Defense Ministry Suspends Collaboration with Starbucks on Soldier Welfare Program The Defense Ministry has temporarily suspended its collaboration with Starbucks Korea on a soldier welfare program following criticism that the company trivialized the May 18 Democratic Uprising by hosting a 'Tank Day' event. A Defense Ministry official stated on May 22, "We have decided to temporarily suspend and postpone the beverage support project for remote military units in collaboration with Starbucks Korea." The official added, "We will carefully determine the direction of t May 23, 2026

Korean Business Leader Warns of Samsung Electronics Bonus Controversy Sohn Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, raised concerns on May 22 about the potential escalation of labor disputes stemming from the ongoing bonus controversy at Samsung Electronics. During a meeting in Seoul's Lotte Hotel with Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sohn discussed the Samsung bonus issue and ongoing domestic matters, including artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration initiatives. This year, Samsung Electro May 23, 2026

Justice Ministry Orders Review of Starbucks 'Tank Day' Controversy The Justice Ministry has instructed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to review the status of events related to Starbucks' 'Tank Day' promotion amid ongoing controversy. On May 22, the ministry announced in a press release that it had directed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to assess the status of surveys, contests, and events utilizing the promotional items. However, in response to reports from multiple media outlets suggesting potential disciplinary actions against purchasers of the pr May 23, 2026

SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Meets UNDP President De Croo to Discuss Private Sector Role in Global Development Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), met with Alexander De Croo, the newly appointed President of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on May 22 at the KCCI headquarters in Seoul. They discussed expanding the role of the private sector in global development cooperation and ways to create social value. The UNDP is a UN agency responsible for planning and managing projects aimed at economic and social development in developing countries. De May 23, 2026

Internet Banks Exceed 30% Loan Share for Low-Credit Borrowers in Q1 최근 '체리피킹' 지적을 받은 인터넷전문은행 3사가 올해 1분기 중저신용자 대출 비중 목표치를 일제히 웃돈 것으로 나타났다. 비금융 데이터를 활용한 대안신용평가모형을 앞세워 금융취약계층에 대출 공급을 확대하는 등 포용금융 강화에 속도를 내는 모습이다. 22일 금융권에 따르면 카카오뱅크는 올해 1분기 중저신용자(개인 및 개인사업자)에게 4500억원 규모의 신용대출을 공급했다. 2017년 7월 출범 이후 카카오뱅크가 취급한 중·저신용 대출은 누적 16조원에 달한다. 1분기 중·저신용자 대출 잔액 비중은 32.3%, 신규 취급 May 23, 2026

Choo Kyung-ho: Revitalizing Daegu's Economy with AI, Robotics, and Semiconductors "The Daegu mayoral election ultimately comes down to who can revive the Daegu economy. From day one, I will be a 'professional economic mayor' who works efficiently," said Choo Kyung-ho, the candidate for mayor from the People Power Party, during an interview with Aju Economy at his campaign office in Daegu's Suseong District. Choo emphasized that "Daegu cannot simply improve slightly," stating that a "complete overhaul of the Daegu economy" is necessary. He aims to create a city that attracts m May 23, 2026

Seoul Mayoral Candidates Focus on Development and Safety Ahead of Local Elections On the second day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections, Oh Se-hoon, the People's Power candidate for Seoul mayor, visited the Han River Belt area to appeal to voters concerned about real estate development. Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party candidate, focused on safety issues during his visits to Guui Station and Jungnang-gu. On May 22, Oh visited the Dong Seoul Terminal in Gwangjin-gu to emphasize his commitment to real estate development. He stated, "I chose Gwangjin-g May 23, 2026

Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support for Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi Province Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the People Power Party, visited Gyeonggi Province on May 22 to urge voters to support Yang Hyang-ja, the party's candidate for governor. He called for overwhelming support for a "clean and capable candidate who will shape the future of Gyeonggi Province." During a campaign rally at Beomgye Intersection in Anyang, Jang criticized Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate, stating, "While Yang was on a hunger strike to prevent a strike at Samsung Electronics for May 23, 2026

BMW Excellence Lounge 2026: A Fusion of Luxury and Culture "A very special day for BMW luxury car owners." BMW Korea hosted the 2026 BMW Excellence Lounge event on May 22 at the Project Space Line in Gangnam, Seoul. This exclusive event is aimed at owners of luxury brands, including the BMW 7 Series. This year's theme, "Progression," encompassed a premium experience that blended art and luxury lifestyle. The exhibition featured BMW's flagship vehicles alongside works by renowned contemporary Korean artist Lee Kang-soo. A docent guided attendees t May 23, 2026

KOSDAQ Soars on Hopes for National Growth Fund, Led by Battery and Bio Sectors On May 22, major stocks on the KOSDAQ surged amid expectations for the National Participation Growth Fund. Strong buying activity, particularly in the secondary battery and pharmaceutical sectors, drove the KOSDAQ's upward trend. According to the Korea Exchange, EcoProBM, the top stock by market capitalization on the KOSDAQ, closed at 216,000 won, up 21,000 won (10.77%) from the previous trading day. During the session, it peaked at 219,750 won, recovering a market cap of 21 trillion won. May 23, 2026