Korean Shipbuilders Gather at Posidonia 2026 for Major Deals The world's largest shipbuilding and maritime exhibition, Posidonia 2026, is set to open in Athens, Greece, next month, attracting a significant presence from South Korean shipbuilders. The event provides a platform for direct engagement with global shipowners, raising the possibility of major deals. According to industry sources on May 28, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Samsung Heavy Industries CEO Choi Sung-an, and HJ Shipbuilding CEO Yoo Sang-cheol will participate in the Posidonia e May 28, 2026

BMW 220i Active Tourer Offers Sedan-Like Driving with SUV Versatility The BMW 2 Series '220i Active Tourer (M Sport Design Trim)' resembles a sports utility vehicle (SUV) but delivers a sedan-like driving experience. Positioned as a niche model, it aims to balance practicality and driving performance in a market dominated by SUVs.Upon first encountering the vehicle, which was tested on May 28, it gave an impression closer to a small SUV. Although classified as a hatchback, its height and width felt substantial. However, it is not overly large for beginner drivers, May 28, 2026

70% of South Korea's Top 1,000 Companies Are Based in the Capital Region A recent report reveals that 70% of South Korea's top 1,000 listed companies are headquartered in the capital region. Despite discussions about relocating public institutions and businesses to provincial areas since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the concentration of corporate headquarters in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province remains strong. Notably, larger companies tend to be more concentrated in Seoul, while the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (BULG) area shows relative strength among non-ca May 28, 2026

Blue House Encourages Public Discussion on Redistribution of Corporate Excess Profits On May 28, the Blue House expressed hope for various opportunities for public discourse regarding the social distribution of excess profits from large corporations, in light of an upcoming discussion hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.During a briefing at the Chunchugwan, Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung responded to a question about whether the discussion is a continuation of comments made by Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom regarding excess tax revenue. Kang stated, "Labor Minister Kim Yo May 28, 2026

Candidates Clash in Negative Debate for Busan North District Busan's North District by-election candidates faced off in a televised debate that was marked more by negative exchanges than policy discussions. Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party and Park Min-sik of the People Power Party launched concentrated attacks on independent candidate Han Dong-hoon regarding the controversy surrounding the party's member board and his involvement in the investigation of former President Park Geun-hye.During the debate organized by the National Election Commission at B May 28, 2026

Yen Approaches 160 Mark Again Amid Growing Doubts The Japanese yen is once again nearing the 160 mark against the dollar. Following a market intervention by Japanese authorities at the end of April that temporarily pushed the yen back to the mid-155 range, it has slipped back to the mid-159 range within a month. The 160 yen defense line, which was barely maintained, is now being tested again. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the yen was trading at 159.57 to 159.58 yen per dollar in the Tokyo foreign exchange market on the May 28, 2026

Investors Becoming Addicted to Risky Bets in Stock Market The stock market is reflecting a trend similar to the way people develop a taste for spicier food. When visiting a noodle shop or a tteokbokki restaurant, customers can choose from mild, medium, spicy, and extra spicy options. Initially, even the mild flavor can feel quite hot, causing one to sweat and think, "Next time, I should go for something less spicy." However, as time passes, that initial sensation fades, and soon, the same flavor no longer satisfies. The thought of trying just one May 28, 2026

Rising Construction Costs Shake Foundations of Public Housing in South Korea Rising construction costs are disrupting the long-standing formula for housing supply in South Korea. The construction cost index reached a record high of 134.42 in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of increases. Compared to 2020, costs have surged by over 30% in just six years, driven by soaring material and labor costs. The issue extends beyond mere cost increases; it is shaking the very calculations behind public housing supply. Construction sites are already facing unb May 28, 2026

Dong-A ST Expands Digital Healthcare-Based CSR in Ethiopia Dong-A ST announced on May 28 that it is expanding its digital healthcare-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in medically underserved areas of Ethiopia. The company’s phased CSR initiatives go beyond simple donations, incorporating local medical staff training and data-driven collaboration to enhance healthcare accessibility and disease management in the region. In 2024, Dong-A ST began its support for digital healthcare in Ethiopia by donating the remote patient moni May 28, 2026

Civic Group Evaluates Seoul Mayor Candidates' Promises as Lacking Specificity In the lead-up to the local elections, a civic group has assessed the campaign promises of major party candidates for Seoul Mayor, finding them appropriate for citizens' livelihood issues but lacking in diversity and specificity regarding budget and funding.The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) released its evaluation on May 28, based on responses from four candidates regarding their three main campaign promises.CCEJ evaluated the candidates' promises based on several criteria, inc May 28, 2026