Vietnam to Send Trade Delegation to Seoul in July to Enhance Cooperation The Vietnamese government is taking proactive steps to restructure its cooperation framework aimed at penetrating the South Korean market. With bilateral trade reaching an all-time high, Vietnam is shifting from mere support to a partnership focused on creating shared value. According to various Vietnamese media outlets, on May 14, the Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) held a seminar on trade and investment promotion in the South Korean mark May 19, 2026

Korea-Vietnam Manufacturing Alliance Expands into Robotics Amid Chinese Competition As the global wave of robotization accelerates, Vietnam faces pressure to overhaul its manufacturing model, which has long relied on cheap labor. With supply chain strategies being challenged, both South Korea and China are vying for a foothold in the Vietnamese market by leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), creating a clear competitive landscape. Attention is now on whether Korea-Vietnam cooperation can extend beyond manufacturing to become a key partnership in robotics. May 19, 2026

Rising Costs and End of Tax Cuts Signal Upcoming Car Price Increases The automotive industry is facing increasing pressure to raise prices due to soaring raw material costs, including batteries and semiconductors, compounded by high exchange rates. As signs of significant price adjustments emerge for the second half of the year, concerns are growing over a potential decline in demand with the expiration of individual consumption tax cuts at the end of the year. ◆ Global Car Prices Rise Amid Raw Material Costs According to industry sources on May 18, the pr May 19, 2026

Japan's Defense Industry Sees Investor Interest Amid Market Changes Despite no factory expansions or major arms export contracts yet, the market is reacting. Mitsubishi Electric has emerged as one of the standout stocks in Japan's spring market, with its share price climbing to record highs since late March. Investors are drawn to the company due to its air defense and space technologies, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for a next-generation air defense system, the "Iron Dome," and Japan's efforts to enhance its air defense cap May 19, 2026

[ASIA BIZ] Pop Mart's Revenue Doubles in China Amid Art Toy Market Growth The Chinese art toy market has shown robust growth, with related companies reporting generally positive performance in the first quarter of this year. Pop Mart, a leading Chinese art toy brand, estimated its first-quarter revenue increased by 75% to 80% compared to the same period last year. Notably, sales in the mainland Chinese market more than doubled year-on-year, demonstrating strong consumer demand despite sluggish domestic conditions. However, growth in overseas markets has shown May 19, 2026

China's Art Toy Economy Thrives with Emotional Consumerism A massive 6-meter tall Molly figure with blue eyes and a crown, themed merchandise from the Chinese blockbuster game "Black Myth: Wukong," traditional flower crown refrigerator magnets from the National Museum of China, quirky duck plush toys from the Beijing roast duck restaurant Quanjude, and advanced AI figures capable of conversation were among the diverse cultural goods showcased at the event. Beijing Chaoyang Park Transformed into a 'Goods Paradise' The First National Cultural Good May 19, 2026

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Begin Second Round of Negotiations Ahead of Strike Shinsegae Group CEO Fires Starbucks Korea Chief Over Controversial Marketing Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin has dismissed Son Jeong-hyun, the CEO of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company), following a backlash over an inappropriate marketing event held on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. On May 18, Shinsegae Group officially announced that Chairman Jeong had notified Son of his termination. Jeong reportedly expressed outrage upon learning of the marketing controversy on the Sta May 18, 2026

CJ Group Employee Personal Information Leaked via Telegram CJ Group has reported a leak of employee personal information through a Telegram channel. According to industry sources, the channel, established in 2023, contained the mobile phone numbers, job titles, internal phone numbers, and photos of over 330 female employees of CJ Group. Immediately following the leak, CJ Group initiated an investigation, suspecting that the information was accessed by an insider rather than through external hacking. The company is also preparing to report the inc May 18, 2026

Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former KTV Director Lee Eun-woo on Sedition Charges The second special investigation team led by Kwon Chang-young is pursuing the arrest of Lee Eun-woo, the former director of KTV (Korean Broadcasting System), on charges of promoting sedition following the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. On May 18, the special investigation team announced in a press release that it had applied for an arrest warrant for Lee on sedition charges. The team alleges that Lee used his authority over news broadcasts and scrolling news on the public May 18, 2026

President Lee Visits Andong Market Ahead of Japan-South Korea Summit President Lee Jae-myung visited the Andong Market in North Gyeongsang Province on May 18, engaging with citizens and assessing local economic conditions.According to a written briefing from Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the visit was organized to connect with residents and demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing the local economy, one day before the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, scheduled to take place in his hometown of Andong on May 19.During his visit, President L May 18, 2026