Hugel Expands Collaboration with Domestic Medical Professionals to Strengthen Market Leadership "We will create global standards of academic competitiveness and a sustainable industry culture based on deep trust with domestic medical professionals," said Jang Doo-hyun, CEO of Hugel, reaffirming the company's commitment to strengthening its market leadership. According to Hugel, the nationwide academic program 'H.E.L.F. ACT in Region' will be held four times this year, starting in Busan and continuing in Seoul, Incheon, and Daejeon. The first event, held on May 9 at the Signiel Hotel in Busan, was attended by about 50 medical professionals and was described by the company as a success. Jang explained, "This academic program aims to support Korean medical professionals, who are at the forefront of promoting K-Aesthetic culture, and to share clinical value." The 'H.E.L.F. ACT in Region' program goes beyond simple product education; it aims to maximize the safety and efficacy of procedures by sharing clinical experiences. It is designed to enhance understanding of Hugel's main product lines to improve practical application in the field. At the Busan event on May 9, Dr. Choi Woo-sik from Lamar Clinic in Ulsan introduced approaches to facial skin improvement using the Biorezin Skin Booster HA. Additionally, Dr. Oh Wook from Meilin Clinic at The Hyundai Seoul shared unresolved concerns and challenges regarding filler and toxin procedures, engaging in in-depth discussions with attendees. Hugel plans to hold additional events in Seoul, Incheon, and Daejeon in June, September, and December, respectively. Meanwhile, Hugel reported record earnings in the first quarter of this year. According to their announcement, the consolidated revenue for Q1 reached 116.6 billion won, with an operating profit of 47.6 billion won, marking increases of 29.9% and 22.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. This strong performance was driven by rapid growth in the global market. The combined overseas sales of their main products, botulinum toxin and fillers, reached 70.8 billion won, a 46% increase year-on-year. Notably, the company recorded approximately 21 billion won in sales growth in the four major markets: the United States, China, Europe, and Brazil.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:06:01

KOSPI storms past 7,800 on semiconductor rally SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - South Korea’s main index soared nearly 5 percent Monday morning to scale a fresh peak above the 7,800 mark, powered by bellwether chip stocks and retail investors chasing the latest leg of the AI-driven rally. As of 10:39 a.m., the KOSPI was trading at 7,843.57, with a buy-side sidecar was triggered shortly after the opening bell. The KOSDAQ slipped 0.16 percent to 1,205.81. The surge followed a strong session on Wall Street on Friday, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs on robust U.S. jobs data and gains in semiconductor shares. U.S. job growth totaled 115,000 in April, beating market expectations and easing concerns that the U.S.-Iran war could spill into a broader economic slowdown. Although U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal over the weekend, dimming hopes for a near-term end to the Middle East conflict, South Korean investors appeared largely unfazed as attention stayed fixed on global semiconductor demand. Market momentum again rested heavily on chip giants. Samsung Electronics rose 6.33 percent to 285,500 won after briefly touching a record 286,500 won. SK hynix jumped 12.51 percent to 1,897,000 won. Automakers also traded broadly higher, with Hyundai Motor gaining 2.77 percent to 630,000 won and Kia advancing 6.44 percent to 175,100 won. Among other major shares, SK Square climbed 4.46 percent to 1,147,000 won. Shipbuilding and industrial names remained firm, with Samsung C&T rising 5.80 percent to 447,000 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gaining 3.95 percent to 684,000 won. Hanwha Aerospace added 1.22 percent to 1,323,000 won. Battery and biotech shares lagged behind the broader rally. LG Energy Solution slipped 0.73 percent to 473,000 won, while Doosan Enerbility fell 0.54 percent to 128,900 won. Samsung Biologics edged down 0.34 percent and Samsung Electro-Mechanics dropped 3.28 percent. Foreign investors turned sellers, unloading a net 1.29 trillion won worth of KOSPI shares in early trading. Retail investors poured in with 1.05 trillion won in net purchases, extending their feverish buying streak, while institutions bought a net 254 billion won. The Korean won remained stable, with the dollar trading at 1,473.80 won, compared with the previous close of 1,471.70 won. 2026-05-11 11:06:00

Lotte Engineering Secures 300 Billion Won Through AAA-Rated Asset-Backed Securities Lotte Engineering has successfully raised 300 billion won through cash flow from its nearly completed projects. The company has significantly reduced borrowing costs through collaboration with commercial banks, demonstrating its credibility in the capital markets and accelerating its financial restructuring efforts. According to industry sources on May 11, Lotte Engineering recently issued asset-backed securities (ABS) based on construction receivables from projects nearing completion. The ABS consists of two tranches, each worth 150 billion won, with maturities of one year and one year and three months, totaling 300 billion won. Hana Securities and Shin Young Securities acted as joint lead managers, while Samsung Securities and NH Investment & Securities participated as underwriters. The ABS was issued with the highest rating of 'AAA', three notches above Lotte Engineering's own credit rating of A0. This rating reflects the stable cash flow from completed projects, combined with a 150 billion won credit facility from Hana Bank and Lotte Engineering's deposit management, maximizing structural stability. As a result, Lotte Engineering secured funds at significantly lower rates compared to typical corporate bonds or commercial paper (CP). The company plans to use this successful issuance as a stepping stone to diversify its funding sources through similar ABS issuances in the future. Lotte Engineering's proactive funding strategy is attributed to the unique 'funding lag' characteristic of the construction industry. Currently, the company has 20 housing projects scheduled for completion next year, with expected receivables amounting to approximately 2.6 trillion won. Typically, construction companies face concentrated expenditures just before project completion, but significant cash flow is only recovered after the final payments are received post-completion. Since the beginning of the year, Lotte Engineering has been designing a sophisticated securitization structure in collaboration with financial institutions to address this temporary funding demand. The risk of contingent liabilities from project financing (PF) is also showing a clear downward trend. Contingent liabilities, which reached 6.8 trillion won at the end of 2022, have decreased to around 3.1 trillion won in 2025, with a target to reduce them to the low 2 trillion won range this year. Notably, the establishment of a fund for purchasing PF asset-backed securities has helped extend the borrowing structure, alleviating short-term repayment pressures. Financial health indicators are also showing significant improvement. The debt ratio, which was 265% in 2022, has been declining annually and is expected to fall to around 187% by 2025, while reliance on borrowings has also decreased to the 20% range. Lotte Engineering stated, "The successful issuance of AAA-rated ABS is a significant turning point that acknowledges the company's creditworthiness in the market. We aim to achieve a substantial turnaround in our operational performance this year through thorough cash flow management and financial restructuring." The company also plans to accelerate its management normalization based on stable funding. A Lotte Engineering official emphasized, "Successfully completing the issuance of AAA-rated ABS has once again proven the safety of our funding. Under the strengthened financial health framework, we will further enhance the speed of management normalization through profitability-focused business management this year." 2026-05-11 11:04:26

Controversy Erupts Over Wine Substitution at Michelin-Starred Restaurant Mosu A controversy has arisen at the Michelin three-star fine dining restaurant Mosu, operated by Chef Ahn Seong-jae, regarding a wine substitution incident. Eun Dae-hwan, a sommelier formerly with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, has shared his perspective on the matter. Recently, Eun posted a lengthy message on his social media account. He stated, "Today, Chef Ahn Seong-jae posted a more detailed explanation of the situation. I believe it aligns closely with the unofficial information I had heard, and I was surprised by how much speculation can escalate from mere assumptions." He expressed concern, saying, "More than anything, I worry about the difficult decisions that the staff might have to make. While the service at a restaurant of Mosu's caliber was inappropriate, I have also had moments of panic that led to absurd responses throughout my nearly 30-year career, and I often regret how I handled such situations." Eun acknowledged that while it might be hard for customers to understand, such incidents can occur in the service industry. He speculated, "The pressure on the staff working at a three-star restaurant like Mosu to reclaim their status may have contributed to their bewildering response, which likely left them feeling upset as well." He added, "Of course, the chef is affected by this, but the fact that this incident has gained so much attention is due to his reputation. I hope he can set aside any grievances and encourage the staff to regain their confidence and provide service with assurance. I have known the Mosu manager for a long time and believe that many rumors are unfounded. I wish everyone strength during this time." However, netizens reacted strongly to Eun's post, questioning whether customer deception has become commonplace in the industry. Many expressed skepticism, asking, "Is the pressure so high that they deceived customers? Is this a veiled criticism or a self-destructive team kill? Are all sommeliers like this? It creates a bias against them. Do sommeliers only study wine and not receive customer service training? Is it standard practice to cover up personal mistakes with lies to customers? This seems to be a common occurrence." The controversy began when a customer, identified as A, reported on a Naver cafe that after ordering an expensive wine at Mosu Seoul, a different wine was served. A recounted, "The sommelier explained the wine while holding a bottle from the 2005 vintage, but after tasting it and checking the wine pairing list, I realized that a 2000 vintage had been served instead." In response, Mosu Seoul issued an apology on their official social media account on the 23rd. They stated, "We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the lack of accurate information during the wine pairing service on the 19th. We also regret that we did not provide sufficient explanations during the follow-up, which led to significant disappointment. We have reached out to the customer to apologize personally, and while they accepted our apology graciously, we recognize that the process was inadequate given the expectations they had for our restaurant."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:01:55

KAIST researchers develop stable high-frequency signal technology for 6G and space exploration SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have developed a method to generate ultra-stable high-frequency signals using miniature optical chips to improve the reliability of 6G communications and deep-space exploration. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Monday, May 11, 2026. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) research team, led by Professor Kim Jung-won and Professor Lee Han-seok, used a technology called a micro-comb to produce millimeter-wave signals in the 30 to 300 GHz range. While these high frequencies are necessary for next-generation sensing and radar, they typically suffer from increased noise and instability as the frequency rises. To address this, the researchers synchronized the micro-comb with a precise optical reference signal to ensure consistency over long periods. This process achieved a frequency stability level of 10-18, representing a level of precision where signal fluctuations are almost non-existent over time. The study also utilized a physical state known as a perfect soliton crystal to maintain low noise while extending the signal to higher frequency bands. This approach allowed for a timing precision of 3 femtoseconds, or three quadrillionths of a second, which reduces errors in high-speed data transmission. The technology is expected to enhance data reliability in 6G networks and improve the accuracy of radars used in autonomous driving and defense. It may also facilitate high-resolution astronomical observations, such as the synchronization of signals for black hole research. "This research is significant because it raises the performance of micro-comb-based signal sources to the world's highest level and expands them to high-frequency bands," Professor Kim Jung-won said. He added that the team is currently working to reach frequencies above 300 GHz. Researcher An Chang-min and Professor Kim Jung-won served as lead authors for the studies, which were published in the journals Laser & Photonics Reviews and Optica. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Laser & Photonics Reviews / Optica Title: Optical-to-microcomb stability transfer for ultrastable timing and microwave/millimeter-wave generation DOI: 10.1002/lpor.71135 Title: Preserving ultralow timing jitter in microcombs with repetition-rate multiplication via perfect soliton crystal formation DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.581054 2026-05-11 11:00:59

People Power Party Criticizes Lee Over Ship Attack Response People Power Party officials criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration on May 11 for its lack of commitment to protecting citizens' safety and property in light of the recent attack on the HMM Namuho vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated, "Lee Jae-myung brought up fake news to attack Israel, yet remains silent after our ship was hit." He emphasized that Iran, which should have been included in the government's initial investigation report on the attack, was notably absent. Jang pointed out that while former President Donald Trump acknowledged the attack, the South Korean government insisted the likelihood of an attack was low. Now that the attack has been confirmed, he criticized the government for refusing to speculate on the assailants.Jang also noted that Iranian state television had reported that a South Korean vessel was targeted. He remarked, "The perpetrator has confessed, yet the victim is being denied." He accused the current administration of having financially supported Iran, suggesting that the funds may have been used to launch the drone that attacked the Namuho.He expressed concern for the safety of the 160 crew members aboard the Namuho, stating, "In this critical situation, the president is posting about real estate on social media at midnight." He questioned, "What exactly is Lee Jae-myung doing?"Regarding the reintroduction of heavy taxation on multiple homeowners, Jang criticized the administration's handling of the real estate crisis, saying, "With no available jeonse (long-term lease) options and soaring monthly rent prices, the president finds one line about allowing gap investment in a sea of articles and posts it on social media at night. There are no answers to the hundreds of articles pointing out the lack of available properties, the disappearance of jeonse, and the skyrocketing rent prices."He added, "The same goes for Jeong Won-o, the candidate for Seoul mayor. No matter how many times I ask about the abolition of heavy taxation, the increase in property taxes, or the elimination of long-term holding tax exemptions, they cannot provide an answer."Jang warned that if Lee and Jeong were to form a coalition, it would mark the peak of the real estate crisis in Seoul, declaring, "This local election is about ending Lee Jae-myung's real estate tyranny in the region."Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, commented on the Namuho attack, stating, "The government's response to this critical security issue has been too slow and dismissive." He accused the government and ruling party of focusing more on clearing Lee's name through special investigations than on protecting citizens.Regarding the government's real estate policies, Song noted that aside from a few ultra-luxury apartments in Gangnam, the balloon effect is spreading throughout most of Seoul and surrounding areas like Seongnam, Gwangmyeong, Hanam, and Gwacheon. He pointed out that the supply of jeonse has drastically decreased, while the proportion of monthly rent has reached an all-time high. He warned that if additional property tax increases are pushed through, ordinary citizens will fall into a real estate hell.He added, "Homebuyers without properties are completely blocked from purchasing homes due to loan regulations, and tenants are being pushed into a crisis of jeonse shortages and soaring monthly rents. Those who own homes face tax burdens, while those without homes must endure the collapse of jeonse and the burden of rising monthly rents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:00:04

Investing Semiconductor Surplus into AI for Future Growth Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, highlighted the potential for unprecedented surplus tax revenue over the next two years, driven by the semiconductor boom. The expansion of industrial profits, particularly from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is expected to lead to increased corporate taxes, higher income taxes from high-income workers, and a rise in trade surpluses, significantly enhancing financial capacity. He also pointed out the structural limitations of existing revenue forecasting methods, which fail to keep pace with industrial cycles, and called for more flexible fiscal management. The core issue here is not merely the increase in tax revenue but the choice of how to allocate the potential surplus. Surplus tax revenues often come with political temptations, leading to competing demands for short-term economic stimulus, cash support, and local business expansion. However, the financial capacity created by the semiconductor boom is characterized more by its volatility as a 'temporary income' rather than a structurally sustainable resource. This necessitates a change in approach. Past experiences illustrate this well. During the semiconductor boom of 2021-2022, surplus tax revenues were generated, but the fiscal response was inadequate, leading to a tax shortfall when the market declined. The structural issue of revenue and budget lagging behind actual industrial cycles has been confirmed. If the same approach is taken this time, the outcomes are likely to repeat. Therefore, this financial capacity should not merely serve as a basis for increased spending but as an opportunity to transform the economic structure. Given that the semiconductor boom is closely linked to the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), it is reasonable to reinvest these gains into future industries. Squandering this opportunity on consumer spending would be a significant misstep. The global economy is rapidly shifting toward AI. Data centers, cloud computing, autonomous driving, and robotics all rely on high-performance semiconductors. This semiconductor boom should be viewed not just as a market rebound but as a structural change resulting from the proliferation of AI. This perspective leads to a clear direction. The benefits of the semiconductor boom driven by AI demand should be reinvested into AI and future industries. First, urgent investments in data centers and power infrastructure are needed. The AI industry requires vast amounts of power and computational resources. Global competition is already shifting toward the ability to build data centers and supply power. Without comprehensive infrastructure investments, including transmission networks, power stability, and cooling technologies, the country risks falling behind in competition. Second, continuous investment in talent and research and development (R&D) is essential. Both semiconductors and AI are fields where technological gaps directly translate into national competitiveness. Given the difficulty of catching up in the short term, long-term and stable funding is required. Allocating temporarily secured financial capacity toward future technology accumulation is the most efficient choice. Third, expanding the industrial ecosystem is crucial. The current structure is heavily focused on large corporations. However, the AI era necessitates an ecosystem that connects software, design, equipment, and data industries. Financial resources should be used as a catalyst to encourage private investment. Building a foundation is more effective than direct intervention. Of course, the need for expansionary fiscal policy itself should not be dismissed. The role of fiscal policy in responding to economic fluctuations remains important. However, the direction is key. Expansionary fiscal policies that stimulate short-term consumption are likely to yield only temporary effects. In contrast, a fiscal approach centered on investment in future industries enhances growth potential and strengthens national competitiveness. Another critical point not to overlook is volatility. The semiconductor industry is inherently cyclical. Assuming that the current boom will last indefinitely is risky. Mistaking surplus tax revenue for a structural resource and increasing fixed expenditures could heighten fiscal risks. A balance is needed, where some funds are allocated for future investment while others remain as a buffer for fiscal stability. Kim Yong-beom's emphasis on 'flexible fiscal policy' should be understood in this context. Flexibility means not just increasing expenditures but redesigning the direction and structure of fiscal policy to align with changes in industrial structure. It requires a shift away from mechanically budgeting based on past averages to a strategic fiscal approach that reflects technological changes and industrial trends. Ultimately, it is a matter of choice. Will the potential increase in financial capacity be used for current consumption, or will it be transformed into future competitiveness? It is a judgment call between short-term satisfaction and long-term growth. The semiconductor boom presents a rare opportunity for the South Korean economy. Squandering this opportunity on temporary consumption could make it difficult to seize again. What is needed now is clear. Investing the financial capacity created by the semiconductor boom into AI and future industries is the most realistic and responsible choice.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 10:57:54

Lunit and Vuno Face Critical Year Amid Rapid Growth in Medical AI The medical artificial intelligence (AI) market is experiencing explosive growth, with industry leaders Lunit and Vuno facing a pivotal year to prove their performance. While the number of related approvals in the market has surged, concerns remain about the financial stability and international commercialization success of these frontrunners.According to data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the number of approvals, certifications, and notifications for AI-based software medical devices increased from 62 in 2023 to 108 in 2024 and 157 in 2025, marking a 2.5-fold rise over three years. This growth is significant compared to just four approvals in 2018, 13 in 2019, and 50 in 2020, indicating a substantial application of these technologies in clinical settings. In the first quarter of this year alone, an additional 55 approvals were recorded, continuing the upward trend.Amid this rapid market expansion, Lunit and Vuno are grappling with financial risks and challenges related to overseas approvals, which have become their primary obstacles this year.Lunit reported record annual sales of 83.1 billion won last year and has set a target of over 80 billion won in sales for this year. The company aims to achieve profitability by 2027 and is working to create a revenue structure through expanding global partnerships and offering high-margin subscription-based (SaaS) products that charge monthly fees based on usage.Despite recent financial risk concerns, Lunit alleviated some anxiety by successfully completing a capital increase. The company achieved a subscription rate of 104.7% from existing shareholders in a capital increase worth 211.5 billion won, effectively securing capital and boosting expectations for financial stability. Lunit believes it has laid the groundwork to reduce the debt burden that increased due to the acquisition of Bolpara. Market attention is now focused on Lunit's potential for profitability this year.In contrast, Vuno reported sales of 34.8 billion won last year, with an operating loss of 4.9 billion won. While its revenue has grown and losses have decreased, the company faced a setback when its key product, VunoMed DeepCARS, received a Not Substantially Equivalent (NSE) determination from the FDA for its 510(k) application, presenting a significant challenge. Vuno plans to reinforce its clinical and performance data for a resubmission, but this has delayed its initial timeline.The recent FDA decision has particularly painful implications, as it effectively means missing the entry point for the 2027 fiscal year NTAP. Given the structure requiring FDA approval and entry into U.S. public insurance, any delays in reimbursement schedules could slow the pace of business expansion, according to market observers. Vuno is preparing for resubmission while diversifying into Europe and the Middle East, but this year's performance of DeepCARS is expected to be a critical turning point for the company's valuation.Vuno CEO Lee Ye-ha stated on the company's website on May 4, "This FDA decision does not negate the core technology or clinical value of DeepCARS." He added, "It should be interpreted as a request for additional evidence of equivalence with existing products," emphasizing that the process has clarified the clinical standards and expectations in the U.S. market, and the company plans to quickly reorganize its clinical data for resubmission.Despite Lee's reassurances, Vuno's stock has plummeted following the FDA's decision, dropping more than 20% immediately after the announcement on May 4. As of 10:15 a.m. on May 11, the stock price had fallen to 12,240 won, a decline of about 30% in just one week.Industry insiders noted, "Lunit must prove its profitability based on capital expansion, while Vuno faces the challenge of reapplying for U.S. approval and redesigning its NTAP strategy to rebuild its growth narrative."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 10:52:25

Jeong Cheong-rae: Gangwon Province Will Become a Leader in South Korea's New Era The Democratic Party emphasized on May 11 that "Gangwon Province will no longer be a periphery but will become a leading player in a new era for South Korea." At a field meeting of the Central Election Committee held in Chuncheon, Jeong Cheong-rae, the head of the committee, expressed confidence that voters would respond positively to the efforts of the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration. He added, "We must establish local governments that work as effectively as President Lee Jae-myung to pave the way for a national leap forward." Jeong noted that President Lee promised to ensure that living in Gangwon Province would not be a disadvantage, stating that Woo Sang-ho, the Democratic Party candidate, is the right person for the province. Woo remarked, "This election is a historic opportunity for South Korea to transition to a local era," asserting that only if Democratic Party candidates are elected can successful nationwide balanced development be achieved. He also pledged to attract advanced corporations to Gangwon Province and create quality jobs to prevent young people from leaving. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party transitioned to a campaign committee structure after launching the 'National Normalization Election Committee' in the National Assembly the previous day. Jeong leads the committee, which includes Han Byeong-do, the floor leader, former Chungbuk Governor Lee Si-jong, WHO advisor Ahn Seon-ha, Daegu citizen and surgeon Geum Hee-jeong, and naturalized Korean citizen from Myanmar, Yvonne Ahn, who serves as a committee advisor. On this day, Yoo Chung-won was also appointed as a co-chair of the committee. Jeong introduced Yoo as a citizen who stood against armored vehicles during the emergency martial law on December 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 10:51:10

Small Business Agency Receives Prime Minister's Award for Policy Communication The Small Business Market Promotion Agency was recognized with a Prime Minister's Award for Policy Communication at the 2025 Policy Communication Awards hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. According to the agency on May 11, it has completely overhauled its policy communication system to successfully implement key national tasks, including enhancing public communication, promoting inclusive finance, and revitalizing small businesses and local markets. The agency has focused on improving customer understanding through simplified language in its promotions and strengthened on-site communication. It has also established outreach policy briefings and regional cooperation systems to enhance accessibility to its policies. Additionally, it has disseminated major initiatives such as special support for electricity bills, win-win paybacks, and improvements to policy funding through public-private partnerships and multi-channel promotions. Furthermore, the agency has initiated a digital transformation in policy communication by establishing digital platforms like 'Small Business 24' and 'Small Business 365,' which integrate policy information and application procedures while providing data-driven, customized services. The agency is also committed to enhancing transparency and the effectiveness of policy execution. In February, it held a workshop for over 110 regional heads, center directors, and mid-level managers to share execution strategies and current issues related to key projects such as traditional markets, small business support, policy research, and financial stability, thereby strengthening collaborative efforts across the organization. Kim Tae-yeon, the agency's director, stated, "We will continue to strengthen communication at the grassroots level with small businesses and do our utmost to ensure that the public can feel the results of our policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 10:49:45