Former Presidential Aide Sentenced to 18 Months for Drafting Post-Hoc Martial Law Document Kang Ui-goo, a former aide to the presidential office, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and taken into custody after being found guilty of drafting a post-hoc martial law declaration following the lifting of emergency martial law on December 3. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 30, led by Judge Park Ok-hee, sentenced Kang on May 28 for charges including the creation of false documents, damage to public property, and violations of the Presidential Records Management May 28, 2026

Lotte Chilsung's Sunhari Jin Surpasses 82 Million Cans Sold in Five Years Lotte Chilsung Beverage's fruit-flavored carbonated drink brand, Sunhari Jin, has achieved cumulative sales of 82 million cans (based on 355ml) within five years of its launch. According to Lotte Chilsung Beverage on May 28, Sunhari Jin recorded approximately 82 million cans sold since the launch of Sunhari Lemon Jin in May 2021, averaging about 45,000 cans sold daily. The growth of Sunhari Jin is also reflected in its revenue. After generating 5.1 billion won in its first year May 28, 2026

Hana Financial Group Launches $2.3 Billion Support Plan for Inclusive Finance Hana Financial Group announced on May 28 that it will implement a roadmap for inclusive finance, which includes a financial support plan worth 3 trillion won ($2.3 billion) this year.The group outlined three key initiatives for 2026: addressing financial polarization, supporting financial independence, and expanding inclusive infrastructure.Hana Bank will launch a specialized product called the 'Hana OneQ Medium-Rate Loan' next month, targeting low- to mid-credit borrowers with a total of 2 tril May 28, 2026

Bank of Korea Signals Potential Rate Hike Amid Economic Concerns The Bank of Korea has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.50%, but the market perceives this as a signal of a shift toward tightening. Following a monetary policy committee meeting on May 28, Governor Shin Hyun-sung stated, "There is a need to raise the benchmark interest rate at an appropriate time in the future." The committee's dot plot indicated that most members anticipate further rate increases, with some even suggesting an immediate hike. The market is now largely expecting a rat May 28, 2026

Candidates Appeal for Support Ahead of Early Voting in Seoul Mayoral Election On May 28, one day before early voting for the June 3 local elections, Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, appealed for voter support. During a press conference at his campaign office in Sogong-dong, Jung stated, "This election is a choice between establishing citizen safety and life as the top priority of governance and starting a new Seoul that changes daily life for citizens." He urged voters to participate in ea May 28, 2026

Aekyung Industry Discovers Hair Loss Treatment Ingredient from Traditional Herb Aekyung Industry has discovered a new functional ingredient for hair loss treatment derived from the traditional herbal plant Hyeonhoesaek, which has been used historically for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The company will present its research findings on the new hair loss treatment ingredient at the 14th World Congress for Hair Research (WCHR) taking place at COEX in Seoul from May 28 to 31. Aekyung will showcase the efficacy of L-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP), a c May 28, 2026

Repeated Safety Disasters Highlight Need for Change in Priorities The recent collapse at the Seosomun Overpass demolition site and the missing rebar issue at the Samsung Station GTX construction site may appear to be separate incidents, but they share a common root: a persistent culture that prioritizes cost and speed over safety. On May 28, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Money cannot be more valuable than life," calling for thorough investigations and accountability from relevant agencies. He criticized the "distorted practices" that place money and effici May 28, 2026

Director Jeong Yoon-seok Appeals to Constitutional Court After Conviction Documentary director Jeong Yoon-seok, who was convicted for filming a disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court, has filed a constitutional appeal against the court's ruling. On May 28, Jeong held a press conference at the Minbyun office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, alongside several organizations including the Cultural Solidarity, Minbyun Public Interest Human Rights Litigation Center, After the Blacklist, Citizens' Coalition for Media Reform, and the Korean Independent Film Association t May 28, 2026

Europe on Edge as Russia Warns of Major Airstrikes Security concerns in Europe are escalating as Russia has warned of a large-scale airstrike targeting Ukraine. Ukraine has requested additional Patriot missile support from the United States, while Norway has agreed to participate in a nuclear umbrella initiative led by France. The military pressure from Russia is prompting discussions about Europe's own defense systems, extending beyond Ukraine's air defense issues. According to Sky News on May 27, Anne Keast-Butler, head of the UK Government Co May 28, 2026

Korean Horse Racing Industry: An Opportunity to Shed the Stigma of Gambling "Adhering to purchase limits is the start of healthy leisure activities." This phrase was prominently displayed throughout Let's Run Park in Gwacheon during a recent visit. The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) has implemented measures to combat gambling addiction, including capping betting amounts at 100,000 won per transaction. Despite these efforts, the stigma surrounding the domestic horse racing industry as a 'gambling industry' remains a persistent challenge. This perception is evi May 28, 2026