Paid Broadcasting Subscribers Decline for Second Consecutive Year The domestic paid broadcasting market continues to experience a decline in subscribers, following its first drop in the first half of 2024. The Broadcasting and Communications Commission announced on May 29 that the number of paid broadcasting subscribers in the second half of last year was 36,150,070, a decrease of 76,030 from the previous half. This downward trend has persisted since the initial decline in early 2024. Specifically, the number of IPTV subscribers in the second half of May 29, 2026

NVIDIA's Jensen Huang Strengthens Ties in Taiwan and South Korea Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is set to visit South Korea following a trip to Taiwan, as he directly engages in managing the semiconductor supply chain in Asia. In Taiwan, he aims to solidify ties with the local semiconductor ecosystem, known as the "brotherhood room," through significant investments and the establishment of a local headquarters. He will then head to South Korea to arrange a second "Kangbu meeting" with major business leaders in the country. According to industry sources o May 29, 2026

South Korea to Conduct Special Inspections on Lodging Prices Ahead of BTS Concert The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on May 29 that it will conduct three joint special inspections with various agencies, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Tax Service, the Fair Trade Commission, and the National Police Agency, ahead of BTS's concert in Busan on June 12-13. The inspections, scheduled for May 29 and June 8-9, aim to prevent illegal and excessive pricing during the BTS concert and to establis May 29, 2026

President Lee Casts Early Vote Ahead of Local Elections On May 29, President Lee Jae-myung participated in early voting for the local elections and the National Assembly by-elections at a polling station in the Samcheong-dong community center near the Blue House. Wearing a gray tie, President Lee arrived around noon with his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, and Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik to cast their votes. A Blue House official stated, "This early voting is targeted at the Incheon Gyeyang-eul district, which is the President's registered reside May 29, 2026

Paris Baguette Strengthens Southeast Asia Strategy with Indonesia Halal Certification Paris Baguette announced on May 29 that it has received official halal certification from the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) for all 23 of its stores in Indonesia.The certified locations include stores in Jakarta, Tangerang, Depok, Medan, and Surabaya. Following its halal certification in Singapore, Paris Baguette is expected to accelerate its expansion in the Southeast Asian market.Halal certification indicates compliance with Islamic law regarding the use of ingredients and standards f May 29, 2026

Industrial Activity Declines Amid Middle East Conflict Fallout Last month, overall industrial activity, including production, consumption, and investment, experienced a decline, marking the first instance of a "triple decrease" since August of last year. Concerns have been raised that the fallout from the Middle East conflict, which began in late February, is now taking a toll, although some analysts suggest this may be a temporary adjustment. Oil Refining Plummets, Fuel Sales Drop, Investment Weakens According to the "April 2025 Industrial Activity Tr May 29, 2026

Supreme Court Rules on Compensation for School Violence Case The Supreme Court has upheld a ruling requiring lawyer Kwon Kyung-ae to pay 65 million won to the family of a school violence victim after she failed to appear in court three times during the appeals process. The court also stated that the validity of a 90 million won payment agreement Kwon signed after the fact must be reassessed, potentially increasing her financial liability. On May 29, the Supreme Court's first division, led by Justice Seo Kyung-hwan, overturned part of the lower cour May 29, 2026

KOSPI Touches 8,424 Before Pulling Back, Fluctuates Around 8,300 The KOSPI index touched 8,424 during trading but later reduced its gains, fluctuating around the 8,300 mark. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 11:58 a.m. on May 29, the KOSPI was up 185.32 points (2.26%) at 8,370.61. The index opened at 8,384.31, rising by 199.02 points (2.43%) from the previous session, reaching a high of 8,424.53 before pulling back to the 8,300 level. In terms of trading activity, individuals and foreign investors sold a net 667.5 billion won and 1.4883 trilli May 29, 2026

April Tax Revenue Reaches 55.2 Trillion Won Amid Rising Corporate and Income Taxes Tax revenue in South Korea has shown an upward trend, coinciding with a strong performance in semiconductor exports. According to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, corporate tax revenue has increased due to improved corporate performance, while income tax has also risen due to higher performance bonuses. Additionally, the securities transaction tax has surged due to a booming stock market. In its report released on May 29, the ministry stated that tax revenue for April reached 55.2 tri May 29, 2026

Workplace Childcare Facility Compliance Rate Reaches 94.9% As of 2025, the compliance rate for the mandatory establishment of workplace childcare facilities for businesses with 500 or more employees or 300 or more female employees has reached 94.9%, an increase from the previous year. The government has also released a list of 10 businesses that failed to meet this requirement.On May 29, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Education announced the results of a survey on compliance with the workplace childcare facility mandate. Out of May 29, 2026