Bloomberg Analyzes Four Scenarios for Potential Samsung Strike Bloomberg has analyzed the potential for a strike at Samsung Electronics, viewing the labor dispute as a variable in the global semiconductor supply chain. As demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors rises, the largest union at Samsung Electronics warns that a strike could escalate domestic labor tensions into a global supply chain risk. According to Bloomberg on May 18, Samsung Electronics and its largest union are negotiating under government mediation to avoid a strike. Th May 19, 2026

Samsung E&A and K-water Sign MOU to Expand Water Business Samsung E&A is accelerating its expansion into the water business in collaboration with K-water. On May 18, Samsung E&A announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with K-water to expand their water business. The signing ceremony took place at K-water's Han River Headquarters in Gwacheon, attended by top executives from both companies, including Hong Nam-goo, President of Samsung E&A, and Yoon Seok-dae, President of K-water. This agreement aims to combine the core compete May 19, 2026

MC Mong Accuses Kim Ho-jung's Former Agency Head of Gambling While Artist Serves Time Singer and producer MC Mong has raised allegations of gambling against the former head of Kim Ho-jung's agency. On May 18, MC Mong conducted a live broadcast on his personal social media account, where he addressed illegal gambling allegations surrounding himself. During the broadcast, he claimed that MBC's 'PD Notebook' had requested his stance on the alleged illegal use of company funds for gambling and the destination of advance payments, which he denied. MC Mong asserted that those a May 19, 2026

ChatGPT Ranked as Most Used AI App in South Korea in April, with Higher Female User Base Last month, ChatGPT emerged as the most widely used generative AI app among South Koreans, followed by Gemini and Claude. According to data from WiseApp and Retail, a market and competitor analysis solution based on real-time app and payment data, ChatGPT recorded 23.45 million monthly active users (MAU) in April. Gemini had 8.45 million users, while Claude reached 2.41 million. Among these, Claude experienced the most significant growth compared to the same month last year, with a user May 19, 2026

Inflation Fears Hit South Korea, U.S., and Japan as Bond Yields Reach Multi-Year Highs Concerns over inflation are escalating globally, pushing government bond yields to their highest levels in years. Analysts suggest that future interest rates will largely depend on international oil prices. According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, on May 18, the yield on three-year government bonds closed at 3.757%, while the yield on ten-year bonds reached 4.239%. This ten-year yield is the highest since October 13, 2022, when the "Legoland incident" occurred. In May alon May 19, 2026

Hanwha Solutions and KAIST Develop Bio-Plastic Technology to Replace Naphtha Hanwha Solutions announced that it has partnered with KAIST to develop bio-technology capable of mass-producing eco-friendly raw materials for plastics and textiles using waste resources. The need for alternative raw materials has increased due to soaring naphtha prices and supply instability in the petrochemical industry. This achievement is being recognized as a next-generation key technology that ensures both resource supply stability and environmental sustainability. The technology d May 19, 2026

Samsung's Bespoke AI Refrigerator Impresses Tech Media in the U.S. and Europe Samsung Electronics' 2026 'Bespoke AI Family Hub' refrigerator is receiving praise from tech media in the U.S. and Europe. Analysts suggest that its advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based ingredient management features are reducing household labor and attracting global consumer interest. According to reports on May 19, U.S. tech outlet Tom's Guide selected the refrigerator as a standout AI product in its 'AI Awards 2026,' which evaluates various products across categories such as PCs May 19, 2026

Booking.com Targets 30 Million Tourists with Hyper-Personalization in K-Small Cities "Without generative artificial intelligence (AI), we would never have discovered hidden gems in Korea, allowing seamless payments in local currency. The combination of AI search and local fintech will break down barriers for foreign tourists and drive them to small cities," said Nuno Guerreiro, Booking.com's Director for North Asia-Pacific. As the global travel platform celebrates its 30th anniversary, Booking.com is leveraging its 'Hyper-Personalization' technology to globalize local tou May 19, 2026

Samsung Electronics Strike Looms as Mediation Talks Continue Samsung Electronics and its labor union are entering the second day of mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission, with both sides seeking common ground ahead of a potential strike. The commission is holding a closed-door meeting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Government Sejong Building on May 19. Prior to the meeting, Choi Seung-ho, head of the joint action committee for the Samsung Electronics union, refrained from making comments. However, Yeom Myung-gu, head of the People Tea May 19, 2026

South Korea and Japan Discuss Mutual Oil Supply Cooperation at Summit South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to discuss energy security and supply chain cooperation as key agenda items during their summit in Andong, South Korea, on May 19. Amid growing concerns over oil and petroleum product supply disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the two leaders are reportedly considering measures for mutual supply of aviation fuel and other petroleum products in emergencies. To facilitate this May 19, 2026