Tensions Rise in Gulf Following Drone Attack on UAE Nuclear Plant The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pointed to Iran or Iranian-backed groups as the likely perpetrators behind a recent drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, escalating tensions in the region. On May 17, Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that whether the attack was executed directly by the main culprit or through proxies, it signifies a dangerous escalation of tensions targeting the Barakah clean nuclear power plant. Gargash condemned the attack as a "dark scene" that violates all international laws and norms, criticizing those responsible for disregarding civilian lives. While the UAE Ministry of Defense has announced an investigation to identify the attackers, there is a prevailing sentiment in UAE political circles that Iran or its affiliates are behind the assault. UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been in contact with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain to discuss the situation. The UAE Foreign Ministry stated on X that the foreign ministers strongly condemned the unjustified terrorist attack and reaffirmed the UAE's complete and legitimate right to respond in a manner that ensures their sovereignty and national security in accordance with international law. Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the UAE. According to AFP, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring that the drone attack poses a threat to regional security and stability, supporting all measures to protect the UAE's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. In light of this attack, concerns about drone threats are rising across the Gulf region. The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that it intercepted and destroyed three unmanned drones that had entered its airspace from the direction of Iraq. Iran has heightened its warnings, claiming that Gulf nations are cooperating militarily with the United States. Mohammad Mohaver, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, criticized Gulf states on X, stating that while Iran has regarded them as friends and brothers for years, they have compromised their independence and entrusted their territory and homeland to enemies of Palestine and Iran. As U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations remain stalled and the U.S. reviews military options, tensions across the Middle East are again on the rise. On the same day, President Donald Trump warned on social media platform Truth Social that Iran has little time left, advising them to act quickly or risk losing everything. Trump also reportedly discussed the possibility of renewed Iranian attacks during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Israeli media citing Iranian state television.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 15:21:21

SAMT Shares Surge on Optimism for AI Semiconductors and Automotive Memory Shares of SAMT have reached their daily limit due to growing expectations for its expansion into artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and automotive memory. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:47 PM on May 18, SAMT's stock was trading at 18,590 won, up 30.00% from the previous trading day. The stock price, which was in the 7,000 won range last month, has recently surged past the 18,000 won mark. As SAMT's stock price has shown a sharp increase this month, the exchange announced on May 15 that it would designate the company as an investment caution stock starting May 18. Founded in 1990, SAMT is an IT marketing specialist that supplies key electronic components to major global companies, including Samsung Electronics, for manufacturers of smartphones, OLED monitors, and TVs. The company was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2000. Recently, SAMT has been expanding its business into high-value products such as CMOS image sensors (CIS), automotive memory, and AI semiconductors. The growth in automotive electrification, the AI industry, and the expansion of data centers appear to be driving expectations for future revenue growth and improved profitability. Additionally, as the AI industry expands and the semiconductor and automotive component markets continue to grow, investor sentiment toward SAMT, which operates in distribution and marketing related to these sectors, is also improving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 15:10:51

Samsung Electronics Recovers Midday; SK Hynix Also Sees Gains Samsung Electronics has successfully turned around its midday performance, showing strength in the market. SK Hynix is also experiencing a rise of over 1%. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:42 PM, Samsung Electronics is trading at 280,750 won, up 10,250 won (3.79%) from the previous trading day. Samsung began the day at 270,500 won and initially faced weakness, dropping to as low as 262,000 won. However, buying interest surged, allowing the stock to recover, reaching a high of 288,500 won during the session. It has since slightly retraced but is maintaining above the 280,000 won mark. SK Hynix is also up 20,000 won (1.10%), trading at 1,839,000 won. The stock opened at 1,827,000 won and fell to 1,731,000 won during the day but reversed course as individual investors stepped in to buy. As both semiconductor giants rebound, the KOSPI index, which had been under pressure, has regained the 7,500 level and is expanding its gains. However, analysts caution that the potential for increased market volatility remains. Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, noted, "The Korean stock market has seen a significant reduction in index declines due to aggressive net buying by individual investors, but overall global market volatility is unavoidable."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 15:09:00

Government Seeks Public Ideas to Reduce Living Costs, Invites AI Policy Proposals The government is launching an initiative to gather public ideas aimed at reducing living costs. Focusing on areas with significant household expenses, such as housing, transportation, and communication, the initiative will also explore policies that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology. On May 18, the Ministry of Finance and Economy announced the "2026 Cost of Living Reduction Policy Idea Contest," which will run until July 27. The contest aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens and discover policies that can be felt in daily life. This contest is designed to connect creative and practical ideas from the public with policy implementation, particularly in sectors where household spending is high. It will not be limited to traditional policy methods such as legislative amendments or institutional improvements but will also focus on generating cost-saving ideas that incorporate AI technology. The initiative aims to ensure that even those who are less familiar with digital devices can benefit from the latest technological advancements. Submitted ideas will undergo expert evaluation, and the final rankings will be determined through an online public vote from August 19 to September 2. An awards ceremony is scheduled for October, where the grand prize winner will receive a commendation from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, along with a cash prize of 2 million won. The total prize pool amounts to 5 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 15:01:13

Gaon Cable Signs $3 Billion Supply Deal for Busducts with U.S. Tech Firms Gaon Cable, a subsidiary of LS Cable, has secured a supply contract worth approximately 4 trillion won ($3 billion) for busducts to be used in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the United States. This marks the largest supply agreement in the domestic cable and electrical equipment industry to date. On May 18, Gaon Cable announced that its U.S. subsidiary, LSCUS, has entered into a long-term supply contract with a major American company for high-capacity power systems, specifically busducts, over the next five years. Under this contract, Gaon Cable will supply busducts to dozens of AI data centers across the U.S. annually, starting with an estimated 50 billion won this year. By 2030, the total supply volume is expected to exceed 4 trillion won. Busducts consist of insulated copper and aluminum conductors housed within a modular metal casing. Unlike traditional cables, which require significant space to manage the substantial power demands of AI data centers, busducts can stack conductors, significantly enhancing space efficiency. Notably, this contract is significant not only for its scale but also because it is a long-term framework agreement rather than a one-time order. Byun Jeong-il, head of LS Cable's busduct division, stated, "This achievement combines LS Cable's global sales capabilities with the local responsiveness of Gaon Cable's U.S. subsidiary. Following last year's large-scale contract with a major tech company, we are rapidly expanding our supply to U.S. AI data centers with this new order." The initial supply will be sourced from LS Cable's manufacturing facility in Gumi, South Korea, while Gaon Cable is considering establishing new busduct production facilities at its Jeonju plant. LS Cable's Mexican production subsidiary, set to be completed in 2026, will also serve as a key production hub. In January, LS Cable announced plans to increase its investment in Mexico to a total of 230 billion won, aiming to enhance supply stability and delivery competitiveness through a local production system in North America.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:58:44

Hyundai Motor Group to Establish Hydrogen Ecosystem in Hong Kong, Expanding to Asia-Pacific Market Hyundai Motor Group is set to establish a comprehensive hydrogen value chain in Hong Kong, encompassing hydrogen production, refueling, and utilization. On May 18, the company announced the signing of a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Hong Kong Convention Center during the 'International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026' to create a hydrogen ecosystem in the region. The MOU aims to build a 'resource-circulating hydrogen production model (W2H)' facility utilizing landfill gas, establish liquefied hydrogen refueling stations, and introduce hydrogen mobility to promote and activate the hydrogen ecosystem. The initiative involves three South Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and JN Group, along with seven other firms: China Gas Hong Kong, Veolia, China Certification & Inspection Group, Guofu Hydrogen Energy, Temple Water, Chunwo Construction, and Chunwo Bus. These companies will collaborate to produce eco-friendly hydrogen energy locally and develop infrastructure that connects hydrogen production with refueling and hydrogen mobility distribution, supporting Hong Kong's energy independence. Specifically, the project will implement the W2H model to produce low-carbon hydrogen energy from landfill gas. Additionally, liquefied hydrogen refueling stations will be established in key areas with high transportation demand. These stations are more suitable for Hong Kong's limited space as they can store more hydrogen per unit volume compared to gaseous hydrogen stations. Throughout the project, Hyundai Motor will oversee all aspects of the hydrogen ecosystem in Hong Kong, including hydrogen production, utilization, and refueling station construction, while promoting hydrogen mobility. The company plans to expand its hydrogen market into the Asia-Pacific region in the future. Shin Seung-kyu, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group's Energy and Hydrogen Policy Division, stated, "In line with Hong Kong's proactive hydrogen policies, we aim to leverage Hyundai Motor Group's capabilities and experience in hydrogen business to foster a local hydrogen ecosystem. Starting in Hong Kong, we will expand our cooperation and business across the Asia-Pacific hydrogen market." Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its hydrogen value chain business, centered around its hydrogen brand 'HTWO,' which encompasses production, storage, transportation, and utilization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:57:00

Amorepacific CEO: K-Beauty is a New Standard, Not Just a Trend Kim Seung-hwan, CEO of Amorepacific, stated that "K-Beauty is no longer a temporary trend but has established itself as a new standard in the global skincare market." According to Amorepacific, Kim made this remark while presenting strategies for the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the Korean beauty industry at the '2026 WWD Beauty CEO Summit' held in Palm Beach, Florida, from May 11 to 13. WWD, a fashion and beauty media outlet founded in 1910, hosts this prestigious CEO forum for the 28th time this year. Approximately 500 executives from global retail and beauty companies, including L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Unilever, Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty, attended the event. In his presentation, Kim outlined three key factors contributing to the success of K-Beauty: discerning Korean consumers, continuous product innovation, and an open manufacturing infrastructure that allows anyone to easily create a brand. Previously, at the IGDS World Department Store Summit held in Seoul last June, Kim emphasized that "thanks to strong ODM support, there are over 30,000 beauty brands in Korea," adding that "anyone with an idea can collaborate with over 4,000 manufacturers to launch a brand." Kim explained that for K-Beauty to continue its rapid growth sustainably, a strategic shift to a new phase is necessary, presenting four core tasks: differentiating brand identity, expanding categories beyond skincare, enhancing R&D-based scientific innovation, and broadening personalized customer experiences through digital technology and AI. Amorepacific noted that this presentation is significant as it positions K-Beauty not merely as a trend but as a unique industrial model rooted in Korean consumers and the industry ecosystem. An Amorepacific representative stated, "For over 80 years, we have led the growth and innovation of the K-Beauty industry based on our accumulated R&D capabilities and consumer trust as Korea's representative beauty company. We will accelerate our growth as a global leader in beauty and wellness under our long-term vision of 'Create New Beauty.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:51:52

Asian Constitutional Experts Gather in Seoul to Discuss Future of Constitutional Jurisprudence Constitutional experts from across Asia are convening in Seoul to share insights on constitutional values and judicial experiences in response to rapidly changing societal dynamics. On May 18, the Asian Constitutional Court Union (AACC) announced that it is hosting the "5th International Conference of Researchers" from today until May 21. The conference, themed "Recent Trends and Issues in Constitutional Law," aims to reflect on the constitutional journeys of various countries amid the global changes since 2018. Particularly, the event will address the implications of constitutional amendments and key rulings experienced by different nations in light of various issues such as the pandemic, technological advancements, and social conflicts, providing a platform for sharing concrete legislative achievements. The agenda includes three sessions and a comprehensive session. The first session, held immediately after the opening ceremony on May 19, will focus on "Constitutional Amendments Since 2018," followed by the second and third sessions, which will cover "Major Constitutional Court Rulings" and "Key Legislative Developments," respectively, featuring in-depth presentations and discussions from member institutions. Around 40 experts, including judges and researchers from the 15 member institutions of the AACC, as well as invited guests, will participate to strengthen the unity of the Asian constitutional community. Since hosting the AACC Research Office in 2017, the Constitutional Court has played a pivotal role as a hub for Asian constitutional jurisprudence by alternating the hosting of international conferences for judges and researchers every two years. A court official stated, "Through this conference, we aim to share South Korea's experiences as a leading institution in global constitutional jurisprudence with countries in Asia and contribute to the promotion of human rights and the advancement of democracy in the region."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:47:11

Kolmar Group Reaffirms Commitment to Compliance Management on 36th Anniversary Starting with just four employees, Kolmar Group has reached the status of a large business group after 36 years, reaffirming its commitment to compliance management on its anniversary. The event served as a reminder for all employees of the increased social responsibilities that come with the company's growth. According to Kolmar Group, Kolmar Holdings and Korea Kolmar held their '4th Compliance Day' events on May 14 at the Korea Kolmar Comprehensive Technology Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and at the Sejong plant in Jeonui-myeon, Sejong City, respectively. They designated May 15, their founding anniversary, as 'Compliance Day' and have held annual commemorative events since 2023. This year's event aimed to establish a culture of compliance programs (CP) within the group and enhance employees' awareness of legal compliance. Prior to the event, both companies conducted an ethics management pledge campaign involving all employees across their business sites. Notably, this year featured various experiential programs. Kolmar Holdings organized a 'CP Contest' for employees, inviting them to create slogans centered on compliance culture. This contest was held for the first time this year, with Vice Chairman Yoon Sang-hyun personally presenting awards to the winners. Korea Kolmar designated May 11 to 14 as 'Compliance Week,' offering both online and offline programs. Events such as 'Compliance MBTI' and 'Compliance Case Judgment Challenge' encouraged employee participation, and five employees recognized for their exemplary compliance practices received awards. On April 29, Kolmar Group became the first cosmetics original design manufacturer (ODM) to be designated as a large business group by the Fair Trade Commission, marking a significant milestone since its founding by Chairman Yoon Dong-han with four employees in 1990. As of the end of last year, Kolmar Group's total assets amounted to 5.2428 trillion won, meeting the asset criteria for large business groups. By subsidiary, Korea Kolmar reported 1.529 trillion won, HK Inno.N 2.0969 trillion won, Kolmar Holdings 546.1 billion won, and Kolmar B&H 520.6 billion won. Kolmar Group has diversified its business from cosmetics into pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health supplements, achieving growth through global expansion. Last year, Korea Kolmar recorded consolidated sales of 2.7224 trillion won and an operating profit of 239.6 billion won, marking double-digit growth and the highest performance in its history. Vice Chairman Yoon stated, "The compliance program is a core competitiveness that influences corporate value and trust. We will continue to enhance our compliance system at the group level to meet the heightened social responsibilities and expectations following our designation as a large business group." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:44:13

Lotte Home Shopping Launches First Dedicated App for ChatGPT Shopping Lotte Home Shopping has launched the first dedicated shopping application within the generative AI platform ChatGPT, allowing users to search and purchase products in one seamless experience. The company has accelerated its transition to AI commerce by introducing a virtual human host named 'Lucy' and an in-house AI chatbot called 'Belly Gunggeumi.' This new app leverages the convenience of conversational AI. On May 18, Lotte Home Shopping announced the release of its dedicated app that can be accessed directly within ChatGPT. The key feature is that users can utilize Lotte Home Shopping's services through conversation without needing to install a separate app or visit a website. Using the app is straightforward. Users simply select 'Apps' from the ChatGPT menu, search for Lotte Home Shopping, and start chatting. They can ask everyday questions such as, "What are today's broadcast programs?" "When is the kitchenware broadcast?" or "What discounts are available this month?" to receive immediate responses. The app is linked to Lotte Home Shopping's actual shopping data, providing personalized product recommendations and broadcast information, with suggested items directly connected to purchase links. Previously, users had to navigate categories or input search terms to find desired products in existing home shopping apps. This new service replaces that process with conversational queries, reducing search time and allowing users to compare products and check benefits all on one screen, enhancing convenience. Earlier, several Lotte affiliates, including Lotte Department Store and Lotte On, had also launched dedicated apps connecting their services to ChatGPT.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 14:41:17