Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Hosts First Annual GMP Seminar The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is set to host the first annual seminar on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in collaboration with the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association. The MFDS believes this seminar will enhance the understanding and implementation capabilities of GMP policies among manufacturing companies. On May 19, the MFDS announced that the seminar will take place at the ST Center in Gangnam, Seoul, targeting representatives from pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. The event will cover trends in GMP policy implementation and share technical insights on aseptic drug GMP compliance. Topics to be discussed include: the current status of GMP policy implementation, updates on the operation of a global GMP compliance support committee, and trends in GMP inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with strategies for responding to unannounced inspections. Notably, the policy updates will be broadcast live on the MFDS YouTube channel. Additionally, the seminar will address industry interests regarding the revision of aseptic drug regulations, including strategies for the operation of the Pre-Use Post-Sterilization Integrity Testing (PUPSIT) and case studies of its application, as well as the latest technological trends in freeze-drying processes and global regulatory developments. The MFDS stated, "We plan to regularly hold policy briefings and annual seminars to strengthen the GMP compliance capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry and support the harmonization of global regulations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:31:12

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Resume Final Negotiations Ahead of Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union began their final round of negotiations on May 19, ahead of a planned general strike on May 21.The two sides met at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong at 10 a.m. to resume wage negotiations for the year.Park Soo-geun, chairman of the commission, stated as he entered the meeting room, "We will see if both sides can reach an agreement. If not, we will present a mediation proposal. There is still a possibility of an agreement, so we will assess that."Regarding the potential for an agreement, Park noted, "Some issues are being narrowed down," adding that he would confirm the points of disagreement from the previous day.He also mentioned that a draft mediation proposal had not yet been prepared.Both parties arrived at the meeting earlier than scheduled. Ye Myung-gu, a senior executive in the semiconductor division, arrived at 8:20 a.m. and expressed, "We will do our best" as he entered the meeting room.Choi Seung-ho, the union's chief negotiator, silently headed to the meeting room at 8:51 a.m.The negotiations, which began at 10 a.m., are expected to conclude by 7 p.m. However, if discussions extend, the end time may be pushed back, and there is a possibility that negotiations could continue until May 20, the day before the strike.The first round of post-adjustment talks, held on May 11-12, extended past midnight on May 12, concluding around 3:30 a.m. on May 13.With the union's planned general strike set for May 21, this second round of negotiations is viewed as the last opportunity for dialogue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:30:00

Court to Decide on Arrest of Lee Eun-woo, Former KTV Director, on Sedition Charges The arrest status of Lee Eun-woo, former director of the Korea Policy Broadcasting (KTV), who faces sedition charges related to the emergency martial law, is expected to be decided on the 21st. According to legal sources on the 19th, Judge Lee Jong-rok of the Seoul Central District Court will conduct a warrant review for Lee on the 21st. On the 18th, the Special Prosecutors' Team, led by Kwon Chang-young, filed for an arrest warrant against Lee on charges of promoting sedition. This marks the first attempt by the Special Prosecutors' Team to secure the suspect's custody since its establishment in February. Lee is accused of using his authority over public channel news broadcasts to repeatedly and intensively report on the legitimacy of the martial law and proclamations from December 3 to 13, 2024, while selectively blocking and deleting news that criticized or prevented seditious acts, thereby promoting sedition. Previously, the Special Prosecutors' Team for Sedition, led by Jo Eun-seok, had only indicted Lee without detention for abuse of authority related to the deletion of scroll news on December 4, 2024. However, the Comprehensive Special Prosecutors' Team has decided to reopen the investigation into the sedition promotion charges. The Comprehensive Special Prosecutors' Team stated, "Upon reviewing the records of the sedition promotion case against a suspect previously not indicted by the first sedition special investigation, it was confirmed that the suspect's actions supported and protected seditious forces, forgetting the media's duty to check and monitor state power, both during and after the martial law period. Therefore, the suspect's actions fall under the scope of the Comprehensive Special Prosecutors' law investigation." Meanwhile, during a sentencing hearing on the abuse of authority case against Lee held on the 15th by the 23rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, the Sedition Special Prosecutors' Team requested a five-year prison sentence. The court plans to conduct the sentencing hearing for this case on June 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:27:22

May Housing Business Outlook Index Rises Amid Investment Shift to Non-Metropolitan Areas The outlook for the housing business improved in May as investment demand shifted to non-metropolitan areas due to stricter real estate regulations in the metropolitan region. On May 19, a survey of housing developers revealed that the housing business outlook index rose by 13.9 points from the previous month to 77.6. While the metropolitan area saw a decline of 5.3 points to 72.9, non-metropolitan areas experienced an increase of 18.0 points to 78.6. In the metropolitan region, the index fell as follows: Gyeonggi Province dropped by 8.5 points (from 76.9 to 68.4), Seoul decreased by 5.3 points (from 87.8 to 82.5), and Incheon fell by 2.2 points (from 70.0 to 67.8). This decline is attributed to rising interest rates, concerns over tax and loan regulations, and increased construction costs. As mortgage rates rise, the financial burden on buyers has increased, leading to a cautious market stance amid discussions on the end of the temporary suspension of capital gains tax for multiple homeowners and stricter taxation for non-resident homeowners. Conversely, major cities in non-metropolitan areas all reported increases. Ulsan rose by 25.8 points (from 58.8 to 84.6), Daejeon by 25.5 points (from 61.1 to 86.6), Gwangju by 23.5 points (from 52.9 to 76.4), Daegu by 18.2 points (from 68.1 to 86.3), Sejong by 17.3 points (from 75.0 to 92.3), and Busan by 10.5 points (from 60.0 to 70.5). In provincial areas, Chungbuk increased by 29.6 points (from 45.4 to 75.0), Gyeongnam by 29.4 points (from 61.5 to 90.9), Gangwon by 21.7 points (from 58.3 to 80.0), Jeonbuk by 20.3 points (from 61.5 to 81.8), Gyeongbuk by 18.0 points (from 66.6 to 84.6), Chungnam by 6.1 points (from 66.6 to 72.7), Jeju by 3.3 points (from 52.9 to 56.2), and Jeonnam by 2.5 points (from 60.0 to 62.5). This shift in investment demand to non-metropolitan areas is analyzed as a response to the stricter regulations in the metropolitan region. Notably, the Ulsan and Gyeongnam areas benefited from strong performance in the shipbuilding and automotive industries, supporting local economic growth and housing demand. However, regions that experienced significant declines in the previous month showed substantial rebounds, indicating some base effect. The national financing index for May is projected to rise by 6.9 points to 73.0, driven by growing expectations for a recovery in the housing market, particularly in non-metropolitan areas. The easing of financing conditions, including discounts on guarantee fees from the Korea Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) and extensions of project financing guarantees, is also cited as a contributing factor. However, challenges remain, including rising interest rates, tightening project financing loans, and delays in recovering funds due to unsold inventory. The Korea Housing Institute noted, "This increase reflects a slight easing of psychological distress compared to the previous month." The material supply index is projected to fall by 12.5 points to 67.1. This decline is attributed to increased concerns over procurement and construction costs due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has led to instability in oil and raw material prices. A representative from the Korea Housing Institute stated, "The instability in oil and raw material prices due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East is increasing construction cost burdens and negatively impacting business outlooks. However, there remains potential for housing prices in the metropolitan area to rise due to the influx of funds from the securities market and concerns over locked-up inventory."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:22:35

Government to Offer Up to 40% Discount on Stocked Seafood Amid Seasonal Price Fluctuations The government will supply stocked seafood at prices discounted by up to 30-40% as the fishing season begins and production declines. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on May 19, the entry into the fishing season in May is likely to increase price volatility for seafood. To stabilize prices, the ministry plans to release up to 8,000 tons of stocked seafood into the market from May 20 to July 15. Typically, seafood production decreases during the fishing season. The National Fisheries Research Institute reported that in May of last year, production of mackerel, horse mackerel, squid, anchovy, hairtail, and croaker all fell below average levels. The government’s stocked seafood will be available through traditional markets, supermarkets, online and offline wholesale markets, and business-to-business transactions. Consumers can expect to purchase items at prices 30-40% lower than usual. Products such as mackerel fillets, cut pollock, and dried squid will be offered as processed goods, providing consumers with a variety of choices. The supply will include 5,500 tons of pollock, 1,000 tons of mackerel, 900 tons of squid, and 600 tons of hairtail, marking the largest government supply during the fishing season. The ministry prioritized items that have seen price increases or unstable supply and demand. Future market supply will be adjusted based on price fluctuations during the supply period. Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "We decided to supply stocked seafood considering high prices, the onset of the fishing season, and seafood supply trends." He added, "We hope this supply allows consumers to enjoy quality seafood at reasonable prices, and we will closely monitor seafood prices for stability until fishing resumes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:19:21

Hyundai Mobis Expands Robotics and AI Partnerships in Silicon Valley Hyundai Mobis is expanding its global network in robotics and physical AI in Silicon Valley. The company is increasing collaboration with local startups, investors, and developers to secure key technologies for future mobility. On May 18, Hyundai Mobis announced it held the 5th Mobis Mobility Day in Sunnyvale, California. This year's event focused on robotics and physical AI, attracting over 400 attendees, the largest turnout to date and more than double last year's participation. The audience included not only mobility industry professionals but also entrepreneurs and developers from new business sectors. During the event, Hyundai Mobis shared its investment and research strategies in robotics. Employees from the company's North American research center presented achievements in autonomous driving, software-defined vehicles (SDV), and electrification. Earlier, Hyundai Mobis signed a contract to supply actuators to Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group. Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, is set to assist with parts sorting at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia by 2028. Additionally, Hyundai Mobis established a partnership with Qualcomm, a leading global semiconductor company, at CES 2026 to jointly develop software-defined vehicles (SDV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Hyundai Mobis plans to hold another Mobis Mobility Day in Asia in the second half of this year to share its ongoing open innovation efforts in the mobility sector. A Hyundai Mobis representative stated, "Building collaborative relationships with promising companies in North America and the global market is crucial for creating a global parts ecosystem in the robotics sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:15:47

Government to Support Lunch Costs for Small Business Workers The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on May 19 that it will launch the "Substantial Lunch Program for Workers" starting on the 21st to alleviate the lunch cost burden for employees of small businesses and stimulate sluggish dining consumption.This initiative aims to ease the burden of "lunchflation" on small business employees by providing partial support for lunch expenses through collaboration between the government, local governments, and sponsorship from KB Financial Group. Discounts will be offered via point rewards from card companies or digital meal vouchers.The program will target 50,000 workers employed at small businesses as defined by the Small and Medium Enterprises Basic Act, provided that their companies currently subsidize lunch expenses. However, companies participating in the "1,000 Won Breakfast for Industrial Complex Workers" program will be excluded from this support.Eligible workers can receive a 20% discount on their lunch expenses, up to a maximum of 40,000 won per month, when dining out between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Discounts will not apply to meals purchased at company cafeterias, convenience stores, or through delivery apps.Jung Kyung-seok, Director of Food Industry Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "We hope the Substantial Lunch Program for Workers will reduce the financial burden on small business employees while also boosting sales for local dining establishments. We will strengthen communication with private companies and local governments to continue expanding this initiative."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:15:24

Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong to Host Live Commerce Event Amid Onion Price Drop As onion prices plummet due to oversupply, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong will take to live commerce to sell fresh onions. The Ministry announced that Minister Song will participate as a "guest host" in a live commerce broadcast scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Iksan Agricultural Cooperative online studio in North Jeolla Province. The event aims to encourage onion consumption, during which Minister Song will explain the benefits and storage methods of onions. The live commerce event will be streamed for 60 minutes on Naver Shopping Live and the NH Imarket channel. The first 1,000 customers to make a purchase will receive onion pickling sauce, while 100 customers who verify their purchases will receive melons as gifts. The minister's involvement in the event is a response to a significant drop in onion prices compared to last year. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's Agricultural and Fisheries Product Distribution Information System (KAMIS), the consumer price of onions is currently 2,477 won per kilogram, a 23.2% decrease from the same period last year. The Ministry aims to stimulate market demand and stabilize the depressed onion prices through this promotional event. Minister Song stated, "I hope our farmers' delicious and nutritious produce, which they have cultivated with care, will be purchased generously. I also ask for warm support for our farmers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:15:00

Apple Announces Schedule for WWDC, Expected to Feature AI Announcements Apple has unveiled the schedule for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is expected to be Tim Cook's last as CEO. On June 8, Apple announced that WWDC 2026 will take place from June 8 to June 12. WWDC is Apple's yearly developer event, typically showcasing the next generation of operating systems and software updates. Given Apple's recent announcement that it will adopt Google's generative AI model, Gemini, for the next version of Siri, this year's event is likely to emphasize AI-related announcements. Historically, Apple has unveiled new iPhone products in September, suggesting that this WWDC will focus more on software and AI functionality updates rather than hardware. Last year's WWDC featured a major update with the introduction of 'Liquid Glass,' a design overhaul inspired by glass textures. The keynote address will be held on June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (2 a.m. Korea Time on June 9) and will be streamed live on Apple's official website, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel. On the same day at 1 p.m., the 'Platform State of the Union' event will also take place. This year's conference will include video sessions, guides, group labs, and the Apple Design Awards. The group labs will feature live online presentations and Q&A sessions led by Apple engineers and designers. WWDC 2026 is expected to be the last developer conference attended by Cook as CEO. In April, Apple announced that John Ternus, the senior vice president of hardware engineering, will take over leadership in September. Cook became CEO in 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple has experienced unprecedented growth, driven by the expansion of the iPhone and services. However, the company has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors in the AI sector. Although Apple introduced 'Apple Intelligence' at WWDC 2024, the rollout of related features has not met investor and consumer expectations. In contrast, Samsung and Google have rapidly integrated generative AI into smartphones, search engines, productivity tools, and mobile operating systems over the past two years, leading the AI device market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:12:46

Ruling Party Criticizes Oh Se-hoon Over GTX-A Steel Shortage and Han River Bus Issues The Democratic Party criticized Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, on May 19, over allegations of missing steel reinforcements in the GTX-A project and issues related to the Han River bus service. They stated, "He is unfit to take responsibility for Seoul. He should resign and take accountability," and emphasized, "We cannot entrust citizen safety to someone who shifts blame." During a National Assembly meeting, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, highlighted three major administrative failures that threaten citizens: the 20 billion won spent on the audit of the Han River bus service, the 150 billion won wasted, and the 2,570 missing steel reinforcements in the construction project. Han added, "It seems Oh prioritizes showcasing his achievements over the lives and safety of citizens. Similar to the free school meal incident, why not step down and take responsibility now? Oh, who hides failures and neglects safety, is not qualified to lead Seoul." Han Jeong-ae, the party's policy chair, pointed out, "Oh claims the construction company is at fault, but the bidding documents from the Seoul city government list him as the responsible party. This is no different from the Han River bus incident, where he shifted blame to human error after safety accidents occurred." She stressed, "This is shameless evasion of responsibility. We cannot entrust the safety of citizens to someone who prioritizes their own security and shifts blame." Cheon Jun-ho, the party's deputy floor leader, also criticized Oh, stating, "He is characterized by a lack of concern for safety and blatant arrogance. He must take responsibility and apologize first. The most important value a mayor should uphold is the safety of citizens."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:10:35