SpaceX IPO Schedule Accelerates, Boosting Related Stocks Shares of companies related to SpaceX have surged following news that the space firm, led by Elon Musk, is accelerating its initial public offering (IPO) schedule. As of 10:04 a.m. on May 18, Mirae Asset Venture Investment saw its stock rise by 14.21%, trading at 62,700 won, an increase of 7,800 won from the previous day. Sphere also experienced a jump, with shares up 3,300 won (7.86%) to 45,300 won, while Mirae Asset Securities rose by 0.86% (600 won) to 70,500 won. Earlier reports May 18, 2026

Choi Seung-ho Commits to Diligent Participation in Second Mediation Meeting Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Group inter-company labor union, stated on May 18 that he would participate diligently in the second mediation meeting held at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong. Before entering the mediation venue, Choi told reporters, "I don’t have much to say. Regardless, we have reached the mediation stage, and I will engage sincerely in the second mediation." When asked how he interpreted comments made by the president regarding emergency media May 18, 2026

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Gates: Netanyahu Underestimates Iran's Resilience Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his overly optimistic view that Iran's regime could be toppled solely through military strikes. In an interview aired on CBS's "Face the Nation" on May 17, Gates recalled a meeting with Netanyahu in 2009, during which he noted that Netanyahu underestimated Iran's resolve and ability to maintain its regime. Gates stated, "Netanyahu believed that if Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, th May 18, 2026

LG Electronics Supports Child Welfare with Battery Recycling Fund LG Electronics is launching an initiative to promote environmental protection and community support through its ESG management by collecting vacuum cleaner batteries. On May 18, LG Electronics announced that it will conduct a customer participation resource recycling campaign called 'Battery Return' in collaboration with the Korea Environmental Corporation and E-Circular Governance until June 30. Battery Return is a resource recycling project that offers customers a tangible discoun May 18, 2026

T'way Air Transitions to Trinity Air, Secures License from Ministry of Land South Korea's low-cost carrier T'way Air is accelerating its transition to Trinity Air, aiming to establish a comprehensive travel platform that encompasses flights, accommodations, and more.On May 18, T'way Air announced that it received a license from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to change its name to Trinity Air. The new name, derived from the Latin word "Trinitas," symbolizes the concept of three entities coming together to achieve completeness, reflecting the airline's May 18, 2026

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Shares Surge 12% After Strong Q1 Earnings Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance is experiencing a strong early trading session after reporting first-quarter results that exceeded market expectations. As of 9:58 a.m. on May 18, the company’s shares rose by 4,050 won (12.14%) to 37,400 won on the KOSPI market, according to the Korea Exchange. The stock opened at 33,450 won and reached a high of 37,650 won during the trading session, reflecting a robust upward trend. Market analysts attribute the surge in investor sentiment to the co May 18, 2026

Jusung Engineering Shares Surge 22% on ALG Semiconductor Equipment Shipment News Jusung Engineering's stock surged by over 22% in early trading, driven by news of its shipment of atomic layer growth (ALG) semiconductor equipment, which has boosted investor sentiment. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:52 a.m. on May 18, shares of Jusung Engineering were trading at 171,300 won, up 31,100 won (22.18%) from the previous trading day. The company announced that it held a shipment ceremony for its ALG transistor full integration semiconductor manufacturing equipment May 18, 2026

Samsung Electronics Union Leader's Extreme Remarks Raise Concerns A Samsung Electronics union leader has sparked controversy with extreme remarks made just before the final negotiation table, stating, "It would be better to eliminate the company altogether. We are prepared for a split." Concerns have arisen among union members who are set to join the strike, expressing that the comments have crossed a line. According to industry sources on May 18, Lee Song-yi, vice-chair of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's mega union, made the remarks arou May 18, 2026

President Lee Criticizes Samsung Union Strike, Emphasizes Respect for Corporate Rights President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on May 18 that both labor rights and corporate management rights must be respected in the ongoing negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its labor union.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "In South Korea, which adopts a free democratic order and a capitalist market economy, labor must be respected just as much as corporations."He added, "Workers should receive fair compensation for their labor, and shareholders who bear risks and los May 18, 2026

Canon Korea Wins Excellence Award at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards Canon Korea announced on May 18 that it received an Excellence Award at the 38th Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards, organized by the Korea Employers Federation. The award ceremony, held on May 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul, was attended by key figures including Kim Jeong-hyun, head of Canon Korea's Management Support Division; Woo Do-hyun, chairman of the Canon Korea Labor Union; Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon; Chairman of the Korea Employers Fede May 18, 2026