Cosmo Robotics Soars 778% in Four Days Following IPO; Polled Hits First-Day Surge Wearable robotics company Cosmo Robotics has recorded limit-up trading for four consecutive days since its listing on the KOSDAQ. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:31 PM on May 14, Cosmo Robotics shares were trading at 52,700 won, up 12,150 won (29.96%) from the previous day, reaching the maximum price limit. The stock has surged 778.33% from its initial public offering price of 6,000 won. On its debut day, May 11, Cosmo Robotics achieved a “double limit-up,” meaning its price quadrupled from the offering price before hitting the limit. It continued this trend with limit-up trading on both May 12 and May 13. Founded in 2016, Cosmo Robotics specializes in wearable robots suitable for all age groups, from preschool children to the elderly. The company manufactures wearable robots that assist in walking rehabilitation for patients with strokes, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries, as well as supportive walking robots for daily independence and industrial wearable robots that reduce physical strain on workers. The company raised a total of 25.02 billion won through its IPO, which it plans to use for research and development. On May 11, Lee Geon-jae, head of the KOSDAQ research center at IBK Investment & Securities, noted in a report that exports accounted for a significant portion of sales, maintaining a consistent structure with approximately 80% of revenue from exports: 82.1% in 2022, 79.3% in 2023, 74.8% in 2024, and projected to rise to 85.9% in 2025. He stated, “This indicates that Cosmo Robotics is structurally an export-oriented company with established overseas sales.” He added, “Another noteworthy point is the geographical diversification of exports. In 2022, a single Russian subsidiary accounted for 84.5% of total sales, but last year, the European subsidiary emerged as the largest revenue source, contributing 32.5% of total sales, while subsidiaries in the U.S. and China are also on a growth trajectory.” On the same day, Polled, a company specializing in baby products and hygiene items, also successfully achieved a “double limit-up” on its first day of trading on KOSDAQ. Polled shares rose to 20,000 won, up 15,000 won (300%) from the offering price of 5,000 won. Polled began as an internal venture of Hyundai Motor Company and was spun off in 2019. The company has been rapidly growing, focusing on premium baby appliances and parenting products, including the AIRLUV ventilation and heating sheet, as well as brands like Pixel, Franklin, Yupang, and Baby Brezza.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 16:07:57

Samsung Health Unveils Integrated Running Solution for '10 Million Runners' Era As the number of runners in South Korea surges, marking the beginning of the '10 Million Runners' era, wearable technology that supports data-driven running is gaining attention. On May 14, Samsung Electronics announced that it will provide an integrated running experience based on 14 years of advanced data from Samsung Health and precise measurement technology from the Galaxy Watch. Samsung Health began in 2012 as 'S Health,' focusing on basic tracking and GPS route recording. In 2018, it integrated with the Galaxy Watch to enhance wearable tracking capabilities by offering real-time pace guidance. In 2020, Samsung introduced the world's first six running posture analysis features. The following year, it equipped the Galaxy Watch with a 'BioActive Sensor' to accurately capture heart rate signals even during intense movement, completing a comprehensive measurement technology that includes blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and blood oxygen levels. Recently, Samsung added a customized heart rate zone feature that analyzes users' cardiovascular fitness to help maintain optimal exercise intensity, along with dual-band GPS for precise tracking of runners' locations even in urban areas. The service also includes a personalized 'Running Coach' that suggests a pace optimized for individual fitness levels. Users can measure their endurance and pace through a 12-minute running test and receive a running level from 1 to 10. They can then access over 160 specialized training programs to aid in post-exercise recovery. Kwon Eun-joo, a former national marathon representative who participated in the program's development, stated, "The real-time voice guide helps prevent over-pacing and provides a suitable schedule, becoming a personalized running partner for each individual." Choi Jun-il, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics' MX Division Digital Health Team, remarked, "Samsung Health has grown alongside global users over the past 14 years. We will continue to be a reliable health partner, enabling runners to understand their bodies and find a balance for a healthy life, free from the constraints of mere record-keeping."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 16:05:56

Trump Calls Meeting with Xi 'Good,' Remains Silent on Taiwan Issues Donald Trump positively assessed his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping but refrained from discussing specific topics, including Taiwan. On May 14, Trump visited Tian Tan Park in Beijing and responded to reporters' questions about the meeting, saying, "It was good." He added, "It's a wonderful place. Amazing. China is beautiful." According to the Associated Press, Trump's comments about the meeting were limited to his positive remark. When asked whether Taiwan was discussed, he did not provide an answer. In contrast to Trump's silence, Xi directly addressed the Taiwan issue during their meeting, issuing a warning. According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi stated, "The Taiwan issue is the most important issue in US-China relations." He emphasized that if handled well, the relationship could maintain overall stability, but mishandling it could lead to confrontation or even conflict, pushing the US-China relationship into a very dangerous situation. Xi also strongly mentioned the issue of Taiwan independence, stating, "'Taiwan independence' and 'peace in the Taiwan Strait' cannot coexist like water and fire," and asserted that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in the common interest of both countries. Earlier, the two leaders held their summit from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., lasting over two hours. This is notably longer than the approximately 100 minutes of the US-China summit held in Busan last October.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 16:03:00

Gwangju High School Murder Suspect Jang Yoon-ki Did Not Submit Apology Letter Jang Yoon-ki, 23, the suspect in the murder of a high school student in Gwangju, expressed remorse to reporters by saying, "I am sorry," but he has not submitted a written apology or reflection letter. According to Yonhap News on May 14, the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station announced the results of their investigation during a press briefing after Jang was transferred to prosecutors on charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Before being transferred to the prosecution on the morning of May 14, Jang stood before the media and repeated, "I am sorry," twice. However, it was confirmed that he had not submitted a handwritten reflection letter or apology to the police even nine days after the crime. During police questioning, Jang also stated, "I am sorry," but he did not clarify whether he was expressing remorse for the victims, who were either deceased or injured high school students, or if he regretted his actions. The police concluded that Jang's actions, including disposing of his phone and weapon to evade tracking by investigators, as well as washing his blood-stained clothes after the crime, indicated that the incident was a meticulously planned crime. They also determined that it did not fall under the category of a random crime. A police official stated, "Although Jang expressed remorse during the investigation, he has not submitted any objective materials such as a reflection or apology letter. Given the circumstances of attempting to destroy evidence, it is also unclear whether he had any intent to commit suicide." Jang is accused of murdering a 17-year-old female high school student in a secluded walkway in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, at 12:11 a.m. on May 5, and also attacking a 17-year-old male student from another school with a weapon. He has been under investigation and was transferred on this day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 16:01:17

ASIA INSIGHT: Lee to meet Japanese PM in Andong where history meets diplomacy SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Diplomacy, at its best, has a sense of place. When Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province next week for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, it will be more than just another date on the diplomatic calendar. It will be one of those rare moments where history, culture, and politics come together in a way that goes beyond routine diplomatic ritual. Takaichi's upcoming visit to the southern historic city of Andong, which is also Lee's hometown, would be a reciprocal gesture after Lee visited Takaichi’s hometown of Nara in Japan earlier this year. That kind of symmetry matters in diplomacy. It signals not just courtesy but mutual respect, a reminder that good neighborly relations are built as much on gestures as on treaties. The two leaders first met last fall on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where they committed to shuttle diplomacy between the neighboring countries. Lee then traveled to Nara in January, and during the meeting, proposed that the next summit be held in Andong. Known as the spiritual and cultural capital of South Korea, Andong breathes history as home to Hahoe Village, one of the country’s most remarkable living repositories of Joseon-era heritage, as well as Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II visited Hahoe Village, where she was honored with a birthday feast, watched a traditional mask dance performance, and drew global attention to the provincial town that, at the time, many outsiders had never heard of. The effect was electric. Tourist arrivals to the village surged past one million that year, and the ripple effects lasted for two decades. That is the power of a single high-profile visit to the right place. Since then, however, visitor numbers have fallen sharply to around 500,000, hit by the coronavirus pandemic and shifting tourism trends. Andong, for all its magnificence, has struggled to recapture that global spotlight. This summit could change that. Lee and Takaichi are expected to discuss various topics including bilateral cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy and critical mineral supply chains, amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. But the setting will do its own quiet work. Foreign leaders do not often venture 190 kilometers away from Seoul into inland areas. When they do, the world takes notice - and so do travel editors, tourism boards, and curious travelers around the world. A business forum is also being planned in Andong to coincide with the summit, suggesting that both countries understand this is about more than a mere photo-op. It would also be a boost for a city that deserves a closer look as part of balanced regional development. The shuttle diplomacy pattern between the two neighboring countries - Gyeongju, Nara, now Andong - is noteworthy. These are not capital cities. They are places rich in history, where layers of heritage give meetings a weight and texture that no glass-and-steel conference center ever could. Nara, with its ancient temples and roaming deer, and Andong, with its Confucian academies and traditional mask dances, share more in common than their leaders perhaps realize. For Andong, the opportunity is enormous but only if it is seized. The Queen's visit about three decades ago did not promote itself. It took deliberate effort to turn that royal visit into a tourism boom. The same formula could work again here. Some cities wait for history to find them, and Andong is ready when it does. 2026-05-14 16:00:06

Xi Jinping Tells U.S. Business Leaders China Will Further Open Its Market Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his commitment to further opening China's market during a meeting with prominent U.S. business leaders accompanying President Donald Trump on May 14, according to state-run People's Daily. During a summit at the Great Hall of the People, Trump introduced each of the American business leaders present, stating, "I have brought with me outstanding representatives of the U.S. business community. They all respect and value China, and I encourage them to expand cooperation with China." The U.S. business leaders emphasized their strong interest in the Chinese market and expressed a desire to deepen their operations in China and enhance cooperation. In response, Xi noted, "U.S. companies are currently deeply involved in China's reform and opening up, and both sides benefit from this engagement. China's opening will only expand further." He added, "China welcomes the U.S. to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and I believe U.S. companies will have broader development prospects in China." The U.S. business leaders who attended the summit reportedly left with a sense of satisfaction. According to The Wall Street Journal, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, remarked to reporters as he exited the Great Hall, "President Xi and President Trump were fantastic." Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, also responded positively when asked about the summit's outcomes, stating, "There were many good things." Trump's delegation included nearly 20 key American business leaders, including Jensen Huang, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:59:44

Hyundai's Chung Eui-sun: Labor Conflicts Must Consider National and Corporate Interests As labor unions across various industries, including semiconductors, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and automotive, demand a portion of operating profits as performance bonuses, Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, stated that labor disputes should be evaluated considering multiple factors such as national development, shareholders, and the company's growth direction. Speaking to reporters before a renovation event at Hyundai's Yangjae headquarters on May 14, Chung remarked, "Labor and management have had a long-standing relationship. Despite ups and downs, I believe that choosing the right path is essential for the company's efficient growth. We must consider various elements, including shareholder and national development, in our decisions." The Hyundai labor union is demanding that 30% of last year's net profit be distributed as performance bonuses during this year's wage negotiations. They are also calling for a transition to a full monthly salary system instead of an hourly wage to accommodate reduced working hours due to robot implementation, as well as retirement age extensions and a 4.5-day workweek. Similarly, the Kia labor union is advocating for a 30% performance bonus, a 100 million won childbirth incentive, and retirement age extensions. Hyundai Mobis is seeking compensation proposals similar to Hyundai's, along with job security amid controversies surrounding the sale of its ramp division. In this context, demands for primary negotiations from newly established union sub-organizations are also increasing. Chung noted, "Our country has not experienced capitalism for long since the Korean War, so we are currently going through various challenges. I believe we are in a transitional period, and if we navigate this wisely, it could present opportunities for us to lead globally." Regarding robot development, Chung stated, "Hyundai has primarily focused on automobiles and has not ventured into robotics, so we are progressing while learning from our mistakes. Since software is crucial for robots, we are working to balance hardware, and it is essential that the emotional and cultural aspects of our employees are well integrated, which we are paying close attention to." He added, "It is our role as a company to create an environment where talented individuals from engineering and science fields can join and express their ideas. We aim to minimize trial and error and quickly overcome errors to deliver better products swiftly." Chung also expressed concerns about the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Hyundai began construction of its Saudi Arabian production facility (HMMME) within the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) automotive industrial complex last year, aiming for operational readiness in the fourth quarter. Saudi Arabia, which accounts for 35% of total automotive sales in the Middle East, saw Hyundai closely pursue the local leader, Toyota Group, with 140,000 units sold last year. Chung remarked, "As the Iran conflict prolongs, the completion of our Saudi factory may be delayed. While we are worried about a potential decline in Middle Eastern sales, we will prepare thoroughly to ensure we can sell well once the war ends." He emphasized the importance of developing new technologies and improving corporate structure during this highly competitive global automotive market. "It is crucial for Hyundai to excel in developing new technologies and enhancing our capabilities. We will learn from any company that has something to teach us and strive to create products that provide greater customer satisfaction, ensuring we have confidence in the technologies we develop and improving their quality," he stated. Chung reiterated that safety would remain the top priority in the competition for autonomous driving technology. He acknowledged that companies like Tesla and Waymo are advancing rapidly in this area, stating, "Hyundai will also deploy 200 vehicles in Gwangju as a preliminary step. While we can address technological shortcomings, the most important factor is safety. We will focus on customer safety in our development, even if it means being a bit slower." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:57:48

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines Begin Merger Process Amid Stock Surge Shares of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines rose following news that the two airlines have initiated their merger process. As of 2:26 PM on May 14, Asiana Airlines was trading at 7,730 won, up 14.86% (1,000 won) from the previous trading day. Hanjin KAL rose 4.28% to 117,000 won, while Korean Air increased by 3.30% to 26,600 won. On May 13, both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines held regular board meetings and approved the merger agreement. The two companies have set December 17 as the launch date for the merged Korean Air. The merger ratio has been determined at 1 to 0.2736432, which is expected to increase Korean Air's capital by approximately 101.7 billion won. The signing of the merger agreement comes five years and six months after the new stock subscription agreement between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines on November 17, 2020. Following approval from Asiana Airlines' shareholders, the merger is scheduled for December 16, with new shares expected to be listed on January 4, 2027. Jeong Yeon-seung, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "Post-merger, the integration of overlapping infrastructures such as aircraft maintenance, ground operations, in-flight meals, and overseas sales networks will be possible. This is expected to lead to significant fixed cost reductions and economies of scale." He added, "Expectations for synergies will gradually increase starting in the fourth quarter, when some operational effects of the merger will be reflected. The merged entity will establish itself as the dominant number one player in the South Korean aviation market." However, Jeong noted that the number of new shares issued during the acquisition of Asiana Airlines by Korean Air will only account for 5.5% of the total shares, which is not expected to significantly dilute shareholder value.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:55:46

LX Pantos Wins Grand Prize at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards LX Pantos has been awarded the Grand Prize in the large enterprise category at the Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards for its achievements in fostering a cooperative labor-management culture.The company announced on May 14 that it received the prestigious award during the 38th Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul.Key figures in attendance included Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council Kim Ji-hyung, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation Son Kyung-sik, and Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Kim Dong-myung. LX Pantos was represented by CEO Lee Yong-ho, worker representative Park Cha-jun, and Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Sung-wook.The Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards, organized by the Korea Employers Federation, recognize companies that contribute to the national economy by establishing a desirable labor-management culture through mutual cooperation. The evaluation criteria include trust-building between labor and management, fostering a culture of coexistence, and organizational stability.LX Pantos was particularly praised for maintaining stable labor-management relations without disputes or strikes for nearly 50 years since its founding in 1977. Despite significant external changes in the logistics industry, such as shifts in the global supply chain and fluctuations in cargo volume, the company has sustained a cooperative organizational culture.The company has also received positive recognition for operating various communication channels, including labor-management councils, junior boards, and industrial safety and health committees, which systematically gather employee feedback. This proactive approach to building a labor-management culture focused on prevention rather than merely resolving conflicts after they arise was highlighted.As the importance of managing labor-management conflict risks grows in the current business environment, LX Pantos has worked to strengthen internal communication through regular town hall meetings and management forums. The company is also focused on fostering bonds among employees through family invitation events and expanding organizational culture programs.In terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, LX Pantos continues its efforts to build a sustainable organizational culture. The company is implementing maternal protection policies, expanding employment for people with disabilities, and engaging in social contribution activities, demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility.In a rapidly changing business environment marked by global economic slowdowns and supply chain uncertainties, stable labor-management relations are increasingly recognized as a key factor in corporate competitiveness. This is especially true for comprehensive logistics companies with a high proportion of global clients, where organizational stability and operational efficiency directly impact business competitiveness.Lee Yong-ho, CEO of LX Pantos, stated, "We are deeply honored to have our employees' efforts in building a cooperative labor-management culture recognized through this award. We will continue to develop a healthy organizational culture based on mutual trust and communication, and achieve sustainable growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:53:01

Seum Hosts Startup Investment Negotiation Competition for Law Students Seum, a law firm specializing in startups, hosted a mock consultation competition for law students to experience practical startup investment negotiations. This initiative comes as the demand for legal advice in the growing AI startup sector increases, sparking interest among aspiring legal professionals in the startup legal field. On May 13, Seum announced it conducted the "2026 Night Where Startups Meet Law - Legal Battle Field" for students from Seoul National University’s Startup Law Society. The event took place at the Woochan Law Building at Seoul National University, attracting over 100 participants, including students from other law schools. The competition was structured around a hypothetical AI startup, with students engaging in negotiations at various stages of investment acquisition. They assumed the role of legal advisors for the startup, negotiating with different types of investors, including angel investors, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and strategic investors from large corporations. Practicing lawyers took on the role of investors. The competition comprised four rounds, covering the startup growth process from the Seed stage to Pre-Series A, Series A, and Pre-IPO. Lawyers from Seum served as mentors for about a month, guiding student teams in contract structuring and negotiation strategies. Attorney Moon Han-kyu, who oversaw the event, noted, "Students found it particularly challenging to identify 'compromise points' during the actual negotiation process." He emphasized that beyond constructing legal arguments, practical skills in reaching realistic agreements between startups and investors were crucial. Recent changes in the startup market were also reflected in the event's theme. Seum explained, "There has been a noticeable increase in legal inquiries related to AI during the startup consultation process." Consequently, this year's event was centered around investment negotiations for AI startups. Interest among law students has reportedly increased compared to previous years. Attorney Moon remarked, "Attendance has grown compared to last year, and discussions with students reveal a heightened interest in the startup legal field." The event featured Jung Ho-seok, the representative attorney of Seum, as the head judge, with support from the Startup Division of the Korean Corporate Counsel Association (KICA) and the Young Entrepreneurs Network Prism Mentorship Club.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:52:05