Innovation Party Appeals for Support Ahead of Local Elections The Justice Innovation Party appealed for voter support on June 2, one day before the local elections, urging citizens to vote for its candidates to uphold the efforts and values of the democratic camp. The party also called for a decisive judgment against the conservative People Power Party and others, emphasizing the need to prevent illegal martial law. Lee Hae-min, the party's secretary-general, addressed reporters at the National Assembly, stating, "In just a few hours, the official c June 2, 2026

Samsung Publishing's $10 Million Stock Buyback Drives Shares to Limit Up Samsung Publishing's announcement of a 10 billion won stock buyback plan sent its shares soaring to the daily limit. After a month of declining stock prices, the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value has significantly improved investor sentiment. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:49 a.m., Samsung Publishing's shares were trading at 7,930 won, up 1,830 won (30.00%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 6,250 won but quickly surged to the upper limit as b June 2, 2026

Pamtech Shares Surge Following Acquisition of Robotics Firm TIS Pamtech has seen its shares hit the daily limit for the second consecutive trading day following news of its acquisition of TIS, a company specializing in industrial robots. As of 10:40 a.m. on June 2, shares of Pamtech rose by 419 won (29.99%) to 1,816 won. The previous day, shares also closed up by 29.95%, marking two days of limit-up trading. The acquisition of 100% of TIS is seen as a move to enhance Pamtech's semiconductor process automation equipment business, boosting investor sen June 2, 2026

Korea Expressway Corporation Introduces Fuel Assistance Service for Vulnerable Road Users The Korea Expressway Corporation announced on June 2 that it will implement a "QR Call Fuel Assistance Service" to reduce the inconvenience faced by vulnerable road users, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women, at highway gas stations. This service will be available at 218 self-service gas stations across the country. Out of 226 gas stations on the expressways, 218 operate on a self-service basis, accounting for 96%. Previously, vulnerable users had to use as June 2, 2026

Celltrion Establishes First Labor Union, Calls for Performance Pay and Staffing Discussions Celltrion has established its first labor union, marking a significant milestone 25 years after the company's founding. The union is advocating for transparency in performance pay criteria, improvements to the wage system, and the hiring of regular staff. Union representatives argue that discussions on a compensation system commensurate with the company's expected record performance are necessary. According to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry June 2, 2026

Korea's National Railroad Corporation Wins $13 Million Rail Project in Peru The National Railroad Corporation announced it has secured a contract for the design review and construction supervision of the "Huancayo-Huancavelica" railway improvement project, commissioned by Peru's Transportation Infrastructure Investment Supervisory Agency. The project is valued at approximately $13 million (about 19.2 billion won). This initiative aims to modernize a 128.7-kilometer stretch of aging railway in the central Andes region of Peru, which operates at altitudes exceedi June 2, 2026

Rising Oil Prices Drive Consumer Inflation to 26-Month High The impact of rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant increase in consumer inflation, reaching its highest level in 26 months. The surge in fuel prices has spread to transportation and travel services, raising overall living costs. According to the National Data Agency's report on consumer price trends for May 2026, the consumer price index rose to 119.92 (2020=100), marking a 3.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This is the first t June 2, 2026

KOSPI Success Under Lee Administration: Next Focus on KOSDAQ June 3 marks not only the local elections but also the one-year anniversary of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Following a tumultuous presidential election amid a state of emergency, South Korea has returned to a path of normalization over the past year. While evaluations of the various policies implemented by the Lee administration may vary, its most notable achievement in the economic sector is undoubtedly the revitalization of the KOSPI.The KOSPI has broken free from the long-standing 'Kore June 2, 2026

Legal Battles and Attacks Dominate Seoul Education Superintendent Election With just one day to go until the June 3 local elections, the race for the Seoul education superintendent is mired in legal disputes and personal attacks rather than policy discussions. Both progressive and conservative factions have failed to unify, resulting in eight candidates competing for the position. As the election devolves into ideological battles and negative campaigning, concerns are growing over the uncertainty surrounding education administration in Seoul. According to June 2, 2026

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to Appear on Popular Korean Variety Show NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who is visiting South Korea on June 4, will meet with popular television host Yoo Jae-suk.According to the production team of tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" on June 2, "Jensen Huang will appear on 'You Quiz on the Block.'"Huang is credited with transforming NVIDIA from a graphics chip company into a key player in the generative AI era, recognized for his influence in both technology and management as the founder and a visionary in the industry.As this marks his first appe June 2, 2026