South Korea launches AI humanoid project as Asia's bipedal race intensifies SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - South Korea has launched a five-year, state-led drive to develop a homegrown artificial intelligence (AI)-powered humanoid platform, joining a broader Asian race to commercialize bipedal robots, even as the country's largest factories teeter on the brink of a paralyzing strike. The Ministry of Science and ICT held a meeting at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seoul on Monday, the starting point for what officials describe as a so-called "sovereign humanoid" platform worth 50.4 billion won ($33.4 million). The platform, dubbed the "K-Moonshot" initiative, will draw 35.4 billion won from state coffers and 15 billion won from private investors and partners through 2030. The KIST will lead a consortium that includes LG Electronics, LG Energy Solution, and KAIST. The humanoid will be built on KAPEX, a platform developed domestically by KIST, with LG Electronics developing a mass-production model and LG Energy Solution supplying solid-state batteries. More than 20 units will be deployed in care settings for field trials. "This project is a starting point for building South Korea's flagship AI humanoid platform by integrating AI, humanoid robotics, batteries, mass-production technology, and demonstration capabilities," said Kim Seong-su, director general for the office of R&D policy at the ministry. "We will do everything we can to ensure South Korea plays a leading role in the global AI humanoid market," he added. The initiative comes as Kia President and CEO Song Ho-sung used investor roadshows in Hong Kong and Singapore last month to sharpen the commercial case for Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid. Song reportedly told investors that Kia would deploy Atlas at its U.S. plant in Georgia in 2029, following an initial rollout at the Hyundai Motor Group's Metaplant America in 2028. Atlas will first handle physically demanding processes before being deployed to overseas factories with similar layouts. China and Japan, Asia's two largest economies, are pursuing starkly different humanoid strategies. China is doubling down on scale, as Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics filed in March for a 4.2 billion yuan Shanghai IPO after shipping about 5,500 humanoids in 2025, according to its prospectus. UBTech Robotics plans to ramp production of humanoid robots to 5,000 units in 2026 and 10,000 in 2027. Leju Robotics opened a 10,000-unit-capacity factory in Guangdong in late March. Japan, by contrast, leans on its precision-components heritage and a safety-first commercialization path. Honda's P2 humanoid was named an IEEE Milestone in April, while Toyota has steered its humanoid research toward elder care and household environments rather than industrial-scale deployment. Kawasaki Heavy Industries unveiled its Kaleido 9 humanoid at the iREX 2025 exhibition in Tokyo last December, a model suited for disaster response. Tokyo will also host the inaugural Asian edition of the Humanoids Summit, an annual technology conference dedicated to advancing humanoid robotics, next week. In the meantime, South Korea's humanoid ambitions are unfolding against a tense labor backdrop. Samsung Electronics' largest union has threatened an 18-day strike from Thursday, with as many as 50,000 workers expected to walk out amid disputes over wages and performance bonuses following massive profits driven by an unprecedented artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor supercycle. The Suwon District Court on Monday partially granted Samsung's injunction request but stopped short of banning the strike. Even more hostile, unionized workers at automaker Hyundai Motor, meanwhile, declared that "not a single robot" would enter the workplace without a labor-management agreement, framing Atlas as a direct threat to jobs. Whether the K-Moonshot initiative closes that gap may hinge less on engineering than on whether Korean factories can absorb humanoids without triggering the kind of confrontation now playing out at the electronics giant's main plant in Suwon. 2026-05-19 16:22:50

PGA Tour's CJ Cup to Kick Off on May 22 with Scheffler, Koepka, Kim, and Im CJ Group is sponsoring the PGA Tour's full-field event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will take place from May 22 to 25 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. With a total prize purse of $10.3 million, the tournament will feature 144 players. The winner will receive 500 FedEx Cup points, a two-year tour exemption, and eligibility to participate in signature events for that year. Additionally, they will earn entry into the next season's Players Championship and major tournaments. The trophy, a symbol of the CJ Cup, is inspired by the Jikji, the world's oldest extant metal type book, and is crafted in Hangul. The names of past winners, including Tiger Woods, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, and Ernie Els, are engraved in Hangul. ◆ Scheffler Aims for Back-to-Back Titles; TEAM CJ Players Ready to Compete The main focus of this year's tournament is whether defending champion and current world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler can defend his title. With 20 career PGA Tour victories, Scheffler recently won the American Express and has made the cut in all ten tournaments this season, finishing in the top five six times. He has expressed admiration for Byron Nelson, the legendary golfer from Dallas, where he grew up and made his PGA Tour debut at this event. Expectations are high for TEAM CJ players. Si Woo Kim, who has made the cut in every tournament this season and has recorded one runner-up finish and two third-place finishes, leads the charge. He recently tied for fourth at the Cadillac Championship and achieved the best result among Korean players at last year's CJ Cup, finishing tied for 15th. "I am satisfied with my overall performance and condition this season. Since this is the host tournament, I feel a greater sense of responsibility and motivation," he said, vowing to maintain his strong momentum. Im Sung-jae, who had a slow start to the season, turned things around with a tie for fifth at the Truist Championship on May 11. Lee Kyung-hoon, who made history as the first Korean to defend a PGA Tour title with consecutive wins in 2021 and 2022, returns to reclaim his honor after missing last year due to a back injury. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion who won THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES in 2018, will also compete. Pearson Cudi, the first foreign player sponsored by CJ Group this year, is another player to watch. A former world No. 1 amateur, Cudi finished tied for second at the Farmers Insurance Open this season. Hailing from Texas, he will have the support of local fans. Additionally, Baek Yong-jun, who is active on the Korean PGA Tour, has also earned a spot in the tournament to compete against top players worldwide. ◆ Expanded 'House of CJ' and Commitment to Community Engagement The CJ Cup continues to serve as a global sports culture platform promoting K-food and K-culture. Last year, it received the 'Best Title Sponsor Award' from the PGA Tour for effectively reflecting the sponsor's brand identity and philosophy. CJ Group will expand the 'House of CJ' at the gallery plaza to approximately 750 square meters, a 20% increase from last year. This year, it will feature various interactive content under the themes of 'taste, style, and fun,' including augmented reality interactions and digital challenges. Attendees can enjoy a range of experiences, including a showcase of Bibigo products, K-beauty experiences from CJ Olive Young, CJ ENM music content, ScreenX screenings, K-cocktail tastings, and samples from Tous Les Jours bakery, along with merchandise giveaways and photo opportunities. CJ Foodville plans to introduce the 'Durumi' brand at this tournament to gauge reactions to K-street food, following a successful birthday party event for Tous Les Jours last year. This initiative is expected to serve as a promotional hub for K-lifestyle, similar to the Korea House operated in Milan during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Bibigo concessions will be available for players and fans at the 7th hole and the signature 17th hole of the CJ Cup. At the 7th hole, a 'Chef's Dining' concept will feature daily collaborative menus with star chefs, while the 17th hole will offer special menus highlighting popular Bibigo products and spicy flavors. Scheffler noted last year, "It was a tough day with a lot of rain, but Korean food helped me power through." The tournament will also continue its CSR initiatives aimed at nurturing young golf talent and contributing to the community. The 'Bridge Kids' program, now in its ninth year, involves 16 junior golfers selected from the Northern Texas PGA and Dallas area junior golf academies. They will participate in mentoring programs, including one-on-one lessons from PGA Tour players and experience Bibigo lunch boxes. Notable mentors have included K.J. Choi, Im Sung-jae, Si Woo Kim, and Tommy Fleetwood. Additionally, a new community outreach program, the 'NTPGA Scholarship,' will provide $10,000 scholarships to five high school graduates in Texas this year. At the 17th hole, a 'Birdie Campaign' will reward $1,000 for each birdie made. Funds raised through this initiative will be donated to the Momentous Institute, which supports mental health for children and families in the Dallas area. Last year, 104 birdies were recorded, generating approximately $104,000 in donations, continuing the charitable philosophy of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, which has hosted the tournament since 1968. A CJ Group representative stated, “CJ Group is continuously expanding the positive changes that sports can create through the CJ Cup, based on our ‘Dream Maker’ philosophy. We plan to further our efforts in community engagement and nurturing future talent to develop a sustainable global sports platform.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 16:22:03

Seoul ups financial scrutiny on leverage ETFs amid frenzy SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) -South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has unveiled a sweeping set of preemptive consumer protection measures targeting leverage exchange-traded funds, social media investment influencers, and corporate insurance agencies, as domestic stock market volatility continues to climb. FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin chaired the second Consumer Risk Response Committee meeting at the agency's Seoul headquarters on Tuesday, where attendees reviewed emerging risk factors across financial markets amid what regulators described as overheated competition among financial firms. The financial regulator flagged growing concern over debt financed investing, noting that turnover ratios for major leverage and inverse ETF products remain significantly higher than those for general equities. The country's first single-stock leverage ETF will debut on May 27. The FSS plans to conduct intensive inspections of management status, disparity ratios, and trading trends across leverage and inverse ETFs, while issuing investor caution notices and reviewing asset managers' marketing practices. To prevent consumers from mistaking high-risk instruments for conventional ETFs, the watchdog called for clearer disclosure of core risk descriptors — such as "single-stock" and "leverage/inverse" — in product names and advertisements. Current rules require a minimum deposit of 10 million won (approximately $6,665) and mandatory prior training before investing in such products. The FSS took direct aim at so-called finfluencers — a portmanteau of "financial" and "influencer" — who have exploited recent market swings to generate personal gains. The FSS cited cases of influencers recommending stocks they had already purchased without disclosing conflicts of interest, as well as others operating paid stock-tip subscription services without registering as discretionary investment advisory businesses. The agency said it will deploy an AI-based monitoring system for round-the-clock surveillance of finfluencer activity, while stepping up enforcement on illegal financial advertisements in coordination with the Korea Communications Standards Commission. In insurance, the FSS singled out deceptive solicitation practices by general agencies (GAs) — corporate insurance intermediaries whose affiliated planners numbered 316,000 at end-2024, representing roughly 59.2 percent of all insurance planners nationwide. The watchdog said some agencies have been steering clients toward unnecessary policies under the guise of tax or labor consulting, and engaging in illegal private financing. Proposed regulatory reforms include restricting GAs from concurrently operating consulting businesses and imposing stricter penalties for sanction evasion. The committee also reviewed risks related to AI-powered cyberattacks, low early-termination interest rates at mutual financial cooperatives, and consumer access issues involving basic living expense accounts. "We must respond with a high level of vigilance against actions that fuel excessive debt investments and leverage trading by financial companies, as well as capital market disruptions by some finfluencers amid persistent stock market volatility," Lee said. 2026-05-19 16:21:39

US suspends joint defense body with Canada as security tensions grow SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - The U.S. has suspended a key defense cooperation body with Canada as tensions with Ottawa widen into security ties. U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby said Monday that Washington would suspend activities of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, or PJBD, a bilateral body responsible for coordinating military cooperation and defense policy between the United States and Canada, according to The Hill. The PJBD, which includes military officials and civilian representatives from both countries, has met twice a year to coordinate joint defense policies. Colby said the decision was made because Canada had failed to show “credible progress” in meeting its defense commitments, adding that Washington would reassess how the PJBD contributes to the joint defense of North America. In the same post on X, Colby shared a video of Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January. In the speech, Carney called for middle powers to unite against the influence of superpowers such as the United States and China, remarks widely seen as criticism of Trump’s approach to alliances. Colby’s decision to share the video while announcing the suspension of PJBD activities could be interpreted as a sign of Washington’s displeasure with Carney’s remarks. The Trump administration has also reacted sharply to calls within Canada to reduce purchases of U.S.-made weapons. Canada had planned to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, but the government is reportedly reviewing the plan. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra warned that if Canada decides not to purchase the F-35s, there could be changes to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, system. NORAD, established in 1958 during the Cold War to counter threats from the former Soviet Union, is a U.S.-Canada command responsible for aerospace warning and defense of North America. 2026-05-19 16:17:02

Months-long exhibition in Seoul showcases over 170 works by abstract art pioneer SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - A retrospective exhibition honoring Yoo Youngkuk, a pioneer of South Korea's experimental abstract art, opened in Seoul on Tuesday, offering a rare opportunity to appreciate his works over his six-decade career. Marking the 110th anniversary of Yoo's birth, the exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul runs until late October as part of the museum's first series featuring major South Korean modern artists. The exhibition features more than 170 works including 115 oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs, spanning Yoo's life from 1916 to 2002. Fifteen previously unreleased works are also on display. It traces Yoo's artistic journey from his early study of abstract art in Japan in 1937 to his final paintings in 1999. It includes his bold geometric works from the 1960s through the 1980s as well as his later pieces, where sharp angles give way to softer, more lyrical interpretations of nature. Widely regarded as the country's pioneer of abstract painting, Yoo drew inspiration from the mountains and other natural landscapes of his hometown of Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province. Using vivid colors and bold, simplified geometric forms, he developed a distinctive visual language rooted in nature. In particular, mountains became a major theme in Yoo's work, but he never painted them as they appeared. Instead, he used abstract shapes and colors to convey the feeling and energy of the natural landscape. The exhibition, which runs until Oct. 25, also includes works reportedly collected by RM, the leader of K-pop group BTS. 2026-05-19 16:15:48

Upcoming Launch of Samsung and Nix Leverage ETFs Raises Consumer Concerns The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has issued a warning about potential consumer risks ahead of the launch of single-stock leverage exchange-traded funds (ETFs) next week. The FSS announced plans to enhance monitoring and internal controls related to these products.On May 19, the FSS held its second Consumer Risk Response Council, chaired by Lee Chan-jin, to discuss recent risk factors affecting financial consumers and corresponding countermeasures.The FSS identified the significant influx of retail investor funds into leverage ETFs during recent fluctuations in the domestic stock market as a major risk factor. With the launch of single-stock leverage ETFs scheduled for May 27, concerns have been raised about increased volatility due to concentration in specific stocks.Market observers have noted a surge in trading of related leverage ETFs, particularly as retail investors have focused on large tech stocks like Samsung Electronics. The trading turnover of major leverage and inverse ETFs has been significantly higher than that of regular stocks.During the council meeting, the FSS reviewed the negative compounding effects and the importance of rebalancing associated with leverage and inverse ETFs, as well as international examples. It was highlighted that even if short-term trends align, increased volatility could lead to long-term returns deviating from expectations.In response, the FSS will closely monitor the operational status of leverage and inverse ETFs, including discrepancies and trading trends, and will distribute investor warnings while checking marketing practices in the industry.The FSS also emphasized that investors in single-stock leverage and inverse ETFs must deposit a minimum of 10 million won and complete one hour each of basic and advanced training through the Financial Investment Association's education system. Financial companies have been instructed to clearly disclose the risks associated with 'single-stock' and 'leverage and inverse' products in their product names and advertising.Warnings have also been issued regarding the competitive marketing of overseas stocks by securities firms. The FSS pointed out that some firms have aggressively promoted overseas stock events and advertisements without adequate consumer protection measures and prior impact analysis. The agency plans to expand consumer protection indicators in key performance indicators and strengthen internal controls and pre-monitoring related to events and advertisements.Additionally, the FSS announced a firm response to illegal activities by financial influencers and similar investment advisory firms that exploit stock market volatility. The agency is currently using an AI-based monitoring system that operates 24/7 to detect unfair trading and illegal financial advertising in real time.In light of growing concerns about consumer harm in the marketing of ETFs and overseas stocks, financial authorities are increasing scrutiny of advertising and sales practices. Under the FSS's initiative to improve ETF advertising regulations, the Financial Investment Association will begin continuous monitoring of YouTube ETF advertisements from major asset management firms starting in July. This move follows a surge in controversies over exaggerated and misleading advertisements centered around YouTube and financial influencers in the rapidly expanding ETF market.Lee stated, "In a situation where stock market volatility persists, we will maintain a high level of vigilance against actions by financial companies that encourage excessive borrowing and leverage investments, as well as disruptions in the capital markets by certain financial influencers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 16:15:00

Samsung Live: Industry Minister urges 'dramatic settlement' on final day of Samsung talks SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - As Samsung Electronics and its union entered the crucial final hours of government-mediated talks on Tuesday, South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan made an urgent public plea for a resolution to avert a massive strike. Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting, Kim expressed a "desperate need" to prevent the 18-day walkout scheduled to begin Thursday. "If we cannot resolve this when everyone knows the negative impacts of a strike, what can our society achieve going forward?" Kim stated, urging both sides to reach a dramatic last-minute settlement. The minister attributed the current deadlock partly to Samsung's relatively short history of labor-management dialogue compared to other legacy manufacturers. However, he carefully refrained from commenting on specific negotiation terms to avoid interfering with the ongoing, closed-door National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) mediation in Sejong. The remarks come as the high-stakes arbitration enters its final stretch. The National Labor Relations Commission is expected to announce the outcome of the mediation later this evening, which will determine whether the historic walkout proceeds as planned. 2026-05-19 16:12:54

Kiwoom Securities Establishes Emergency Succession Procedures Kiwoom Securities has introduced a new regulation for emergency management succession procedures to ensure immediate action in the event that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is unable to perform their duties unexpectedly. This move aims to minimize the risk of management gaps and formalize succession processes amid recent changes in corporate governance laws aimed at enhancing transparency.According to the financial investment industry on May 19, Kiwoom Securities has amended its internal governance norms to include a separate clause for emergency succession procedures. Previously, general and emergency succession provisions were combined in one clause, but the recent revision clarifies the initiation point for succession, the acting management system, and the deadline for appointing a new CEO in distinct terms.Under the new regulations, if the CEO resigns unexpectedly, faces regulatory sanctions, is convicted in a criminal case, or is otherwise unable to fulfill their duties due to market conditions or company management issues, the board of directors must immediately initiate the succession process. Additionally, the regulations stipulate that in the event of an emergency, an acting management system must be activated, and the appointment of a new CEO should be completed within 90 days from the occurrence of the issue to minimize management gaps.In the financial sector, there is a growing emphasis on strengthening internal controls and responsible management, prompting firms to establish emergency succession plans. Given the nature of financial companies, a prolonged absence of a CEO can lead to decision-making confusion and management gaps, which may impact market confidence and internal control systems.A Kiwoom Securities official stated, "We have specified the emergency succession regulations in line with ESG evaluation criteria."Some view this amendment as part of a broader effort to institutionalize long-term succession systems beyond just enhancing internal controls. Recent amendments to corporate laws have emphasized governance transparency, including the strengthening of the '3% rule' that limits voting rights for major shareholders and related parties. This has led to speculation that traditional management defense strategies centered on major shareholder stakes may face increasing limitations. Consequently, companies are moving towards more institutionalized and transparent succession and governance systems while accelerating their succession efforts.The current CEO, Eom Joo-sung, is set to serve until March 2027. Regardless of whether Eom is reappointed or a different professional management team takes over, the recent amendment establishes a foundation for Kim Dong-jun to proceed with the management succession process when the time is right.Since the founder, Kim Ik-rae, stepped down from active management, a gradual generational transition is underway at the group level. Industry insiders consider Kim Dong-jun a strong candidate for the next CEO of Kiwoom Securities, as his role and influence within the group have been rapidly expanding.Born in 1984, Kim began participating in group management as a director at Daou Technology in 2014. He has since served as an executive at Daou Data and currently holds positions as the CEO of Kiwoom Investment and Kiwoom PE. According to data from the Fair Trade Commission at the end of last year, Kim holds a 33.13% stake in E-Money, the largest shareholder of Daou Data, which serves as the holding company. Last year, he was appointed as an inside director at Kiwoom Securities and, alongside Vice Chairman Lee Hyun, became co-chair of the board, marking his formal involvement in managing the key affiliate of the group.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 16:12:25

Glowing lanterns greet Buddha's Birthday SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - On an early summer night, thousands of colorful lanterns lit up the streets of Seoul as small lights gathered into a massive procession. The glowing lanterns reflected not only a long-standing tradition, but also a sense of community and shared hope. Ahead of Buddha's Birthday, the annual Yeondeunghoe took place on May 16 across central Seoul. Citizens and foreign visitors gathered along the route stretching from Heunginjimun Gate through Jongno to Jogyesa Temple, where the lantern parade slowly moved through the city under the night sky. As lanterns filled the streets with vivid colors, many spectators paused to photograph the scene with their phones, capturing one of Seoul’s most iconic spring traditions. Yeondeunghoe, also known as the Lotus Lantern Festival, is held to celebrate the birth of Buddha. The tradition of lighting lanterns ahead of Buddha’s Birthday has evolved over centuries into one of Korea’s best-known cultural festivals. In Buddhism, lanterns symbolize wisdom and compassion that illuminate darkness, while the act of lighting them represents prayers for peace, hope and the well-being of others. Korea’s lantern tradition dates back more than a thousand years. Historical records in the Samguk Sagi mention Silla kings viewing lantern displays at Hwangnyongsa Temple, while during the Goryeo Dynasty, the lantern festival developed into a nationwide state event with lanterns decorating palaces and streets alike. Even after the Joseon Dynasty, the custom survived as a folk tradition and continues today. Recognized for its historical and communal value, Yeondeunghoe was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Today, the festival has expanded beyond a religious ceremony into a large-scale public cultural event. Programs featuring child monk characters, traditional cultural performances and interactive street festivals encouraged both citizens and tourists to participate rather than simply observe. The lantern parade began at 7 p.m. near Heunginjimun Gate and continued for about three hours through downtown Seoul. About 50,000 participants from Buddhist temples and organizations across the country carried nearly 100,000 handmade lanterns through Jongno, sharing what organizers described as the light of wisdom and compassion with the public. The streets featured a wide range of lanterns, from traditional lotus-shaped lanterns to giant dragon and child monk displays. Foreign tourists, children and Buddhist monks walked side by side beneath the glowing lights as the lanterns swayed between the neon signs of Jongno. This year’s festival also drew attention for the participation of a robot monk and North Korean defectors, highlighting the festival’s message of inclusion beyond religion, nationality and generation. Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said during the lantern ceremony, “May our minds find peace, and may the world find harmony,” emphasizing the importance of lighting “lanterns of unity” to overcome division and hardship. Even after the procession ended, lantern lights continued to glow across Jongno late into the night. Swaying gently in the warm breeze, the small lights quietly illuminated the fast-moving city around them. 2026-05-19 16:11:19

KOSPI tumbles 3.3% as chip-cycle peak fears trigger foreign selloff SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - South Korean benchmark KOSPI tumbled 3.3 percent Tuesday as foreign investors offloaded shares amid growing concerns that the global memory-chip cycle is nearing its peak. Foreign investors drove the decline on the main bourse, selling 5.34 trillion won ($3.55 billion) worth of shares to outweigh combined purchases by retail and institutional investors. The selloff heavily impacted semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related stocks following an overnight slump in U.S. tech shares. The index ended at 7,271.70, dropping from an intraday high of 7,446.57 to a low of 7,141.91. Large-cap semiconductor stocks dragged the market lower, with industry leader Samsung Electronics falling 2.0 percent to 275,500 won and SK hynix dropping 5.2 percent to 1,745,000 won. Automakers and technology-related shares suffered steep losses alongside chipmakers. Hyundai Motor plunged 8.9 percent to 604,000 won, LG Electronics tumbled 11.7 percent to 191,700 won, and Hanmi Semiconductor lost 9.2 percent to 288,000 won. Mirae Asset Securities also declined 5.8 percent to 66,400 won. Moving against the broader market trend, Korea Electric Power Corp. rose 4.0 percent to 39,150 won. The gain followed expectations that the government will accelerate a high-voltage direct current transmission project on the west coast to expand renewable-energy capacity and strengthen grid stability. LG Innotek climbed 4.3 percent to 793,000 won after NH Investment & Securities raised its target price from 700,000 won to 1 million won. The brokerage cited spillover effects from package substrate shortages and stronger-than-expected benefits from camera specification upgrades for major clients. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ index fell 2.4 percent to close at 1,084.10, pressured by a selloff in growth stocks. Retail investors bought 107.1 billion won on the junior board, while foreign and institutional investors sold 12.3 billion won and 55.8 billion won, respectively. KOSDAQ-listed Doosan Robotics sank 15.1 percent to 100,100 won, and Taihan Fiber Optics fell 6.7 percent to 21,550 won. Conversely, I-ROBOTICS jumped 7.4 percent to 4,295 won after reporting a return to profitability with a first-quarter net profit of 450 million won, driven by stronger overseas orders and a 20.1 percent rise in sales. The decline in Seoul followed a mixed session on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3 percent to 49,686.12, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.5 percent to 26,090.73. Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.6 percent, while China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.5 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 0.4 percent. Oil prices retreated from recent highs as West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.3 percent to $103 a barrel and Brent crude declined 2.1 percent to $109.80. The pullback occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned military strike on Iran at the request of Gulf allies, prompting hopes for renewed negotiations. The South Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar. The local currency closed at 1,506.10 won per dollar, down 1.0 percent from the previous session. 2026-05-19 16:09:44