Samsung's Internal Strife Deepens Amid Strike Threats Samsung Electronics and its labor union returned to the negotiating table three days before a planned total strike, but experts predict that any outcome will severely impact the company's competitiveness. Since its founding in 1969, Samsung Electronics has been known for its lack of labor disputes, but the internal turmoil it is currently facing is expected to have greater consequences than anticipated. On May 18, political and industry sources reported that Samsung Electronics and its labor union resumed a second post-adjustment meeting at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong. This meeting is effectively the last dialogue before the total strike. The situation is not favorable for the union. The Suwon District Court partially granted Samsung Electronics' request for a temporary injunction against unlawful labor actions by the Samsung Electronics branch of the super-union and the National Samsung Electronics Union. Legal experts interpret this decision as not denying the union's right to strike but confirming legal limits on the methods and scope of labor actions. The government is also increasing pressure. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated that if the Samsung Electronics strike poses significant damage to the national economy, all response measures, including emergency mediation, could be considered. President Lee Jae-myung also commented on social media that "both labor and management should be respected, and the rights of labor should be balanced with management rights." He further noted that fundamental rights may be restricted for the public good, signaling that the government's crisis awareness has reached a critical point. Despite this, the union has not backed down from the total strike option. Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Group super-union, entered the second post-adjustment meeting stating, "I have nothing significant to say, but I will participate sincerely in this meeting." He did not respond to questions about how he interpreted the president's remarks. Separately from the efforts of management and the government to avert a strike, concerns have been raised that internal divisions within Samsung Electronics have reached a dangerous level. The conflict between the semiconductor and non-semiconductor sectors has become so pronounced that they seem difficult to view as part of the same company. The day before, a screenshot of remarks made by the union's vice-chairman, Lee Song-yi, in a union Telegram chat, suggesting "let's eliminate the company" and "let's spin off" went viral on the anonymous workplace community Blind, causing a stir. Although Lee clarified that her comments were distorted, the internal sentiment remains unsettled. Industry insiders view the public disclosure of such remarks as indicative of a breakdown in organizational trust at Samsung Electronics. Some employees have even suggested extreme measures, such as moving to Chinese company CXMT to leak technology if negotiations fail. Regardless of the truth of these claims, the mere discussion of such ideas within the company is seen as a serious warning sign for a semiconductor firm. The unexpected demands from the non-semiconductor union are further complicating the situation. The Samsung Electronics Labor Union Donghaeng and the National Samsung Electronics Union Suwon branch reportedly called for a portion of performance bonuses to be distributed to partner companies during the post-adjustment process. Industry analysts believe that the expansion of performance bonus discussions beyond semiconductor employee compensation to include partner distribution issues is dragging the negotiations into a quagmire. The Samsung Electronics union has been demanding that 15% of operating profit be fixed as the source for performance bonuses and that the cap on bonuses be eliminated. Concerns have been raised in the industry that if these demands are accepted, performance bonuses could effectively become semi-fixed costs, potentially triggering a ripple effect throughout the domestic industry. There are also assessments that unreasonable demands have intensified internal conflicts regardless of whether a strike occurs. Experts believe that even if a strike is averted, the issues will not be resolved. With the union's hardline rhetoric and internal divisions now exposed, restoring organizational cohesion will likely remain a significant challenge. Kim Yang-pyeong, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, stated, "Once damage occurs in semiconductor manufacturing processes, it leads to reduced production and yield. More seriously, it will inevitably impact long-term trust and related aspects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 22:13:40

Lotte Chilsung Beverage Collects One Ton of Marine Waste at Geomundo Lotte Chilsung Beverage has partnered with the National Park Service to engage in environmental activities that promote marine ecosystem conservation and plastic resource recycling. The company announced on May 18 that it conducted a marine cleanup on Geomundo, located in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on May 14-15. Employees from Lotte Chilsung Beverage, along with officials from the National Park Service and the Korea National Trust for Nature, participated in the efforts. The volunteer team collected approximately one ton of marine debris, including discarded plastic, nets, and other waste, from the Mokneungore coast. Restoration work was also carried out on damaged rocky shores in the Dongdo and Seodo areas. This involved inserting a restoration material made from a mixture of stone powder and plant-based adhesive into the holes in the rocks. After the cleanup, the team visited the Geomundo Marine Climate Change Station to learn about the current status of marine environmental changes and the importance of climate change research. On the same day, a "Transparent PET Bottle Resource Recycling Campaign" was held at the Dobong Visitor Center in Bukhansan National Park. Lotte Chilsung Beverage supported the event by providing 2,000 bottles of its Isis water brand. Participants encouraged hikers to return the bottles to designated recycling bins at the trailhead upon their descent. The collected transparent PET bottles will be utilized in a "Bottle-to-Bottle" recycling system for food containers. This initiative is part of a memorandum of understanding signed in January by Lotte Chilsung Beverage and five other organizations to establish a transparent PET bottle resource recycling ecosystem. A representative from Lotte Chilsung Beverage stated, "Ecosystem conservation and resource recycling are core tasks of ESG activities that companies must continuously pursue. We will expand our ESG management practices through collaboration with various organizations." According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, an estimated 145,000 tons of marine waste is generated annually in South Korea, with over 80% of it being plastic waste.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 22:06:00

Korea Technology Guarantee Fund Partners with Seoul Bankruptcy Court to Support Reviving Companies The Korea Technology Guarantee Fund has signed a business agreement with the Seoul Bankruptcy Court to support the successful revival of bankrupt companies. According to the Technology Guarantee Fund on May 18, the agreement aims to identify companies with a high potential for management normalization and link them with financial support, enabling these companies to establish a stable recovery foundation and quickly normalize their operations. Under the agreement, the Seoul Bankruptcy Court will recommend companies undergoing bankruptcy proceedings that have a high likelihood of revival to the Technology Guarantee Fund. In turn, the Fund will assess these recommended companies and provide financial support, including the 'Revival Support Guarantee.' Both institutions will also collaborate on providing guidance and promoting systems for bankrupt companies to facilitate smooth recoveries. The Revival Support Guarantee program, operated by the Technology Guarantee Fund, helps outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises in financial distress by repaying their debts and assisting in their recovery. It can reduce existing debts by up to 90% and also guarantees new funding. This program is based on technology assessments, making it relatively likely to succeed. Building on the operational success of this agreement, the Technology Guarantee Fund plans to expand its cooperation to five bankruptcy courts nationwide to broaden the support framework for the revival of bankrupt companies. Kim Jong-ho, Chairman of the Technology Guarantee Fund, stated, "This agreement is significant as it establishes a cooperative system between the courts and policy financing institutions in response to the increasing number of bankruptcy applications from small and medium-sized enterprises due to rising external uncertainties and economic slowdown. The Technology Guarantee Fund will continue to expand its collaboration with bankruptcy courts to support the successful revival of these companies and serve as a strong pillar for crisis-stricken businesses to make a comeback."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 22:03:00

Starbucks Faces Backlash Over 'Tank Day' Event on May 18 Starbucks is facing backlash for its 'Tank Day' event held on the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising on May 18.According to industry sources, Starbucks promoted the event with the slogan 'Tank Day' as part of its 'Dante Tank Nasu Day' initiative. The promotional page also featured the phrase 'Bang! on the desk!'This sparked criticism on online communities and social media, with many arguing that the expressions trivialized the Gwangju Uprising. Critics noted that the slogan evoked memories of the military's tank deployment during the uprising and the torture and death of activist Park Jong-cheol.In 1987, during the Park Jong-cheol incident, the police announced, "He died after hitting the desk," which further fueled public outrage. Observers pointed out the similarity between this statement and the event's promotional language.Netizens reacted with comments such as, "This sounds like something from Ilbe (a controversial online community)," and questioned why the 'Tank Day' event was scheduled for May 18, suggesting it was a deliberate provocation.In response to the controversy, Starbucks changed the phrase 'Bang! on the desk!' to 'Bang~ during work' and rebranded 'Tank Day' to 'Tank Tumbler Day.' The company acknowledged the use of inappropriate language in the promotion and issued an apology, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and concern to our customers. We discovered that inappropriate phrases were used during the promotion of the Dante Tank Nasu tumbler as part of our Buddy Week event running until the 26th."Starbucks emphasized that it would review and improve its internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.Currently, the company has suspended the event, and access to the event page on its official website and app has been disabled.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 22:01:05

Prospects After Emergency Mediation Authority Activation: A Look at Past Cases As tensions rise between Samsung Electronics and its labor union, the possibility of the government activating its "emergency mediation authority" is drawing attention in the industrial sector. Legal experts believe that if this authority is invoked before a strike occurs, it would be an unprecedented preemptive activation. According to legal sources on May 18, the emergency mediation authority is based on Article 76 of the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. The Minister of Employment and Labor can decide to activate emergency mediation if a labor dispute threatens public interest, is large in scale, or poses a significant risk to the national economy or daily life. Before activation, the minister must consult with the chair of the Central Labor Relations Commission. Once activated, the union must immediately cease any strike actions and cannot resume them for 30 days. Legal interpretations suggest that there is no explicit prohibition against activating this authority before a strike begins. However, the requirement of an existing risk means that substantial objective evidence is necessary for actual activation. Lee Jun-hee, a professor at Kwangwoon University, stated, "There is no legal text that makes it impossible under the current law, so it is not unfeasible. However, it must be strictly evaluated whether a risk exists, and there must be objectively recognizable grounds." Historically, the emergency mediation authority has typically been invoked after strikes have already begun and damages have occurred. During the 1993 Hyundai Motor strike, the government initiated the activation process after estimating that long-term disputes had caused losses of 672.7 billion won, including impacts on partner companies. Following the activation, negotiations resumed, leading to a tentative agreement within about 21 hours. In 2005, the government activated the emergency mediation authority during a 25-day strike by Asiana Airlines pilots, which had already resulted in direct damages exceeding 400 billion won. After the activation, the pilots returned to work, and mediation procedures were initiated. In the same year, during a strike by Korean Air pilots, the government activated the authority on the fourth day of the strike, estimating that damages over three days had reached 189.4 billion won. The government feared that prolonged strikes could severely disrupt air logistics and exports. Subsequently, the Central Labor Relations Commission issued a mediation decision that included a 2.5% basic salary increase, resolving the situation. The Samsung Electronics strike situation differs from previous cases. In the Hyundai and airline strikes, government intervention occurred only after production and transportation disruptions had accumulated. In contrast, Samsung is facing potential disruptions before they occur, with signals of intervention coming from the president, political circles, and the judiciary, making this situation unusual. Some analysts have even suggested that a strike could lead to losses of around 100 trillion won, highlighting the seriousness of the matter. Even if the emergency mediation authority is activated, the situation will not automatically resolve within 30 days. Professor Lee explained, "If the Central Labor Relations Commission begins mediation, there is a procedure to confirm the mediation proposal and present it to the parties involved, and during those 30 days, they cannot engage in disputes. If the proposal is rejected or mediation fails, the union can strike again after the 30-day period." Thus, the conflict between Samsung Electronics and its labor union presents a larger challenge beyond the activation of the emergency mediation authority. Even if a strike is halted, conflicts over performance bonuses and internal divisions have already become apparent and are unlikely to be resolved quickly. The industrial sector views this situation as a test not only for the labor relations at Samsung Electronics but also for the crisis response systems of key domestic manufacturing industries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:56:03

Samsung Electronics' AI Glasses Generate Excitement Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked Samsung Electronics is generating buzz as it considers unveiling artificial intelligence (AI) glasses alongside its foldable phones at the Galaxy Unpacked event later this year. Industry analysts suggest that the next-generation AI interface is shifting from wrist devices to eyewear. According to industry sources, Samsung plans to hold the Galaxy Unpacked event in London around July 22, where it is expected to introduce its next-generation foldable phone and AI glasses. While there has been no official confirmation from Samsung, reports indicate that the so-called "Galaxy Glass" could be the first AI eyewear based on Android XR and Google Gemini. The AI glasses are seen as a product that extends Samsung's XR technology, developed under the "Project Infinite," into a lighter and more everyday form. Last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy XR as the first product based on the Android XR platform, emphasizing an AI companion experience integrated at the system level with Gemini. This approach allows users to understand both the screen and their real-world environment through voice, visual, and gesture inputs. Industry experts believe this experience will serve as the foundation for the AI glasses. While headsets have targeted immersive content and spatial computing, AI glasses are likely to focus on practical AI functions for daily life, such as photography, translation, searching, navigation, and checking schedules without needing to pull out a smartphone. The advantages and limitations identified in the "Infinite" project are expected to inform product planning. Initial reviews of the Galaxy XR have been positive regarding its Gemini-based interactions and lightweight design, but concerns have been raised about long-term comfort and the ecosystem of dedicated apps. Some reviews acknowledged that while it is lighter than the Vision Pro, achieving comfortable wear has proven challenging. Others pointed out that while access to Android apps is broad, XR-optimized applications are still in their early stages. As a result, Samsung's AI glasses are likely to present a lower barrier to entry compared to heavier and more expensive headsets. Market analysts predict that Samsung will leverage the visual and voice AI experiences gained from Infinite XR to create practical eyewear that connects to smartphones, thereby reducing computational burdens. This development is seen as a significant opportunity for the MX division, which has been seeking new growth drivers following the success of foldable phones. The growth potential of the market is another reason Samsung is unlikely to abandon the AI glasses initiative. Market research firm MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the global smart glasses market will grow from $1.22 billion in 2025 to $4.13 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.4%. According to Omdia, shipments of AI glasses are expected to rise from 5.1 million units in 2025 to over 35 million by 2030. Competitors are also accelerating their efforts. Meta has already commercialized features such as photography, calling, open-ear audio, and AI assistant capabilities through its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Recently, it launched a Ray-Ban display product that combines lens displays with wristband controls, offering functionalities like messaging, notifications, photography, video recording, real-time translation, and walking directions. Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the smart glasses market as well. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is advancing smart glasses as part of its AI device strategy and is considering products that could compete with Meta's Ray-Ban offerings. Analysts believe Apple will aim to address the high price and weight limitations observed in the Vision Pro with its eyewear. The key question is whether AI glasses can transcend being mere wearable accessories and become the next interface after smartphones. If Samsung integrates AI glasses into its ecosystem of devices, including smartphones, Galaxy Watches, Galaxy Rings, and Galaxy XR, it could create a new Galaxy experience centered around users' visual and voice data. If successful, the impact could extend beyond the MX division. If AI glasses connect with SmartThings, they could become a new interface for controlling TVs and home appliances, and serve as an expansion device for demand in robotics, healthcare, and semiconductor sensors within the DX sector. However, challenges such as battery life, privacy concerns, and actual user willingness to wear the devices remain significant hurdles. An industry insider stated, "The core of AI glasses is not how many features are included, but whether they can provide a lightweight and natural experience that users want to wear daily. Samsung's ability to realistically incorporate feedback from its XR devices into eyewear will determine its initial success or failure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:52:51

Shinhan Financial Group to Launch 'Shinhan Super SOL' App in June Shinhan Financial Group announced on May 18 that it will launch the 'Shinhan Super SOL' app on June 17. The Shinhan Super SOL is an integrated financial platform that consolidates services from major subsidiaries, allowing users to access banking, cards, securities, and insurance all in one place. The app will feature a generative AI-based agent service to facilitate easier and more convenient access to financial services. In conjunction with the launch, Shinhan Bank will accept pre-registration for event participation until June 12. Customers can access the pre-registration event page through the event sections of major group company apps or via SMS notifications. The program will operate on a tiered benefit system, where the maximum reward of My Shinhan Points per participant will vary based on the number of participants. As more customers join, the maximum benefit limit will increase from 100,000 points to 3 million points. A Shinhan Bank representative stated, "We will continue to expand the benefits and services of 'Shinhan Super SOL' to ensure that customers can access Shinhan Financial's financial and lifestyle services more easily and conveniently."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:49:44

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Fail to Reach Agreement Ahead of Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union remain at an impasse as they approach a general strike scheduled for May 21. On May 18, Park Su-geun, Chairman of the Central Labor Relations Commission, described the ongoing negotiations as “parallel lines” when asked about the internal discussions at the government mediation office in Sejong. When pressed for any progress, Park reiterated, “parallel lines.” He also noted that there is no adjustment plan from the commission yet. However, he added, “We must coordinate to avoid a strike.” Representatives from Samsung, including Ye Myung-gu, head of the DS division, and Kim Hyung-ro, vice president, did not respond to questions from reporters, and Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Group’s labor union, also remained silent. The second round of post-adjustment negotiations is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the same day, with final discussions set for the following day, May 19, during the same hours. Given the impending strike, this may be the last opportunity for meaningful dialogue, and there is a possibility that negotiations could extend past midnight. The previous round of negotiations on May 12 concluded around 3:30 a.m. on May 13, well past midnight.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:48:00

Minister Choi Hyung's Congratulations to Park Chan-wook on Receiving France's Highest Cultural Honor Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hyung sent a congratulatory message to director Park Chan-wook, who received the highest grade of the French Order of Arts and Letters, the Commander. The Ministry announced that Minister Choi sent the message on May 18, congratulating Park on receiving the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. “I sincerely congratulate you on receiving the prestigious French Order of Arts and Letters, Commander,” Choi said, adding, “This honor firmly establishes the global stature of the South Korean film industry and elevates our cultural pride.” Choi continued, “Your unique body of work has become a source of inspiration for creators worldwide. I extend my deep admiration for your artistic achievements that have captivated the world and for your pioneering spirit that has opened new horizons in South Korean cinema.” Mentioning the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France this year, Choi expressed hope that Park would serve as a bridge to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and pledged continued support for his remarkable journey.Earlier, on May 17, French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak awarded Park the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in Cannes, France. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature or enhanced the international prestige of French culture. The order is divided into three grades: Chevalier, Officier, and Commander, with Commander being the highest. Park has a long-standing relationship with France. He won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 for “Oldboy,” followed by the Jury Award for “Thirst” in 2009 and the Best Director Award for “Decision to Leave” in 2022. His film “The Handmaiden” was also invited to compete at Cannes in 2016, and he served as a jury member at the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017. This year, he was appointed as the first South Korean president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival. After receiving accolades as a winner, jury member, and jury president, he has now been honored with the highest grade of the French Order of Arts and Letters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:45:31

Government Eases Regulations for Cafes and Wholesale Sellers in Agricultural Areas The government will allow the establishment of cafes in agricultural promotion areas and significantly ease the requirements for wholesale sellers in online markets. This move aims to expand the rural population and enhance market access for small-scale farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on May 18 that it has finalized 50 regulatory reform tasks during the third strategy meeting on agricultural and food regulation reform, chaired by Minister Song Mi-ryung. The meeting included 20 participants from the food industry and private experts who discussed urgent and impactful reform measures. To promote energy transition and balanced development in rural areas, the government will relax regulations on floating solar panel installations. The area requirements for these installations on reservoirs and freshwater lakes will also be eased. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the government plans to apply separate taxation to leased reservoirs and farmland designated for the creation of 'Sunshine Income Villages,' thereby reducing property tax burdens and exempting them from comprehensive real estate tax. To encourage the revitalization of rural communities and increase the rural population, the government will permit the establishment of cafes that utilize agricultural products directly produced by farmers and agricultural corporations. This initiative is expected to generate additional income through agritourism. The government also plans to accelerate regulatory reforms aimed at improving agricultural product distribution structures and fostering future industries. To facilitate small-scale farmers' participation in online wholesale transactions, the government will allow sellers to join online wholesale markets regardless of their sales volume. Furthermore, the system will be improved to maintain organic certification in cases of unintentional pesticide residue detection. The criteria for farmers to receive direct payments will also be relaxed. Currently, farmers with annual non-farm income exceeding 37 million to 43 million won are excluded from receiving area-based direct payments. The new plan will allow the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to adjust these criteria through official announcements. Additionally, the interim settlement amount for public reserve rice will be increased from 40,000 won to 60,000 won per 40 kg bag. Other initiatives include improving redundant regulations on food origin labeling for delivery services, expanding support for income stabilization costs related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), and broadening the scope of agricultural product gift certificates. Minister Song stated, "Regulatory reform in agriculture and food is fundamentally about changing unreasonable and absurd regulations that do not keep pace with the field. We will not only reduce the number of regulations but also boldly improve those that are unreasonable and absurd." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:43:00