April Donghaeng Festival Records 544.1 Billion Won in Sales, Increased Onnuri Sales 중소벤처기업부는 '4월 동행축제'에서 5441억원의 직접 매출을 기록했다고 31일 밝혔다. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups reported on May 31 that the April Donghaeng Festival generated direct sales of 544.1 billion won. According to the ministry, this year's festival saw participation from a record 36,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses. Notably, 200 online and offline distribution channels operated discount promotions, resulting in a 178 billion won (3.4%) increase compared to last year's average sales of 526.3 billion won. During the festival, the sales of Onnuri gift certificates rose by 48% from the previous year, reaching 511.8 billion won, thanks to temporary increases in discount rates for digital certificates. A key feature of this year's festival was the collaboration with local governments to link regional festivals with the Donghaeng Festival program, as well as expanded partnerships with large retail companies that have nationwide sales networks. To support small businesses and boost consumer spending, the Minister and Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups visited major consumer sites across the country simultaneously during the festival. Thirteen regional SMEs and Startups offices operated a total of 71 specialized programs that reflected local characteristics and were linked to regional festivals. A notable example is the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional SMEs and Startups Office's 'Daegu Handmade Burger Festival,' which identified ten young entrepreneurs in the local alley economy and promoted their local brand products. During the event, each business averaged 10 million won in sales, a 3.3-fold increase compared to the annual average daily sales of 1.5 million won. The event attracted around 12,000 visitors. Additionally, in collaboration with local governments, a special 'Eomheungdo City Tour' was organized to coincide with the success of the film 'The King and the Man,' linking it to the Gunwi traditional market to encourage local consumption through lunch and market tours, revitalizing the local economy. Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to institutionalize two annual consumer festivals, focusing on the 'April Donghaeng Festival' in the first half and the 'Korea Grand Festival,' a comprehensive government initiative to promote consumption, in the second half of the year. Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "In the second half of this year, we will further invigorate domestic consumption through the 'Korea Grand Festival,' which will consolidate the government's consumption promotion capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:42:00

Trump Delays Announcement on Iran Agreement, Raising Uncertainty Over Peace Talks Amid delays in announcing a peace agreement with Iran, uncertainty surrounding the deal has intensified. The two nations have shown differences over key issues, including Iran's nuclear program and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about whether a peace agreement can be reached this time. The New York Times reported on May 30, citing three officials, that President Trump has not yet approved the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war between the U.S. and Iran. According to the report, Trump has strengthened the preliminary conditions outlined in the peace MOU and sent a revised document back to Iran. However, specific details of the changes have not been confirmed. Previously, on May 29, Trump discussed the approval of the peace MOU during a meeting in the White House Situation Room but concluded the meeting without a separate announcement. The draft MOU reportedly includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and an agreement on Iran's denuclearization during the extended ceasefire period. On the same day, Trump mentioned on social media platform Truth Social that key conditions include a ban on Iran's nuclear weapons development, the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, immediate removal of underwater mines by Iran, and U.S.-led excavation and removal of highly enriched uranium buried at Iranian nuclear facilities. The White House also stated that any agreement Trump makes with Iran would only be beneficial to the U.S. and meet his red lines. As criticism grew among hardliners within the Republican Party regarding the Trump administration's approach to Iran's nuclear issue, it is interpreted that Trump has conveyed even tougher demands to quell these concerns. In contrast, Iran has criticized the U.S. for maintaining a maritime blockade and making excessive demands. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian official and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, "As expected, the U.S. president is betraying diplomacy for the third time." He added, "By continuing the maritime blockade and pursuing excessive demands in negotiations, he has proven that he is not a negotiator and is pursuing other objectives." U.S. Hints at Military Options Amid these developments, the U.S. has indicated that military options against Iran remain on the table. Defense Secretary Pete Hagel stated at a press conference following the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. military's blockade of Iran remains strong and that they are prepared to resume military intervention if peace negotiations fail. He emphasized, "The Strait of Hormuz will be an open waterway, freely accessible to the world, without tolls. That is how it should be." On the same day, U.S. forces reportedly fired missiles at a Gambian-flagged cargo ship heading toward an Iranian port, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM stated that the vessel was observed passing through international waters toward the Iranian port and that over 20 warnings were issued regarding violations of the U.S. maritime blockade. The U.S. Treasury Department is also increasing pressure on Iran regarding navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz. On May 29, the Treasury announced that Americans should not use any services provided by the Iranian government, including safe passage services, regardless of toll payments. Earlier, on May 27, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), created by Iran to manage navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and all individuals or entities cooperating with it as special sanctions targets. Since the outbreak of war, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, securing unprecedented leverage. Iran has been overtly asserting its control over the strait, recently proposing tolls of up to $2 million per vessel (approximately 300 million won) as part of its management and licensing system for navigation. Consequently, despite Trump's earlier mention of making a 'final decision' regarding the peace agreement on May 29, the lack of clear updates has raised concerns about the potential for renewed military conflict, further increasing uncertainty surrounding the peace agreement. On the other hand, some mediators suggest that a significant portion of the agreement has already been finalized. A senior Arab official involved in directly mediating peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stated to NBC News on May 28 that both negotiating teams had agreed on ceasefire conditions a few days prior, but both sides are delaying final confirmation and announcement. The official explained, "It was already wrapped up three days ago in Doha. Now everyone is playing a game of who comes first, the chicken or the egg," expressing frustration over the delay.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:42:00

Hyundai and Samsung Secure Major Reconstruction Projects in Gangnam In a significant development in the Gangnam reconstruction market, Hyundai Engineering and Samsung C&T have emerged victorious in recent bidding contests, solidifying their positions as the leading players in the sector. Hyundai secured the Apgujeong District 5 project, while Samsung won the integrated reconstruction of Shinbanpo Districts 19 and 25. Industry experts believe these results will enable Hyundai to strengthen its brand town strategy in Apgujeong and Samsung to do the same in Banpo. According to the construction industry on May 31, Hyundai Engineering and Samsung C&T outperformed their competitors to secure construction rights for the Apgujeong District 5 and Shinbanpo Districts 19 and 25 projects, respectively. Both sites are considered prime locations in Gangnam, with intense competition focusing on maximizing Han River views, financial support, and specialized designs. In the Apgujeong District 5 reconstruction project, 1,016 out of 1,199 members of the reconstruction association participated in the vote, selecting Hyundai Engineering as the construction company. Hyundai received 599 votes, while competitor DL E&C garnered 398 votes, with 19 abstentions. Hyundai's strategy focused on appealing to members by promising to create a high-end residential complex that inherits the identity of the iconic Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments. They proposed the name 'Apgujeong Hyundai Galleria' for the new development. With this win, Hyundai has now secured half of the six reconstruction zones in Apgujeong, having previously won bids for Districts 2 and 3. This victory also bolsters Hyundai's plans to establish a 'Hyundai Brand Town' in the Apgujeong area, which is known for its strong association with the Hyundai brand. Analysts suggest that the continuity of the brand and expectations for future property value increases influenced the members' voting decisions. In the Shinbanpo District 19 and 25 integrated reconstruction project, Samsung C&T was selected over POSCO E&C. At the general meeting held on May 30, Samsung received 239 votes from the 399 attending members. Samsung proposed the name 'Raemian Illucera' for the new complex, aiming to create a 'Raemian Town' that connects existing Raemian properties in the Banpo and Jamwon areas, including Raemian Shinbanpo Palace, Raemian Shinbanpo Rio Center, and Raemian Heriven Banpo. The strong preference for the Raemian brand in the Banpo area also played a favorable role in the bidding process. These results highlight the trend of consolidation among major construction firms in the reconstruction market. For associations, the importance of selecting a construction company capable of completing projects reliably amid rising construction costs, raw material prices, labor costs, and financing expenses has become increasingly critical. The preference for established large construction firms has intensified, considering post-occupancy market values and the success of general sales. Large construction companies are focusing on securing prime locations, leveraging their substantial order backlogs and financial resources. In particular, reconstruction projects in Gangnam are seen as symbols of future high-end brand competitiveness, beyond just the monetary value of contracts. Meanwhile, mid-sized construction firms are exploring opportunities through selective bidding focused on profitability and expanding into public and non-residential sectors. Last year, the combined order value for reconstruction projects by Samsung C&T and Hyundai Engineering reached 19.7493 trillion won, accounting for approximately 40% of the total order value for the top 10 construction firms. In the order ranking, Samsung C&T maintained the top position, followed by Hyundai Engineering in second place. Song Seung-hyun, CEO of Urban and Economy, stated, "Choosing a large construction firm allows members to expect a brand premium that is favorable for future market value formation, and these firms have strong financing capabilities and extensive construction experience, which reduces the risk of project delays. It is likely that the dominance of large construction firms like Hyundai Engineering and Samsung C&T will continue in future key location reconstruction and redevelopment projects." He added, "As construction costs rise, future bidding will likely shift from simple brand competition to a more comprehensive approach that includes business viability improvements, financial support, and specialized designs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:39:00

Lee Jae-myung's Government Marks One Year Amid Global Economic Crisis President Lee Jae-myung will mark his first anniversary in office on June 4. His administration, which began without a transition committee due to an unprecedented state of emergency, has been praised for quickly stabilizing the situation through pragmatism and a focus on results.Although not officially named, President Lee has referred to his government as the 'People's Sovereignty Government' since day one, clearly defining its direction. This government embodies the 'Revolution of Light,' which citizens achieved by preventing an illegal state of emergency.In terms of economic growth, the focus on pragmatism and results has been evident. Within a month of taking office, the government introduced a supplementary budget of 31.8 trillion won, implementing expansionary fiscal policies to stimulate the economy.President Lee's expansionary fiscal measures coincided with a global 'semiconductor supercycle,' leading the KOSPI index, which was hovering around 2,500 at the time of his inauguration, to triple and surpass 8,000 within a year.The government's approach also proved effective in managing the energy supply crisis stemming from the conflict between the U.S. and Iran that began in late February. By negotiating with Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries for crude oil and naphtha supplies, the administration's efforts to diversify diplomatic relations were reaffirmed as effective crisis management strategies.These achievements have been reflected in public approval ratings. President Lee has maintained an average approval rating in the 60% range as he approaches his one-year mark.One of President Lee's greatest strengths is his direct communication with the public. Since taking office, he has emphasized breaking away from traditional communication methods, introducing live broadcasts of cabinet meetings.For the first time in history, the president's opening remarks and discussions on agenda items between the president and cabinet members are broadcast live. These meetings typically last about two hours, with a record of 4 hours and 42 minutes set on May 20.Additionally, President Lee's use of X (formerly Twitter) for 'SNS politics' has become a platform for debate on major national issues.He addresses various longstanding issues, including real estate, valley management, the price of sanitary pads, and recent marketing strategies by Shinsegae Group's Starbucks, providing messages on both large and small matters. The president has also publicly refuted media articles that contradict government policy or facts through his social media posts.The first major test for the People's Sovereignty Government is expected to be the June 3 local elections. The results are likely to significantly impact the government's momentum entering its second year.On May 31, President Lee shared a quote from the Greek philosopher Plato on X, stating, "The cost of political indifference is being ruled by the worst of the worst," and added, "The silence and abstention of the sovereign give opportunities to those who deceive the people, abuse power for personal gain, and ruin the lives of themselves and their families."He encouraged voter participation, stating, "If there are politicians or political groups uncomfortable with this statement, they are precisely the vested interests that the sovereign must overcome through their votes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:39:00

Intense Final Campaign Battle Between Candidates for Seoul Mayor As the June 3 Seoul mayoral election approaches, a fierce exchange of negative campaigning is intensifying between Jung Won-oh of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party. With polls showing a tight race, both candidates and their parties are ramping up efforts to sway voters in the final days of the campaign. Lee In-young, the head of Jung's campaign committee, held a press conference on May 31 and asserted, "Oh is not free from severe criticism regarding negligence in safety over the past decade, including the Itaewon tragedy and the Seosomun overpass collapse." Kang Jun-hyun, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, pointed out Oh's recent remark during a televised debate, where he questioned, "What good does it do for me to go to Samseong Station right now?" Kang interpreted this as an admission of failure in managing safety for Seoul citizens and a blatant declaration of evading responsibility. In response, the opposition has focused on Jung's moral integrity. Jang Dong-hyuk, the People Power Party leader, held a press conference that day, accusing Jung of being a candidate unfit for office due to his association with President Lee Jae-myung and the passage of harmful legislation. Jang further criticized the president for hosting a fish party at Jagalchi Market on the day of the Seosomun overpass collapse, claiming that the president later directed a raid on Seoul City Hall. He also stated, "Jung failed to explain any policies during the TV debate, showing his lack of competence." The level of criticism between the candidates has escalated. Oh Se-hoon labeled Jung as a "puppet of the president" during a press conference at his campaign office, arguing that Jung would not challenge any misguided policies from the president. He emphasized, "What Seoul needs now is not a puppet but a guardian of citizens' rights." In turn, Jung accused Oh of being silent during President Yoon Suk-yeol's oppressive governance, stating, "Claiming he will express his opinions in front of President Lee is nothing short of a declaration of political conflict." The number of legal complaints related to the mayoral election has also surged into double digits. As of May 30, there have been 13 reported cases of complaints and legal actions. Of these, 10 were filed by Jung's campaign and the Democratic Party. Jung's team accused Oh's campaign of manipulating public opinion and filed complaints for obstruction of business and violations of election laws. Oh's camp has denied these allegations. Mutual accusations regarding past violence allegations against Jung have also emerged. The Democratic Party filed complaints against People Power Party lawmakers Joo Jin-woo and Kim Jae-seop for violations of election laws, while the People Power Party countered with accusations of false reporting against Democratic lawmakers Seo Young-kyo and Lee Joo-hee. The escalating conflict in the Seoul mayoral race is attributed to the close competition between the two candidates, with recent polls indicating they are neck-and-neck or tied within the margin of error. 2026-05-31 15:33:00

Shift from Bags to Jewelry: Department Stores Focus on Luxury Demand Luxury consumption is rapidly shifting from handbags to high-end jewelry and watches. In the first quarter of this year, sales of jewelry and watches at Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai department stores surged by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year, outpacing overall luxury sales growth. This trend is attributed to rising marriage rates, stock market gains, and substantial bonuses from semiconductor companies. According to the department store industry, Shinsegae's overall luxury sales increased by 29.8% in the first quarter compared to the previous year. Jewelry sales rose by 55.6%, and watch sales increased by 36.9%, significantly exceeding the overall luxury growth rate. Similarly, Lotte Department Store reported a 30% increase in total luxury sales, with luxury jewelry and watches soaring by 55%. Hyundai Department Store also saw a 30% growth in overall luxury sales, with jewelry and watch sales up by 50.2%. In contrast, the overall sales growth for the three department stores ranged from 7% to 12%, highlighting the remarkable performance of jewelry and watches. A key factor behind this surge is the increase in marriage rates. According to the National Data Agency, there were 62,309 marriages in the first quarter, an increase of 3,609 (6.1%) from the previous year. This marks the highest number of marriages for the first quarter since 2018. An industry insider noted, "Recently, there has been a clear trend of couples investing more in jewelry and watches while cutting back on wedding expenses. The increase in marriages and this trend have contributed to the rising demand for engagement gifts." Additionally, record bonuses from semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have also played a role. The impact has been particularly pronounced in department stores located in the southern Gyeonggi province, where these companies are based. For instance, Shinsegae's South City (Yongin) saw jewelry sales soar by 146.3% and watch sales by 85.3% from January 1 to 20 compared to the previous year. Hyundai Department Store's Pangyo branch also reported a 43% increase in luxury sales during the same period, with jewelry and watches up by 68.8% and premium clothing by 37.5%. In response to this trend, department stores are actively curating distinctive brands to capture demand. Shinsegae is showcasing the British high jewelry brand Jessica McCormack in a pop-up store on the first floor of its Cheongdam location until June 26, marking the brand's first appearance in Asia. This pop-up follows its debut at Harrods in the UK, making it the second location worldwide. Lotte Department Store has opened a store featuring 'Chloisoo,' established by renowned Korean cloisonné artist Lee Soo-kyung, on the third floor of its Avenue L branch. The artist's work includes a traditional ornament gifted by President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife during the Korea-China summit in January. The store showcases over 30 art pieces and cloisonné jewelry, including the representative work 'Fantasia,' valued at 300 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:24:00

LG Household & Health Care Launches Dr. Groot Hair Tower in Key U.S. Sephora Stores LG Household & Health Care announced on May 31 that it will launch its scalp care brand, Dr. Groot, in major offline stores of the global beauty retailer Sephora in North America. Dr. Groot has recently installed special displays called 'Hair Towers' in over 90 key Sephora locations across the U.S., showcasing its flagship SRS product line. With an official launch planned for August in more than 400 stores nationwide, Dr. Groot aims to assess market reactions and sales data to establish a solid foundation for its offline debut. The brand plans to enhance customer engagement by introducing scalp care routines using its flagship products. Notably, Dr. Groot will feature eight key products, including SRS line shampoos, conditioners, and roll-on serums, in stores located in major urban areas, allowing customers to experience the scents and textures firsthand. In conjunction with its offline expansion, the brand is accelerating its marketing efforts. It is increasing collaborations with local creators on major North American social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and is also implementing training programs for Sephora staff to educate them about K-beauty trends and product benefits. An LG Household & Health Care representative stated, "We aim to successfully lead up to the official launch in August and solidify our position as a K-hair care brand." Meanwhile, according to the Korea Customs Service's trade statistics, the export value of domestic hair care products reached $135.72 million (approximately 204.5 billion won) in the first quarter of this year, marking the highest quarterly figure to date. This represents a 34.2% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw exports of $101.17 million. The export volume for the first quarter was 17,252 tons, up 45.2% from 11,881 tons in the previous year. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:24:00

Election Fallout: Song Young-gil's Comments Spark Debate Among Candidates Song Young-gil's assertion that independent candidate Kim Kwan-young is "also a person chosen by President Lee Jae-myung" has ignited controversy, leading to a heated exchange between Lee Won-taek, the Democratic Party's candidate for Jeonbuk governor, and Kim. On May 31, Lee's campaign team criticized Song, stating, "By praising Kim, who was permanently expelled from the party over allegations of illegal cash distribution, as 'a Democratic Party person' and 'a person chosen by the president,' he is undermining the party's official decision and deceiving voters." They further claimed, "Kim's campaign is immediately exploiting Song's comments for election promotion, spreading the narrative that he is 'also a Democratic Party person.' It is a clear distortion of facts and an attempt to obscure the truth that a candidate expelled from the party is masquerading as a Democratic Party member." In response, Kim's camp defended Song's statement, asserting, "It is a clear truth that Kim is a person chosen by the president." They emphasized that President Lee Jae-myung had welcomed Kim into the party on December 10, 2021, stating, "I believe he is a great asset, and it seems the first step toward a grand unification is opening up." Additionally, they criticized the Lee camp for attacking a former party leader who has represented the people's sentiments, urging, "Show proper respect to Song, who is campaigning in a competitive district in Incheon." Meanwhile, in a recent interview with the YouTube channel 'Speaks,' Song stated, "It is contradictory for the Democratic Party to exclude Kim while concentrating its efforts in Jeonbuk. Since Kim is also a person chosen by the president, we should leave it to the people's judgment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:24:00

Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Eight Trials Simultaneously; Life Sentence for Rebellion, Acquitted of Perjury Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently serving a life sentence for leading a rebellion following the declaration of martial law on December 3, was recently acquitted of perjury charges in a separate trial. He is facing a total of eight trials, with a verdict expected next month in a case involving the receipt of polling data without charge. According to legal sources on May 31, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 32, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, acquitted Yoon of perjury on May 28. This marks the third first-instance verdict among the eight trials he is currently undergoing, and it is the first acquittal. Previously, the special prosecutor's team for the rebellion case had sought a two-year prison sentence for Yoon. Yoon was charged with providing false testimony during a trial involving former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, where he appeared as a witness. He was accused of falsely claiming that he had planned a Cabinet meeting before Han's recommendation on the day martial law was declared. At the time, Yoon stated, "Cabinet members are not puppets just to maintain appearances; isn’t this question too reflective of a subjective opinion?" The special prosecutor's team deemed this statement to be perjury. However, the court ruled that Yoon's testimony about attempting to convene a legally constituted Cabinet meeting was merely a subjective evaluation and did not contradict the facts. Currently, there are four cases related to the rebellion, including the perjury charge. The main rebellion trial resulted in a life sentence in February, and an appeal is currently underway at the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-1, led by Judge Lee Seung-cheol. However, this trial has been suspended due to a request from Yoon's legal team to disqualify the judges. Following the rejection of this request, Yoon's team has filed a further appeal. It appears that the trial will not resume until the Supreme Court issues a final decision. In a separate case involving the obstruction of an arrest warrant execution, the sentence has been increased from five to seven years. On April 29, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, imposed a heavier sentence than the initial five-year term. This case has been assigned to the Supreme Court's Division 3, and a definitive ruling is expected by July 29, which is the deadline for sentencing under the rebellion special prosecution law. Yoon has also been indicted in a separate investigation led by the Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor's team for allegedly receiving polling data without charge from political broker Myung-tae Kyun. The first-instance verdict for this case is set for June 23, with the special prosecutor seeking a four-year prison sentence. Additionally, a case involving violations of the Public Official Election Act for disseminating false information during the 20th presidential election is scheduled for a verdict on July 10. If a fine of over 1 million won is imposed, the People Power Party will be required to return approximately 40 billion won in election expenses, which could have significant political repercussions. The trial concerning allegations of investigative pressure and aiding a fugitive, initiated by the Marine Corps special prosecutor's team, is also progressing. During a hearing on May 27, key witness Lim Gi-hoon, former presidential secretary for defense, testified that the so-called 'VIP anger' indeed existed, suggesting a potentially unfavorable outcome for Yoon in future proceedings. The trial regarding allegations of instructing the deployment of drones to Pyongyang to justify the declaration of martial law is set for a first-instance verdict on June 12, with the special prosecutor seeking a severe sentence of 30 years. Another case involves the alleged aiding of a fugitive by appointing former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop as ambassador to Australia to evade investigation, which is currently being heard in the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo. 2026-05-31 15:21:00

South Korea Expands Top-Tier Visa Program to Attract Global Science Talent The South Korean government is set to expand its Top-Tier visa program, offering significant incentives to attract world-class science and technology talent. The program will now include professors and researchers in the science and technology fields, aiming to secure 2,000 outstanding foreign professionals by 2030. On May 31, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the new "science and technology Top-Tier visa" system will be implemented starting in June. This improvement is designed to streamline the process by closely linking talent recommendations from the Ministry of Science and ICT with visa evaluations by the Ministry of Justice, significantly lowering barriers for skilled professionals to enter the country. The Ministry of Science and ICT is pursuing a "Brain to Korea" strategy, which aims to attract a total of 2,000 foreign scientists, including 350 top-tier scholars, by 2030. To facilitate this, a "one-stop electronic system" will be launched to ensure that visa issuance can be completed within two weeks when universities, research institutes, or corporate labs seek to recruit foreign experts. The criteria for obtaining a Top-Tier visa focus on demonstrating global research excellence. Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements: be a recipient of an internationally recognized award such as the Nobel Prize or Fields Medal, be an author of papers in the top 1% of citations, hold triadic patents (registered simultaneously in the U.S., Japan, and Europe), or have experience as an assistant professor at a top 100 global university or as a lead researcher at one of the world's top 500 companies. Even if applicants do not fully meet the quantitative criteria, promising researchers with significant potential can still be recommended through a qualitative assessment by a joint review committee from both ministries. Selected Top-Tier visa holders will receive exceptional benefits for themselves and their families. Upon application, they will be granted a residency visa (F-2) that allows for immediate employment and settlement, along with a preferential entry card. Notably, the residency period required for obtaining permanent residency (F-5) will be significantly reduced from five years to three years. Accompanying family members, including parents and domestic helpers, will also be allowed to stay, enhancing stability for their settlement. The program will not only provide visas but also comprehensive support services from entry to daily life. Upon arrival at the airport, new arrivals will receive protocol services, and dedicated consultants will assist with foreign registration, communication service setup, real estate contracts, and psychological counseling to minimize initial settlement challenges. Justice Minister Jeong Seung-ho expressed optimism, stating, "This system improvement will strengthen the foundation for the swift influx of outstanding foreign science and technology talent into domestic research environments." Deputy Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-ho also emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation, noting that not only research opportunities but also living conditions and visa support systems must work seamlessly to encourage individuals to choose Korea. This initiative is expected to enhance the global research capabilities of domestic institutions and lay the groundwork for South Korea to become a leading nation in attracting scientific and technological talent.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 15:18:00