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

Court Limits Samsung Electronics Union Strike, Emphasizes Semiconductor Process Obligations Samsung Electronics' labor union received a significant setback just three days before its planned general strike, as a court largely upheld the company's request to prohibit strike actions. On May 18, the Suwon District Court's Civil Division 31, led by Judge Shin Woo-jung, granted most of Samsung's injunction against the union's planned strike activities. The court cited Article 38, Section 2 of the Labor Union Act, which mandates that operations to prevent damage to work facilities or deterioration of materials and products must continue normally even during disputes. The court defined "normal" operations as maintaining the same conditions as during regular times, without any significant changes or disruptions. Consequently, the court ordered the union to maintain staffing levels and operational capacity for safety measures, damage prevention, and wafer preservation at the same levels as on regular weekdays and weekends. Any actions to halt or obstruct these operations, as well as any coercion of union members to do so, were also prohibited. To ensure compliance with this decision, the court imposed substantial financial penalties. If the union violates the ruling, it will be required to pay Samsung between 200 million and 300 million won per day, while individual union leaders face penalties of 20 million to 30 million won daily for any breaches. The court emphasized the global significance of the semiconductor industry, noting that damage to precision semiconductor facilities could incur enormous costs and time for recovery. It stated that production disruptions could lead to significant losses across various sectors, including automotive, home appliances, and information technology, which cannot be compensated through monetary damages. However, the court did acknowledge some basic rights of the union, rejecting certain claims from Samsung, such as prohibiting the use of threats during efforts to persuade members to join the strike and requests to ban the occupation of certain facilities. In response to the court's ruling, the union decided not to file an immediate appeal. It stated that it would prepare for a lawful strike within the boundaries permitted by the law. The union had previously announced plans for a large-scale strike involving about 50,000 participants, set to begin on May 21 and last for 18 days. Currently, Samsung Electronics and the union are engaged in final negotiations at the Central Labor Relations Commission regarding improvements to the performance bonus system. The union is demanding the elimination of the performance bonus cap and a formalization of calculations based on operating profits, while the company has promised top-tier compensation but has shown reluctance to institutionalize these changes. The government is closely monitoring the negotiations to facilitate a smooth resolution. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok indicated in a recent public address that all possible measures, including urgent mediation, would be considered to protect the national economy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:11:18