South Korea's labor minister to meet Samsung management to avert strike SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - In a bid to mediate a labor dispute that threatens an unprecedented general strike of Samsung Electronics workers, South Korean Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon is scheduled to meet with Samsung executives as early as Saturday. The move follows a high-level meeting between the minister and union leadership to discuss demands that could fundamentally reshape the company's compensation structure. The National Samsung Electronics Union plans to launch an 18-day strike from May 21 to June 7. Union officials expect approximately 50,000 members to participate in what would be the largest labor action in the history of the world's top memory chip maker. Minister Kim Young-hoon met with Choi Seung-ho, the chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group Supra-Enterprise Labor Union, on Friday to hear worker grievances. The union requested the government's help in replacing the company's lead negotiator, Vice President Kim Hyung-ro, and pushing for a substantial shift in management's bargaining position. Labor representatives have criticized Vice President Kim Hyung-ro for allegedly lacking a deep understanding of the semiconductor industry. They specifically pointed to his previous comments regarding the company's projected operating profit reaching 200 trillion won as evidence that he is unfit to lead the negotiations. The core of the deadlock is the union's demand for a fixed performance bonus equal to 15 percent of the company's operating profit. They are also seeking the institutionalization of a system that removes the existing upper limits on performance-based payouts. Samsung management has proposed maintaining the current bonus system while offering uncapped special rewards to allow for more flexible compensation. Despite several rounds of talks, the two sides have remained on parallel tracks without reaching a compromise. According to the Samsung Electronics corporate history, the company maintained a strict non-union policy for more than 50 years until it was officially abolished in 2020. This current escalation is viewed as a critical test for the company's evolving labor relations framework. 2026-05-16 07:24:18

Veteran columnist publishes book on South Korean cultural diplomacy SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Veteran South Korean columnist Choe Chong-dae has published a collection of essays spanning nearly half a century of international dialogue, chronicling South Korea's evolving global presence. The book, titled "Bridging Cultures: The Korea Times Columns of a Citizen Diplomat (1979~2025)", captures his experiences as a cultural advocate and lifelong researcher since he began writing in 1979. The volume explores diplomatic history, democratization and South Korean studies through the perspective of a participant-observer. Scholars Alok Kumar and Frank M. Tedesco, who contributed forewords to the collection, described the work as a valuable resource for understanding modern South Korean history and diplomacy. Choe's devotion to South Korean cultural identity was partly inspired by his late father, Choe Nam-ju, a pioneer of South Korean archaeology. The elder Choe participated in the excavation of the ancient Silla Golden Crown alongside the Swedish crown prince, who later became King Gustaf VI Adolf. This early connection to Sweden foreshadowed Choe's own diplomatic recognition decades later. In 2010, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf awarded Choe the Royal Order of the Polar Star for his contributions to international relations and cultural exchange. Throughout his career, Choe has examined diplomatic relations between South Korea and numerous European nations, including Belgium, Greece, Germany and Poland. He has also focused extensively on globalizing the heritage of Gyeongju, writing about artifacts such as the Seokguram Grotto and the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok to introduce South Korean history to international readers. Beyond his media columns, Choe has pursued academic research and translation. He published a paper on humanistic egalitarianism in Donghak, South Korea's native religion, in the 2023 volume of the Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea, which included accessible English translations of its major scriptures. The new book also features his essay "Greece and Korea: A Living Dialogue Between Civilizations," originally published by AJP Press in November 2025. A 2007 column about Queen Margrethe II was also previously featured on an unofficial Danish royal message board. Following the book's release, Choe presented copies of the collection to Bruno Jans and Loukas Tsokos. The handover took place during the Europe Day 2026 reception at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on May 8, 2026. 2026-05-16 06:56:27

Trump Discusses North Korea with Xi Jinping, Remains Noncommittal on Taiwan U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on May 15 that he discussed North Korea during his recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from China, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if he had addressed North Korea with Xi. When pressed for details on their discussions, he stated, "As you know, I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un," adding that the North Korean leader has been "very quiet" recently. Trump also confirmed that he had communicated with Kim, though he did not specify when this communication took place. In response to a follow-up question about the nature of their exchange, he said, "It’s not important. I mean, I’m not going to talk about it. But I have a very good relationship with him. He has respected our country." Earlier, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Trump and Xi exchanged views on significant international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the crisis in Ukraine, and the Korean Peninsula during their summit. Regarding Taiwan, a key topic during the U.S.-China talks, Trump stated, "I had a lot of discussions with Xi about it," asserting that he does not believe there is a conflict with China over the matter. He noted that Xi has a very strong stance on Taiwan but emphasized, "I made no promises." This suggests he did not provide assurances regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan or support for its recognition and independence. Trump mentioned that he discussed arms sales to Taiwan in detail with Xi but refrained from elaborating, stating, "I will decide that." He added, "What we want least right now is a war 9,500 miles away." On the topic of Iran, Trump commented on a recent proposal from Iran regarding peace negotiations, saying, "The first sentence was unacceptable. They had agreed not to have nuclear weapons, and if they say in any form that they will have nuclear weapons, I won’t read the rest." He noted that a 20-year halt to their nuclear program would be acceptable, but emphasized that the guarantee must be a "real" 20 years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 06:12:33

KOSPI Surges Past 8000 Before Sharp Decline Amid NVIDIA Earnings and Samsung Strike Domestic stocks this week saw the KOSPI index rise above 8000 for the first time on May 15, driven by strong performances in the semiconductor and automotive sectors. However, the index reversed course the same day, dropping over 6% due to selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors, highlighting the technical challenges following a rapid surge. Analysts suggest that upcoming events, including NVIDIA's earnings report and a strike by Samsung Electronics' union, could increase market volatility next week. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index closed at 7493.18 on May 15, down 488.23 points (6.12%) from the previous trading day. Over the week from May 11 to 15, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ fell by 0.06% and 6.45%, respectively. Despite external factors such as expectations for peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and a U.S.-China summit, domestic stocks maintained a strong trend, particularly in the semiconductor and automotive sectors. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's visit to China and the anticipated resumption of H200 sales in China boosted investor sentiment in semiconductors, while optimism surrounding Hyundai Motor Group's robotics business contributed to gains in the automotive sector. Consequently, the automotive, semiconductor, and display sectors led the weekly gains. Expectations for increased AI investment and upward revisions in profit estimates for the global IT sector were also seen as driving forces behind the rise in domestic stocks. Major semiconductor firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix continued to perform well, with individual investors absorbing foreign profit-taking, sustaining the upward trend. However, some cyclical sectors, including securities, utilities, and steel, showed relatively weak performance. Next week is expected to bring significant global events that could heighten market volatility. Starting with China's industrial production report on May 18, NVIDIA's earnings report is scheduled for May 21, followed by the launch of a public growth fund on May 22. Market observers believe that NVIDIA's earnings will be a key event to assess the sustainability of AI infrastructure investments. The anticipated strike by Samsung Electronics' union is also a major variable. The union and management are in negotiations over special bonuses and performance pay, but the union has announced plans to strike starting May 21. Concerns are growing that a prolonged strike could disrupt semiconductor production. Na Jeong-hwan, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, noted, "The approval of H200 sales in China is emerging as a positive factor for NVIDIA. Key points to watch include whether guidance for sales in China is reflected, the sustainability of demand for Blackwell, and whether supply bottlenecks are alleviated." He added, "If the strike at Samsung Electronics leads to increased stock volatility, it may be necessary to diversify portfolios with high-quality stocks that have performance momentum." Short-term analyses suggest that the KOSPI has entered a phase of technical pressure. The concentration of supply and demand in semiconductor and AI infrastructure-related sectors has increased valuation pressures on some stocks. However, the ongoing AI investment cycle and improving corporate earnings suggest that the long-term upward trend is likely to be maintained. Shin Han-gil, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., stated, "As the KOSPI reaches 8000 points, technical pressures are also increasing. Following revisions to semiconductor earnings forecasts, additional upward catalysts are gradually weakening, which may slow the pace of increases." Experts advise maintaining focus on existing leading sectors centered on semiconductors while also considering sectors that have not fully reflected earnings improvements. Alternative sectors mentioned include secondary batteries, consumer goods, defense, shipbuilding, and department stores. Jo Byeong-hyeon, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, emphasized the need to explore potential in communication equipment, secondary batteries, and renewable energy within the AI value chain rather than seeking alternatives to semiconductor declines. He also noted that expectations for domestic demand have strengthened compared to previous levels, suggesting that retail and distribution sectors should also be monitored.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 06:11:01

Chinese State Media Uses 'Kung Fu Panda' to Highlight US-China Relations In conjunction with President Donald Trump's visit to China, state-run media aired the animated film series "Kung Fu Panda" to promote a cooperative atmosphere in US-China relations. According to China's state broadcaster CCTV, the CCTV movie channel (CCTV6) aired "Kung Fu Panda" and "Kung Fu Panda 3" back-to-back on the afternoon of the 14th, from 2:42 PM to 6 PM, coinciding with the US-China summit. Notably, "Kung Fu Panda 3," released in 2016, was produced during a time of active US-China film collaboration and is the only co-produced film in the series. It involved contributions from the China Film Group, the US-China joint venture Oriental DreamWorks, and DreamWorks Animation. Approximately one-third of the production took place in China, and it was regarded as a symbolic project of US-China cultural cooperation at the time. The film begins with Po, now a dragon warrior, reuniting with his long-lost father, Li. Together, they journey to a secret panda village, where they face unexpected challenges against the villain Kai. Chinese cultural elements are seamlessly integrated throughout the film. The panda village is inspired by Qingcheng Mountain in Sichuan Province, known as the birthplace of Taoism and a habitat for pandas. Chinese cuisine, including dumplings, steamed buns, and noodles, frequently appears in the film. The production team noted in local interviews that they replaced a scene featuring cookies, originally suggested by the American team, with traditional Chinese foods. Released during the Lunar New Year season, the film also features scenes reminiscent of Chinese festivals, such as red lanterns and fireworks. At the time, the state-run Global Times reported that the Chinese production team played a role akin to a "cultural committee," ensuring cultural accuracy through research on Chinese culture, traditional clothing, and panda conservation areas. The film also garnered attention for its voice cast, which included prominent Chinese actors such as Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, Huang Lei, Yang Mi, Wang Zhiwen, and Zhang Guoli. The box office performance was impressive, with "Kung Fu Panda 3" earning approximately 380 million yuan within three days of its release in China. CCTV6 is known for reflecting international affairs and diplomatic atmospheres through its film programming. Chinese internet users often refer to it as "Liugongzhu" (Six Princess). CCTV stated on its official Weibo account, "We respond to the times through the art form of film." In fact, during the heightened US-China trade tensions in 2019, the channel aired films related to the Korean War, such as "The Battle at Lake Changjin" and "Heroes of the East," showcasing a strong stance. Conversely, shortly after a phone call between the US and Chinese leaders in June of the same year, it abruptly canceled its scheduled programming to air "The Yellow River's Love Story," which depicts cooperation between Chinese and American soldiers against the Japanese, suggesting a potential shift in relations. Additionally, just after China and the US announced significant progress during high-level talks in Geneva last May, CCTV6 scheduled the American film "New York, I Love You," only to cancel it amid controversy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 06:05:11

Samsung Electronics Union Plans to Discuss After Strike Ends on June 7 Samsung Union Rejects Dialogue, Plans to Continue Strike Until June 7 Despite repeated calls from Samsung Electronics management and the government to resume talks, the union has refused to engage in dialogue and remains committed to its planned strike. On May 15, the largest union at Samsung, the Samsung Electronics branch of the Korean Federation of Trade Unions, stated in response to a letter from the company urging dialogue that it is willing to negotiate after June 7, the date it has set for the end of the strike. The union expressed its determination to exercise its constitutionally guaranteed rights, indicating that the planned strike will proceed as scheduled. With the union rejecting dialogue, the anticipated strike beginning on May 21 is expected to take place over the next 18 days. Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Surpasses 1500 Won Amid U.S. Inflation Concerns The won-dollar exchange rate has exceeded 1500 won for the first time in over a month. As of 2:50 PM on May 15, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market stood at 1504.7 won per dollar, rising from an opening rate of 1494.2 won, which was an increase of 3.2 won. This marks the first time the rate has surpassed 1500 won since April 7. Blue House Protests Bloomberg's Report on AI Profit Sharing The Blue House has confirmed that it sent an official letter of protest to Bloomberg News regarding its interpretation of Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom's proposal for a 'national dividend' as a distribution of 'excess profits' from artificial intelligence (AI) companies. The Blue House expressed serious concerns about the way Bloomberg reported on Kim's personal social media posts. In the letter sent the previous day, the Blue House urged Bloomberg to acknowledge the 'inaccurate framing' that has caused 'substantial confusion in the market and negatively impacted investor sentiment' and requested an official apology for the adverse effects on the market. Tensions Rise Over Seoul Mayoral Debate Between Candidates Oh and Jung Tensions are escalating between Seoul mayoral candidates Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party and Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party over a proposed debate. On May 15, Oh stated at a campaign event in Gangdong-gu that he had suggested a debate to discuss how to address citizens' concerns but received no response from Jung. He criticized Jung for rejecting the debate and opting for individual press conferences instead, labeling him as an irresponsible candidate who does not consider the public's right to know. In response, Jung urged Oh to reflect on his own statements, asserting that he would only participate in legally mandated debates as defined by election law. Jung also pointed out that Oh had previously rejected debates with his primary opponents, questioning his credibility. Trump Reveals Xi's Proposal to Mediate Iran Agreement During China Visit President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a willingness to help resolve issues related to Iran. During a recent U.S.-China summit, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and China's import of Iranian oil were key topics of discussion. In an interview with Sean Hannity following his meeting with Xi in Beijing, Trump stated, 'Xi wants an agreement to be reached.' He added that Xi mentioned he would like to assist if he could. Trump also noted that Xi expressed a desire for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, highlighting its significance as a crucial route for Middle Eastern oil transport, which has become a major variable in the international energy market due to shipping restrictions and safety concerns following the Iran conflict.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 01:04:51

President Lee Calls Private Retaliation a Serious Crime President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 15 that "private retaliation is a serious crime for both the requester and the executor," urging individuals not to let trivial matters ruin their lives.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee emphasized that disputes in a modern civilized society should be resolved according to the rule of law.He attached a document detailing an incident in which a suspected act of private retaliation occurred, including the painting of an apartment entrance in Incheon’s Seo-gu, which is currently under police investigation.The rise of so-called "retaliation services," where individuals are hired to vandalize property or distribute threatening flyers, has sparked social controversy recently.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 01:00:32

Japan's Takaichi Discusses China with Trump, Affirms Strong US-Japan Alliance Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 15, following his visit to China. According to Yonhap News, citing Kyodo News and NHK, Takaichi held a 15-minute phone call with Trump starting at 7:30 p.m. that evening, during which she received detailed insights about the president's trip to China. Takaichi reported that they exchanged views on various issues concerning China. She also conveyed Japan's position to Trump regarding the situation in Iran, emphasizing the importance of a swift resolution to the crisis. Takaichi stated, "This call confirmed the unwavering U.S.-Japan alliance." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 00:58:23

Local Election Candidate Registration Rate Hits Record Low at 1.8 to 1 As of 8 p.m. on May 15, the second day of candidate registration for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections, a total of 7,787 candidates have submitted their registration documents. According to a report by Yonhap News, citing data from the National Election Commission, 7,664 candidates have completed their registration. The overall average competition rate stands at 1.8 to 1 based on completed registrations. While the final tally for candidate registration is still pending, the current competition rate matches the record low of 1.8 to 1 seen during the 2022 local elections. This local election will see the election of 4,227 local officials, including 16 heads of metropolitan governments and education superintendents, 227 heads of basic local governments, 933 metropolitan council members, and 3,035 basic council members. In the metropolitan government elections, 54 candidates (3.2 to 1) have completed their registration. The number of registered candidates for other election categories includes 585 for basic local government heads (2.6 to 1), 1,649 for metropolitan council members (2.0 to 1), 354 for proportional representation in metropolitan councils (2.3 to 1), 4,389 for basic council members (1.7 to 1), 656 for proportional representation in basic councils (1.7 to 1), and 57 for education superintendents (3.3 to 1). Alongside the local elections, by-elections for the National Assembly will also be held in 14 regions, with 47 candidates (3.4 to 1) having completed their registration for these races.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 00:55:01

Trump Discusses North Korea with Xi, Says No Promises on Taiwan During his visit to China, President Donald Trump stated on May 15 that he exchanged views with President Xi Jinping regarding North Korea. Trump made these remarks while returning to the U.S. on a private jet after his trip to Beijing, as reported by Yonhap News, citing Reuters. Trump also addressed the Taiwan issue, which was a significant topic during the U.S.-China summit, saying, "I had many discussions with President Xi and do not believe there is a dispute with China." He added, "I made no promises regarding the Taiwan issue." Regarding negotiations with Iran, Trump emphasized that a "real" commitment would be acceptable if Iran agrees to suspend its nuclear program for 20 years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 00:54:32