Shinhan Financial Group to Launch 'Shinhan Super SOL' App in June Shinhan Financial Group announced on May 18 that it will launch the 'Shinhan Super SOL' app on June 17. The Shinhan Super SOL is an integrated financial platform that consolidates services from major subsidiaries, allowing users to access banking, cards, securities, and insurance all in one place. The app will feature a generative AI-based agent service to facilitate easier and more convenient access to financial services. In conjunction with the launch, Shinhan Bank will accept pre-reg May 18, 2026

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Fail to Reach Agreement Ahead of Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union remain at an impasse as they approach a general strike scheduled for May 21. On May 18, Park Su-geun, Chairman of the Central Labor Relations Commission, described the ongoing negotiations as “parallel lines” when asked about the internal discussions at the government mediation office in Sejong. When pressed for any progress, Park reiterated, “parallel lines.” He also noted that there is no adjustment plan from the commission yet. However, he added, “W May 18, 2026

Minister Choi Hyung's Congratulations to Park Chan-wook on Receiving France's Highest Cultural Honor Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hyung sent a congratulatory message to director Park Chan-wook, who received the highest grade of the French Order of Arts and Letters, the Commander. The Ministry announced that Minister Choi sent the message on May 18, congratulating Park on receiving the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. “I sincerely congratulate you on receiving the prestigious French Order of Arts and Letters, Commander,” Choi said, adding, “This honor firmly establishe May 18, 2026

Government Eases Regulations for Cafes and Wholesale Sellers in Agricultural Areas The government will allow the establishment of cafes in agricultural promotion areas and significantly ease the requirements for wholesale sellers in online markets. This move aims to expand the rural population and enhance market access for small-scale farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on May 18 that it has finalized 50 regulatory reform tasks during the third strategy meeting on agricultural and food regulation reform, chaired by Minister Song Mi-ryu May 18, 2026

HDC Chairman Chung Mong-kyu Fined 150 Million Won for Omitting 20 Affiliated Companies Chung Mong-kyu, chairman of HDC Group, has been fined 150 million won for allegedly omitting 20 affiliated companies from documents submitted to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). According to legal sources, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 11, presided over by Judge Kim Jae-hak, issued a summary order on May 15 for the violation of the Fair Trade Act. A summary order is a procedure that imposes fines or penalties for relatively minor offenses without a formal trial, b May 18, 2026

Charming and Fun: Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun's 'Wild Thing' Aims for June Theatrical Release Loveable and delightful, the film 'Wild Thing' combines nostalgia for the 2000s music scene with K-pop performances in a comedic setting. The chemistry among the cast, along with music and stage elements, raises anticipation about whether the story of the fictional trio 'Triangle' can evoke laughter from audiences in June.On May 18, a press and distribution preview for 'Wild Thing' took place at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Director Son Jae-gon and actors Kang Dong-won, Um May 18, 2026

Vietnam's Durian Exports Surge 262%, But Farmers Face Challenges In the first quarter of this year, Vietnam's durian exports skyrocketed by 230% compared to the previous year, showing a strong recovery. Growth in new markets such as South Korea and the United States is notable, but challenges remain, including high dependence on China, cadmium contamination issues, and price instability. According to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on May 17, durian exports reached approximately $221.7 million (about 333.3 billion VND) in the f May 18, 2026

Hite Jinro CEO and Executives Buy 30,000 Shares to Promote Responsible Management Twenty executives at Hite Jinro, including CEO Jang In-seob, have initiated a stock buyback. This marks a new beginning for the company following a leadership change after 14 years, with Jang emphasizing responsible management to restore market confidence. Hite Jinro announced on May 18 that Jang purchased 5,000 shares, while eight other executives acquired a total of 10,831 shares. Additionally, 11 more executives plan to buy over 1,000 shares each by June, bringing the total to ap May 18, 2026

Meritz and Homeplus Bridge Loan Negotiations Stalled, MBK Partners' Intervention Needed Meritz Financial is considering a 100 billion won short-term bridge loan for Homeplus, but negotiations between the two parties remain at an impasse. Homeplus has proposed alternatives in an effort to reach an agreement, but analysts believe finding common ground is unlikely without a significant change in attitude from MBK Partners, the major shareholder. According to the financial investment industry on May 18, Homeplus suggested establishing a subordinate income right on trust real es May 18, 2026

Samsung Union Leadership Faces Controversy Over Allowance Payments The leadership of the Samsung Electronics Union, which has announced a total strike, is embroiled in a controversy over its decision to amend union regulations to allow part of the union dues to be allocated as allowances for executive positions. According to industry sources, the union amended its regulations during a general meeting in March to permit a portion of the union dues to be designated as allowances for executives. The revised rules reportedly state that the chairman can allo May 18, 2026