LS Shares Surge 13% Following Major U.S. Contract Win LS is experiencing a strong performance in the market, driven by expectations of improved results from its major subsidiaries and news of significant contracts within its group of wire and cable affiliates. As of 1:30 PM on May 18, LS shares were trading at 537,000 won, up 64,500 won (13.65%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange. The surge in stock price is attributed to upward revisions of target prices by analysts and growth expectations for the group’s affiliates. LS May 18, 2026

Samsung Bioepis Releases Patient Data on Adaloche, Highlights Quality of Life Improvements Samsung Bioepis has publicly released clinical data on its biosimilar Adaloche for autoimmune diseases for the first time. The data indicates improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among domestic patients, with a safety profile comparable to existing products, confirming the potential for stable disease management. Samsung Bioepis participated in the International Congress of the Korean Rheumatism Association (KCR 2026), held from May 14 to 16 at the Conrad Hotel in Yeou May 18, 2026

Celltrion Maintains 60% Market Share in Japan with Begzelma, Prepares for Omilclo Launch Celltrion is strengthening its presence in the Japanese biosimilar market. The company’s drug Begzelma (active ingredient: bevacizumab), used for treating metastatic colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, has secured over 60% market share in Japan. With the upcoming launch of Omilclo (active ingredient: omalizumab) in the second half of the year, the expansion of its local portfolio is expected to accelerate.According to market research firm IQVIA and local data released on May 18, Be May 18, 2026

Real Estate Project Financing Fees Reduced as Financial Supervisory Service Acts The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has reported significant improvements in the management of fees related to real estate project financing (PF). Following a review, the number of fee categories has been consolidated from a peak of 32 to just 11, and penalties and extension fees have been reduced to zero.On May 18, the FSS held a meeting in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, with representatives from financial companies and associations to discuss the findings of this review and necessary improvements May 18, 2026

Air Busan Flight Diverts to Kaohsiung Due to Strong Crosswinds An Air Busan passenger flight en route from Busan to Taipei encountered strong crosswinds while attempting to land at Taoyuan International Airport, leading to two aborted landing attempts. The aircraft subsequently diverted to Kaohsiung Airport. According to local media reports, Air Busan flight BX791 departed Gimhae International Airport in Busan on May 16, intending to land at Taoyuan International Airport. However, during the landing approach, the aircraft experienced significant turbu May 18, 2026

Financial Sector Expands Bug Bounty Program, Offering Up to 10 Million Won for Reports 금융감독원과 금융보안원이 금융권 보안취약점 신고포상제, 이른바 ‘버그바운티’를 올해 대폭 확대한다. 가상자산사업자와 법인보험대리점(GA)까지 참여 대상을 넓히면서 점검 대상 금융회사는 지난해 32개사에서 올해 70개사로 두 배 이상 늘었다. On May 18, the Financial Supervisory Service and the Financial Security Agency announced a significant expansion of their bug bounty program aimed at identifying security vulnerabilities in the financial sector. The program will now include virtual as May 18, 2026

Court Limits Samsung Electronics Union's General Strike, Mandates Wafer Management A court has imposed restrictions on the general strike planned by the Samsung Electronics Union. The Suwon District Court ruled that, considering the nature of semiconductor processes, wafer management and safety-related tasks must be maintained at normal levels even during strike actions. This decision comes as the union has announced a general strike starting on May 21, and it is expected to impact ongoing labor negotiations. On May 18, the court's Civil Division 31, led by Chief Judge May 18, 2026

HD Hyundai Marine Solutions to Maintain Power Engines at U.S. Data Centers HD Hyundai Marine Solutions, a comprehensive solutions provider in the marine industry, is entering the North American data center power solutions market. The company announced on May 18 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aperion Energy Group (AEG) for the maintenance of power engines at data centers. Under this agreement, the two companies will establish a cooperative system for the long-term maintenance and operation of 33 power engines at a data center being bui May 18, 2026

China's Economy Faces Triple Slowdown Amid Middle East Crisis China's economy has shown signs of significant deterioration in consumption, production, and investment due to a surge in energy prices and raw materials stemming from the crisis in the Middle East. April retail sales growth hits lowest level since zero-COVID policy ended Retail sales, a key indicator of domestic economic activity, recorded a mere 0.2% increase in April, reaching 3.7247 trillion yuan. This figure is the lowest since the end of China's strict zero-COVID policy in Decemb May 18, 2026

Half of Regional Production Concentrated in Capital Area as Semiconductor Ties Strengthen The capital area accounts for 48.6% of the total supply and use of goods and services in South Korea, highlighting its central role in the national economy. A recent study found that Seoul, which is service-oriented, and Gyeonggi Province, which focuses on manufacturing, form a closely complementary industrial structure. Additionally, Chungcheongnam-do and Gyeonggi-do are increasingly interconnected through the semiconductor industry. On May 18, the National Data Office unveiled the "2023 R May 18, 2026