Conflict Over Performance Bonuses Intensifies Amid AI Boom in South Korea “I want to receive performance bonuses based on my results, but it feels like I’m playing a game where the outcome is already decided,” said Yoo, a 31-year-old employee at a major South Korean corporation. “The criteria for performance bonuses change every year, making it hard to predict. The issue isn’t the money; it’s that the standards keep changing and aren’t clearly defined.” As Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, leaders in the domestic semiconductor industry, continue to achieve record-brea May 23, 2026

KB Kookmin Bank to Provide $230 Million in Financial Support for SMEs Affected by Middle East Conflict KB Kookmin Bank is set to provide 230 billion won (approximately $230 million) in financial support to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. On May 22, the bank announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Technology Guarantee Fund to implement inclusive financial support aimed at helping SMEs overcome crises stemming from the Middle East conflict and global instability.According to the Minis May 23, 2026

Activists Detained by Israeli Forces Return Home, One Reports Hearing Loss Two South Korean activists who were detained by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza returned home on May 22. Kim Ah-hyun (alias Haecho) and Kim Dong-hyun arrived at Incheon Airport around 6:24 a.m. on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Speaking to reporters, Kim Ah-hyun recounted, "We were illegally abducted by Israel during our voyage to Gaza and imprisoned. The Israeli occupying forces were extremely angry, and many people were beaten while we were in custody." Kim Dong May 23, 2026

Cadillac Escalade IQL Launches as Longest Electric SUV in Korea Cadillac launched the all-electric long-body flagship SUV, the Escalade IQL, in Korea on May 22. The Escalade IQL builds on the exceptional performance of the Escalade IQ, unveiled last November, featuring an extended length and a more spacious interior. It comes standard with the 'Super Cruise' feature, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while maintaining attention on the road. This advanced driver assistance system from General Motors (GM) is currently availab May 23, 2026

Rising Interest in Temples Reflects 'Hip Buddhism' Trend The demand for visiting temples has been confirmed through actual travel data amid the rising trend of 'Hip Buddhism.' Tmap Mobility reported on May 22 that an analysis of Tmap driving data from 2023 to 2025 showed a continuous increase in temple visitation over the past three years. Notably, the number of temple destination settings last year increased by 26.9% compared to the previous year. This reflects the trend of consuming traditional Buddhism not just as a religion but as an everyd May 23, 2026

Government to Increase Waste Incineration Fee for Out-of-Region Waste 정부가 폐기물 소각시설이 있는 지방자치단체가 다른 지자체 폐기물을 처리할 때 추가로 받는 수수료의 가산금이 10%에서 20%로 올리는 방안을 추진한다. 공공 소각시설 설치 사업의 재정 지원은 확대한다. 기후에너지환경부는 22일 경제관계장관회의에서 이런 내용의 공공 소각시설 조기 확충 방안을 보고했다. 올해부터 수도권에서 생활폐기물 직매립이 금지되면서 수도권 쓰레기가 충청 등 타 지자체로 옮겨져 처리되는 문제가 발생하고 있다. 생활폐기물을 그대로 묻지 못하고 소각하거나 재활용품을 골라내는 작업을 거친 뒤 May 23, 2026

SpaceX IPO Highlights Shift in Capitalism as South Korea Lags Behind SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) is not just a major stock listing; it signifies a shift in the direction of capitalism. Just as the Industrial Revolution transformed society through railroads, oil, automobiles, and the internet, space is now emerging as the next economic frontier. Notably, SpaceX's investment prospectus states, "We will build cities on the Moon and other planets." What once might have seemed like science fiction is now a business plan valued in the trillions by global fin May 23, 2026

Teacher Who Reported School Misconduct Found Dead After Fall A teacher in his 50s was found dead after falling from an apartment in Gi-echeon City. According to police, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on May 21. The teacher, identified only as Mr. A, had reported misconduct related to embezzlement and drunk driving by school officials in 2023. Following his whistleblowing, he was reportedly sued for defamation by individuals associated with the school. No suicide note was found at the scene, and police are investigating the circumstances sur May 23, 2026

Launch of National Participation Growth Fund Offers Up to 40% Tax Deduction The National Participation Growth Fund, designed to invest in advanced strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and secondary batteries, was launched on May 22. According to the financial sector, the Financial Services Commission has begun a three-week subscription period for the fund, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, the total fundraising target is set at 600 billion won, with subscriptions available through 10 major banks and May 23, 2026

NH Investment & Securities Raises LG Innotek Target Price by 20% Amid Expansion in Autonomous Driving and Semiconductor Business NH Investment & Securities announced on May 22 that it has raised its target price for LG Innotek from 1 million won to 1.2 million won, a 20% increase, citing the company's expansion in autonomous driving-related businesses beyond vehicle camera modules to include application processor (AP) modules and FC-BGA substrates. The firm maintained its "buy" rating on the stock. Hwang Ji-hyun, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, noted, "The expansion of the autonomous driving business be May 23, 2026