Korea Electric Power Corporation Reports Record 1st Quarter Operating Profit Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) reported a record operating profit of 3.7842 trillion won for the first quarter of this year. However, concerns are growing about the impact of rising international oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices on the company's second-quarter performance. On May 13, KEPCO announced that its operating profit increased by 0.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching 3.7842 trillion won, while its net profit rose by 6.7% to 2.519 trillion won. Thi May 13, 2026

South Korea Invests 525 Billion Won in Key Shipbuilding Technologies Amid intensifying global competition in the shipbuilding industry, the South Korean government plans to invest 525 billion won to secure the future of its shipbuilding sector. The initiative includes the development of the world’s first 24-hour autonomous AI shipyard project by 2030 and aims to accelerate results based on the MASGA project. On May 13, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan announced the "K-Shipbuilding Future Vision" during a meeting led by President Lee Ja May 13, 2026

Limited Impact of U.S. Court Ruling on Global Tariffs for South Korea As a U.S. court deliberates on the legality of the 10% global tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, experts suggest that the impact on South Korea may be limited. This is primarily because the tariffs were introduced as part of a transitional phase in U.S. trade policy, and their effects are expected to be minimal. Additionally, it is important to note that South Korea is not a direct party to the court's ruling, as the tariff negotiations between the two countries have already May 13, 2026

Baedal Minjok Partners with Baemin Friends for 'Love Lunchbox' Charity Baedal Minjok, a leading food delivery service in South Korea, collaborated with its partners to deliver lunchboxes to vulnerable children. On May 12, Baemin Friends, a community of Baedal Minjok partners, prepared and delivered lunchboxes to 150 households in need located in the Songpa District of Seoul. This 'Love Lunchbox' initiative was conducted in partnership with the World Vision Songpa Comprehensive Social Welfare Center. Over 40 employees from Woowa Brothers, the parent company May 13, 2026

Samyang Biopharm Presents SENS Research Results in Boston, Expands Global Partnerships Samyang Biopharm announced that it participated in three major global academic events in the field of biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy held in Boston from May 11 to 15, where it showcased the capabilities and commercialization strategies of its next-generation drug delivery platform, SENS. During the event, the company operated a partnering booth and meeting rooms, planning to explore collaboration opportunities with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies through oral and poster p May 13, 2026

CJ Cultural Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Focuses on Sustainable Creative Ecosystem The CJ Cultural Foundation held a discussion on the sustainability of the popular culture and arts ecosystem in celebration of its 20th anniversary.On May 12, the foundation hosted a 'Leaders Talk' event at CGV Cheongdam Cine City in Seoul, focusing on the sustainability of the popular culture and arts industry and the role of supporting creators.Kim Jin-gak, a professor of cultural arts management at Sungshin Women's University, addressed the challenges and directions necessary for ensuring sus May 13, 2026

Dongkuk Pharmaceutical's Centellian24 Expands Distribution in Thailand · Dongkuk Pharmaceutical announced on May 13 that its dermocosmetic brand, Centellian24, is strengthening its local distribution network by entering major online and offline channels in Thailand. Centellian24 is expanding its presence through key health and beauty chains such as Watsons, the beauty retailer Beautrium, Central Department Store, and the beauty platform Konvi, as well as various online malls to enhance consumer engagement. With this expansion, Centellian24 will show May 13, 2026

Adult Consumers Drive 75% Surge in CU Toy Sales for Children's Day Convenience store CU has reported a significant boost in sales due to character collaboration products aimed at Children’s Day, appealing to adult consumers, or "grown-up kids." Character merchandise has evolved from simple toys to essential items for collectors and fandoms. CU announced that from May 1 to May 11, toy sales surged by 75.1% compared to the same period last year. The character collaboration products launched for the family month have sparked interest not only among chil May 13, 2026

Civic Group Reports 12% Decline in Bus Passengers Despite Increased Funding This year marks the 20th anniversary of the quasi-public bus system in South Korea. Despite a more than twofold increase in national bus funding over the past five years, passenger numbers have dropped by over 12%, failing to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels. The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice and the Public Transport Network released an analysis on May 13, examining bus operations data from 2019 to 2024 across the country, including the status of quasi-public bus operations in seven maj May 13, 2026

Korea Publishing Association President Kim Tae-hun: 'We Will Create a Fair Distribution System for AI Readers' "I believe a new type of 'AI reader' is emerging. It's a market where AI reads books and answers our questions," said Kim Tae-hun, the newly appointed president of the Korea Publishing Culture Association (KPCA), during a press conference held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 13. He emphasized the need for the publishing industry to respond quickly and rationally to the AI era, stating, "We will contribute to the development of Korea's AI industry." Kim highlighted the importance of fair comp May 13, 2026