Lee Myung-bak Supports Park Hyung-jun in Busan Mayoral Race Former President Lee Myung-bak visited Busan on May 31 to urge citizens to support Park Hyung-jun, the People Power Party's candidate for mayor. According to Park's campaign committee, Lee's visit was part of a series of endorsements from former conservative presidents, following a visit by former President Park Geun-hye on May 27. Lee attended a worship service with Park at the Suyeongro Church in Haeundae, then moved to a nearby pork soup restaurant where they shared a meal. After dini May 31, 2026

[6·3 Local Elections] 'Party Leader Risk' Persists as Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk Face Challenges As the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections approach, concerns about the "party leader risk" surrounding Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party and Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party continue to grow. Political analysts note that both leaders have contributed to negative perceptions through repeated gaffes and are increasingly relying on extreme support bases amid competition for party leadership. According to reports on May 31, with just three days until t May 31, 2026

Banks Tighten Loan Standards Amid Domestic and Export Challenges As high exchange rates and oil prices increase financial burdens on companies, banks are implementing comprehensive loan management strategies. With the possibility of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Korea, banks are tightening loan assessments, particularly for industries facing economic challenges, as a proactive risk management measure. According to the financial sector on May 31, Bank A has identified new key management industries for the first half of the year, including th May 31, 2026

AI Investment Surge Expected Ahead of SpaceX and OpenAI IPOs SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, leading U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) companies, are expected to drive new momentum for Asian AI supply chain firms as they prepare for their initial public offerings (IPOs). According to Bloomberg on May 30, investors believe that the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic will trigger a new cycle of technology investment. A significant portion of the funds raised is expected to flow into Asian supply chains, including manufacturers of server components, May 31, 2026

Daiso Dominates Summer Sports and Running Market with Surge in Sales 아성다이소가 압도적 가격 경쟁력과 기능성을 앞세워 여름철 스포츠·러닝 시장을 빠르게 장악하고 있다. 러닝과 같은 일상 스포츠족을 겨냥해 출시한 기능성 의류들이 입소문을 타면서 온·오프라인 매장마다 품절 행진이 이어지는 모습이다. According to industry reports, Daiso's sportswear sales surged nearly 200% from January to April this year compared to the same period last year. Sales of sports accessories, including sports bands, arm bands, and leisure towels, also increased by about 4 May 31, 2026

Record Early Voting Rate Complicates Strategies for Parties Ahead of Local Elections As early voting for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections reached a record high, both ruling and opposition parties are recalibrating their strategies. The Democratic Party and the People Power Party are expected to analyze regional early voting rates to adjust their campaign tactics in the remaining days before the election. According to the National Election Commission on May 31, 10,498,411 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters participated in early voting held on May 31, 2026

Dairy Industry Faces Challenges as Milk Consumption Declines Domestic consumption of white milk is rapidly declining due to low birth rates, changes in food culture, and the rise of alternative beverages. As growth in the core dairy processing business slows, the industry is seeking new avenues through dining, processed foods, and exports. According to the Dairy Promotion Association, per capita consumption of white milk fell to 22.9 kilograms last year, down 9.5% from 25.3 kilograms the previous year. This marks the lowest level since the la May 31, 2026

Jongkundang Reports Growth Driven by Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Amid Competitive Market Jongkundang has regained its growth momentum, largely thanks to the effectiveness of its weight loss drug, Wegovy. As growth in its existing key products has slowed, Wegovy has quickly established itself as a new core product, helping to stabilize the company's performance. At the same time, Jongkundang is pursuing its own new drug development to secure long-term growth drivers. According to a report from the Financial Supervisory Service on May 31, Jongkundang recorded standalone May 31, 2026

Shinhan Card Launches Senior-Friendly Check Card with Points Rewards Shinhan Card has introduced a new check card aimed at senior customers who frequently visit hospitals, supermarkets, and cafes.On May 31, Shinhan Card announced the launch of the 'SOL Mate Shinhan Card SOL Plan Check (SOL Mate Check Card).' This card offers special rewards of up to 2% for purchases made at establishments commonly frequented by seniors, such as hospitals, supermarkets, and cafes.Eligible categories for the special rewards include hospitals (general hospitals, private clinics, den May 31, 2026

Evaluation of Lee Jae-myung's First Year in Office Highlights Economic Growth and Political Challenges As President Lee Jae-myung approaches his one-year anniversary in office, elders from various fields have positively assessed his communication with the public and improved economic indicators. However, they expressed disappointment over cooperation with opposition parties and the deepening polarization, urging the administration to address these issues during the remainder of its term. On May 31, Aju Economy gathered evaluations from four prominent figures in politics, economics, diplom May 31, 2026