Toss Bank Expands National Treasury Payment Services with Direct Bank of Korea Link Toss Bank is set to enhance its national treasury payment services by directly linking with the Bank of Korea. On May 8, Toss Bank announced it has obtained qualification as a national treasury collection agency. National treasury payments allow customers to receive funds from government agencies, such as tax refunds, directly into their accounts. Since 2024, Toss Bank has offered services through its app for viewing and paying national tax, customs duties, police fines, penalties, an May 8, 2026

President Lee Honors Parents on Parents' Day, Emphasizes Support for Families On Parents' Day, May 8, President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep respect for all parents dedicated to their families and the nation. He stated, "The heartfelt desire to leave a better world for our children is the root of this country and the driving force behind its prosperity and growth. Today's South Korea stands on that silent dedication." In a Facebook post, he said, "On this 54th Parents' Day, I extend my sincere gratitude and respect to all parents who are devoted to their famil May 8, 2026

2026 Han River Napping Championship Draws Hundreds Amid Sleep Crisis Last weekend, a peculiar scene unfolded at Yeouido Hangang Park as hundreds gathered for the '2026 Han River Napping Championship.' Amid the bustling 'Seoul Spring Festa,' over 170 participants laid down on mats, soon filling the air with synchronized breathing and the occasional soft snore. In this open space, free from chatter or music, they embraced the tranquility of the outdoors. Now in its third year, the napping championship may seem lighthearted, but participants faced a compet May 8, 2026

AI and Employment: Adapting Education and Workplaces for Coexistence At 11 p.m. in a law office in Jongno, the sound of typing fills the air. First-year attorney Kim James, 37, substitutes a sandwich for dinner as he continues working late into the night. "These days, if you can't get work done, it's not that you get scolded; you just don't get assignments. If that happens repeatedly, you could lose your job," he said. Balancing corporate advisory and litigation, late nights have become routine for him. "Even at 1 a.m., the atmosphere in the office is int May 8, 2026

Samsung Faces Internal Strife Amid HBM Competitiveness Concerns Concerns are growing that internal conflicts at Samsung Electronics could undermine its competitiveness in high-bandwidth memory (HBM). The Device Solutions (DS) division is threatening a total strike over demands for increased bonuses, while the Device Experience (DX) division expresses feelings of deprivation amid declining profitability and the withdrawal from the Chinese TV and home appliance market.According to industry sources, the Samsung Electronics union's joint action committee plans t May 8, 2026

Samsung Faces Internal Strife Amid Semiconductor Boom Once a source of self-deprecating humor, the term "Samsung after" referred to non-electronics subsidiaries, highlighting the allure of Samsung Electronics' performance and treatment. Recently, however, a new hierarchy has emerged within Samsung Electronics, deepening divisions among its business units.Concerns are growing that the discontent among employees in other divisions toward the Device Solutions (DS) sector's demands for average bonuses in the millions of won could harm organizational co May 8, 2026

Credit Union Launches 4% Annual Savings Plan Targeting Three-Year Goals The Credit Union Central Association has introduced a new savings plan with a three-year maturity. The plan offers a fixed annual interest rate of 4%, providing stability in funding even amid fluctuating interest rates.On May 7, the association announced the launch of the 'Non-Dividend Credit Union 4U Savings Plan.' Members pay a one-time premium upon enrollment and receive a fixed annual interest rate of 4% if they maintain the plan until maturity. This savings plan is similar to savings insura May 8, 2026

Chinese EV Brand Zeekr Enters South Korea Market Chinese premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile, has officially entered the South Korean market by opening its first brand gallery in Gangnam's Daechi-dong. Following BYD's entry, Zeekr's arrival marks a rapid expansion of Chinese automotive brands in South Korea. On May 8, Zeekr Korea announced the opening of its gallery, which will operate until the end of the month to introduce the brand to local consumers. The gallery will later transition into a regular showro May 8, 2026

Over 220,000 Chinese and Japanese Tourists Visit South Korea During Super Holiday During the overlapping 'Super Holiday' of China's Labor Day and Japan's Golden Week, South Korea welcomed approximately 220,000 tourists from both countries, surpassing government forecasts. This success is attributed to targeted regional marketing strategies that align with the trend of short-distance travel. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, about 112,000 Japanese and 108,000 Chinese tourists visited South Korea during this perio May 8, 2026

SK hynix Launches Initiative to Restore Salmon Migration Path in South Korea SK hynix is partnering with government and local agencies to restore the aquatic ecosystem of the Namdaecheon River in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. The initiative aims to enhance its water-positive activities by returning more water to nature than the company uses in semiconductor production. On May 8, SK hynix announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Yangyang County, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and Ko May 8, 2026