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(LEAD) S. Korea unveils Global AI Hub vision aimed at tackling global challenges

South Korea announced plans to establish the Global AI Hub, an international platform bringing together AI capabilities of global organizations to address issues like disease control and climate change. The initiative, unveiled by the Finance Ministry, will cooperate with nine global bodies and five multilateral development banks. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also outlined domestic AI policies aimed at supporting small businesses.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 21, 2026

Lee's approval rating inches down to 66 pct: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has fallen to 66 percent, marking a second consecutive decline, according to a biweekly poll. The ruling Democratic Party maintains a significant lead over the opposition People Power Party ahead of the June 3 local elections.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

Top 10 businesses account for more than half of exports in Q1

South Korea's top 10 companies accounted for 50.1% of total exports in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong semiconductor shipments and the AI boom. The concentration highlights growing reliance on major tech firms, raising concerns about economic diversification.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

China’s Xi Jinping expected to visit North Korea as early as next week

Reports from South Korean and international media indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea in the coming weeks, potentially to mediate US-North Korea relations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit and preparations in Pyongyang support the speculation. Seoul hopes Beijing will play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula affairs.

3 outlets · 5 articles May 21, 2026

(Movie Review) 'Colony': inventive zombie spectacle with little room for characters

Director Yeon Sang-ho's latest zombie film, 'Colony,' premiered at Cannes and features a unique take on the genre with network-connected zombies. Actor Jun Ji-hyun discusses her role as a grounded biotechnology professor, emphasizing a restrained performance over action. Reviews note the film's inventive spectacle but limited character development.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

CJ Olive Young to open 1st U.S. store in Pasadena next week

South Korean health and beauty retailer CJ Olive Young announces its first U.S. store opening in Pasadena, California, featuring thousands of products from hundreds of Korean and global brands, with plans for further U.S. expansion.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

S. Korea, EU discuss ways to expand supply chain cooperation

South Korea and the European Union have held high-level policy dialogues to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, supply chains, and strategic industries, with Seoul raising concerns over EU legislation and regulations. The discussions, held in May, come amid heightened global supply chain volatility and technology competition.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

(LEAD) Seoul shares open sharply higher on U.S.-Iran hope, Samsung wage deal

South Korean stocks rallied sharply on May 21, with the KOSPI jumping 8.42 percent, as Samsung Electronics averted a strike and Nvidia's strong earnings boosted tech sentiment. The market also drew support from hopes of a U.S.-Iran peace deal, though gains were tempered in subsequent sessions by profit-taking and renewed geopolitical tensions.

1 outlet · 10 articles May 21, 2026

Exports up 65 pct during first 20 days of May

South Korea's exports rose 65% year-on-year to $52.7 billion in the first 20 days of May, according to Korea Customs Service data. Imports increased 29.3% to $41.6 billion, yielding a trade surplus of $11 billion. Earlier 10-day data showed a 43.7% export jump.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

Nominee for U.S. envoy to S. Korea stresses commitment to security, prosperity through stronger alliance

Michelle Steel, the nominee for U.S. ambassador to South Korea, vowed during her Senate confirmation hearing to strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance, ensure American companies are not discriminated against, and advance bilateral trade and security agreements. Her remarks come as the two countries implement a joint fact sheet that includes South Korea's $350 billion investment pledge in U.S. strategic industries.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 20, 2026

Inter-Korean women's football showdown lives up to hype with thrilling battle

Naegohyang Women's FC of North Korea claimed the AFC Women's Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza, days after a historic semifinal win against South Korean club Suwon FC Women. The tournament marked the first time a North Korean sports team visited the South in eight years, drawing intense interest and praise from President Lee Jae Myung.

3 outlets · 12 articles May 20, 2026

Why are nearly 50,000 Samsung workers about to strike in South Korea?

Tens of thousands of Samsung Electronics workers in South Korea are set to strike over a dispute about bonus payments, threatening disruptions to global chip supplies. The union, representing nearly 48,000 employees, has called for an 18-day walkout starting May 21, after talks collapsed. The company and government are concerned about the potential economic impact.

4 outlets · 5 articles May 20, 2026

(2nd LD) Seoul shares end lower for 2nd day on foreign-selling spree; won rises

South Korean stocks closed lower for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, with the KOSPI dropping 0.86 percent as foreign investors continued their selling spree, while the Korean won gained against the U.S. dollar. The decline was attributed to rising U.S. Treasury yields and inflation concerns, according to Yonhap.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 20, 2026

Defense chiefs of S. Korea, India discuss arms cooperation

South Korean defense officials met with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral arms and defense cooperation. The talks included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between South Korean firms Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems with India's Larsen & Toubro, and an agreement to establish a joint platform for defense-related technology collaboration.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 20, 2026

(LEAD) Labor minister to mediate Samsung wage negotiations as strike looms

South Korea's labor minister will mediate a fresh round of wage negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its largest union, hours after government-mediated talks broke down over performance-based bonuses. The labor ministry says it is too early to discuss emergency arbitration powers, while the union vows to proceed with a planned strike.

1 outlet · 4 articles May 20, 2026

(LEAD) Auto exports down over 5 pct in April amid Middle East crisis; domestic EV sales surge

South Korea's car exports fell more than 5% in April, driven by a 38.7% drop in shipments to the Middle East amid the U.S.-Iran war. Meanwhile, domestic EV sales surged 139.7%, boosted by higher oil prices and new policies, with Tesla sales skyrocketing 811.5%.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 20, 2026

Seoul to continue efforts to tackle consumer price hikes amid Middle East war

South Korea's finance ministry announced measures to stabilize consumer prices, which rose 2.6% in April, as the Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains. The government plans emergency tariff-rate quotas, seafood stockpile releases, and maintains an emergency response system. Despite strong exports and economic growth, officials acknowledge growing inflationary pressures.

1 outlet · 4 articles May 20, 2026

S. Korea-operated vessel passing through Strait of Hormuz: foreign minister

A South Korean oil tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the U.S.-Iran war began. The vessel, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, received passage approval from Iran. Meanwhile, South Korea's oceans minister opposed Iran's reported push to charge transit fees.

2 outlets · 5 articles May 20, 2026

(LEAD) Seoul shares open lower, tracking overnight U.S. losses

South Korean stocks opened lower on Wednesday, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street driven by tech share declines and U.S. inflation concerns. The KOSPI fell sharply in early trading, with reports varying on the exact figures. Investors also weighed uncertainties over U.S.-Iran peace talks and a potential strike at Samsung Electronics.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 20, 2026

(2nd LD) Senior U.S. diplomat to visit Seoul in coming weeks to launch working groups on Oct. summit agreements

A senior U.S. diplomat will visit Seoul in the coming weeks to launch bilateral working groups on implementing agreements from the October summit between Presidents Trump and Lee, including nuclear-powered submarines and civilian nuclear fuel programs. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, will lead the U.S. delegation, as announced after her talks with South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo.

1 outlet · 5 articles May 19, 2026