Samsung C&T to Train 100 Young Job Seekers in Construction Management Samsung C&T's construction division announced on May 14 that it will offer practical training for young job seekers aspiring to work in construction and safety management. The program aims to train construction and safety managers in collaboration with Samsung C&T's partner companies. This initiative is part of the 'Large and Small Business Coexistence Job Program,' overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and managed by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency and the Korea Economic Cooperation Center since 2018. According to the company, a total of 586 participants have completed the training program up to last year, with 551 graduating. Among them, 335 successfully secured jobs with partner companies. The program is open to young job seekers aged 34 and under (up to 39 when including military service) who hold at least an associate degree. Candidates with majors or certifications in safety, construction, electrical, facilities, or civil engineering will be given preference. Samsung C&T plans to recruit 100 participants, with 50 for construction management and 50 for safety management. Interested applicants can register on the Multi-Campus website until June 26, with training scheduled to begin on July 1 and lasting approximately six weeks. The training is free, including lunch support, and participants may receive up to 600,000 won in training allowances based on attendance. During the training period, Samsung C&T will also operate a recruitment linkage program with about 40 partner companies to actively support the hiring of talent by these firms. Additionally, Samsung C&T ranked second in the construction sector of the K-Brand Index for listed companies, as selected by the Asia Brand Research Institute last year. This index is calculated based on various weighted criteria, including trends, media presence, social engagement, and community activity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:33:06

Ruling Party Aims to Finalize National Assembly Committee Appointments by June The Democratic Party announced plans to complete the appointments of National Assembly committee chairs and committees by next month. Additionally, the party intends to continue pressing for a plenary session on May 20 to elect the National Assembly leadership. Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke with reporters after a policy meeting on the 14th, stating, "Internally, we plan to begin the formation of the committees for the second half of the term. We will gather individual lawmakers' opinions throughout May, with the actual adjustment process taking place in June." However, Lee indicated that the specific timeline for the committee formation is likely to be after the June 3 local elections, explaining, "While we believe it is best to proceed as quickly as possible, the reality is that we are approaching the election campaign, making it challenging. Substantial discussions and final decisions will occur in June." Regarding the issue of committee distribution, particularly the demand from the People Power Party for the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Lee remarked, "It is difficult to make judgments in the current situation. I believe they will take sufficient time to consider the appointments." Furthermore, the Democratic Party emphasized its ongoing demand for a plenary session on May 20 to elect the National Assembly leadership, which includes candidates Cho Jung-sik and Nam In-soon, who were selected as the party's nominees for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively. Lee reiterated, "We are continuously calling for a plenary session to elect the National Assembly leadership. To prevent a disruption of constitutional order, we must complete the selection of the leadership before the current Speaker's term ends. We hope that discussions will proceed smoothly, given that the People Power Party has already completed its leadership selection."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:30:39

Massive Concrete Facility to Store 125,000 Drums of Low-Level Nuclear Waste Opens in Korea "That’s not a roof; it’s a crane."On May 13, a visit to the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, revealed a massive steel structure that resembled a factory roof from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, it was identified as a Mobile Crane Shelter (MCS) designed to transport radioactive waste drums. This structure, which serves both as a roof to shield against rain and as a crane, was the first thing that caught the eye at the site. ◆From Caverns to Surface... World’s First Combined Disposal Facility EstablishedThe Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Radioactive Waste Management Corporation held a ceremony on this day to mark the completion of the Phase Two surface disposal facility. This facility, which allows for the separate handling of low-level and very low-level waste, completes the world’s first combined disposal system on a single site, following the existing cavern disposal facility.In the center of the site, large concrete boxes with open tops were lined up. A total of 20 disposal cells can each hold approximately 6,300 200-liter drums. With the completion of this Phase Two facility, an additional 125,000 drums can now be disposed of. Including a 'Future Area' for potential additional disposal cells, the facility can be expanded to accommodate up to 250,000 drums.The disposal process is straightforward yet complex. The waste, which has undergone preliminary inspections at nuclear power plants and research facilities, is transported in specialized containers by land and sea. The dedicated transport vessel, Cheongjeongnuriho, is equipped with a double-hull and double-engine structure for safety, along with location tracking and automatic collision prevention systems.Once the drums arrive at the site, they must pass acceptance and disposal inspections before being moved to the disposal cells. Specialized trucks deliver the drums directly to the disposal area, where the MCS crane lifts them and stacks them neatly. After filling each layer, the gaps between the drums are filled with grout—a thin cement slurry—to stabilize them.Lee Kyung-hwan, head of the construction management team at the Korea Radioactive Waste Management Corporation, explained, "We fill the gaps between the drums with a thin cement mixture to prevent any movement. After disposing of up to nine layers, we will install a concrete slab on top to completely seal it."He added, "Even after sealing all disposal cells, we will install a cover and continuously monitor for any radiation leakage into the surrounding environment." ◆Five Layers of Protection and Fire Prevention Enhance SafetyThe most frequently mentioned word at the site was 'water.' The core of waste management is to keep waste away from water.The surface disposal facility is designed with a five-layer multi-barrier system, including the waste drums, backfill material, disposal cell, concrete cover, and bedrock. During disposal, the roof of the Mobile Crane Shelter prevents rainwater from entering, and after disposal, the upper slab and final cover minimize contact between water and waste.Beneath the disposal cells, an underground inspection tunnel connects to drainage, ventilation, communication, and lighting systems. This structure is designed to drain any infiltrating water. Lee stated, "We plan to continuously monitor radiation levels in groundwater and the surrounding environment even after operations cease."In light of recent wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province, fire prevention measures have also been strengthened. Surrounding the disposal cells, a water curtain (tower) system has been installed to prevent the spread of fires. Lee noted, "The installation and testing of fire protection equipment have been completed, and we have established an operational system that considers extreme disaster scenarios."At the site, preparations are also underway to address future increases in waste. Currently, the annual acceptance and disposal volume is about 4,000 drums, which is expected to rise to 8,000 by 2030 and 12,000 by 2050. This increase is anticipated due to the ramp-up of nuclear power plant decommissioning, which will significantly boost waste generation.To prepare for this, the corporation is also advancing plans for a Phase Three landfill disposal facility, aimed for completion in 2031, which will handle an additional 160,000 drums of very low-level waste.The actual acceptance of waste into the Phase Two surface disposal facility is expected to begin by the end of this year. The corporation stated, "Following the operational commencement report and inspection period, we plan to start disposing of some waste in the Phase Two facility as early as November."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:28:05

Korean Privacy Commission Fines Boram Group 540 Million Won for Data Breach The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), an independent administrative agency established to oversee the handling and protection of personal data, has imposed a total fine of 542.5 million won ($540,000) and an additional penalty of 11.4 million won ($11,400) on Boram Development and six other affiliates of the Boram Group for violating the Personal Information Protection Act. On May 13, during its ninth plenary session, the PIPC approved the fines and corrective measures against Boram Development and its six affiliates, which include Boram Leaders, Boram Life, Boram People, Boram Anycall, Boram Siloam, and Boram Plus. The PIPC began its investigation after receiving a report of a data breach from Boram Development in May 2024. The investigation revealed that Boram Development had been managing customer personal information from six affiliates as part of its customer relationship management (CRM) operations. However, it was found that the company failed to implement adequate safety measures, such as access control management and security vulnerability assessments, during the operation of its systems. The PIPC determined that hackers exploited vulnerabilities on the company's website through an SQL injection attack, gaining access to the database and leaking customer information, including names, mobile phone numbers, and email addresses. As a result, the PIPC imposed a fine of 531 million won ($530,000) on Boram Development for failing to comply with safety measures. An additional penalty of 11.4 million won was levied for delays in notifying affected customers and for not destroying personal data that was retained beyond its retention period. Furthermore, the six affiliates were fined a total of 11.5 million won ($11,500) for neglecting their responsibilities in managing and supervising the handling of personal data. The PIPC ordered these companies to publicly disclose the details of the sanctions on their websites. In addition, the PIPC issued a corrective order requiring the Boram Group to review its overall personal data handling practices and management systems, as well as to enhance transparency in its contractual relationships with service providers. This is aimed at improving the overall level of personal data protection across the Boram Group.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:25:21

Pilot Program Launched to Provide Onboard Medical Care for Fishermen # A crew member, identified as A, was found unconscious but breathing in the engine room while returning from a fishing trip in the 35th maritime area. He was transported to a nearby hospital 45 minutes after being discovered, but despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead due to respiratory failure. # Another crew member, B, suffered a finger amputation during fishing operations and requested assistance from the captain, who notified rescue services. Following their guidance, B preserved the severed part and was transported to a nearby hospital for surgery. To address the healthcare needs of fishermen who suffer injuries or health deteriorations while at sea, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is launching a pilot program for an "onboard doctor" service. This initiative will run until the end of the year for deep-sea fishing workers. On May 14, the ministry announced that it will sign a memorandum of understanding with representatives from eight organizations on May 15 to kick off the pilot program. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will oversee the initiative, with administrative support from Jeju Province. The Korea Maritime Traffic Safety Authority and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives will execute the program, while the Foundation for Cooperation between Large, Medium, and Small Enterprises and the Incheon Port Authority, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, and HK InnoN will provide financial support. The "onboard doctor" program aims to support health management for those engaged in fishing activities far from land, where access to medical care is limited. The Jeju area is located more than 640 kilometers from the mainland, with travel times of three to four days. Fishing trips can last over 45 days. This pilot program is designed to manage the health of fishermen throughout the entire fishing cycle, including pre-departure, during operations, and in emergencies. As part of the program, fishermen will receive support for routine health check-ups, management of results, and assistance for those who have not undergone examinations. They will also benefit from remote consultations and prescriptions for chronic conditions, as well as pre-departure health checks for long fishing trips. Additionally, regular health assessments will be conducted during fishing periods, and if any abnormal results are found, doctors will provide consultations. Emergency care and management will also be available for trauma and other urgent cases. The ministry plans to utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and low-orbit satellite communications to implement this program. Initially, over 100 fishing vessels operating in the waters near Jeju, with around 1,000 fishermen, will be included in the pilot program, which will run from May 15 to December. The ministry will evaluate the results to consider potential expansions. Choi Hyun-ho, head of the Fisheries Policy Office at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "This program is a systematic health management measure aimed at saving the lives of fishermen and preventing risks. We will also closely examine the health management of foreign fishermen who may fall into gaps in care through this pilot program."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:22:50

Surge in Semiconductor and Computer Exports Driven by AI Demand Boosts April ICT Exports Exports of semiconductors and computers surged in April, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in a record increase in information and communication technology (ICT) exports. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, April's ICT exports reached $42.71 billion, a 125.9% increase compared to the same month last year. This marks the second consecutive month of exports exceeding $40 billion, achieving the highest growth rate on record. Imports also rose, totaling $16.16 billion, a 33.3% increase from the previous year. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $26.55 billion. Leading the exports in April were semiconductors and computers and related devices. Semiconductor exports soared to $31.91 billion, up 173.3% year-on-year. This growth was fueled by increased investments in AI servers, leading to a sustained demand for memory and rising fixed prices, marking the first time exports exceeded $30 billion for two consecutive months. Computer and related device exports were driven by solid-state drive (SSD) sales, which totaled $4.26 billion, a staggering 430% increase from the previous year. The demand for storage devices based on AI server semiconductors contributed significantly to this growth. The Ministry of Science and ICT noted, "For the first time, SSD exports surpassed $4 billion, achieving the highest performance ever recorded." Mobile phone exports also increased by 14% year-on-year, reaching $1.36 billion, supported by robust demand for high-end products and a rise in the export of high-value components. Telecommunication equipment exports rose by 9.9% to $220 million, bolstered by increased shipments of components to Vietnam and wired communication equipment to Japan, leading to a rebound in overall exports after three months. In contrast, display exports fell by 5.3% to $1.44 billion, attributed to rising semiconductor prices and increased cost burdens, which dampened demand from upstream companies. Exports of semiconductors and mobile phones increased across various regions. Exports to China reached $16.77 billion, a 132.1% increase from the previous year. Exports to the United States surged by 294.2% to $7.9 billion, while Vietnam saw an 89.3% growth to $5.77 billion. Taiwan's exports rose by 89.4% to $4.54 billion, the European Union increased by 58.4% to $1.78 billion, India by 86.5% to $950 million, and Japan by 42.5% to $450 million. The ICT export and import statistics are compiled to respond swiftly to changes in the global market. They serve as foundational data for analyzing the export competitiveness and import dependency of the domestic ICT industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:20:19

Battery Cages for Egg Production to Be Phased Out as Conventional Farms Decline According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the number of conventional egg production farms using so-called "battery cages" has decreased by 9% over the past 11 months. On May 14, the ministry held the third meeting of the Task Force for Improving Layer Farming Density to discuss the implementation of improved farming practices. The government is working to increase the minimum space requirement for each layer hen from 0.05 square meters to 0.075 square meters. However, due to concerns about egg supply and price stability, this change is currently left to the discretion of the private sector until September of next year. The ministry reports that the private sector is actively participating in improving farming density. The number of conventional farms decreased from 718 in August 2025 to 655 in May 2026, representing a 9% decline. The proportion of these farms within the total number of farms also fell from approximately 43% to 39%. Additionally, 521 of the remaining conventional farms, or 80%, have submitted compliance plans to improve farming density. The ministry plans to encourage farms that have not submitted compliance plans to do so. It will also listen to the concerns of farms that are reducing their livestock numbers to meet density standards and provide additional support. Lee Jae-sik, the livestock policy director at the ministry, stated at the meeting, "We will do our best to secure funding and improve regulations for farms that are working to enhance their facilities and comply with density improvements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:18:27

LX Pantos Wins Grand Prize at Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards Comprehensive logistics company LX Pantos has been recognized for its achievement in establishing a collaborative labor-management culture by winning the Grand Prize in the large enterprise category at the Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards. LX Pantos announced on May 14 that it received the award during the 38th Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul. The event was attended by key figures including Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor; Kim Ji-hyung, Chair of the Economic and Social Labor Council; Son Kyung-sik, President of the Korea Employers Federation; and Kim Dong-myung, President of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. LX Pantos was represented by CEO Lee Yong-ho, employee representative Park Cha-jun, and CHO Kim Sung-wook. The Korean Labor-Management Cooperation Awards, organized by the Korea Employers Federation, recognize companies that have contributed to national economic development by fostering a desirable labor-management culture based on mutual cooperation. Since 1989, the federation has annually honored companies that exemplify collaborative labor-management practices. LX Pantos has been commended for maintaining stable labor-management relations without disputes or strikes for nearly 50 years since its founding in 1977. The company has implemented regular labor-management councils, a junior board focused on younger generations, and an industrial safety and health committee to systematically gather employee feedback. This proactive approach has established a cooperative labor-management culture that focuses on identifying and resolving issues before conflicts arise, rather than responding reactively. As labor disputes have emerged as a significant management risk across various industries, LX Pantos' 50-year record of no disputes is highlighted as a model of collaborative labor-management relations. The company also conducts regular town hall meetings, management forums, and family invitation events to enhance trust and connections among employees and promote a communication-centered organizational culture. Sustainable management activities, including maternal protection programs, promotion of employment for individuals with disabilities, and social contribution initiatives, have also received positive recognition. Lee Yong-ho, CEO of LX Pantos, expressed, "We are deeply honored to have our efforts in building a collaborative labor-management culture recognized through this award. We will continue to foster a healthy organizational culture based on mutual trust and communication, and achieve sustainable growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:16:51

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Reports 1st Quarter Net Profit of 635.2 Billion Won Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance announced on May 14 that it recorded consolidated revenue of 6.6763 trillion won and a net profit of 635.2 billion won for the first quarter of this year. These figures represent increases of 9.3% and 4.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.The long-term insurance sector saw significant growth, with the insurance contract margin (CSM) multiple improving to 14.2 times, a 2.3-fold increase year-on-year. The total CSM also rose by 301.5 billion won from the end of last year, reaching 14.4692 trillion won.Insurance profit reached 440 billion won, up 4.9% from the previous year. The retention rates for 25-month and 37-month policies also improved, rising by 7.1 percentage points and 5.0 percentage points, respectively, continuing the trend of enhanced efficiency metrics.In the auto insurance sector, despite a prolonged deterioration in loss ratios, the company shifted to a portfolio strategy focused on high-quality contracts, resulting in an increase in premium income per policy compared to the previous quarter. Although insurance revenue decreased by 1.0% year-on-year to 1.3636 trillion won, the insurance profit was maintained at a deficit level of 9.6 billion won.The general insurance sector benefited from growth in domestic and international operations, with insurance revenue increasing by 9.6% year-on-year to 449.1 billion won. The loss ratio improved by 9.9 percentage points to 53.6%, thanks to refined rate structures and a reduction in large claims, leading to an insurance profit of 104.7 billion won, an increase of 55.1 billion won.In asset management, improvements in the bond portfolio and operational efficiency strategies led to an expansion in interest and dividend income. Consequently, the investment return rate for the first quarter was 3.68%, with investment income based on managed assets reaching 853.7 billion won, a 15.4% increase from the previous year.The solvency ratio (K-ICS) improved to 270.1%, up 7.3 percentage points from the end of last year (262.9%).Koo Young-min, Chief Financial Officer of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, stated, "As a result of proactive structural improvements under a solid and consistent profitability-focused management policy, the first quarter insurance profit has turned to a growth trend. We will strengthen our core competitiveness through continuous innovation across all business sectors and establish new growth foundations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:15:21

KT Prohibits External Directors from Exercising Influence, Revises Ethics Code KT announced that its board of directors held a meeting on May 12, where they approved revisions to the board's ethics code and updates to the external director delegation contracts. The revised ethics code for external directors now includes a provision stating that "external directors shall not exercise influence that undermines fairness or independence regarding the company's personnel, business, or investment matters." External directors will be required to complete a "self-assessment checklist for external director ethics compliance" every six months to ensure adherence to the ethics code. KT aims to strengthen its compliance and ethics-focused board management system through this initiative. The external director delegation contracts have also been updated. The revised contracts specify that external directors must comply with relevant regulations, including laws, the company's articles of incorporation, the corporate governance charter, and the external director ethics code. Additionally, if violations of related regulations or breaches of independence and ethics are recognized, the board may take actions such as issuing warnings, recommending non-participation in board and committee votes, or suggesting resignation through board resolutions. Kim Yong-heon, chair of KT's board of directors, stated, "With the launch of the new board, we are implementing system improvements to enhance compliance with laws and the ethical consciousness of individual directors, thereby establishing a more responsible board management system. We will contribute to the sustainable growth of the company and the enhancement of corporate value through continuous improvements in governance." Meanwhile, KT's board previously amended regulations to expand the management autonomy of the CEO last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 12:13:26