Citibank Reports Record Q1 Profit of 132.8 Billion Won Citibank Korea announced on May 15 that it achieved a net profit of 132.8 billion won in the first quarter of this year. This marks a 61% increase compared to the same period last year, reaching the highest level in eight years.Total revenue for the first quarter was 330.5 billion won, a 23% increase year-over-year. This growth was largely driven by a 77% rise in non-interest income from corporate finance, including foreign exchange, derivatives, and securities-related earnings.Interest income f May 16, 2026

Power Ultimately Tests Humanity History is often said to repeat itself, but more accurately, it is human nature that recurs. Across different eras, human nature remains remarkably consistent. The desires, pride, face-saving, and emotions surrounding power are strikingly similar to those we see today. The story of Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and the Lee An-sa family, a powerful local elite in Jeonju during the late Goryeo period, illustrates this point. Regardless of its factual accuracy, the endur May 15, 2026

BC Card Reports 65% Increase in Q1 Net Profit to 58.1 Billion Won BC Card significantly increased its net profit in the first quarter of this year. Although revenue from card-related services declined, a reduction in provisions and growth in proprietary card and interest income contributed to the rise. On May 15, BC Card announced that its consolidated net profit for the first quarter reached 58.1 billion won, a 65.2% increase from 35.2 billion won in the same period last year. Operating profit also rose by 19.0% to 42.5 billion won during the same time May 15, 2026

Tensions Rise Over Seoul Mayoral Debate as Candidates Clash Tensions are escalating between Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, and Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate, over a proposed debate. Oh stated on May 15 in Gangdong-gu, "I suggested a debate to discuss how to address citizens' inconveniences, but I received no response from Jung. He is refusing all debates and only willing to engage in press conference-style discussions." He criticized Jung as an "irresponsible candidate who does not consider the publ May 15, 2026

Bithumb Reports $869 Million Loss in First Quarter Amid Market Challenges In the first quarter of this year, Bithumb reported a transition to a loss, attributed to external factors such as global economic uncertainty and a downturn in the virtual asset market. On May 15, Bithumb announced that its net loss for the first quarter reached 86.9 billion won (approximately $69 million). The decline in performance is largely due to prolonged investor sentiment dampened by geopolitical instability in the Middle East and rising interest rate pressures, leading to a significant May 15, 2026

Labor Ministry Reports Increase in Manufacturing Injuries, Urges Safety Measures Despite a downward trend in industrial accident fatalities in the first quarter of this year, the number of entrapment accidents in the manufacturing sector has increased, prompting labor authorities to conduct inspections. On May 15, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that Ryu Hyun-cheol, head of the Industrial Safety and Health Agency, led surprise inspections alongside local officials and safety inspectors to eradicate entrapment accidents in manufacturing. According to the m May 15, 2026

Final Roster Announcement for World Cup Approaches: Will Hong Myung-bo Surprise Us? The final roster announcement for the South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, is imminent as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. There is growing anticipation about whether a surprising selection will emerge ahead of the tournament. Coach Hong will unveil the 26-man roster on June 16 at the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno, Seoul. Since taking charge of the national team in 2024, Hong has reportedly finalized over 80% of the squad that w May 15, 2026

Dunamu Reports Q1 Profit of 69.5 Billion Won Amid Declining Trading Volume Dunamu reported a significant decline in its financial performance, with a nearly 80% drop compared to last year. This downturn is attributed to a decrease in trading volume in the virtual asset market amid global economic slowdown.In the first quarter of this year, Dunamu recorded a net profit of 69.5 billion won, marking a 78.3% decrease from the same period last year.The decline in performance is largely influenced by global risks, including the conflict between the United States and Iran, wh May 15, 2026

Lotte Insurance Reports Improved Q1 Operating Profit Amid Temporary Investment Losses 롯데손해보험이 올해 1분기 보험영업이익 흑자전환과 보험계약마진(CSM) 성장 등 본업 지표 개선세를 보였다. 다만 중동 전쟁과 유가 상승 등 글로벌 불확실성으로 금리가 급등하면서 투자손익은 일시적으로 악화됐다. Lotte Insurance reported a net loss of 19.8 billion won and an operating loss of 28.5 billion won for the first quarter of this year, reflecting the impact of interest rate hikes on the valuation of interest-bearing assets. The company recorded an investment operating loss of 55.7 billion May 15, 2026

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Shares Plummet Amid Foreign Selling Shares of South Korea's semiconductor giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, closed sharply lower. Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of rising market interest rates, profit-taking, and concerns over labor issues at Samsung, which have dampened investor sentiment. On May 15, the Korea Exchange reported that Samsung Electronics fell by 25,500 won (-8.61%) to close at 270,500 won. SK Hynix also dropped 15,000 won (-7.66%) to finish at 1,819,000 won. Samsung started the day May 15, 2026