Han Dong-hoon Returns to National Assembly After Winning Busan By-Election Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who won the by-election for Busan's North District, made his first appearance in the National Assembly on June 5, stating, "I have returned here through the power of the citizens." He attended the plenary session, marking the beginning of his political journey as a first-term lawmaker. Immediately after entering the assembly, Han told reporters, "I was here on the night of December 3, 2024," referring to a pivotal moment in his political career. He added, "Based on the decisions and actions I took that day as a representative of the People Power Party, I have walked a difficult political path since then. If I had to go back to that time, I would make the same choices." Han was elected by defeating Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo in a fiercely contested race in Busan's North District. His return to the National Assembly comes 128 days after he was expelled from the People Power Party due to a controversy involving a party member bulletin board in January. He emphasized his commitment to serving the community, stating, "I will faithfully carry out legislative activities that reflect the strong desire of the citizens to develop the region, rebuild conservatism, and prevent the abuse of power." He also pledged to listen to his fellow lawmakers and prioritize the needs of the people. Regarding plans to rejoin the People Power Party, he remarked, "I said on the first day of my expulsion that I would return. However, I don't think it's the right time to discuss specific procedures yet." After his election was confirmed, Han expressed his desire to rebuild conservatism and indicated his intention to return to the party. He criticized the current leadership of the People Power Party, stating, "The actions and words of those who seem to represent the party do not match the dignity or capability expected of a conservative party. It is time for reflection and to set a proper direction." He reiterated his commitment to returning to the party, stating, "This election victory is part of fulfilling that promise." As he hints at the possibility of rejoining, tensions within the party are expected to escalate. Observers suggest that Han, having successfully entered the assembly, could become a focal point for the reorganization of conservative politics. Meanwhile, his office will be located in Room 1022 of the National Assembly building, where many of his allied lawmakers also have offices. While he has expressed interest in serving on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, the likelihood is low due to his status as an independent lawmaker not affiliated with any negotiating bloc. 2026-06-05 15:03:00

Seoul's Rental Market Faces Severe Supply Shortages as Demand Surges The supply shortage in the rental market for apartments in the metropolitan area is intensifying. The rental supply index for North Seoul has surpassed 188, indicating a near depletion of available units. As demand spreads to Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, signs of a rental crisis are becoming evident across the metropolitan area. North Seoul's Index Approaches 190... Metropolitan Area Sees 7-Point Rise in 10 Weeks According to a weekly report on apartment price trends released by KB Real Estate on June 1, the rental supply index for the metropolitan area reached 179.3. This marks a 6.7-point increase over the past ten weeks, compared to 172.6 in the third week of March. Notably, Seoul's index has risen to 182.0, while North Seoul's index has soared to 188.4, nearing the critical level of 200, which indicates complete supply exhaustion. North Seoul's index is now over 12 points higher than that of South Seoul, which stands at 176.2. The rental supply index is calculated on a scale from 0 to 200, with values above 100 indicating a higher proportion of responses indicating supply shortages. As the index approaches 200, it signifies extreme difficulty in finding rental properties. The current index of 188.4 for North Seoul suggests that rental listings are nearly depleted. Analysts are increasingly attributing this situation to a structural supply shortage rather than a temporary phenomenon. Typically, when the index exceeds 190, the market tends to enter a phase of rapid rental price increases. Rental Rate Increase of 0.28%... Outpacing Sales Growth The actual imbalance in supply and demand is reflected in rental prices. KB Real Estate reported a rental rate increase of 0.28% in Seoul during the same period, significantly surpassing the sales rate increase of 0.193%. Among districts, Dobong-gu recorded the highest increase in Seoul, rising by 0.76% in just one week. Conditions for rental supply in South Seoul are also deteriorating rapidly. The rental supply index for South Seoul jumped from 163.6 in March to 176.2 this week, marking a 12.6-point increase over ten weeks, more than double the increase in North Seoul (6.2 points). While North Seoul's absolute index remains higher, the rapid decline in supply in South Seoul is closing the gap. In fact, Seocho-gu (0.529%) and Songpa-gu (0.472%) recorded the second and third highest rental increases, respectively, following Dobong-gu, demonstrating a direct correlation between supply deterioration and rising prices. The trend of soaring rental prices is spreading throughout Seoul, regardless of the district. Gap Between Metropolitan and Regional Markets Triples... Pressure Extends to Southern Gyeonggi Rental instability is also affecting Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. This week, Gyeonggi's rental supply index reached 178.0, while Incheon's index was 178.6, indicating a simultaneous rise across the metropolitan area. In contrast, the gap with the five major cities (165.4) has widened from 4.2 points in the third week of March to 13.9 points this week, more than tripling. This reflects a deepening supply imbalance as the entire metropolitan area absorbs rental demand. Within Gyeonggi, the southern region, which is more accessible to Seoul, has seen particularly notable increases. Gwangmyeong recorded the highest increase in Gyeonggi at 0.655%, followed by Gunpo (0.440%) and Gwacheon (0.423%). Supply Lockdown and Tax Pressure Create Dual Challenges... Structural Supply Decrease The direct causes of the rental supply shortage include the withdrawal of listings following the resolution of reverse rental issues and the reintroduction of increased capital gains tax for multiple homeowners. Properties that flooded the market during the rental price decline of 2023-2024 have been withdrawn as prices rebounded, leading to a decrease in available listings. The reintroduction of the increased capital gains tax on multiple homeowners on May 10 has further exacerbated the supply lockdown. Analysts suggest that homeowners who have opted not to sell are either maintaining their rentals or converting to monthly leases, creating dual pressures on rental supply. As the number of new apartments entering the market in the metropolitan area is expected to decrease in the second half of the year, market tension is rising. Analysts warn that if the rental supply index surpasses 190 without an increase in supply, a phase of rapid rental price increases could become a reality. One expert stated, "We are currently at a stage where the supply imbalance is spreading simultaneously across all of Seoul and the outskirts of the metropolitan area. If the number of new apartments decreases in the second half of the year, the speed at which rental market instability transfers to the sales market could accelerate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:57:00

Jensen Huang's Airport Fashion Surprises with Simplicity Today, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, has drawn attention for his airport fashion upon arriving in South Korea. On June 5, Huang arrived at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. He showcased his signature style by pairing a deep blue Dior Moulure embroidered zip shirt with white pants, complemented by a crocodile-patterned belt that added a touch of luxury. According to industry sources, the Dior shirt Huang wore is priced at approximately 4.7 million won, while the belt from fashion brand Karl Lagerfeld retails for around 140,000 won. Huang is known for frequently wearing Tom Ford leather jackets at official events, particularly exotic leather jackets that can cost millions of won, which have become his signature fashion items. During his arrival, Huang actively engaged with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos. During his visit to South Korea, Huang is scheduled to hold meetings with leaders of major domestic companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, LG Group, and Naver. He will also participate in the recording of the tvN entertainment program 'You Quiz on the Block' and attend a ceremonial first pitch at a professional baseball game.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:54:00

Tourism agency partners with Catch Table to simplify restaurant reservations for foreign tourists SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - The Korea Tourism Organization has forged a partnership with WAD, the operator of the dining platform Catch Table, to improve restaurant reservations and information access for international visitors, , the state-operated tourism agency said Friday. The partnership focuses on promoting K-Local Gourmet Travels 33, a list of regional food destinations selected by KTO. Through the Catch Table global application, the organizations will create a digital service that combines restaurant information, reservations, and payment processing into a single system. The initiative is designed to eliminate language barriers that foreign travelers experience when dining at local restaurants. By integrating regional eateries into a global platform, the project seeks to distribute tourist traffic beyond major cities and generate revenue for small businesses across South Korea. "With K-food establishing itself as a global cultural trend, this agreement is an important milestone for the qualitative growth of food tourism in South Korea," said Min Byung-sun, head of the tourism industry division at KTO. "We will help foreign tourists conveniently enjoy hidden culinary gems across South Korea, bringing new vitality to the regional economy and the overall tourism industry." 2026-06-05 14:50:05

Huons Global Engages Shareholders on Subsidiary Merger Plans Huons Global has begun engaging with shareholders regarding its plans to merge with its subsidiaries. On June 4, the company held a meeting at its headquarters in Seongnam to discuss the merger of Huons and Huons Lab. The meeting aimed to explain the rationale behind the merger and gather shareholder feedback. Attendees raised questions about the appropriateness of the merger ratio and the future strategy for the biotechnology business. Company representatives stated that merging Huons, which has strong cash generation capabilities, with Huons Lab, which possesses advanced biotechnology platform technology, is essential for securing the group's growth foundation. They emphasized that the merger would enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities and allow Huons Lab to accelerate technology transfer through stable funding. Regarding the valuation and timeline for the merger, the company expressed its commitment to incorporating shareholder opinions into the decision-making process. Huons Global plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting on July 3 to determine how voting rights will be exercised concerning the merger. The company is also considering measures to limit the voting rights of major shareholders and related parties. Additionally, the company is reviewing plans for shareholder returns. During the meeting, Huons Global's board requested that shareholders elect a representative to facilitate smooth communication. The company aims to actively engage with this representative to develop its shareholder return strategy. Previously, the company reiterated that it has no current plans for major shareholder equity gifts and that claims linking the merger to succession are unfounded. CEO Song Soo-young stated, "We will ensure that shareholder opinions are accurately reflected in management decisions and will continuously seek transparent management and ways to enhance shareholder value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:48:00

President Yoon to Visit Belgium, EU, Italy, and Attend G7 Summit President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Belgium, the European Union (EU), Italy, and the Vatican from June 9 to 18, where he will also attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.During a briefing at the Blue House on June 5, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak outlined the president's itinerary.President Yoon's first stop will be Brussels, Belgium, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Belgian and EU leaders from June 9 to 10."This year marks the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Belgium," Wi noted, adding that this will be the first bilateral visit by a South Korean leader to the EU in eight years.Following last year's G7 summit in Canada, President Yoon will meet with Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, for a summit after a year.Additionally, President Yoon will make a state visit to Italy from June 12 to 13 at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella. This will be the third official meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following discussions during the UN General Assembly last September and Meloni's visit to South Korea in January.Wi stated, "The itinerary includes visits to both Rome and Florence as part of the state events planned by the Italian side."From June 14 to 15, President Yoon will visit the Vatican to meet with the Pope and the Secretary of State of the Holy See.Wi remarked, "This visit marks the first time a South Korean leader has visited the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII's inauguration last May," and added that President Yoon will attend the G7 summit in Évian, France, from June 16 to 17.Meanwhile, it has been reported that U.S. President Donald Trump will also attend the G7 summit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:42:00

Hyundai Chair to skip Huang's Seoul 'samso' dinner, plans separate meeting SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun will not attend a dinner with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and other Korean conglomerate heads held Friday, opting instead for a separate encounter with the chip leader next week, industry sources said. Chung withdrew from the so-called "samso" gathering — named for the samgyeopsal grilled pork belly and soju on the menu — citing a scheduling conflict, the sources said. The dinner, at a restaurant near Hongdae in western Seoul, marks Huang's first such gathering since his October visit. Huang, who arrived Friday for a four-day trip, was expected to dine with SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin. Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong who hosted Huang at a Seoul fried-chicken restaurant in October in a meeting dubbed the "kkanbu gathering," is also absent this time owing to overseas commitments. Chung instead plans to receive Huang on June 8 at Hyundai's headquarters in Yangjae, southern Seoul, the sources said. Huang's wider itinerary includes stops at LG Twin Towers, Seoul National University and Naver's offices. Hyundai and Nvidia have deepened ties since the October meeting, when they signed a memorandum to advance physical AI in Korea and pledged about $3 billion to build an Nvidia technology center and a Hyundai application hub. The companies are also collaborating to upgrade Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot. 2026-06-05 14:41:40

K-Literature Faces Barriers to Global Expansion Due to Lack of Translations "Writers from Taiwan and Singapore have many translated works. Even those who are less active than I am have translations available," said author Eun Hee-kyung during the 3rd meeting of the Literary Subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on June 5. She emphasized the need for policies to support domestic publishers in releasing translated works to facilitate the global expansion of K-literature. The committee, established under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, agreed that strengthening the foundation for translation publishing and enhancing the self-sustainability of the literary ecosystem are essential for the globalization of Korean literature. Eun noted, "Support should enable Korean publishers to directly publish translated works. In Taiwan, local publishers release translated editions, allowing them to submit works for international literary awards like the Booker Prize, even if they have not published locally." She added that increasing the publication of translated works domestically would improve accessibility for overseas readers. Committee members unanimously identified the promotion of translations as a key task for the international expansion of K-literature. Author Bang Hyun-seok pointed out, "If Korean publishers aim to enter overseas markets by publishing translations, the government should provide support. Major domestic publishers like Munhakdongne and Changbi tend to focus only on bestsellers and are reluctant to actively promote them abroad." There was also a strong emphasis on the need for institutional improvements to enhance the self-sustainability of the literary ecosystem. The committee raised the necessity for expanding literary sharing projects, introducing public lending rights, improving access to the National Korean Literature Museum, and enhancing the working conditions of staff at the Korean Literature Translation Institute. Poet Kwak Hyo-hwan remarked, "When the National Korean Literature Museum was being established, Eunpyeong-gu promised various supports, including the introduction of the GTX, but these have not been fulfilled. It is necessary for the Ministry of Culture to demand that Eunpyeong-gu honor its commitments." The National Korean Literature Museum is scheduled to officially open in May 2027. Additionally, there were suggestions to broaden the connection between readers and books by organizing nationwide literary events and systematically establishing literary festivals through initiatives like designating a 'Book Day.' On the same day, the Ministry of Culture introduced policies reflecting the committee's opinions. The ministry plans to refine its support for creative grants, which have primarily focused on mid-career authors, by categorizing them based on experience levels (emerging, promising, mid-career). It will also expand the number of participants in the 'Literary Resident Writer' program, which provides jobs and creative spaces. Furthermore, support for literary magazines, which serve as debut platforms for emerging writers while providing income through manuscript fees, will be strengthened. Starting next year, the annual manuscript fee support for 35 literary magazines will increase from 16 million won to 30 million won for 48 magazines. In response to the growing demand for translation publishing of Korean literature, the establishment of a translation graduate school has been moved up from 2028 to September 2027, and a new project for translating Korean classics and modern masterpieces is set to launch. Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, "We plan to allocate a budget to establish a system for monitoring how our literary works are received abroad and will increase government support to ensure that Korean literature books are adequately distributed to overseas cultural centers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:39:00

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to Meet with Doosan Group Chairman Park Jung-won Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is set to meet with Park Jung-won, Chairman of Doosan Group, during his visit to South Korea. This meeting is expected to bolster Park's plans to expand Doosan's portfolio from heavy industry into semiconductor materials and robotics. According to industry sources, the meeting between Huang and key executives from Doosan Group, including Chairman Park, will take place on June 7. The two leaders will meet at a home game for the Doosan Bears against the Kiwoom Heroes at Jamsil Stadium, where Huang will throw the ceremonial first pitch and Park will take the ceremonial first swing. In addition to the baseball event, they are reportedly planning a separate dinner to discuss further collaboration. Huang's interest in Doosan Group is driven by the company's Electronics Division, particularly its CCL (Copper Clad Laminate) business, and Doosan Robotics' focus on physical AI. Huang has expressed ambitions to expand NVIDIA from an AI semiconductor company to an AI infrastructure and systems provider, making this meeting a potential opportunity to connect materials and robotics within NVIDIA's AI ecosystem. One of NVIDIA's key interests is securing a stable supply of CCL. As NVIDIA prepares for mass production of its next-generation AI platform, Vera Rubin, securing CCL is essential. CCL, a thin copper layer applied to an insulating board, is a critical material that determines the performance of PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). Doosan's Electronics Division has entered NVIDIA's supply chain by producing CCL for AI accelerators, which it supplies to PCB manufacturers. Doosan currently produces CCL for AI accelerators at its facilities in Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk, and Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk. Additionally, the company is establishing a new CCL production base in Thailand, set to begin operations in 2028. Industry experts believe that the new CCL production volume starting in 2028 is likely to be largely secured by NVIDIA. Collaboration with Doosan Robotics, a company focused on software and automation platforms based on physical AI, is also expected to strengthen. Park Ji-won, Vice Chairman of Doosan Group and CEO of Doosan Enerbility, visited NVIDIA's headquarters last September to discuss AI collaboration between the two companies. Following that meeting, they agreed to train NVIDIA's physical AI technology using Doosan's data to build a customized foundation model. In April, Huang's daughter, Madison Huang, visited Doosan Robotics to inspect its production facilities. As both companies aim to launch an industrial humanoid by 2028, this upcoming meeting is anticipated to further solidify their discussions. Chairman Park has been pushing to transform Doosan's traditional heavy industry structure by expanding into semiconductor materials and robotics. Under his leadership, the group is focusing on energy and power, physical AI and robotics, and semiconductors as its three core pillars for restructuring its business portfolio. Industry insiders view the meeting with Huang as a significant step in supporting Doosan's business transformation strategy. An industry source noted, "Since Doosan's Electronics Division is already part of NVIDIA's supply chain, this meeting is likely to expand the scope of collaboration into the robotics sector, strengthening the partnership that encompasses both materials and robotics."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:39:00

Song Eon-seok Resigns as Floor Leader of People Power Party, Calls for Renewal Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, announced his resignation from the position on June 5.During a general meeting held at the National Assembly, Song stated, "I wish to resign from the floor leader position today." He emphasized, "The public has not granted unilateral power to any one party or authority, reminding us of the importance of checks and balances in democracy. This has placed a heavy task on the People Power Party to reflect, innovate, and engage more closely with the people." He added, "In light of the public's wishes, I believe our party needs a fresh start. I hope a new floor leader will be elected soon so that the People Power Party can move forward with renewed strength." Reflecting on the past year, he remarked, "It has been anything but easy. When I took on the significant role of floor leader right after our defeat in the presidential election, the party was in turmoil. Amidst this, we faced intense political attacks from President Lee Jae-myung and the formation of a special investigation atmosphere, with numerous controversial laws, including the Yellow Envelope Act, being pushed through the National Assembly, leaving us in a constant state of tension." He continued, "Throughout the past year, I held onto two words: survival and rebuilding. In the face of sudden martial law, impeachment, and the fierce waves of our election loss, I felt it was my responsibility to protect the party and restore the balance of power in South Korean politics, aiming to rebuild the party into one that earns the trust of the people again." Song expressed gratitude to the public and party members for their support during difficult times, stating, "Thanks to you, we were able to survive. Although there are regrets from this local election, we have laid the minimum foundation to rise again." However, he acknowledged, "My capabilities were insufficient, and I have not fully accomplished the task of rebuilding the party. This responsibility now falls to the new floor leader." He concluded, "If I were to sum up my feelings over the past year in one word, it would be humility. Each moment of negotiation was painful due to the invisible arrogance and unilateral management of the ruling party. I hope we will win the next general election and repay our senior colleagues." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 14:39:00