Samsung Union Plans to Continue Strike Until June 7, Rejects Dialogue Despite repeated calls from Samsung Electronics management and the government to resume dialogue, the union has refused to negotiate and plans to proceed with a general strike as previously announced.On May 15, the largest union at Samsung Electronics, the Korean Metal Workers' Union Samsung Electronics branch, stated in response to a letter from the company urging a resumption of talks, "We are willing to negotiate after June 7," emphasizing their commitment to exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights and indicating their intent to continue the strike.June 7 is the date the union has set for the end of the strike, suggesting that they are preparing to carry out their planned actions. With the union rejecting the call for dialogue, the anticipated general strike set to begin on May 21 for 18 days is expected to become a reality.On the same day, Samsung management sent a letter titled "Response to the Korean Metal Workers' Union Samsung Electronics Branch 26-11" stating, "In the mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission in March, the company proposed a transparent plan for the existing performance bonus (OPI) system, allowing for a choice between 10% of operating profit and 20% EVA." They also mentioned that regarding the demands for institutionalization and the removal of caps, they proposed maintaining the existing OPI system while establishing a new special compensation system without caps for more flexible institutionalization.The company reiterated its commitment to meet without conditions to facilitate negotiations, stating, "To respond to the wishes of employees, shareholders, and the public for a resolution, we once again propose to meet and discuss openly."In response, the Korean Metal Workers' Union stated, "We do not consider the letter sent to us as a genuine communication," adding, "Negotiations can happen at any time, and we can do it in June."Previously, on May 14, the union emphasized its key demands for "transparency in performance bonuses, removal of caps, and institutionalization," and conveyed to management that they would engage in talks only if a clear willingness to negotiate was demonstrated. They requested a direct response from the CEO by 10 a.m. that day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:57:26

Doosan Robotics Shares Surge 25% on Physical AI Growth Expectations Doosan Robotics experienced a significant surge of over 25% in its stock price, reaching an all-time high, driven by optimism surrounding the growth of the physical AI industry. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:26 a.m. on May 15, Doosan Robotics shares rose by 27,400 won (25.66%) to 134,200 won. At one point during the trading session, the stock peaked at 138,800 won, setting a new record. At the same time, Rainbow Robotics saw a 3.57% increase, while iRobotics surged by 29.66%. Other robotics stocks also showed strong performance, including Haesung Aerobotics (6.71%), Cosmo Robotics (11.76%), Yuil Robotics (7.65%), and CSM Robotics (5.49%). Market analysts suggest that foreign investment is increasingly flowing into domestic robotics stocks, raising expectations for the next leading stocks. From May 4 to 14, foreign investors purchased a net 261 billion won worth of Doosan Robotics shares and 228 billion won of Rainbow Robotics, making them the top two net buyers. The recent positive sentiment surrounding physical AI investments has spread from Hyundai Motor Group affiliates to the broader robotics sector. Notable events, such as Hyundai's participation in the JP Morgan conference with Boston Dynamics, news of collaboration between Fanuc and Google on physical AI, and advancements in humanoid development by U.S. AI robotics firm Figure AI, have fueled optimism in the global robotics industry. Kim Seon-bong, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "Doosan Robotics is a specialist in collaborative robots, and its expansion in North America and collaboration with NVIDIA are expected to gain momentum. The company plans to develop intelligent solutions by 2027 and unveil industrial humanoids by 2028." In the first quarter of this year, Doosan Robotics reported consolidated revenues of 15.3 billion won and an operating loss of 12.1 billion won. Analysts attribute revenue growth to the acquisition of ONExia and the expansion of European clients. The company acquired an 89.6% stake in the U.S. automation solutions firm ONExia for 37.4 billion won last year to enhance its North American network and turnkey delivery capabilities. Additionally, Doosan Robotics unveiled its collaboration roadmap with NVIDIA in April. The plan aims to enhance its AI robot operating system based on NVIDIA's simulation and learning infrastructure to develop intelligent robotic solutions for industrial applications.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:55:01

US-China Summit Highlights Shift from Tariff Wars to AI and Semiconductor Dominance In May 2026, Beijing was not a city of Cold War tensions, but neither was it a place of complete reconciliation. The red carpet of the Great Hall of the People and the serene pathways of Tiananmen Park reflected a significant tension and restraint surrounding the 21st-century global order. The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping projected messages of stability and cooperation. However, the real focus of the talks was not tariffs but rather artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. The global power dynamic has already shifted from oil, steel, and automobiles to data, computational power, and advanced semiconductors. A notable moment during the visit was the presence of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA. After completing his schedule in Alaska, President Trump effectively brought Huang directly to Beijing. This was not merely a business leader's visit; it symbolized the U.S. beginning to manage AI semiconductors as a strategic national asset. At one time, the center of U.S.-China tensions was the tariff war. High tariffs imposed during Trump's first term shook both Chinese manufacturing and the U.S. consumer market. The U.S. cited trade deficit reduction and the correction of China's unfair trade practices, while China retaliated with counter-tariffs. The world became accustomed to the term 'tariff war.' However, in just a few years, global attention has shifted dramatically. The key question is no longer “who can sell cheaper goods?” but rather “who can design the future civilization?” At the heart of this is AI and semiconductors. Semiconductors are no longer just electronic components; in the AI era, they represent national power. A nation's military strength, financial systems, cloud industries, autonomous vehicles, robotics, aerospace, and biotechnology all rely on high-performance semiconductors. Notably, NVIDIA's GPUs are now referred to as the 'oil of the AI era.' The area where the U.S. is applying the most pressure on China is advanced AI semiconductors. The U.S. has restricted exports of top-tier AI chips like the H100 and H200 and has tightened controls on advanced semiconductor equipment and software. Additionally, companies like ASML from the Netherlands and Japanese semiconductor equipment firms have partially joined the U.S. strategy, putting significant pressure on China’s access to advanced processes. However, China has not retreated easily. Instead, it has elevated semiconductor self-sufficiency to a national survival strategy in response to U.S. pressure. Development of AI chips centered around Huawei, the establishment of a domestic GPU ecosystem, memory independence, and the nurturing of Chinese semiconductor equipment are all progressing simultaneously. Recently, the rise of Chinese AI company DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the global industry. DeepSeek has achieved significant AI performance through its own optimization technology and efficient computational structure, even with limited access to U.S. advanced chips. This challenges the assumption that “without American chips, Chinese AI cannot grow.” This situation deepens the dilemma for the U.S. While excessive pressure on China may yield short-term advantages for the U.S., it risks accelerating China's self-sufficiency in the long run. Historically, technology blockades have often led to the growth of independent ecosystems in the targeted countries. The cautious handling of AI and semiconductor issues during the Beijing summit reflects this reality. The U.S. is wary of China's military AI ambitions while also seeking to avoid a complete loss of its companies' access to the Chinese market. For U.S. firms like NVIDIA, Apple, and Tesla, China remains one of the largest markets globally. Conversely, China understands that it is challenging to grow without completely excluding U.S. advanced technologies and the global financial system. Thus, the atmosphere of this summit differed significantly from past tariff conflicts. Previously, both sides raised tariffs and fought over trade surpluses and deficits. Now, a much deeper competition has begun over AI hegemony and leadership in future civilization. While they may smile and shake hands on the surface, a quiet war is underway over “who will control the operating system of the AI era.” In fact, competition for AI data centers and GPU acquisition is intensifying in the U.S. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and even Wall Street financial firms are pouring astronomical amounts into AI infrastructure investments. The U.S. still maintains its position as the global leader in design, software, and advanced GPU technology. Meanwhile, China is accelerating its pursuit, leveraging its vast domestic market, state-led investments, and manufacturing base. Local governments in China are pouring significant funds into AI industrial parks, and aggressive efforts are underway to secure semiconductor talent and develop domestic equipment. Numerous AI startups and semiconductor companies are already clustered in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The competition in AI and semiconductors is not merely an industrial rivalry; it is a contest for the future national system and global order. In this context, the tariff wars have receded into the background. Tariffs remain important, but they are a relic of the industrial age. The core of the AI era lies in data, computational power, and semiconductor supply chains. Ultimately, the world is transitioning from an era defined by “who can produce cheaper” to one defined by “who can control more computational power and algorithms.” The global economy is also likely to be significantly shaken by this trend. If the U.S. and China can maintain a certain level of cooperation and trade in AI and semiconductors, the global semiconductor market may stabilize. Conversely, if tensions escalate again, supply chain fragmentation and technological blockades will deepen, potentially dividing the world into U.S.-led and China-led technological spheres. South Korea's concerns are even more profound. While South Korea is one of the world's leading memory semiconductor nations, it is also required to maintain a strategic balance between the U.S. security alliance and the Chinese market. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix must comply with U.S. advanced semiconductor regulations but cannot afford to abandon their production bases and markets in China. Ultimately, South Korea must rise to become a key technology nation in the AI era, not just a production base. It needs to expand its competitiveness beyond memory-centric structures to include AI semiconductor design, software, power semiconductors, and advanced packaging. At the same time, a strategic diplomatic sense that does not allow itself to be swept away by either the U.S. or China is essential. The 2026 Beijing summit clearly demonstrated this shift. The axis of global hegemony is now moving from tariffs to AI and semiconductors. And this quiet war has already begun.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:49:39

LG Electronics Shares Surge, Boosting LG Group Stocks LG Group stocks are showing strong gains in early trading, driven by optimism surrounding LG Electronics' robotics business, which is boosting buying interest across the holding company and its major affiliates. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:07 a.m., LG shares were trading at 137,800 won, up 20,800 won (17.78%) from the previous trading day. The rapid rise triggered a volatility interruption mechanism shortly after the market opened. At the same time, LG Electronics saw its stock rise by 38,000 won (17.51%) to 255,000 won. This follows five consecutive days of gains leading up to today, indicating a strong upward trend. Other major affiliates also experienced increases, including LG CNS (7.90%), LG Innotek (5.92%), LG Display (5.28%), LG HelloVision (3.19%), and LG Energy Solution (1.13%). Market analysts believe that the recent excitement surrounding LG Electronics' robotics business is spreading throughout the group, attracting investment in related stocks. Earlier, Hana Financial Investment raised its target price for LG Electronics to 230,000 won, citing improvements in cost structure and marketing efficiency that bolster profit resilience, along with aggressive expansion into robotics-related new businesses. The report noted that during the March shareholders' meeting, plans were announced to establish a production system for humanoid robot actuators within the year and to advance the proof of concept (PoC) for next year. The acceleration of the PoC plan to the first half of this year suggests an active push in the robotics sector. Additionally, analysts pointed out that the recent surge in stock prices for semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix has positively influenced investor sentiment, leading to similar gains for holding companies like Samsung C&T and SK Square. As of the last trading day, Samsung C&T and SK Square closed at 442,000 won and 1,171,000 won, respectively. Notably, SK Square's stock surpassed 1 million won on June 6, driven by a surge in the corporate value of its key subsidiary, SK Hynix.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:46:21

Korean Stock Market Surpasses 8000 Points, Eyes Global Top 5 The KOSPI index has crossed the 8000-point mark for the first time in history, marking a significant milestone for the South Korean stock market. Once labeled as 'Parkspi' due to its undervaluation, the market is now gaining recognition as a key player globally, driven by the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) boom, along with an influx of foreign capital. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI reached an intraday high of 8002.62 at 9:13 a.m. on May 15. The index opened at 7951.75, down 0.37% from the previous day, but managed to turn positive and surpass the 8000-point threshold. Historically, the South Korean stock market has been viewed as undervalued, trapped in a 'Korea Discount' structure. However, recent developments in the AI sector and expectations of a semiconductor supercycle have shifted the market's sentiment dramatically. Strong foreign buying, particularly in major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, has propelled the index upward. Improvements in corporate earnings and a trend toward increased shareholder returns have also supported the market's reassessment. Analysts note that major listed companies are enhancing dividends and engaging in stock buybacks, boosting global investor confidence. The financial investment sector is now focusing on the potential for the South Korean stock market to join the ranks of global core markets following the KOSPI's breakthrough of 8000 points. There are expectations that it could rise to become one of the top five markets globally in terms of market capitalization and trading volume, alongside the U.S., China, and Japan. Recently, the market capitalization of the South Korean stock market surpassed that of Taiwan. As of May 11, the Korea Exchange reported a market capitalization of 7084 trillion won, which translates to approximately $4.81 trillion when using an exchange rate of 1472 won to the dollar. In contrast, Taiwan's market capitalization was about $4.34 trillion. However, concerns remain regarding valuation pressures due to the rapid rise, U.S. interest rate policies, and fears of a global economic slowdown. Despite these challenges, there is a prevailing sentiment that global investors are viewing the South Korean stock market more favorably than in the past. A financial industry insider stated, "The KOSPI's breakthrough of 8000 points signifies more than just a record; it indicates that the South Korean stock market is being re-evaluated as a global center rather than just an emerging market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:44:16

NS Home Shopping Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Aims for Food & Life Platform Growth NS Home Shopping announced on May 15 that it held a vision declaration ceremony on May 8 at the Saemaul Undong Central Training Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The event was attended by Kim Hong-guk, Chairman of Harim Group, along with representatives from major affiliates and NS Home Shopping employees. The company declared its new vision as the "No. 1 Food & Life Shopping Platform," aiming to provide substantial value to customers' lives across food and lifestyle sectors. The core values for realizing this vision include trust, challenge, communication, and customer focus. In his commemorative speech, Jo Hang-mok, CEO of NS Home Shopping, stated, "This vision declaration is not just an announcement of a slogan; it is a clear declaration of our direction and standards for how we should work and where we are headed." He emphasized that NS Home Shopping will grow into a Food & Life shopping platform that delivers real value to customers, adding, "When our choices centered around customers accumulate, the future of NS Home Shopping will be realized." Kim Hong-guk, in his encouraging remarks, noted, "NS Home Shopping's vision for 2050 is not merely a declaration to be number one in the market, but a commitment to provide the top value to customers." He stressed the importance of focusing on customer value as the essence of business, even in a changing market environment. He further stated, "In an era where data and AI redefine industrial competitiveness, retail competition is shifting from channel competition to experience competition. We must create a platform where customers can naturally connect their experiences across online and offline channels." Meanwhile, NS Shopping, the operator of NS Home Shopping, has acquired Homeplus Express, the supermarket division of Homeplus. This acquisition marks Harim Group's re-entry into the domestic offline retail market in the form of a corporate supermarket (SSM) after 14 years, following the sale of NS Mart to E-Mart in 2012.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:42:48

Kim Jeong-soo Appointed Chairman of Samyang Foods Amid Global Expansion Samyang Foods has appointed Kim Jeong-soo as chairman to accelerate its global business expansion. On May 15, the company announced that its board of directors approved Kim's promotion during a meeting held on May 12. He will officially take office on June 1. This marks a significant milestone for Kim, who was promoted from general manager to vice chairman in December 2021. The company stated that this decision aims to enhance accountability and respond to the growth of its global operations. Kim is credited with transforming Samyang Foods from a domestic-focused company into a thriving export business. Following the international success of Buldak Bokkeumyeon, which gained popularity through YouTube in 2016, the company expanded its market reach to over 80 countries within two years. As a result, the company’s financial performance has significantly improved. When Kim took office in 2021, the revenue was 642 billion won, which surged to 2.3517 trillion won last year. During the same period, the operating profit margin rose from 10% to 22%. With Kim's promotion, the transition to a global management system is expected to accelerate. Currently, overseas sales account for 80% of Samyang Foods' revenue. The company is rapidly expanding its international business by establishing sales subsidiaries and production facilities in key markets, including the United States, China, and Europe. This year, Samyang Foods plans to strengthen its business foundation to enhance regional and country-specific strategies. In addition to the ongoing construction of a factory in Jiaxing, China, the company is considering the establishment of additional regional offices. Meanwhile, Samyang Foods reported record-breaking results for the first quarter of this year. Consolidated revenue reached 714.4 billion won, and operating profit was 177.1 billion won, marking increases of 35% and 32%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Overseas sales also grew by 38% to 585 billion won, driving overall performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:39:27

DB Insurance Reports 39.9% Drop in Q1 Net Profit Due to Rising Claims DB Insurance reported a nearly 40% decline in net profit for the first quarter of this year, attributed to an increase in claims from actual loss insurance and a rise in high-value incidents. Although revenue increased, profitability weakened significantly due to a sharp drop in insurance profits. On May 15, DB Insurance announced that its net profit for the first quarter was 268.5 billion won, a 39.9% decrease compared to the same period last year. During the same timeframe, revenue rose by 16.2% to 5.7782 trillion won, but operating profit fell by 28.5% to 462.7 billion won. The primary reason for the poor performance was a decrease in insurance profits. DB Insurance's insurance profit for the first quarter was 226.6 billion won, down 43.7% from the previous year. Long-term insurance profits also fell by 32.7% to 265.2 billion won, impacted by a temporary increase in high-value claims related to death and disability, as well as a continuing rise in the loss ratio for actual loss insurance. Automobile insurance profits were limited to 8.8 billion won, an 80.8% decrease compared to the same period last year, primarily due to an increased loss ratio. General insurance reported a loss of 47.5 billion won, reflecting the impact of major domestic incidents, including accidents related to Daejeon Safety Industries. General insurance, which has a high proportion of corporate policies, can experience significant profit volatility due to large incidents such as factory fires or industrial accidents. However, the foundation for future profits showed signs of improvement. By the end of the first quarter, the insurance contract margin (CSM) balance increased by 616.9 billion won to 12.8 trillion won compared to the end of the previous year. Capital soundness indicators also improved. DB Insurance's consolidated solvency ratio (K-ICS) rose to 232.1%, an increase of 13.9 percentage points from the previous quarter, reflecting proactive capital expansion measures such as the issuance of new capital securities. 2026-05-15 10:35:19

Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Jung Won-o's Housing Policy and Past Assault Case Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, launched an attack on Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, on May 15, addressing his housing policies and a past assault incident. Jang criticized Jung, stating, "Following Lee Jae-myung's intentions is the priority, while Seoul citizens are left behind." During a meeting of the Central Election Countermeasure Committee at the National Assembly, Jang warned, "If Jung Won-o becomes mayor, a tax bomb will drop, and 'Hell Seoul' will open up." He expressed concern that Lee Jae-myung's housing policies seem to be a continuation of the Moon Jae-in era, but added, "The new Lee Jae-myung is even worse." He noted that housing prices in Seoul, including Gangnam, have skyrocketed, and the abolition of the capital gains tax has drastically reduced available listings. Jang pointed out, "With rental properties so scarce, we are seeing 'no-look' contracts where payments are made without viewing the homes first," and mentioned that monthly rents have surged, with some reaching 3 million won even in northern Seoul. He remarked, "Ordinary citizens, whose loans have been cut off, are now spending their entire salaries on rent," and criticized Lee Jae-myung for shifting to silence after previously pressuring the real estate market, stating, "The government seems to have no further measures in sight." Jang also criticized Jung for proposing a property tax reduction for retirees with no substantial plans for housing policies to assist young people who are delaying marriage. He questioned whether the development approach is effective, saying, "Is it a steady development or a gradual one? The supply policy is inadequate." He added, "There has been no stance on increasing property taxes or abolishing long-term holding special deductions," emphasizing that the only mayor who protects homes and assets is Oh Se-hoon from the People Power Party. Regarding Jung's past assault controversy, Jang stated, "His explanations only seem to fuel public anger rather than clarify the situation," and pointed out that the minutes from council meetings show that the then-district mayor did not respond at all to inquiries. He questioned the validity of bringing in unusual individuals to stir public outrage, stating, "He cannot address his campaign promises or clarify allegations and keeps passing them off to substitutes." He concluded, "Broken things tend to leak everywhere," asserting that this local election is about ousting underqualified Democratic candidates.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:34:25

Lee expresses respect on Teachers' Day SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Friday expressed "deep respect and gratitude" to teachers as the country marked Teachers' Day. In a Facebook post, he thanked teachers across the country "who are working tirelessly in schools and classrooms even at this moment." He added, "Because of their efforts and dedication, today's Korea exists." He also pledged to do his best to create better environments in which teachers can concentrate on teaching their students, with support to help them keep their passion and sense of calling from fading. His comments came amid growing calls for stronger protection for teachers amid recent incidents of abusive behavior toward teachers by parents and students. Quoting a saying, "We receive life from our parents, but learn from our teachers how to make life meaningful," he recalled that, as a child, he gained the courage to move forward thanks to a teacher's warm encouragement. He added that a single encouragement from that teacher has remained a "great source of strength" for him even after many years. 2026-05-15 10:29:32