HP Launches Garage 2.0 to Support Global Expansion of Korean AI Startups HP Korea has launched a collaboration platform called HP Garage 2.0 to support the global expansion of Korean artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The initiative aims to leverage HP's global network and technological infrastructure to assist local startups in validating their technologies and commercializing their products while facilitating entry into international markets. On May 21, HP Korea officially announced the launch of HP Garage 2.0 during a press conference held at the Gravity Hotel in Pangyo, Seongnam. In his opening remarks, David McQuarrie, HP's Business Head, stated, "Korea is an important innovation market for HP. We have invested in research and development, startups, and partnerships in Korea for a long time." He described HP Garage 2.0 as a platform that provides mentorship, incubation, and market entry support to help Korean startups expand into the global market. McQuarrie is one of the key executives at HP's headquarters in the United States. HP Garage 2.0 operates as part of the global collaboration program "AroundX," promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency. Participating startups will be matched one-on-one with HP's innovation champions to collaborate on technology development and commercialization. This approach will involve working with engineering, product, and business teams to validate and enhance solutions based on actual customer needs and usage environments. Kang Yong-nam, CEO of HP Korea, remarked, "AI innovation is creating changes greater than the dot-com revolution. We are in an era where even small teams with exceptional technology can drive significant innovation." He expressed confidence that many startups in Korea will achieve great success. Through this program, HP will focus on supporting startups that can connect with AI-driven future work environments, edge devices, printing innovations, and decision-support solutions. The initial participants include Nexpot Solutions, which offers QR-based authentication solutions; Jigu Korea, an AI collaboration platform; The Sunhan Co., which specializes in AI-driven sales automation; ElectroCookie, which provides input devices and macro solutions; and Hawkma Labs, which creates text-based 3D content. HP will provide participating companies with high-performance workstations and consulting services, collaborating on technology validation, product and platform integration, and market entry strategy development. Notably, Korean startups will have the opportunity to connect with international markets through HP's global network, while HP aims to expand its ecosystem of AI-driven work innovation solutions and printing technologies. Kang emphasized, "Just because a product or solution is developed does not mean it will be commercially viable immediately. It is essential to create prototypes and undergo sandboxing and validation processes to develop commercially viable products." HP also indicated that partnerships could continue beyond the program's duration. In response to a question, Kang noted, "While the program has a set duration, as seen in Singapore, we can continue to work together as HP partners in business afterward." Finally, Kang stated, "We aim to help startups achieve in one to two years what would take them ten years to accomplish on their own, through this acceleration program. As a Korean, I will do my best to ensure that Korean companies can significantly advance with the support of global firms."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-22 00:01:46

Park Soo-hyun and Kim Tae-heum Clash in TV Debate for Chungnam Governor During a TV debate for the Chungnam governor election, Park Soo-hyun of the Democratic Party and Kim Tae-heum of the People Power Party engaged in a heated exchange over the failed administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam. Kim criticized Park, stating, "Last year, you said the integration was hasty and unlikely to succeed. Did you change your position only after President Lee Jae-myung suggested it?" In response, Park argued, "You were the one who initially advocated for administrative integration. When the government and the Democratic Party shifted to a supportive stance, you completely reversed your position. It’s like walking away from the table because the side dishes are insufficient." He added, "My stance hasn’t changed; the conditions have changed. With the Lee Jae-myung administration expressing a willingness to transfer financial resources and authority, now is the golden time for integration." The candidates also questioned each other on the feasibility and specifics of their campaign promises regarding the use of the Seonghwan Horse Racing Track, plans for areas affected by the closure of coal-fired power plants, and the power demands of AI data centers. However, as the debate progressed, the focus shifted from policy issues to personal histories and allegations against each candidate. Kim brought up Park's involvement with the UN Habitat Korea Committee, stating, "Although the investigation concluded without charges after several years, there are still aspects that are hard to understand. You claim it was a politically motivated investigation by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, but isn’t it true that a fellow party member, the National Assembly Secretary-General, canceled the corporate registration and referred the case for investigation?" Park countered, asserting, "I bear no legal or moral responsibility. I have never received a single won in salary or even a credit card from that organization; in fact, I invested a lot of my own resources. I have endured significant pain and suffering over the past three years due to this issue, and now the People Power Party is bringing it up again while in power." The candidates also clashed over the proposed special law for the dismissal of charges. Kim accused Park of supporting the law, suggesting that it raises suspicions that the president is trying to eliminate his own legal troubles during his term. Park responded, "Before questioning the dismissal of charges, you should first address the issue of fabricated charges. If there were indeed fabricated charges by the prosecution, I maintain my belief that dismissing those charges is just." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 23:46:12

KITA and KEY Host Forum on EU Environmental Regulations As the European Union's (EU) environmental regulations, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), intensify, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), led by President Yoon Jin-sik, and the private non-profit think tank KEY (Korea Europe & You), headed by Lee Jun, co-hosted the "2026 EU New Trade Partnership Forum: Korea-EU New Trade Partnership and Sustainability Innovation" on May 21 to discuss response strategies in depth. The event, held at the Trade Tower in Samseong-dong, gathered EU Ambassador to South Korea Hugo Astuto, Philip Van Hoof, President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK), along with government officials from Europe and Korea and key environmental experts from both domestic and international backgrounds. They engaged in extensive discussions regarding the EU's environmental policy direction and Korea's response challenges. President Yoon emphasized, "The EU is establishing new systems and norms in line with the changing international landscape and industrial environment," explaining the significance of the forum. Lee Jun highlighted that the current energy crisis is causing a ripple effect across the economy and society, stating, "This forum will serve as a meaningful milestone for Korean and European companies to transform the challenges they face into new drivers of innovation." The forum was divided into two parts. The first part, titled "EU Sustainability Trends and Policy Regulation Outlook," featured a presentation by Walter Van Hatum, Trade and Economic Counselor at the EU Delegation to Korea, moderated by KEY Director Yoo Jae-hoon. The discussion included insights from Maeng Hak-kyun, a senior official at the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, lawyer Kim Hye-sung from Kim & Chang, and Lee Jung-woo, a director at Centennial Partners. Van Hatum noted that the EU has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 37% since 1990, while the gross domestic product (GDP) has increased by about 60% during the same period. He emphasized that contrary to popular belief, it is possible to achieve both environmental sustainability and economic growth. However, he added, "The EU is fighting a lonely battle in the environmental sector," stressing the need for participation from major countries like Korea. He pointed out that the total economic cooperation scale, encompassing bilateral trade and investment between Korea and the EU, amounts to approximately 450 trillion won, indicating the necessity for Korea to strengthen economic cooperation with the EU through environmental policies. Van Hatum specifically highlighted the EU's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by 90%, emphasizing the increasing importance of collaboration with Korea, a country strong in semiconductors, batteries, and hydrogen, and one that shares similar values. In response, Maeng referenced President Lee Jae-myung's statement last year that "the transition to a carbon-neutral society is an unavoidable path for sustainable growth and a leap to becoming a global economic powerhouse, even if it entails some pain," indicating that the current government plans to take a more proactive approach to environmental policies. The EU implemented the CBAM on January 1 of this year, requiring carbon emission certificates for six major industrial products produced outside the EU, including steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, hydrogen, and electricity. Starting in January 2028, the scope of CBAM will expand to include 180 final goods, such as refrigerators and washing machines. This has put Korean industries, which rely heavily on Europe as a major export market, in a precarious position. In this context, lawyer Kim suggested that while the EU's environmental regulations offer a high degree of predictability, the diversity and complexity of supply chains necessitate the development of response strategies regarding regulatory interpretation and application standards. The second part, titled "Exemplary Cases of Sustainability Technology Innovation Companies," was moderated by Kim Yong-jae, an adjunct professor at Hanyang University. It included a presentation by Nicola Lejeune, Chief Technology Officer of Veolia Korea, along with discussions featuring Herve Pino, CEO of Veolia Korea, Kim Young-seok, CEO of Endress+Hauser Korea, Jang Han-young, team leader of the European and Climate Policy Team at LG Energy Solution, and Jang Hyun-sook, head of the New Trade Strategy Division at KITA. Lejeune explained that since entering Korea in 1999, Veolia, a global environmental services company based in France, has provided carbon reduction and eco-friendly technology services to various sectors, including semiconductors, steel, petrochemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. He introduced the company's key AI-based eco-friendly technology services, including digital cooling towers, real-time vibration monitoring, and biological wastewater treatment control. Jang, the team leader at LG Energy Solution, discussed the preparations made to respond to the "battery passport" system, which the EU plans to implement in 2027. He noted that since this passport system involves information storage and sharing that extends beyond a single company, it is essential for the industry to review and establish a system collectively.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 23:43:38

President Lee Visits Ikseon-dong, Engages with Citizens President Lee Jae-myung visited the Ikseon-dong Hanok Street and Galmaegi Alley in Seoul on May 21, following a trip to the nearby Dongui-dong goshiwon (a type of low-cost housing).Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing that President Lee greeted citizens in the Ikseon-dong area.As he walked through the narrow alleys, President Lee shook hands with citizens and posed for photos. People inside and outside the shops waved at him and expressed their excitement.Upon entering Ikseon-dong, many citizens and foreign tourists showed surprise and delight at the president's presence.Walking through the alley lined with restaurants and shops, President Lee greeted each citizen he encountered, responding to those waving from inside the stores.When surprised citizens rushed out of shops to request photos, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik helped take pictures of the president with them.As President Lee passed by, citizens pulled out their phones to capture the moment, cheering his name as applause erupted throughout the street.Citizens shouted phrases like, "This is amazing!", "I think something good is going to happen!", "I'm a fan!", "Thank you!", and "We love you!" as they welcomed the president.One citizen dining on pork belly at a traditional restaurant remarked, "I’m buying meat with the living support fund," to which President Lee responded with a bright smile.After dinner, President Lee visited a nearby coffee shop, where he ordered a warm Americano from a kiosk and asked, "That coffee isn’t from there, right?"The phrase "that coffee" is interpreted as a reference to Starbucks Korea, which has faced backlash for its recent 'Tank Day' marketing campaign on May 18, coinciding with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising.Earlier, during a meeting with senior presidential aides, President Lee stated, "We must mobilize all available means to punish those who spread malicious fake news about North Korean military involvement in the Gwangju incident and glorify state violence or insult the victims."Spokesperson Kang reported that while waiting for his drink, President Lee took more photos and greeted citizens who had gathered around him before leaving the scene.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 23:15:56

Oh Se-hoon Claims Lee Jae-myung is Using Government Power for Election Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, claimed on May 21 that President Lee Jae-myung has initiated a government-backed election campaign to support Jung Won-oh, urging voters to protect Seoul. During his official campaign launch at Cheonggye Plaza that evening, Oh stated, "As Jung's approval ratings fluctuated, they fabricated a 'rebar rumor,' and now even the president has stepped in." His comments were directed at President Lee's instruction to relevant ministries to conduct safety inspections and investigations regarding the missing rebar in the construction section of the GTX-A line at Samsung Station. Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has been attacking Oh, blaming him for the incident. Oh remarked, "Seeing Jung, who was chosen by the president, struggling, it seems there’s an after-service from the president. I ask the citizens of Seoul to help keep the president's spirit alive." Oh also criticized Jung for refusing to participate in debates, saying, "This election is truly difficult. Meeting for a debate feels harder than 'picking stars from the sky.'" He emphasized that all citizens of Seoul are suffering due to the real estate failures of the Lee Jae-myung administration and urged, "Please help us protect Seoul." Earlier that morning, Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker who accompanied Oh on his first campaign schedule, also took the stage at the launch event to request support. Yoo stated, "Jung is a subordinate of President Lee, and he will never oppose the president even if he goes down the wrong path." He added, "The president will tighten loans, impose taxes, and refrain from redevelopment and reconstruction, yet Jung will remain silent." Yoo praised Oh for his ample experience and capabilities, urging supporters to increase his approval ratings by 1% each day until the night of June 2. Meanwhile, Oh began his campaign at the Garak-dong Agricultural and Fishery Wholesale Market in Songpa District at midnight and concluded his first day of campaigning by meeting citizens at Gangnam Station after the launch event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:43:13

Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Former KTV Director Over Sedition Charges A court has denied an arrest warrant for Lee Eun-woo, the former director of the Korea Policy Broadcasting (KTV), who is facing sedition charges related to the December 3 martial law declaration. According to Yonhap News on May 21, Judge Lee Jong-rok of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the warrant after a pre-arrest interrogation of Lee. The judge stated, "There is room for dispute regarding the establishment of the sedition charges," and added that it is unlikely Lee would flee or destroy evidence based on the current status of the case. Lee is accused of repeatedly broadcasting news that justified the martial law and related proclamations from December 3 to December 13, 2024, while blocking and deleting news critical of the martial law. The special prosecutors' team has identified indications that Lee continued to support sedition forces even after the martial law was lifted, prompting them to reopen the investigation and file for an arrest warrant on May 18. This warrant request marked the first attempt by the special prosecutors to secure an arrest since the team's establishment in February, approximately 82 days prior. However, the court's denial has raised concerns that the special prosecutors may have rushed the warrant request amid criticism of their lack of progress. As the special prosecutors approach the expiration of their initial investigation period on May 24, they have yet to arrest or indict any suspects.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:39:51

Financial Authorities to Appoint Chief Inclusion Officers to Address Financial Exclusion South Korea's financial authorities are moving to appoint Chief Inclusion Officers (CIFOs) within banks and financial institutions to tackle the issue of financial exclusion, which President Lee Jae-myung has described as a problem of "predatory finance." This initiative aims to implement structural changes to address the root causes of financial exclusion. Additionally, to encourage foreign investment in the domestic stock market, the authorities plan to expand the trading scope of integrated foreign accounts to include exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and will hold a large-scale overseas investment briefing in September. On May 21, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-yeon stated during a meeting with reporters, "We need fundamental improvements to how we address the structural issues that create financial exclusion." He announced plans to establish a Financial Inclusion Strategy Promotion Team in June, which will consist of four divisions: general, policy for the underprivileged, financial industry, and credit infrastructure. The general division will focus on designating CIFOs within financial companies to discuss ways to improve access to finance for low-income and vulnerable groups at the board and governance levels. The team will also consider measures such as providing immunity for employees actively engaged in financial inclusion efforts, establishing a comprehensive evaluation system for financial inclusion, and linking evaluation results to financial company incentives and compensation. Lee emphasized, "While we have focused on urgently rescuing marginalized groups pushed out of the formal financial system, it is now time to improve the structures that lead to financial exclusion." Pressure for Candidate Unification Grows in Busan's North District, Signs of Division in the People Power Party In the Busan North District, a key battleground for the June 3 by-elections, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon are in a tight race within the margin of error. As pressure mounts for unification between People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and Han, the party is showing signs of division. According to political sources on May 21, Han has taken the lead in support for the first time in the three-way race. Previously, Ha had consistently led in polls, but recent data shows Han at 34.6%, Ha at 32.9%, and Park at 20.5%, based on a survey conducted by Research & Research from May 17 to 19 among 500 eligible voters in the Busan North District. The gap between Han and Ha is within the margin of error of 1.7 percentage points (the survey used a 100% mobile phone interview method with a sampling error of ±4.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 10%. For more details, refer to the Central Election Survey Deliberation Committee's website). Calls for unification are growing within the People Power Party. Representative Park Soo-young urged the party leadership to make a decision regarding candidate unification in Busan North. He reportedly stated in a group chat that his district, Busan Nam-gu, is currently trailing the Democratic Party by 10 to 15 percentage points, and emphasized that without decisive action from the Busan city party and the central party, the election will be challenging. Iran Establishes 'Controlled Area' in the Strait of Hormuz, Requires Pre-Approval for All Vessels The Iranian government has announced the establishment of a "controlled area" in the Strait of Hormuz, managed by the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), under the pretext of regulating navigation in the strait. On May 20, the PGSA stated via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the eastern boundary of the controlled area will be defined by a straight line connecting Iran's Kouh-e Mobarak and the southern UAE city of Fujairah. The western boundary will connect Iran's Qeshm Island and the UAE's Umm al-Quwain. Earlier reports from AP and CNN indicated that the Iranian government aims to formalize its control over the Strait of Hormuz through the establishment of the PGSA. CNN reported that the authority has notified the shipping industry that it will require all vessels to complete a "Vessel Information Declaration" form to ensure safe navigation. According to a document obtained by CNN, the form consists of over 40 items, including the vessel's name and identification number, departure country, destination, owner and operator nationality, and cargo information. Past names of the vessel must also be included, and this information must be submitted to Iranian authorities via email before passing through the Strait of Hormuz.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:35:43

President Lee Questions High Rent in Dongin-dong Goshiwon President Lee Jae-myung questioned the affordability of monthly rent in goshiwons, asking, "Is 300,000 won too expensive?" during a visit to the Dongin-dong goshiwon in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 21.While listening to the opinions of residents and officials, President Lee expressed concern upon hearing the rent prices. When a representative from the goshiwon counseling center explained that rents tend to align with housing benefit levels, President Lee appeared skeptical and raised an eyebrow.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung explained in a written briefing that the visit aimed to assess the living conditions and safety of residents in preparation for the upcoming summer storms and heatwaves.The day before, President Lee had directed a field inspection and support measures for vulnerable groups, including goshiwon residents, elderly individuals living alone, and outdoor workers, during a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic review.Initially, President Lee met with representatives from the goshiwon counseling center to express gratitude for their efforts to ensure the safety and support of residents. He also suggested utilizing vacant spaces for communal rest areas.Additionally, while observing air conditioning units installed on building exteriors, President Lee carefully checked the status of cooling equipment with the counseling center director.As he walked through the alleys, President Lee greeted each resident, inquiring about their needs and health. Residents expressed their appreciation, saying, "This is the first time a president has visited our neighborhood," and thanked him for coming. President Lee shook hands and embraced residents as they exchanged greetings.Notably, President Lee visited one resident's room to ask about their receipt of support funds. In another home, he admired a painting on the wall and asked, "Who painted this?" Upon learning it was the resident's work, he complimented, "You did a great job!"President Lee meticulously checked on residents' health and living difficulties. When one resident mentioned struggling without an air conditioner during the summer, President Lee confirmed with officials about possible support measures.He continued to ask residents about the cleanliness and maintenance of their surroundings, as well as any additional concerns that needed attention.Spokesperson Kang noted that President Lee responded warmly to the residents waiting at the street's end and actively participated in photo requests. After spending about an hour inspecting various areas of the goshiwon, he concluded his visit by saying farewell to residents waiting by his vehicle.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:31:37

Government Launches Safety Inspections at GTX Samsung Station Following Rebar Omission The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Interior and Safety are initiating government-led safety inspections at the GTX Samsung Station, where a rebar omission has been reported. According to Yonhap News on May 21, the joint safety inspection team will include experts from various organizations, such as the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Korea Electric Safety Corporation, Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Korea Land Safety Management Agency, Korea Railroad Research Institute, and the National Railroad Corporation. A private expert will lead the team to ensure objectivity in the inspections. The purpose of the joint inspection team is to prevent major safety accidents by assessing the safety management status of facilities, industrial safety, firefighting, and electrical systems at the construction site. The team will also evaluate the overall appropriateness of the construction process and investigate the causes of construction errors. It will consist of 40 members, divided into one group focused on construction site safety and two groups focused on construction execution. After completing the safety inspections at the construction site, the team plans to conduct inspections in the construction execution area over the next two months. The government stated that the inspection period could be extended if necessary. Previously, a special on-site inspection team formed by the Ministry of Land was integrated into the joint inspection team starting today. The government emphasized that the safety inspections will be thorough, covering not only the underground fifth floor of the Yeongdong-daero Section 3, where the construction error occurred, but also all facilities currently under construction at the Yeongdong-daero site.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:30:20

Kim Hye-kyung Emphasizes Education's Role in Social Change at Sookmyung University Event Kim Hye-kyung, the spouse of President Lee Jae-myung, visited her alma mater, Sookmyung Women's University, to highlight the importance of education and community values. On May 21, Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong announced in a written briefing that Kim attended the 120th anniversary eve celebration at a hotel in Samsung-dong, Gangnam, where she stated, "Learning opens new possibilities for some and provides courage and hope for others. Education is the greatest force that can change an individual's life and, in turn, transform society." She continued, "The future society will require 'people who can grow together' more than 'those who advance alone.' Even as technology rapidly changes the world, the power to lead communities ultimately comes from people." Kim expressed her hopes for her alma mater, saying, "Not only has it nurtured outstanding talent, but it has also taught the values of respecting individuals, taking responsibility for the community, and embracing solidarity. I encourage the university to develop into an institution that conveys hope to society with intelligence, dignity, and a warm community spirit." Additionally, Kim received the 'Proud Sookmyung Alumni Award.' Sookmyung University President Moon Si-yeon presented the award, expressing gratitude and respect for Kim's deep affection and unwavering support for the university's development and future endeavors. Meanwhile, Kim donated a silver ring crafted by master artisan Park Hae-do, which she wore during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to South Korea, to a charity auction. The proceeds from the auction will be used for the university's development fund, supporting educational initiatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:28:31