Masayoshi Son's Strategic Vision: The AI War Began a Decade Ago In the summer of 2016, Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank, acquired the British semiconductor design company ARM for 3.3 trillion yen. At the time, both Japanese media and global financial markets were puzzled. "Why is a telecom company president buying a semiconductor firm?""Isn't that too expensive?""What is the synergy?" Questions poured in. Son's response was unexpected. "In terms of Go, it's like placing a stone 50 moves ahead." Few understood the significance of his statement back then. Now, a decade later, the meaning of those 50 moves is gradually becoming clear. Today, three companies sit at the center of the global AI industry: OpenAI, NVIDIA, and ARM. Son had already secured one of them a decade ago. He is now investing tens of trillions of yen into OpenAI. In Japan, Son's approach to mergers and acquisitions is referred to as 'Go-style M&A.' In South Korea, mergers and acquisitions are often viewed through the lens of market share expansion or economies of scale.However, Son's method is different. He is not merely a man of the present; he is more like a visionary who sketches the future and moves the present accordingly. A look at SoftBank's history reveals consistency. In the 1990s, he invested in Yahoo. In the 2000s, he nurtured Alibaba. During the mobile era, he dominated telecommunications networks. Now, with the advent of the AI era, he has chosen ARM and OpenAI.On the surface, it may seem that his investment targets are constantly changing. Yet the essence remains unchanged. He has always aimed to capture both platforms and infrastructure. In the internet era, it was Yahoo and telecommunications; in the AI era, it encompasses OpenAI and semiconductors. Son sees not just technology but the world that technology will transform. This perspective often leads Japanese business circles to regard him more as a futurist than an entrepreneur. Interestingly, Japanese society traditionally does not favor this type of leader. The core of Japanese corporate culture is stability and accumulation. Toyota has integrated subsidiaries over decades through relationship-building, and Japanese companies have generally preferred gradual evolution over rapid change. Choosing a proven path over high-risk ventures is characteristic of Japanese management. In this context, Son has always been an outlier. As a third-generation Korean resident in Japan, he grew up outside the norms of mainstream Japanese society. From a young age, he traveled between Japan and the United States to conceptualize business ideas, free from the hierarchical and organizational constraints typical of Japanese corporations. He is one of the few Japanese business leaders who openly discusses "10 years later" or "30 years later."In fact, Son has spoken of the concept of a 300-year company since his early days. He has expressed the desire for SoftBank to remain a company that contributes to human civilization even after his death. This renewed attention from Japanese media towards Son stems from this vision. While he was once seen as a reckless gambler, the arrival of the AI era is gradually validating his long-term strategies. Of course, his path has not always been successful. The failed investment in WeWork is a notable example, resulting in significant losses for SoftBank. In Japan, some have declared that "the Masayoshi Son myth has ended." However, Son did not retreat. Instead, he intensified his focus on AI. Recent developments at SoftBank indicate a clear intention to transform from a mere investment company into an AI enterprise. They are developing semiconductors, constructing one of the world's largest data centers, acquiring robotics companies, and collaborating with OpenAI to build a new AI ecosystem. This signifies a commitment not just to invest but to take the lead in the AI industry. The Japanese economy has long grappled with the narrative of the 'lost 30 years.' During this time, while Japanese companies succeeded in stable management, they struggled to position themselves at the forefront of new industrial revolutions. There was a time when Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp led the global electronics industry. However, in the smartphone and platform revolutions, American and Chinese companies seized the initiative. In this sense, Masayoshi Son symbolizes the lost spirit of challenge in the Japanese economy. The outcome remains uncertain. It is unclear whether OpenAI will maintain its current position, or if Chinese companies will dominate the AI robotics market. The effectiveness of ARM's strategy is also uncertain. However, one thing is clear: amid the global competition for AI supremacy, the person with the biggest dreams in Japan is Masayoshi Son. And that dream did not begin yesterday; it started a decade ago with the acquisition of ARM. In Go, the move made now often determines the outcome. However, true masters see not just the current move but the 50 moves yet to come. The reason Masayoshi Son continues to astonish the world may lie in this very difference. The battle of the AI era is not just about technology; it is a contest of time and imagination. Son aims to arrive at the future ahead of everyone else and bring that future into the present.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 08:03:00

SWOT Analysis of Candidates in Busan North District for June 3 By-Election The Busan North District is considered a key battleground in the upcoming June 3 by-election. Initially, Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party held a lead in the three-way race against Park Min-sik of the People Power Party and independent Han Dong-hoon. However, as the election approaches, Han has shown a rapid rise in support, shaking up the dynamics of the race. Analysts suggest that this election will serve as a test for Han's potential to reshape the conservative landscape and for the capabilities of newcomer Ha. Recent polling indicates that while Ha initially led by a significant margin, Han has quickly narrowed the gap. Some surveys suggest a near tie or even a potential reversal in fortunes for Ha. In contrast, Park has struggled to break out of the 20% range, facing challenges in gaining traction. Ha's strengths include the advantages of being the ruling party candidate and strong connections to the central government. His association with the ruling party and support from President Lee Jae-myung and Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo are significant assets. Ha has focused on grassroots campaigning, targeting moderate voters and public sentiment. However, he faces vulnerabilities, including controversies such as the 'handshake controversy,' 'brother controversy,' and allegations of stock manipulation. Critics point out that his lack of direct ties to the district and his AI-focused messaging may not resonate with local issues. Despite these challenges, Ha has an opportunity due to the division within the conservative vote. The failure of a unification between Park and Han could allow the Democratic Party to benefit from a split in conservative support. However, Han's rapid ascent poses a significant threat, with reports indicating that not only moderate voters but also some Democratic-leaning constituents are shifting toward him. Han, a prominent figure, is the biggest wildcard in this election. His recent polling surge has bolstered his image as a symbol of conservative reorganization. He aims to attract moderate voters and disillusioned conservatives by presenting a distinct image from the People Power Party. Some surveys suggest he could be competitive against Ha in a head-to-head matchup. Han has been actively engaging with voters in the district, visiting markets and neighborhoods, which is seen as a key factor in his recent rise. However, as an independent candidate, he faces limitations in organizational strength, and his presidential aspirations may not align with local election dynamics. His confrontational stance against the People Power Party could also pose challenges for future conservative unity. Han's opportunity lies in the narrative of conservative reorganization. If he can attract both disillusioned conservatives and moderate voters, he could not only secure a local victory but also gain symbolic leverage in the broader conservative landscape. Nevertheless, the potential for strategic voting, especially with support from former President Park Geun-hye and the organizational strength of the People Power Party, could threaten Han's prospects. Additionally, the issue of conservative unity post-election remains a concern. Park's strengths include the organizational power of the People Power Party and the consolidation of traditional conservative support. Drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Veterans Affairs and a lawmaker, he emphasizes stability. Notably, the public support from former President Park Geun-hye is seen as a strategy to rally hardline conservatives. However, the failure to unify with Han has weakened his position. Concerns about the fragmentation of conservative votes are becoming a reality, leading to increased pressure for strategic choices among his supporters. There are assessments that his visibility has diminished as he competes with Han for conservative votes. Park's opportunity lies in the potential hidden conservative support. Given that Busan North District has a significant elderly population, there remains a chance for a last-minute consolidation of conservative votes. His campaign is banking on organizational voting power and the support of 'shy conservatives.' However, Han's ability to attract not only moderate voters but also some conservatives poses a significant challenge to the traditional People Power Party dynamics. The failure to unify could also lead to internal conflicts within the party post-election. Political analysts suggest that the outcome in Busan North District will hinge on the moderate vote and strategic voting. Regardless of whether a conservative unification occurs, the key variable will be which candidate can more effectively capture the sentiments of undecided and moderate voters in the final stretch. 2026-05-30 08:03:00

Record High Early Voting Rate Signals Hope in South Korean Democracy On May 29, the first day of early voting for the 9th nationwide local elections recorded a turnout of 11.6%. According to the National Election Commission, this marks the highest first-day turnout for early voting in local elections to date. This figure surpasses the first-day turnout of 10.18% from the 8th local elections in 2022 by 1.42 percentage points and more than doubles the 4.75% recorded during the first early voting in the 6th local elections in 2014. Interpreting this turnout as a direct reflection of public interest in politics requires caution. The Election Commission noted that the relatively low enthusiasm during the 2022 local elections was due to their timing shortly after the presidential election. Nevertheless, the significance of this record should not be underestimated. Even in an era marked by deep political distrust, citizens continue to express their will through voting, demonstrating a desire for a better future. The public's view of politics remains critical. The National Assembly is mired in conflict, and political parties are trapped in partisan logic, with trust in the political sphere slow to recover. Yet, citizens consistently turn out to vote during elections, not necessarily out of satisfaction with politics, but because they recognize that politics is the most practical and peaceful means to change their lives. Democracy is realized through voting. A democracy without citizen participation is merely a shell. In contrast, an actively participating democracy can correct its own mistakes and evolve. High voter turnout is one of the most important indicators of a healthy democracy. It is evidence that citizens are not indifferent to politics but are demanding better governance. Local elections have traditionally been viewed as less significant than presidential or general elections. However, local governments and councils have the most direct impact on citizens' lives. Many policies regarding transportation, welfare, education, urban planning, environment, and local economies are determined by local authorities. The quality of administrative services that residents experience daily also varies based on the capabilities of local administrations. In this context, the enthusiasm for early voting can be interpreted as a sign that local governance is maturing. Residents are actively showing their commitment to deciding the future of their communities. Political leaders must take the message conveyed by this voter turnout seriously. Citizens are not apathetic toward politics; rather, they are disappointed by the current political system's failure to meet expectations. An increase in voter turnout may not signify support for the political establishment but rather a demand for improvement. After the elections, political leaders should not forget this message. Today marks the last day of early voting. Voting is not an act for a specific party or candidate; it is a civic responsibility to determine the future of one's community and to uphold democracy in South Korea."What difference does my one vote make?" some may wonder. However, history has always been shaped by each individual vote. Presidents, lawmakers, and local leaders are ultimately elected by the people's votes. Democracy begins not with grand slogans but at the ballot box. Winston Churchill once said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried." Democracy functions because citizens monitor and evaluate power through their votes. The moment one gives up voting, the right to criticize politics weakens as well. The record high early voting turnout for this local election clearly shows one fact: the public still believes in democracy. Despite significant disappointment in politics, citizens have not abandoned hope in voting. This is the strength of democracy in South Korea. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and it is the most powerful force driving democracy. The meaning of the highest early voting rate is fulfilled not by numbers but by participation. Each citizen's vote shapes the future of their community and determines the future of South Korea. This is the essence, principle, and common sense of democracy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 07:42:00

Hyundai Motor Group Unions Unite for Collective Action Amid Industry Transition Unions from Hyundai Motor Group's affiliates have initiated a joint action for the first time in history. Discussions are underway among 38 major unions, including those from Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Steel, and Hyundai Glovis. The total membership of these unions is approximately 87,000, raising the possibility of a large-scale collective action involving nearly 90,000 members depending on the outcome of future discussions. The unions plan to discuss specific strategies in a meeting scheduled for early next month. The significance of this movement is substantial, as it represents the first instance of collective bargaining and joint action encompassing both primary contractors and affiliates since the implementation of the so-called Yellow Envelope Law in March. Hyundai Motor Group is a symbol of South Korean manufacturing. The automotive industry is interconnected with numerous sectors, including steel, parts, logistics, semiconductors, and batteries. Disruptions in Hyundai Motor Group's production lines can significantly impact not only its suppliers and local economies but also the national economy. This issue is garnering attention as it transcends mere labor disputes and touches upon the competitiveness of our industry. In recent years, Hyundai Motor Group has achieved record-high performance. Amid the industry's transition to electrification and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), workers are expressing concerns about job security. The unions are raising issues regarding retirement age extension, reduced working hours, and changes in employment due to AI implementation. However, it is essential to view the reality with a clear perspective. The global automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation not seen in a century. Chinese electric vehicle companies are growing at an alarming rate, and American and European firms are fiercely competing in the future vehicle market. Notably, Chinese companies are gaining ground in the global market by leveraging both price competitiveness and technological prowess. In this context, the greatest threat to our automotive industry is the weakening of competitiveness due to internal conflicts. Hyundai Motor Group cannot rest on its current successes, and labor unions should not base their future judgments solely on present achievements. In today's global market, competition is not between individuals but between companies and nations. The automotive industry is rapidly evolving into one centered around AI and software. Autonomous driving, robotics, software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and battery technology will determine future competitiveness. Maintaining the employment structure and production methods of the internal combustion engine era is no longer feasible. It has become increasingly important for labor and management to collaboratively create new jobs and adapt to new technologies. Concerns are also rising about increased uncertainty in the industrial sector following the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law. While protecting workers' rights is crucial, it should not stifle corporate management activities and investment enthusiasm. The intent of the law should be respected, but complementary measures to minimize disruption in the industrial sector must also be established. Above all, what is needed is dialogue, not confrontation. While unions may use strikes as a negotiating tool, it should not become their primary objective. Companies should share successes during prosperous times and present a vision for future employment. A labor-management relationship devoid of trust ultimately leads to losses for all parties involved. The South Korean economy faces significant challenges, including low growth, an aging population, and the restructuring of global supply chains. If manufacturing competitiveness falters, the entire national economy will inevitably suffer. Both labor and management at Hyundai Motor Group must recognize the profound impact their decisions will have on the broader South Korean industry. The fundamentals, principles, and common sense are surprisingly simple. Companies must maintain competitiveness to create sustainable jobs, and workers need stable employment to plan for the future. The labor-management relationship is ultimately about coexistence. It is essential to seek paths for mutual survival rather than victories for one side. The choices made by labor and management at Hyundai Motor Group are not merely issues for a single company; they are directly linked to the future of South Korean manufacturing. Both sides must demonstrate the wisdom to look beyond immediate interests and consider the industry's competitiveness in 10 or 20 years. What is needed now is not an escalation of conflict but a shared solution for the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 07:42:00

South Korea to host first Korea-Africa foreign ministers' meeting SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - South Korea will host its first standalone Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting next week, bringing together representatives from 54 African countries and four regional organizations as Seoul seeks to deepen economic ties, diversify supply chains and strengthen cooperation on global challenges. The three-day gathering, scheduled for May 31 to June 2 in Seoul, comes as governments worldwide race to secure critical mineral supplies and build more resilient supply chains amid growing geopolitical and trade uncertainties. The meeting will be accompanied by a Korea-Africa Business Forum involving government agencies and private-sector participants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the conference will focus on expanding practical cooperation for shared prosperity and coordinating responses to challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions and climate change to development and security issues. The main ministerial session on June 1 will be co-chaired by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, representing the African Union's vice chair country for 2026. Ministers will hold two plenary sessions. The first session, titled "Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth," will review cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, education, food security and supply chains, while exploring ways to expand economic engagement between South Korea and African economies. The second session, "Joint Responses to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity," will discuss practical cooperation in development assistance, climate action, public health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges. On the sidelines of the meeting, Cho is expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with participating foreign ministers to discuss issues including Korean business expansion in Africa, supply chain cooperation and the protection of overseas nationals. The ministry will also host the Korea-Africa Business Forum on June 2 jointly with the Korea-Africa Foundation, KOTRA, the Korea International Trade Association and Yonhap News Agency. The forum will provide a venue for businesses and institutions to explore investment opportunities and discuss practical cooperation measures related to global supply chain challenges. The meeting marks South Korea's first foreign ministers' conference dedicated exclusively to Africa and follows Seoul's broader diplomatic push to diversify its partnerships beyond traditional allies while expanding its role as what the government describes as a "globally responsible state." Separately, Hyundai Motor Group will provide transportation support for visiting delegations under an agreement with the Foreign Ministry. 2026-05-30 07:41:11

Pet Insurance Market Shifts Toward Everyday Coverage as Vet Visits Rise As pet owners increasingly utilize veterinary services, the pet insurance market is seeing a rise in products that offer coverage for routine exams and minor illnesses. While past policies focused primarily on high-cost surgeries and severe conditions, there is now a growing demand for coverage that can be used frequently during regular vet visits. A survey conducted by MyBrown, a pet insurance company, among 300 female pet owners aged 30 to 49 living in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, revealed that over 70% reported visiting the vet two to five times a year. The primary reasons for these visits were vaccinations and parasite prevention. The survey also indicated a high demand for treatment related to common conditions such as skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and dental problems. The financial burden of veterinary care is a consistent concern. The average cost per vet visit was approximately 150,000 won, with annual veterinary expenses averaging around 580,000 won. Pet owners of cats reported even higher annual costs, averaging 710,000 won. Pet medical expenses are increasingly resembling regular living costs, as they are incurred repeatedly with each vet visit rather than as one-time expenses for surgeries. Unexpected situations, such as pets swallowing toys or foreign objects, or the rising demand for MRIs and CT scans for aging pets, contribute to the financial strain that owners frequently experience. Conditions like skin diseases and gastrointestinal issues, which require frequent vet visits, also lead to recurring expenses. In response, the pet insurance market is expanding its coverage to include not only major surgeries but also the frequent exams and treatments that pet owners encounter. This trend is reflected in insurance claim data. The most commonly claimed conditions included atopic, bacterial, and fungal dermatitis (10.7%), otitis externa and ear canal infections (10.2%), and gastroenteritis (5.5%). Other common issues, such as foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract and vomiting, also ranked among the top claims. Lee Yong-hwan, CEO of MyBrown, stated, "As pet ownership involvement increases, there is a growing interest in insurance that covers not only major surgeries and severe illnesses but also everyday diseases that require frequent care."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 07:03:00

Former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in Take Divergent Paths Ahead of Local Elections As the local elections approach, the contrasting actions of former presidents are drawing attention. Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak are actively campaigning for People Power Party candidates, while Moon Jae-in is taking a quieter approach without public endorsements.According to political sources on May 30, Park, once dubbed the 'Queen of Elections,' has been making extensive campaign appearances in regions including Daegu, Chungcheong, and now Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. This marks her first significant election support effort since her impeachment in 2017, nearly nine years ago. During her visits, she has been accompanied by candidates for local and national offices from the People Power Party, urging voters to support them.Lee Myung-bak has also joined the campaign efforts. On May 15, he walked along Cheonggyecheon in Seoul with Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for mayor, encouraging supporters to back him. He is scheduled to visit Busan on May 31 to express his support for Park Hyung-joon, the candidate for mayor there.In contrast, Moon Jae-in has refrained from any official external activities during this election cycle. Analysts suggest that the poor results of the Democratic Party in the Gyeongnam region during the April 10 elections two years ago may have influenced his decision. Despite his efforts to campaign in Gyeongnam, Busan, and Ulsan at that time, the Democratic Party only secured three seats in the region.The involvement of former presidents in the election is seen as an attempt to galvanize voter turnout among their support bases. With traditional supporters potentially less likely to vote, they are calling for unity. However, there are concerns that such endorsements could backfire. While they may help consolidate support, they could also alienate moderate voters.In Park's case, her return to the political scene after being the first president in South Korea to be impeached could lead to voter fatigue. Therefore, it has been suggested that the messages from former presidents should focus on national unity rather than deepening political divides or reverting to past conflicts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 07:03:00

White House Meeting on Iran Peace Talks Concludes; Trump Yet to Decide President Donald Trump has concluded a meeting in the White House Situation Room regarding peace negotiations with Iran, according to an official cited by AFP. On May 29, Trump announced via his Truth Social account that he would hold a meeting to make a final decision, stating, "I will be in the Situation Room now to make a final decision." The meeting began at 10:51 a.m. Eastern Time. With the meeting now over, Trump is expected to soon reveal whether he will approve the contents of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) tentatively agreed upon by U.S. and Iranian officials. The New York Times reported, citing an anonymous senior official, that although the Situation Room meeting lasted about two hours, Trump has not yet made any decisions. The official noted, "The administration believes it is close to an agreement, but specific issues, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, are still under discussion."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 06:09:00

KOSPI Approaches 8500 Amid Semiconductor Rally; Nvidia Event Ahead The South Korean stock market continues its strong rally, driven by semiconductor stocks, with the KOSPI nearing the 8500 mark. Expectations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have boosted the market. However, the recent launch of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has intensified market volatility due to concentrated supply and demand. Analysts are closely watching next week’s Nvidia annual AI conference, ‘GTC Taipei 2026,’ and U.S. employment data to gauge the sustainability of the semiconductor rally and the potential for sector rotation. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index rose by 290.86 points (3.55%) to close at 8476.15 on the previous trading day. Over the week from May 26 to May 29, the KOSPI increased by 8.01%, while the KOSDAQ fell by 7.43%. This week, the domestic market has seen a pronounced concentration of supply and demand in the semiconductor sector. With the easing of strike risks following a tentative agreement between Samsung Electronics and its labor union, UBS raised its price target for Micron from $535 to $1625, significantly improving investor sentiment in the global memory sector. Additionally, the launch of single-stock leveraged ETFs for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix has attracted individual investors to large-cap semiconductor stocks, driving the index higher. As of May 27, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix accounted for 52% of the KOSPI’s market capitalization. In contrast, existing semiconductor ETFs and KOSDAQ semiconductor stocks experienced capital outflows, contributing to the KOSDAQ's decline. Analysts attribute the widening performance gap between the KOSPI and KOSDAQ to this concentration in semiconductor stocks. Shin Eol, a researcher at Sangsangin Securities, noted, “Since May, the KOSPI has shown a coupling effect when semiconductors decline and a decoupling effect when they rise. The ADR indicator, which reflects the number of rising and falling stocks in the market, has dropped to 55%, below the recognized floor of 75%. The VKOSPI, which indicates market volatility, has also surpassed 70 points again in May, indicating a significant level of volatility compared to the typical 30-point increase seen in expanded volatility phases.” He added, “Given the current environment where buying and selling are crossing paths, and investor sentiment remains somewhat unstable, it is advisable to be cautious about short-term profit-taking on individual stocks.” Geopolitical risks in the Middle East appear to be easing. President Donald Trump mentioned on social media that negotiations with Iran are progressing smoothly, and reports indicate that both sides are nearing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has alleviated some upward pressure on oil prices. However, military clashes between U.S. forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard continue, maintaining market caution. Next week, a global IT event and U.S. employment data are on the agenda. From June 1 to 4, Nvidia’s GTC Taipei 2026 will take place, featuring a keynote address by CEO Jensen Huang, with AI chips, agentic AI, and physical AI expected to be key topics. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are also anticipated to highlight their collaboration on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) during the event. The domestic market will be closed on June 3 for the 9th nationwide local elections. On June 5, the U.S. is set to release data on non-farm payrolls, unemployment rates, and average hourly earnings for May. The market expects an increase of 95,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jo Byeong-hyeon, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, stated, “The market interest rates seem to already reflect concerns about oil prices and inflation, along with a hawkish Federal Reserve stance. Therefore, employment data that slightly falls short of expectations could be interpreted positively. However, if the data deviates significantly from expectations, it may act as a factor of volatility.” Analysts are leaning towards the likelihood of a continued semiconductor-led rally in the short term. However, given the excessive concentration of supply and demand in the semiconductor and IT hardware sectors during May’s market surge, there are discussions about the potential for sector rotation towards industries with improved earnings, such as secondary batteries, shipbuilding, defense, and securities in June. Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, remarked, “In May, the speed of stock price increases was rapid, largely influenced by the expansion of price-to-earnings ratios (PER) and the effects of leveraged ETF supply. In June, there is a possibility of sector rotation towards industries with improved earnings per share (EPS) outside of IT.” He emphasized, “The key is not the departure of leading stocks but the maintenance of leadership while expanding into other sectors.” Jo added, “In the short term, with upward pressures on oil prices and interest rates easing, we can expect some recovery in the relative strength of the KOSDAQ and sector rotation. However, since we are not in a phase of declining interest rates, the choices will still narrow down to industries within the AI value chain that can outpace interest rate pressures.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 06:03:00

Taiwanese Celebrity Lin Chi-ling Faces Backlash Over Pro-China Stance The phrase "Liang'an bushi ren" (兩岸不是人) reflects a cynical view that neither side of the Taiwan Strait—mainland China and Taiwan—welcomes certain individuals. Recently, this expression has resurfaced in discussions surrounding Taiwanese celebrity Lin Chi-ling's recent actions. The controversy began when Lin was appointed to the board of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), an organization established by the Taiwanese government in 2019 to promote the cultural content industry and support global marketing efforts. Her appointment aimed to leverage her international experience. However, upon the announcement of her appointment, criticism arose from pro-independence factions in Taiwan. The backlash intensified after Lin shared a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo on October 1, 2023, celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, along with a video of her singing a patriotic song in China. This fueled accusations of her pro-China stance. Critics argued that her role on the board of an agency tasked with promoting Taiwanese identity and cultural content was inappropriate, especially during a sensitive period in cross-strait relations. Some claimed that the agency should maintain a certain distance from mainland China. In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council publicly supported Lin's appointment, urging her to "disconnect from China and return to Taiwan" (脫中返台). However, this statement reportedly complicated Lin's position, as she has been active in both Taiwan and mainland China. Ultimately, Lin broke her silence just nine days after her appointment, stating that she wished to prevent further "baseless speculation and misunderstandings" and announced her resignation. This led to a wave of criticism from Chinese netizens. In China, many view TAICCA as part of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's 'cultural Taiwan independence' policy. Some online commentators interpreted Lin's acceptance of the board position as a pro-independence move. Additionally, her quick resignation raised suspicions that it was a strategic decision to continue her activities in mainland China. Lin hails from Tainan, a city known for its strong anti-China sentiment. Her father is a well-known supporter of former President Tsai Ing-wen, who advocates for Taiwanese independence. Consequently, Lin faced backlash when she began her career in mainland China. Despite this, she maintained popularity in China as cross-strait relations stabilized over time. After marrying a Japanese actor in 2019, she reduced her public appearances but resumed her activities in mainland China this year. Following the recent controversy, Lin's name was removed from the cast list of a Chinese drama in which she was expected to make a special appearance, and other entertainment programs are reportedly seeking replacements for her. This indicates a growing atmosphere of boycott against Lin in mainland China. This situation has drawn comparisons to the 2016 'Tzuyu incident,' where Tzuyu, a member of the K-pop group TWICE from Taiwan, faced backlash from Chinese netizens for waving a Taiwanese flag on a Korean broadcast. After publicly apologizing, she encountered a backlash in Taiwan as well. Ultimately, the phrase "Liang'an bushi ren" encapsulates the precarious reality faced by Taiwanese celebrities amid escalating cross-strait tensions. They become targets of controversy without explicitly stating their political views, and any perceived alignment with one side can provoke backlash from the other. As cross-strait relations worsen, the space for Taiwanese entertainers continues to shrink.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 06:03:00