China Blocks NVIDIA's Game Chips Amid U.S.-China Semiconductor Tensions China has reportedly blocked the import of NVIDIA's game-specific graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for the Chinese market. This action marks a new phase in the ongoing semiconductor conflict between the U.S. and China, as even lower-performance models intended to comply with U.S. export regulations are unable to clear Chinese customs. According to the Financial Times on May 21, China has halted the import of NVIDIA's gaming GPU, the 'RTX 5090D V2.' This model is a modified version of the GeForce RTX 5090 series, designed to meet U.S. export control standards by reducing memory and computational performance compared to existing high-performance products. The blockade occurred at the customs level. Market research firm Jon Peddie Research reported that Chinese customs authorities informed logistics companies and GPU manufacturers that they would not grant import permits for the RTX 5090D V2. This situation differs from previous U.S. restrictions on NVIDIA's AI semiconductor exports to China, as it represents a direct action by China to prevent the entry of U.S.-made high-performance GPUs. This move aligns with China's recent trend of promoting domestic semiconductor use over foreign alternatives, particularly in light of the ongoing restrictions on NVIDIA's H200 and other AI chips. While the RTX 5090D V2 is primarily a gaming product, its high-performance capabilities make it suitable for AI tasks as well. Industry analysts view this as a signal that China aims to reduce its reliance on U.S. chips while fostering domestic companies like Huawei and Cambrian Technologies. China has not disclosed specific reasons for the import ban. NVIDIA now faces the challenge of navigating both U.S. export controls and Chinese import restrictions in its efforts to regain a foothold in the Chinese market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:58:44

Oh Se-hoon Campaign Responds to GTX-A Rebar Controversy The controversy surrounding the omission of rebar in the construction of the GTX-A transfer center near Samseong Station in Gangnam, Seoul, has prompted the campaign of Oh Se-hoon to assert that "numbers don't lie," labeling the Democratic Party's and Jeong Won-oh's criticisms as politically motivated. Oh Joon-seok, spokesperson for Oh Se-hoon's campaign, stated, "The Democratic Party is attacking Oh Se-hoon using a 'fear frame' that stirs public anxiety, similar to their past tactics during the mad cow disease, THAAD, and Fukushima water contamination controversies. Politicizing scientifically verified issues prioritizes electoral gains over public safety." The campaign emphasized the legitimacy of safety and administrative procedures, citing the number '98,60915,51.' Oh Joon-seok explained, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport conducted a total of 98 trial runs on the affected GTX-A section after being informed of the rebar issue. Trial runs are only possible when there are no safety concerns." He further criticized the Korea Railroad Corporation, the project’s contracting agency, for wavering in its stance, noting that it had previously indicated that the issue had minimal safety impact, but the Democratic Party's politicization has caused confusion. The campaign also presented safety enhancement figures, stating that the 'steel plate reinforcement method' confirmed by the Seoul city government and the construction company in April would increase the rebar support strength to 60,915 kN, exceeding the original design strength of 58,604 kN. Oh Joon-seok added, "The additional construction cost of approximately 3 billion won will be borne by the construction company, and once the reinforcement work is completed, this section will be the safest among the entire GTX line." The campaign strongly refuted allegations of concealment, asserting that the Seoul city government had submitted a total of 51 reports to the Korea Railroad Corporation regarding the issue since last November, detailing problems, review results, and future handling plans. "Despite this, the Democratic Party has framed it as 'one-line reporting' and 'concealment,'" they claimed. Previously, Jeong Won-oh and the Democratic Party criticized the rebar omission as a symbol of poor construction and a lack of safety awareness in Seoul, questioning the city's response and reporting system. The National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee has also seen ongoing disputes regarding the concealment and safety verification issues. However, there are interpretations within and outside the political arena that this controversy may escalate beyond a mere technical safety issue to become a key point in the upcoming June 3 Seoul mayoral election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:57:00

Trump Plans Call with Taiwan's President; Taiwan's Office Says No Contact Yet U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he intends to speak with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, but Taiwan's presidential office has reported that no specific communication has been received yet. This potential call comes ahead of a U.S. decision on arms sales to Taiwan, raising the likelihood of a backlash from China. According to Taiwanese media outlets, including the China Times and United Daily News, Taiwan's Presidential Office Secretary General Pan Meng-an said on May 22 that they have not been notified of any related calls regarding Trump's comments made the previous day. He added, "If a call occurs, we will disclose the relevant details," while assuring that communication channels between Taiwan and the U.S. remain open. On May 20, during a press conference at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if he planned to speak with President Lai before the arms sales decision, although he did not specify when the call would take place. President Lai has previously expressed his intention to explain the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as the ongoing necessity for military purchases from the U.S., should he have the opportunity to converse with Trump. If the call between the U.S. and Taiwan leaders takes place, it is expected to have diplomatic repercussions. Since the U.S. established diplomatic relations with China in 1979 and severed ties with Taiwan, no sitting U.S. president has directly communicated with a Taiwanese president. Trump did speak with then-President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 when he was president-elect. China has consistently opposed official contacts and arms sales between the U.S. and Taiwan. Trump's mention of a potential call adds a new variable to U.S.-China relations in the context of Taiwan's military sales.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:54:22

Korean Finance Ministry Strengthens Cooperation with EBRD on AI Hub The South Korean finance ministry and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are enhancing their collaboration to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) hub. They also agreed to expand the participation of Korean companies in EBRD investment projects. On May 22, Heo Jang, Deputy Minister of Finance, held a meeting with Greg Guyett, EBRD's First Vice President, at the Government Complex in Seoul. Earlier, on May 18, Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso signed a memorandum of understanding in London to express their intent to cooperate on the establishment of the Korea-EBRD AI hub. As a result, the 'AI K-Hub' will be responsible for integrating AI into EBRD's development cooperation projects in developing countries. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the next steps following the memorandum of understanding. Heo emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between the South Korean government and EBRD staff to expedite the establishment of the Korea-EBRD AI hub. He also requested continued support and interest from Guyett. The discussion also covered EBRD's energy policies and green transition initiatives. Heo urged EBRD to facilitate the participation of Korean companies in investment projects related to power infrastructure. Finally, Heo requested that EBRD increase its support and interest in expanding opportunities for Korean professionals. In response, Guyett remarked, "Korean talent is a valuable asset for EBRD and contributes significantly to strengthening our international talent base."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:51:26

TikTok Creators' Income Harder to Track Than YouTubers, Tax Agency Reports The market for platform-based creators, including YouTubers and TikTokers, is rapidly growing, but income from TikTok creators is significantly harder for tax authorities to track compared to YouTubers. This difficulty arises from a complex settlement structure involving overseas payment processors, leading to a high risk of income reporting omissions. According to a report by the Korea Institute of Public Finance titled "Current Status of Data Collection and Taxation Challenges for TikTok Income Capture" released on May 22, the revenue structure of TikTok is much more complicated than that of YouTube, creating a significant potential for tax evasion. YouTube's advertising revenue payment structure through Google AdSense is relatively straightforward. In contrast, TikTok's revenue streams are multifaceted, including live sponsorships, advertising and sponsorship deals, external affiliate commissions, and video rewards. Many of these transactions are processed through overseas payment processors like PayPal and Payoneer, making it difficult for tax authorities to track income flows. Additionally, TikTok's structure allows creators to accumulate earnings in their accounts before requesting withdrawals, which can delay income reporting and increase the risk of omissions. There are also instances where the timing of service provision and actual payment differs, complicating the application of the accrual accounting principle. In contrast, the tax infrastructure for YouTubers is being rapidly developed. The National Tax Service established a new industry code for "individual media creators" in 2019, and the number of individuals filing comprehensive income tax returns in this category surged from 2,776 in 2019 to 34,219 in 2021, an increase of more than 12 times. During the same period, reported income rose from 87.5 billion won to 858.9 billion won, nearly a tenfold increase. The National Tax Service is enhancing its management of overseas platform-based income by utilizing foreign exchange transaction data and comprehensive income tax return information. Foreign currency earnings exceeding $10,000 annually must be reported to the National Tax Service, and repeated large foreign currency deposits may be subject to anti-money laundering (AML) analysis. Many countries are also tightening information reporting obligations for platform operators. The United Kingdom and France require platform operators to report transaction information, while China mandates that platform companies regularly submit creator identity and income information. The researchers suggest that South Korea should also improve its data collection and reporting systems for platform-based income and enhance mechanisms for capturing foreign currency earnings through overseas payment processors. They also emphasize the need for expanded international information exchange and measures to encourage voluntary reporting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:48:59

Samsung Electronics Union Begins Vote on Wage Agreement, Participation at 25.56% The Samsung Electronics Union has commenced a vote among its members regarding this year's provisional wage negotiation agreement. The outcome of this vote will determine the legal validity of the agreement, drawing significant attention both inside and outside the company. According to industry sources, the joint negotiation team of Samsung Electronics began the online vote on the provisional agreement at 2:12 PM on May 22. Voting will continue for six days, concluding at 10 AM on May 27. For the agreement to be approved, a majority of participating union members must vote in favor. Voting rights are granted to members who completed their registration by 2 PM the previous day. The vote was initially scheduled to start at 2 PM but was delayed by about 12 minutes due to server overload on the union's website, beginning instead at 2:12 PM. Within less than 10 minutes of the vote's start, the participation rate among union members surpassed 25.66%. A key point of the provisional agreement is the allocation of 10.5% of operating profit to fund a 'special management performance bonus' for the semiconductor (DS) division. As a result, the memory business unit, which is driving overall company performance, is estimated to receive up to 600 million won in bonuses, including the special management performance bonus and existing excess profit bonuses (OPI). In contrast, non-memory divisions such as foundry and system LSI, which are experiencing poor performance, are expected to receive a minimum of 160 million won in special management performance bonuses, based on a 40% common fund distribution from the DS division. Given that a significant portion of union members belong to the memory business unit, the outlook for approval appears favorable. However, there are opposing sentiments among members from non-semiconductor divisions and the mobile and consumer electronics (DX) sectors, which could influence the outcome. The union leadership has stated that they will stake their positions on the vote's outcome. Chairman Choi Seung-ho remarked, "If the provisional agreement is rejected, I will accept that as a failure to satisfy our members. In that case, I will delegate future negotiation rights to the remaining leadership and hold a vote of confidence regarding my position as chairman."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:47:07

Trump weighs resuming strikes on Iran as talks hit deadlock SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a possible resumption of airstrikes on Iran, raising concerns that military confrontation between Washington and Tehran could return to the forefront after he canceled plans to attend his eldest son’s wedding and decided to remain in Washington. The move came as little progress has been made in negotiations since Washington delivered what U.S. media described as a “final offer” to Iran on May 20. Trump is reportedly seriously considering new strikes if Tehran does not accept the proposal soon. According to U.S. political circles and foreign media reports, Trump met with key national security officials at the White House on Friday, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, to review the status of negotiations with Iran and possible military options. Axios reported that Trump is increasingly frustrated with the talks and is seriously considering resuming strikes unless there is a breakthrough. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was absent due to a trip to Europe, while Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not attend because he was at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony, according to reports. Trump had initially planned to spend the Memorial Day weekend at his golf club in New Jersey after a speech in New York on Friday evening, before traveling to the Bahamas over the weekend for the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. But he said on Truth Social that he would skip the wedding due to “circumstances pertaining to the Government” and his “love of the United States of America,” adding that he felt it was important to remain at the White House during “this important period of time.” Defense and intelligence officials have also reportedly canceled holiday plans as they prepare for the possibility of renewed military confrontation in the Middle East. The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks since agreeing to a temporary cease-fire on April 7, discussing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, its nuclear program and terms for ending the war. Washington reportedly delivered a final proposal to Tehran on May 20 that included terms for maintaining the cease-fire, handling nuclear material and guaranteeing passage through the strait. If Iran rejects the offer, the Trump administration is said to be reviewing renewed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, missile sites, nuclear-related facilities and leadership targets. Iran, however, has acknowledged that talks are continuing while maintaining that a deal is not imminent. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said discussions on key issues are still underway, while figures close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have reportedly said the talks are focused on ending the war and that other issues will not be addressed until that goal is achieved. U.S. officials have described the negotiations as “painful,” saying the process remains stuck in an exchange of draft documents with little substantive progress. At the same time, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar are said to be making last-minute efforts to prevent another escalation. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to meet Iranian leaders, while Qatari officials are also reportedly involved in efforts to revive the talks. Some U.S. officials believe that unless an unexpected breakthrough emerges within the next 24 to 48 hours, Trump could move closer to ordering renewed airstrikes. 2026-05-23 17:45:48

Nexon's 'MapleStory' Expands Offline Presence in Jamsil Nexon is collaborating with the Lotte Group to expand the offline presence of its flagship intellectual property (IP), MapleStory, in the Jamsil area. Following the introduction of the themed space "Maple Island" at Lotte World Adventure in April, they have now launched a large-scale exhibition and pop-up store at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. This initiative aims to enhance the experiential content of the long-running IP, which has been in service for 23 years. On May 22, Nexon and Lotte Group kicked off the offline event "Maple Attack! with Lotte" at Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. Visitors to the area around Lotte World Mall in Jamsil were greeted by a vibrant display of MapleStory characters. Even in the early hours, many people were seen taking photos in front of a large "Orange Mushroom" art balloon set up at Seokchon Lake. The grassy area next to Lotte World Tower featured various interactive experiences for attendees. One highlight was the "Henesys Jump King" mini-game, where participants could jump on a trampoline to control a character on a large screen. By linking the "Maple Hands+" app, users could participate with their actual game characters, allowing both MapleStory players and the general public to enjoy the activities. Other attractions included a photo event where participants could hunt "Zombie Mushmom" using weapon props and capture the moment with Polaroid photos, as well as a "Bubble Shower Time" where bubbles were sprayed on-site. While the existing Maple Island at Lotte World focused on ticketed attractions, this outdoor exhibition is notable for its accessibility to the general public visiting Jamsil. The presence of MapleStory characters in the Jamsil area is significant for the Lotte Group, as it helps attract visitors. By connecting key locations such as Lotte World Tower, Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Mall, and Lotte Cinema with the MapleStory IP, they aim to increase visitor dwell time. The draw of Maple Island has already been confirmed. According to Nexon and Lotte World, attendance at Lotte World Adventure increased by about 20% in April compared to the week before the opening of Maple Island. This figure also represents a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating that the presence of MapleStory fans has positively impacted visitor numbers. MapleStory is highly regarded as a valuable IP for collaboration in the retail sector, particularly due to its strong user base among those in their 20s and 30s. Launched in 2003, the game has evolved from a teenage audience into a consumer base with significant purchasing power, leading to effective offline collaboration strategies. The expansion of "Maple Attack! with Lotte" into outdoor exhibitions, pop-up stores, Uniqlo, Lotte Wellfood, 7-Eleven, and Lotte Cinema reflects this trend. The exhibition spans not only outdoor spaces like the grassy area but also extends into Lotte World Mall, where MapleStory merchandise is featured alongside products from Uniqlo and 7-Eleven. The Lotte Group has also integrated the MapleStory IP into its retail and content subsidiaries, expanding into various sectors such as fashion, food, and film. At Uniqlo, a custom event called "UTme!" featuring MapleStory characters is being held, while limited-edition products from the collaboration with Lotte Wellfood are available through convenience stores, supermarkets, and online channels. This strategy aims not only to increase foot traffic to Lotte World Mall but also to drive actual sales. This is not the first time Nexon and Lotte have collaborated using Nexon's game IP. In 2021 and 2022, they partnered on the "KartRider" IP at Lotte World, and last year they expanded their collaboration to include MapleStory and "Dungeon & Fighter," confirming the influence of gaming fandom. This exhibition is part of a series of MapleStory events that will continue through next month. Nexon plans to hold a regular showcase for MapleStory next month and will release the animated film "Dear My Hero," based on the MapleStory IP, through Lotte Cinema. A Nexon representative stated, "We are seeing the benefits of expanding offline connections with users through our collaboration with the Lotte Group. If there are opportunities for the MapleStory IP to expand in various forms and meet users in offline spaces, we will continue to hold related events."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:41:23

2026 Seoul International Book Fair to Feature 530 Publishers The 2026 Seoul International Book Fair will take place from June 24 to 28 at COEX in Samseong-dong, featuring over 530 publishers from Korea and abroad. The Korean Publishers Association announced on May 22 that this year's theme is "Homo duduri," unveiling related programs. "Duduri" refers to a mythical figure from ancient Korean texts and the old name for a blacksmith. The theme emphasizes the importance of questioning and expanding human thought in an era where AI provides quick answers and efficiency. This year's fair will host 530 publishers and publishing-related organizations from 18 countries. The guest country, France, will present various programs under the theme "Lire la France" (Read France). Twelve prominent French authors, including novelist Bernard Werber, children's author Mario de Muraïu, picture book author Anne Laval, and philosopher Pascal Bruckner, will participate in the event. The domestic section will feature a book market, exhibitions, lectures, and signings. The "Book Village," showcasing art books and independent publishers, will bring together over 110 independent publishing houses. Notably, this year, the Book Village will invite the Taiwan Independent Publishing Association, the Japan Independent Publishing Expo, and the Singapore Art Book Fair. Additionally, a special exhibition titled "Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Kim Gu's Birth" will be presented by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, allowing visitors to read Kim Gu's writings and create their own declarations. A variety of lectures, seminars, author meet-and-greets, and workshops are also planned. Featured speakers include novelists Eun Hee-kyung, Kim Ae-ran, Baek Su-rin, Jeong Bora, Lee Ju-hye, Park Sun-woo, poets Oh Eun and Hwang In-chan, and An Mi-ok. Themed seminars will include discussions with neuroscientist Jang Dong-seon, musician Sunwoo Jung-a, actress Kim Shin-rok, novelist Jang Ryu-jin, and Mind Minor's Song Gil-young. International author talks will feature a discussion between Park Ji-sun, author of "Luminous," and domestic science fiction writer Kim Cho-yeop, as well as a conversation between Kwon Oh-gyeong, author of "Incendiaries," and domestic author Pyeon Hye-young. Taiwanese international author Chien Tse-hung and screenwriter Chan Wai, known for the film "Comrades: Almost a Love Story," will also hold book talks at the fair. Meet-and-greet sessions will include experts from various fields, such as Choi Jae-cheon, representative of the Biodiversity Foundation, creator Im Ra-ra, monk Jeong-gwan, actress Shin So-yul, picture book author Lee Soo-ji, and Jeon Bo-ra. Early bird tickets will be available from June 8 to 12, general tickets from June 13 to 23, and on-site tickets from June 24 to 28. Meanwhile, the Korean Publishers Association recently held a press conference announcing plans to improve governance and restore public interest in the book fair by the end of the year. They also aim to enhance copyright transactions and expand discussions on technological changes in the publishing industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:39:00

KOSDAQ Surges Amid KOSPI Stabilization; Buy Sidecar Activated for Second Day On May 22, the KOSPI showed signs of stabilization following a significant surge the previous day, while the KOSDAQ soared over 5%, prompting the activation of a buy sidecar for the second consecutive day due to strong net buying from foreign and institutional investors. Analysts suggest that the focus is shifting from large-cap semiconductor stocks to a broader rotation that includes secondary batteries, biotechnology, and small to mid-cap growth stocks. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:34 PM, the KOSDAQ index rose by 57.72 points (5.22%) to reach 1163.69. The index opened at 1119.43, up 13.46 points (1.22%) from the previous trading day, and quickly expanded its gains. At 9:33 AM, a buy sidecar was triggered in the KOSDAQ market, halting program buy orders for five minutes. This follows the simultaneous activation of buy sidecars in both the KOSDAQ and KOSPI markets the day before, marking the second day of such measures in the KOSDAQ. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net purchased 663.6 billion won and 300.1 billion won, respectively, driving the index higher. Meanwhile, individual investors net sold 934.9 billion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, EcoPro BM (up 9.74%), EcoPro (up 11.56%), Alteogen (up 3.56%), Rainbow Robotics (up 2.69%), and JUSUNG Engineering (up 22.84%) saw significant increases. Conversely, the KOSPI index recorded a gain of 49.32 points (0.63%) to reach 7864.91 at the same time. The index initially recovered above 7880 but later gave back some gains, maintaining a flat trend. In the KOSPI market, individual and institutional investors net bought 1.4 trillion won and 880.7 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 2.3682 trillion won. Among the top stocks by market capitalization, SK Hynix (up 0.26%), SK Square (up 0.93%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 13.12%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 3.38%), and Doosan Enerbility (up 3.09%) were on the rise, while Samsung Electronics (down 1.75%), Hyundai Motor (down 0.90%), and LG Energy Solution (down 1.50%) faced declines. Market analysts note that the recent focus on large-cap semiconductor stocks is shifting towards a rotation into small and mid-cap growth stocks. Indeed, foreign investors have been net buyers in the KOSDAQ market for six consecutive trading days since May 15. In contrast, the KOSPI market has seen ongoing profit-taking sales this month. Kang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, stated, "The launch of the public participation growth fund sold out within 30 minutes, significantly improving investor sentiment towards growth stocks. Expectations for capital inflows into advanced industries are rising, leading the KOSDAQ to significantly outperform the KOSPI." He added, "EcoPro BM surged to reclaim the top market capitalization, and with the upcoming release of abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), biotech stocks are also showing strength." The public participation growth fund, which began selling today, reportedly attracted significant investment demand, with some brokerage firms experiencing early exhaustion of their quotas shortly after sales commenced.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:36:32