Samsung Semiconductor Union Denies Voting Rights to DX Union Ahead of Agreement Vote The Samsung Electronics labor union is embroiled in significant internal conflict just hours before a vote on a tentative agreement. The Super Corporate Union Samsung Electronics Branch, which represents the largest group of semiconductor workers, unexpectedly informed the Donghaeng Union, which includes mobile and home appliance members, that they would not be allowed to vote, escalating tensions between the unions. According to industry sources, the Super Corporate Union notified the D May 23, 2026

Vitamin Market Evolves with Functional and Convenient Products The health supplement market is evolving with a focus on functionality. Recently, pharmaceutical companies have been introducing vitamin products aimed at immune management that prioritize formulation, ease of consumption, and low calories, moving beyond simple ingredient competition. According to industry reports on May 22, as demand for immune management increases ahead of seasonal changes and early summer, the pharmaceutical sector is accelerating competition in new vitamin products. May 23, 2026

DL E&C Unveils 'Acro Apgujeong' Design with Unique Features for All Residents DL E&C has introduced its design proposal for the 'Acro Apgujeong' project, emphasizing unique features such as views of the Han River, specialized ceiling heights, and terrace and penthouse designs as part of its strategy to differentiate high-end residential offerings. Recently unveiled at the promotional center for the Apgujeong District 5 redevelopment, the design ensures that all 1,232 members of the cooperative will have access to at least one unit with specialized features. The co May 23, 2026

Stellantis to Launch Over 60 New Models, Including 29 Electric Vehicles by 2030 Stellantis plans to launch over 60 new models, including 29 electric vehicles, by 2030 as part of its electrification strategy. This move is seen as a response to recent challenges in the electric vehicle market and declining sales in North America. On May 21, Stellantis held an Investor Day at its North American headquarters, unveiling its €60 billion five-year strategic plan, dubbed "Fast Lane 2030." The strategy includes the introduction of 29 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 15 plug- May 23, 2026

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Praises President Lee's Critique of Anti-China Sentiment Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Xing Haiming, expressed his appreciation for President Lee Jae-myung's criticism of fake news and the promotion of anti-China sentiment by some South Korean media. On May 22, the ambassador shared his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I hope that the entire Korean society can discern right from wrong and voluntarily reject fake news, discrimination, and incitement to enhance friendship between our two nations." In May 23, 2026

U.S. and Iran Exchange Messages on Peace Talks via Pakistan The United States and Iran are reportedly exchanging messages regarding peace talks through Pakistan. While direct conversations have not occurred, diplomatic channels facilitated by the intermediary nation remain active. On May 22, Anadolu Agency cited Iran's semi-official ISNA news outlet, stating that messages between Tehran and Washington continue via Pakistan's mediation. Earlier, Reuters reported that Iran had conveyed its response to a U.S. peace proposal through the intermediary, P May 23, 2026

Samwha Capacitor Hits Upper Limit on Optimism for MLCC Market, Sets New 52-Week High Samwha Capacitor has reached its upper trading limit, buoyed by expectations of an improved market for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). The surge in its stock price is attributed to anticipated performance gains from increased investments in AI data centers and the significant rise in Samsung Electro-Mechanics shares, which has had a positive spillover effect. As of 1:40 PM on the Korea Exchange on May 22, Samwha Capacitor's stock was trading at 102,000 won, up 23,500 won (29.94%) fro May 23, 2026

To Avoid Becoming a 'Feast for Yeouido,' South Korea Must Address Economic Inequality The 'trickle-down effect' has long been a term associated with conservative economic policies in South Korea. This concept, often referred to as the trickle-down effect, suggests that when large corporations grow and generate significant profits, the benefits will eventually flow down to suppliers, local communities, and consumers. The successful industrialization centered around large corporations has lent credence to this argument. In contrast, the 'fountain effect' represents a progr May 23, 2026

HD Construction Machinery Signs MOU for Ukraine Reconstruction Cooperation HD Hyundai is expanding its cooperation with the Mykolaiv regional government of Ukraine beyond equipment support to establish a long-term collaboration framework for overall reconstruction efforts. On May 22, HD Construction Machinery announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Mykolaiv regional government at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Pangyo the previous day. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Mykolaiv Governor Vitaliy Kim, HD May 23, 2026

Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Apology from Shinsegae Chairman and Lawmaker Over Starbucks Controversy Jung Cheong-rae, the chairman of the Democratic Party, has called on Shinsegae Group Chairman Shin Yong-jin and People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok to "kneel and apologize" regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day." He also announced plans to propose a strengthened version of the 5·18 special law. During a meeting of the election campaign committee in Cheongju on May 22, Jung stated, "There must never be a denial of history or an insult and mocke May 23, 2026