Samsung Electronics Union Leader's Extreme Remarks Raise Concerns A Samsung Electronics union leader has sparked controversy with extreme remarks made just before the final negotiation table, stating, "It would be better to eliminate the company altogether. We are prepared for a split." Concerns have arisen among union members who are set to join the strike, expressing that the comments have crossed a line. According to industry sources on May 18, Lee Song-yi, vice-chair of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's mega union, made the remarks around 8 p.m. the previous day in a Telegram communication channel for union members. He stated, "If we are going to split, then let’s do it. It’s better to just eliminate Samsung Electronics altogether," adding, "We take responsibility for bringing it this far." He further emphasized, "I convey this with the readiness for a split," and warned, "If we are defeated this time, Samsung Electronics will no longer exist." In conversations with union members, he expressed heightened emotions, saying, "If I go to jail, I’ll read some books and exercise while I’m there." The transcripts of these conversations have spread to external communities, escalating the controversy. Notably, as the vice-chair of the DX (Device Experience) division, he has actively voiced dissatisfaction over the perceived neglect of this sector during the ongoing labor-management negotiations. He reportedly made unrefined comments such as, "This is like family talk," and "I’m not doing this for the money." The timing of these remarks, just before the final negotiations with management, has intensified the fallout. The comments from a key union leader have circulated widely, increasing tension surrounding the negotiations. Following the disclosure of Lee's statements, internal union members criticized the leadership's reckless behavior, asking, "Has he been drinking?" and urging, "Someone needs to calm the vice-chair down," while also cautioning against making statements that could be used against them in negotiations. Labor and management are set to engage in what is essentially the final negotiation regarding performance bonuses, payment criteria, institutionalization, and the elimination of caps ahead of a general strike scheduled for May 21. Management has reportedly proposed maintaining the cap on the excess profit incentive (OPI) at 50% of annual salary while allowing a choice between 20% economic value added (EVA) or 10% operating profit. Additionally, if the operating profit in the semiconductor (DS) division exceeds 200 trillion won, they suggested allocating 9-10% of the operating profit separately from the OPI, distributing it 60% across all divisions and 40% by business unit. In contrast, the union continues to demand a blanket performance bonus of 15% of operating profit, as previously stated, and insists on a distribution of 70% for the entire DS division and 30% by business unit. Choi Seung-ho, chair of the mega union, revealed that he held a preliminary meeting with management for post-adjustment discussions the previous afternoon, stating, "It seems the company’s attitude has changed following the government’s mention of urgent mediation." He added, "They are pressuring us that the damage will be significant, but we will not yield," asserting that if the same stance is maintained during post-adjustment discussions, they will not reach an agreement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:24:07

President Lee Criticizes Samsung Union Strike, Emphasizes Respect for Corporate Rights President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on May 18 that both labor rights and corporate management rights must be respected in the ongoing negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its labor union.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "In South Korea, which adopts a free democratic order and a capitalist market economy, labor must be respected just as much as corporations."He added, "Workers should receive fair compensation for their labor, and shareholders who bear risks and losses should have a share in corporate profits," noting that the original constitutional provision for workers' equitable share of corporate profits was once included in the 1948 Constitution.The equitable share of corporate profits refers to the right of workers to receive a portion of a company's profits. This right was enshrined in the 1948 Constitution to protect workers' fundamental rights but was removed during the 1962 constitutional revision due to practical difficulties in its application.President Lee further criticized, "While the current constitution guarantees the basic rights of all citizens, these rights can be limited for public welfare as long as the essence is not violated. Just as there are peaks in mountains, there are also deep valleys. Excessive actions can lead to adverse outcomes."He concluded, "It is not about having more and being happier because one is strong; rather, a new future for South Korea lies in solidarity, responsibility, and a world where everyone thrives together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:21:23

Canon Korea Wins Excellence Award at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards Canon Korea announced on May 18 that it received an Excellence Award at the 38th Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards, organized by the Korea Employers Federation. The award ceremony, held on May 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul, was attended by key figures including Kim Jeong-hyun, head of Canon Korea's Management Support Division; Woo Do-hyun, chairman of the Canon Korea Labor Union; Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon; Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation Son Kyung-sik; and Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Kim Dong-myeong. The Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards recognize companies that enhance their competitiveness and contribute to national economic growth through collaborative labor-management relationships. The evaluation criteria include labor-management cooperation, employee welfare, productivity improvement, human resource development, industrial accident prevention, social contributions, and the efforts of top executives. Canon Korea was recognized for maintaining a mature labor-management relationship without strikes or disputes since the establishment of its labor union. The company's initiatives, such as the 'Together TFT' to address employee concerns and the 'Junior Board' for horizontal communication among younger employees, were also highlighted as key factors for the award. In a time when labor disputes have become a significant issue in the industry, Canon Korea's record of operating without conflict is seen as a testament to the importance of collaborative labor-management relations. Canon Korea previously received certifications as an 'Excellent Workplace Innovation Company' in 2024 and as a 'Company with Excellent Labor Culture' in 2025. The company has also been recognized as a family-friendly business, reflecting its commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture. Park Jeong-woo, CEO of Canon Korea, stated, "This award is the result of our efforts to respect each other as partners in management and to grow together. Based on our management philosophy of coexistence, we will create a healthy workplace where everyone can work happily."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:20:09

Naver Cloud Showcases 'Naver Care Call' at Japan's Public Sector Week 2026 Naver Cloud announced its participation in the 'Local Government & Public Sector Week Japan 2026' held in Tokyo, where it showcased its artificial intelligence (AI) welfare phone service, 'Naver Care Call.' The company aims to strengthen its presence in the Japanese public market through this initiative. The Local Government & Public Sector Week is Japan's largest exhibition in the smart city and public digital transformation (DX) sectors, sponsored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Last year, approximately 21,000 officials from 554 local governments attended the event. This year's exhibition took place from May 13 to 15. At the exhibition, Naver Cloud operated a booth where visitors could experience the Care Call service firsthand. Attendees received Care Call phone calls on their smartphones, engaging in conversations with AI about daily well-being and health status. The booth also demonstrated the interactive capabilities of the Care Call's conversational AI technology. A Naver Cloud representative stated, "We received positive feedback from key local government officials in Japan, who recognized the interactive features as practical solutions that can be implemented immediately." During the exhibition, Naver Cloud conducted consultations with several local governments interested in adopting Care Call, expanding its business connections nationwide. According to the company, Naver Care Call is characterized by its natural Japanese language proficiency and has been in use since June of last year in Izumo City, one of Japan's super-aged cities. The AI infrastructure is utilized to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks for welfare personnel, addressing gaps in care due to workforce shortages. Additionally, Naver Cloud held a seminar during the exhibition focused on 'Digital Transformation in Elderly Care' in collaboration with Izumo City, sharing the results and operational processes of the Care Call pilot program. According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 2.4 million care workers will be needed this year. Industry reports indicate that Japan's senior market is expected to reach 100 trillion yen (over 900 trillion won) by 2025, driving rapid growth in the country's age tech market. In response to workforce shortages, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is promoting 'Care DX' policies, heavily investing in pilot projects that incorporate AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into care settings to address issues such as the aging population and solitary elderly individuals. The local government market in Japan presents high entry barriers, but once a product's performance is validated locally, there are significant opportunities for nationwide expansion. Naver's recent success in Izumo City has positioned it favorably at this exhibition. Kim Yoo-won, CEO of Naver Cloud, remarked, "Last year, we took our first step into the Japanese public market through our collaboration with Izumo City, and this time we have expanded our connections by meeting with local government officials from across the country. As the demand for care in Japan continues to rise, we aim to strengthen our foothold in the public market as a partner that addresses practical issues with AI technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:18:17

Kia Launches Updated 2027 Morning Model with Enhanced Features Kia has launched the updated 2027 Morning model, incorporating popular features such as LED map lamps as standard equipment. On May 18, Kia announced the official start of sales for the 2027 Morning, a compact car that has consistently garnered consumer popularity. Last month, Morning sales reached 3,186 units, making it one of the top two models in Kia's passenger car segment alongside the Ray, which sold 4,877 units. The 2027 Morning is characterized by its enhanced safety and convenience features, with new specifications and interior color options that improve overall product appeal. All trims, including the van model, now come standard with LED map lamps to enhance visibility inside the vehicle. Additionally, the 1.0 gasoline passenger model includes a driver's knee airbag as standard across all trims, further boosting safety. Starting from the signature trim, a new 10.25-inch cluster is now standard, and a bright green interior color option called 'Ice Green' has been added throughout the cabin, including the seats. A Kia representative stated, "The 2027 Morning is a model that enhances product appeal by focusing on features that customers prefer. It will offer a more competitive product while maintaining the economic advantages inherent in compact cars."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:16:25

Global Risk Aversion Amid Inflation Concerns Keeps Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Above 1500 The won-dollar exchange rate remains above 1500 won amid rising global government bond yields. As of 9:28 a.m. on May 18 in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stood at 1501.0 won per dollar, opening at 1501.2 won, an increase of 0.4 won from the previous trading day. The rise in global interest rates appears to have dampened the appetite for riskier assets. On May 15, yields on government bonds in major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, surged to their highest levels in decades. On this day, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rose by 13.8 basis points to 4.597%. The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury reached 5.12%, the highest level since July 2007. The yield on the UK 10-year government bond briefly exceeded 5.18%, while the 30-year bond yield surpassed 5.86%, marking the highest levels in decades. Similarly, the yield on Japan's 10-year government bond rose to the 2.7% range, the highest since 1997. Concerns are growing that inflation shocks from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could persist, contributing to rising bond yields. As risk aversion increases, foreign investors have been net sellers in the securities market, offloading 694.7 billion won in the early trading session. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The rise in global government bond yields, sparked by renewed inflation concerns, inevitably adds pressure to stock market valuations. The accelerated outflow of foreign capital from the KOSPI will likely heighten upward pressure on the exchange rate due to some reverse remittances and speculative long positions offshore."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:14:46

Israeli Military Reports Shortage of 12,000 Troops Amid Ongoing Conflicts The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have publicly acknowledged a significant shortage of troops and increasing fatigue among reservists. As the conflict in Gaza and tensions with Iran continue, both the standing army and reserve forces are nearing their limits. On May 17, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF currently lacks approximately 12,000 troops based on standing army standards, with a shortfall of about 7,000 combat soldiers. A senior IDF officer stated, "The security needs are great and urgent, and the fatigue among soldiers is much greater than expected." The IDF warned that the troop shortage could worsen starting next year. Israel reduced the mandatory service period for men from 36 months to 30 months, effective August 2024. The first cohort under this new system is set to be discharged in January 2027. The IDF believes that unless existing laws are amended, the shortage of combat and non-combat personnel could increase by thousands. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has repeatedly called for an extension of the mandatory service period back to 36 months. However, the government has yet to approve this request. The IDF also sees a need for effective conscription legislation and adjustments to the duration and methods of reserve call-ups. However, the government's response has not aligned with military needs. The administration is prioritizing the passage of a Haredi conscription bill over extending mandatory service. This bill aims to increase Haredi participation in the military, but the IDF views it as insufficient to address the immediate troop shortage. Although there are about 80,000 eligible Haredi conscripts, actual enlistment numbers are limited, and even if the bill's goals are fully met, the annual increase in Haredi combat soldiers may only reach a few hundred. Actual enlistment figures also fall short of military demands. Approximately 1,850 Haredi soldiers enlisted during the first half of the 2025-2026 conscription period, with projections suggesting over 3,000 for the entire period. While this represents a record high, it still falls short of the IDF's target of 4,800 annually. Moreover, the IDF has indicated an immediate need for 7,000 additional combat troops, highlighting that expanding Haredi enlistment alone will not fill the gap. The burden on reservists is also rapidly increasing. The IDF initially set the reserve duty period for 2026 at 55 days, but many reservists have already served 80 to 100 days due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Critics point out that the current system relies heavily on emergency call-up orders, which limits its effectiveness in prolonged warfare. A senior IDF officer warned, "If legislative measures are not taken now, the situation will worsen and shake the entire system," adding that there remains a "last legislative opportunity" to address the troop crisis before the upcoming elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:13:16

Official Campaigning for Local Elections Begins May 21 Political parties are set to commence official campaigning for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections this week. Until then, candidates may only engage in election activities as unofficial candidates. According to the National Election Commission on May 18, candidates will begin their official campaign period from May 21 to June 2, lasting 13 days. During this time, they are permitted to conduct vehicle rallies, speeches, distribute campaign materials, and post election posters and banners. Additionally, debates organized by the Election Broadcasting Debate Commission will take place, as required by the Public Election Act. Candidates for local government and National Assembly elections must participate in at least one debate. If a candidate fails to attend without a valid reason, the commission will publicly disclose the candidate's name, party affiliation, and absence on broadcasts and online platforms. Furthermore, the law mandates a complete halt on the publication of opinion poll results starting May 28, marking the beginning of the so-called polling blackout period. The trends during this period are expected to influence the election outcomes. Early voting will occur over two days, starting May 29. The main voting will take place on June 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This election marks the first nationwide election since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, with new elections for 16 local government heads, education superintendents, and 14 National Assembly members. Additionally, voters will select 4,227 local representatives, including 227 heads of basic local governments, 933 local council members, and 3,035 basic council members.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:12:00

LG Energy Solution Honors 12 Researchers to Strengthen Global Technology Leadership LG Energy Solution held an awards ceremony to honor researchers who secured intellectual property rights in key technology areas essential for dominating the future market of secondary batteries, aiming to enhance its global technology leadership. On May 18, LG Energy Solution announced that it hosted the '2026 Inventor and Application King Awards' at its headquarters in Yeouido Park One, recognizing 12 individuals for their outstanding research achievements. The event was organized to reward talents who have filed innovative patents across various fields, including LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) batteries, cylindrical 46-series batteries, and next-generation pack designs, which are expected to reshape the future battery market. This year's gold award for Inventor of the Year went to Park Byeong-cheon, who secured a key patent in the 'LMR Cell Chemistry' field. The LMR battery technology enhances price competitiveness by increasing the manganese content while achieving high energy density. Park focused on the technical potential of combining LMR cathodes with silicon anodes, establishing patent barriers before the industry began development. LG Energy Solution praised this achievement for securing strong proprietary technology that competitors would find difficult to bypass. Other awardees included: △ Eun-sang, Jeong In-hyeok for the core structure of the CAS (Cell Array Structure) applied to the 46-series cells (silver award) △ Lee Jae-hwan for tracking technology for electrode process quality management (silver award) △ Lee Jeong-min for additives to improve the high-temperature durability of LMR batteries (bronze award) △ Jo Min-ki for the insulation structure of cylindrical 46-series batteries (bronze award) △ Choi Soon-joo for non-destructive cell lifespan status verification technology through charge and discharge signals (bronze award). The gold award for Application King was awarded to Jang Hyuk-kyun, who filed numerous key patents in dual cooling for battery packs and upper and lower venting. Jang was recognized for his contributions to developing pack design technologies that enhance battery safety, including thermal transfer delay and gas-spark control structures. Additionally, Kim Gwang-mo (silver award), Lee Hyun-hee (silver award), Kim Dae-cheon (bronze award), Ko Gil-nam (bronze award), and Lee Soo-ho (bronze award) were also recognized as Application Kings. Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution, stated, "In the battery industry, patents are a powerful weapon for maintaining a global competitive edge and a source of customer value. We will fully support our members' creative challenges in R&D to ensure we maintain overwhelming technological leadership." Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution appointed 17 new research and technical experts in April to enhance the development of next-generation products and strengthen technological competitiveness. The company has operated a research and technical expert system annually since 2008, with the average age of new appointees being 44, significantly increasing the proportion of young researchers while also ensuring diversity by including global and female talents.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:05:03

Robots Redefining Work: Humanity at a Crossroads The recent demonstration of a humanoid robot by the American startup Figure AI, which sorted packages for over 80 hours without stopping, marks a significant shift in the concept of labor. The robot autonomously recharged when its battery was low, allowing another robot to immediately take over its tasks, symbolizing a fundamental change in the nature of work. This event illustrates that the realm of repetitive tasks traditionally handled by humans is no longer solely theirs. The key aspect of this demonstration is 'continuity.' Humans require rest, experience fatigue, and make mistakes, while robots can work continuously for 24, 48 hours, or even longer if conditions are met. Since the Industrial Revolution, machines have assisted human labor, but they are now moving beyond assistance to replacement. This trend will extend beyond factories to logistics, distribution, and even offices. Similar changes are already underway globally. Amazon's logistics centers in the U.S. employ hundreds of thousands of robots to enhance efficiency, while China's JD.com operates unmanned warehouses with minimal human intervention. Japan's Fanuc has realized a factory where 'robots make robots.' The question is no longer whether this technology is possible, but when it will be fully adopted. This transformation is not merely an evolution of automation; it represents a structural shift that reduces the need for human labor. Moreover, this trend is irreversible. Efficiency Drives Market Choices Perspectives on technological advancement often oscillate between optimism and pessimism. While some hope that robots will take on dangerous and laborious tasks, allowing humans to engage in more creative work, others fear that jobs will vanish entirely. However, this debate overlooks a crucial premise: the market operates on efficiency, not ethics. From a corporate standpoint, robots are the 'ideal workers.' They do not require wages, do not strike, and make fewer mistakes. If companies can manage maintenance costs, robots are far more economical than human workers. Under these conditions, the incentive for companies to retain human labor diminishes. The assertion that 'technology should complement humans' is morally sound but lacks persuasive power in the real market, as businesses are unlikely to choose inefficiency voluntarily. Thus, the essence of the issue lies not in technology but in structure. Technology merely indicates direction, while institutions and policies make choices. Without a social consensus on how to distribute the excess profits generated by robots and AI, maximizing efficiency is likely to lead to increased inequality. Concepts like 'robot tax' or 'technology dividend,' discussed in some European countries, stem from this awareness. They advocate for sharing the costs saved and productivity gains from automation across society. This approach does not aim to regulate businesses but seeks to alleviate the concentration of technological benefits among specific groups. Ultimately, the core question remains: Should the direction of technology be left solely to the market, or should society intervene to adjust it? The answer to this question will shape the future structure of labor. Disappearing Jobs, Divided Humanity: Education Alone Is Not Enough Many experts emphasize education as a solution in the age of AI, arguing that fostering creativity and problem-solving skills can create new jobs. However, this approach has significant limitations, as not everyone can become a highly creative talent. The labor market is already polarizing. In the U.S. and Europe, wages for highly skilled workers are soaring, while mid-level office jobs and repetitive tasks are rapidly disappearing, leading to the phenomenon known as the 'collapse of middle-class jobs.' This is not merely a cyclical change but a structural transition. Reforming education alone will not resolve this issue. While education can broaden opportunities, it cannot change the distribution of abilities. Ultimately, some will transition to high-value sectors, but many may struggle to find new roles. Therefore, solutions must be more pragmatic. Rather than converging human roles into 'high-level creative labor,' they should be restructured across various levels. Sectors where human interaction is crucial, such as caregiving, healthcare, education, culture, and services, need to be expanded. This involves strategically developing areas that are difficult for technology to replace. Japan is actively fostering the caregiving industry in response to its aging society, while Europe is creating jobs in cultural and welfare sectors. This is not merely a welfare policy but a reconfiguration of labor structures. The value of humanity is increasingly shifting from 'how much one produces' to 'what experiences and relationships one creates.' In a Post-Labor Society, What Will Humanity Become? A more fundamental question arises: In a society where labor diminishes, what will humanity's role be? In industrial society, work was not just a means of livelihood but a core aspect of identity. Occupations signified personal value and social standing. However, this structure is now unstable. In a society where robots handle production, 'non-working humans' could become the norm rather than the exception. This necessitates a new distribution structure, which is why concepts like universal basic income are being discussed. Finland's basic income experiment, though limited, offers meaningful insights. Ensuring a minimum income can enhance individual life stability and create opportunities for new activities. However, expanding this to a national level presents financial challenges. Therefore, an approach that simultaneously designs for growth and distribution is essential. How to share the wealth generated by AI and robots, and what kind of society to build on that wealth, are critical questions. If technological advancement operates solely to maximize the wealth of a few, social conflicts will inevitably intensify. Conversely, if a structure is created to share the benefits of technology, the reduction of labor could enhance the quality of human life. Here, redefining humanity is crucial. Defending human fatigue and errors in industrial settings as part of being human is less convincing, as such inefficiencies can lead to accidents and losses. Instead, human value should be rediscovered outside of labor, in areas such as relationships, creativity, empathy, and community activities. Some countries are already shifting policies to reduce working hours and enhance quality of life. Discussions around a four-day workweek are gaining traction, and the value of leisure and self-development is being emphasized. This signals not just a change in working conditions but a transformation in the standards of human life. Ultimately, we stand at a crossroads. Will technology create a society that displaces humans, or will it foster a society that enhances human life? The sight of robots working tirelessly for 80 hours is not an endpoint; it is a question. How we answer that question will determine whether the post-labor era becomes a crisis or an opportunity. Now is the time to decide the direction.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:03:19