President Lee Questions High Rent in Dongin-dong Goshiwon President Lee Jae-myung questioned the affordability of monthly rent in goshiwons, asking, "Is 300,000 won too expensive?" during a visit to the Dongin-dong goshiwon in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 21.While listening to the opinions of residents and officials, President Lee expressed concern upon hearing the rent prices. When a representative from the goshiwon counseling center explained that rents tend to align with housing benefit levels, President Lee appeared skeptical and raised an eyebrow.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung explained in a written briefing that the visit aimed to assess the living conditions and safety of residents in preparation for the upcoming summer storms and heatwaves.The day before, President Lee had directed a field inspection and support measures for vulnerable groups, including goshiwon residents, elderly individuals living alone, and outdoor workers, during a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic review.Initially, President Lee met with representatives from the goshiwon counseling center to express gratitude for their efforts to ensure the safety and support of residents. He also suggested utilizing vacant spaces for communal rest areas.Additionally, while observing air conditioning units installed on building exteriors, President Lee carefully checked the status of cooling equipment with the counseling center director.As he walked through the alleys, President Lee greeted each resident, inquiring about their needs and health. Residents expressed their appreciation, saying, "This is the first time a president has visited our neighborhood," and thanked him for coming. President Lee shook hands and embraced residents as they exchanged greetings.Notably, President Lee visited one resident's room to ask about their receipt of support funds. In another home, he admired a painting on the wall and asked, "Who painted this?" Upon learning it was the resident's work, he complimented, "You did a great job!"President Lee meticulously checked on residents' health and living difficulties. When one resident mentioned struggling without an air conditioner during the summer, President Lee confirmed with officials about possible support measures.He continued to ask residents about the cleanliness and maintenance of their surroundings, as well as any additional concerns that needed attention.Spokesperson Kang noted that President Lee responded warmly to the residents waiting at the street's end and actively participated in photo requests. After spending about an hour inspecting various areas of the goshiwon, he concluded his visit by saying farewell to residents waiting by his vehicle.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:31:37

Government Launches Safety Inspections at GTX Samsung Station Following Rebar Omission The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Interior and Safety are initiating government-led safety inspections at the GTX Samsung Station, where a rebar omission has been reported. According to Yonhap News on May 21, the joint safety inspection team will include experts from various organizations, such as the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Korea Electric Safety Corporation, Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Korea Land Safety Management Agency, Korea Railroad Research Institute, and the National Railroad Corporation. A private expert will lead the team to ensure objectivity in the inspections. The purpose of the joint inspection team is to prevent major safety accidents by assessing the safety management status of facilities, industrial safety, firefighting, and electrical systems at the construction site. The team will also evaluate the overall appropriateness of the construction process and investigate the causes of construction errors. It will consist of 40 members, divided into one group focused on construction site safety and two groups focused on construction execution. After completing the safety inspections at the construction site, the team plans to conduct inspections in the construction execution area over the next two months. The government stated that the inspection period could be extended if necessary. Previously, a special on-site inspection team formed by the Ministry of Land was integrated into the joint inspection team starting today. The government emphasized that the safety inspections will be thorough, covering not only the underground fifth floor of the Yeongdong-daero Section 3, where the construction error occurred, but also all facilities currently under construction at the Yeongdong-daero site.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:30:20

Kim Hye-kyung Emphasizes Education's Role in Social Change at Sookmyung University Event Kim Hye-kyung, the spouse of President Lee Jae-myung, visited her alma mater, Sookmyung Women's University, to highlight the importance of education and community values. On May 21, Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong announced in a written briefing that Kim attended the 120th anniversary eve celebration at a hotel in Samsung-dong, Gangnam, where she stated, "Learning opens new possibilities for some and provides courage and hope for others. Education is the greatest force that can change an individual's life and, in turn, transform society." She continued, "The future society will require 'people who can grow together' more than 'those who advance alone.' Even as technology rapidly changes the world, the power to lead communities ultimately comes from people." Kim expressed her hopes for her alma mater, saying, "Not only has it nurtured outstanding talent, but it has also taught the values of respecting individuals, taking responsibility for the community, and embracing solidarity. I encourage the university to develop into an institution that conveys hope to society with intelligence, dignity, and a warm community spirit." Additionally, Kim received the 'Proud Sookmyung Alumni Award.' Sookmyung University President Moon Si-yeon presented the award, expressing gratitude and respect for Kim's deep affection and unwavering support for the university's development and future endeavors. Meanwhile, Kim donated a silver ring crafted by master artisan Park Hae-do, which she wore during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to South Korea, to a charity auction. The proceeds from the auction will be used for the university's development fund, supporting educational initiatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:28:31

Kim Hye-kyung: Education is the Greatest Force for Social Change Kim Hye-kyung attended the 120th anniversary celebration of her alma mater, Sookmyung Women's University, on May 21, where she offered congratulations and encouragement.According to a written briefing by Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong, Kim participated in the event held at a hotel in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul.In her speech, Kim stated, "Education opens new possibilities for some and provides courage and hope for others. It is the greatest force that can change a person's life and, ultimately, society."She added, "The future society will need people who know how to grow together rather than those who advance alone. Even as technology rapidly changes the world, the power to lead communities ultimately comes from people."Kim expressed her hopes for her university, saying, "Not only has it produced outstanding talents, but it has also taught the values of respecting individuals, taking responsibility for the community, and embracing solidarity. I support its development into a university that conveys hope to society with intelligence, dignity, and a warm community spirit."On this occasion, Kim was awarded the 'Proud Sookmyungian Award' given to alumni.Ahn reported that Kim greeted alumni, including Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeon, and posed for photos with them.Additionally, Kim donated a silver ring crafted by master artisan Park Hae-do, which she wore during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to South Korea, to a charity auction. The proceeds from the auction will be used for the university's development fund and educational support.Meanwhile, on the official YouTube channel and Instagram of President Lee Jae-myung, a short video titled 'Today is #CoupleDay' was posted to mark Couple's Day. This day, celebrated annually on May 21, is a legal commemorative day established to promote healthy family culture and prevent family disintegration.The released video features a montage of past and present photos of the presidential couple. Kim playfully touched President Lee's face without glasses and said, "You look handsome," while he responded with a smile, saying, "Don't hit me."The video also included photos from their dating days, wedding, and appearances on the SBS variety show 'Same Bed, Different Dreams.' President Lee introduced Kim as "my other half and almost my entirety," while Kim referred to him as "my husband, Lee Jae-myung."The Blue House also shared a photo of the couple walking along the Jeju Olle Trail on its Instagram account later that afternoon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:25:25

South Korea's Foreign Ministry Reviews Response to Transnational Crime The South Korean Foreign Ministry has assessed trends in responding to transnational crime and strategies for enhancing cooperation. On May 21, the ministry held a meeting of ambassadors from Southeast Asia and China, chaired by Deputy Minister Kim Jin-ah, to discuss these issues. The virtual meeting included participation from the Special Task Force on Transnational Crime, the National Police Agency, and 18 embassies in Southeast Asia, along with three embassies in China. During the meeting, Deputy Minister Kim stated, "In accordance with President Lee Jae-myung's directive to thoroughly pursue and eradicate transnational crime that disrupts the lives of our citizens, we have strengthened cooperation with relevant domestic agencies and authorities in each country." She noted that there have been positive outcomes, including a reduction in domestic voice phishing incidents and a case in Cambodia where a South Korean citizen was victimized by a scam and held captive. However, she expressed concern that criminal organizations are evolving into smaller, decentralized groups and expanding their activities into South Asia and Central Asia. Kim urged each embassy to closely monitor local developments and enhance collaboration with host country authorities and nearby embassies. In response, ambassadors from the Southeast Asia region committed to working closely with host countries to eliminate South Korean involvement in transnational crime. Additionally, embassies in China stated they would strengthen cooperation with Chinese authorities, considering the potential links between criminal organizations in China and Southeast Asia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:22:49

French-Korean Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 140 Years of Diplomatic Relations The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce (FKCCI) held a celebration on May 20 at the National Assembly to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, as well as the 40th anniversary of FKCCI. The event highlighted the history of cooperation between the two nations from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. Following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Korea last month, the event featured remarks from FKCCI President David Pierre Jalicon, French Ambassador Philippe Berthe, People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won, and former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, among over 80 distinguished guests, emphasizing the significance of friendly cooperation between the two countries. In his speech, Jalicon stated, "The Korean National Assembly symbolizes the shared values of democracy and freedom between our two countries and is a true testament to our friendship." He added, "Today, the Korea-France relationship has evolved into a genuine 'strategic partnership' encompassing key areas, becoming more integrative in our economies." He expressed optimism for the year ahead, noting that FKCCI will open its own independent building, 'Maison France,' in Gangnam this September, which he hopes will serve as a multipurpose space for the Korea-France business community. Ambassador Philippe Berthe, in his address, remarked, "In two weeks, on June 4, we will officially celebrate the 140th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Through a century and a half of friendship, trust, and cooperation, France and Korea have forged closer ties than ever before." He expressed pride in gathering at the National Assembly, a place rich in history and symbolic of the republican values both nations have fought for, and emphasized that France and Korea are called to play increasingly important roles on the international stage based on their shared history, economic dynamism, and rich cultures. Na Kyung-won, president of the Korea-France Parliamentary Friendship Association, quoted a French proverb, "Little streams gather to form a mighty river," stating, "Based on the trust built over the past 140 years, we must now move together toward a larger sea. The synergy of Korea's dynamism and France's creativity, along with Korea's technological prowess and France's cultural depth, presents us with limitless possibilities." Park Young-sun shared a personal anecdote from her time as a journalist in the 1980s and 1990s, covering the competition between France's high-speed rail (TGV) and Germany for Korea's high-speed rail project, reflecting on how rapidly cooperation between the two countries has developed since then. On this day, FKCCI also officially unveiled a commemorative publication marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of FKCCI, with Jalicon presenting copies to key guests. He expressed gratitude, stating, "This book would not have come to fruition without your dedication and participation. In that sense, this book is truly yours." The publication includes historical photographs and narratives, starting from the 1886 Korea-France Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, through the activities of French missionaries in Korea in the 19th century, to the French battalion led by General Ralph Monclar, known as the 'hero of the Battle of Jipyeongri' during the Korean War, and the recent summit between President Lee Jae-myung and President Macron last month. Additionally, to commemorate FKCCI's 40th anniversary, the publication details key milestones in economic cooperation between the two countries, from the introduction of TGV in Korea in the 1990s to the Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement in the 2010s, and the current strategic partnerships in various fields such as innovation, mobility, energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, luxury, and cultural industries. Following the ceremony, a special performance by musicians from the Orchestre national Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was held as part of cultural cooperation between Korea and France. Founded in 1986 with 20 member companies, FKCCI has grown to include over 475 members, making it the third-largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea and the sixth-largest among 125 French chambers worldwide. 2026-05-21 22:21:00

Korean Minister Discusses Safety at Barakah Nuclear Plant with UAE Counterpart Kim Jeong-kwan, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, held a video conference with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assess safety conditions and recovery efforts at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. According to Yonhap News on May 21, the minister spoke with Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, to review the status of recovery efforts for transmission facilities near the Barakah plant that were damaged in a recent drone attack. They also discussed measures to enhance the safety of South Korean employees working at the Barakah facility. Kim expressed gratitude for the UAE government's efforts to ensure the safety of South Korean staff and their families residing in the country, assuring that the South Korean government would actively support the recovery of the damaged facilities. In response, Al Mazrouei emphasized that ensuring the safety of employees at the nuclear plant is a top priority and expressed a commitment to actively communicate and cooperate with South Korea. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, built in Abu Dhabi, is a facility where Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has exported its next-generation reactor model, APR1400. Employees from KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and domestic partners are currently working on-site. On May 17, a fire broke out at a generator located outside the internal security perimeter of the plant due to a drone attack, but no casualties were reported. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "We plan to deepen cooperation in energy and industrial sectors, including strengthening nuclear collaboration and stabilizing oil supply, while maintaining close communication with the UAE government, our special strategic partner."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:15:00

AI Takes Center Stage in Regional Growth Strategies Ahead of Local Elections As the June 3 local elections approach, candidates from Gangwon, Busan, and Ulsan are positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key element of their regional growth strategies. The common theme among them is to expand the AI industry, which has been concentrated in the capital region, into local areas and to create new growth engines by integrating AI with regional industries. In particular, Gangwon is focusing on securing AI infrastructure, Busan aims to establish itself as an AI hub, and Ulsan is prioritizing the transformation of its manufacturing sector through AI, leading to a competitive landscape of AI pledges tailored to each region's industrial structure. The race for the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province governor has highlighted the importance of attracting the National AI Computing Center. Woo Sang-ho, the Democratic Party's candidate for governor, has made this a central promise of his campaign. Woo stated, "This is the largest investment project in Gangwon's history, estimated to be worth between 20 trillion and 70 trillion won. We will secure both advanced companies and youth jobs based on AI infrastructure." He has also urged large corporations to prioritize hiring local talent in connection with policies aimed at fostering the AI industry. Kim Jin-tae, the People Power Party's candidate for Gangwon governor, is advocating for a strategy focused on developing future industries through the establishment of a semiconductor cluster and attracting advanced companies. His plan includes training semiconductor personnel and building test beds to expand Gangwon's advanced industrial ecosystem. In Busan, the competition to become an AI hub is intensifying. Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party's candidate for Busan mayor, has proposed creating a customized AI belt by dividing the city into three areas: South, East, and West Busan. He envisions developing South Busan, home to the Busan New Port's 7th terminal, into a center for marine and logistics AI, while East Busan will leverage existing content infrastructure, such as the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), to create a media AI special zone. This strategy aims to focus on nurturing AI-based content industries, including film, drama, and gaming. In West Busan, centered around Saha District, plans are in place to establish an 'AI Industry Operations Center' to enhance productivity and equipment utilization in aging manufacturing plants through AI. Park Hyung-jun, the People Power Party's candidate for Busan mayor, emphasizes the importance of data for Busan's tailored AI initiatives. He plans to organize data from Busan's six key industries—port, marine, shipbuilding, manufacturing, finance, and civilian life—for AI learning and inference, and to establish a 'Busan AI Hub' that will provide over 200 types of public data (APIs) for free. He aims to create 50,000 related jobs by 2035. In Ulsan, the focus is on the transformation of the manufacturing sector through AI. Kim Sang-wook, the Democratic Party's candidate for Ulsan mayor, has proposed integrating AI into Ulsan's key industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, and petrochemicals, to enhance industrial competitiveness. His main pledges include expanding smart factories using data from manufacturing sites and creating an industrial AI ecosystem. Kim Doo-gyeom, the People Power Party's candidate for Ulsan mayor, has made the 'AI Capital Ulsan' strategy a key promise. He plans to promote the AI transformation of Ulsan's core manufacturing industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, and petrochemicals, based on the expansion of data centers by SK and Amazon Web Services (AWS). His strategy also includes maximizing local industrial competitiveness through the expansion of smart manufacturing and the utilization of industrial data.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:13:16

Prime Minister Kim Meets UNDP Chief to Discuss AI Collaboration Kim Min-seok, the Prime Minister of South Korea, met with Alexander de Croo, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to discuss enhancing cooperation in global artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and expanding collaboration with international organizations. According to Yonhap News, during their meeting, Prime Minister Kim expressed gratitude for de Croo's leadership in facilitating South Korea's participation in the UNDP's Global AI Hub. Earlier that day, the South Korean government hosted a Global AI Hub Vision Declaration ceremony in Seoul, attended by representatives from nine international organizations, including the UNDP, who united in their commitment to advancing the AI Hub. Kim emphasized South Korea's intention to increase its contributions to international organizations, including the UN, as a responsible leading nation amid challenging global circumstances. He called for strengthened cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, he urged greater involvement and support from the Korean public and businesses, including youth, in UNDP activities. In response, de Croo noted, "The relationship between South Korea and UNDP began in the aftermath of the Korean War, but it has achieved remarkable progress. As a result, South Korea is now one of the most stable contributing countries to UNDP." He added, "The Global AI Hub Vision Declaration we held today signifies the opening of new horizons for cooperation between South Korea and UNDP, and I will work to strengthen our collaboration further."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:09:40

SpaceX Plans to Build Cities on the Moon as IPO Approaches Aerospace company SpaceX has publicly released its investment prospectus ahead of its initial public offering (IPO) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to Yonhap News on May 21, the prospectus, published on the SEC's website, states that SpaceX has applied for the listing of its Class A common stock on the Nasdaq and Nasdaq Texas under the ticker symbol 'SPCX.' SpaceX aims to raise a record $75 billion through the IPO. If successful, the company's valuation is expected to reach $1.75 trillion. The prospectus outlines SpaceX's mission to "ultimately build cities on the Moon and other planets." Additionally, as of March 31 of this year, the company has successfully launched a total of 7,400 tons of cargo into orbit, boasting a 99% mission success rate for its Falcon rockets. The company plans to conduct an IPO roadshow for institutional investors starting June 4, with the listing process expected to conclude by June 12. Class A shares will be available for general investors, while a select few insiders, including CEO Elon Musk, will hold Class B shares with ten times the voting power. Notably, Musk will retain over 80% of the total voting rights even after the IPO. He also has protections in place that prevent him from being dismissed without his consent, and any legal claims from shareholders must go through arbitration. Goldman Sachs is the lead underwriter, with Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan serving as co-managers. Mirae Asset Securities is also included in the underwriting group. The prospectus leaves the allocation of SpaceX's public offering shares to each co-manager blank. However, it appears that a domestic public offering in Korea will be difficult. The prospectus states that "the Class A common stock offered under this prospectus has not been registered under the Korean Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) and will not be registered in the future," indicating that the shares will be offered privately in Korea under the FSCMA. Meanwhile, Mirae Asset Securities is reported to have invested approximately 800 billion won in SpaceX, with speculation that the Mirae Asset Group may receive around $5 billion worth of public offering shares.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:07:28