LH Conducts Special Inspection at Incheon Gyeyang, First Site for Third New Town Residents The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) announced on May 14 that it conducted a special inspection at the Incheon Gyeyang Techno Valley public housing site, where the first residents of the third new town are expected to move in by the end of this year.On this day, Acting President Jo Kyung-sook visited the A2 block (747 public sale units) and A3 block (538 newlywed hope town units), where housing finishing works are underway. Jo listened to concerns from site officials and discussed solutions. This inspection was organized to ensure construction quality and prevent safety accidents amid rising raw material prices and supply instability due to recent tensions in the Middle East. The focus was particularly on the status of the A2 and A3 blocks, which will be the first to welcome residents among the third new towns. Currently, infrastructure work, including roads and water supply systems, is ongoing in the Incheon Gyeyang area, with the A2 and A3 blocks set for occupancy in December. Jo emphasized, "As Incheon Gyeyang marks the starting point for the third new town's occupancy, essential facilities like schools and parks, as well as transportation infrastructure, must be established in a timely manner," urging that safety and quality on-site should be the top priorities. Incheon Gyeyang is a key project of the third new town, being developed over 3.35 million square meters in the Bakchon-dong area of Incheon, with plans for 18,000 housing units. It aims to create a self-sufficient city centered on advanced industries, securing land 1.4 times larger than Pangyo Techno Valley. The project features improved access to Seoul through the introduction of S-BRT and expanded road networks. It is the fastest-moving project among the third new towns, with the first resident move-ins scheduled for the end of this year.An industry insider noted, "Gyeyang is not only the fastest project among the third new towns but also has significant geographical advantages due to its proximity to the Magok district in Seoul. If the planned future industrial infrastructure is completed as scheduled, it will reshape the residential landscape of the northwestern metropolitan area."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 18:20:59

Korea Investment & Securities to Compensate Belgian Fund Investors 50.2% Korea Investment & Securities has reportedly compensated investors in the "Belgian real estate fund" approximately 50.2% of their losses. Initially, the firm offered limited voluntary compensation to some investors, but it has since expanded the scope to include all investors. This decision is said to reflect a significant commitment to consumer protection by President Kim Seong-hwan.According to the Financial Supervisory Service and the financial investment industry on May 14, Korea Investment & Securities has compensated investors in the "Korea Investment Belgian Core Office Real Estate Investment Trust No. 2" (Belgian fund) at an average rate of 50.2% of their losses.The "Belgian fund" was established in 2019 by Korea Investment Real Asset Management and was structured to invest in lease rights for local office buildings leased long-term by Belgian government agencies. However, it faced controversy over improper sales, leading to numerous investor complaints. Initially, the fund was marketed with an emphasis on stable rental income over five years, but a surge in global interest rates and a downturn in the European commercial real estate market led to failed asset sales and ultimately resulted in total investment losses.The total loss from this fund amounts to approximately 90 billion won, with Korea Investment & Securities accounting for about 58.9 billion won of that. Following the complete loss of the fund, the firm initially conducted voluntary compensation for only 458 out of 1,897 sales, which represented 24.1% of total sales, amounting to about 6.07 billion won. The remaining 1,439 cases were excluded from compensation.After discussions with investors, Korea Investment & Securities changed its policy to provide blanket compensation for all investors. The compensation rate was reportedly adjusted based on individual sales processes and investment preferences, ranging from 40% to 80%. The total compensation amount is approximately 29.5 billion won, which is about half of the sales amount for the fund. This represents a fivefold increase compared to the initial voluntary compensation decision.The significant expansion of the compensation scope by Korea Investment & Securities reflects a proactive response to the financial authorities' emphasis on enhancing consumer protection. Since the appointment of Lee Chan-jin as the head of the Financial Supervisory Service, there have been repeated calls to strengthen consumer protection for high-risk overseas alternative investment products. Lee publicly stated early in his tenure that if violations of internal controls related to improper sales are confirmed, the compensation standards for all disputes, including those already processed, could be readjusted. Additionally, the Financial Supervisory Service plans to mandate the submission of due diligence reports related to overseas real estate funds and establish standard guidelines for investment risks to significantly enhance investor protection.In line with this direction, Korea Investment & Securities has established a consumer protection task force directly under the president's office, strengthening its consumer protection system throughout the entire process from product development to sales and post-management. An industry official commented, "This is a measure taken in response to the need to restore investor trust and enhance financial consumer protection, especially as large securities firms are achieving record performances recently."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 18:20:03

KCC Achieves Historic '0% Miracle' in Korean Basketball Busan KCC has made history by becoming the first sixth-place team to win the championship in the history of professional basketball in South Korea, capping off the 2025-2026 season with an unprecedented achievement. The team also set significant milestones for both its players and coaching staff, marking a notable chapter in Korean basketball. KCC triumphed over Goyang Sono, winning 76-68 in the fifth game of the 2025-2026 KBL Championship Finals held at Goyang Sono Arena on May 13. With this victory, KCC secured the series 4-1, reclaiming the championship title for the first time since the 2023-2024 season. This win also marked KCC's seventh championship, tying them with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the most playoff titles in league history. This championship has been dubbed the '0% Miracle,' as it is the first time since the league's inception in 1997 that a sixth-place team has advanced to the finals and won the title. KCC previously made history two years ago by becoming the first fifth-place team to win the championship. During the playoffs, KCC achieved a stunning upset by defeating third-place Wonju DB in three straight games and overcoming second-place Anyang Jeonggwanjang with a 3-1 series win. They continued their momentum by winning six consecutive games against fourth-place Seoul SK and first-place Changwon LG, ultimately reaching the finals. After taking an early lead in the series, KCC faced a setback in Game 4 but sealed their championship in the decisive Game 5. Lee Sang-min, who took over as head coach before the season, became the first coach in professional basketball history to win a championship as a player, coach, and manager with the same team. He has won three championships as a player during his time with KCC's predecessor, Hyundai, and added a coaching title this season after previously serving as an assistant coach. After the game, Lee expressed his joy, stating, "Winning as a coach for the first time holds great significance for me. The pressure of preparing for the finals was immense compared to my playing days. I found it challenging to sleep due to the tension. Winning now feels even better than when I was a player." The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Heo Hoon, who celebrated his first championship victory. He received 79 out of 98 votes from the media, averaging over 38 minutes per game in the finals while contributing 15.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Heo Hoon, who joined KCC this season to play alongside his older brother Heo Woong, also followed in the footsteps of his father, former coach Heo Jae, who won the MVP award in the 1997-1998 season. Meanwhile, Goyang Sono, which made its playoff debut this season after being established in 2023, finished as the runner-up. Son Chang-hwan, the head coach of Sono, reflected on the season, saying, "I never imagined we would reach the finals in our first playoff appearance. Our original goal was to reach the top six and achieve a .500 winning percentage, so I am proud of what the players accomplished. Anything beyond that is a bonus. A new beginning awaits, and I will work with the players to build an even better team for next season. Act One has concluded, and we must prepare for Act Two."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 18:16:31

Trump and Xi Meet: Implications of Their Summit U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met again in Beijing on May 14. The summit between the world's top superpower and the second-largest economy is always a significant event that can influence global order, but this meeting carries particular weight and symbolism. The backdrop includes the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, competition for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), the semiconductor race, issues surrounding Taiwan, control of rare earth elements, supply chain restructuring, and the dominance of the dollar versus the internationalization of the yuan. This summit is not merely a diplomatic event between the two nations; it represents a significant exploration of who will shape the world order in the mid-21st century and how. The U.S. seeks to maintain the existing hegemonic order, while China aims to establish a new multipolar system. The world watches with both anxiety and anticipation as these two leaders navigate their relationship. The two leaders held a summit for over two hours at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Following the meeting, they moved to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where Chinese emperors once prayed for national peace and a good harvest. A state dinner followed in the evening. China's choice of the Temple of Heaven as one of the meeting venues is no coincidence. It symbolizes the authenticity of Chinese civilization and the concept of the Mandate of Heaven. This site was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties confirmed their divine right to rule, reflecting China's self-perception as a civilization-state with a history spanning thousands of years, rather than just a modern nation-state. The image of Trump and Xi walking together on the rainy stone paths of the Temple of Heaven was particularly symbolic. Trump described the experience as “wonderful,” but notably refrained from discussing Taiwan. This silence encapsulates the complex realities facing the U.S. today. The U.S. remains the world's strongest nation, but it is increasingly unable to dominate all fronts as it once did. The war in Ukraine continues to drag on, and tensions between Iran and Israel are escalating in the Middle East. Domestically, the U.S. faces deepening issues of budget deficits, high interest rates, deindustrialization, and social polarization. While the U.S. pressures China in the AI and semiconductor sectors, it cannot ignore the reality that global supply chains would be destabilized without China. China, too, faces challenges. It grapples with structural issues such as a real estate market slump, local government debt, youth unemployment, and sluggish domestic demand. However, it remains the world's largest manufacturing nation and maintains significant influence in the supply chains for rare earth elements, batteries, solar energy, and electric vehicles. Through this summit, China aimed to project itself as a “civilization-state” on par with the U.S. The significance of the Temple of Heaven lies in this context. The U.S. is a relatively young empire, with just over 250 years of history, while China sees itself as the heir to a 5,000-year-old civilization. Xi's invitation to Trump to the Temple was not merely ceremonial; it was a strong message that China is not a fleeting state but a civilization with a long history, philosophy, and order. The summit's key agenda items can be summarized into six main topics. First is the issue of tariffs and trade. Trump appears to have strongly urged for increased purchases of U.S. soybeans, grains, and meat, mindful of American farmers and manufacturing workers. China, facing economic slowdown, also needs stability in the U.S. market. Ultimately, both nations are in a structure where they need each other despite their conflicts. Second is the semiconductor and AI issue. The U.S. is restricting exports of advanced AI semiconductors and equipment to curb China's technological rise. However, China is rapidly pursuing domestic alternatives, particularly through companies like Huawei. This competition is not just about technology; it is about who will control the operational framework of future civilizations. Third is the issue of rare earth elements and supply chains. Recently, China has utilized rare earth export controls as a strategic card, as it dominates key materials for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense industries. While the U.S. is pushing for supply chain diversification, completely severing dependence on China in the short term is challenging. Fourth is the Taiwan issue. This was the most sensitive yet cautiously addressed topic during the summit. Xi reportedly warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could increase the risk of conflict between the two nations. The U.S. cannot easily abandon Taiwan, but it also finds it difficult to confront China directly. The Taiwan Strait is likely to become one of the biggest geopolitical risk areas for the global economy moving forward. Fifth is the Middle East issue. With the recent escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, the U.S. finds itself needing China's role, given China's strategic relationship with Iran. China, which previously mediated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, seeks to showcase its diplomatic influence once again. Sixth is the issue of the dollar and yuan. Beneath the surface of this summit lies an invisible competition over the international financial order. The U.S. aims to maintain the dollar's dominance, while China seeks to expand the yuan's internationalization. If the yuan's share in energy and trade payments increases, it could shake the foundations of the global financial order. However, the most significant takeaway from this summit is the fact that “dialogue continues amidst conflict.” The U.S. and China may seek to contain each other, but they are also in a relationship that is difficult to sustain without one another. Both nations face challenges without the other, and the global economy would struggle to cope with a complete separation. Particularly in Northeast Asia, the situation is likely to enter a new phase following this summit. China will aim to minimize U.S. intervention in the Taiwan issue, while the U.S. will seek to strengthen security cooperation with Japan and South Korea. Japan is likely to accelerate its military buildup, and North Korea will closely monitor changes in U.S.-China relations. Ultimately, Northeast Asia is poised to become the frontline of U.S.-China competition. While the Cold War era centered on military confrontations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the new Cold War is likely to involve a complex competition encompassing AI, semiconductors, energy, maritime issues, and supply chains. So what should South Korea focus on? South Korea must look at structures rather than emotions. The U.S. is our key security ally, while China is one of our largest trading partners. We cannot survive by aligning with only one side. Therefore, South Korea should not merely align itself between the U.S. and China but should strive to create a strategic balance based on its technological, industrial, and diplomatic capabilities. Particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, shipbuilding, nuclear power, batteries, and defense, South Korea already possesses global competitiveness. The important thing is not to view itself as a “middle power” but to recognize its potential as a strategic nation amid the reconfiguration of Northeast Asian order. The rain at the Temple of Heaven was not just a weather phenomenon. It may have signaled a transition to a new season in the global order. And on that rainy path, the U.S. and China were calculating their futures through different civilizational lenses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 18:12:00

Air Force chief to accelerate F-5 phaseout, prepare manned-unmanned combat systems SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak said South Korea will accelerate the phaseout of its aging F-5 fighter jets from 2030 to 2027, as the Air Force prepares to shift toward manned-unmanned combat systems. “We are preparing to withdraw the F-5 fighter jets from service before the end of next year,” Son said during a meeting with defense ministry correspondents in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday. The F-5 has long served as one of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s key light fighter jets. Introduced in the 1970s and later produced locally as the KF-5, the aircraft helped expand South Korea’s fighter fleet at a time when the country was strengthening its independent air defense capabilities. Son said the Air Force is also pushing to introduce low-cost unmanned assets such as LUCAS by the early 2030s, which could be deployed in large numbers during the initial stage of a war. “We are aiming to develop AI pilots by the 2040s and further prepare for a transition to unmanned combat squadrons,” he said. Son said the KF-21 alone would not be enough to meet future operational needs, stressing the need to speed up the development of unmanned attack aircraft and unmanned combat aircraft. “We will complete a manned-unmanned teaming system and connect it to a sixth-generation fighter system in the 2040s and 2050s,” he said. He added that unmanned systems are not intended to replace humans, but to enhance combat power. “The judgment and expertise of pilots will become even more important,” Son said. The Air Force is also stepping up efforts to build AI-based command and operational systems. Son said the Air Force is currently operating “Air Wars,” a generative AI platform developed in-house. “We have established the military’s first AI-based work management system,” he said. “The Air Force is also taking part in designing generative AI platforms for the defense ministry and the defense acquisition sector.” 2026-05-14 18:09:28

Hoban Construction Tests AI-Based Technology for Detecting Wall Cracks Hoban Construction has enhanced its diagnostic capabilities through the introduction of an AI-based wall crack inspection robot, marking a significant step in smart construction technology.On May 13, Hoban Construction announced the successful completion of a field demonstration of the AI wall crack inspection robot at a residential complex in Gyeonggi Province. This demonstration was the result of an open innovation collaboration with FD Tech, a company recognized as a promising technology in the 'AI Bridge Commercialization Project' by the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency. Hoban Construction provided the testing site and supported technology validation.The robot utilizes AI analysis to inspect the internal condition of walls, automatically determining the presence and location of cracks and damage. This advancement is expected to enhance the objectivity and reliability of inspection results while significantly improving site safety by reducing the need for human involvement in high-risk tasks.Technologically, the robot employs four cameras for close-up imaging and utilizes non-destructive testing, acoustic, and ultrasonic technologies to accurately diagnose wall damage. Its portability and ease of assembly also contribute to reduced preparation time for inspections.Hoban Construction plans to refine quality management through simultaneous internal and external wall diagnostics and intends to use accumulated data for crack history management and prioritizing repairs in the overall maintenance of buildings. Following the validation of the technology's accuracy based on the demonstration results, the company aims to establish an 'All-in-One Crack Management Process' that integrates inspection and repair.FD Tech, the developer of this technology, specializes in AI-based facility inspection robots and has received recognition for its technological prowess, having won an innovation award at CES 2026.Hoban Group's construction division is expanding its site-centered smart construction technologies. Last month, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with AI specialist Upstage and is collaborating with Pobicon to jointly develop automated quantity estimation and cost estimation processes, accelerating its digital transformation.A Hoban Construction official stated, "With the demonstration completed, we will undergo additional refinement processes before deploying it on-site. We are continuously reviewing the introduction timeline to expedite its application in future construction projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 18:01:03

Korean arms gain strategic role as Southeast Asia balances US-China rivalry SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Southeast Asian countries are increasingly turning to South Korean weapons as they seek to modernize their militaries while navigating the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China. The trend is drawing growing attention as Washington expands its Indo-Pacific security operations beyond the Korean Peninsula and Japan, while Southeast Asian nations continue pursuing flexible defense ties with both major powers. According to industry sources, some U.S. Forces Korea units recently took part in multinational drills in the Philippines, an unusual move that underscored how U.S. assets stationed in South Korea could be used more flexibly for regional contingencies. The deployment followed remarks last month by Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, who proposed a “kill web” concept linking South Korea, Japan and the Philippines through a cyber-based network for intelligence sharing and joint military operations during a contingency. At the same time, Thailand has moved to deepen military engagement with China while maintaining its long-standing defense relationship with the United States. China’s defense ministry said it would hold the “Assault 2026” joint exercise in Thailand this month, focusing on operations in mountainous and jungle terrain. The drills come as Thailand continues to participate in Cobra Gold, one of the region’s largest U.S.-led multinational exercises. A report by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies said South Korea’s advanced technology, its status as a “non-threatening power,” and its relatively neutral image have made it an attractive partner for Southeast Asian countries seeking to modernize their militaries. In that environment, South Korean weapons are emerging as a practical option for countries seeking advanced but relatively affordable systems that are not directly tied to either Washington or Beijing. Indonesia has been South Korea’s largest customer in Southeast Asia, accounting for 55 percent of defense exports to the region over the past two decades, according to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Jakarta has imported Korean-made T-50 and KT-1 trainer aircraft, as well as Jang Bogo-class submarines, while also participating in the KF-21 fighter development program. The relationship has evolved beyond simple arms purchases into broader technology cooperation and joint development. Philippines has also emerged as one of Seoul’s key defense partners, particularly as Manila seeks to strengthen its air and maritime capabilities amid tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippine military operates FA-50PH light attack aircraft and has moved to expand its fleet, with Korea Aerospace Industries signing a deal in 2025 to supply 12 additional FA-50 jets after its initial contract for 12 aircraft in 2014. South Korea has also supplied frigates and corvettes to the Philippine Navy, making Korean weapons a major component of Manila’s military modernization efforts. Thailand, while carefully balancing ties between the United States and China, has likewise adopted Korean-made defense systems. The Royal Thai Air Force operates the T-50TH, a Thai variant of South Korea’s T-50 advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, while the country has also acquired Korean-built naval assets. The reported use of Korean-made guided munitions during Thailand’s border clashes with Cambodia in 2025 highlighted how Korean weapons are no longer merely procurement items, but could increasingly become part of real-world regional security dynamics. Malaysia has expanded its purchases of Korean defense systems from aircraft to naval air defense platforms. Kuala Lumpur signed a deal in 2023 to acquire 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, strengthening South Korea’s role in Malaysia’s air force modernization program. In April 2026, Malaysia also signed a contract worth about $94 million with LIG Defense & Aerospace to purchase the Haegung, or K-SAAM, ship-launched surface-to-air missile system, which is expected to be installed on three Malaysian Navy vessels. The agreement marked the first overseas sale of the Haegung system. IISS senior fellow Thomas Daniel said developing countries have long sought defense equipment compatible with Western systems, a demand that “the major players have overlooked.” However, he also pointed to a potential challenge for Seoul as global demand for Korean weapons rises, questioning whether Southeast Asian buyers, which typically place smaller orders, could be pushed “to the back of the line.” Vietnam has recently emerged as a new market for South Korean ground weapons, with bilateral defense cooperation reaching a symbolic turning point through the K9 deal. In 2025, Hanwha Aerospace signed a deal worth about $250 million to supply 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam, marking South Korea’s first arms export to the country. The deal is significant not only because Vietnam has long relied heavily on Russian weapons, but also because it reflects how two countries that were once adversaries during the Vietnam War are now moving toward a strategic defense partnership. Vietnam’s purchase of the K9 is also seen as part of a broader effort to diversify defense procurement sources amid growing uncertainty surrounding Russian supply chains. Ian Storey of Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said South Korea has become an attractive option for Southeast Asian countries because Seoul offers advanced weapons at lower prices than Western suppliers and is more willing to transfer technology to support local defense industries. “South Korean arms are hi-tech and cheaper than Western defense equipment,” he said. Prashanth Parameswaran, a regional security analyst, said South Korea’s expanding security ties with ASEAN countries have created opportunities for Seoul but also pose challenges. While deeper defense cooperation gives South Korea room to expand its role as a regional security partner, it also exposes Seoul to the political risks of becoming more directly involved in Southeast Asia’s disputes and broader great-power competition. For Seoul, the question is whether it can remain primarily an arms supplier or whether growing demand for Korean weapons will push it toward a broader strategic role in Asia’s security order. As more Southeast Asian countries integrate Korean systems into their military modernization programs, defense exports may become increasingly difficult to separate from diplomacy and regional security politics. 2026-05-14 17:58:52

Executives Sell Shares as KOSPI Approaches 8,000 Mark As the KOSPI index approaches the 8,000 mark, executives at listed companies are increasingly selling their shares. This trend of insider profit-taking has resurfaced amid a recent surge in the stock market, raising concerns among general investors who view it as a potential signal of a market peak. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, there have been 39 instances this month where insiders, including executives, sold shares worth over 100 million won. A review of monthly insider selling trends shows a concentration at the beginning of the year, with 80 cases in January and 83 in February, followed by a decline to 75 in March and 65 in April. However, as the stock market has sharply risen in May, previously quiet insiders are now re-entering the market to realize profits. Industry experts agree that insider stock sales cannot be dismissed as mere personal decisions. Executives, who are the first to receive information about a company's management and undisclosed data, may indicate potential declines in stock prices through their sales. Indeed, stocks of companies that have recently disclosed insider sales have consistently faced downward pressure. A notable example is LS Electric, which saw its stock price soar due to favorable conditions in the power equipment sector. On May 12, LS Electric disclosed that Vice President An Gil-young, Executive Director Lee Yoo-mi, and Executive Director Seo Jang-cheol sold their shares. The amounts they liquidated were 353.54 million won for Vice President An, 355.07 million won for Executive Director Lee, and 330.20 million won for Executive Director Seo. On the day of the disclosure, LS Electric's stock price fell by 7.07% compared to the previous trading day. The company stated that the executives sold a portion of the shares awarded as performance bonuses based on personal judgment. Other companies, such as Doosan Enerbility and Nuriplex, which have also recently disclosed insider sales, have continued to experience stock declines following their announcements. This has led to a perception that those with insider information are exiting at the peak of stock price increases. To mitigate market shocks from insider trading, the 'Pre-disclosure System for Insider Trading of Listed Companies' was introduced in July 2024. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness, as it primarily protects minority shareholders from significant stock price drops due to large-scale sales, while smaller transactions remain in a regulatory blind spot. Kim Min-ki, a researcher at the Capital Market Research Institute, noted that the current pre-disclosure system focuses on large transactions exceeding 1% of total issued shares or 5 billion won. He explained that the main purpose is to prevent sharp stock price declines that occurred with past block trades and to enhance market transparency. Kim assessed that the introduction of a cooling-off period of up to 30 days has reduced the frequency of sudden stock price crashes. He added that the increase in pre-disclosure of insider sales, even in a bullish market, has positive aspects for general investors by lessening sudden shocks and addressing information asymmetry. Additionally, it reduces suspicions of insider trading for the insiders themselves. However, Kim pointed out that if the sale amount does not meet the 5 billion won threshold, there is no obligation for pre-disclosure, resulting in only post-sale disclosures. He highlighted that the system does not prevent all insider sales, leaving small and non-targeted transactions subject to market reactions only after the fact. Experts emphasize that discussions are needed to eliminate these regulatory gaps while preserving the system's intent. There are calls to lower the pre-disclosure threshold from 5 billion won or to enhance monitoring based on cumulative trading volumes over a certain period. Additionally, there are suggestions to reform regulations to focus on actual owners to prevent 'split sales' or proxy trading using family members or associates. A financial industry official stated, "Even with pre-disclosure, the signal of insider sales remains, which can still impact stock prices. However, it allows investors to recognize this in advance, increasing predictability and making it harder for insiders to trade at favorable times, thus enhancing market transparency and fairness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:58:43

SK Shieldus Highlights Importance of Continuous Security for SMEs Amid Cyber Threats SK Shieldus announced on May 14 that it has analyzed major cyber threat trends affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on data accumulated over the past five years, coinciding with SME Week. The analysis revealed that SMEs take an average of 106.1 days to recognize and investigate security incidents after they occur. In some cases, the delay reached as long as 700 days, with 32.6% of incidents taking more than 90 days to address. As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) expands, the complexity of corporate systems increases, placing a greater burden on SMEs, which often have limited security personnel and infrastructure. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), approximately 89.4% of ransomware reports last year came from SMEs. This analysis was conducted by SK Shieldus' incident response team, Topsert, using data from domestic corporate incident responses between 2021 and 2025. Over the past five years, the primary types of incidents affecting SMEs were ransomware (44.9%) and data breaches (42.9%), followed by cryptocurrency mining attacks. The main infiltration routes for attacks were application vulnerabilities (20.8%), file upload vulnerabilities (18.9%), and VPN vulnerabilities (15.4%). Additionally, malicious emails, watering hole attacks, and externally exposed URLs were identified as significant attack vectors. This year, notable incidents included data breaches from malicious emails and watering hole attacks, ransomware infections through brute force attacks, and cryptocurrency mining attacks stemming from supply chain breaches. Notably, the initial infiltration times were concentrated during nighttime and early morning hours (6 PM to 5 AM), accounting for 53.2% of all attacks. SK Shieldus highlighted the potential response gaps during these hours but noted that attack attempts continue throughout the day, underscoring the need for a 24/7 monitoring system. By industry, the manufacturing sector accounted for the highest proportion of incidents at 47.4%, followed by information services (15.8%) and finance (10.5%). Incidents were also reported across various sectors, including education and retail, indicating that security threats are spreading across industries. SK Shieldus explained that in manufacturing, the close connection between production equipment and operational systems means that security incidents can lead to production line shutdowns, delivery delays, and disruptions in the supply chain. In response, SK Shieldus is supporting the establishment of continuous security response systems for SMEs through its managed detection and response (MDR) service, which offers threat detection, analysis, and response 24/7, available on a subscription basis. A representative from SK Shieldus stated, "As AI technology spreads, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it difficult for limited personnel to respond to all threats. We will continue to expand support for SMEs to help them build professional security response systems while alleviating their burdens."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:55:57

North Korea Women's soccer team to visit South Korea for AFC semifinal this weekend SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - The Unification Ministry here has approved a visit by North Korea's women's soccer team to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League next week. A total of 39 North Korean footballers and sports officials are set to arrive on Sunday for the tournament's semifinal match against Suwon FC Women, scheduled for May 20 in Gyeonggi Province. They will be allowed to stay in South Korea until May 24. It will be the first time in seven years and five months that a North Korean team has visited South Korea for a sports event, since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals in Incheon in December 2018. It will also be the first visit by a North Korean women's soccer team since the 2014 Asian Games in the same port city, 12 years ago. The ministry said up to 300 million won will be spent from the inter-Korean cooperation fund to help cover cheering-related expenses, with about 3,000 people from some 200 civic groups expected to participate. The ministry said it has provided guidance on "generally prohibited items" and advised a ban on political or religious messages under AFC regulations. 2026-05-14 17:54:16