'I Am Solo' Season 31's Ok-soon Closes SNS Account Amid Rumors SBS Plus and ENA's 'I Am Solo' Season 31 participant Ok-soon addressed rumors surrounding her on May 28 during a live broadcast on the YouTube channel 'Chonjang Entertainment TV.' Ok-soon explained her decision to close her social media accounts, stating, "I can handle the negative comments directed at me, but they have also targeted my friends. That’s why I decided to shut down my SNS." She expressed her distress, saying, "It’s okay for people to criticize me, but please don’t talk about my family or friends." Regarding the controversy over her name change, Ok-soon clarified, "I never liked my original name. I didn’t change it to hide my past; I changed it because there are many administrative procedures for a flight attendant, like obtaining a U.S. visa and passport. I informed my parents and changed my name after leaving the company when I had more time." She added, "I don’t participate in community discussions, but my friends have been very supportive, feeling sorry for me. Many of the claims made on anonymous boards are not true." Ok-soon also denied rumors that she left her job to get married, stating, "That’s not true. I am very ambitious about my career." She specifically addressed her breakup with Young-ho, the final couple from the show, saying, "After filming, Young-ho and I were dating well, but I had to go abroad for personal reasons, and we broke up early in the broadcast. The rumors about marriage, pregnancy, and meeting his parents are all false; I have never met his parents, and there was no opposition from them." Previously, the show had sparked controversy when Ok-soon, Jeong-hee, and Young-sook appeared to ostracize or gossip about Soon-ja.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:58:00

Justice Ministry Reports Passage of 38 Livelihood and Safety Bills in One Year The Justice Ministry reported significant achievements, noting that 38 livelihood and safety bills have passed the National Assembly in the year since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration (the People’s Sovereignty Government). According to data released by the Justice Ministry on May 28, a total of 79 bills under its jurisdiction have passed the National Assembly in the last three years (from June 2023 to May 2026). Notably, nearly half of these bills, 38 (48.1%), were passed in the past year (from June 2025 to May 2026). This marks a 65% increase compared to the same period last year (23 bills) and over a 111% increase from two years ago (18 bills). A Justice Ministry official explained that this success is the result of the ministry's operational mobilization under the directive of Minister Jeong Seong-ho to prioritize legislation directly affecting people's livelihoods, as well as effective persuasion of both ruling and opposition parties. The legislative focus has been sharply aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. One of the most notable achievements is the 'Stalking Victim Protection Order System,' passed in March. Previously, victims had to go through investigative agencies to receive protection, but now they can directly request restraining orders from the court. Additionally, a system providing real-time location information of offenders (passed in December 2025) has been established, creating a practical safety net for victims against retaliatory crimes. Management of high-risk sexual violence offenders has also been significantly strengthened. Under a bill passed in April, offenders deemed at high risk of reoffending will be assigned a dedicated probation officer, regardless of the victim's age. Furthermore, support for victims of serious crimes such as murder and robbery has been expanded to include public defenders, and minors or disabled victims can receive assistance without a separate application, reinforcing the state’s protective responsibility. The Justice Ministry has also updated outdated legal frameworks that failed to reflect societal changes. The provision that exempted family crimes from punishment has been revised to align with contemporary realities, and the qualifications of immoral heirs have been revoked, leading to a comprehensive revision of civil law for the first time in 67 years (passed in February 2026). This is seen as a historic decision to address criticisms that the law has not kept pace with modern family dynamics. Additionally, amendments to commercial law have expanded the duty of loyalty for corporate directors to shareholders and mandated the buyback of treasury shares, enhancing transparency in capital markets. Revisions to the lease protection law have also made it mandatory for landlords to disclose details of opaque management fees for small business owners. In response to organized fraud that drives ordinary citizens to the brink, the ministry has focused not only on judicial punishment but also on economic sanctions. Legal grounds have been established for the state to confiscate and recover profits from specific fraud crimes, such as voice phishing, multi-level marketing, and rental fraud, returning them to victims. The pinnacle of these legislative achievements is the enactment of the Anti-Japanese Property Recovery Act, passed in May. This law revives the Anti-Japanese Property Investigation Committee after 16 years, initiating a systematic recovery process. Notably, the scope of recoverable assets has been expanded to include not only properties obtained through pro-Japanese activities but also profits gained by descendants from disposing of these assets, enabling substantial restitution. Recovered assets will be prioritized for the welfare of independence activists and their families. Minister Jeong Seong-ho emphasized, "The results reflect the core keywords of the Lee Jae-myung administration: public safety, livelihood, and reform. We will ensure that the passage of these bills leads to swift implementation and system establishment so that citizens can feel the changes in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:58:00

Industrialization and Democratization Must Continue Last week, a significant event took place in the National Assembly. The French Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted a forum to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, as well as the 40th anniversary of the chamber's establishment. The organizers chose the National Assembly as the venue to symbolize democracy and the shared values of both nations. While economic exchanges between the two countries are robust, they emphasized the importance of liberal democracy as the foundation of their relationship. Korea's rising status in the international community is partly due to this emphasis. The country boasts world-class competitiveness in advanced industries such as semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, and defense, while also maintaining a liberal democratic system. Amid increasing uncertainty in the international order due to U.S.-China competition and conflicts in the Middle East, democratic nations are seeking reliable partners rather than merely low-cost production bases. Korea stands out as a nation that is both trustworthy and capable. The era when industrial competitiveness alone earned respect in the international community is fading. As authoritarian regimes weaponize technology and resources, the importance of solidarity among nations that share democracy, rule of law, and market order is growing. Conversely, nations that merely proclaim liberal democratic values without industrial competitiveness struggle to be seen as practical partners during supply chain crises. In this context, Korea is recognized as a rare example of achieving both democratization and industrialization. However, the phrase "crisis of democracy" is being discussed globally. Political polarization, populism, and distrust in representative systems have led some to argue that authoritarian regimes are more efficient. Yet, history shows that societies lacking freedom of expression, rule of law, and checks on power ultimately collapse due to internal corruption, violence, and economic distortion. While liberal democracy is not perfect, it is difficult to deny that it is the best system for both individuals and groups among the political systems humanity has created. Korea has demonstrated this truth through its own history. The nation has achieved both industrialization and democratization, maintaining its democratic system even amid economic crises and political upheaval. Thus, liberal democracy is not just a political slogan; it is the foundation of today's Korean economy and international trust. Nevertheless, industrialization and democratization are ongoing processes, not completed tasks. In the context of a global AI revolution, Korea must continue its efforts toward new industrialization while also safeguarding and advancing democracy. The existence of movements that advocate for armed insurrection against the people indicates that the authoritarian legacies threatening democratic order have not been entirely eradicated. The ongoing discussions about enshrining the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement in the constitution also face significant obstacles. The most fundamental mechanism for protecting liberal democracy is elections. Therefore, the upcoming local elections will serve not only to select local leaders but also as a test of the health of Korean democracy. The importance of local elections is often overshadowed by major national political issues, but democracy ultimately strengthens through participation at the local and everyday levels. Democracy does not collapse suddenly; it weakens gradually amid indifference and resignation. Conversely, democracy grows stronger when citizens remain engaged and involved. The reason the world is paying attention to Korea is not solely due to its economic power. After countless sacrifices beginning with the Korean War, Korea has preserved its liberal democracy and continues to strive for its advancement, which is as significant an asset as its semiconductor industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:54:00

KOSPI Falls Below 8200 Amid Middle East Concerns; KOSDAQ Drops Over 2% The KOSPI index fell below 8200 on Wednesday, pressured by simultaneous selling from foreign and institutional investors. Following a surge in semiconductor stocks the previous day, profit-taking emerged, compounded by rising oil prices and government bond yields that dampened investor sentiment. The KOSDAQ also closed down more than 2% due to institutional selling. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished at 8185.29, down 43.41 points (0.53%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 8165.73, down 62.97 points (0.77%), and initially widened its losses due to foreign selling. Although it briefly turned positive with an influx of retail buying, it reversed course and fell again in the afternoon. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "Discussions on the long-term asset allocation plan by the pension fund management committee highlighted the burden of domestic equity exposure, while foreign net selling and rising exchange rates constrained investor sentiment. The recent concentration in semiconductor stocks has eased, leading to profit-taking across various sectors." He added, "With the dollar-won exchange rate surpassing 1500 won again and financial investments turning to net selling, supply and demand pressures have increased. Rising oil prices and government bond yields have also contributed to weakening the preference for risk assets." In the securities market, individuals net bought 4.5098 trillion won, while foreign and institutional investors net sold 3.6819 trillion won and 999.5 billion won, respectively. Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Hynix (up 2.05%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 13.44%), LG Energy Solution (up 15.25%), and Samsung Life Insurance (up 0.85%) closed higher. Conversely, Samsung Electronics (down 2.44%), SK Square (down 3.06%), Hyundai Motor (down 0.59%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (down 5.38%), Doosan Enerbility (down 2.40%), and Samsung C&T (down 2.68%) ended lower. The KOSDAQ index closed at 1104.36, down 28.77 points (2.54%) from the previous day. The index opened at 1135.84, up 2.71 points (0.24%), but turned negative due to selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors, subsequently widening its losses. In the KOSDAQ market, individuals and foreigners net bought 136.8 billion won and 316 billion won, respectively, while institutions net sold 389 billion won. Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (down 4.40%), Rainbow Robotics (down 4.37%), Juseong Engineering (down 9.17%), Kolon TissueGene (down 6.33%), Samchundang Pharmaceutical (down 3.84%), and Rino Industrial (down 3.32%) closed lower, while EcoPro BM (up 2.34%), EcoPro (up 1.26%), and Peptron (up 11.30%) finished higher.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:50:00

Korea Railroad Corporation Denies Requests for Extended Work Hours The dispute over responsibility for the Seosomun overpass collapse is intensifying between Seoul City and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL). KORAIL firmly rebutted claims made by Seoul City, which cited "limitations on railroad work hours" as a contributing factor to the accident, stating, "We have not received any requests to extend work hours, nor were we informed of any discrepancies during the accident." On May 28, KORAIL issued a follow-up statement titled "Clarification on the Seosomun Overpass Collapse" after an initial release earlier that morning. KORAIL emphasized, "We have not received any requests from Seoul City regarding 24-hour work or work on all 30 days of the month. On the day of the accident, we were not informed by the construction company or Seoul City about any safety inspections related to discrepancies." KORAIL also raised concerns about the circumstances leading up to the accident. According to KORAIL, at 4:25 a.m. on May 26, the work supervisor communicated to Seoul Station that the work was completed without mentioning any discrepancies. When requesting work approval at 8:15 a.m., the supervisor only described it as "routine daytime work outside of the danger zone," failing to mention that it was related to safety inspections due to discrepancies. KORAIL stressed, "Despite stopping work due to discrepancies during nighttime operations, we informed Seoul Station that the work was completed normally." Previously, on May 27, Seoul City explained during a briefing on the circumstances surrounding the Seosomun overpass accident that it had requested KORAIL to conduct continuous 24-hour work for the rapid demolition of the overpass. However, during negotiations, the work hours were limited to about three hours during the early morning, resulting in delays in construction. In response, KORAIL stated that long-term disruptions to train operations are practically unfeasible due to safety concerns. The Seosomun crossing is a critical section for trains, including KTX, moving to maintenance facilities, and prolonged track closures could disrupt rail operations nationwide. KORAIL added, "This area experiences heavy traffic during the day, with both trains and vehicles operating simultaneously," and noted that Seoul City had been discussing nighttime closure work methods since the initial planning stages.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:50:00

KB Insurance Offers 5% Discount on Premiums for Riders Completing Safety Training KB Insurance is launching a new policy that offers a 5% discount on auto insurance premiums for delivery riders who complete safety training. The "Rider Safety Training Discount" will be available starting June 26 for new contracts. This policy targets motorcycle delivery drivers who complete online safety training provided by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. It is applicable only to insured individuals using their personal motorcycles for commercial delivery. KB Insurance aims to encourage voluntary participation in safety training among delivery riders, contributing to the prevention of motorcycle accidents and the promotion of a culture of safe driving. With the increase in delivery demand and motorcycle usage, the company hopes that the premium discount will incentivize more riders to engage in safety training. In conjunction with the policy launch, KB Insurance participated in a campaign to promote safety culture among riders. On May 27, the "Seoul Rider Safety ON" joint campaign was held at Olympic Park in Seoul, involving the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, the Korea Road Traffic Authority, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, delivery platform companies, and the insurance industry. At the event, free safety inspections, safety training based on accident cases, protective gear experiences and distribution, as well as consultations on motorcycle insurance and accidents were provided to delivery workers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:50:00

Chinese Embassy in Seoul Criticizes U.S. Forces Commander for 'Dagger' Comment On May 28, China expressed strong opposition to comments made by U.S. Forces Korea Commander Jay B. Brunson, who likened South Korea to a "dagger" aimed at China. The Chinese Embassy in Seoul issued a statement in response to Brunson's remarks, warning that "your comments have clearly crossed a line." Earlier, Brunson had described South Korea's geographical position and the significance of U.S. forces stationed there, referring to the country as both a "dagger" and a "fixed aircraft carrier" in the context of countering China. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy questioned whether Brunson's characterization of U.S. forces as an aircraft carrier or dagger was an act of aggression or an attempt to hold other nations hostage. The spokesperson also referenced a recent meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and China, where they agreed to establish a "constructive and strategic stable relationship," and asked if Brunson's hostile remarks had Washington's approval or were intended to undermine the agreements reached during that summit. The spokesperson noted that some South Korean media outlets had criticized Brunson's comments, urging the U.S. Forces Korea Commander to show greater respect for regional countries and to work towards enhancing peace and stability in the region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:46:00

Kancho Launches Season 2 of 'Find My Name' Event Lotte Wellfood announced on May 28 that it will launch Season 2 of its consumer participation event, "Find My Name," featuring its chocolate snack, Kancho. The first season of the event, held from September to November last year, gained significant attention as participants sought names engraved on the snacks, including their own and those of loved ones. The event sparked a trend on social media, with consumers engaging in a buying frenzy known as "Kancho-gang" until their desired names appeared, leading to a threefold increase in sales during the event and resulting in a shortage of the product. This year's event has been upgraded for a more enjoyable experience with friends and family. The number of names featured on the snacks has been expanded from 504 to 550. The new names are primarily based on popular baby names while excluding those from Season 1 to enhance variety. The event also introduces new fun elements. A real-time ranking of submitted names will be available on the event page, and the top two most submitted names will be used to create special merchandise for prizes. The packaging has been redesigned with Kancho characters "Kani" and "Choni" embarking on an adventure to find names. To participate, consumers can take a photo of the Kancho snack with their name on it and upload it to the event page via a QR code on the front of the package. The submission period runs from April 27 to June 7. Lotte Wellfood has prepared a total of 5 million won worth of prizes. Customers who participate with their own names will have a chance to win an iPhone 17 (2 winners), Marshall Acton 3 speakers (3 winners), and Illy Easy Pod Machines (5 winners). Those who submit names of others can also win 10,000 won gift certificates for 7-Eleven (30 winners) and Kancho exchange gift coupons (100 winners). Winners will be announced on June 19. A representative from Lotte Wellfood stated, "Thanks to the explosive interest we received last year, we are excited to present Season 2 with an expanded list of 550 names. We hope participants enjoy the name-finding game with their loved ones and create special memories with Kancho." Lotte Wellfood has been actively expanding its consumer participation events. In February, it held the "Draw Happiness on Castard" event, encouraging consumers to draw on Castard packaging and share it on social media. Last year, it launched the "Finding Happy Mongshell" event, inspired by the chocolate decoration resembling a smiling face, which also gained popularity online.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:46:00

Kakao Union Secures Right to Strike as CEO Emphasizes Unity "While we have not yet sufficiently narrowed our differences, I will work harder to unite us as one Kakao through dialogue," Jeong Shin-a, CEO of Kakao, stated in a company bulletin amid a looming strike crisis following failed wage negotiations between management and the union. Jeong expressed regret to employees, known as "crew," for not quickly resolving various concerns and uncertainties. Kakao recently reported its highest quarterly performance to date and alleviated concerns over legal risks facing founder Kim Beom-soo, seemingly addressing internal issues. However, the conclusion of a rigorous management overhaul has given way to new internal dilemmas, including labor disputes and confusion over service strategies, putting Jeong's leadership to the test. The relationship between Kakao management and the union has deteriorated significantly. Disagreements over performance bonuses and the inclusion of restricted stock units (RSUs) in bonus calculations have persisted since the declaration of an emergency management strategy on May 27, leading to the collapse of the second round of mediation by the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission. The union claims that despite strong performance, management is prioritizing cost-cutting at the expense of employees. With the breakdown of negotiations, all five corporate unions within the Kakao community, including the headquarters union, have secured the legal right to strike, raising the possibility of a coordinated strike for the first time in the company's history. Additionally, the challenge of "revising service strategies" has emerged. Kakao's ambitious overhaul of the KakaoTalk service, aimed at accelerating stock recovery and developing AI monetization models, has faced severe backlash. The Chief Product Officer, Hong Min-taek, who led the overhaul, recently resigned, effectively marking the initiative as a failure. The stock price, which had recovered to the 70,000 won range before the overhaul, has now plummeted to the 40,000 won range, reflecting harsh market evaluations. The KakaoTalk overhaul faced significant user backlash for introducing overly commercial features into a private communication space used by 50 million users. Excessive advertising in chat rooms, the prominent placement of commerce and payment tabs, and changes to the user interface that compromised intuitiveness drew criticism. Users expressed frustration, stating that the platform had transformed from a convenient messaging service into a tool for aggressive monetization. In response, Jeong has taken decisive steps to address labor disputes while completely restructuring the product organization. The existing product teams will be decentralized, and the previously fragmented design teams will be integrated to enhance user experience consistency across services. A new "User First Task Force" will be established within the KakaoTalk organization to strengthen communication with users and improve service quality. This move is seen as an attempt to directly confront the ongoing user backlash and internal confusion following last year's overhaul. Industry experts view Kakao's actions as a declaration of a "return to square one." Jeong's emphasis on "one Kakao" is interpreted as a commitment to restoring essential trust as a public service rather than being solely focused on commercial pursuits, echoing the founding philosophy of Kim Beom-soo, who is currently stepping back from management due to health issues. Some voices suggest that Kim's return to management may be necessary to navigate the simultaneous crises. However, a Kakao representative stated, "Kim is not involved in management due to health issues. Currently, we are focused on establishing an emergency management system led by Jeong and resolving the ongoing labor disputes and stabilizing services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:42:00

Hyungji I&C Targets Japanese Business Attire Market with Carisnote Hyungji I&C is partnering with Japanese trading company Itochu to penetrate the Japanese fashion market. The company plans to target both online platforms and offline distribution networks with its women's brand, Carisnote.On May 28, Hyungji I&C announced that it is officially launching its entry into the Japanese market in collaboration with Itochu and fashion distribution firm CNB Network. Itochu is a leading Japanese trading company with a global network across various industries, including textiles, fashion, food, energy, and retail. CNB Network, a partner of Itochu, is currently planning a K-fashion online platform in collaboration with the trading giant.Through this platform, Hyungji I&C aims to introduce Carisnote to the Japanese market, with plans to expand its offerings to include men's brands Yejak and Bon in the future.Japan is recognized for its relatively high demand for formal business attire. In response, Hyungji I&C's strategy focuses on maintaining the activity and functionality of Carisnote while presenting styles suitable for formal work environments.The company is also expanding its offline distribution network. This fall, Hyungji I&C plans to participate in the F/W season order meetings of major Japanese trading companies, including Itochu, to enhance its distribution channels in key department stores, premium shopping malls, and boutiques. A representative from Hyungji I&C stated, "We will intensify our efforts in the Japanese market based on a two-track strategy that encompasses both online and offline channels, while also expanding the overseas presence of our brands."Additionally, prior to its entry into Japan, Carisnote recently underwent a brand renewal, focusing on shedding the heavy and outdated image of its previous women's clothing while maintaining its core value of 'elegance.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:42:00