Investors Split Strategies Amid Record KOSPI Surge and Derivative Trading Amid a record-breaking bull market, investors are divided in their strategies. As the KOSPI continues to hit all-time highs, funds in derivative trading accounts, margin trading balances, and investor deposits have surged to unprecedented levels, indicating a significant increase in long positions. Conversely, the amount of funds set aside for short selling has also reached record highs, reflecting a growing interest in short positions in anticipation of a market correction following the recent May 11, 2026

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Unauthorized Photo Use Dua Lipa, the global pop star, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics for $15 million (approximately 22 billion won), claiming unauthorized use of her photo. On May 9, U.S. entertainment outlet Variety reported that Lipa's team filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of publicity rights. According to the lawsuit, Samsung began using Lipa's photo on TV pac May 11, 2026

ETF Assets Surpass 450 Trillion Won, Stock ETFs Break 200 Trillion Won Barrier As the domestic stock market gains momentum, the net assets of stock-type exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have surpassed 200 trillion won for the first time. Overall net assets have also exceeded 450 trillion won. According to financial information provider FnGuide, as of May 7, the total net assets of all domestic ETFs reached 456 trillion won. Of this, the net assets of domestic stock-type ETFs, which invest in companies listed in South Korea, amounted to 212 trillion won, marking the firs May 11, 2026

Democratic Party Questions Opposition's Stance on Housing Prices The Democratic Party criticized the People Power Party on May 10 for its aggressive stance following the reintroduction of higher capital gains taxes on multiple homeowners, questioning whether the opposition party wants housing prices to soar uncontrollably. Jo Seung-rae, the party's secretary-general, stated during a press briefing at the National Assembly, "It seems that the People Power Party does not wish for housing price stability." He added, "It would be problematic if housing pri May 11, 2026

U.S. Navy Blocks Dozens of Ships Amid Iran's Threats of Retaliation The U.S. military is implementing a maritime blockade against Iran, disrupting its trade routes. In response, Iran has warned that it will retaliate against U.S. bases and vessels if its ships are attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on May 9 that it has redirected the routes of 58 commercial vessels and neutralized four ships to prevent access to Irani May 11, 2026

Blue House Concludes Investigation into HMM Namoo Fire in Hormuz Strait The Blue House announced on May 10 that it has completed its on-site investigation into the fire aboard the South Korean vessel HMM Namoo, which occurred near the Hormuz Strait in the United Arab Emirates. A Blue House official stated in a press release that the investigation team has concluded the necessary fieldwork and will return individually based on flight availability following their local activities.The official added, "We have received preliminary findings from the on-site investigation May 11, 2026

Democratic Party Denounces Kim Kwan-young's Independent Candidacy The Democratic Party has sharply criticized Kim Kwan-young, the Jeonbuk governor who declared his independent candidacy on May 7, calling his actions "shameless." Kim was expelled from the party over allegations of distributing money envelopes and has supported Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Ho-young, who staged a hunger strike after the party selected Lee Won-taek as its Jeonbuk gubernatorial candidate amid accusations of meal expense reimbursements. Jo Seung-rae, head of the Democratic P May 11, 2026

Harim Group Becomes Third Largest SSM Operator with Homeplus Express Acquisition Harim Group's subsidiary, NS Shopping, has acquired Homeplus Express, the supermarket division of Homeplus, raising expectations for business synergy. The acquisition is expected to accelerate vertical integration in food production, logistics, and distribution based on Homeplus Express's nationwide store network. According to the retail industry on May 10, Harim Group is re-entering the domestic offline retail market in the form of a corporate supermarket (SSM) through NS Shopping's acq May 11, 2026

Vietnam Responds Swiftly to U.S. Intellectual Property Warning The United States designated Vietnam as a "Priority Foreign Country" (PFC) in its 2026 Special 301 Report, prompting the Vietnamese government to quickly formulate a response. This marks the first time in 13 years that such a severe designation has been issued, raising concerns that it could lead to unfavorable trade measures, including tariffs. According to Vietnamese media outlet VOV, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) classified Vietnam as a PFC in its report released on April 30. T May 11, 2026

Park Hyung-jun Calls for Unity Among Conservative Candidates in Busan Park Hyung-jun, the candidate for Busan mayor from the People Power Party, stated on May 10 that candidates Park Min-sik, representing the People Power Party, and independent Han Dong-hoon, running in the Busan North District, must unify to secure a conservative victory in the upcoming June 3 local elections and by-elections. During a meeting of the election campaign committee held at the party's office in Busanjin-gu, Park emphasized, "The most crucial step for electoral victory is the May 11, 2026