Candidates for Prime Minister Under President Lee Include Jeong Seong-ho and Others President Lee Jae-myung's candidates for the second-term Prime Minister position have reportedly narrowed down to three individuals: Jeong Seong-ho, Minister of Justice; Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups; and Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff.According to political sources on June 4, the verification process for these candidates is underway as potential successors to Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.The Blue House plans to finalize the Prime Minister appointment soon and will subsequently pro June 4, 2026

Wonik IPS Hits Upper Limit as Semiconductor Sector Sees Rotation Wonik IPS reached its upper limit today as buying interest shifted to semiconductor materials and equipment stocks, which had been relatively overlooked, following a pause in large-cap semiconductor stocks. According to the Korea Exchange, Wonik IPS traded at 127,200 won, up 29,300 won (29.93%) from the previous session, hitting the upper limit. Market analysts noted that the recent declines in shares of major semiconductor companies, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which fell 2.50% an June 4, 2026

Regulatory Delays Widen Gap Among Securities Firms in Digital Asset Market As competition intensifies among securities firms to dominate the digital asset market, the delay in regulatory legislation is creating a noticeable disparity in preparations among companies. According to the financial investment industry on June 4, major domestic securities firms expect that guidelines and regulations related to Security Token Offerings (STO) will become clearer this month, prompting them to enhance their mobile trading systems and other platform infrastructures. Howe June 4, 2026

One Login for All: South Korea's Ministry of SMEs Launches Unified Membership Service The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is establishing a streamlined system that allows users to access key policy services with a single login. Starting at 9 a.m. on June 5, the ministry will pilot the 'SME Venture 24 Unified Membership Service,' announced on June 4. This service marks the first phase of the SME Venture 24 enhancement project, enabling users to access major policy services operated by the ministry and related agencies with one account. Previously, small and medium-sized ent June 4, 2026

BDC Launches Amidst Market Stagnation Despite Growth Fund Potential The Business Development Company (BDC) system was officially launched on March 17, but the market remains largely inactive. Designed to provide retail investors with opportunities to invest in unlisted venture and innovative companies, the initiative has seen only one product introduced since its inception due to the absence of tax benefits. Industry experts believe that the BDC market will only begin to take shape once tax reform is determined in the second half of this year. According t June 4, 2026

Minimum Wage for 9 Million Contract Workers Under Review The Minimum Wage Commission has begun serious discussions on whether to apply minimum wage standards to special employment workers, such as delivery drivers and riders. This marks the start of a significant debate over the expansion of minimum wage coverage. Labor representatives argue that the changing realities of the labor market necessitate broader protections, while business groups firmly oppose any changes, claiming they fall outside the commission's authority. On June 4, the Minimu June 4, 2026

Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop to Target Young Women Consumers Musinsa announced on June 4 that it will be the first domestic online retailer to launch the Italian fashion brand Subdued in South Korea. According to Musinsa, the official Subdued brand shop will be unveiled on June 5. Subdued is known for its free-spirited individuality and natural style. The brand gained attention after its first offline pop-up store opened in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in April, where social media buzz helped spread awareness through user-generated photos. With this la June 4, 2026

Musinsa Launches Subdued Brand Shop Targeting Young Women Musinsa announced on June 4 that it will be the first domestic online retailer to introduce the Italian fashion brand Subdued. According to Musinsa, the official Subdued brand shop will be launched on June 5. Subdued is a global fashion brand known for its free-spirited individuality and natural style. The brand's first offline pop-up store, which opened in April in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, gained attention on social media as customers shared photos from the event. With this launch, Musin June 4, 2026

More Companies Exit KOSDAQ than Enter as KONEX Loses Relevance The KONEX market, dedicated to small and venture companies in South Korea, is entering its 14th year but has been losing vitality in recent years, with both new listings and trading activity declining. Notably, the number of companies delisted has surpassed new listings, raising concerns about its effectiveness as a growth platform for small businesses. According to the Korea Exchange, only one company, S-Tech M, has gone public on KONEX this year, having listed in April. This follows six June 4, 2026

Government to Stabilize Supply of Cabbage and Radishes Amid Summer Heat and Rain Concerns As concerns grow over supply instability for agricultural products due to expected heavy rains and high temperatures this summer, the South Korean government announced it will activate a Summer Agricultural Supply Stabilization Task Force starting on June 15. The government also plans to supply 21,000 tons of stored cabbage and radishes to stabilize prices.On June 4, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a special task force meeting at the Government Seoul Complex to discuss t June 4, 2026