Samsung Biologics Seeks Compromise Amid Ongoing Labor Dispute As the labor dispute at Samsung Biologics remains unresolved, attention turns to whether the company can find common ground similar to the recent resolution at Samsung Electronics. Analysts suggest that Samsung Biologics, part of the Samsung Group's major labor union, may look to the electronics giant's negotiations for guidance. According to industry sources, Samsung Biologics management met with union representatives on May 19 under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment and Labor t May 21, 2026

Concerns Grow Over Iran War Budget Depletion Within Three Months Concerns have emerged within the U.S. Republican Party that funding for the Iran war could run out in three months. As the conflict approaches its third month and shows signs of prolongation, worries are growing among Republicans ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for early November. On May 20, Tom Cole, the Republican chair of the House Appropriations Committee, warned that the Department of Defense's funding for the Iran-related war could be depleted by August. Cole expressed his co May 21, 2026

Tesla Korea Transitions to Two-CEO Structure Following Executive Departure Tesla Korea has shifted from a three-CEO structure to a two-CEO model. According to industry sources on May 21, Kenneth Ernest Moore, who served as CEO of Tesla Korea, resigned on May 1. Moore took on the role on March 9, 2023, and has now stepped down after nearly three years. With his departure, the remaining CEOs are David John Feinstein and Seo Young-deuk. Moore is expected to take on a role in accounting and financial management at Tesla's headquarters in the United States. He did not h May 21, 2026

Decision on Transfer of Wartime Operational Control Expected This Year South Korean military authorities believe that the evaluation and verification of the Full Mission Capability (FMC), the final stage in the transfer of wartime operational control, can be completed in about a year. The government is also considering a plan to finalize the verification of full operational capability this year and present a target year for the transfer of operational control. A Defense Ministry official stated on May 20 that if the target year for the transfer is determin May 21, 2026

Jung Cheong-rae Supports Park Soo-hyun and Kim Young-bin in Chungnam Elections Jung Cheong-rae, the chief election officer of the Democratic Party, visited Chungnam on May 21, the first day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. He urged voters to choose candidates who can lead legislation and budget management, specifically supporting Park Soo-hyun for Chungnam governor and Kim Young-bin for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang National Assembly seat. At a joint campaign rally held in Gongju, Jung stated, "For Chung May 21, 2026

China and Russia Formalize Joint Front Against U.S. with Enhanced Military and Economic Cooperation China and Russia have agreed to expand their joint front against the U.S.-led international order across military, economic, and technological sectors. The two nations extended their existing friendship treaty and criticized U.S. missile defense plans and sanctions against Russia. They also aligned their positions on issues concerning Taiwan, the Ukraine war, and Iran, while agreeing to enhance joint military exercises and naval and air patrols. On May 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping and May 21, 2026

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Supports BOJ's June Rate Hike Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, expressed support for the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) policy decisions following a meeting with BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda, drawing attention to the possibility of an additional rate hike in June. As the yen weakens and Japanese long-term interest rates rise, analysts suggest that U.S. remarks may exert indirect pressure on the cautious Japanese government regarding rate increases. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that Ueda met with Bessent in Paris on May 21, 2026

Act Calls for Strict Review of Huons Lab Merger as New Form of Backdoor Listing Act, a platform for minority shareholders, has urged financial authorities to conduct a strict review of the merger between Huons Global and its unlisted subsidiary, Huons Lab, calling it a new form of backdoor listing. On May 21, Act announced the launch of a petition drive to gather signatures for a letter to the Financial Supervisory Service and the Korea Exchange. The merger involves Huons Global, which holds a 64.1% stake in the unlisted Huons Lab, absorbing the listed company Huons. Minor May 21, 2026

HanAll Biopharma Hits Daily Limit Up Following Partner's Clinical Results HanAll Biopharma reached its daily trading limit after a surge in buying interest following the announcement of clinical results from its global partner. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:09 PM, HanAll Biopharma's stock rose by the maximum allowable limit of 11,700 won (29.85%) to trade at 50,900 won. Market analysts noted that Immunovant, HanAll Biopharma's partner, released interim clinical data for its drug candidate, imlifidase (IMVT-1402), for the treatment of refractory rh May 21, 2026

Despite Leaving Penny Stock Status, Companies Face Fresh Declines As financial authorities intensify efforts to expel poorly performing companies from the stock market, many firms are opting for stock consolidations. However, despite the numerical boost in stock prices from these consolidations, many companies are experiencing significant declines shortly after their re-listing, leading to concerns that simple consolidation is insufficient for long-term stability.According to the Korea Exchange, from May 18 to 20, ten companies listed on the KOSPI and 21 on th May 21, 2026