KOSPI Opens Strong, Surging Over 2% on Optimism and AI Rally The KOSPI opened higher on May 29, buoyed by easing geopolitical risks in the Middle East and a rally in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. As of 9:07 a.m. KST, the KOSPI had risen 204.53 points (2.50%) to 8,389.82, after starting the day at 8,384.31, up 199.02 points (2.43%).U.S. markets closed higher overnight, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both reaching record highs, gaining 0.58% and 0.91%, respectively, on May 28. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also rose by 0.05%.The market's up May 29, 2026

SK Telecom to Launch Integrated 4G and 5G Plans in July SK Telecom (SKT) is set to launch a new pricing plan that integrates its 5G and LTE services, completely overhauling its pricing structure to ensure basic communication even after data is depleted. Starting in July, SKT will implement a phased update to its pricing system, which includes the launch of a 5G and LTE integrated plan, automatic application of age-based benefits, and free data assurance for all citizens, the company announced on May 29. The new plan, named 'Best Light,' wil May 29, 2026

BC Card Expands Afforestation Project in Mongolia to Combat Desertification BC Card is expanding its afforestation efforts in Mongolia to combat desertification. The company announced on May 29 that it will utilize its 'Paperless' environmental fund and 'Green Card' fund to plant an additional 10 hectares of forest annually in the Bayanchandmani area of Mongolia through 2028. The Paperless environmental fund was established in 2012 through a partnership between BC Card and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. It operates a system that elim May 29, 2026

DaeShin Securities CEO Jin Seung-wook Focuses on Stability and Growth Jin Seung-wook's leadership at DaeShin Securities emphasizes 'stability after expansion.' Recently, the firm surpassed 4 trillion won in equity, meeting the criteria for entering the large investment banking sector. The focus now shifts from mere growth to whether this can be translated into a sustainable growth structure. Jin, a 'one-club man' with over 30 years at DaeShin and its affiliates, faces the challenge of transforming a retail-focused brokerage into a corporate finance and asset manag May 29, 2026

Samsung Electronics Makes Strategic Investment in Anthropic, Boosting Foundry Prospects Samsung Electronics has made a significant investment in Anthropic, the developer of the artificial intelligence model 'Claude.' This investment not only enhances Samsung's potential to supply advanced high-bandwidth memory (HBM) but also lays the groundwork for securing big tech clients in its foundry business. On May 28, Anthropic announced it raised $65 billion in its Series H funding round. This capital infusion values the company at $965 billion, making it the most valuable AI start May 29, 2026

U.S. Vice President Vance: Agreement with Iran is Closer JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, stated that while an agreement with Iran has not yet been reached, the two sides are getting closer. The U.S. and Iran have approached a preliminary agreement that includes extending a ceasefire and resuming navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but a final deal has not been finalized. Key issues remaining include nuclear matters and the wording of a memorandum of understanding. According to Reuters on the 28th, Vice President Vance explained that "both sid May 29, 2026

U.S. and South Korea to Launch Working Group on Nuclear Submarine Discussions South Korea and the United States will establish a working group on June 2 to discuss follow-up measures regarding nuclear-powered submarines, as outlined in the joint fact sheet from their recent summit.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 29 that the inaugural meeting for the working group will take place in Seoul from June 2 to 3 to address security-related follow-up actions from the joint fact sheet.The South Korean delegation will include Deputy Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo an May 29, 2026

LG Uplus and Samsung Electronics Collaborate on 6G and ISAC Technology Research LG Uplus and Samsung Electronics are embarking on joint research focused on communication and sensing convergence technologies aimed at the 6G era. The primary goal is to validate research-stage technologies in real communication network environments to establish a foundation for commercialization. On May 29, LG Uplus announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung Electronics on May 27 to collaborate on the research and development of communication and sensing May 29, 2026

Celltrion Expects Growth Momentum Following Strong Q1 Performance Celltrion has reported its highest-ever quarterly performance in the first quarter of this year, raising expectations for continued growth in the second quarter. Although the biosimilar industry typically experiences a slowdown in the first quarter, Celltrion demonstrated improved performance driven by the rapid market acceptance of high-revenue new products and stable prescription growth for existing products. Analysts suggest that the strong performance in the first quarter could serve May 29, 2026

Korean Air and Asiana Conduct Joint Emergency Evacuation Drill Korean Air is verifying the safety response capabilities of its cabin crew ahead of the launch of the integrated airline. On May 29, Korean Air announced that it successfully completed a joint emergency evacuation drill with Asiana Airlines the previous day.This drill is part of the implementation plan for the integrated Air Operator Certificate (AOC) that both airlines have been collaborating on under the supervision of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the past two years. May 29, 2026