LG Group Stocks Surge Amid Anticipation of Jensen Huang and Koo Kwang-mo Meeting LG Group stocks experienced a significant surge on June 1, driven by expectations surrounding the visit of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and his meeting with LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo. This rise is also attributed to a reassessment of the value of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics businesses. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:32 a.m., LG Electronics shares rose by 81,000 won (27.65%) to 374,000 won compared to the previous trading day. LG CNS saw an increase of 29,600 won (26.01%) to 143,400 won, while the holding company LG recorded a rise of 30,500 won (20.80%) to 177,100 won. Market attention is focused on the potential meeting between Huang and Koo. Huang is expected to visit South Korea after attending the NVIDIA annual developer conference 'GTC Taipei 2026,' which opened on the same day. He is scheduled to meet with Koo on June 5 to discuss collaboration in the field of physical AI. Notably, NVIDIA is hosting its first 'Korea Partner Night' dinner event during the conference, raising expectations for expanded AI collaboration with major domestic companies. Analysts suggest that LG Group is entering a phase of valuation reassessment, highlighting the growth potential of its new businesses centered around AI and robotics. On this day, Kiwoom Securities raised its target price for LG from 115,000 won to 200,000 won. This adjustment reflects the increased net asset value (NAV) due to the rise in share prices of key subsidiaries and the likelihood of AI and robotics business values being factored in. Analyst Ahn Young-jun from Kiwoom Securities stated, "Recent stock prices of group companies have risen as the growth potential of new businesses like AI and robotics has come to the forefront. The holding company LG can expect direct benefits not only from the increase in subsidiary values but also from the enhanced capabilities of the group's new businesses." The ultra-large AI model 'EXAONE,' developed by LG AI Research, is also stimulating investor sentiment. Analysts believe that LG's AI technology competitiveness may be highlighted again ahead of the national AI second evaluation scheduled for August.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:48:00

Efforts to Boost Regional Tourism in South Korea Target Foreign Visitors The South Korean tourism industry is actively working to redirect foreign visitors from the metropolitan area to regional destinations. Moving beyond the previous approach of encouraging simple visits to tourist attractions, the industry is focusing on creating direct flight demand from high-income target groups, discovering local content, and improving on-site infrastructure. This strategy aims to enhance the quality and diversity of K-tourism beyond mere quantitative recovery. ◆ Targeting High-Income Chinese Tourists with Direct Flights The first step in revitalizing regional tourism is undoubtedly improving accessibility and expanding the affluent customer base. Recently, the tourism industry has identified the Yangtze River Delta region as a key target to disperse Chinese tourists, who are predominantly concentrated in the metropolitan area. A primary focus is Hangzhou, a city recognized as a 'new first-tier city' in China, known for its economic strength, population, and growth potential. Home to major IT companies like Alibaba, Hangzhou has a resident population of 12.62 million and an annual disposable income per capita of approximately 16 million won. Taking advantage of over 7,000 airline seats operating weekly between Korea and Hangzhou, marketing efforts for direct flights to regional destinations have intensified. At the recent '2026 K-Tourism Roadshow' B2B consultation held locally, over 100 participants, including 39 domestic organizations and local Chinese platforms, discussed developing regional tourism content connecting Hangzhou and Busan. The organization plans to attract visitors to the regions by reflecting the preferences of the Chinese MZ generation, who favor individual travel, through platform marketing linked with diverse industries. ◆ Attracting Tourists with Local Culinary Experiences Having opened the door for regional influx through direct flight routes, the key to retaining these visitors lies in unique local content. Regions facing extinction due to climate change and aging populations are making efforts to secure sustainability by leveraging their unique ingredients. A prime example is the 'Delicious Coexistence on Bi-yang' food festival, which attracted 1,600 tourists over two days at the end of last month. Seven renowned chefs, including Kim Do-yoon and Oh Se-deuk, visited Bi-yang Island to develop new dishes using seasonal ingredients, generating significant interest. Importantly, this initiative is not a one-time festival. New recipes, such as seaweed bibimbap and sea snail bread, are being shared with seven local restaurants on Bi-yang Island for ongoing sales. By combining the region's rustic assets with popular culinary trends, a new demand for tourism is being created, establishing a virtuous cycle that boosts local residents' incomes. ◆ Infrastructure Improvements Key to Eliminating Overcharging As global mega-events approach, local governments are prioritizing proactive assessments of their tourism readiness. They recognize that even with excellent content and direct flight routes, long-term growth is impossible if the reliability of the infrastructure to support these offerings deteriorates. In preparation for the BTS World Tour concert in Busan on June 12-13, the city is launching a comprehensive inspection of the accommodation industry in collaboration with relevant agencies. The plan aims to eradicate persistent issues such as overcharging and unilateral reservation cancellations that have plagued large events. A monitoring campaign called 'Pleasant Interventions' will also be implemented, allowing citizens to report hygiene issues or unfair pricing via QR codes until the end of October. This reflects a sense of urgency to successfully host events that attract global attention, thereby proving the competitiveness of regional tourism. A tourism industry representative stated, "Revitalizing regional tourism cannot be solved simply by increasing overseas promotions. It requires a fair market environment where foreign tourists can confidently spend, supported by content that highlights the unique charm of the regions, to truly usher in a new era of K-tourism in the provinces."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:45:00

Semiconductor Demand Drives Record $87.7 Billion in May Exports, Surplus Reaches $101.9 Billion South Korea's exports surged over 50% year-on-year in May, reaching a record high. Despite uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict, semiconductor exports more than doubled, significantly contributing to the overall increase. The average daily export value also surpassed $4 billion for the first time, with the surplus from January to May exceeding annual records. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Customs Service, May's export value totaled $87.747 billion, marking a 53.2% increase compared to the previous year. This achievement represents the highest monthly figure on record, with exports exceeding $80 billion for three consecutive months. South Korea has maintained a positive export trend for 12 consecutive months since June of last year. The average daily export value, adjusted for working days, reached $4.28 billion, the highest ever recorded, surpassing the previous peak of $3.79 billion in March. The robust performance of semiconductor exports played a crucial role in this growth. In May, semiconductor exports soared to $37.16 billion, a staggering 169.4% increase from the previous year, setting a new record. This surge is attributed to rising fixed prices for memory chips, driven by increased investments in artificial intelligence (AI) by major U.S. tech companies, with exports exceeding $30 billion for three consecutive months. Exports of computers and wireless communication devices also saw significant increases, rising to $4.18 billion (up 290.7%) and $1.46 billion (up 12.6%), respectively, due to heightened demand for SSDs used in AI servers and strong sales of new products. Display exports increased by 9.4% to $1.47 billion, influenced by the launch of new mobile products. Consumer goods exports also showed solid growth. Cosmetic exports reached $1.18 billion, a 24.2% increase from last year, marking the highest figure for May. Although agricultural and fishery product exports declined due to reduced shipments of items like coffee and seaweed, processed agricultural products such as noodles and bread increased, resulting in a 4.7% rise to $1.07 billion. Oil product exports surged by 46.6% year-on-year to $5.25 billion, driven by high export prices amid rising oil prices. However, the implementation of maximum price regulations led to a 23.8% decrease in volume, with gasoline, diesel, and kerosene exports dropping by 31.1%, 24.3%, and 99.9%, respectively. Petrochemical product exports rose by 11.1% to $3.7 billion, although volume decreased by 25.5% due to prioritizing domestic supply. In contrast, automobile exports fell by 5.9% to $5.83 billion, impacted by reduced working days, supply shortages due to safety incidents, and logistics disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Steel exports declined by 2.1% to $2.04 billion, reflecting a continued decrease in key products like hot-rolled and thick plates. General machinery exports also dropped by 6.3% to $3.82 billion due to increased logistics costs from the Middle East conflict and U.S. tariffs. Conversely, non-ferrous metal exports rose by 41.5% to $1.67 billion, driven by increased demand for copper and aluminum related to AI data centers. Regionally, exports to China surged by 80.9% to $18.9 billion, driven by a 243% increase in semiconductor exports and solid growth in consumer goods. Exports to the United States also rose by 59.1% to $15.97 billion, primarily due to increased shipments of semiconductors, computers, and electronic devices related to AI investment, despite weak automobile sales. Exports to ASEAN countries reached $15.85 billion (up 58.4%), while exports to the European Union increased by 2.4% to $6.19 billion. However, exports to the Middle East, severely impacted by the conflict, fell by 7.7% to $1.27 billion, largely due to decreased shipments of automobiles and auto parts. Imports rose by 20.8% to $60.8 billion, with energy imports increasing by 15.9% to $11.75 billion. Notably, crude oil imports rose by 25.0% to $8.5 billion, despite a decrease in volume due to the Middle East conflict. Non-energy imports increased by 22.0% to $49.05 billion, significantly influenced by a 71.0% rise in oil product imports to $2.55 billion and a 25.6% increase in semiconductor equipment imports to $2.56 billion. With exports exceeding imports, May's trade surplus reached $26.95 billion, an increase of $20.03 billion from the previous year. This marks the 16th consecutive month of surplus. The cumulative surplus from January to May stands at $101.91 billion, surpassing the previous record of $95.2 billion set in 2017. As exports continue to perform well, the likelihood of surpassing the government's annual export target has increased. The Ministry of Trade set the export target at $740 billion for this year. However, with both the volume and prices of semiconductor exports on the rise, projections indicate a significant expansion in annual export value. From January to May, exports totaled $394.226 billion, comparable to last year's exports of $395.389 billion for the same period. The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade recently forecasted that this year's exports could increase by 30.3% to $924.4 billion, with a trade surplus of $219 billion. Potential variables include the ongoing Middle East conflict and U.S. tariff policies. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan stated, "Uncertainties in the trade environment, including the resolution of the Middle East conflict, U.S. tariffs, and EU steel TRQ, remain. The government will work closely with major countries to mitigate trade risks for our companies and create a stable export environment." He added, "We will actively support companies' production and export activities by ensuring a stable supply of key raw materials and monitoring supply chains." 2026-06-01 09:45:00

Concerns Rise Over Soaring Home Prices in Dongtan Concerns are growing over rising home prices in the Dongtan New Town area of Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Recently, a post titled "Is this Dongtan?" appeared on the anonymous workplace community platform, Blind. The author, identified as A, who works at Samsung Electronics, shared, "I started looking at apartments near Dongtan Lake Park yesterday, and every real estate office was packed with people looking at homes. When I tried to finalize a deal on a place I liked, the owner raised the price by 20 million won right on the spot." A continued, "In other places, prices were increased by 50 million won, making that property seem like the cheapest option. One house that was listed for 950 million won last month increased to 1.08 billion won after receiving numerous inquiries." As this post circulated online, fears emerged that home prices in Dongtan might be surging again. Internet users reacted, expressing concerns that "only actual buyers will suffer," and questioning whether a new price increase trend was beginning. Comments included, "It seems like homeowners are pulling their listings as prices are expected to rise," and "It's unreasonable to raise prices right before a contract is signed. Ultimately, it's the non-homeowners who will bear the brunt of this." Particularly, some users referenced past surges in apartment prices in Seoul, voicing caution about the current situation. Additionally, the post shared data reportedly released by the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, detailing the average price increase of apartments in Seoul under different administrations. According to the data, during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, the average price rose from 300 million won to 530 million won, an increase of about 80%. The Lee Myung-bak administration saw a decrease of approximately 10%, while the Park Geun-hye administration recorded a rise of about 21%. The Moon Jae-in administration experienced a significant increase of around 119%, and the Yoon Suk-yeol administration saw a modest rise of about 1%. The post also noted that the price of apartments in Apgujeong skyrocketed from 1.5 billion won in 2017 during the Moon administration to 7.5 billion won in 2022, marking an increase of nearly 400%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:42:00

Koyote's Baekga Reveals Past Struggles with Artist Syndrome Baekga of the group Koyote revealed that he once considered leaving the group due to what he described as "artist syndrome." On the May 31 episode of MBC's "Sora and Jinkyung," Baekga appeared as a special guest. During the show, he shared, "Before joining Koyote, I did some modeling work. I participated in various fashion magazine photo shoots and even walked the runway at the Seoul Fashion Week's SFAA Seoul Collection." He added, "My major was photography. I continued with photography before transitioning to Koyote." Baekga explained, "I was not suffering from celebrity syndrome but rather from artist syndrome. I became absorbed in photography and thought, 'I am an artist.'" He recalled a trip to Paris, saying, "While there, I felt a strong urge to live in that environment. Everyone was drinking espresso, and despite its bitterness, I found myself drinking six to seven cups a day. At home, I only listened to jazz and bossa nova music." Reflecting on his struggles, Baekga said, "The reality was that I had to perform dance songs on stage, which was very distressing for me. I told the members, 'I can't continue with Koyote,' and I declared my intention to leave." He humorously noted that he had even prepared to move abroad and obtained an artist visa. However, when he announced his departure, his bandmates offered him more money, saying they would split it 4 to 3 to 3, with Shinji receiving 4, and he and Jongmin receiving 3 each. "That's why I didn't go," he said, eliciting laughter.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:42:00

Government Inspects Local River Restoration Ahead of Flood Season 정부가 본격적인 여름철 홍수기를 앞두고 지난해 집중호우 피해를 입은 지방하천 재해복구 현장과 농업용 저수지를 찾아 홍수 대응 상황을 점검했다. 최근 홍수 피해가 국가하천보다 지방하천과 지류·지천에 집중되는 만큼 정부는 정비 우선순위 마련 등 예방 중심 대응체계 강화에 나설 계획이다. 기후에너지환경부에 따르면 금한승 1차관은 1일 충남 서산시 진장천·도당천 지방하천 재해복구사업 현장과 농업용 저수지인 고풍저수지를 방문해 여름철 홍수 대응 상황을 점검했다. 이번 점검은 오는 21일부터 시작되는 홍수기를 앞두고 지방정부가 국비 지원을 받아 추진 중인 지방하천 복구사업 진행 상황을 확인하고 하천과 저수지의 홍수 대응체계를 점검하기 위해 마련됐다. 진장천과 도당천은 지난해 7월 기록적인 집중호우로 피해를 입은 지방하천이다. 진장천은 제방과 호안 등 피해 시설의 기능을 복원하는 사업을 진행 중이며 올해 홍수기 전 마무리할 예정이다. 도당천은 제방 보강 등을 포함한 개선복구 사업을 추진하고 있으며 올해 착공해 2028년 준공을 목표로 하고 있다. 진장천은 지난해 시간당 최대 114.9㎜의 폭우로 제방과 호안이 유실되면서 98억2000만원의 피해가 발생했다. 복구비는 706억4000만원 규모다. 도당천 역시 제방 붕괴와 호안 유실 등으로 16억9000만원 상당의 피해를 입었다. 금 차관은 이어 총저수량 836만t 규모의 고풍저수지를 찾아 홍수 조절 기능과 운영 상황을 점검했다. 고풍저수지는 농업용수 공급에 지장이 없는 범위에서 사전 방류 등을 통해 저류 공간을 확보하고 하류 지방하천의 홍수 피해를 줄이는 역할을 맡고 있다. 특히 정부는 최근 홍수 피해가 국가하천보다 지류·지천 등 지방하천에서 반복적으로 발생하고 있다는 점에 주목하고 있다. 이에 따라 올해 안에 홍수 위험성이 높은 지방하천 정비 우선순위를 마련하고 한정된 예산을 위험 구간에 집중 투입하는 등 지방정부의 예방 정비사업을 체계적으로 지원할 계획이다. 기후부는 이날 금강홍수통제소와 한국농어촌공사 등 관계기관 간 협조체계도 점검했다. 최근 기후변화 영향으로 국지성 집중호우가 잦아지는 만큼 하천과 저수지를 연계한 홍수 대응 역량을 강화하겠다는 구상이다. 금한승 1차관은 "지방하천의 홍수 피해를 최소화할 수 있도록 재해복구 사업 관리를 철저히 하고 저수지 물그릇 확보 등 홍수대책도 차질 없이 추진하겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:33:00

Korean Ministry of Science Reveals AI Applications Across Industries The Ministry of Science and ICT has unveiled examples of domestic artificial intelligence (AI) applications across various industries, including semiconductors, manufacturing, and agriculture, marking a significant step in the establishment of the 'K-AI ecosystem.' On June 1, the ministry showcased cases from companies participating in the independent AI foundation model initiative. SK Telecom is collaborating with SK Hynix to implement independent AI models in the semiconductor industry. The two companies are developing an AI-based support system tailored to the security-sensitive semiconductor environment. They are also exploring the potential for AI applications in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. The ministry stated, "Domestic AI models will understand and process the specialized tasks in the semiconductor industry, enhancing productivity and facilitating the AI transition in manufacturing." Motif Technologies is partnering with the AI mobility firm Mobirus to advance AI transformation in agricultural machinery. Together, they are developing technology that applies vision-language-action (VLA) based AI to autonomous farming equipment, enabling precision autonomous operations at a level comparable to skilled operators in various environments. The government anticipates that this technology will extend beyond agricultural machinery to other physical AI fields, including robotics and industrial equipment. Upstage is working with the enterprise AI solutions company Allganize to expand the market for work automation. Allganize has integrated Upstage's independent AI model, 'Solar,' into its service 'Alli,' which allows users to build AI agents and business applications without coding. Currently, services are provided to organizations such as the Korea Land and Housing Corporation, KEPCO KDN, Hanwha Life, NH Investment & Securities, and Woori Investment & Securities, with plans to further enhance AI-based work automation in corporate settings through this collaboration. Naver Cloud has established a generative AI platform specifically for the nuclear power industry in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. The ministry described this application of generative AI in the operation and management of nuclear power plants as a world-first. The platform analyzes vast amounts of operational data and technical documents to improve safety and operational efficiency. The ministry noted, "Domestic AI models are expanding their application into critical industries directly linked to national energy security." Additionally, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to conduct the second phase evaluation of the independent AI foundation model project, which underpins the K-AI ecosystem, in August. Participants in this evaluation will include LG AI Research, SK Telecom, Upstage, and Motif Technologies, with an expected emphasis on global benchmark performance and technological independence.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:33:00

Expanded World Cup brings new chances for Asia as South Korea looks beyond 11th Straight Berth SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - This year's World Cup, now just over a week away, will be remembered as special for several reasons. It will be the first hosted by three countries in the quadrennial football extravaganza's history, spread across vast distances in North America and, most notably, the first to expand from 32 to 48 teams. For Asia, the number itself matters almost as much as the tournament. What once felt like a narrow gate to the sport's grandest stage has widened significantly, as more Asian teams will now compete than ever before, with eight countries from the region - Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Uzbekistan - having qualified. And for South Korea, which made its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, the moment brings mixed emotions, pride in reaching the tournament again, but also concern about what lies ahead. The country remains one of the most consistent teams on the global stage, qualifying every four years, while players and coaches have changed and the sport has become faster and more technical. But the steady presence can sometimes hide underlying stagnation. With the expansion of the World Cup, qualification has taken on a different meaning, especially in Asia. In the past, teams had to compete for only a few spots, making qualification highly competitive. This pressure pushed countries like Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea to constantly improve, develop talent, and stay competitive. The expanded format gives Asia around eight World Cup berths, which is good news for countries that once saw qualification as nearly impossible. As a World Cup appearance can boost domestic interest, attract investment, and inspire the next generation of players, countries such as Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam could benefit the most, potentially making Asian football more diverse and unpredictable. FIFA, the governing body of the World Cup, is fully aware of this. More teams mean bigger markets, larger audiences, and greater global influence. However, critics say the expansion could weaken the tournament's quality, as weaker teams may lead to more one-sided matches. There are also concerns that qualification may lose some of its meaning if too many countries see it as achievable. But from Asia's perspective, the change is hard to resist. For decades, European and South American powerhouses have enjoyed structural advantages such as stronger leagues, deeper talent pools and greater representation at major tournaments. Expansion gives the rest of the football world a rare chance to close that gap. Japan increasingly speaks about winning the World Cup as a realistic goal, not just relying on advancing to the group stage. Saudi Arabia's investment in football has become impossible to ignore, while Iraq and Uzbekistan are grooming ambitious new generations, which is gradually breaking down the long-standing hierarchy in Asian football. South Korea, meanwhile, has seen its football profile improve, driven by star players including striker Son Heung-min. However, that success has at times masked deeper structural issues. Should the country now invest more aggressively in youth coaching and infrastructure for domestic players? Should the national team develop long-term strategies that are less dependent on individual stars? These questions are more difficult than assessing tournament outcomes, but they are ultimately the ones that matter. The expanded 48-team World Cup signals a new era in which South Korea no longer needs to prove it just belongs to the tournament. Now it must prove what it can do once it gets there. 2026-06-01 09:27:10

Samyang Foods wraps up THAIFEX-ANUGA 2026 with record booth traffic SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - South Korean instant noodle maker Samyang Foods drew about 48,000 visitors to its booth at THAIFEX-ANUGA 2026, Asia's largest food trade fair, as the company pressed its push into Southeast Asian markets. The five-day event ran from May 26 to 30 in Bangkok, where Samyang staged an experiential showcase under the "Samyang Crave Lab" concept, dividing its booth into dedicated zones — or "brand labs" — for its three key labels: Buldak, MEP, and Tangle. Visitors sampled flagship products including Buldak and Carbonara Buldak, alongside locally tailored offerings from the MEP and Tangle lines. Southeast Asia currently accounts for about 20 percent of Samyang's total export revenue, with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam serving as the primary growth markets. The company said it plans to deepen its local consumer base through a broader product portfolio and stronger brand communication. "Through this THAIFEX, we were once again able to confirm global consumers' interest not only in Buldak, but also in our diverse brands such as MEP and Tangle," said a Samyang Foods spokesperson. "We will continue to bring differentiated products and brand experiences that reflect the needs of local consumers to the global market." 2026-06-01 09:27:01

Yoo Yi-dong Vows to Pursue Unification with Hwang Kyo-ahn Until the End Yoo Yi-dong, the People Power Party candidate for the Pyeongtaek by-election, stated that he will strive for unification with Hwang Kyo-ahn, the candidate from the Liberty and Innovation Party, "until the last moment." During an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" on June 1, Yoo responded to a question about the possibility of unification with Hwang. Previously, on May 28, Yoo held an urgent press conference at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, proposing unification to Hwang, stating, "We must unite the strength of conservatives." In response, Hwang criticized Yoo's proposal during a press conference the same day, calling it a "political show for the sake of appearances" and demanded Yoo's withdrawal from the race. When asked about Hwang's comments, Yoo said, "I proposed unification, and if he says I should withdraw, I have nothing to say. There is a strong desire in the region to unite the scattered conservative voices." Yoo added, "If conservatives are divided, it will only pave the way for the ruling party candidates in Pyeongtaek. Public sentiment is shifting significantly, and I must heed the residents' calls to unite the conservative voices." He further criticized Hwang's past actions, stating, "What he was trying to block through his hunger strike was the ruling party's unilateral constitutional amendment. There is also a special law to dismiss charges against the current president." He warned that if Kim Yong-nam from the Democratic Party and Cho Kuk from the Justice Party are elected, such attempts will become overtly aggressive. Yoo expressed hope that by uniting, they could prevent such developments, urging others to consider this significant cause. In response to Cho's criticism of Yoo's unification proposal as "nonsense," Yoo pointed out the hypocrisy, stating, "This is a typical case of 'do as I say, not as I do.'" He questioned Cho's motives, asking, "Is he seeking unification with Kim, who has been accused of loan sharking, or is it a unification to promote loan sharks? What will he say to that?"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 09:27:00