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

Naver Cloud Showcases 'Naver Care Call' at Japan's Public Sector Week 2026 Naver Cloud announced its participation in the 'Local Government & Public Sector Week Japan 2026' held in Tokyo, where it showcased its artificial intelligence (AI) welfare phone service, 'Naver Care Call.' The company aims to strengthen its presence in the Japanese public market through this initiative. The Local Government & Public Sector Week is Japan's largest exhibition in the smart city and public digital transformation (DX) sectors, sponsored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs an May 18, 2026

Kia Launches Updated 2027 Morning Model with Enhanced Features Kia has launched the updated 2027 Morning model, incorporating popular features such as LED map lamps as standard equipment. On May 18, Kia announced the official start of sales for the 2027 Morning, a compact car that has consistently garnered consumer popularity. Last month, Morning sales reached 3,186 units, making it one of the top two models in Kia's passenger car segment alongside the Ray, which sold 4,877 units. The 2027 Morning is characterized by its enhanced safety and conveni May 18, 2026

Global Risk Aversion Amid Inflation Concerns Keeps Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Above 1500 The won-dollar exchange rate remains above 1500 won amid rising global government bond yields. As of 9:28 a.m. on May 18 in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stood at 1501.0 won per dollar, opening at 1501.2 won, an increase of 0.4 won from the previous trading day. The rise in global interest rates appears to have dampened the appetite for riskier assets. On May 15, yields on government bonds in major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and May 18, 2026

Israeli Military Reports Shortage of 12,000 Troops Amid Ongoing Conflicts The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have publicly acknowledged a significant shortage of troops and increasing fatigue among reservists. As the conflict in Gaza and tensions with Iran continue, both the standing army and reserve forces are nearing their limits. On May 17, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF currently lacks approximately 12,000 troops based on standing army standards, with a shortfall of about 7,000 combat soldiers. A senior IDF officer stated, "The security needs are gre May 18, 2026

Official Campaigning for Local Elections Begins May 21 Political parties are set to commence official campaigning for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections this week. Until then, candidates may only engage in election activities as unofficial candidates. According to the National Election Commission on May 18, candidates will begin their official campaign period from May 21 to June 2, lasting 13 days. During this time, they are permitted to conduct vehicle rallies, speeches, distribute campaign materials, and post elec May 18, 2026

LG Energy Solution Honors 12 Researchers to Strengthen Global Technology Leadership LG Energy Solution held an awards ceremony to honor researchers who secured intellectual property rights in key technology areas essential for dominating the future market of secondary batteries, aiming to enhance its global technology leadership. On May 18, LG Energy Solution announced that it hosted the '2026 Inventor and Application King Awards' at its headquarters in Yeouido Park One, recognizing 12 individuals for their outstanding research achievements. The event was organized to re May 18, 2026

Robots Redefining Work: Humanity at a Crossroads The recent demonstration of a humanoid robot by the American startup Figure AI, which sorted packages for over 80 hours without stopping, marks a significant shift in the concept of labor. The robot autonomously recharged when its battery was low, allowing another robot to immediately take over its tasks, symbolizing a fundamental change in the nature of work. This event illustrates that the realm of repetitive tasks traditionally handled by humans is no longer solely theirs. The key aspect of t May 18, 2026

Ministry of Science and ICT Showcases K-AI Applications Across Industries The Ministry of Science and ICT is accelerating the disclosure of applications for its proprietary AI foundation model to promote its use in various industries. Domestic AI models are being integrated into real services across sectors such as law, gaming, cosmetics, translation, and education, marking a significant step in building the 'K-AI ecosystem'. On May 18, the ministry unveiled examples of the K-AI ecosystem centered around companies participating in the proprietary AI foundation May 18, 2026

Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment on 'Insurrection Nominations' at 5.18 Memorial Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, stated that the People Power Party's nomination process ahead of the June 3 local elections will face severe judgment from the public for its support of insurrection. Speaking to reporters after attending the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Gwangju Uprising at the 5.18 Memorial Park, Jeong said, "I came here to plead for the spirits of the Gwangju martyrs to judge the insurrection nominations of the party that calls for insurrection. May 18, 2026