KDI: Rising International Oil Prices Could Increase Inflation by 1.6% Rising international oil prices, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, could increase South Korea's consumer price inflation rate by as much as 1.6 percentage points this year, according to a report from a national research institute. The report also suggests that core inflation, which has been less affected by oil price fluctuations, may rise by 0.1 percentage points. The Korea Development Institute (KDI) released its report on May 11, analyzing the effects of recent increases in i May 11, 2026

Employment Insurance Enrollment Rises by Nearly 200,000 for Four Consecutive Months The number of regular enrollees in employment insurance has increased by nearly 200,000 for four consecutive months, driven by growth in the service sector. However, the manufacturing and construction industries continue to see declines, and the employment situation for those under 29 remains challenging. According to the Ministry of Labor's "Labor Market Trends Based on April Employment Statistics" released on May 11, the total number of regular enrollees in employment insurance reached 1 May 11, 2026

Jung Kyung-tae Announces Candidacy for National Assembly Vice Speaker Jung Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party, has declared his candidacy for the position of Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, describing himself as the only six-term lawmaker who has experienced both progressive and conservative politics in South Korea.At a press conference held on May 11 in the National Assembly's communication hall, Jung stated, "I will become a Vice Speaker who listens to the rational and sensible voices of the people, opening a new chapter of cooperation and chec May 11, 2026

Reform Party Launches Central Election Committee Amid Local Elections The Reform Party officially launched its Central Election Committee on May 11, gearing up for the June 3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections. Lee Jun-seok, the party leader, criticized the exclusion of Jung Ji-han, the party's candidate for Busan mayor, from a local TV debate, urging the Democratic Party's candidate, Jeon Jae-soo, not to ignore this issue. The Reform Party's election committee held its inaugural meeting at the National Assembly, marking the start of i May 11, 2026

President Lee Calls Donghak Peasant Revolution the First Step for Democracy in Korea President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 11 that the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which awakened the people to their role as the foundation and masters of the nation, was a significant first step for democracy in South Korea. Speaking at the 132nd anniversary ceremony of the Donghak Peasant Revolution held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, President Lee, through a speech read by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, remarked, "The spirit of the Donghak Peasant May 11, 2026

Controversy Erupts Over Democratic Party Candidate's Threatening Remarks Controversy is growing around Seo Bo-hwan, a candidate for the Jeonju city council in the Masan district, following allegations of abusive language and threats. Recently, the Daily Jeonbuk reported on a recording that includes Seo's profane and threatening remarks. Notably, one recording allegedly contains a statement directed at a local newspaper reporter, suggesting, "I will quietly bury you using Joseonjok at night." Other recordings reportedly feature coarse language and expressions May 11, 2026

Robots on the Border: The Future of Warfare Designed by Humans Hyundai Motor Group is exploring the deployment of robots in collaboration with the Army. The plan involves a phased approach, starting with non-combat areas such as reconnaissance, search, surveillance, and logistics. Amid structural pressures to reduce troop levels, robots are emerging as a practical alternative to fill operational gaps. This initiative is significant not just for the introduction of new equipment, but as a starting point for transforming military operations. The South Korea May 11, 2026

Samsung Union Leader Calls for Institutionalization of Performance Bonuses Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics union, stated that if the company does not show progress on institutionalizing performance bonuses, he will declare a breakdown in negotiations.Speaking to reporters before a post-adjustment meeting at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong on May 11, Choi said, "We continue to demand a performance bonus of 15% of operating profit and the elimination of caps, as well as institutionalization. If the company has no position on institutio May 11, 2026

Netanyahu: Iran War Won't End Without Uranium Removal and Facility Dismantling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war with Iran will not conclude until the removal of high-enriched uranium and the dismantling of nuclear facilities are achieved. In an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes" on May 10, Netanyahu said, "I believe this war has achieved many results, but it is not over yet," citing the remaining nuclear materials and enriched uranium that must be exported from Iran. He added, "There are still enrichment facilities that need to be dismantl May 11, 2026

Innovation Party Proposes Special Law for Pyeongtaek Support Amid Election Challenges The Jo Guk Innovation Party launched a full-scale support effort for its leader Jo Guk on May 11 by proposing an amendment to the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law, ahead of the June 3 by-election in Pyeongtaek. However, negotiations for a potential unification with the Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam are facing difficulties amid ongoing disputes. On the same day, floor leader Seo Wang-jin submitted the bill to the National Assembly and explained to reporters, "The purpose of this am May 11, 2026