China's Art Toy Economy Thrives with Emotional Consumerism A massive 6-meter tall Molly figure with blue eyes and a crown, themed merchandise from the Chinese blockbuster game "Black Myth: Wukong," traditional flower crown refrigerator magnets from the National Museum of China, quirky duck plush toys from the Beijing roast duck restaurant Quanjude, and advanced AI figures capable of conversation were among the diverse cultural goods showcased at the event. Beijing Chaoyang Park Transformed into a 'Goods Paradise' The First National Cultural Goods and Art Toy Festival took place on May 15 at Beijing's Chaoyang Park. Covering an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, equivalent to ten soccer fields, the festival featured trendy toys from major Chinese art toy IP companies like Labubu and Wakuku, as well as themed merchandise from national institutions such as the Beijing Palace Museum and the Dunhuang Three Thousand Retreat Museum. Over 10,000 art toys from various regions, including cultural goods selected by 31 provinces and autonomous regions, were on display. Despite being a Friday afternoon, crowds continuously flocked to the venue to explore the cultural goods and art toys, highlighting the current state of China's expanding art toy and merchandise market. This event, the first national-level exhibition of cultural goods and art toys in China, was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing Municipal Government. Huozijing, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, stated at a press conference on May 9 that the event represents an important attempt for Beijing to establish itself as a hub for national cultural creative industries and to lead new consumer trends. China's Art Toy Market Set to Reach 20 Trillion Yuan In recent years, the market for art toys and related merchandise in China has experienced rapid growth. Known as "chaowan" (潮玩) in China, which translates to "trendy toys," the art toy industry is projected to surpass 110.1 billion yuan (approximately $24 billion) in sales by 2026, growing at an annual rate of 20%. This marks a more than 15-fold increase from 6.3 billion yuan in 2015. The art toy industry in China has successfully combined a robust manufacturing supply chain with mobile platform-based fandom culture, enabling rapid commercialization of intellectual property (IP). Notable brands include Pop Mart, which has grown into a global art toy brand with its whimsical monster character Labubu, as well as Top Toy under the Chinese version of Daiso, Miniso, and 52 Toys, which has received investment from the Chinese video platform Bilibili, among others. The growth of the art toy market is driven by the increasing emotional consumption among younger consumers. Art toys and merchandise fulfill the collecting preferences and emotional expression desires of young people, providing them with a sense of psychological comfort. According to the market research firm iMedia Research, China's so-called "emotional economy" is expected to reach approximately 2.3 trillion yuan by 2025 and exceed 4.5 trillion yuan by 2029. Chinese Goods Industry Evolving with 'Emotional Consumption' The Chinese government is also viewing the cultural goods and art toy market as a new growth engine for domestic consumption amid sluggish economic conditions. In a consumer promotion plan announced last November, character and figure art toys were identified as one of ten sectors to be developed into a 100 billion yuan industry. In China, art toys and merchandise consumption is perceived not merely as purchasing products but as engaging in cultural activities that involve emotional, aesthetic, and experiential consumption. The integration of pop-up stores, exhibitions, random draws, and social media culture has transformed art toys into an offline experiential consumption industry. The Chinese government plans to categorize this as an "IP economy" centered on characters and content, fostering it as a type of service consumption linked to culture, tourism, and entertainment. Labubu Leads Chinese IP Expansion Globally Moreover, art toys are rapidly emerging as a new soft power for promoting Chinese culture. Moving away from the image of being a "paradise for counterfeit toys," China is evolving into a powerhouse of intellectual property. Pop Mart, which originated in China, is capturing the attention of young people in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States with Labubu, positioning itself as a leader in global toy industry trends. Nearly half of Pop Mart's revenue now comes from overseas. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that "more and more foreigners are understanding China and gaining emotional resonance," referencing Labubu's popularity. The Hong Kong South China Morning Post analyzed that China is at a turning point, similar to the growth phases of American brands like Disney and Marvel, and Japanese brands like Pokémon and Hello Kitty. In particular, art toys are actively targeting the South Korean market, which has been described as an "IP desert." Following Pop Mart's success, Top Toy and 52 Toys have already entered Korea, and recently, Haiyuan opened a flagship store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong, seeking to expand into the Korean market. This indicates that local art toy IPs with global influence are lacking in Korea, allowing Chinese toy companies to gain a foothold in the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 04:03:00

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Begin Second Round of Negotiations Ahead of Strike Shinsegae Group CEO Fires Starbucks Korea Chief Over Controversial Marketing Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin has dismissed Son Jeong-hyun, the CEO of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company), following a backlash over an inappropriate marketing event held on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. On May 18, Shinsegae Group officially announced that Chairman Jeong had notified Son of his termination. Jeong reportedly expressed outrage upon learning of the marketing controversy on the Starbucks Korea app and website, instructing that the strongest disciplinary actions be taken against those responsible. President Lee Criticizes Starbucks for 'Tank Day' Marketing as 'Mockery of Democracy' President Lee Jae-myung strongly condemned the 'Tank Day' marketing campaign by Starbucks Korea on May 18, stating it disrespected the sacrifices of Gwangju victims and the citizens' struggle. Following the dismissal of Son Jeong-hyun, President Lee publicly criticized the campaign. He posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning how such an event could be held on a day commemorating the historic Gwangju Uprising. He expressed anger over the lives lost that day and the damage to justice and history, condemning the inhumane actions of those who deny the values of the South Korean community and democracy. Samsung Electronics and Labor Union End First Day of Negotiations Without Progress With a strike looming just three days away, Samsung Electronics and its labor union met for the first day of the second round of negotiations at the Central Labor Relations Commission but concluded without significant progress. On May 18, representatives from Samsung and the joint labor action committee convened at the commission in Sejong City starting at 10 a.m. The meeting wrapped up around 6:20 p.m., about 40 minutes earlier than scheduled. After the negotiations, Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's labor union, told reporters they would reconvene at 10 a.m. the following day to continue discussions. The negotiations were divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with the morning focused on presenting each side's positions and demands, while the afternoon involved more contentious discussions. The union has stated that if negotiations fail, they will proceed with the planned strike on May 21, despite government threats to invoke emergency mediation to halt the strike. Drunken Marine Corps Soldier Found with Blank Ammunition During Leave, Military Investigation Underway A Marine Corps soldier on leave was reported to police while intoxicated, leading to the discovery of blank ammunition in his possession, prompting a military investigation. The military suspects the soldier may have smuggled the ammunition out during training. According to the Marine Corps, on May 16, police received a report about a man passed out near Yongsan Station in Seoul. Upon arrival, they identified the man as a Marine Corps soldier on leave. During a search of his belongings, police found multiple rounds of blank ammunition. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they transferred the soldier's custody to the military police. Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former KTV Director on Sedition Charges The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has sought an arrest warrant for Lee Eun-woo, the former director of KTV (Korean Broadcasting), on charges of sedition for promoting the legitimacy of martial law shortly after its declaration on December 3. On May 18, the special prosecutor's office announced it had filed for the warrant, citing Lee's alleged actions of repeatedly broadcasting news that justified the martial law and selectively blocking or deleting news critical of it from December 3 to December 13, 2024. The special prosecutor's office explained that upon reviewing records from a previous investigation that did not lead to charges, they found evidence that Lee had failed to uphold the media's role in monitoring state power, supporting and protecting seditionists during and after the martial law period. This led to the decision to reopen the investigation under the comprehensive special prosecution law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:55:07

CJ Group Employee Personal Information Leaked via Telegram CJ Group has reported a leak of employee personal information through a Telegram channel. According to industry sources, the channel, established in 2023, contained the mobile phone numbers, job titles, internal phone numbers, and photos of over 330 female employees of CJ Group. Immediately following the leak, CJ Group initiated an investigation, suspecting that the information was accessed by an insider rather than through external hacking. The company is also preparing to report the incident to relevant authorities and request an investigation. A CJ Group representative stated, "We recognize the seriousness of the situation and plan to take necessary measures to prevent further harm."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:54:00

Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former KTV Director Lee Eun-woo on Sedition Charges The second special investigation team led by Kwon Chang-young is pursuing the arrest of Lee Eun-woo, the former director of KTV (Korean Broadcasting System), on charges of promoting sedition following the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. On May 18, the special investigation team announced in a press release that it had applied for an arrest warrant for Lee on sedition charges. The team alleges that Lee used his authority over news broadcasts and scrolling news on the public channel to repeatedly and intensively report news justifying the legitimacy of the martial law and proclamations from December 3 to December 13, while selectively blocking and deleting news that criticized or opposed these actions. The special investigation team explained the rationale behind the warrant request. After reviewing records from a previous investigation that did not lead to charges against Lee, they found that he had lost the media's essential role of checking and monitoring state power. This was evident not only during the martial law period but also after its repeal, as he supported and protected the forces involved in the sedition. Consequently, they decided to reopen the investigation under the comprehensive special prosecution law. Currently, Lee is under investigation for allegedly instructing his staff to remove subtitles that stated "martial law is illegal" during the declaration and for directing the news team to focus on the president and proclamations while excluding political news. Earlier, on May 15, during a sentencing hearing, the sedition special investigation team sought a five-year prison sentence for Lee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:52:58

President Lee Visits Andong Market Ahead of Japan-South Korea Summit President Lee Jae-myung visited the Andong Market in North Gyeongsang Province on May 18, engaging with citizens and assessing local economic conditions.According to a written briefing from Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the visit was organized to connect with residents and demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing the local economy, one day before the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, scheduled to take place in his hometown of Andong on May 19.During his visit, President Lee responded to requests for photos from citizens, greeted children, and sampled local delicacies such as sundae (blood sausage), fish cakes, tangerines, and bananas while conversing with vendors.Citizens welcomed President Lee, expressing sentiments like, "We missed you," and "Welcome back to your hometown."For dinner, President Lee enjoyed Andong's famous spicy chicken dish and also interacted with American tourists dining nearby, inquiring about the market situation from the president of the local merchants' association, as reported by Deputy Spokesperson Ahn.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:48:48

President Lee Criticizes Starbucks' 'Tank Day' Marketing as 'Mockery of Democracy' President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized Starbucks Korea on May 18 for its controversial 'Tank Day' marketing campaign, stating it was a "mockery of the sacrifices made by the victims in Gwangju and the bloody struggle of its citizens."The criticism comes as Starbucks Korea's CEO, Son Jeong-hyun, was abruptly dismissed amid the backlash. President Lee's public condemnation adds to the mounting pressure on the company.On his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), President Lee wrote, "To have an event called 'Tank Day' on the historic anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising is a mockery of the sacrifices made by the victims and the struggle of the citizens of Gwangju."He further questioned, "How many innocent lives were lost that day, and how severe is the damage to justice and history? What kind of malice led to such an act? I am outraged by the inhumane behavior of these unscrupulous merchants who deny the values of the South Korean community, basic human rights, and democracy."President Lee also emphasized that there should be appropriate moral, administrative, legal, and political accountability, asking, "Have they apologized to the victims' families of the May 18 incident?"Earlier in the day, Shinsegae Group announced the dismissal of CEO Son Jeong-hyun in response to the marketing controversy. Reports indicate that Chairman Jeong Yong-jin personally received updates on the situation before informing Son of his termination.The controversy erupted when Starbucks Korea used the term 'tank' in conjunction with a promotional event for online tumbler sales, which included the phrase 'tap on the desk.' Critics argued that this language evoked memories of the Gwangju Uprising and the torture and death of activist Park Jong-cheol.As criticism spread, Starbucks Korea halted the event and removed related posts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:48:00

Shinsegae Group CEO Dismisses Starbucks Korea Head Amid Controversy Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin has dismissed Sohn Jung-hyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company), following a marketing event that sparked public outrage on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. On May 18, Shinsegae Group announced that Chairman Jeong had officially notified Sohn of his dismissal. Jeong reportedly expressed his anger upon learning of the marketing controversy involving the Starbucks Korea app and website, instructing that the strongest disciplinary measures be taken against those responsible. The controversy began with a tumbler promotion that Starbucks Korea launched on May 15. On the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, the company used phrases such as 'Tank Day' and 'Bang on the Desk' in its promotional materials, which evoked memories of suppression and torture during the military dictatorship. These phrases quickly spread across online communities and social media, leading to widespread criticism that the company was intentionally belittling the Gwangju Uprising and the 1987 torture death of activist Park Jong-cheol. Chairman Jeong recognized the seriousness of the situation, noting that it occurred on a national day of remembrance for the painful chapters of modern Korean history. Following his directive, Shinsegae Group conducted a thorough internal investigation, resulting in the decision to dismiss the CEO. In addition to Sohn, the executive responsible for planning and overseeing the event was also dismissed. The company initiated immediate disciplinary procedures against all employees involved in the execution of the promotion. Starbucks Korea issued an apology shortly after the incident and distributed an official statement from Sohn. However, the Mart Industry Labor Union strongly pressured Shinsegae, demanding an end to what they termed 'anti-historical actions.' In a statement, Shinsegae Group announced plans to thoroughly review its marketing and operational processes to prevent similar incidents in the future and to significantly enhance educational programs aimed at fostering a proper historical awareness within the organization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:25:20

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union End First Day of Mediation Ahead of Strike As a strike deadline approaches, Samsung Electronics and its labor union concluded the first day of mediation at the Central Labor Relations Commission without significant progress. On May 18, Samsung Electronics and the joint labor struggle headquarters began their first day of mediation at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong City at 10 a.m. The meeting wrapped up around 6:20 p.m., approximately 40 minutes earlier than the scheduled 7 p.m. end time. After the negotiations, Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's labor union, told reporters, "The union is sincerely engaging in negotiations," adding that they would return for discussions at 10 a.m. the following day. However, Choi refrained from commenting on the company's stance, the likelihood of reaching an agreement, or various issues surrounding the potential strike, including a court's injunction against labor actions. Yeom Myung-gu, the chief negotiator for the company, also left without making any statements. The negotiations were divided into morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning, both sides presented their positions and demands, while the afternoon focused on contentious issues. The primary point of contention is the criteria for performance bonuses (OPI and excess profit bonuses). The union is demanding a shift from the current economic value-added (EVA) basis to operating profit for calculating bonuses, as well as an increase in the payment ceiling. In contrast, the company has expressed reluctance to make drastic changes to the existing system due to uncertainties in the business environment. The Central Labor Relations Commission evaluated the day's negotiations positively. Park Soo-geun, a mediator from the Commission, indicated a willingness to reach an agreement when asked if a proposal would be made the next day, saying, "That should be the case." Park Jeong-beom, the Commission's mediation director, noted, "Both sides engaged very actively in negotiations, and we heard sufficient opinions from both parties," adding that the meeting proceeded smoothly overall. After the first day of negotiations yielded no significant outcomes, both sides will reconvene for the second day of mediation at 10 a.m. on May 19. The Commission plans to narrow the differences between the two sides by 7 p.m. that day. However, given the substantial differences in positions, there is a possibility that the meeting could extend into the night or even continue until May 20. The union has stated that if negotiations break down, they will proceed with the planned strike on May 21. Despite the government's warning of invoking emergency mediation powers to forcibly halt the strike, the union remains steadfast in its plans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:21:15

Candidates Honor Victims of May 18 Democratic Uprising in Gwangju Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate for Gyeonggi governor, and Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate, visited Gwangju on May 18 to honor the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and pledged to uphold the spirit of May. Jo Eung-cheon, the Reform Party candidate for Gyeonggi governor, also expressed his commitment to reflecting the May spirit in governance. Choo and Yang paid their respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in northern Gwangju before attending the 46th anniversary ceremony at May 18th Democracy Square in eastern Gwangju. At the ceremony, Choo stated, "We were able to properly honor the spirit of May 18 for the first time after achieving a change in government and overcoming the insurrection." She added, "Because we were given the strength to overcome the insurrection, I feel that all citizens of South Korea are survivors of May 18. I am grateful." Choo also emphasized her commitment to upholding the spirit of May, stating on Facebook before the ceremony, "The May spirit of Gwangju has protected today's South Korea. I will engrave that spirit in our constitution and carry it forward with the people of Gyeonggi Province." Yang, who attended high school in Gwangju, paid tribute to the victims and stated, "No one should ever again bring the military into politics." She emphasized the importance of remembering the tears of Gwangju, asserting, "We must never forget that today's South Korea stands on the pain and sacrifices of our democracy." Yang also pledged to serve as a bridge between the People Power Party and the Honam region, stating, "Without support from Honam, there is no future for conservatism. We must confront and overcome the significant divide between the sentiments of the Honam people and the People Power Party that I felt in Gwangju." After completing his schedule in Gyeonggi, Jo issued a statement expressing his dismay at the political arena's continued use of the May 18 incident as a tool for political attacks or as a means of absolution. He stated, "To create the nation that the spirits of May dreamed of, I will seek the path forward with the urgent hearts of those who yearned for democracy half a century ago, navigating through every alley. I promise to listen to the voices of the people and reflect the urgency of May in our policies and governance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:15:00

Drunken Marine Found with Live Ammunition During Leave A Marine on leave has been placed under military investigation after being found intoxicated and in possession of live ammunition. Authorities suspect the Marine may have smuggled the ammunition during training. According to the Marine Corps, on May 16, police received a report of a man passed out from intoxication near Yongsan Station in Seoul. Upon arrival, officers identified the man as Marine A, who was on leave. During a search of A's belongings, police discovered multiple rounds of live ammunition. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they promptly transferred A's custody to military police. Investigations revealed that A had participated in combat training at the Korea Combat Training Center (KCTC) in Inje, Gangwon Province, prior to his leave. During questioning, A reportedly admitted to taking some unused live ammunition from the training without returning it. The KCTC training is known for its realistic combat scenarios, which involve the use of significant amounts of live ammunition. Military authorities are now exploring the possibility that A intentionally concealed the ammunition by exploiting weaknesses in the ammunition handling and return process following the training. Under current military law, unauthorized removal of military property, including firearms and ammunition, is strictly prohibited. As a result, A is likely to face legal consequences. Additionally, the Marine Corps plans to conduct a comprehensive review of ammunition management practices at frontline units to prevent similar incidents in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:12:59