Ministry of SMEs Reports Significant Increase in Small Business Support Applications The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has reported a significant increase in applications for its "Small Business Policy Notification Service." This surge is attributed to enhanced customized policy guidance aimed at small business owners who face challenges in accessing information. According to the ministry, a notification sent on March 20 to 213,000 women small business owners aged 20 to 40 regarding the Ministry of Employment and Labor's maternity benefits program led to a more than 1.3-fold increase in applications immediately following the notification. Notably, applications from sole proprietors, who often have limited time to search for information, increased by approximately 1.7 times. Additionally, due to the lack of a dedicated small business database, the ministry conducted tailored outreach for five local government programs, including maternity support and fire insurance premium assistance. This outreach targeted 67,000 individuals based on criteria such as location, residency, industry, age, and gender. Analysis of the results from these local government programs revealed that applications increased by 4 to 20 times compared to before the notifications were sent, demonstrating a greater promotional impact than that of central government programs. Among all applicants, approximately 31.1% were recipients of the notifications, indicating that the policy alerts significantly contributed to increased participation in these programs. Building on this success, the ministry plans to continue providing easy and convenient access to information about support programs for small businesses in the second half of the year. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen collaboration with other ministries and local governments to continuously identify and expand the scope of programs promoted through notifications, while refining the criteria for selecting small business recipients to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of policy guidance. Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "The effectiveness of the policy notification service as a promotional tool for small business support programs has been confirmed. We will expand the provision of customized information that accurately reflects the characteristics of different target groups and situations based on the data we have accumulated on small businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-07 15:12:00

Government Launches Comprehensive Survey of Century-Old Small Businesses 정부가 '백년소상공인' 육성 정책의 대대적인 손질에 착수한다. 전국 2300여개 백년소상공인을 대상으로 매출, 고용, 영업 방식, 가업승계 현황 등을 전수 조사해 획일적 지원에서 벗어난 맞춤형 지원 체계를 마련한다는 구상이다. On June 7, the Small Enterprise and Market Service announced that the government will conduct a comprehensive survey of over 2,300 designated century-old small businesses across the country. The aim is to move away from a one-size-fits-all support model and establish a tailored support system based on sales, employment, business operations, and succession status. The survey will cover all 2,326 businesses as of February, including 1,407 century-old stores and 919 century-old small enterprises. Survey teams will conduct both phone and in-person interviews. Key survey items include: basic business status, actual size in terms of sales and number of employees, online and offline sales methods and revenue proportions, and the status of business succession and future plans. Particularly, the survey aims to address the issue of business succession, which has been a significant factor in the closure of many businesses, particularly due to the reluctance of younger generations to take over family businesses. The data collected will help tackle the excessive tax burdens that arise during the inheritance of small businesses. Critics have pointed out that government tax support for business succession has primarily focused on corporate small and medium-sized enterprises, leaving many small businesses without institutional benefits. The industry views this comprehensive survey as a crucial step to alleviate concerns stemming from budget cuts and to establish a foundation for the survival of these long-standing businesses. The budget for supporting century-old small businesses reached 7.695 billion won in 2022 but has since plummeted to around 400 million won last year. This year, the budget has been increased by approximately 1 billion won to 1.472 billion won, but industry insiders believe it remains insufficient to fully support all 2,300 designated businesses. To shed the negative perception of merely providing plaques and neglecting support, there are calls for a targeted approach to assist struggling small businesses alongside those that have already established self-sustainability. As of the end of 2025, a total of 41 century-old small businesses (23 century-old stores and 18 century-old small enterprises) had their designations revoked due to management deterioration or failure to meet requirements, highlighting the urgent need for a systematic post-management system. A representative from the Small Enterprise and Market Service stated, "Through this comprehensive survey, we will provide tailored support to each business based on their specific needs, even in the face of reduced budgets." 2026-06-07 15:09:00

KGC and Lotte Duty Free Sign MOU to Enhance Duty-Free Product Offerings KGC and Lotte Duty Free have formed a partnership aimed at attracting duty-free customers. On June 7, KGC announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lotte Duty Free to develop differentiated products and enhance customer experiences. The signing ceremony took place on June 4 at Lotte Duty Free's Myeongdong flagship store in Seoul, attended by KGC Sales Head Kim Tae-won and Lotte Duty Free Product Division Head Lee Jung-min, among other officials from both companies. The agreement aims to jointly plan duty-free exclusive products and services based on the brand strengths of both companies, while expanding customer touchpoints domestically and internationally. The two companies plan to collaborate on the exclusive development of Jonggwanjang's 'Ppurisam' product and the launch of collaborative editions involving intellectual property (IP). Notably, Jonggwanjang will introduce a limited edition 'Everytime' product in collaboration with the global character brand Sanrio, available exclusively at Lotte Duty Free during the Chuseok season. They will also expand their online and offline marketing collaboration. Promotions and experiential content targeting both domestic and foreign tourists will be strengthened, and the renewal of Jonggwanjang stores in major Lotte Duty Free locations will be carried out in phases. Recently, interest in K-health supplements has surged in the duty-free channel, leading to a continuous increase in demand for Jonggwanjang products among foreign customers. Jonggwanjang is currently available across all channels, including Lotte Duty Free's city stores, airport locations, and online duty-free shops. In the first quarter of this year, foreign sales of Jonggwanjang at Lotte Duty Free increased by 35% compared to the same period last year, with sales to Chinese customers rising by 46%. Kim Tae-won, KGC's Sales Head, stated, "Through this strategic collaboration with Lotte Duty Free, we expect to secure a wider range of customer touchpoints and enhance the brand value of Jonggwanjang. We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness as a leading K-health supplement brand through various distribution and content collaborations." Lee Jung-min, Lotte Duty Free's Product Division Head, remarked, "Through our collaboration with Jonggwanjang, we plan to further enhance the competitiveness of exclusive products and present a differentiated shopping environment. By combining our strengths, we aim to contribute to attracting global tourists and improving customer satisfaction."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-07 15:03:00

Han Byeong-do Announces National Assembly Investigation into Election Commission Shortages Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, announced on June 7 that he would initiate a national investigation into the Election Commission's shortage of ballots. He stated that this investigation aims to thoroughly clarify the situation and could lead to not only a special investigation but also constitutional amendments that the public can understand and feel. During an emergency press briefing at the National Assembly, Han urged the People Power Party to engage in negotiations rather than making demands to march to the Blue House, saying, "If the People Power Party is sincere about resolving this issue, they should sit at the negotiating table." He added that members of the Administrative Safety Committee, who are well-versed in the Election Commission, would participate in the investigation, emphasizing that it would not be a mere formality but a substantial inquiry into the facts. Han also indicated that he would meet with opposition parties to discuss the investigation request, expressing hope that an agreement between the ruling and opposition parties could lead to a swift start next week. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a task force for electoral reform, pledging to review the Public Election Act to prevent issues like ballot shortages and improper transport from recurring. He stated, "We will examine whether the principles of oversight and checks on the Election Commission are functioning properly and will consider measures to ensure accountability through constitutional amendments." Han concluded by mentioning that a special investigation could be possible if necessary, noting that he has formed a consensus with Representative Jeong Cheong-rae on the need for substantial reforms within the National Assembly. 2026-06-07 15:03:00

CU Convenience Store Delivery Service Suffers Data Breach, Raising Security Concerns BGF Networks, which operates CU convenience store deliveries, has confirmed that customer personal information was leaked due to hacking. Following recent data breaches at companies like Coupang and GS Retail, concerns about security vulnerabilities in the retail and e-commerce sectors are growing. According to industry sources, BGF Networks identified unauthorized access by an unknown hacker on June 4, leading to the data leak, which was publicly disclosed on June 6. The leaked information includes usernames, passwords, names, birthdates, genders, addresses, emails, and mobile phone numbers. BGF Networks clarified that the leaked information pertains only to online member customers and does not include third-party information such as recipients entered during shipping. The company promptly blocked the attack's Internet Protocol (IP) address, completed security measures, and activated an incident response team. They also reported the incident to the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). BGF Networks urged customers to change their passwords if they use the same password across multiple sites, although they assured that the passwords are encrypted and secure. This incident is part of a broader trend where retail and e-commerce companies are becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. Last November, Coupang experienced a massive data leak affecting approximately 33.7 million customer accounts, including names, addresses, and contact information, due to a former employee's actions. GS Retail also confirmed data leaks affecting around 90,000 customers through its GS25 website and an additional 1.58 million records from its home shopping website. Other companies, including luxury platform Mustit, Adidas, and Papa John's Korea, reported similar breaches that year, with Papa John's leak including names, contact details, addresses, and some credit card information. In addition to customer data, there have been targeted leaks of employee information. In December, Shinsegae Group reported a breach that exposed information on about 80,000 employees, including employee numbers and department affiliations. This year, leaks have continued, with CJ Group confirming that on May 18, personal information of 330 female employees, including phone numbers, emails, job titles, departments, and photos, was posted without authorization in a public Telegram channel. Some of the leaked information reportedly included details related to the company's intranet, which is not accessible to the general public. An industry insider noted, "Retail and e-commerce companies hold vast amounts of member information, making them prime targets for hackers. Recently, attacks have diversified beyond simple system hacks to include account takeovers of partner companies, necessitating enhanced security investments and employee training." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-07 15:00:00

Election Commission Must Reform After Ballot Shortages in Local Elections The ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections was not merely a logistical error; it exposed significant flaws in the entire election management system. Voters faced long lines, and some polling stations had to halt voting or extend their hours due to the lack of ballots. The fact that a fundamental election resource was not adequately secured in a democratic nation is shocking. However, the more pressing issue is the systemic failures revealed in the aftermath of the incident. The Songpa-gu Election Commission recognized the potential for a ballot shortage by 11:40 a.m. on election day and reached out to the Seoul Election Commission for solutions. This indicates that warning signs had been detected early in the day. However, this information was not communicated to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's election situation room. The Songpa District Office only reported the situation to the Election Commission and did not share information with other agencies. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety became aware of the situation only after media reports surfaced at around 5:20 p.m. Despite the presence of situation rooms at the Central Election Commission, local election commissions, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and local governments, critical information failed to flow between these entities. Although there were signs of a crisis and a reporting system in place, no one was able to assess the overall situation comprehensively. Election management agencies operated within their own silos, ultimately exacerbating the crisis. This is a classic example of compartmentalized administration. More seriously, the issue at hand was not just administrative but involved the fundamental rights of citizens to participate in elections. The Election Commission has long emphasized its independence as a constitutional body. There is universal agreement on the principle that it must remain free from political influence to ensure fair elections. The problem arises when this independence is misused as a shield against accountability. Being an independent agency does not exempt it from responsibility for failures. In fact, with its considerable authority comes an even greater obligation for accountability and scrutiny. Public outrage over this incident stems from the lack of identifiable accountability despite the ballot shortages and chaos in election management. This has led to strong criticism from political circles. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has called for a "reform at the level of disbandment" of the Election Commission. Some members of the ruling party are even discussing the possibility of a special investigation. Representative Han Dong-hoon, who won a by-election in Busan, announced he would introduce a bill to amend the Audit Act to allow the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct oversight of the Central Election Commission. This reflects concerns that the Election Commission has operated as an untouchable entity, leading to accumulated incompetence and arrogance. The current situation is not just about a shortage of ballots. It highlights a combination of inadequate preparation, failure in crisis response, lack of inter-agency communication, and a culture of evading responsibility. This is a systemic issue that goes beyond a single ballot. Now is not the time for temporary fixes. A comprehensive review is needed of ballot printing standards and supply systems, crisis response manuals for election day, inter-agency information sharing systems, and the internal decision-making structure of the Election Commission. The system of having part-time and concurrent positions for the Election Commission chair also needs to be reassessed. While maintaining independence, reforms should aim to enhance accountability and transparency. The Election Commission should not focus on preserving its image at this time. It must fully disclose why this incident occurred and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This is the minimum standard that a constitutional body must uphold before the public. If this issue is brushed aside again, demands for reform of the Election Commission will only intensify. 2026-06-07 14:51:00

Han Byeong-do: Court Decision Needed on Calls for Re-elections in Local Elections Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated on June 7 that he is aware of calls for re-elections related to the June 3 local elections, but emphasized the need to await a swift court decision based on law and principles. During an emergency press briefing at the National Assembly, Han acknowledged, "I am aware that such discussions are taking place." Earlier, lawmaker Park Seon-won posted on Facebook, "Re-elections should be held in areas where there were issues with the ballots. The Central Election Management Commission must take responsibility and ensure re-elections, especially since it could have anticipated the need for more ballots based on early voting." Lawmaker Choi Min-hee also expressed her views on Facebook, stating, "Jang Dong-hyuk's call for a full re-election is unreasonable. We should only hold re-elections in the areas where ballot issues occurred." These statements contrast with remarks made by Secretary-General Jo Seung-rae, who said on election day that the re-election claims made by the People Power Party were not worth considering. Additionally, Senior Spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun held a separate press briefing, stating, "The party has not discussed re-elections. If there is a need for discussion, it will take place at the Supreme Council meeting." Meanwhile, during the election process, a significant incident occurred in the Songpa district of Seoul, where a shortage of ballots temporarily halted voting. Both ruling and opposition parties have raised concerns about the responsibility of the election commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-07 14:48:00

Kasper Electric Faces Up to 28-Month Delays Amid European Demand Hyundai Motor's Kasper Electric has been experiencing delivery delays for over a year, primarily due to high demand in the European market, which has led to a significant portion of production being allocated for export. As of June 7, industry sources report that the waiting period for the Kasper Electric can reach up to 28 months. All trims, except for the top-tier EV Lounge (16 months), require more than 22 months for delivery. Hyundai has been informing customers about the delays for both the gasoline model and the 2026 Kasper EV on its official website. This notification has been ongoing since June of last year. Comments on various online communities include remarks like, "The car is coming out later than my son who went to the military." Some used car platforms are even listing vehicles at prices higher than new models. The delays in new car launches are attributed to the expansion of exports to Europe. Gwangju Global Motors (GGM), responsible for production, has prioritized a significant portion of its output for export, resulting in domestic supply struggling to meet demand. The Kasper Electric, sold under the name 'Inster' in the European market, has been steadily popular since its export began in 2024. According to Hyundai's European division, the cumulative sales of Inster reached 33,917 units last year, making it the second best-selling electric vehicle in the A-segment (microcar category). In April, 2,974 units were sold in Europe, ranking it as the third most sold model among Hyundai's electrified vehicles, following the Tucson and Kona. Industry experts attribute Inster's success to the unique automotive consumption culture in Europe. While the domestic market has shifted towards mid-sized SUVs, European consumers still prefer compact cars. The growing demand for entry-level electric vehicles, driven by rising EV prices, is also seen as a factor in Inster's popularity. A Hyundai representative noted, "While the Kasper has a strong image as a compact car in Korea, it is perceived as a practical urban electric vehicle in Europe. However, production volumes are fixed, making it difficult to increase output in the short term, so the delivery delays are expected to continue for the foreseeable future." 2026-06-07 14:48:00

President Lee Appoints Han Seong-sook as New Prime Minister, Second Woman in Role President Lee Jae-myung appointed Han Seong-sook, the Minister of SMEs and Startups, as the new Prime Minister on June 7. If confirmed through the parliamentary hearing, Han will become the second woman to hold the position, following former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who served during the Roh Moo-hyun administration nearly 19 years ago. Additionally, she will make history as the first Prime Minister with a background as a CEO of a major corporation, having previously served as the CEO of Naver, South Korea's largest IT company. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik held a briefing at the Cheong Wa Dae and stated, "With her experience as a representative of an IT company and as the Minister of SMEs and Startups, we expect her to effectively address the critical challenge of the AI transformation and lead the growth of all South Koreans, not just a select few." He added, "If we combine Han's innovative spirit and her experience as Minister with the position of Prime Minister, we believe she can transform the current economic growth driven by the semiconductor boom and rising exports into growth that benefits small businesses, micro-enterprises, and local economies across the nation." 2026-06-07 14:39:00

Xi Jinping Visits North Korea Amid Strengthening China-North Korea Ties Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen North Korea as his first overseas destination this year. He will make a state visit to the country from June 8 for a two-day meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This marks Xi's first visit to North Korea in nearly seven years, following Kim's trip to China in September last year for the Victory Day celebrations. Given the diplomatic significance of selecting North Korea as his first foreign stop this year, China is expected to reaffirm its traditional friendly relations with North Korea while enhancing strategic cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and security areas. This move is also seen as an effort to assert China's influence in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. Wang Yajun, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea, stated in an article for the People's Daily on June 6 that "the two leaders will hold an important historical meeting and outline a new chapter in China-North Korea relations for a new era." China to Showcase Influence Over North Korea Amid Strengthened China-North Korea-Russia Cooperation This year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea Mutual Aid and Cooperation Treaty, and China is likely to focus on further strengthening its ties with North Korea. This treaty includes a clause for automatic military intervention if one party is attacked, symbolizing the China-North Korea alliance. However, concerns have arisen within China regarding a potential decline in influence over North Korea as the latter rapidly expands military and economic cooperation with Russia. Amid U.S.-China competition and the growing closeness between North Korea and Russia, analysts suggest that China will seek to reinforce its relationship with North Korea to maintain its influence while also strengthening the trilateral cooperation framework with North Korea and Russia against the U.S.-led international order. As China-North Korea-Russia cooperation progresses, there is growing interest in China's potential access to the East Sea through the Tumen River. The issue of utilizing the Tumen River as a maritime route to the East Sea has been a significant concern for China. The northeastern region of China has been unable to directly access the East Sea due to geographical barriers posed by Russia's Primorsky Krai and North Korea. However, during recent China-Russia summits, it was indicated that discussions regarding the Tumen River's maritime access would involve North Korea. In addition to Tumen River cooperation, economic development collaboration, including the utilization of North Korea's Rason Economic Zone and the expansion of material and human exchanges between the two countries, is expected to be a focal point of the upcoming summit. Sing Liqi, a professor at Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, predicted in the Hong Kong Ming Pao that Xi's visit to North Korea would enhance cooperation in various social and economic fields. He noted that North Korea is currently at a crucial stage of economic development, and cooperation between the two countries presents significant investment opportunities for China, indicating substantial potential for collaboration. North Korea Showcases Nuclear Capabilities Amid Potential for U.S.-North Korea Dialogue Issues surrounding North Korea's nuclear program and the Korean Peninsula will also be key topics at the summit. Following a series of recent summits involving the U.S., China, and Russia, Xi's immediate visit to Pyongyang is likely to emphasize China's role as a key mediator in the Korean Peninsula issues. As North Korea continues to reject denuclearization and block dialogue with the U.S., attention is focused on whether China can facilitate a resumption of talks between North Korea and the U.S. Recently, North Korea has been asserting its nuclear capabilities and justifying its possession of nuclear weapons. Reuters reported that "ahead of Xi's visit to North Korea, the country is justifying the acceleration of its nuclear arsenal to strengthen its negotiating position." Consequently, some analysts believe that the likelihood of the two leaders finding a breakthrough on denuclearization is low. This year, statements from the China-South Korea, China-Russia, and U.S.-China summits have notably omitted references to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, indicating a subtle shift in the principle of 'no tolerance for North Korea's nuclear program.' Voice of America (VOA) cited experts who noted that "amid the growing closeness between North Korea and Russia, China is shifting towards a less critical stance on North Korea," and that considering China's reluctance to interfere in North Korean internal affairs, discussions on denuclearization with Kim may be challenging. Chinese expert Deng Yiwun recently wrote in Foreign Policy that "if China continues to maintain distance, it risks pushing North Korea further towards Russia and ultimately losing its dominant position on the Korean Peninsula," adding that China will likely use Xi's visit as an opportunity to present economic and security incentives to draw North Korea back into a China-led orbit. A diplomatic source in Beijing remarked that "Xi's visit to North Korea demonstrates China's leadership in international diplomatic order through the recent series of U.S.-China and China-Russia summits, while also sending a message that it will manage the security concerns (North Korea's nuclear issue) in its own backyard." 2026-06-07 14:39:00