Korea's Small Business Agency Partners with POSCO for Supply Chain Support The Korea Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Agency (KOSME) has established a supply chain cooperation system with POSCO and will provide production funds to small businesses in the steel and secondary battery sectors. KOSME announced on May 21 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with POSCO, POSCO Future M, N2B, and POSCO HY Clean Metal at POSCO's headquarters in Pohang. About 20 officials attended the signing ceremony, including Ban Jeong-sik, KOSME's Director of Regi May 21, 2026

NongHyup Accepts Direct Election for Members, Maintains Stance on Audit Committee The NongHyup (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation) has announced its acceptance of a direct election system for its members as part of ongoing reforms, which also include the establishment of an audit committee. However, the organization maintains that the audit committee will serve to enhance internal auditing functions. Kang Ho-dong, Chairman of NongHyup, made this announcement on May 21 during a statement titled 'A Letter to Agricultural Members and the Public' at the NongHyup head May 21, 2026

Safety Concerns Rise Amid Ongoing Deep Underground Construction Issues Concerns over safety have intensified following the discovery of rebar omissions in the GTX-A line construction and repeated ground subsidence near the Naeseong Underpass in Busan, which opened just three months ago. Both construction sites involve deep underground work, with depths exceeding 40 meters. As urban congestion increases, the frequency of deep underground projects has risen, yet the regulatory framework has not kept pace with international standards. As of May 21, the construc May 21, 2026

Director Lee Sang-yeob and Kim Jae-won Discuss 'Yumi's Cells' and Shin Sun-rok Every work contains numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ. 'Choi Song-hee's B-Cut' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the 'B-Cut' moments that were even more intense than the completed frames through interviews with the director and actors. <Editor's Note> TVING's original series 'Yumi's Cells 3' (written by Song Jae-jung and Kim Kyung-ran May 21, 2026

The Strategic Importance of South Korea-Japan Cooperation Amid Global Tensions "If you don’t have teeth, you have to rely on your gums." This saying aptly describes the current situation for South Korea and Japan in light of international dynamics. While the North Korea-China-Russia coalition is solidifying, the once-stable U.S.-led alliance is showing signs of strain. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation against the U.S. during a summit in Beijing this week. The two coun May 21, 2026

Wellmade Strengthens Summer Collection Amid Strong May Sales Sejong Group's fashion retail brand Wellmade is set to continue its strong sales momentum in the first half of the year by promoting the summer collection of its women's brand Daily List. According to Sejong Group on May 21, Wellmade has recorded a 34% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. The company's promotional events and online and offline campaigns during May, which is Family Month in Korea, have garnered positive consumer responses. Daily List also contribute May 21, 2026

Energy Legislation Advances, Including Coal Phase-Out Support Legislation supporting the energy transition agenda of the Lee Jae-myung administration is advancing in the National Assembly. Key measures include a special law to support regions affected by coal plant closures, reforms to the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), and amendments to three laws aimed at timely power grid construction. On May 21, Lee Ho-hyun, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, held a briefing at the government complex in Sejong, stating, May 21, 2026

Kim Byung-man Apologizes for Arriving Late to Press Conference 코미디언 김병만이 TV조선 '생존왕2' 기자간담회에 지각한 것에 대해 사과했다. On May 21, comedian Kim Byung-man issued an apology for arriving late to the press conference for TV Chosun's "Survivor King 2." He posted a lengthy message on his social media, stating, "I am writing this to apologize for my tardiness at the production announcement due to my oversight." He explained, "I traveled from Jeju on May 19 to attend the press conference on May 20. I was preparing for the event and had sch May 21, 2026

High-End Apartment Transactions in Seoul Slow Down The high-end apartment market in Seoul has seen a decline in transaction values compared to a year ago. While transactions in key areas like Gangnam and Yongsan continue in the 10 billion won range, the trend of large transactions in the 20 billion to 30 billion won range has noticeably slowed down. An analysis of real transaction data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revealed that the highest apartment transaction this year was for a 231.2798 square meter unit at ' May 21, 2026

Senior Consumers Drive Growth in Seoul's Traditional Markets Seoul's commercial landscape is shifting. While the growth of youth-centric areas like Hongdae and Sinchon has slowed, traditional markets such as Cheongnyangni, Jongno 3-ga, and Suyu are rapidly expanding, driven by a significant consumer base aged 60 and older. Analysts suggest that the era dominated by youth trends is giving way to a resurgence of older consumers and the rediscovery of established markets. An analysis of statistics from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's commerci May 21, 2026