Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • GS E&C to Run Xi Brand Pop-Up in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong
    GS E&C to Run Xi Brand Pop-Up in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong GS Engineering & Construction said it will launch a customer campaign to showcase the updated direction of its Xi apartment brand following a rebranding. The company said April 28 it will run the “Find Your Inspiration” campaign from May 1-15 at a Xi brand pop-up venue in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong, tied to the Seoul International Garden Show. The pop-up space will feature a residential area using Xi’s specialized design, a wellness community video hall and hands-on experience zones. Visitors will be able to experience the future housing concept Xi is promoting. GS E&C also said it will create “Elysian Forest,” a companion garden at the Seoul International Garden Show reflecting Xi’s landscaping philosophy. The company said it plans to link the garden visit naturally to the Xi pop-up venue to introduce the brand’s direction to more customers. Through the campaign, GS E&C said it aims to strengthen brand experience and expand Xi’s positioning as a brand that connects living spaces and lifestyle. “As customer expectations for living spaces become more diverse, it is important to go beyond simple supply and propose new residential experiences,” a GS E&C official said. The official added the company will continue activities to broaden customer touchpoints and communicate brand value. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:08:22
  • South Korea Launches Government-Industry Talks to Counter Tighter Global Export Controls
    South Korea Launches Government-Industry Talks to Counter Tighter Global Export Controls The South Korean government has launched a formal communication channel with leading companies in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum technology to respond to rapidly shifting global trade security conditions. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it held the first public-private “Trade Security Dialogue” on the afternoon of April 28 at the Korea Institute for Trade Security Management in Seoul’s Gangnam district, with 10 major companies and related industry associations from the semiconductor, AI and quantum sectors. The meeting was organized to strengthen the response capabilities of domestic exporters as the United States, China and the European Union continue to tighten economic security measures amid competition for leadership in advanced technologies. With the potential military use of private-sector technologies expanding, export controls and sanctions rules are becoming more complex, the ministry said. Exporters in key industries such as semiconductors, machinery and aerospace are finding it increasingly difficult to accurately understand and comply with the export control and sanctions rules of different countries, it said. Violations can lead to export restrictions, administrative fines and other penalties, including being placed on sanctions lists. At the session, the government briefed participating companies on trade security issues, including U.S. legislative trends on semiconductor export controls and China’s announcement of supply chain security rules. Officials also discussed export control items related to semiconductors, AI and quantum technologies that are emerging as key topics in international export control regimes, and reviewed response directions. The ministry said the new channel is expected to deepen government-industry communication beyond raising difficulties, expanding it into a forum for international negotiations on export controls and discussions on institutional improvements. The ministry said it plans to set up a “trade security hotline” with relevant associations in the first half of the year to address urgent issues, and to continue the dialogue with major manufacturing sectors such as machinery, robotics and automobiles. Yang Gi-uk, director general for industrial and resource security, said “in-depth communication between the government and companies is key” to establishing and implementing effective trade security policy. He said the government will work with companies to track changes in the global trade security environment and respond with national interests as the top priority, supporting export industries such as semiconductors in maintaining a “super-gap” competitive edge.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:05:42
  • South Korea to Require Separate Labels for Pre-Law E-Cigarette Stock Under New Safety Rules
    South Korea to Require Separate Labels for Pre-Law E-Cigarette Stock Under New Safety Rules The government said it will begin enforcing safety management standards for stockpiled liquid e-cigarette products starting on the 28th. The measure is intended to protect consumers during distribution of products manufactured or imported before the revised Tobacco Business Act took effect on the 24th. Under the “Safety Management Standards for Stockpiled Liquid E-Cigarette Products,” businesses must clearly label and notify consumers that a product is pre-law inventory and provide key information, including nicotine content, on the packaging. Businesses must also request testing for harmful substances before selling inventory products. The government may recommend halting sales of long-held inventory that remains in circulation for more than 12 months after the law’s effective date, as well as products sold by mail or through e-commerce. In addition, businesses must provide accurate information to consumers under the Framework Act on Consumers and take steps to prevent harm caused by their products.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:05:25
  • South Korea Sets 2027 Lottery Sales Target at 8.4 Trillion Won, Keeps Current Rules
    South Korea Sets 2027 Lottery Sales Target at 8.4 Trillion Won, Keeps Current Rules The Lottery Commission under the Planning and Budget Office has approved an issuance plan that would expand lottery sales in 2027 to about 8.4 trillion won. On the 28th, the commission held its 188th meeting at the Korea Trade Insurance Corp. in Seoul, chaired by Vice Chair Im Ki-geun, and deliberated and approved the “2027 Lottery Issuance Plan” and the “2025 Lottery Fund Project Performance Evaluation Results.” The commission decided to keep current face values, issuance conditions and prize-payment methods for all 12 existing lottery products, including Lotto. Reflecting sales growth over the past three years, it set projected 2027 lottery sales at 8.4175 trillion won, up 321.7 billion won, or 4.0%, from this year’s plan. If sales meet the plan, lottery proceeds used to finance lottery fund projects in 2027 are expected to total 3.4278 trillion won, up 138.6 billion won, or 4.2%, from this year’s planned 3.2892 trillion won. In a performance evaluation of 2025 lottery fund projects, the overall average score came to 82.9 points, slightly higher than the previous year’s 82.4. A total of 79 statutory projects, including transportation support for people with mobility challenges and nighttime protection programs for low-income children and teenagers, received strong ratings, along with 17 public-interest projects such as support to expand inclusive finance and welfare assistance for veterans of war. The commission said it will actively reflect the evaluation results in future budget allocations. When drawing up the 2027 lottery fund management plan, it will apply a principle of increasing funding for highly rated projects and reducing funding for underperforming ones. For statutory projects, it plans to adjust allocations by agency rankings within the limits set by the Lottery Act.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:04:58
  • South Korea to Invest 90 Billion Won in 39 New Smart Green Industrial Park Projects
    South Korea to Invest 90 Billion Won in 39 New Smart Green Industrial Park Projects The South Korean government will invest 90 billion won this year to accelerate industrial parks’ shift to AI-based manufacturing, known as M.AX, and a carbon-free transition, known as GX. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said April 28 it will accept applications for its “2026 Smart Green Industrial Complex Support Program” through June 8. The ministry is running support programs for M.AX and GX across 24 industrial parks designated as smart green complexes, including projects to build AI transformation testbeds and energy self-sufficiency infrastructure. Under the integrated call, the ministry will select 39 new projects across nine programs — five in M.AX and four in GX. The ministry said this year’s support totals 90 billion won, and that selected projects will receive about 300 billion won in central government funding over their project periods. Asan Bugok, the Masan Free Trade Zone and Chungju’s First General Industrial Complex — newly designated as smart green complexes last year — will receive core projects common to smart green complexes, including a smart logistics platform, a manufacturing AX industry-academia innovation park and construction of a smart energy platform, known as FEMS. Nationwide competitive programs for smart green complexes will include building 5G specialized network infrastructure for industrial parks, edge AIDC demonstrations and energy self-sufficiency infrastructure. The ministry said it will also support construction of FEMS+ — a smart energy platform — for 14 tenant companies. In Yeosu and the Pohang National Industrial Complex, the government will push a digital-based pilot complex for resource circulation. The government said the projects will strengthen the foundation for M.AX and GX in industrial parks, support manufacturing innovation and carbon reductions among tenant companies, and contribute to more balanced regional development. It also said it will improve evaluation indicators to reflect policy aimed at strengthening balanced regional development. Details such as application periods and support conditions for each program are available on the ministry’s website and the Korea Industrial Complex Corp. website. The ministry said it will “continue to support AI-based manufacturing innovation and the carbon-free transition in industrial parks” to help boost tenant companies’ competitiveness and revitalize regional economies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:04:29
  • Korea Blocks Sales of 85 Overseas Direct-Purchase Products That Failed Safety Standards
    Korea Blocks Sales of 85 Overseas Direct-Purchase Products That Failed Safety Standards The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Korean Agency for Technology and Standards said Tuesday it has blocked domestic distribution of 85 overseas direct-purchase products found to fall short of South Korean safety standards after inspecting 431 items sold on online platforms. The inspection focused on outdoor-use products such as children’s textile goods and kids’ bicycles. The agency said 20% of the products reviewed failed to meet domestic safety standards, higher than the average 5% noncompliance rate for products distributed in South Korea. Among 202 children’s products inspected, 56 were found noncompliant: 15 children’s textile items such as shoes, bags and hats; 13 toys; seven children’s leather goods; seven infant textile products; and five children’s bicycles. All five children’s bicycles failed the safety standards. Eight of nine LED lighting fixtures also fell short. The agency urged extra caution, citing noncompliance rates of 60% for DC power supplies, 58% for children’s leather goods and 41% for children’s textile products. For electrical goods, 21 of 124 products were noncompliant, including eight LED lighting fixtures, six DC power supplies, and three plugs and outlets. For household goods, eight of 105 products failed to meet standards, including four riding helmets, three batteries and one sports helmet. The agency posted information on the 85 products confirmed to pose risks on the Product Safety Information Portal and Consumer24. It also notified overseas direct-purchase platform operators and requested that sales be blocked to prevent consumer purchases. Kim Dae-ja, head of the agency, said overseas direct-purchase items are not necessarily safety-verified and urged consumers to check the Product Safety Information Portal before buying to see whether a product has been flagged as hazardous. He said the agency will expand its safety inspections of overseas direct-purchase products to 1,200 cases this year from 1,000 last year and will continue monitoring whether hazardous products are being distributed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:04:09
  • Lee Says High Oil Price Relief Payments Could Spur Recovery, Urges Focus on Gaps
    Lee Says High Oil Price Relief Payments Could Spur Recovery, Urges Focus on Gaps President Lee Jae-myung said the first round of relief payments for damage from high oil prices is expected to have an economic ripple effect similar to last year’s consumer spending coupons, which he said helped reignite a recovery. Speaking while chairing a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic review meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on April 28, Lee said payments began the day before and urged officials to ensure people who have difficulty accessing online services are not inconvenienced during the application process. He also called for other supplementary budget funds to be executed as quickly as possible. Lee stressed the need to check for policy blind spots in support for groups hit hardest by high oil prices, including cargo truck workers and farmers. He also called for faster progress on structural reforms, including an “AI transformation” and a circular economy centered on recycled raw materials. Lee said first-quarter GDP growth came in at 1.7%, nearly double the initial forecast of 0.9% and the highest in five years and six months, adding that the recovery that took hold in the second half of last year appears to be accelerating. But he warned that external uncertainty remains high as the Middle East war enters its second month, and that signs are emerging that high oil prices could spill over into the real economy. He said the government should respond with more finely tuned policies and focus on maintaining growth momentum “with the mindset that the real test starts now.” Lee said the war has expanded geopolitical risks and is driving structural realignments in the global economy and security environment. To secure stable growth engines amid the shifts, he said South Korea needs “strategic, flexible and practical diplomacy” that reduces dependence on any one region and steadily broadens its options. He said his recent visits to India and Vietnam strengthened cooperation across multiple areas and should be viewed as a positive outcome in terms of long-term national interests. He added that South Korea should continue expanding its diplomatic horizons with the Global South from the perspective of “strategic national interest diplomacy.” Lee also said cooperation with traditional allies should be advanced, calling for wisdom to resolve pending issues based on common sense and principles, with mutual respect, and to build healthy, forward-looking ties. He said South Korea would pursue diplomacy that builds genuine friendship with allies “with the confidence of a sovereign nation.” Turning to education, Lee said a series of recent incidents have seriously infringed on teachers’ rights and educational activities. He said normalizing public education must start with protecting the rights and authority of teachers, “another key stakeholder in education,” as well as students. He said the priority should be creating conditions that reduce excessive administrative work so teachers can focus on teaching and student guidance. Lee added that teachers’ rights and students’ rights are not a zero-sum relationship, and urged the government to promptly prepare measures to strengthen practical protections for teachers and stabilize schools.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:03:21
  • PPP Young Lawmakers Say Floor Leader Song Eon-seok Should Serve Full Term
    PPP Young Lawmakers Say Floor Leader Song Eon-seok Should Serve Full Term A group of first- and second-term People Power Party lawmakers known as Alternative and Future met for breakfast at the National Assembly on April 28, their first gathering in about two months. Participants said they broadly agreed that floor leader Song Eon-seok should serve out his guaranteed term. Rep. Lee Seong-kwon, the group’s secretary, told reporters after the meeting that with the June 3 local elections underway, “the standard for every decision is winning the election.” He said attendees concluded it was not appropriate to hold a vote to pick new floor leadership at this time. Lee said the group had not set an agenda in advance, so the view could not be described as Alternative and Future’s official position. Still, he said those present had no disagreement that it would be undesirable for Song to shorten his own term. Lee dismissed calls from some quarters for a pre-election shake-up in party 분위기, saying such discussions should come after the local election results. “I think the current floor leadership is steering the caucus through the most difficult parliamentary situation in Korean legislative history,” he said. “I understand the hardships, but I ask that they finish strong. Alternative and Future also plans to actively support them.” Lawmakers at the meeting also pledged to work aggressively for victory in the local elections and said conservatives should pool their wisdom to pursue a more inclusive, additive approach to politics. They did not, however, discuss specifics such as forming an election committee or plans for a broader conservative alliance, according to those familiar with the meeting. Twelve lawmakers attended, including Lee, Kim Seong-won, Song Seok-jun, Seo Beom-su, Park Jeong-ha, Cho Eun-hee, Choi Hyeong-du, Kim Jae-seop, Ko Dong-jin, Kim Geon, Kim Yong-tae and Woo Jae-joon. With the argument now raised publicly that Song should complete his term for the sake of election victory, calls for his early resignation are expected to ease for now. Still, Song’s future and the next floor leadership could remain a contentious issue, as the floor leader’s influence could grow depending on the election outcome. If the Jang Dong-hyeok leadership collapses and the party shifts to an emergency committee, the floor leader’s role would be significant because the floor leader would exercise the authority to name the committee chair. Song said at a press briefing last week that he would “carry out my final duties in a direction focused on winning the election.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 11:00:54
  • U.S. Treasury warns of sanctions for dealings with blacklisted Iranian airlines
    U.S. Treasury warns of sanctions for dealings with blacklisted Iranian airlines U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that individuals and companies that do business with sanctioned Iranian airlines could face U.S. penalties, as Washington steps up economic pressure on Iran amid stalled talks to end the war. According to The Wall Street Journal, Bessent said in a statement on April 27 that "doing business with sanctioned Iranian airlines carries the risk of being targeted by U.S. sanctions." He urged governments to take steps to ensure their companies do not provide "any form of service" to those aircraft, including supplying jet fuel, providing catering, paying landing fees or performing maintenance. He added that the Treasury Department would maintain "maximum pressure" on Iran and would "not hesitate" to act against third parties that help or carry out Iran-related transactions. Iran has resumed some commercial flights after its clash with the United States. Iranian state television reported on April 26 that flights departed Tehran for Turkey, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Treasury Department has recently launched what it has dubbed "Economic Fury," an Iran-focused pressure campaign likened to the name of a U.S. military operation, "Epic Fury." The department is targeting what it views as a global asset network involved in sustaining Iran's oil trade. It has also reportedly sent letters to Chinese banks warning that continued support for Iranian oil transactions could trigger secondary sanctions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 10:52:03
  • Democratic Party’s Jeong Won-oh Blasts Oh Se-hoon Over Reversal on Seoul Land-Trade Rule
    Democratic Party’s Jeong Won-oh Blasts Oh Se-hoon Over Reversal on Seoul Land-Trade Rule Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-oh on April 28 opened his first public campaign committee meeting and stepped up attacks on People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon. Speaking at the meeting in central Seoul, Jeong said Oh “impulsively” lifted Seoul’s land transaction permit system and then reversed course 35 days later, “creating confusion in the market.” He said it “doesn’t add up” for Oh to now shift responsibility to the government. Jeong also accused Oh of repeatedly raising tax issues during elections to stoke anxiety and deepen real estate conflict, saying Oh remains stuck in an “outdated 2022 frame.” On the long-term holding deduction, Jeong reiterated his position, saying he has already said the current rights of owner-occupiers with one home must be protected “without exception.” He accused Oh of “deliberately distorting facts” by talking about abolition and “manufacturing conflict with false claims.” Lawmakers Jeon Hyeon-hui and Park Joo-min, who previously competed in the party’s primary race, attended the meeting. Jeon called Oh an “unqualified” mayoral candidate, accusing him of siding with and defending what she described as “insurrection forces,” and labeled him the “core figure” of “Yoon-again” forces. Park said Oh has done nothing and has no plan on bread-and-butter issues such as housing and on Seoul’s future growth engines, urging the party to win back the city. Rep. Kim Young-bae criticized Oh’s decision the previous day to wear a red jacket, saying it had been known he would wear white until just before a news conference. Kim said the switch showed Oh’s intention to run for party leader because he expects to lose the Seoul mayoral race. Kim also challenged Oh’s record, asking what he had done over the past 10 years and questioning his “basic conscience.” The campaign also set up a separate “Oh Se-hoon 10-year Judgment Headquarters,” raising the intensity of its attacks. Rep. Ko Min-jung, a co-head of the unit, raised suspicions about possible links between political donations and personnel appointments. She asked whether board seats at affiliated agencies under the Oh administration were being treated as bargaining chips for money, and called on Oh to clarify whether appointments were made after solicitations or as a quid pro quo for large donations, noting that people he had said were unrelated were later found to be major donors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 10:51:09