K-Physical AI: Concerns Grow Over South Korea's Position in US-China Tech Race Global attention is focused on an experiment by a prominent physical artificial intelligence (AI) startup, which aims to demonstrate that humanoid robots can replace human labor in manufacturing and logistics. As competition in physical AI technology intensifies among major countries, experts warn that South Korea has limited time to secure a leading position. According to industry sources, FigureAI, recognized as one of the top three humanoid robot companies alongside Tesla and Boston Dy May 17, 2026

Semiconductors Become a Hot Topic in Local Elections Semiconductors have emerged as a critical issue in the upcoming local elections. With stocks of semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix soaring, public interest has surged around topics such as national dividends, union strikes, and the implementation of a special semiconductor law. On May 17, candidates for Gyeonggi Province’s local and district offices from the People Power Party held a press conference at the party's headquarters in Suwon. They voiced strong cri May 17, 2026

Kim Jung-soo Takes Helm at Samyang Foods, Aiming for Second Growth Phase Kim Jung-soo, who spearheaded the success of the Buldak brand, is now focusing on the next growth strategy for Samyang Foods as he steps into the role of chairman. The company, which rose to prominence as a global food enterprise largely due to its Buldak Bokkeumyeon, is now preparing for a second leap forward by establishing local production facilities in China and expanding its global supply chain. On May 17, Samyang Foods reported that its revenue last year reached 2.3517 trillion won. May 17, 2026

Former Trade Negotiator Kim Hyun-jong Appointed Co-Chair of KADEX 2026 The organizing committee for the Korea Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2026) announced on May 17 that it has appointed Kim Hyun-jong, who played a key role in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the termination of the U.S.-Korea missile guidelines, as the co-chair of KADEX 2026. KADEX 2026 has received applications from over 450 companies across 21 countries, with confirmed participation from ten nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, India, Canada, the Netherlands, F May 17, 2026

U.S. Halts Deployment of 4,000 Troops to Poland, Surprising Pentagon and European Allies The United States has suspended plans to deploy over 4,000 Army troops to Poland. On May 15, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the cancellation of the rotational deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, part of the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. This unit includes more than 4,000 personnel and equipment, with some troops and gear reportedly already en route to Europe. A Pentagon official expressed surprise to Politico, stating, "We did not expe May 17, 2026

POSCO E&C Unveils AI Innovations at Company-Wide Challenge POSCO E&C has launched a company-wide AI challenge aimed at discovering innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform construction site operations. Notably, an AI model for automating work report creation has been highlighted for its potential to save hundreds of hours of labor annually. On May 17, POSCO E&C announced the conclusion of its "Company-Wide AI Challenge," which began on March 24. The competition involved all employees, including field staff, who engaged May 17, 2026

Everland Hosts Galaxy Watch Run, Featuring 4.82 km Race At 6:30 a.m. on May 17, the air was still cool at Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Normally, this would be a time before the park opened, but over 1,000 people wearing sky-blue T-shirts filled the plaza, each sporting a Galaxy Watch 8. Today, this wristwatch was more than just an accessory; it served as a pace maker and personal medical assistant for the 4.82 km 'Safari Run.' The 'Galaxy Watch Run @Safari,' organized by Samsung Electronics in collaboration with Samsung Health, is in May 17, 2026

DL E&C Proposes 10-Month Construction Timeline Reduction for Apgujeong 5 District As the selection of a construction company for the highly competitive Apgujeong 5 District reconstruction project approaches, DL E&C is intensifying its efforts to win over union members by emphasizing a shortened construction timeline and financial benefits, leading to a fierce bidding war with Hyundai Construction. According to Yonhap News on May 17, DL E&C announced on May 16 during a briefing at the joint promotional center for the Apgujeong 5 District reconstruction project in Gangn May 17, 2026

Alteogen Enters $13 Billion Eylea Biosimilar Market Alteogen has received domestic approval for its Eylea biosimilar, Izenpiju, marking its entry into a market estimated at approximately 13 trillion won ($10 billion). This development is expected to intensify competition among domestic companies, including Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion, and Samchundang Pharm, who have already entered the market.According to industry sources on May 17, Alteogen recently obtained approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for Izenpiju. This approval follows la May 17, 2026

Eduwill Reports Profits for Two Consecutive Years Under Yang Hyung-nam's Leadership Eduwill has maintained profitability for two consecutive years since the return of Chairman Yang Hyung-nam, solidifying its performance rebound. Despite challenges posed by demographic changes and stagnation in the education market, the company's focus on operational efficiency and diversification of new business strategies has yielded positive results. According to Eduwill's 2025 audit report released on May 17, the company recorded annual revenue of approximately 82.3 billion won last ye May 17, 2026