Korean Finance Minister Discusses Capital Market Reforms with HSBC and Schroders Koo Yun-cheol, the Minister of Economy and Finance, met with top executives from global financial institutions in London to discuss reforms in South Korea's capital markets and ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced industries. On May 19, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that Koo held discussions with executives from HSBC and Schroders during the 'Korean Economy Investment Briefing' in London on May 18. They exchanged views on May 19, 2026

PGA Tour's CJ Cup to Kick Off on May 22 with Scheffler, Koepka, Kim, and Im CJ Group is sponsoring the PGA Tour's full-field event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will take place from May 22 to 25 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. With a total prize purse of $10.3 million, the tournament will feature 144 players. The winner will receive 500 FedEx Cup points, a two-year tour exemption, and eligibility to participate in signature events for that year. Additionally, they will earn entry into the next season's Players Championship and major tournaments. The tro May 19, 2026

Upcoming Launch of Samsung and Nix Leverage ETFs Raises Consumer Concerns The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has issued a warning about potential consumer risks ahead of the launch of single-stock leverage exchange-traded funds (ETFs) next week. The FSS announced plans to enhance monitoring and internal controls related to these products.On May 19, the FSS held its second Consumer Risk Response Council, chaired by Lee Chan-jin, to discuss recent risk factors affecting financial consumers and corresponding countermeasures.The FSS identified the significant influx May 19, 2026

Kiwoom Securities Establishes Emergency Succession Procedures Kiwoom Securities has introduced a new regulation for emergency management succession procedures to ensure immediate action in the event that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is unable to perform their duties unexpectedly. This move aims to minimize the risk of management gaps and formalize succession processes amid recent changes in corporate governance laws aimed at enhancing transparency.According to the financial investment industry on May 19, Kiwoom Securities has amended its internal gove May 19, 2026

Hancom Transitions to Sovereign Agentic OS, Phasing Out Legacy Brand Hancom, a pioneering software company, has announced the retirement of its 36-year-old brand "Hangul and Computer" and its identity as a traditional office software provider. The company is transitioning to become a Sovereign Agentic Operating System (OS) firm based on artificial intelligence (AI). On May 19, Hancom held a strategy presentation titled "Hancom: The Shift" at the Fairmont Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, where it unveiled its AI business achievements and new corporate vision. Kim May 19, 2026

National Growth Fund to Launch on May 22, No Principal Guarantee and Five-Year Lock-In The National Participation Growth Fund will be launched on May 22, with a total size of 6 trillion won. Sales may close early if the funds are exhausted. On May 19, the Financial Services Commission provided key information regarding the National Participation Growth Fund. The fund aims to raise 6 trillion won from the general public and will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis through major banks and securities firms from May 22 to June 11. However, this is not May 19, 2026

Samsung C&T Expands Home Platform Services to Pre-Move-In Stage Samsung C&T's construction division is expanding the services of its home platform, HomeNick, to include the pre-move-in stage for apartments. On May 19, Samsung C&T announced a collaboration with interior design firm Hanssem to introduce the "HomeStyle" service for prospective residents. Those moving into new developments where HomeNick is implemented will be able to view 3D interior concepts tailored to their apartment size and can book consultations at showrooms, leading to purchase o May 19, 2026

Samsung Electronics Labor Negotiations Continue Amid Stalemate Samsung Electronics' labor negotiations entered their second day on May 19, with Park Soo-geun, chairman of the Central Labor Relations Commission, stating that while both sides are making concessions, two key issues remain unresolved. He noted, "There is a possibility of reaching an agreement, but it is difficult to say at this point." Speaking to reporters as he entered the meeting room after a break, Park commented on the ongoing difficulties in reaching a consensus, saying, "The two mo May 19, 2026

Uniqlo Returns to Myeongdong, Recovering Sales After Boycott Uniqlo, which left Myeongdong due to the No Japan movement and the impact of COVID-19, is returning to the area after five years. With an increase in foreign tourists and improving Japan-South Korea relations, the company is set to target Myeongdong with its largest store in the country.The "Uniqlo Myeongdong" store will officially open on May 22 in the Myeongdong area of Seoul. The store spans three floors and covers a total area of 3,254.8 square meters, making it the largest in South K May 19, 2026

MC Mong's TikTok Account Suspended After Celebrity Allegations 가수 MC몽이 소셜미디어(SNS) 계정을 정지당했다고 밝혔다. On May 19, MC Mong announced that his TikTok account was suspended for a week due to "specific expressions" he used. Previously, on May 18, during a live broadcast on his social media, MC Mong claimed that there exists an illegal gambling ring involving celebrities, mentioning Kim Min-jong as one of its members. In response, Kim Min-jong stated through his legal representative, the law firm Okims, that he firmly denies the allegati May 19, 2026