First Quarter Bank Non-Performing Loan Ratio Rises to 0.6%, Increasing by 1 Trillion Won in Three Months The rise in the non-performing loan ratio in the banking sector is increasing the burden of soundness management, particularly as defaults expand among small and medium-sized enterprises and individual business owners. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's report on the status of non-performing loans in domestic banks released on May 29, the non-performing loan ratio at the end of the first quarter of this year was 0.60%, up 0.03 percentage points from the previous quarter's 0.57%. Compared to the same period last year (0.59%), it increased by 0.01 percentage points, marking the highest level since March 2021 (0.62%). The total amount of non-performing loans reached 17.7 trillion won, an increase of 1.1 trillion won from the previous quarter. Corporate loans accounted for the largest share at 14.2 trillion won, while household loans totaled 3.3 trillion won, and credit card debts amounted to 300 billion won. By sector, the non-performing loan ratio for corporate loans rose to 0.74%, up 0.04 percentage points from the previous quarter. Among these, the non-performing loan ratio for small and medium-sized enterprises increased to 0.88%, up 0.05 percentage points, while the ratio for individual business loans rose to 0.66%, an increase of 0.09 percentage points. The non-performing loan ratio for household loans also increased to 0.32%, up 0.01 percentage points from the previous quarter. Mortgage loans recorded a ratio of 0.22%, while other credit loans stood at 0.66%. In the first quarter, the amount of non-performing loans resolved was 4.4 trillion won, a decrease of 1.3 trillion won from the previous quarter. The Financial Supervisory Service explained that the rise in the balance and ratio of non-performing loans was influenced by a decrease in the volume of sales and transfers. The reserve ratio for loan loss provisions continued to decline. As of the end of March, the reserve ratio was 150.4%, down 9.9 percentage points from the previous quarter's 160.3%. This trend follows a significant accumulation of loan loss provisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the amount of newly generated non-performing loans in the first quarter decreased slightly. New non-performing loans totaled 5.5 trillion won, down 400 billion won from the previous quarter. New corporate loan defaults were 4.1 trillion won, a decrease of 300 billion won, while new household loan defaults also fell to 1.3 trillion won, down 100 billion won. The Financial Supervisory Service stated, "Considering the ongoing domestic and international uncertainties, we will closely monitor the trends in non-performing loan ratios and delinquency rates. We plan to check the reserve status of each bank and encourage active sales and transfers of non-performing loans." It added, "We will ensure that there are no unfair infringements on the rights of individual debtors during the process of managing the banks' soundness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 11:00:00

New Export Market Faces: 26,000 Companies Entering in Record Numbers Last year, nearly 26,000 companies entered the export market, marking the highest number in five years. The increase in new exporters is accompanied by a rise in survival rates, indicating a broader export base.According to the Customs Service's report on the status of new entrants in the export market for 2025, 25,953 companies entered the export sector last year, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. This figure represents the largest number of new exporters in the past five years.New entrants are defined as companies that recorded export or import activity for the first time after having no such activity in the previous year. This analysis is part of a deeper examination of the export market statistics released by the Customs Service in April as part of the '2025 Business Trade Activity Statistics'.The survival rate of new exporters has also improved. The percentage of companies that continued export activities for more than one year after entering the market reached 49.9%, the highest in five years. The Customs Service attributes this increase to the overall boost in exports, which surpassed $700 billion for the first time last year.In terms of product categories, companies dealing in machinery and computer-related products were the most numerous, followed by those in electrical products, plastics, cosmetics, and automobiles. On average, each new exporter handled 1.7 product categories.The average export volume per company was around $300,000. However, 82% of these companies had export volumes of less than $100,000, indicating a significant presence of small-scale exporters.The number of countries targeted for exports reached 175. Companies exporting to China were the most numerous, followed by those exporting to the United States, Japan, Vietnam, and the European Union. Each new exporter, on average, exported products to 1.5 countries.Regionally, companies located in the metropolitan area, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, accounted for the largest share, followed by those in the southeastern region of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, the Daegu and Gyeongbuk area, and the central region of Sejong, Daejeon, Chungnam, and Chungbuk.A Customs Service official stated, "The increase in new exporters can lead to an expansion of our export base and enhanced competitiveness, and we plan to continue providing relevant statistical analyses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 11:00:00

KAI Strengthens Partnership with Strategic Command to Enhance Future Battlefield Response Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is enhancing its cooperation framework to respond to changes in future battlefield environments and advance cutting-edge defense capabilities.On May 29, KAI announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Strategic Command to establish a strategic partnership and strengthen operational collaboration.The agreement aims to jointly explore the development direction of future military capabilities based on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), space, and unmanned systems in the rapidly changing security landscape.The two organizations plan to expand cooperation in various areas, including sharing information and policies of mutual interest, holding regular expert seminars and discussions, increasing personnel exchanges, and jointly identifying advanced military needs for future battlefield environments.This collaboration with the Strategic Command is expected to be a significant opportunity for expanding civil-military technological cooperation and advancing future advanced weapon systems.Choi Jong-won, KAI's Strategic Headquarters Chief, stated, "This is a meaningful starting point for the development of South Korea's future strategic capabilities. We will actively share the aerospace technology and battlefield response experience that KAI has accumulated to support our military in swiftly acquiring the capabilities needed to succeed in future battlefields."Meanwhile, KAI is accelerating its efforts to enhance future battlefield response capabilities by increasing investments in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), AI-based combat systems, and next-generation aerial power.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 11:00:00

Paid Broadcasting Subscribers Decline for Second Consecutive Year The domestic paid broadcasting market continues to experience a decline in subscribers, following its first drop in the first half of 2024. The Broadcasting and Communications Commission announced on May 29 that the number of paid broadcasting subscribers in the second half of last year was 36,150,070, a decrease of 76,030 from the previous half. This downward trend has persisted since the initial decline in early 2024. Specifically, the number of IPTV subscribers in the second half of last year rose to 21,435,425, an increase of 0.46 percentage points compared to the first half. In contrast, the number of subscribers for cable operators (SO) fell to 11,935,236, a decrease of 0.37 percentage points, while satellite broadcasting subscribers dropped to 2,679,578, down 0.1 percentage points from the first half. By operator, KT maintained the highest number of subscribers at 9,123,463 (25.24%), followed by SK Broadband (IPTV) with 6,691,354 (18.51%), LG Uplus with 5,720,439 (15.82%), LG HelloVision with 3,391,130 (9.38%), and SK Broadband (SO) with 2,747,125 (7.60%). Meanwhile, the paid broadcasting industry is calling for swift government policy responses due to declining subscribers and worsening profitability. According to industry sources, cable TV revenues have decreased by 33% over the past decade, with operating profits plummeting by 97%. The burden of the broadcasting development fund is also a major concern for the industry. A representative from a cable company stated, "We are paying 168% of our operating profit towards the broadcasting development fund," adding that some cable operators are unable to meet their fund obligations. He further emphasized, "It is urgent to implement comprehensive and effective support measures, such as reducing the broadcasting development fund, securing legal status for regional channel support, and establishing reasonable content pricing, to ensure that cable TV can maintain its unique value of regional representation and achieve sustainable growth." 2026-05-29 10:56:00

LIGHTSUM's Yujeong set to make acting debut in YouTube rom-com SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - Yujeong of K-pop girl group LIGHTSUM is set to make her acting debut in the web-based drama series "Subscription Love," her agency Cube Entertainment said on Friday. "Subscription Love," scheduled for release later in the day on the YouTube channel Rocodi, is a romance comedy set in a world where an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered dating subscription service matches a young man and woman, who grow closer while carrying out missions assigned in each episode. Yujeong plays a young woman who keeps failing at relationships and begins to experience changes through the subscription service. "I am thrilled that the series is finally being released," Yujeong said. "Since it was my first time acting in a drama, everything felt new to me, and I learned a lot while filming it." Expectations are high among fans to see Yujeong reveal a new side of herself through her acting debut, beyond her activities as a member of LIGHTSUM. Since debuting in 2021, the six members of LIGHTSUM, known for their bright songs, sharp choreography and youthful performances, have remained active through television appearances, festival performances and unit projects 2026-05-29 10:54:23

Korea Credit Guarantee Fund Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Vision for Future Growth The Korea Credit Guarantee Fund marked its 50th anniversary by reflecting on its achievements alongside small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and outlining plans to enhance its role as a policy finance institution. On May 28, the fund held a ceremony titled '50 Years of Corporate Partnership' at Dragon City in Seoul. The event aimed to highlight the fund's contributions to the growth of SMEs over the past five decades and to share a vision for sustainable growth moving forward. Approximately 300 attendees included lawmakers such as Ahn Do-geol, Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Commission Kwon Dae-young, former Minister of Strategy and Finance Yoon Jeung-hyun, and former Chairman of the Financial Services Commission Kim Joo-hyun, along with financial experts, business representatives, and current and former employees of the fund. In his speech, Chairman Kang Seung-jun stated, "The past 50 years of South Korea's economy is a history of growth shared between the fund and SMEs. We will continue to fulfill our role as a policy finance institution to support corporate growth in the next 100 years." Kang emphasized the need to strengthen the fund's role in corporate finance to support economic growth and to pave the way for a new future for the organization. The fund introduced its 'PIPE' strategy, which encompasses four key areas: Productive finance, Inclusive finance, People-centered financial services, and Enduring sustainable futures. This strategy aims to enhance the support system for businesses. Established in 1976 with a basic capital of 32.4 billion won and a guarantee balance of 101.6 billion won, the fund has since expanded its policy finance functions, growing to provide over 100 trillion won in financial support, including 13.3 trillion won in basic capital, 78 trillion won in credit guarantees, and 22 trillion won in credit insurance as of the end of last year. The anniversary ceremony was designed to focus on corporate clients, with the fund presenting awards to 50 outstanding companies recognized for their achievements in five sectors: advanced technology, innovation, and globalization, expressing gratitude to businesses that have contributed to national economic development.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:54:00

Exchange Rate Starts Lower Before Climbing Back Above 1500 Won as Foreign Selling Continues The won-dollar exchange rate is showing an upward trend. As of 10:39 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stands at 1501.3 won per U.S. dollar. The rate opened at 1495.5 won, down 7.3 won from the previous session, before climbing back above 1500 won. Analysts attribute this fluctuation to a recovery in risk appetite overnight, although foreign capital continues to exit the domestic market. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 24.69 points, or 0.05%, at 50,668.97. The S&P 500 index rose by 43.31 points, or 0.58%, to finish at 7,563.67, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 242.74 points, or 0.91%, closing at 26,917.47. With reports suggesting that peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are nearing a conclusion, international oil prices have declined, reflecting a sense of optimism. Overnight, the price of Brent crude for July delivery fell by 0.6% to $93.71 per barrel. Meanwhile, the July futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude closed at $88.90 per barrel, up 0.3% from the previous session. At the same time, foreign investors are net selling 896.4 billion won in the stock market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:50:00

Shell Korea Appoints Min Ji-sun as New CEO Shell Korea announced on May 29 that it has appointed Min Ji-sun as its new CEO, effective June 1. Min joined Shell in 2014 and has worked in various areas, including stakeholder and risk management, as well as external collaboration in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy sectors. In addition to her role as CEO, Min will continue to oversee external collaboration efforts. She aims to strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders in the Korean market and enhance synergies among key business areas. Min Ji-sun stated, "I plan to closely monitor the characteristics and trends of the Korean market to continuously seek practical business opportunities. I will do my best to ensure that Shell Korea plays a meaningful role in the broader energy transition." With Min's appointment, Shell Korea aims to accelerate the discovery of new business opportunities and strengthen stakeholder collaboration in the Korean market. Established in 1977, Shell Korea is the Korean subsidiary of the global energy company Shell, engaging in various sectors, including LNG marketing, business development, and technology licensing support. In South Korea, Shell Korea operates alongside other entities such as Korea Shell Oil, HD Hyundai Shell Base Oil, and Korea Impact Carbon, actively seeking low-carbon solution opportunities, including hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS), to adapt to changes in the energy industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:46:00

Candidates Cast Votes, Urge Action Against Lee Government's Overreach 6.3 local elections began early voting on May 29, with Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate for the National Assembly in Busan, and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, all voicing the need to prevent the overreach of the Lee Jae-myung government as they cast their ballots. Oh arrived at an early voting site at the Hanam-dong community center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, around 8 a.m. with his wife, Song Hyun-ok, a professor at Sejong University. After voting, Oh told reporters, "Seoul stands at a crossroads: will it move toward the future or regress? Will democracy in South Korea advance or slide into dictatorship? This important election has now begun." He added, "If the Lee Jae-myung government wins this election, we may see a return to unchecked power, including the cancellation of the special investigation into the prosecution. I hope voters will deeply consider how to encourage President Lee to lead the country with greater humility after this election." Oh emphasized, "The Seoul city government has only just begun to recover from over a decade of darkness before my return. Now is a critical moment for a significant leap forward. I urge everyone to envision a bright future for Seoul through this election." Han cast his vote at the administrative welfare center in Busan's Mandeok 2-dong and told reporters, "The election in Buk-gu is historically significant for revitalizing a district that has stagnated for 20 years and for rebuilding conservatism to stop the overreach of the Lee Jae-myung government. I voted with a sense of urgency and determination." Regarding voter turnout, he stated, "Regardless of the circumstances, turnout must be high. That is democracy. South Korea has overcome crises and set its direction through citizens' votes. I urge everyone to participate in the election." Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, also voted in his district in Dongtan, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. He remarked, "I believe that voting at a nearby polling place through early voting is a good system that shows public sentiment. I hope candidates from the Reform Party will have many opportunities to serve the community in this election." He added, "The current atmosphere suggests that there is a strong sentiment against the failures and unilateralism of the Lee Jae-myung government. I hope this local election demonstrates that the public will not accept one-sidedness and arrogance. Voting is essential for political change, so I encourage everyone to exercise their voting rights, which are their greatest power."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:38:00

Jung Won-oh's Campaign Files Complaint Against Oh Se-hoon for Election Law Violations Jung Won-oh's campaign committee for the Democratic Party plans to file a complaint against Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, for obstruction of business and violations of election law on May 29 at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Lee Hae-sik, the head of Jung's campaign, and Chae Hyun-il, the head of the comprehensive situation headquarters, stated, "Evidence has emerged that Oh's campaign internally planned, produced, and systematically disseminated defamatory content against Jung." The campaign committee intends to file complaints against both Oh and Kim Sun-dong, the head of Oh's campaign. Chae noted, "According to reports from the previous day, Kim stated, 'I came up with the idea for the Jung Won-oh content.'" He added that card news and short videos were spread through KakaoTalk open chat rooms with hundreds of participants, and there were indications that individual dissemination performance was being monitored. He further criticized, "There is evidence that tailored defamatory content was produced and distributed targeting specific university communities, which constitutes organized online smear campaigns." Chae demanded that Oh take responsibility, stating, "He should clarify the planning and involvement of his campaign in the creation and distribution of defamatory content against Jung, the extent of organized dissemination, and the management of performance, and apologize to the citizens of Seoul." When asked about the specific reasons for including Oh in the complaint, Lee responded, "Such organized planning and dissemination raises questions about whether it could have been a unilateral decision by the campaign headquarters. Ultimately, the political responsibility lies with Oh, which is why he is included in the complaint." Regarding whether the party would consider filing a complaint, Lee said, "For now, we plan to file a complaint at the campaign level, and discussions about a party-level complaint will be held later." Meanwhile, Jung's camp filed a complaint against lawmaker Joo Jin-woo from the People Power Party for alleging that Jung's camp intended to exploit the recent fatal accident at the Seosomun Overpass for political gain. Lee dismissed Joo's claims, stating, "Joo used anonymous online messages related to the Seosomun overpass collapse to suggest that Jung's campaign was politically exploiting the incident, but this is clearly fabricated. It is merely an attempt to politically frame the campaign without any basis linking it to Jung Won-oh's campaign."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:38:00