Kakao Mobility Clarifies Nasdaq Listing Speculation, Exploring Various Investment Options Kakao Mobility has addressed speculation regarding its potential listing on the Nasdaq, stating it is currently in discussions with multiple potential investors and buyers about various options. On May 13, Kakao Mobility responded to reports suggesting it is undergoing a re-audit in preparation for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO), clarifying that it is exploring a range of options beyond just an IPO or a one-time sale. Earlier, Herald Economy reported that Kakao Mobility is conducting a three-year re-audit for 2023 to 2025 and had signed an external audit contract with Anjin Accounting Corporation in April. This led to interpretations in the market that the company is preparing for a Nasdaq listing. In response, Kakao Mobility emphasized that the selection of the accounting firm is part of a process to evaluate various possibilities, stating, "To view this as a push for a specific IPO direction is an over-interpretation." Industry analysts suggest that these discussions are linked to the exit strategy of Texas Pacific Group (TPG), a financial investor that has invested approximately 1 trillion won in Kakao Mobility since 2017. With the IPO process delayed for an extended period, TPG is reportedly considering various exit strategies, including attracting new investors or selling shares, and discussions regarding transaction structures with overseas investors are also underway.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:49:25

Ildong Foodis Launches High-Myun Products at Musinsa Megastore in Seongsu Ildong Foodis announced on May 13 that it has begun selling its High-Myun products at the Musinsa Megastore in Seongsu, targeting the 2030 demographic and foreign tourists as part of its strategy to expand its offline presence. The Musinsa Megastore in Seongsu is a multi-level shopping space spanning approximately 2,000 square meters, featuring fashion and beauty brands alongside experiential content areas and food and beverage facilities. Ildong Foodis is showcasing a total of 11 products, including eight varieties of High-Myun Protein Balance Active and three types of energy gel products called High-Myun Amino Poten, located in the 'Musinsa Beauty' section on the second floor of the megastore. High-Myun Active is a high-protein beverage containing 20 to 22 grams of protein per pack, featuring essential amino acids BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, valine) at 4,500 mg and L-carnitine. The accompanying High-Myun Amino Poten is a high-amino acid energy gel product designed for immediate energy replenishment, available in three lines tailored for specific energy needs. It was noted in a survey by the Korea Consumer Agency last year as the only product designed primarily with amino acids as the main ingredient. Ildong Foodis plans to enhance product experience opportunities for consumers visiting the Seongsu area and increase brand awareness through this launch. An Ildong Foodis representative stated, "We hope that consumers will have the opportunity to experience High-Myun products directly at the Musinsa Megastore in Seongsu. We also plan to continue expanding our offline sales channels to increase consumer touchpoints." According to Musinsa, the megastore, which opened in April, recorded 42,000 visitors during its first weekend from April 24 to 26, with sales totaling 900 million won during that period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:48:00

CJ Foodville Launches Cold Noodle Menu with Regional Delicacies CJ Foodville's Jeil Jemyunso is kicking off the summer season by launching its cold noodle menu. This year, the restaurant has expanded its offerings to include regional delicacies as side dishes. On May 13, Jeil Jemyunso announced that it will begin selling its summer-exclusive 'Jeil Mul Naengmyeon' (cold noodles in broth) and 'Jeil Bibim Naengmyeon' (spicy cold noodles) starting May 14. 'Jeil Mul Naengmyeon' features chewy noodles served in a chilled broth with ice flakes, while 'Jeil Bibim Naengmyeon' is designed to stimulate the palate with a sweet and tangy special sauce. This year, the restaurant has also introduced regionally inspired side dishes to complement the cold noodles. The 'Chungcheong-style Yukjeon' is a pork dish enhanced with a special sauce, which has received positive feedback since its initial launch at the Yeouido IFC Mall. It will now be available at all locations this season. Additionally, 'Sokcho-style Myungtae Hoe-muchim' will be offered, featuring pollock mixed with a spicy and tangy seasoning, enhancing the flavors of the cold noodles. Jeil Jemyunso has also created set options for customers to enjoy the cold noodles along with the side dishes. When ordering cold noodles, customers can add Chungcheong-style Yukjeon for 4,000 won or Sokcho-style Myungtae Hoe-muchim for 5,000 won to create a set meal. Moreover, the restaurant has combined these new offerings with existing Korean dishes such as Yangji Suyuk (brisket) and Hangjeong Suyuk (pork jowl) to provide a complete summer dining experience. A CJ Foodville representative stated, "We planned this year's cold noodle menu with a focus on regional characteristics, which are consistently popular every summer. Customers will be able to enjoy a variety of combinations to savor summer delicacies according to their preferences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:43:57

Samyang Foods Reports Record Q1 Operating Profit of 177.1 Billion Won Driven by Global Demand for Buldak Samyang Foods has once again achieved record quarterly results, fueled by strong overseas sales. The demand for the Buldak brand continues to thrive in global markets, supported by increased production capacity and favorable exchange rates, leading to improvements in both revenue and profitability. On May 13, Samyang Foods announced that its consolidated revenue for the first quarter reached 714.4 billion won, with an operating profit of 177.1 billion won. This marks a 35% increase in revenue and a 32% rise in operating profit compared to the same period last year. The overall performance was driven by international business. First-quarter overseas sales amounted to 585 billion won, a 38% increase from the previous year, accounting for over 80% of total revenue. Notably, the European market saw significant growth. All overseas subsidiaries recorded double-digit growth rates, with European sales reaching 77 billion won, up 215% year-on-year. This surge is attributed to the expansion of local distribution networks following the establishment of a subsidiary in the UK and increased presence in mainstream channels in major Western European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. Growth trends also continued in the company’s largest export markets, the United States and China. Revenue from the U.S. subsidiary rose by 37% to 185 billion won, while the Chinese subsidiary reported a 36% increase, reaching 171 billion won. Samyang Foods attributed its improved performance to increased supply capacity due to higher operational rates at its Miryang Plant 2. The increased production has helped meet the rising demand for Buldak products, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, contributing to overseas sales growth. Profitability remained stable, with the operating profit margin for the first quarter at 24.8%, maintaining over 20% for five consecutive quarters. A company representative stated, "Despite external uncertainties, this performance reaffirms the competitiveness and growth sustainability of the Buldak brand. We plan to focus on strengthening our global management system and expanding our production and sales infrastructure this year." Meanwhile, to meet the growing global demand, Samyang Foods is establishing its first overseas production facility in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China. The plant, with a total investment of 207.2 billion won, is expected to be completed by January 2027. It will feature eight production lines, capable of producing an additional 1.13 billion units of Buldak Bokkeummyeon annually once operational.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:42:23

Kim Min-ha's 'Student Teaching' Challenges Conventional Cinema "It's romantic. The lighting, temperature, humidity..." This is a remark made by a participant on a variety show. It suggests that elements like location, weather, and physical condition all contribute to creating an 'atmosphere.' The same applies to film. The mood of the day and personal experiences can serve as 'evaluation criteria' for a movie. In this way, 'Choi's Review' is a segment that introduces films to audiences through the author's experiences and perspectives, aiming for a more relaxed and everyday approach. (Editor’s Note) There is no middle ground. Viewers either passionately love or completely fail to understand Kim Min-ha's films. From the short film 'Burger Song Challenge' to the feature debut 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' and now 'Student Teaching,' Kim's work consistently sparks intense 'taste battles.' The director shows no willingness to compromise on her unique and charming rhythm. The story follows Eun-kyung (played by Han Sun-hwa), a 'MZ student teacher' who returns to her alma mater with lofty ambitions and a sense of duty. Despite her pure passion for teaching, she faces the harsh realities of a crumbling educational system. One day, she encounters three girls from a mysterious black magic club, 'Kuroi Sora'—Aoi (Hong Ye-ji), Riko (Lee Yeo-reum), and Haruka (Lee Hwa-won)—and senses they are involved in a troubling incident. It is revealed that these top students, who never miss a national mock exam, have their souls bound to a yokai in exchange for answers. To protect her precarious students, Eun-kyung willingly plunges into a deadly mock exam orchestrated by the 'College Entrance Exam Ghost.' 'Student Teaching' twists the conventions of horror to fuel its comedy. While continuing the trajectory of her previous works, it collides the tropes of horror with the rhythm of comedy, subverting even its roughness into a meticulously crafted aesthetic. Kim Min-ha's unique signature lies in her ability to push excess not as a flaw but as a distinctive language. She cleverly navigates production budget limitations with inventive directorial choices, utilizing pixel art and animation to create the film's hip and kitschy texture. The characters, who exist outside of reality, and the deliberately rough dialogue draw the audience into this bizarre world from the very beginning. Accepting Kim's 'universe' offers viewers a liberating experience amidst the chaotic and crude elements. Under the term 'horribly lovely,' the film plays with horror and charm, yet its message is heavier than in previous works. As Kim stated, "I wanted to create a film that is funny but not foolish," the comedy's exterior conceals a critique of contemporary issues. It sharply reflects the shadows of a crumbling educational system and the expanding private tutoring market, alongside the historical context of the 'Seodang Hunt' during the Japanese colonial period, aimed at undermining Korean education. The previous film, 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' attracted only 30,000 viewers, making a sequel unlikely. However, the audience breathed new life into this niche world. The film gained traction on OTT platforms as a 'Girls Night Movie,' forming a fanbase that spurred further production. 'Student Teaching' is essentially a response summoned by the audience. This sentiment resonates throughout the film. The portrayal of marginalized girls supporting each other mirrors how audiences have sustained this film series. The journey of these incomplete beings embracing one another as they navigate societal absurdities offers a comforting presence that surpasses hasty admonitions. The chemistry among the cast is also noteworthy. Han Sun-hwa, as Eun-kyung, effectively anchors the narrative. Having established a unique presence through dramas like 'Drinking City Women' and films such as 'First Ride' and 'Pilot,' she faithfully embodies Kim Min-ha's vision, creating a solid bridge between the audience and the work. The trio from 'Kuroi Sora'—Hong Ye-ji, Lee Yeo-reum, and Lee Hwa-won—along with Yoo Seon-ho as 'Idainashi,' also enhance audience immersion with their excellent character portrayals. 'Student Teaching' may not satisfy everyone. However, it relentlessly pursues its unique taste and ultimately garners a response. This stubborn sincerity becomes a gentle black magic that willingly offers companionship to all incomplete beings traversing their own tunnels. The film is set for a solo release at CGV on May 13, with a runtime of 94 minutes and a rating of 12 and older.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:38:59

Yoon Suk Yeol Requests Recusal of Judges in Rebellion Case Yoon Suk Yeol, who was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a rebellion during the December 3 emergency martial law, has filed a request for the recusal of judges ahead of his appeal hearing. On May 13, Yoon's legal team announced in a statement to reporters that they had submitted a recusal request to the Seoul High Court concerning the three judges of the 12-1 Criminal Division. The panel includes judges Lee Seung-cheol, Jo Jin-goo, and Kim Min-ah, who are set to preside over Yoon's appeal regarding charges of being a rebellion leader. A recusal request is a legal procedure under criminal law that allows either the prosecution or the defense to seek the exclusion of a judge if there is a concern about unfairness in the trial. Yoon's team argued that they cannot expect a fair trial from judges who have publicly expressed a presumption of guilt. Previously, on May 7, the 12-1 Criminal Division sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years in prison for his involvement in rebellion-related duties. Yoon's lawyers claimed that during Han's appeal, the judges revealed a presumption of guilt regarding Yoon's charges, which they argue constitutes grounds for recusal due to the potential for an unfair trial. They specifically noted that the judges used concrete expressions acknowledging Yoon's alleged involvement in Han's case, which they believe prejudiced the outcome of the trial. Furthermore, they pointed out that some media outlets reported after Han's sentencing that a guilty verdict for Yoon's rebellion charges was likely, stating that concerns about an unfair trial are reasonable from an average person's perspective. Yoon is scheduled for the first hearing in his appeal on May 14. He was convicted of inciting a rebellion aimed at undermining the constitution by conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to declare a state of emergency on December 3. The trial will also include seven military and police leaders charged with involvement in the rebellion alongside Yoon and Kim.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:36:51

Prosecutors Seek 1.5-Year Sentence for Businessman in Kim Geon-hee Case The special investigation team led by Prosecutor Min Joong-ki has requested a 1.5-year prison sentence for businessman Seo Seong-bin, who is accused of providing a luxury watch to Kim Geon-hee in exchange for favors related to a robot dog business. The prosecution argues that Seo exploited his friendship with the presidential couple for business gains, while Seo's defense contends that it was merely a purchase on behalf of Kim, with no solicitation involved. During a sentencing hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on May 13, the prosecution sought a 1.5-year sentence for Seo, who is facing charges of violating the anti-bribery law as the CEO of Drone Dome. The prosecution stated, "Seo Seong-bin actively flaunted his connections with Kim Geon-hee and Yoon Suk Yeol, using them for business purposes. The entire operation was predicated on his relationship with the presidential couple." They further argued, "The defendant claims that providing the watch was merely a purchase on behalf of Kim, but this explanation is difficult to accept based on common sense. It is extremely rare for a private businessman to give a luxury watch worth tens of millions of won to the spouse of a public official without any vested interest." The prosecution also noted, "There is no evidence that Kim Geon-hee paid for the watch or intended to do so, making it hard to view this as a simple purchase on behalf of someone else." They believe Seo was aware that his actions could be problematic, citing that the watch's warranty was kept at the residence of Kim's brother-in-law. They argued, "This does not suggest a normal business transaction." Seo was indicted for allegedly handing over a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch valued at 39.9 million won to Kim Geon-hee at a restaurant in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in September 2022. The prosecution claims that Seo pursued a government contract for the robot dog project based on his friendship with Kim and secured a pilot operation contract worth 17 million won with the Presidential Security Service. In his closing argument, Seo's defense stated, "I clearly received a request to buy the watch, and I received 5 million won that day. The remaining payment was to be received later." They added, "It was difficult to demand payment due to the chaotic situation after the coup, and we request a not guilty verdict." Seo also expressed regret in his final statement, saying, "I wonder if there was another way to handle the purchase itself, but I have never solicited or flattered anyone in my life." Kim Geon-hee is also facing allegations of receiving money and valuables in exchange for public office solicitation, alongside Seo and others. A decision regarding Kim is expected on May 15, with sentencing for Seo and others scheduled for June 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:33:28

Saudi Arabia and UAE Conduct Secret Military Strikes Against Iran Amid ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, reports have emerged that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have secretly attacked Iran. While both countries have publicly maintained that they are not directly involved in the war, these covert military operations are seen as retaliatory measures against Iranian attacks, potentially escalating the conflict in the region. According to reports from Reuters and other foreign media on May 12, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have conducted undisclosed military strikes against Iran during the ongoing Middle East war. The UAE targeted Iran's oil facilities on Lavan Island in the Gulf in early April, while Saudi Arabia reportedly mobilized its air force to strike Iran at the end of March. This marks the first time Saudi Arabia has been reported to have carried out military actions directly on Iranian territory. Although specific strike locations have not been confirmed, Western officials suggest that Saudi Arabia's actions were in response to Iranian attacks aimed at the kingdom. There are also reports that the UAE coordinated some of its attacks with Israel. The Times of Israel, citing Bloomberg, reported that the UAE struck Iran around April 8, just before and after a ceasefire, with one operation being a coordinated response to an attack on Iran's Borouge petrochemical facility. These revelations indicate that the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has expanded beyond what was publicly acknowledged. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Targets have included U.S. military bases, civilian infrastructure, airports, and oil facilities, disrupting global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating Tensions in the Middle East The Guardian reported that the UAE's previously undisclosed military actions against Iran suggest that some Gulf nations may become more deeply involved in conflicts with Iran. Newsweek noted that if the attacks by the UAE and Saudi Arabia are confirmed, it could provoke retaliation from Iran, leading to increased instability across the Gulf region. Indeed, tensions in the Gulf are spilling over into other countries. According to Al Jazeera, Kuwaiti authorities announced earlier this month that they had detained four members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who had infiltrated the island of Bubiyan. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry stated that these individuals had entered the country with hostile intentions, prompting them to summon the Iranian ambassador to lodge a protest. However, Iran has denied Kuwait's claims. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that allegations of planning hostile actions against Kuwait are baseless, asserting that the individuals entered Kuwaiti waters due to a malfunction in their navigation system while on a maritime patrol. On the same day, Bahrain's prosecution announced that over 20 individuals linked to espionage activities for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard had been sentenced to prison. As military and security tensions between Gulf nations and Iran continue to surface, regional instability is on the rise. Conversely, following Saudi Arabia's airstrikes on Iran, diplomatic channels have been activated, leading to a reduction in hostilities between the two nations. Some analysts argue that active retaliation by Middle Eastern countries could contribute to regional stability. Ali Vaez, head of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, noted that Saudi Arabia's attacks on Iran and subsequent negotiations demonstrate a shared interest in restraining the conflict before it escalates further in the region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:30:59

President Lee Calls for Stronger Ecosystem in South Korea's Shipbuilding Industry President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of developing a robust ecosystem for South Korea's shipbuilding industry on May 13. He stated that it is crucial for the industry to thrive and for the benefits of growth to be shared equitably among stakeholders, including both employers and workers within companies. During his opening remarks at the K-Ship Future Vision meeting held at the Lahan Hotel in Ulsan, President Lee noted, "The shipbuilding industry has many possibilities and potential ahead." He encouraged attendees by saying that many countries are looking forward to collaborating with South Korea in shipbuilding. "In recent meetings with leaders from other nations, I found that most countries with coastlines are eager for cooperation with our shipbuilding sector," he said, acknowledging the industry's status as a key sector representing South Korea. He also highlighted the growing international interest in the shipbuilding industry, mentioning that it has been selected as a core item in the U.S.-led MASGA (Massive American Investment in South Korea) initiative. "The shipbuilding industry has become a significant part of investment cooperation between South Korea and the United States," he added. President Lee pointed out that the shipbuilding industry is highly susceptible to economic fluctuations, leading to persistent employment issues. "The industry experiences cycles of boom and bust, which often results in workforce instability," he explained. He noted that during downturns, companies struggle to maintain operations, while during upturns, they face labor shortages, causing a layered workforce structure and job insecurity. "This is not anyone's fault; it seems to be a characteristic of the industry," he remarked, stressing the need for government involvement to mitigate these risks. "Simply leaving it to the market will not resolve these issues. The government must take a keen interest in maintaining employment and developing the shipbuilding ecosystem," he asserted. Furthermore, he stated, "Today’s international competition is not just about individual products but about competing ecosystems. A strong internal ecosystem will enhance our international competitiveness, while lacking one will make it difficult to endure challenging situations." President Lee invited participants to share their concerns candidly, promising to consider what the government can do to address issues related to cooperation among small and large shipbuilders, as well as the roles expected from subcontractors and suppliers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:27:10

KB Livemobile Donates 100 Million Won to Promote Inclusive Finance KB Livemobile, the budget mobile brand of KB Kookmin Bank, announced on May 13 that it has donated 100 million won to the Co-Prosperity Commission. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by young small business owners in the rapidly changing telecommunications and digital landscape, enhancing their management capabilities. The donation will be used for the 'Kiosk Support Project for Young Small Business Owners in Busan,' which is jointly conducted by the Co-Prosperity Commission and the Busan city government. Applications for the program can be submitted through the Busan Small Business Comprehensive Support Center's website until May 27. KB Livemobile plans to strengthen management competitiveness and customer accessibility for young small business owners in areas experiencing population decline by providing services such as smart store construction consulting and barrier-free kiosks for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The company aims to create a model for revitalizing the economy in depopulated areas by offering a one-stop service that includes kiosk supply, installation, initial setup, user training, and maintenance. A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "Telecommunications and digital technology are essential infrastructures for small business management stability and competitiveness. We will continue to actively support the digital transformation and management capacity enhancement of small businesses based on public-private partnerships, leading the way in practicing inclusive finance." Additionally, KB Kookmin Bank is engaged in various inclusive finance activities, including reducing interest burdens for individual business owners and supporting youth education.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:25:21