Defense Minister An Gyu-baek: No Issues Accelerating Transfer of Wartime Operational Control An Gyu-baek, the Minister of National Defense, stated on May 10 that there are no significant issues with accelerating the transfer of wartime operational control, as preparations have been systematic, stable, and consistent. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport before his departure to the United States, An noted that U.S. and South Korean officials made considerable progress on the transfer of wartime operational control based on conditions agreed upon in 2015. An will meet with high-ranking officials, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, during his visit to the U.S., which marks his first trip since taking office in July 2022. On May 11 (local time), An is scheduled to hold talks with Hegseth in Washington, D.C., and will also meet with other U.S. government and congressional officials, including the acting Secretary of the Navy, the Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower. In 2015, during the 47th Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), the two countries agreed on a 'conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control plan' (COTP) and have been working toward this transfer since then. When asked about the direction in which the two countries are seeking to find common ground on the wartime operational control issue, An referred to the agreement made during last year's 57th SCM to finalize the target year for the transfer by the end of this year, stating, "That is also one of the key issues during this visit to the U.S." The government of President Lee Jae-myung is pushing for the transfer of wartime operational control as a national agenda, aiming for 2028 as the target year for the transfer before the current U.S. administration's term ends. The government is reportedly working to set the 2028 target year after completing the second phase of evaluation and verification procedures for the transfer, which involves verifying the full operational capability (FOC) of the future combined military command. This would be approved by the defense ministers of both countries at the SCM in October. Regarding cooperation on the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, An emphasized the importance of implementing follow-up measures agreed upon by the leaders of both countries, stating, "It is crucial to fulfill our promises and discuss mutual cooperation between South Korea and the U.S." When asked if an initial negotiation could be expected within the first half of the year, he responded, "Of course," adding, "Regardless of any difficulties, I believe this issue must be resolved between the military authorities of South Korea and the U.S." He further noted, "In the past, South Korea and the U.S. have had no significant issues in fulfilling promises and procedures, and if the U.S. provides some support regarding fuel, there should be no major problems in proceeding with the construction process." Last year, during a joint fact sheet, the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. agreed to cooperate on the construction of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines, but subsequent negotiations have not progressed significantly. Observers have noted that other issues, such as the Coupang matter, have negatively impacted the progress of these negotiations. During An's visit to the U.S., a meeting of the 'Integrated Defense Consultative Body' (KIDD), which includes deputy ministers from both countries' defense authorities, will also be held in Washington, D.C., on May 12-13. Last month, South Korea's chief diplomatic representative for North Korea, Jeong Yeon-du, and Cho Hyun-woo, the security strategy secretary at the Blue House, visited Washington, D.C. A Defense Ministry official stated that this visit aims to facilitate direct communication at a high level to review the implementation of agreements from the Korea-U.S. summit and the SCM, noting that wartime operational control and nuclear-powered submarines will be key issues for discussion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 02:46:38

Japan Initiates EPA Negotiations with Five South American Countries Amid Market Competition Japan is gearing up to begin negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the five member countries of the South American trade bloc Mercosur. The initiative aims to diversify supply chains for energy and critical minerals, reducing reliance on the Middle East and China, while also protecting Japanese companies from tariff disadvantages as the European Union (EU) has already activated its own free trade agreement with Mercosur. According to the Nikkei newspaper, the Japanese government is exploring options to enter EPA negotiations with Mercosur by this summer. Mercosur consists of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Japan has already begun strengthening its ties with Mercosur since late last year. In December, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a "Strategic Partnership Framework" with Mercosur, discussing cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains, digital economy, and energy. Both sides described each other as "one of the most important economic partners" in a joint statement. The Nikkei reported that the Japanese government plans to hold additional strategic talks with Mercosur as early as the end of May, and is coordinating a visit from Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in mid-May. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also received relevant reports from ministry officials at the Prime Minister's Office on April 28. If negotiations commence, it will mark the first large-scale free trade talks since Takaichi's administration began. Japan's urgency is driven by economic security and trade competition. The combined GDP of the five South American countries is approximately $3.16 trillion, roughly three-quarters the size of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, trade between Japan and these countries was only about 2.4 trillion yen (approximately $22.4 billion) last year, less than one-tenth of the trade between the U.S. and ASEAN, indicating significant potential for growth. Japan is particularly focused on South America as a source of resources. Brazil ranks as the ninth-largest oil producer globally, with crude oil production reaching a record high of 4.3 million barrels per day in March. The country also has the second-largest reserves of rare earth minerals. Argentina is a key producer of lithium, a critical material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The Nikkei noted that Japan's assessment was influenced by the increased risks of reliance on the Middle East following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, as over 90% of Japan's oil imports were from the Middle East before tensions escalated. Market of 700 Million People Additionally, the EU's early entry into the market is putting pressure on Japan. The Nikkei reported that the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement has begun provisional application, even though ratification by some member countries is still pending. As a result, tariff reductions on agricultural and industrial products are gradually starting in a market that totals around 700 million people between the EU and Mercosur. The Japanese business community has been advocating for an expedited EPA due to these circumstances. If European companies receive tariff reductions first, Japanese automotive and machinery manufacturers could face disadvantages in price competition within the Mercosur market. Both the Japanese government and businesses view Mercosur as a crucial element for diversifying supply chains, and South American countries are also interested in expanding cooperation with Japan to reduce dependence on China. However, the biggest hurdle remains the issue of Brazilian beef imports. According to the Nikkei, members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's agricultural faction expressed during discussions with relevant ministries in late April that "beef imports must be strictly limited." Japan has effectively restricted Brazilian beef imports due to concerns over livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brazil's beef production reached 12.61 million tons last year, surpassing the U.S. as the world's largest producer. Japan's production for 2024 is projected to be only 350,000 tons, making price competition challenging. Despite this, there is a growing sentiment within the ruling party that outright opposition may not be feasible, considering the need for securing energy and critical minerals. A key party official indicated to the Nikkei that while they must consider the party's position, the final decision should be made from a national diplomatic perspective, hinting at a willingness to pursue negotiations. Balancing agricultural protection, economic security, and trade competitiveness will likely determine the direction of the EPA negotiations with Mercosur.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 02:44:34

Pop star Dua Lipa files lawsuit against Samsung Electronics over unauthorized use of her Image SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - Dua Lipa, the British-Albanian pop star known for numerous global hits and multiple Grammy Awards, has filed a US$15 million lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, entertainment news outlet Variety reported on Saturday. According to Variety, Lipa filed the lawsuit the previous day in the Central District of California, alleging that the South Korean electronics giant "used her likeness to sell TVs without paying her and without permission." In the lawsuit, she complained that Samsung used her "image on the cardboard packaging of its TVs beginning last year." The lawsuit also states that "face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever." Her legal team reportedly demanded that Samsung stop using the image after becoming aware of its use, arguing that Lipa, who is "highly selective in making product endorsements," holds the copyright to it and had never approved its commercial use. Samsung, however, allegedly refused to comply. The image in dispute is known to have been taken backstage at the annal Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas in 2024. Lipa rose to global fame with her eponymous 2017 debut album and has since become one of the world's biggest pop stars, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a string of chart-topping hits. Samsung has not yet responded to a request for comment, according to Variety. 2026-05-10 18:16:55

South Korean inspectors wrap up probe into fire on cargo vessel in Strait of Hormuz SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - South Korean inspectors have wrapped up their on-site investigation into a cargo vessel that mysteriously caught fire while anchored near the Strait of Hormuz last week, government authorities said on Sunday. Their inspection into the cause of the fire and explosion on shipping and logistics company HMM's Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu began later last week after it was towed from the strait to a port in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Friday. During the investigation, inspectors examined the ship's voyage data recorder (VDR) and surveillance camera footage, and interviewed crew members on board to determine what happened. Later in the day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing, during which spokesperson Park Il said investigators had confirmed that unidentified flying objects struck the stern of the vessel twice on May 4, roughly one minute apart. According to Park, the objects were captured on CCTV footage, but officials have been unable to identify where they came from and what they were, due to insufficient evidence. The strikes left a hole about five meters wide that extended roughly seven meters into the ship. The fire is believed to have started after the first strike and rapidly intensified following the second one. But the concrete findings of their inspection are expected to be disclosed soon after they return home and complete a review and evaluation with relevant agencies. Further analysis of debris and fragments recovered from the scene would also reveal more details about the incident. A key question had been whether the fire was caused by an external factor such as an attack by Iran or others including a strike by an object like a drifting sea mine or by an internal cause such as a defect in the vessel or a malfunction. Last week, when asked by reporters about his claims that Iran was behind the fire, which Tehran denies, U.S. President Donald Trump avoided answering and, in a somewhat baffling remark, said, "I love South Korea." The fire broke out on May 4, following an explosion on the port side of the engine room while the Namu was anchored in the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Meanwhile, all 24 crew members including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals have disembarked after the vessel was towed to Dubai. But they are reportedly willing to board the vessel again once it is repaired, though they may temporarily return home if repairs take a long time. 2026-05-10 17:05:21

Defense minister heads to Washington to push for early transfer of wartime troop control SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - There will be "no major hurdles" in pushing for the speedy transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean troops to Seoul, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said as he left for Washington, D.C. on Sunday for talks with U.S. officials. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Ahn said the two countries made "significant progress" through follow-up talks after both sides reached a relevant agreement in 2015, hinting that it would be one of the key topics for his weeklong trip to the U.S. Seoul hopes to regain wartime operational control of its own troops from the U.S. before President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term ends in 2030. During his stay there until Thursday, Ahn is scheduled to meet senior officials, including U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It is Ahn's first trip to the U.S. since assuming his post in July last year. Ahn is also expected to meet Hung Cao, the newly appointed acting secretary of the Navy as well as ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee among others. Seoul and Washington are reportedly planning to tentatively set 2028 as the target year for completing the transfer and to formalize it with specific plans in October, when the two countries' defense ministers meet for their annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM). As for joint nuclear submarine projects and relevant cooperation between the allies as part of a tariff-related deal reached last fall, Ahn stressed the importance of implementing follow-up steps. When asked whether the long-stalled projects could begin in the first half of this year, he remained positive, saying, "Of course" and adding that they must be resolved "no matter what difficulties arise." Ahn's trip also coincides with a two-day meeting of a defense consultative body between working-level officials from the two countries, known as the Korea Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) earlier in the week. 2026-05-10 15:14:30

North Korea makes first appearance at Russia's military parade amid deepening ties SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - North Korea took part in a parade as part of Russia's World War II victory celebrations, state media reported on Sunday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean troops marched in the parade at Moscow's Red Square the previous day marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, during which Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "gratitude." Russian media earlier reported that North Korea participated in the annual parade for the first time, with its leader sending a "message of greeting" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. KCNA carried detailed coverage of the parade along with a slew of photos, highlighting the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Meanwhile, this year's parade was the most scaled down in years amid Russia's prolonged war in Ukraine. Putin, however, suggested the war may soon be resolved, saying, "I think that the matter is coming to an end," while urging continued support from his allies. North Korea has reportedly dispatched around 15,000 combat troops along with military weapons to Russia to support Moscow's war in Ukraine since the two countries signed a mutual defense pact during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. Thousands of North Korean soldiers, most of them deployed to Kursk, a southwestern Russian region bordering Ukraine, are believed to have been killed or wounded during the prolonged war. 2026-05-10 14:03:06

Lotte Hi-Mart Targets Increased Demand for Cooling Appliances Amid Summer Heat As this summer is expected to bring intense heat, Lotte Hi-Mart is launching a promotion for cooling and washing appliances. On May 10, Lotte Hi-Mart announced that the promotion will focus on air conditioners from major manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Carrier, offering simultaneous purchase benefits. Customers who buy key air conditioner models, including Samsung's 'Wind-Free Gallery,' LG's 'View Series' and 'Objet Collection Tower,' and Carrier's 'Aero X,' along with Lotte Hi-Mart's private brand PLUX fans or Shinil Electronics fans, will receive cashback and other benefits. The promotion also includes washing appliances. Customers who purchase Samsung and LG combo washing machines along with storage boxes or mini washers using a Lotte partnership card will receive cashback and discounts. To address hygiene needs during the summer, Lotte Hi-Mart is offering cleaning service benefits for appliances. Until the end of this month, customers who purchase air conditioner and washing machine cleaning products will receive up to a 10% discount on cleaning services after one year. The air conditioner cleaning service includes disassembling the unit, high-pressure cleaning of filters and internal components, and UV sterilization. The washing machine cleaning service involves complete disassembly, high-pressure cleaning, steam sterilization, and UV sterilization. Moon Chong, head of Lotte Hi-Mart's large appliance division, stated, "Summer is the peak season for cooling appliance usage, increasing the importance of washing and hygiene management. We have prepared various benefits centered around frequently used products and services." Meanwhile, this summer is expected to be record-breaking in terms of heat. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's recent three-month forecast, there is a 50% chance that temperatures in May and June will be higher than average, with a 60% chance for July.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 13:47:42

Strengthened Regulations on Multiple Homeowners May Increase Jeonse Market Instability Concerns have been raised that stricter regulations on multiple homeowners could exacerbate instability in the jeonse market. Demand suppression measures aimed at stabilizing the sales market may lead to a reduction in rental housing supply, potentially increasing pressure on jeonse prices. According to the Korea Construction Policy Research Institute on May 10, the domestic housing market exhibits a supply structure centered around the metropolitan area, a focus on apartment-type housing, and a significant imbalance in supply and demand characterized by high volatility in supply levels. Go Ha-hee, a deputy researcher at the institute, noted, "While 46.7% of all housing is concentrated in the metropolitan area, the housing supply rate in this region is only 97.3%. In contrast, the supply rate in non-metropolitan areas is 108.4%." With housing demand concentrated in the metropolitan area, stricter regulations on multiple homeowners could have a significant impact on the rental market. Although some homes owned by multiple homeowners may enter the sales market, a decrease in homes previously used for rental purposes could lead to a reduction in jeonse supply. Lee Eun-hyung, a researcher at the institute, also commented on the implications of tightening regulations on multiple homeowners, stating, "We are witnessing a simultaneous decrease in rental market listings and rental demand. If we assume that all housing across the country is the same and that supply and demand are always constant, we risk creating a disconnect with the actual market." The jeonse market is particularly sensitive to regional supply and demand differences. In areas like the metropolitan region, where housing demand is high, a reduction in rental listings can quickly lead to price instability. Go emphasized that the current housing supply issue has a structural nature that cannot be resolved through short-term market responses. Industry experts suggest that it is difficult to separate the stability of the sales market from that of the rental market. While regulations on multiple homeowners may effectively suppress sales demand, weakening the foundation of rental supply could negatively impact the jeonse market. Experts advise that to stabilize the jeonse market, regulations on multiple homeowners and supply policies should be coordinated. They stress the need for long-term improvements in the supply structure, such as alleviating concentration in the metropolitan area, exploring diverse housing types, and managing stable supply, rather than merely responding to short-term price fluctuations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 13:46:35

Coupang Launches Year-Round Campaign for Government-Certified Green Products Coupang has partnered with the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute, under the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, to launch a year-round campaign featuring government-certified green products starting this month. According to Coupang on May 10, the campaign focuses on products certified as green by the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. Green products are designed to reduce energy and resource consumption throughout their lifecycle, from production and distribution to use and disposal, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants. Coupang has set up a dedicated section for the green products campaign within its 'Coupang Good Store.' All items included in the campaign will be available through its Rocket Delivery service. Featured products include eco-friendly dishwashing and household detergents, water-saving showerheads, energy-efficient food waste disposers, and resource-efficient toilet paper and hygiene products. Since 2022, Coupang and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute have been collaborating to promote the sale of green products. Through this year-round campaign, Coupang aims to increase the visibility of government-certified eco-friendly products and contribute to the spread of sustainable consumption culture. A Coupang representative stated, "This green products campaign is the result of public-private cooperation to help customers easily recognize and choose government-certified eco-friendly products. We will strive to make eco-friendly consumption a regular part of everyday life through Rocket Delivery." Meanwhile, Coupang has been strengthening its eco-friendly policies, including expanding the delivery of reusable eco-bags to general orders last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 13:45:20

Market Stalls as Capital Gains Tax on Multiple Homeowners Resumes Multiple homeowners are facing a resumption of increased capital gains taxes for the first time in four years. Starting today, the tax will apply to those owning multiple properties in designated adjustment areas, with rates ranging from 6% to 45%, plus additional surcharges. For those holding three or more properties, the effective tax rate could reach as high as 82.5%. Our team visited the area just one day before the tax increase took effect. On the afternoon of May 8, near the Eunma Apartment in Daechi-dong, Gangnam District, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm despite the impending tax changes. While some property listings were visible in agency windows, inquiries and foot traffic were notably sparse. What was once a market buzzing with last-minute transactions has shifted to a wait-and-see phase after most urgent sales were completed. The owner of a local real estate agency remarked, "Most urgent sales were settled in April. Now, only homeowners looking to raise prices remain. Once the district office closes tomorrow, it will be a case of whatever price they ask for." He added that homeowners are reluctant to list their properties alongside those trying to evade taxes, leading to a trend of waiting until after May 9 to list. A representative from another agency near Hanbomido Apartments echoed this sentiment, stating, "Almost all properties that were likely to sell have already been transacted. There won’t be many last-minute urgent listings now." The government allowed multiple homeowners to keep their options open until the last moment. As long as land transaction permit applications were submitted by May 9, homeowners could complete payments and registrations later to avoid the increased tax. On Saturday, May 9, 25 district offices in Seoul and 12 in Gyeonggi Province operated special hours to accept these applications. The deadline for payment can be extended up to six months, providing a final opportunity to avoid a tax burden. However, the Gangnam District Office was also relatively quiet on that day. A separate area for land transaction permits was set up within the real estate information department, but only civil servants handling inquiries were present; no lawyers or applicants were visible. A representative from a law office in Nonhyeon-dong noted, "We were busy with land transaction permit applications a few weeks ago, but that’s not the case now. There may be some last-minute price adjustments, but it doesn’t seem like there will be a sudden influx of applications." The depletion of urgent sales and withdrawal of listings is reflected in market data. According to real estate big data firm Asil, the number of apartment listings in Seoul as of today stands at 69,175, a decrease of over 10% from 77,010 a month ago. This marks the first time since February 24, when listings were at 68,564, that the number has dropped below 70,000. In the past month, the area with the largest decline in listings was Guro District, which saw a drop from 2,772 to 2,283 listings, a 17.7% decrease. Other areas in northern Seoul, such as Gangbuk (-16.0%), Seongbuk (-15.8%), and Jungnang (-15.8%), also experienced declines exceeding 15%. This trend is attributed to the completion of last-minute transactions to take advantage of tax benefits, along with multiple homeowners withdrawing listings as they missed their selling window. With listings depleting, localized price increases are occurring. In outer districts, rising prices are further pressured by real demand stemming from instability in rental markets. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency, apartment prices in Seoul rose by 0.15% in the first week of May, maintaining a strong performance for three consecutive weeks. Areas with significant listing reductions, such as Guro (0.24%), Seongbuk (0.27%), and Gangbuk (0.25%), have outpaced the overall price increase in Seoul, solidifying the market's support level. A representative from a real estate agency in Sangye-dong, Nowon District, stated, "While urgent sales in mid-priced complexes were cleared out early, steady demand from newlyweds and those moving out due to rental shortages has led to continued inquiries and contracts, pushing prices back to early-year levels since last week." 2026-05-10 13:43:32