US 'made in America' push rattles Korean auto suppliers ahead of USMCA review SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - South Korean automakers and parts suppliers are bracing for a contentious review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), as Washington signals it may demand a sharply higher share of US-made components in vehicles sold across North America. The three countries are due to begin a joint review of the pact on July 1, six years after it took effect in 2020. A sunset clause requires them to decide whether to extend the agreement for another 16 years, leave it under annual review, or let it lapse in 2036. The United States and Mexico concluded their first bilateral round of talks late this month, with negotiators focused on narrowing the US trade deficit and shoring up American supply chains. Automotive rules of origin, steel and aluminum, and economic-security concerns dominated the agenda. According to the Wall Street Journal and other outlets, US negotiators are weighing a requirement that at least 50 percent of automotive parts and materials be US-made, and are considering lifting the existing 75 percent North American content threshold for duty-free treatment to about 82 percent. For Korean suppliers that built plants in Mexico to tap lower labor costs, a binding US-content rule would force a costly overhaul of sourcing. Hyundai Mobis supplies parts from its Nuevo León plant to Kia's Pesqueria factory, while SL runs a San Luis Potosí facility capable of producing up to one million headlamp modules a year. The Korea Automotive Technology Institute, in a February report, said the United States holds a structural advantage in the talks as the region's largest market and the top export destination for Canada and Mexico, leaving each carmaker's burden to hinge on its US production footprint and local sourcing. 2026-05-31 17:02:47

[[6·3 Local Elections]] 'Party Leader Risk' Persists as Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk Face Challenges As the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections approach, concerns about the "party leader risk" surrounding Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party and Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party continue to grow. Political analysts note that both leaders have contributed to negative perceptions through repeated gaffes and are increasingly relying on extreme support bases amid competition for party leadership. According to reports on May 31, with just three days until the main voting day, candidates from both parties in some regions are distancing themselves from their party leadership. On this day, Jang Dong-hyuk and Song Eon-seok, the floor leader, campaigned in Seoul, but a meeting with Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, did not materialize. Oh has emphasized since the start of the official campaign on May 21 that he would run the election based on his own brand and policies, urging the party to play a role in checking the "arrogant and tyrannical" actions of the Lee Jae-myung administration while minimizing contact with party leadership. Previously, Kim Jin-tae, the candidate for Gangwon governor, pressured Jang during a visit to Yangyang County a month ago, stating, "The party needs to provide some support," and urged him to take responsibility. Jeong's situation is not much different. Having traveled nationwide early on to gauge public sentiment, Jeong faced backlash after a gaffe involving an elementary school student while campaigning for Ha Jung-woo, the candidate for Busan North Gap, on May 3. On May 20, amid the controversy over Starbucks' "Tank Day," he made remarks suggesting a boycott of certain companies, stating, "For those campaigning for the Democratic Party, entering Starbucks could give a very negative impression to the public," which provided ammunition for opposition attacks. Political analysts suggest that the government's excessive responses have solidified support among Democratic Party loyalists but negatively impacted the opinions of moderate and conservative voters. Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, remarked, "I hope it stops at this level. The political atmosphere should not publicly pressure specific companies or criticize consumer behavior," urging the government and ruling party to trust the public and observe the situation. There are also criticisms that both leaders are focusing on hardline support bases rather than moderates in their quest for party leadership ahead of the upcoming August convention. Jeong, who is facing calls for resignation, and Jang, who is under pressure, seem more concerned with maintaining their party positions than effectively participating in the elections. Despite the risks associated with their leadership, both party leaders are expected to continue campaigning until the end of the election period. On this day, Jeong visited regions including Gurye County in Jeollanam-do and Gun-san County in Chungcheongnam-do, supporting local mayoral candidates. This strategy aims to solidify support in the Chungcheong region, which holds the key to electoral victory. While campaigning near a beekeeping center in Gun-san, Jeong stated, "Nationwide, President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating exceeds 50%. To support this president, I urge you to come out and vote for the Democratic Party." Jang, meanwhile, visited Mapo, Seongdong, and Gangnam districts in Seoul, urging young voters to participate in the election. Wearing a red apron with the slogan "freedom to drink coffee," he campaigned in the Yeonnam-dong area, appealing, "Please vote for the People Power Party on June 3, and support candidate number 2." 2026-05-31 17:00:00

AI Investment Surge Expected Ahead of SpaceX and OpenAI IPOs SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, leading U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) companies, are expected to drive new momentum for Asian AI supply chain firms as they prepare for their initial public offerings (IPOs). According to Bloomberg on May 30, investors believe that the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic will trigger a new cycle of technology investment. A significant portion of the funds raised is expected to flow into Asian supply chains, including manufacturers of server components, specialty materials, cooling parts, and power equipment. Asian hardware companies are already seen as major beneficiaries of the expanding data center construction. Increased investment in AI infrastructure has boosted the stock prices of major semiconductor firms like TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix, propelling them into the $1 trillion market capitalization club. However, the rapid rise in the stock prices of large semiconductor firms has led some investors to be cautious about valuation pressures. As a result, analysts predict that the next phase of AI investment will broaden to include electronic components, server assembly, advanced materials, and power equipment. Ken Wong, a portfolio specialist at Eastspring Investments in Hong Kong, stated, "AI IPOs could further fuel a capital investment boom at a time when Asian semiconductor stocks appear overheated. We are currently reducing our semiconductor exposure in favor of focusing more on electronic component manufacturers." The competition for AI leadership has significantly increased investments in computing networks by major tech companies like Meta Platforms and Amazon. Bloomberg noted that the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic could alleviate some concerns about the sustainability of funding amid rising debt levels. Fabien Ip, a market analyst at IG International, suggested that the IPOs could lead to an additional $70 billion in AI spending on top of the $750 billion already committed by major hyperscalers. He remarked that the recent performance of semiconductor companies shows a clear ripple effect towards Asia, indicating that the AI rally is expanding beyond purely AI-related stocks. Indeed, recent trends in Asian stock markets have shown strength in manufacturers of electronic components for servers and companies involved in semiconductor materials and technologies. South Korea's Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Japan's Ibiden have been among the top performers in the MSCI Asia index this year. Investors are now shifting their focus beyond large semiconductor firms to companies whose AI infrastructure spending effects have yet to be fully reflected in their earnings, according to Bloomberg. The risk of concentration in specific stocks and limits on single-stock investments are contributing to the broader spread of AI investment across the supply chain. Song Zhe, a senior investment specialist at BNP Paribas Asset Management, predicted that the next phase of the rally will be characterized by stock-specific trends rather than indiscriminate semiconductor trading. He noted that he is focusing on companies in Taiwan and China involved in advanced packaging, substrates, testing, optical connections, power, cooling, and servers, which have upward earnings forecasts that could support their valuations. Bloomberg also reported that AI applications are emerging as a new investment area. Interest is growing in so-called "physical AI" fields, such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, which aligns with NVIDIA's expansion in related businesses and has drawn attention to partner companies like LG Electronics. Power supply is identified as a critical bottleneck area. With the surge in data centers, there is increasing interest in nuclear and alternative energy sources, and rising oil prices due to the Iran conflict are stimulating demand for power-related investments, according to Bloomberg. In the South Korean market, solar company HD Hyundai Energy Solutions and nuclear-related Daewoo Engineering & Construction have shown strong performance this year. In India, the Adani Group is expanding its environmentally friendly power-based data center business, driving up the stock prices of its energy affiliates. Gian Si Cortesi, a fund manager at Gam Investment Management, assessed power supply as the "most underweighted bottleneck area." However, he warned that if AI demand does not justify the massive investment scale, companies may reduce capital expenditures, leading the market to face overcapacity and sharp valuation declines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:57:00

Jongkundang Reports Growth Driven by Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Amid Competitive Market Jongkundang has regained its growth momentum, largely thanks to the effectiveness of its weight loss drug, Wegovy. As growth in its existing key products has slowed, Wegovy has quickly established itself as a new core product, helping to stabilize the company's performance. At the same time, Jongkundang is pursuing its own new drug development to secure long-term growth drivers. According to a report from the Financial Supervisory Service on May 31, Jongkundang recorded standalone sales of 447.8 billion won and an operating profit of 17.6 billion won in the first quarter of this year. These figures represent increases of 12% and 37%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Of this, Wegovy, which is co-marketed with Novo Nordisk, generated approximately 48.8 billion won in sales during the first quarter, accounting for about 10% of total pharmaceutical sales. In contrast, sales of existing top products have seen some decline. The osteoporosis treatment Prolia generated about 30 billion won in sales, while the cognitive enhancer Gliatirin recorded 14.8 billion won, reflecting decreases of 33% and 29%, respectively, compared to the previous year. While Wegovy has become a key contributor to Jongkundang's growth, increasing competition in the weight loss drug market poses a challenge. GC Green Cross Wellbeing reported first-quarter sales of 49.1 billion won, bolstered by the distribution of its weight loss drug, Maunzaro. Additionally, domestic pharmaceutical companies are actively developing their own weight loss treatments, raising concerns about maintaining long-term competitiveness with just introduced products. An industry insider noted, "Demand for Wegovy is likely to continue for the time being, but as competing products increase, a battle for sales power will be inevitable. Currently, Wegovy's impact is primarily defensive for performance." Jongkundang is channeling its secured revenue into research and development (R&D) investments to improve its operational structure. In October of last year, it established a subsidiary, Achella, to enhance its capabilities in new drug development. Through Achella, Jongkundang is currently developing the dyslipidemia treatment CKD-508, the oral GLP-1 agonist CKD-514, and the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor CKD-513. Among these, CKD-514 aims to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in the second half of this year. Non-clinical results presented at last year's American Obesity Society meeting indicated that CKD-514 showed significant weight loss effects and superior oral bioavailability compared to Eli Lilly's Orforglipron, even at lower doses. A Jongkundang representative stated, "We are continuously focusing on strengthening our R&D capabilities to secure long-term growth drivers. We plan to enhance our future growth momentum based on an expanded innovative drug pipeline and global competitiveness." Jongkundang is also targeting achievements in the biopharmaceutical sector. It is currently conducting global Phase 1 and 2a clinical trials for its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) cancer drug candidate CKD-703. The first patient has been registered in the United States, and trials are underway for patients with solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical approval has also been obtained in South Korea, with patient registration expected in the first half of the year. The company plans to expand its clinical trials to Europe and other regions in the future. An industry expert commented, "Jongkundang has secured market responsiveness through stable revenue and infrastructure. If it can connect its own drug development and technology exports to future successes, its corporate value is expected to increase further."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:39:00

Dairy Industry Faces Challenges as Milk Consumption Declines Domestic consumption of white milk is rapidly declining due to low birth rates, changes in food culture, and the rise of alternative beverages. As growth in the core dairy processing business slows, the industry is seeking new avenues through dining, processed foods, and exports. According to the Dairy Promotion Association, per capita consumption of white milk fell to 22.9 kilograms last year, down 9.5% from 25.3 kilograms the previous year. This marks the lowest level since the late 1980s. While milk consumption has been decreasing annually since 2001, this is the first time it has dropped nearly 10% in just one year. The burden of raw milk prices has eased somewhat, as the association decided not to negotiate raw milk prices this year, keeping the price for drinking milk at 1,084 won per liter for the third consecutive year. However, the obligation to purchase a certain amount of raw milk remains a significant burden despite the decline in consumption. The background to this situation is the mandatory raw milk purchase quota system introduced in 2002, which requires dairy companies to buy a specified amount of raw milk. The issue lies in the fact that, despite changes in consumption patterns, the distribution of raw milk is still primarily focused on white milk. Currently, the quota allocates 88.5% for drinking milk and only 5% for processed milk. Meanwhile, demand for processed milk products such as fermented milk, cheese, cup coffee, and protein drinks is increasing. In fact, while consumption of white milk decreased last year, processed milk consumption rose to 6.4 kilograms per person, a 33.3% increase from the previous year. Industry voices are growing louder in calling for reform of the quota system to align with changing consumer trends. The influx of imported milk also poses a challenge. Since January, U.S. milk has been entering the market duty-free, and tariffs on EU milk will be completely eliminated in July. According to the Korea Customs Service, the import volume of sterilized milk last year reached 50,800 tons, more than double the 23,000 tons imported in 2021. Price-competitive imported milk is expanding its influence, particularly in the business-to-business (B2B) market, including cafes and bakeries. Dairy companies are responding by diversifying into dining, exports, and product portfolios. Maeil Holdings reported dairy processing sales of 1.09 trillion won last year, roughly on par with the previous year's 1.09 trillion won, while its dining segment, which includes operations like Paul Bassett and Crystal Jade, saw sales rise to 213.6 billion won, an increase of 7.7 billion won from last year. Binggrae is accelerating its efforts in overseas markets. Although domestic sales of refrigerated products have declined, exports increased to 72.8 billion won, up from 71.1 billion won the previous year. Binggrae is expanding sales of Melona and banana-flavored milk in the U.S., China, and Vietnam and established a subsidiary in Australia last December. Namyang Dairy Products achieved a turnaround with sales of 914.1 billion won and an operating profit of 5.1 billion won last year, attributed to a 25.6% increase in the share of other segments, including Chocoemong and Take Fit. An industry insider stated, "The decline in white milk consumption is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural change. It is time to reorganize the raw milk supply structure and overall business portfolio to align with consumer trends."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:39:00

Evaluation of Lee Jae-myung's First Year in Office Highlights Economic Growth and Political Challenges As President Lee Jae-myung approaches his one-year anniversary in office, elders from various fields have positively assessed his communication with the public and improved economic indicators. However, they expressed disappointment over cooperation with opposition parties and the deepening polarization, urging the administration to address these issues during the remainder of its term. On May 31, Aju Economy gathered evaluations from four prominent figures in politics, economics, diplomacy, and society regarding the government's performance since its inception. Jeong Dae-cheol, chairman of the Constitutional Council, stated, "President Lee enjoys popular support. His frequent communication with the public is commendable," highlighting the administration's high approval ratings and communication skills. President Lee has engaged directly with citizens through town hall meetings and live broadcasts of cabinet meetings, receiving positive feedback for these innovative approaches. Jeong emphasized that the president and the ruling Democratic Party need to make greater efforts to cooperate with opposition parties like the People Power Party. He remarked, "Currently, politics resembles a state of war," and noted that the lack of collaboration and integration in politics is primarily the ruling party's responsibility. He suggested, "The majority party should give and take to revitalize politics." Joo Hyung-hwan, former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, acknowledged the challenges posed by trade pressures from the U.S. but praised the visible economic indicators, citing a $900 billion export figure, a 2.6% growth rate, and a KOSPI index of 8000, thanks to a booming semiconductor market. However, he cautioned that the high exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates have severely impacted the economy, exacerbating polarization. He stressed the need for more stable macroeconomic management, advocating for targeted fiscal expansion while maintaining reasonable stability. He also called for a fundamental shift in industrial policy based on artificial intelligence to transform the industrial structure established during the heavy chemical industry era of the 1970s. Opinions also emerged that the Lee administration has performed well in foreign affairs and security. Yang Mu-jin, chair professor at the University of North Korean Studies, remarked, "The administration has pursued practical diplomacy centered on national interests. The U.S.-Korea alliance has helped maintain a balance in relations with Japan and China." He noted that the defense cooperation with the U.S. has been effective, stating that the U.S. tariff pressures are not unique to South Korea but affect the entire world, thus downplaying their significance. He added that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and U.S. sanctions against Russia have limited South Korea's ability to restore relations with Russia, predicting that once the war concludes, it will only be a matter of time before relations are normalized. Concerns have also been raised regarding the government's judicial and prosecutorial reforms, with some viewing them as excessive. Kim Hyun, former president of the Korean Bar Association, expressed concern that the abolition of the prosecution office could hinder effective criminal investigations, significantly infringing on citizens' basic rights. He warned that the introduction of a law against judicial distortion could allow anyone to file complaints against judges and prosecutors, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the judiciary and leading to political pressure. He lamented that over the past year, the rule of law has deteriorated, judicial independence has been compromised, and the principle of separation of powers has been undermined. He emphasized that the separation of powers is crucial for protecting democracy and citizens' rights, urging legislative, judicial, and executive branches to exercise restraint to ensure citizens can live without fear.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:27:00

Shinhan Card Launches Senior-Friendly Check Card with Points Rewards Shinhan Card has introduced a new check card aimed at senior customers who frequently visit hospitals, supermarkets, and cafes.On May 31, Shinhan Card announced the launch of the 'SOL Mate Shinhan Card SOL Plan Check (SOL Mate Check Card).' This card offers special rewards of up to 2% for purchases made at establishments commonly frequented by seniors, such as hospitals, supermarkets, and cafes.Eligible categories for the special rewards include hospitals (general hospitals, private clinics, dental clinics, and veterinary clinics), supermarkets (Emart, Traders Wholesale Club, Lotte Mart, and Nonghyup Hanaro Mart), and cafes (Starbucks, Twosome Place, and Paul Bassett).The card also provides rewards of up to 0.4% on spending at all domestic and international merchants, depending on the previous month's spending. If the previous month's spending is between 200,000 and 600,000 won, customers earn a base reward of 0.2% and a special reward of 1.0%. For spending over 600,000 won, the base reward increases to 0.4%, and the special reward rises to 2.0%. The maximum reward limit is 30,000 points per month.Customers who meet the spending requirements for both Shinhan Card and Shinhan Bank will also receive benefits for subscription services. They can earn up to 5,000 points monthly for expenses related to OTT services (Netflix, YouTube Premium, Tving, Disney+) and digital memberships (Naver Plus, Coupang Wow).Eligible customers must maintain a balance of over 1,000,000 won in their payment account for at least 15 days and have spent over 600,000 won in the previous month. Combining both benefits, customers can earn a maximum of 35,000 points per month.The SOL Mate Check Card has no annual fee and is currently available for application at Shinhan Bank branches. It will also be available for issuance through the SOL Bank application in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:27:00

Korean Stock Market Surges Amid Legal Reforms and Global Trends Over the past year, South Korea's economy has faced significant external pressures, including U.S. tariff pressures, conflicts in the Middle East, high exchange rates, and supply chain uncertainties. However, the market has reacted unexpectedly. Once dubbed 'Parkspi,' the Korean stock market has emerged as one of the hottest markets globally, attracting renewed foreign investment. According to the financial investment industry on May 31, the KOSPI index, which stood at around 2,700 when President Lee Jae-myung's administration began last June, has surpassed 8,000 within a year. This nearly threefold increase is unmatched among major global stock markets. During his presidential campaign, Lee promised a 'KOSPI 5,000 era' as a key economic pledge. Since then, his administration has strengthened the fiduciary duties of directors and expanded cumulative voting through amendments to the Commercial Act. Other measures include mandating the buyback of treasury shares, promoting separate taxation on dividend income, and pressuring low PBR companies to improve. The Korea Exchange has also accelerated efforts to enhance market quality by tightening delisting criteria and expelling underperforming companies. In September of last year, President Lee visited the New York Stock Exchange to communicate his commitment to reforming South Korea's capital markets to foreign investors. The government has also intensified penalties for stock manipulation and insider trading. President Lee stated publicly, "I will show stock manipulators what it means to face ruin," emphasizing a tough stance against such practices. These policy changes have translated into market performance. Foreign investors have shown strong buying interest amid expectations of resolving the Korea discount. Another driving force behind the stock market's rebound has been the sectors of AI and semiconductors. As global competition in AI investment heats up, demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) has surged, leading to a rapid recovery in the semiconductor industry, particularly for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. While shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear power stocks led the market in the first half of the year, AI and semiconductors have taken the lead in the latter half. The government is also pushing for a special law to strengthen and support the semiconductor industry, alongside initiatives like the National Growth Fund to foster the AI sector. As the market's status evolves, the financial landscape is also changing. Once dominated by banks, the financial industry is seeing securities firms emerge as key players. With a surge in trading volumes and investment banking revenues, major securities firms are accelerating efforts to enhance their competitiveness to match global investment banks. Industry experts suggest that domestic securities firms are at a turning point, evolving beyond simple brokerage services to become global investment banks. Concerns remain, however. The rapid rise in stock prices has sparked fears of an AI bubble and discussions about overheating. Additionally, U.S. interest rate policies, geopolitical risks in the Middle East, and fluctuations in the semiconductor cycle continue to pose uncertainties. Nonetheless, the market is increasingly focused on the fact that this upward trend signifies a fundamental shift in the structure of South Korea's capital markets. An industry insider remarked, "Historically, the Korean stock market has always been discounted in the global arena, but now, policies, industries, and capital flows are changing simultaneously. The Korean stock market is rising to the ranks of global central markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:24:00

Kang Dong-won Discusses His Role in 'Wild Thing' and the Challenges of Dance Kang Dong-won returns in an unexpected role. The film 'Wild Thing' is a comedy about a mixed-gender dance group called 'Triangle,' which once dominated the music scene but disbanded due to unforeseen circumstances. Now, 20 years later, they attempt a comeback. Kang plays Hyun-woo, a former breakdancer turned struggling broadcaster, navigating the gap between past glory and current reality. His earnest portrayal of Hyun-woo brings both poignant and humorous moments to the film."After the trailer and music video were released, a close friend reached out to me, joking, 'What’s up? Are you short on cash these days?' Ha ha. I thought that comment carried a lot of meaning. I expected reactions like that. I thought, 'Oh, this is going to be fun.' There were a few projects I chose thinking people would be surprised, but I think this one will surprise them the most. It feels like a pleasant betrayal," Kang said.To convincingly portray Hyun-woo, Kang learned to dance. Although he is accustomed to action roles, dancing required a completely different skill set. He practiced late into the night even after filming wrapped."I was really satisfied with how I looked dancing. By the time we filmed the final stage, I thought, 'Wow, I’m actually good at this.' I worked really hard. Even after filming, I kept practicing and would go to the studio at night. As I continued to film the dance scenes, I gained stage experience. At first, I was overwhelmed with singing, dancing, looking at the camera, and engaging the audience, but later, as the choreography became second nature, I focused more on enhancing my lines. My dance lines improved over time," he said.While action and dance both involve physical movement, Kang found the training for each to be entirely different. He had a background in martial arts from a young age, but hip-hop dance required rhythms and attitudes he had rarely encountered."Learning something is similar, but this felt like a completely new sport with no foundation. I had a bit of a base from practicing taekwondo as a child, but hip-hop was different from dance. Matching the beat felt very unfamiliar. At first, I was learning the moves and thought, 'This isn’t working. I need to start with my steps,' so I spent about 30 minutes just walking. I played music and walked with a friend who was teaching me," he explained.He immersed himself in hip-hop culture to better understand Hyun-woo. Although Kang typically does not favor method acting, he felt it was necessary to change his wardrobe for this role. It was not just about mimicking a culture that felt foreign to him but understanding the gestures and movements that came from it."I had to use a lot of swagger in my gestures, but for those who don’t listen to hip-hop, it can seem confusing. It took me a while to adapt. Eventually, I bought clothes that fit the style. I’m not a fan of method acting, but I felt I needed to wear those clothes to understand the culture. I didn’t get why they walked or moved that way, but later I realized it was all about the beat," he said.Kang also took the time to study hip-hop history. He admitted he was almost completely ignorant about the genre. By watching documentaries and following the trends of music and culture, he began to understand the environment in which Hyun-woo grew up."I didn’t listen to hip-hop much. The only thing I knew was Limp Bizkit. I didn’t even know Tupac was a person’s name. Ha ha. I was so uninformed that I had to start studying hip-hop history from scratch. I watched documentaries, and that’s when I started to understand the character of Hyun-woo. I thought, 'He must have been exposed to this kind of music and lived like this during that time,'" he said.Kang was particularly focused on the performances of Triangle during their first album. He did not want to trivialize the stage in a comedy film. Instead, he aimed to perform well enough that even actual dancers from that era would not feel embarrassed watching it."For the first album stage, my goal was to perform well enough to be funny. I wanted to ensure that those who transitioned from being dancers to singers wouldn’t feel embarrassed watching it. I wanted them to think, 'Yeah, I used to do that,' rather than 'I never did that.' I hoped the audience would feel, 'Why is this so good? Why is it funny because it’s good?'"'Wild Thing' does not aim for precise historical accuracy but rather blends the cultural sensibilities of the late 1990s and early 2000s into a cinematic experience. Kang expressed a desire to revive the authentic 'coolness' of that era without mocking it."I wanted to recreate what I saw on TV when I was in high school. It was genuinely cool back then. I never thought about becoming a dance singer, but I wanted to capture that feeling I had as a child. I wanted to incorporate the essence of first-generation idols. I didn’t want to approach it in a purely humorous way. The hairstyles and styles that might seem excessive now were cool back then. I wore my hair and clothes like that too," he said.Hyun-woo once enjoyed a glamorous peak but now lives as a lesser-known broadcaster. Although Kang has maintained his status as a top star, he understands the feeling of being forgotten. He has carried the thought of potentially being forgotten since his debut."I’ve always been on an upward trajectory, but I’ve fluctuated within that. However, I don’t think I’ve ever fallen below the 2012 average. I might have fluctuated around the 50-day average. Ha ha. I’ve always thought about being forgotten since my debut. I felt that way since 'The Temptation of Wolves' did well. I’ve always thought I would eventually be forgotten. I’ve lasted longer than I expected, but someday I will be forgotten. There will come a time when my work decreases, and as a person, I will eventually be forgotten too. People will think, 'Was there someone like that?'">Kang is now considering projects beyond South Korea. However, he is no longer waiting for someone to recognize him and cast him. He has shifted towards creating and taking initiative in his work."In the past, I hoped someone would want to work with me, recognize me, and cast me. But now I think, 'Forget it. I’ll just create it myself.' It doesn’t have to be limited to Korea. To put it simply, I want to work with truly talented people from around the world."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:24:00

Democratic Party and Justice Party Intensify Campaign in Pyeongtaek The Democratic Party and the Justice Party are ramping up their campaigns for the Pyeongtaek by-election. Following a heated exchange between Democratic candidate Kim Yong-nam and Justice Party leader Cho Kuk, the parties' secretaries-general have also joined the fray. The Democratic Party labeled Cho as a "fake Democratic candidate," while the Justice Party described Kim as a "ticking time bomb of division" for the progressive camp. Lee Hae-min, secretary-general of the Justice Party, issued a statement from Cho's campaign office, criticizing the Democratic leadership's claim that "the suspicions have been resolved" based on Kim's bank account records. He argued that the allegations surrounding Kim's alleged involvement in a loan shark operation remain unresolved. Lee stated, "They have simply copied the arrogant 'apology season 2' habits of Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Gun-hee. Kim's true nature as a deceptive prosecutor is now evident, misleading voters." Democratic secretary-general Cho Seung-rae did not hide his displeasure regarding the "fake Democratic candidate" remark. He noted, "A few days ago, we met and agreed to refrain from emotional criticisms between secretaries-general, despite individual remarks from lawmakers. Yet, when the situation became unfavorable, they disregarded that promise and resorted to inflammatory language like 'fake candidate.'" He emphasized that the citizens of Pyeongtaek should not bear the burden of a candidate like Kim, who is unfit for office, and that the Democratic camp cannot accommodate a divisive figure like him. Cho continued his criticism of Cho Kuk and the Justice Party during a press briefing at the National Assembly, stating, "The Justice Party candidate should compete under the Justice Party name, not wear a Democratic mask. We hope they will run under their own banner." He added, "Cho claims to represent the Democratic camp, but even Kim Jae-yeon, the chair of the Progressive Party, would disagree with that assertion." He further remarked, "Politics in South Korea does not revolve around the Justice Party or the Democratic Party. It is centered on the supporters of the Democratic Party and the progressive camp. The argument that 'if I win, unification will proceed smoothly; if not, it will be difficult' is absurd logic." Meanwhile, Kim, who was previously known as a "sharpshooter" targeting Cho's private equity fund allegations during his time in the conservative camp, has engaged in a back-and-forth with Cho throughout this election cycle. The two candidates failed to reach an agreement on a potential unification by the start of early voting on May 29, effectively rendering it unfeasible. Observers suggest that the escalating conflict between the two candidates could pose challenges for party unification after the election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:18:00