
Lee Jong-ho
Hong Jung-min Quietly Claims Top Spot in Women's Golf K-Ranking
Oh Tae-sik, Senior Reporter
Renovated Velluto CC Hides High Difficulty Behind Gentle Scenery
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The Siena Open Aims to Unite Players, Fans, and Community in Golf Festival
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Culture
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BTS Returns With Fifth Album 'Arirang' After Nearly Four Years
BTS announced the release of their full-group album "Arirang" on June 20, saying they "prepared thoroughly to return in style, given how long Army has waited." "We feel excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved," the group said through their agency BigHit Music. "We are happy and grateful just to have all seven of us together again, working on something as a team." The fifth studio album "Arirang" is BTS's first new release in three years and nine months since the anthology album "Proof" in June 2022. "Because it's been so long since our last group album, we felt as much fear as excitement, but we're not too worried because we have each other and Army," the members said. The seven members are releasing 14 new tracks including the title song "Swim," which captures the team's iden
International
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Polestar to Install 400 EV Chargers in Korea by 2030
Swedish premium electric vehicle brand Polestar announced on the 19th that it plans to establish its proprietary "Polestar Charging Stations" at 40 locations in South Korea by 2030, installing a total of 400 EV chargers. Key locations for the charging stations include The Rivermall Gangdong, Yeongdeungpo Times Square, and Jongno Tower. Polestar said it selected these sites after analyzing customers' vehicle usage patterns and charging frequency. The company will partner with T-map Mobility and iPARKING to install the chargers. Additionally, Polestar is offering charging fee discounts and cashback benefits through the end of this year for drivers of its electric SUV "Polestar 4" who complete prepaid point registration. "We will continue to expand practical charging infrastructure so tha
Korean Stocks Rebound 1% in Pre-Market on Trump's Restraint Remarks
Korean stocks rebounded more than 1% in pre-market trading after falling over 2%, as the Trump administration signaled restraint on Middle East escalation amid political pressure from surging oil prices. According to Nextrade, the pre-market was up 1.46% as of 8:10 a.m. on the 20th. The KOSPI index fell 2.73% the previous day after gaining 5.04% the day before, showing heightened volatility with sharp swings. Among top market-cap stocks, all posted gains except Hanwha Aerospace (-0.95%). Samsung Electronics (+2.00%), SK Hynix (+2.17%), Hyundai Motor (+1.53%), SK Square (+1.64%), and Kia (+1.88%) outpaced the broader market. The Trump administration's successive statements urging restraint on escalation and oil price stabilization appear to have positively influenced markets. President T
Jeju Air Adds Up to $68 Fuel Surcharge on International Flights
Jeju Air (089590) announced Wednesday it will impose fuel surcharges of $29 to $68 per one-way international flight in April. The low-cost carrier established six surcharge tiers based on flight distance. Some routes saw surcharges triple compared to March. For routes under 500 miles from Incheon to destinations including Fukuoka and Qingdao, the surcharge rose to $29 from $9, a 3.2-fold increase from March. Routes between 500 and 1,000 miles to Tokyo and Osaka saw surcharges climb to $37 from $11, up 3.3 times. Other surcharges are set at $44 for routes of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, $53 for 1,500 to 2,000 miles, and $60 for 2,000 to 2,500 miles. Routes exceeding 2,500 miles, including Singapore, carry a $68 surcharge. Since fuel surcharges are calculated in dollars, consumer costs will ris
BTS Comeback Tour Set to Rival Taylor Swift's Economic Impact
BTS's full-group comeback world tour is emerging as a major economic event that could shake the global music market and ripple across tourism, retail, and content industries. Bloomberg reported Monday that the tour's revenue could rival pop star Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour." The Seoul concerts alone are expected to generate substantial economic effects. Bloomberg estimates that the free concert at Gwanghwamun Square on Wednesday will generate approximately $177 million in economic impact. The event is expected to boost spending on flights, accommodations, dining, and merchandise. This figure significantly exceeds the economic impact Swift created in individual U.S. cities. Concert-driven consumer spending has already been proven in global markets. Swift's worldwide tour spurred massive sp
Pearl Abyss Launches 'Crimson Desert' After Seven Years of Development
Pearl Abyss (263750) globally launched its new title 'Crimson Desert' on May 20 (Korea time). The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac, Epic Games Store, and ROG Xbox Ally (Ally | Ally X). Crimson Desert supports Korean, English, and Chinese voiceovers along with 14 languages in total. Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game following protagonist 'Kliff' and his Grey Mane companions on their journey. Players adventure across the seamless open-world continent of 'Pywel' alongside Kliff to reclaim his lost homeland and reunite scattered allies. Along the way, they must restore the broken balance of the Abyss against threats approaching the Pywel continent. The game has received praise for its realistic high-quality graphics powered by the pr
Busan, Montreal Expand Partnership in Culture, Creative Industries and AI
Busan and Montreal are expanding cooperation centered on culture and creative industries. The two cities agreed to accelerate efforts to strengthen global urban competitiveness by broadening collaboration into advanced sectors including tourism, urban policy, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to Busan Metropolitan City on the 20th, Mayor Park Hyung-joon met with a delegation led by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante at City Hall the previous day to discuss cooperation measures across various fields including culture and arts, creative industries, tourism, and urban policy. The delegation comprised approximately 50 members including representatives from the Montreal Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce, and cultural and creative sector institutions and companies. The selection of Korea
Trump Invokes Pearl Harbor Attack in Summit with Japan's Takaichi
U.S. President Donald Trump referenced Japan's Pearl Harbor attack during his summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House. At the U.S.-Japan summit held at the White House on the 19th (local time), when a Japanese reporter asked why the U.S. did not notify allies in advance about the Iran attack, Trump replied, "We wanted a surprise, so we didn't tell anyone." He continued, "Is there any country that knows surprise attacks better than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about the Pearl Harbor attack in advance?" Trump directly referenced Japan's 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, which killed more than 2,400 Americans and triggered the Pacific War. "We achieved far greater results than expected in the first two days," Trump said. "If we had told everyone, it would no longer ha
Trump Seeks Exit as Iran War Roils Energy Markets
Cracks are emerging within the Trump administration over the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, launched without an immediate threat. The conflict, officially termed a "military operation" called "Epic Fury" rather than a war, lacks clear justification and tangible benefits. With allies rejecting requests to join the conflict, global energy prices have swung far more violently than the White House anticipated. President Trump is now signaling moves toward scaling back war objectives and seeking an exit, as continued hostilities risk Israel and Iran destroying critical Middle Eastern energy infrastructure. The key challenge: finding a credible pretext for withdrawal that Americans will accept. The war was partly aimed at diverting voter attention to foreign policy achievements ahead of the Nov
Songwol Unveils New Corporate Identity on 77th Anniversary
Leading towel manufacturer Songwol has unveiled a new corporate identity (CI) on its 77th anniversary, launching a brand innovation initiative. The move is seen as a strategic turning point connecting tradition with the future, going beyond a simple logo change. Founded in 1949, Songwol has led Korea's towel market for 77 years. Through this CI overhaul, the company plans to strengthen brand competitiveness for global market expansion. The new CI features a modern reinterpretation of the symbol used at the company's founding. It visualizes the brand identity "Songwol" by combining the Chinese characters for pine tree (松, song) and moon (月, wol). The design maintains existing symbolism while incorporating a global aesthetic sensibility. The pine tree represents unwavering trust, while moo
Kim Chae-young Defeats Lee Chang-ho for First Mixed-Gender Tournament Title
Kim Chae-young 9-dan lifted the 2026 Blitz Open championship trophy after defeating defending champion Lee Chang-ho 9-dan. In Game 2 of the best-of-three final held at the K-Baduk Studio in Pangyo on the 19th, Kim defeated Lee by 2.5 points playing white after 271 moves. Having also won Game 1, Kim claimed the championship with a 2-0 sweep. In the early phase of the match, Lee seized the initiative by effectively countering Kim's overreaches. However, Lee's attacks in the midgame failed to yield results, sending the game back into uncertainty. In the crucial endgame phase, Kim sharply exploited Lee's mistakes, tilting the momentum in her favor and securing a come-from-behind victory in the hard-fought contest. Kim, who received a ranking seed and advanced directly to the main tournament
Games
Daily puzzles and brain teasers
Editorial Board
Lee Government Launches Labor Council to Bridge Business, Union, AI Divide
Editorial Board
Editorial: Korea Risks Return to Failed Moon-Era North Korea Policy Despite US Warning
Editorial Board
Fed Holds Rates as Powell Warns of Unknown War Impact
Lee Jong-ho
Korea's Winter Sports Success Needs Infrastructure, Not Just Luck
George Will, Washington Post Columnist
U.S. National Finances Pushed to Brink of Bankruptcy
Ranking News
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US Leads Global AI Trainer Workforce; Korea Ranks Fourth in Asia-Pacific
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Transit-Adjacent Complexes Dominate Subscription Rankings Ahead of Spring Sales
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CS Wind Surges 10%, Hits 52-Week High Amid Energy Security Concerns
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CJ CheilJedang Expands Hetbahn Brand Into Ready-to-Drink Beverages
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CBRE Korea Sues Former Employees Who Joined Cushman for Trade Secret Theft
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Korea's Ruling Party to Hold Open Primary for Chungbuk Governor Race
- 7
Budget Minister Nominee Backs Targeted Supplementary Budget, Fiscal Rules
- 8
Korea Holds First Jongmyo Photo Contest in 20 Years
- 9
Incheon Ranks First in Quality of Life Improvement Among Korean Metros
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Samsung Group Unveils Value-Up Plans with Record $80B Investment, Enhanced Dividends
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