Political Distortion of the Gwangju Uprising Must End, Leaders Urged The Gwangju Uprising marks its 46th anniversary, yet certain political factions continue to distort and undermine its historical significance. Despite the government's legal and institutional recognition of the pro-democracy movement, including Supreme Court rulings and investigations, extreme claims and political exploitation persist. This ongoing lack of social consensus regarding the tragic history of democracy reflects the backwardness of South Korean politics. The events of May 18 are no longer open to political interpretation. The violent suppression of citizens by the military regime in May 1980 was a pivotal moment that changed the course of South Korean democracy, a fact that has been legally and historically established. It has been designated a national memorial day and is recognized as a core value of democracy, even being discussed for inclusion in the preamble of the constitution. However, during election seasons, some politicians resort to strategic manipulation or repeat controversies surrounding the Gwangju Uprising. Statements influenced by extreme factions emerge, unverified conspiracy theories resurface, and remarks that reopen wounds for victims and their families continue. Critics argue that politicians are using historical issues not for social unity but as a means to consolidate their support base. The problem is that this distortion goes beyond mere verbal missteps. It fosters distrust in the history of democracy, exacerbates generational conflicts, and undermines public standards across society. In an age where provocative claims spread rapidly through platforms like YouTube and social media, irresponsible remarks from politicians carry even greater repercussions. The words of public figures are not merely personal opinions; they convey societal messages. Moreover, statements from lawmakers and party leaders come with the heavy responsibility of upholding national unity and democratic values. Even more concerning is the inability of the political sphere to rise above partisan logic regarding historical issues. While they react vehemently to distortions from opposing factions, they often remain silent or downplay inappropriate remarks from their own side. On historical matters, there should be no division between the ruling and opposition parties. The entire political landscape must draw a clear line against distortions and denigrations that undermine the fundamental order of democracy. Germany legally punishes the denial of Nazi crimes, and several European countries apply strict standards against historical distortion. This is rooted in the understanding that political exploitation of the past can threaten democracy itself. South Korea has also established laws to penalize distortions of the Gwangju Uprising, yet controversies continue to arise within political calculations. This underscores the need for politicians to cultivate a minimum ethical awareness regarding history. Particularly, conservative politicians must feel a heavier sense of responsibility. The Gwangju Uprising represents a historical challenge that South Korean conservatism must confront. If they continue to adopt ambiguous stances out of fear of hardline supporters, they will struggle to gain the trust of moderates. A healthy conservatism that respects democracy and constitutional order should not hesitate to draw lines against historical distortion. The progressive camp must also move away from treating the Gwangju Uprising as a proprietary asset of a specific faction. The history of democratization is not the exclusive domain of any political group but belongs to the entire nation. The Gwangju Uprising is not just a story of Gwangju. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy when state power is turned against its citizens and a commitment to ensure such events never happen again. In light of this history, a minimum level of responsibility and restraint is necessary. If the political sphere continues to engage in distortion and conflict, it is ultimately the trust in democracy and national unity that will suffer. History is not a tool for politics. Especially the history of democracy, written in blood, must be treated with the utmost respect. The political arena must now remove the Gwangju Uprising from the battleground of conflict. This is the minimum dignity that politicians must uphold when discussing democracy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:33:00

Negative Campaigning Dominates Upcoming Local Elections in South Korea As the June 3 local elections approach in South Korea, the political climate in key battlegrounds is becoming increasingly contentious. Candidates are hitting the streets to meet voters, and political parties have mobilized their full support. It is natural for the intensity to rise as the election date nears, as democracy thrives on competition, and elections are the most visible manifestation of that competition. However, this local election is becoming overly focused on personal attacks and allegations against opponents rather than policy competition. Voters are eager to hear visions and plans for improving their communities, yet the campaign landscape is dominated by negative tactics aimed at exploiting the weaknesses of rival candidates. In critical areas like Seoul and Busan, emotional and aggressive exchanges are overshadowing policy debates. In the Seoul mayoral race, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party have been relentless in launching various allegations and controversies against each other. Issues such as personal life controversies, accountability for city governance, and allegations of construction material omissions are being raised, while serious discussions about how to improve citizens' lives are being pushed to the background. The conflict has escalated beyond individual candidates, with central party leadership joining the fray, transforming the local elections into a national political battleground. Since the official campaign began, party leaders have hurled strong accusations at each other, labeling opponents as "incompetent," "irresponsible," and questioning their "moral integrity." Each campaign is intensifying its attacks, leading to growing fatigue among voters. The Busan mayoral election is similarly contentious. During public debates, allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church and controversies over real estate profits have taken center stage, with candidates spending significant time attacking one another. The Incheon mayoral race is also marked by intensified clashes over allegations of hidden virtual assets, with discussions of potential legal actions surfacing. Across the country, elections are increasingly resembling exposés rather than policy debates. Additionally, there is concern over the rapid spread of unverified claims and sensational videos on social media platforms and YouTube during this election. In the past, candidate disputes primarily occurred in debates or official campaign events, but now, short edited videos and online posts are circulating in real-time, swaying public opinion. If the election devolves into a competition for views rather than a contest of policies and visions, the biggest victims will ultimately be the voters who need accurate information to make informed decisions. While scrutiny of candidates is necessary, as their morals, qualifications, and past actions are crucial factors in voters' decisions, it is not inherently problematic to raise allegations. However, if the focus remains solely on attacks and counterattacks, the election risks becoming a battle of emotions rather than a competition for the future. Local elections are fundamentally about issues closest to residents' lives, addressing matters such as transportation, housing, welfare, education, urban development, and safety. The focus should be on what kind of city to build, what kind of administration to implement, and what actions to take for youth, the elderly, and small businesses. Yet, voters are increasingly exposed to commentary and investigative articles attacking rival candidates rather than to platforms of promises. Politicians often claim they seek voters' choices. Therefore, they must first provide reasons for voters to choose them. Rather than fixating on undermining opponents, candidates should explain what they can offer. Elections should prioritize promises over attacks and policies over political strife to restore voter trust. As the election draws closer, the level of attacks is likely to escalate further. However, what voters will ultimately remember is not how much they attacked their opponents, but what promises they made for their communities and what visions they presented. This is why there is hope that this local election will remain a contest of policies rather than a competition of smear tactics. 2026-05-21 13:30:31

[[6·3 Local Elections]] Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Cleanup Lineup in Gyeonggi with Lee Jae-myung, Choo Mi-ae, and Kim Byeong-wook On May 21, Jeong Cheong-rae, the head of the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, visited Seongnam to support Gyeonggi governor candidate Choo Mi-ae and Seongnam mayor candidate Kim Byeong-wook. He urged voters to create a cleanup lineup in Gyeonggi alongside President Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing that the country can only achieve normalization by eliminating insurrectionist forces. Speaking near Seohyeon Station, Jeong stated, "The Gyeonggi governor and Seongnam mayor must be from the Democratic Party, working seamlessly together like cogs in a machine with the president." He added, "The insurrection is still ongoing," criticizing the People Power Party by asking, "Is this a nomination for insurrection or an insurrection for nomination?" He described the upcoming election as a decisive moment to drive the 'Yoon Again' forces out of South Korea, asserting that this is essential for the country's normalization. Jeong pledged that the Democratic Party would continue to robustly support the Lee Jae-myung administration and ensure that the needs of Gyeonggi residents and Seongnam citizens are met through legal and institutional support. In response, Choo stated, "I will work with you to open a proud future for Gyeonggi Province." Kim also expressed his ambition to become an effective mayor of Seongnam, working alongside the Lee Jae-myung administration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:27:57

Song Eon-seok Calls for Public Support in Local Elections Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, launched a strong critique against the government and ruling party on the first day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections. During a press conference at the National Assembly on May 21, Song stated, "This local election will determine whether we will check the arrogance and self-righteousness of the Lee administration and the Democratic Party or allow it to continue unchecked." He continued his criticism regarding the proposed special investigation law aimed at dismissing charges. "If the Democratic Party wins, they will argue that the public supports the dismissal of charges and will push forward with a special investigation to eliminate the president's alleged crimes. We must prevent this at all costs," he urged. Song escalated his rhetoric by addressing the potential for a "tax bomb" following the local elections. He warned, "The Democratic Party is already laying the groundwork for increased capital gains tax, the elimination of long-term holding exemptions, property tax hikes, and the introduction of a financial transaction tax. If they win, they will claim public support for these tax bomb policies and implement them fully." He added, "While our People Power Party has made mistakes, I urge you to consider whether the Democratic Party is truly doing well and what will happen if they win. A vote for the Democratic Party is a vote to give up your home and property. To stabilize real estate, prevent tax bombs, and ensure a functioning economy, please vote for the People Power Party." Following the press conference, Song is scheduled to travel to Busan for a joint launch ceremony for the 'People Power Party Busan Victory' campaign and to support Park Min-sik, the candidate for Busan's Buk-gu district. In response to a question about whether the visit was aimed at influencing the local election dynamics in Buk-gu, Choi Soo-jin, the spokesperson for the central election committee, stated, "Buk-gu is a crucial battleground, so we are going there." Choi also emphasized, "Today marks the start of our campaign, and we will provide active support from the central party. We are focusing not only on local government positions but also on by-elections, as increasing the number of National Assembly members is a key goal for us in this election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:25:13

Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over GTX Construction Plans Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, announced on May 21 that he would halt construction of the GTX-A express railway if elected. His opponent, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, criticized this stance, claiming it disregards the desires of citizens who want the project completed and would hinder the city's development. During an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Jung expressed concerns about the missing rebar in the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, stating, "If I become mayor, I will stop the construction for now. If it’s not safe, isn’t it just a house of cards?" He emphasized the importance of a solid foundation, noting that the underground level five, where cracks have appeared, is crucial. "If that part is flawed, no matter how well the upper structure is built, it will lead to significant problems, and fixing it would require tearing everything down and starting over," he reiterated his commitment to halting the project. In response to Jung's comments, Oh accused him of acting against the city's progress. On Facebook, Oh remarked, "He is just like former Mayor Park Won-soon, predicting a stagnant Seoul and a dark decade of lost opportunities." Oh further criticized Jung for ignoring the urgent wishes of citizens in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area who are enduring inconveniences due to ongoing construction. He pointed out that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, under the Lee Jae-myung administration, conducted a trial operation of the GTX-A line for 17 days despite being aware of the rebar issue, asserting that there are no safety concerns. "We cannot entrust Seoul to Mr. Halt King," he concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:22:27

April Auto Insurance Loss Ratio Improves Slightly to 85.4% 4월 자동차보험 손해율이 지난해보다 소폭 개선된 것으로 나타났다. 올 초 인상된 자동차보험료가 일부 반영된 데다 사고 건수도 줄어든 영향으로 분석된다. According to the insurance industry on May 21, the average loss ratio for auto insurance among the four major companies—Samsung Fire & Marine, Hyundai Marine & Fire, DB Insurance, and KB Insurance—was 85.4% in April, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 85.7% in the same month last year. The rise in auto insurance premiums earlier this year appears to have had some effect, along with a reduction in the number of accidents compared to the same month last year. However, due to a deterioration in loss ratios throughout the first quarter, the cumulative loss ratio for April stands at 85.8%, an increase of 2.5 percentage points compared to the same period last year. An industry official stated, "Considering the expected increase in accidents due to rising traffic volume in May, along with issues such as excessive medical treatments for minor injuries and rising costs for parts and repairs, the outlook for future loss ratios is somewhat negative."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:21:00

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Reach Tentative Agreement Ahead of Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union reached a tentative agreement just before a planned strike. The key points include utilizing 10.5% of the semiconductor division's operating profit for special management performance bonuses and abolishing the cap on these bonuses. This effectively institutionalizes a performance bonus system linked to operating profit. The union initially demanded a 15% payout of operating profit and the removal of the cap, which the company largely accepted after negotiations.While the immediate crisis of a strike has been averted, this agreement could have significant repercussions for corporate management. In capital-intensive industries like semiconductors, fixing a portion of operating profit as bonuses could undermine future competitiveness. There is concern that this could lead to a 'poisoned chalice' scenario, where short-term conflict resolution creates long-term issues.The semiconductor industry operates on a different level compared to traditional manufacturing. The cyclical nature of the market is extreme, and most profits during boom periods must be reinvested in facilities and research and development to survive. Samsung Electronics is heavily investing tens of trillions of won in advanced processes and securing competitiveness in HBM and foundry services. Companies in the U.S., Taiwan, and China are also competing for semiconductor dominance with national support. In this context, tying a portion of operating profit to a fixed distribution structure could reduce investment capacity.There are worries that this could set a 'bad precedent.' Industries such as shipbuilding, power equipment, and defense are already experiencing a supercycle. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean have secured several years' worth of orders, while companies like Hyosung Heavy Industries and LS Electric are achieving record performances due to increased demand for power infrastructure from AI data centers. The defense sector is also thriving with strong exports to the Middle East and Europe.If unions in these sectors demand similar arrangements based on Samsung Electronics' agreement, companies could face substantial performance bonus burdens during boom periods, leading to recurring labor disputes during downturns. Performance bonuses should be determined flexibly, taking into account management performance, future investments, and market conditions. Fixing them as a percentage of operating profit would significantly undermine corporate autonomy.It is essential to acknowledge the contributions of workers. The global competitiveness of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor business stems from the dedication of on-site engineers and research personnel. The principle that appropriate rewards should follow achievements is valid. However, the method of distribution is crucial. If the structure undermines corporate sustainability and investment competitiveness, the burden will ultimately fall back on the workers.The South Korean semiconductor industry is in a survival competition with TSMC, Intel, and Chinese companies. Labor disputes over performance bonus distribution will only benefit competing nations. While profit generation is a primary goal for companies, they must also invest for the future. Especially in capital-intensive industries, profits during boom periods should be accumulated as investment resources for future downturns.There are concerns that Samsung Electronics' agreement could trigger a dangerous domino effect across the industry. While performance bonuses are necessary, they should not stifle future investment. What is needed now is not a short-term distribution logic but a balanced approach that ensures the long-term survival of companies and the competitiveness of the industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:18:22

First Arrest Warrant Issued by Special Prosecutors for Former KTV Head Lee Eun-woo Lee Eun-woo, the former head of the Korea Policy Broadcasting System (KTV), faces a critical moment as he is accused of insurrection propaganda related to the December 3 martial law. This marks the first attempt by the second comprehensive special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, to secure an arrest warrant, focusing on a charge that lacks legal precedent. The Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Jong-rok, began the warrant hearing at 10 a.m. on May 21 to assess the necessity of Lee's arrest. Lee arrived at the court at 9:16 a.m. dressed in a black suit, heading straight to the courtroom without responding to questions from reporters. Special Prosecutors Kwon Young-bin and Kim Jung-min attended the hearing. Kwon stated to reporters outside the court, "The citizens who rushed to the National Assembly were the key figures in stopping the insurrection on December 3. The act of continuing to propagate insurrection against such citizens must be severely punished." He added, "We have confirmed the charges by supplementing aspects that were not investigated in the first insurrection special investigation, and given the seriousness of the matter, we filed for the warrant. It was particularly necessary to verify the fairness and objectivity of the media among government agencies." Lee is accused of repeatedly broadcasting news that justified the martial law and related proclamations from December 3 to 13, 2024, while selectively blocking or deleting news that criticized or attempted to halt the martial law, thereby propagating insurrection. The comprehensive special investigation team claims that Lee continued to support and protect insurrection forces, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, even after the martial law was lifted, leading to the warrant request on May 18. This is the first arrest warrant request in the 82 days since the special investigation team was established. The key issue in this case is whether the charge of insurrection propaganda can be substantiated. There is no precedent for this charge being recognized as a valid reason for arrest, making the court's decision highly anticipated. Kwon emphasized, "There is currently no precedent for insurrection propaganda charges, and this is the first attempt by the comprehensive special investigation team. We will explain to the court that insurrection propaganda is a significantly serious criminal act." The special investigation team argues that the essence of the case lies not merely in the direction of reporting but in the fact that a state-run broadcaster justified an unconstitutional martial law and continued to support it. In contrast, Lee's defense team asserts that KTV's role is to promote policies and denies the allegations, questioning whether the broadcasts can be interpreted as promoting insurrection and legitimizing it. Lee's defense reportedly submitted a 100-page opinion document in preparation for the hearing, stating, "KTV's identity is that of a policy promotion broadcaster," and questioning the interpretation of its broadcasts as promoting insurrection. The relationship with previous trials is also a major point of contention. Previously, the insurrection special investigation team (led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok) charged Lee with abuse of authority for ordering the deletion of KTV subtitles containing statements from politicians criticizing the constitutionality and legality of the martial law shortly after it was declared. Lee was indicted without detention in December of last year, and the case is currently awaiting a first-instance verdict on June 26, following a sentencing hearing on May 15. At that time, the insurrection special investigation team decided not to prosecute on the charge of insurrection propaganda, citing the timing of the offense and the potential chilling effect on press freedom. However, the comprehensive special investigation team decided to reopen the investigation after reviewing the case records and confirming evidence that Lee supported insurrection forces even after the martial law was lifted. This has led to concerns in the legal community about potential "double prosecution," as some argue that the same actions are being investigated again while a trial is ongoing. The special investigation team strongly refuted this claim. Kwon stated, "The term double prosecution is something said by those who do not understand the law. Given the protected legal interests, the nature of the acts, and the social facts, this is a separate case and does not constitute double prosecution." The court is expected to consider the degree of evidence supporting the charges, the similarity to existing cases, and the extent to which journalistic actions can be subject to criminal penalties during the warrant hearing. This hearing is anticipated to be a turning point for the comprehensive special investigation. If the warrant is issued, the investigation can accelerate into the involvement of state agencies and public media before and after the martial law. Conversely, if denied, it could raise questions about the validity of applying a charge of insurrection propaganda without precedent and significantly hinder the investigation's momentum. A decision on Lee's arrest could be made as early as that evening.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:13:38

Samsung Electronics Strike: Implications for South Korea's Semiconductor Industry In 2026, South Korea's industrial sector faces a significant challenge. The strike by the Samsung Electronics labor union and the debate over performance bonuses have expanded beyond mere labor disputes, raising critical questions about the structure of South Korean industrial capitalism, future competitiveness, and the new distribution order in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, Samsung Electronics reached a final agreement in labor negotiations, which included wage increases, adjustments to performance bonuses, expanded welfare benefits, and improvements in certain working conditions, temporarily averting a major conflict. However, this issue is not confined to a single company. The labor issues at Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, two of the world's largest memory semiconductor manufacturers, are directly linked to global supply chains, international capital markets, national industrial strategies, and the overall trust in the South Korean economy. The world is currently in the midst of a fierce competition for dominance in AI semiconductors. Companies like Nvidia and AMD from the United States, TSMC from Taiwan, state-led semiconductor initiatives from China, and Japan's semiconductor revival strategy are all in a full-scale battle. Semiconductors are no longer just electronic components; they are now a strategic industry connected to military, security, AI, data centers, automotive, aerospace, and quantum computing. In this context, news of the Samsung strike has sent shockwaves through global financial markets and among supply chain investors. Foreign capital is particularly sensitive to questions such as, “Is South Korea's advanced industrial supply chain stable?” and “Can key companies in the AI era maintain long-term predictability?” Indeed, global capital markets prioritize stability and predictability. The semiconductor industry requires long-term investments amounting to tens of trillions of won. Samsung's Pyeongtaek campus, the Taylor factory in Texas, and the expansion of next-generation HBM and AI memory lines involve astronomical capital investments, with recovery periods spanning several years to over a decade. This industry cannot be swayed by political slogans or short-term sentiments. At the same time, the role of labor has changed dramatically. The semiconductor industry in the AI era is not merely about assembly work. Processes like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, HBM design, AI packaging, and ultra-fine process operations cannot be accomplished without a highly skilled workforce of top engineers and technicians. Today, labor is not just a cost item; it is a core strategic asset. Therefore, the labor dispute at Samsung Electronics should not be approached as a matter of winning or losing for either side. Labor must be respected for its contribution to corporate sustainability, and companies must acknowledge the dignity and contributions of labor. Both sides must operate within global rules. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are not only South Korean companies but also global enterprises. Labor relations must now be managed according to international standards and investor confidence. During this debate, the concept of 'residual claimant' gained particular attention. This raises the question, “Why do only shareholders have residual claims?” This issue touches on the fundamental structure of modern corporate governance. Corporations are fundamentally built on a symmetrical structure of risk and reward. Creditors receive agreed-upon interest in exchange for relinquishing excess profits. Workers gain agreed-upon wages and job security in exchange for limiting their exposure to risk. The state recoups the cost of providing social infrastructure through taxation. Ultimately, it is the shareholders who bear the residual profits and losses. This is why shareholders are referred to as 'residual claimants.' When a company generates substantial profits, they receive the last remaining share, but conversely, when a company collapses or its stock price plummets, they are the first to absorb the losses. In 2023, during the semiconductor downturn, Samsung Electronics' operating profit plummeted. However, employee wages were not significantly cut, and payments to partner companies were largely maintained. Yet, the market capitalization dropped sharply, leading to losses for numerous individual investors and the national pension fund. In capitalism, the entity that ultimately absorbs risk is revealed in such moments. Nevertheless, the contributions of labor cannot be overlooked. In fact, in the AI era, human creativity and collective knowledge are becoming central to corporate value. Today, the value of semiconductor companies does not stem merely from factory buildings but from research and development capabilities, design skills, production experience, and long-accumulated organizational culture. Thus, the issue is not “who will take it all?” but rather “how can we share it sustainably?” This is why global companies are strengthening stock options, long-term performance bonuses, employee stock ownership plans, and performance-linked compensation systems. Workers are not just costs; they are partners in corporate growth. However, labor must also confront the harsh realities of the global capital market. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix do not compete against domestic companies; they are up against national strategic industries from the United States, Taiwan, China, and Japan. Notably, China is mobilizing state capital to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, while the U.S. is pouring substantial subsidies into its semiconductor industry. Taiwan's entire economy revolves around the TSMC ecosystem. If South Korean industries continue to engage in internal conflicts, the damage will ultimately affect both labor and companies. A decline in industrial competitiveness will lead to fewer jobs and undermine the foundation of the national economy in the long run. Here, it is essential to understand the concepts of CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operational Expenditure). CAPEX refers to capital expenditures for the future, including factory expansions, semiconductor equipment investments, next-generation technology development, and AI infrastructure building. In contrast, OPEX includes operational costs such as labor, maintenance, utilities, and management expenses. The semiconductor industry is CAPEX-centric. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix invest tens of trillions of won each year in future facilities. The price of a single state-of-the-art EUV machine can reach hundreds of billions of won. Building advanced packaging and AI memory lines requires astronomical capital. The problem arises here. If demands for short-term performance distribution excessively increase the burden of OPEX, companies will reduce future CAPEX. This will ultimately lead to a decline in long-term competitiveness. The semiconductor industry is not about sharing today's profits; it is about reinvesting in the present to secure technological dominance for the next decade. In fact, one of the significant reasons for the decline of the Japanese semiconductor industry was the collapse of its long-term investment structure. Conversely, Taiwan's TSMC has maintained a near-religious commitment to CAPEX, growing into the world's leading foundry company. Nvidia has also sustained decades of reinvestment in research and development and the AI ecosystem to achieve its current massive market capitalization. Therefore, the labor issues at Samsung Electronics should not be approached merely as a short-term wage conflict. Labor must understand the future investment structure of companies, and companies must design performance sharing more intricately. The key is to create a structure where all members share in the fruits of growth while maintaining future competitiveness. Recent remarks by President Lee Jae-myung during a cabinet meeting offer significant insights. The president did not deny the rights of labor. Instead, he clearly stated that labor rights are constitutional protections for the socially vulnerable. However, he also emphasized that exercising these rights must come with solidarity and responsibility. The attention surrounding President Lee's remarks stems not only from his policy message but also from his background as a former child laborer. He experienced the realities of labor firsthand in factories during his youth and has embodied the hardships and imbalances of the labor landscape in industrialized South Korea. This makes him a politician who understands both the urgency of laborers and the realities of corporate environments. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently visited South Korea, is also a globally recognized labor movement leader. Lula grew up in a poor labor class and factory environment. Despite standing on different continents, both leaders share a common understanding of the labor experiences during the industrial era. Interestingly, both have not confined themselves to mere ideological labor movements. Since taking office, President Lula has pursued industrial development, investment attraction, and export expansion in Brazil. He has sought to balance labor protection with industrial competitiveness. President Lee Jae-myung, too, emphasized “solidarity and responsibility without crossing the line” during the current labor dispute at Samsung Electronics. This is a very pragmatic approach. Ultimately, the president's core message can be summarized in three points: First, labor rights are constitutional rights and must be respected.Second, the sustainability of companies and national industrial competitiveness must also be protected.Third, exercising rights must come with responsibility and restraint toward the community. This could serve as an important guideline for the future of labor relations in South Korea. While past labor relations in South Korea have been centered on conflict and confrontation, labor relations in the AI era must evolve toward mutual growth and shared responsibility. In the future, AI will dramatically enhance productivity while fundamentally changing the structure of human labor. Some jobs will disappear, while others will be restructured into high-value-added areas. In such an era, simple wage struggles will not yield sustainable solutions. Instead, new forms of social consensus will be necessary. Workers must consider structures that allow them to participate in the long-term performance of corporate growth rather than just wages. Companies must create human-centered innovation systems rather than merely focusing on cost reduction. The state must mitigate the shocks of industrial transition through taxation, welfare, education, and retraining systems. Ultimately, the key to the AI era is a 'harmonious productivity revolution.' When labor and capital view each other as adversaries, industries decline. Conversely, when they recognize each other as partners in growth, innovation continues. South Korea stands at a critical crossroads. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are not just companies; they are strategic assets at the forefront of South Korea's industrial civilization. What collapses here is not merely the profit of a single company but the future industrial order and national competitiveness of South Korea itself. Thus, what is needed now is neither incitement nor emotion. What is required is a sober recognition of reality and mature social wisdom. Both labor and companies must take responsibility, as must the state. Freedom without responsibility cannot endure, just as an industry without hope will lose its future. The philosophy of 'solidarity and responsibility' emphasized by President Lee Jae-myung is likely to become a key keyword in the future model of labor relations in South Korea. The most important task for labor relations in the AI era is to create an order of innovation and coexistence rather than one of conflict and destruction. Industries do not grow solely through struggle. They do not grow through capital alone. Civilization advances only when technology and labor, investment and innovation, responsibility and trust move together. What South Korea needs now is not a winner-takes-all logic but a mature philosophy of an industrial community that can grow together while competing with the world.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 12:51:56

NCSoft Decides Not to Pursue Legal Action Against YouTuber for False Claims About Aion 2 NCSoft has decided to refrain from pursuing legal action against the operator of the YouTube channel "Gamchanghyeon," who has been accused of spreading false information and excessive defamation related to the new game "Aion 2." On May 21, the company announced that it had withdrawn its ongoing civil and criminal legal actions. Reports indicate that NCSoft submitted a withdrawal notice to the Seoul Central District Court on May 11. Previously, NCSoft had filed a criminal complaint against Gamchanghyeon in December 2025, citing the spread of false information and malicious defamation regarding "Aion 2." NCSoft stated, "After our legal response, the YouTuber acknowledged his mistakes and has continuously expressed his willingness to apologize. Considering the seriousness of the matter, his deep reflection, and his promise to prevent recurrence, we decided to show leniency." However, the company reiterated its commitment to addressing false information and malicious defamation. NCSoft emphasized, "To protect our users, intellectual property, shareholders, and employees, we will continue to actively respond to acts of spreading false information and malicious defamation. We will also listen to and communicate about criticisms of our corporate activities and services to strive for better games." In a video apology, Gamchanghyeon acknowledged his wrongdoing, stating, "During the 2025 broadcasts of Aion 2, I made statements that were not factual and engaged in excessive defamation, causing harm to NCSoft employees and users. I deeply regret and apologize for this." He added, "I have continuously conveyed my apologies to NCSoft, and they have decided to show leniency by withdrawing the ongoing legal actions. Moving forward, I will act responsibly as a YouTuber who influences the public." Gamchanghyeon also mentioned that he plans to make donations to fulfill his responsibilities and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 12:48:24