A-Ritz, South Korea's First REIT, Faces Delisting Amid Two-Day Plunge South Korea's first real estate investment trust (REIT), A-Ritz, is experiencing a significant decline as it approaches delisting, with its stock plummeting for two consecutive trading days during special trading sessions.As of 1 p.m. on June 1, A-Ritz shares were trading at 805 won, down 293 won (26.68%) from the previous trading day. The stock had already dropped 64.92% to close at 1,098 won on the first day of special trading on May 29, and it continued to show a decline of over 20% on the following day. Compared to the last trading day before the special trading resumed on May 28, when the stock closed at 3,130 won, A-Ritz's share price has fallen by more than 74% in just two days.A-Ritz has been undergoing delisting procedures due to failing to meet listing requirements, specifically reporting revenues of less than 5 billion won. The Korea Exchange decided to delist the company after a review by the Securities Listing Committee in August of last year.Following the delisting decision, the company filed for a suspension of the delisting's effectiveness, temporarily halting the special trading. However, on May 21, the court dismissed this request, allowing the delisting process to resume.Despite the ongoing delisting process, A-Ritz is pursuing a senior residence development project in Daegu. The company announced last month that it would extend the maturity of a bridge loan worth 28.56 billion won for the senior residence development project in Dongin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, by 24 months. Industry insiders suggest that the development project, initiated in a region with significant unsold inventory, has faced setbacks, contributing to A-Ritz's poor performance and serving as one of the reasons for its impending delisting.Special trading sessions provide investors in stocks slated for delisting with a final opportunity to trade. Typically, there are no price limits during these sessions, leading to increased volatility in stock prices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 13:12:00

SBS Unveils New Dramas 'Kim Manager' and 'There is a Chance' for 2026-2027 SBS has announced its upcoming dramas, 'Kim Manager' and 'There is a Chance,' building on its success as the top network for viewers aged 2049 for six consecutive years. The spotlight is on So Ji-sub's return to SBS after 13 years and the acting transformation of Lee Je-hoon, raising questions about whether these dramas can continue the network's winning streak. On June 1, a media day event titled 'SBS Drama: Next Episode' was held at Hotel Naru in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included So Ji-sub and director Lee Seung-young from the new Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Manager,' as well as Lee Je-hoon, Ha-young, and director Kwon Da-som from the upcoming 2027 series 'There is a Chance.' 'Kim Manager,' set to premiere on June 26, is adapted from a popular Naver webtoon. The drama follows an ordinary father who becomes the most dangerous man in the world to reclaim his only daughter, blending elements of revenge and action. The script is penned by Nam Dae-jung, known for works like 'Great Wish' and '30 Days,' while Lee Seung-young, along with rookie director Lee So-eun, directs the series. In the drama, So Ji-sub plays Kim, an ordinary employee at a small savings bank, who is actually a former agent with a history of special operations. He expressed his excitement about returning to SBS, stating, "SBS feels like home. It's been 13 years since I last acted in a drama, and although it's been a while, I'm happy and warmly engaged in filming." So Ji-sub chose 'Kim Manager' for its combination of action and emotional depth. He noted, "After filming 'The Square,' I felt a desire to explore noir action again. When I received the script for 'Kim Manager,' I was drawn to the action elements." He also related to the character's journey of raising a daughter alone, as he plays a father with a high school daughter, saying, "I was curious about how I would portray this role, and I believe viewers will see a new side of me despite my years of experience." He elaborated on the action scenes, stating, "While there are necessary action sequences, the core of the action is rooted in the emotions of Kim and his friends. There will be hand-to-hand combat, knife fights, gunplay, car chases, and explosions. I believe these various actions will provide a satisfying experience for viewers." Director Lee Seung-young emphasized that 'Kim Manager' is not just a heavy revenge tale. He remarked, "While a father losing his daughter is inherently serious, the presence of actors like Choi Dae-hoon and Yoon Kyung-ho brings a lighter tone. Although it could feel heavy, 'Kim Manager' is fast-paced, lively, and intense." Regarding the adaptation from the original webtoon, the director explained, "Typically, adaptations aim for novelty, but we have a clear concept. We are preserving the strengths of the original while deepening the narrative during the live-action process. The exhilarating action is a significant strength, and we have worked hard to give it a realistic feel." The possibility of a sequel was also discussed. So Ji-sub cautiously noted, "Since we are at the beginning of the drama, it's a delicate topic, but I believe the characters and narrative have the potential for expansion. A sequel seems feasible, but first, we need to gain the audience's love." Director Lee also touched on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. He stated, "We experimented with AI to replace certain sequences in 'Kim Manager.' The results have shown both possibilities and limitations. Over the past five months, I've noticed the rapid advancement of AI technology. In the near future, it may help directors tackle challenges in filming complex scenes. However, there are still limitations in achieving the authentic feel of a live set, and we must be cautious in selecting where to use it." The 2027 drama 'There is a Chance' was also previewed at the event. This series features Kwon Baek, a former lawyer and current office manager, leading a ragtag legal team to turn seemingly hopeless cases into victories through unconventional methods. Directed by Kwon Da-som, who co-directed 'Connection' and 'My Demon,' the script is written by Jeong Jin-young and Kim Ui-chan, known for 'Soonpoong Obstetrics and Gynecology' and 'You Can't Stop Them.' Lee Je-hoon plays Kwon Baek, a former star lawyer who lost his license due to a bribery scandal and has since gone into hiding. He returns to lead a disorganized law office. Ha-young portrays Yeo Shim-hee, a rookie lawyer with no connections but a strong work ethic. Lee Je-hoon aims to showcase a different side from his character Kim Do-gi in 'Taxi Driver.' He shared, "Kim Do-gi received a lot of love, so I pondered how to present myself in my next project. The two characters have opposing methods of delivering justice." He explained, "While Kim Do-gi fought quietly outside the law as a dark hero, Kwon Baek navigates the legal space with flair. Kwon Baek is seasoned and witty, wielding a sword against those who cross the line." Lee Je-hoon also expressed optimism about the potential for a sequel to 'There is a Chance.' He said, "I feel that the chemistry on set and the potential for episode expansion are limitless. I would love to continue with this team for the next season. I believe 'There is a Chance' could become SBS's new franchise series." Ha-young conveyed her trust in director Kwon Da-som, stating, "I've heard a lot about Kwon Da-som's capabilities. The strong bond among the SBS production team is evident. I had high expectations before the project, and I am currently witnessing their exceptional skills, which feel beyond a debut work due to the preparation and effort involved." Lee Je-hoon acknowledged the pressure and expectations of launching a new project amid SBS's continuous success. He remarked, "There is so much content available now, and ultimately, we need to be chosen by viewers. It feels like both the cast and crew, as well as external factors, are strategically moving to ensure we select and produce quality content for broadcast." He added, "When I read the script for 'There is a Chance,' I thought viewers might be exhausted and stressed, but I believe this enjoyable and uplifting drama will bring excitement and joy to their week. I hope it becomes a beloved series." So Ji-sub commented, "They say the summer heat will be intense, so I hope viewers can cool off by watching our drama." Director Lee Seung-young expressed, "While filming 'Kim Manager,' I felt that my life character might change. I am working hard to create a memorable character for the audience." As 'Kim Manager' and 'There is a Chance' are positioned as key upcoming projects for SBS in 2026 and 2027, attention is on whether the network's successful formula for genre dramas and its strategy for sequels will continue through these new offerings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:57:00

Update: Five killed in South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace factory explosion SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - An explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace factory in South Korea killed at least five people and injured two on Monday morning, according to police and rescuers. The blast prompted an emergency response as rescue workers continue to search for three unaccounted individuals. The incident occurred at 10:59 a.m. (0159 GMT) at the company's plant in Oesam, located in Daejeon's Yuseong District. Emergency dispatchers received about 30 simultaneous calls from people in the area who reported they "heard an explosion" and that "a lot of smoke is coming out" from the site. Fire authorities issued a Level 1 emergency response at 11:17 a.m. and are currently working to extinguish the resulting fire. Initial statements from the police reported four dead and two injured, but official on-site confirmations currently stand at five fatalities and two injured, with possibilities of more unfound victims at the site. Authorities suspect the blast originated on the first floor of the factory, though the exact trigger remains unknown. Police and fire officials will launch a joint investigation to determine the cause of the incident and confirm the final casualty toll as soon as the flames are fully suppressed. Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace issued a joint statement later in the day, expressing condolences over the deaths and apologizing to the public. “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the deaths of five precious employees in the accident that occurred this morning at Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon plant,” the companies said. “Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace express our deepest condolences.” They also said they would provide full support for the treatment of injured workers and cooperate with fire and police authorities in handling the aftermath. A Hanwha Aerospace official said the statement was issued jointly at the group level, rather than only by Hanwha Aerospace, given the gravity of the accident. Hanwha Aerospace said CEO Son Jae-il convened an emergency meeting at the company’s Seoul headquarters immediately after the accident and headed to the site afterward. The company has also set up an emergency response headquarters at the scene to work with relevant authorities. Ga Jae-woong, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon plant, told reporters at the site in Yuseong District that the fire occurred during a process to clean propellant used for launch vehicles. “The fire broke out during a process to clean launch vehicle propellant,” Ga said. “Various tools are used in the process of cleaning explosive materials, and the accident appears to have occurred while those tools were being cleaned.” He said the cleaning process was not considered particularly dangerous because explosive materials are generally thought to lose their risk when they come into contact with water. “We need to determine exactly what caused it,” Ga said. “At this point, it is difficult to estimate the exact cause of the explosion, and we will know only after examining the site.” The Daejeon plant is considered one of Hanwha Aerospace’s key facilities for aerospace, defense and space-related equipment. The site handles work related to large propulsion systems, propellant mixing and filling, and tactical surface-to-surface weapons systems. The plant has faced scrutiny in the past over safety management. After a 2018 explosion that left nine people dead or injured, a special labor inspection found hundreds of legal violations. 2026-06-01 12:25:32

Nvidia Expands Influence in PC Market, Signaling New Era for AI Revolution Nvidia, the dominant force in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, is expanding its influence in the personal computer (PC) market. According to U.S. media reports, Nvidia and Microsoft are set to unveil new Windows PCs that use Nvidia chips as the primary processor during events such as Computex in Taiwan. Major PC manufacturers, including Dell, are reportedly preparing to launch related products.At first glance, this may seem like just another product announcement. However, the implications are far more significant. It signals that the stage for the AI revolution is shifting from data centers to personal desktops.For the past two years, the AI industry has been centered around data centers. Generative AIs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude have operated on massive servers. Users accessed these AIs via the internet, with responses generated in data centers connected to thousands of GPUs. Nvidia's rise to become the world's most valuable company is largely due to its near-monopoly in this market.However, the next phase of the AI revolution is different.AI is no longer confined to the cloud; it is beginning to enter personal PCs and smartphones. This marks the dawn of the so-called 'on-device AI' era. In this new age, AI will handle tasks such as schedule management, document creation, email organization, translation, video production, and investment analysis in real-time, making speed and security paramount. Relying solely on external servers for processing has its limitations. Ultimately, AI must operate directly on users' devices.This is why Nvidia is venturing into the PC market.Until now, Nvidia has been the king of AI data centers, dominating the AI training and inference market through its GPUs. Now, it aims to extend its influence into the market for end-user devices where AI is actually utilized. This is not merely about selling another chip; it is a strategy to draw the entire AI ecosystem into its platform.In fact, Nvidia is also entering the CPU market beyond GPUs. Historically, Intel and AMD have led the CPU market while Nvidia focused on graphics cards. However, in the AI era, the lines between CPU and GPU are blurring. The efficiency of AI computations will determine competitive advantage.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has a clear vision: to connect AI chips, software, data centers, cloud services, AI models, and personal devices into a single ecosystem. In simple terms, the strategy is to create a structure where “wherever AI operates, Nvidia is present.”This is reminiscent of how Microsoft dominated the PC era with Windows, but this time the focus is on AI computing platforms rather than operating systems.The AI revolution is now entering its second act.If the first act was a competition among data centers, the second act will be a competition among personal AIs. In the future, people will use AI not just as a search tool but as a digital assistant. AI is likely to evolve into an 'AI agent' that understands users' schedules, emails, documents, financial assets, and health information, autonomously managing tasks.The challenge lies in South Korea.South Korea is a global leader in memory semiconductors. SK Hynix leads the market for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key component for AI semiconductors, while Samsung Electronics is also working to secure next-generation AI semiconductor competitiveness. However, in the critical areas of GPUs, AI platforms, operating systems, and large-scale AI models, U.S. companies still hold the reins.If the current structure persists, South Korea risks remaining a parts supplier rather than a core technology provider in the AI era.There is, however, hope. Domestic companies, including Naver, are venturing into sovereign AI development, and there is ample potential to create world-class AI applications in industries where South Korea excels, such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and education.Now, the key is to choose and focus.While the U.S. is developing AI models and China is expanding AI services based on its vast market, South Korea should concentrate on industry-specific AIs such as manufacturing AI, financial AI, healthcare AI, and defense AI. If it is a country known for making excellent automobiles, it should develop automotive AI; if it excels in shipbuilding, it should create shipbuilding AI; and if it is strong in finance, it should produce financial AI.In the AI era, all industries will be restructured as AI industries. The time when merely producing semiconductors guarantees competitiveness is fading. National competitiveness will only be realized when semiconductors, data, AI models, platforms, and services are interconnected into a single ecosystem.Nvidia's entry into the PC market is not just another product announcement; it marks the beginning of an era where AI transcends data centers and enters personal lives. This signifies that the competition for leadership in the AI industry has entered a new phase.The question we now face is this: Will South Korea remain a semiconductor supplier in the AI era, or will it leap forward as a nation designing the AI ecosystem?* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:18:00

Naver Enters Defense AI Market, Challenging South Korea's Security Landscape Naver Cloud has established a dedicated organization for its defense artificial intelligence (AI) business. CEO Kim Yoo-won will lead the Defense AX (AI Transformation) task force, overseeing the project aimed at developing AI models, business development, and integrating field engineering teams to make a significant entry into the defense-focused AI market. At first glance, this appears to be an expansion of a civilian IT company's business. However, the implications are much larger, signaling that South Korea's AI industry is moving beyond search, advertising, and e-commerce into the realm of national security. For a long time, we have understood defense in terms of tanks, fighter jets, and missiles. However, the wars in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East reveal a different reality. The outcome of modern warfare is determined not by the quantity of weapons but by the ability to gather more data, analyze it faster, and make more accurate decisions. In this context, AI is no longer just a supplementary tool; it has become the eyes and brain of the battlefield. The American AI company Palantir exemplifies this transformation. Palantir does not produce tanks or fighter jets; instead, it analyzes vast amounts of data to assist military and intelligence agencies in making strategic decisions. Today, Palantir has established itself as a key partner for the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, recognized as a leading example of an AI security company. The market and industry are paying close attention to Naver's recent move for this reason. There is growing anticipation about the emergence of AI-based security platform companies in South Korea. Particularly in the defense sector, the nature of military information and national security data poses significant risks when there is high external dependency. In the era of generative AI, data equates to sovereignty. More critical than which AI model is used is who owns, controls, and trains the data. In this regard, Naver's initiative to advance its defense AI business based on its proprietary super-large AI model, HyperCLOVA X, along with its cloud infrastructure and data centers, is significant. The concept of 'Sovereign AI' that many countries are emphasizing aligns with this notion, advocating for nations to secure AI capabilities that they can control rather than merely importing technology. While national competitiveness during the industrial revolution was determined by steel, shipbuilding, and automobile production capabilities, in the AI era, it will be defined by semiconductors, data, and algorithms. There is a pressing need for nations to possess AI that interprets the battlefield, even if they do not manufacture weapons directly. AI is no longer merely an industrial policy issue; it is a matter of security policy and national strategy. However, Naver's challenge does not guarantee immediate success. Defense AI requires a level of reliability, security, and field applicability that far exceeds that of typical commercial services. Developing solutions tailored to actual military environments and accumulating long-term operational experience is essential. Palantir, too, did not emerge overnight; it grew through extensive collaboration with government, military, and industry over many years. Moreover, defense AI cannot be realized through the efforts of a single company alone. A vast ecosystem involving semiconductors, cloud computing, telecommunications, robotics, drones, satellites, and cybersecurity must be interconnected. For Naver's challenge to succeed, long-term cooperation among government, military, and private industry is crucial. Nonetheless, the significance of this attempt is clear. South Korea's AI industry is now expanding beyond search engines into the realm of security. This transformation is not merely a new business venture; it may represent a new pillar of national competitiveness. We are entering an era where AI will not only change the economy and industries but also become a core infrastructure of national security. Naver's foray into defense AI symbolizes this change. The question we need to ask now is not whether Naver will engage in defense business. It is a more fundamental question. In the 21st century, will the victor in war be the nation with more weapons or the one with superior AI?* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:18:00

Special Prosecutors Extend Detention of Kim Dae-ki and Yoon Jae-soon, Indictment Expected Next Week The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has extended the detention of former presidential chief of staff Kim Dae-ki and former chief secretary Yoon Jae-soon. They are the first individuals to be detained by the special prosecutors. According to legal sources on June 1, the special prosecutors requested the court to extend the detention period of Kim and Yoon, who were arrested on charges of abuse of authority, until June 10. Their initial detention period was set to expire on May 31. The special prosecutors are investigating allegations of illegal diversion of the Ministry of Interior budget related to the presidential residence. Kim and others are accused of illegally diverting funds from the Ministry of Interior's budget to cover excess construction costs for the relocation of the presidential residence in 2022, paying an unqualified contractor, 21 grams, more than the originally allocated contingency budget. The special prosecutors believe that Kim and others were involved in diverting 2.8 billion won from the Ministry of Interior's budget. The budget for the residence relocation was set at 1.44 billion won, but the actual construction costs ballooned to 4.116 billion won, prompting the presidential office at the time to pressure the Ministry of Interior to cover the additional expenses. Previously, on May 22, the special prosecutors successfully secured their first arrests after 86 days of operation, obtaining arrest warrants for Kim and Yoon. Kim O-jin, the former administrative secretary, who was also included in the warrant request, had his warrant denied and continues to be investigated while not in custody. The special prosecutors are expected to decide on whether to indict Kim and Yoon before the new detention period expires on June 10. They may also take legal action against Lee Sang-min, the former Minister of Interior, who is scheduled to be summoned for questioning on June 4 for similar allegations. If Kim and Yoon are indicted, the special prosecutors will need to assign at least one dispatched prosecutor to handle the prosecution, which poses a challenge. The maximum investigation period for the special prosecutors is until July 23, and they currently have 12 dispatched prosecutors. On May 22, the special prosecutors also requested the Ministry of Justice to dispatch three additional prosecutors, but this has not yet been fulfilled.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:09:00

SBS Announces Next Chapter in Drama Strategy After Six Consecutive Years of 2049 Ratings Success SBS has unveiled its next chapter in drama strategy, building on six consecutive years of leading ratings among viewers aged 20 to 49. The network aims to enhance its competitive edge in season-based intellectual property while expanding weekday dramas, collaborating with global OTT platforms, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) production technologies to adapt to the evolving media landscape.On June 1, a media day event titled 'SBS Drama Media Day: Next Episode' was held at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event featured Hong Seong-chang, CEO of Studio S, and Kim Gi-suk, SBS Programming Director.During the event, SBS presented its achievements over the past six years since the launch of Studio S and revealed its drama lineup for the second half of 2026 through the first half of 2027. Since its inception, Studio S has established itself as a key production base for SBS dramas, delivering numerous hits such as 'Stove League,' 'Penthouse,' 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim,' 'Taxi Driver,' and 'Hot Blooded Priest.'Hong highlighted the success of SBS's Friday-Saturday dramas, stating, "SBS's Friday-Saturday dramas are as solid as an impregnable fortress in the industry. The starting point was 'Hot Blooded Priest,' which was the first Friday-Saturday drama and received immense love. Since then, we have worked hard to dominate the Friday-Saturday drama slot and aimed to create a DNA of refreshing and enjoyable dramas."SBS emphasized its core strategy of 'Series Power.' The network has leveraged the success of season-based hits like 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim,' 'Taxi Driver,' and 'Hot Blooded Priest' to expand characters and world-building, positioning this as a competitive advantage. Additionally, new seasons of proven hits like 'Good Partner,' 'Chaebol X Detective,' and 'Judge from Hell' are in the works.Kim noted, "The key term in programming is Series Power. The reason this is possible and strong at SBS can be attributed to three factors: a solid world-building, unique characters, and the realization of common sense and justice." He added, "Characters and worlds that viewers can follow and root for, like the revenge agency Rainbow Transport in 'Taxi Driver' and Doldam Hospital in 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim,' are essential. Providing refreshing catharsis in a frustrating reality is the core of SBS's Series Power."Regarding the success of season-based dramas, Hong mentioned the trust between the creative team and actors. He stated, "It must be something the viewers want, and the world-building must be expandable. The reason we can produce many season-based dramas is due to the strong trust between the production team and the actors. There are many cases where actors, directors, and writers are tightly knit on set."SBS plans to maintain its strengths in Friday-Saturday dramas while expanding its weekday drama lineup. Kim remarked, "Starting with the success of 'Kiss for No Reason,' we have resumed weekday dramas. We need to increase the variety and challenge of dramas with the resumption of weekday programming in November." He continued, "We will implement a two-track strategy that maintains the representative identity of Friday-Saturday dramas while continuing to explore new genres like romantic comedies and sports themes."The lineup for the second half of 2026 kicks off with 'Kim Manager,' set to premiere on June 26. Based on a Naver webtoon of the same name, 'Kim Manager' tells the story of an ordinary father who becomes the most dangerous man in the world to reclaim his only daughter. So Ji-sub stars as Kim Manager, a former agent who awakens his true self for his daughter.'Chaebol X Detective' will also return for its second season, featuring the collaboration between the third-generation chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo, who returns to the violent crimes unit after completing formal training at the police academy, and the newly appointed team leader Joo Hye-ra. Ahn Bo-hyun and Jung Eun-chae star, with director Kim Jae-hong and writer Kim Ba-da reuniting from season one.In October, 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia,' based on the Japanese TV Asahi series, is set to air. This medical noir follows genius surgeon Gye Soo-jung as she navigates through a corrupt medical power structure. Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, and Kim Woo-seok are among the cast.The highly-rated 'Good Partner' from last year is also returning for a second season. 'Good Partner 2' features the first divorce law firm representative attorney Cha Eun-kyung taking on new challenges with a new partner. Jang Na-ra reprises her role, joined by Kim Hye-yoon as the new partner.Upcoming drama 'Nine to Six' is an office romance that centers on the head of the legal team, Kang Ji-suk, who proves himself through work, and intern Han Sun-woo, who uses kindness as his weapon, alongside department head Park Hyun-tae. Park Min-young, Yook Sung-jae, and Ko Soo are confirmed to star.The 2027 lineup includes occult, legal detective, fantasy justice, and sports dramas. 'Awakening' tells the story of children who awaken strange abilities amid the hell of entrance exams and a priest who sets out to save them. Lee Joon-hyuk takes on his first leading role in the occult genre.'There is a Chance' is a cheerful legal detective drama led by former lawyer and current office manager Kwon Baek, who turns losing battles into winning ones. Lee Je-hoon plays the quirky office manager Kwon Baek, while Ha Young plays rookie attorney Yeo Shim-hee.'Nightmare' depicts a vigilante group that traps evildoers in nightmares instead of prison. Kim Nam-gil and Lee Yoo-mi star in this drama. 'Full Count' portrays the survival struggles in the sports battlefield over the position of a professional baseball coach, featuring Kim Rae-won and Park Hoon.Collaboration with global OTT platforms was also highlighted as a key strategy. Hong stated, "Global OTT can be a competitor, but it is an indispensable platform for the globalization of dramas. We are continuing our strategy to showcase not only SBS dramas but also those produced by Studio S to audiences worldwide." He added, "We have produced four dramas for global OTT and launched works on other platforms. Studio S aims to create quality dramas not only for SBS but also for global audiences."Kim also noted, "While there can be side effects from OTT collaboration, there are many positive aspects. For instance, 'Wonderful New World' was number one in ratings and also topped Netflix. It has the effect of being loved globally, which could have been limited to domestic audiences."The use of AI technology was also a topic of discussion. Hong remarked, "AI is a hot topic in the industry. Initially, directors were resistant, but after training, the paradigm shifted. AI can be utilized in a way that supports creators rather than taking away their rights."He explained, "In 'Taxi Driver,' we used AI for certain cuts, and we plan to showcase fully AI-generated footage briefly. This was created with the agreement of all production staff and creators. We intend to inform viewers about the use of AI through subtitles before the drama airs." He added, "The significance lies in being able to create scenes that were previously impossible to implement."He also mentioned the cost-saving effects of AI. Hong stated, "We created a long segment of AI footage for 'Kim Manager,' achieving over 60% savings compared to production costs without AI. As these cases accumulate, they will enhance our competitiveness."Hong identified the internal creative workforce as a key strength of Studio S. He stated, "The secret to maintaining SBS drama's competitiveness lies in the manpower of Studio S. New writers who have emerged through director and script competitions are collaborating closely in their creations. Studio S is referred to as a drama academy in the industry." Kim added, "The balance between external and internal talent is excellent."SBS is pursuing a strategy that includes strengthening season-based IP, expanding genres, increasing weekday dramas, collaborating with OTT platforms, and integrating AI production technology, all based on its six consecutive years of leading ratings among viewers aged 20 to 49. The network aims to maintain the brand competitiveness established through its Friday-Saturday dramas while broadening its platforms and formats to adapt to the changing viewing environment. Attention is focused on whether the upcoming lineup from the second half of 2026 to 2027 will validate SBS's next strategy in drama production.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:06:00

Trip.com Fined $10,000 for Selling Tickets Without Proper Registration A global travel platform has been caught by regulatory authorities for selling airline tickets online without proper registration as an online sales business and for engaging in deceptive refund practices. On June 1, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced it has imposed a fine of 10 million won ($10,000) on Trip.com Korea for selling airline tickets without registering as an online sales business and for refunding customers through methods different from their original payment method during the right of withdrawal. According to the FTC's investigation, Trip.com Singapore provided information on airline ticket sales to domestic consumers through its cyber mall from November 2017 to September 2025 without proper registration. Meanwhile, Trip.com Korea operated without registration from April 2020 to January 2025. The FTC determined that both Trip.com Singapore and Trip.com Korea violated Article 12, Section 1 of the Electronic Commerce Act by failing to register as online sales intermediaries. Additionally, the investigation revealed that Trip.com failed to fulfill its obligation to refund customers in accordance with the right of withdrawal and obstructed the withdrawal process. From February 2020 to July 2025, the companies refunded some customers who canceled their ticket purchases with airline vouchers instead of the original payment method. During this process, Trip.com Singapore and Trip.com Korea informed customers that "refund amounts may only be provided as airline vouchers depending on airline regulations." The FTC concluded that these actions violated Article 18, Section 3 and Article 21, Section 1 of the Electronic Commerce Act. As a result, the FTC issued corrective orders for the unregistered online sales business and the failure to refund customers, imposing fines of 5 million won each for both violations. An FTC official stated, "We plan to continuously monitor compliance with laws regarding the right of withdrawal for consumers by online travel platforms and other platform operators."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:03:00

New Compensation Guidelines Established for Humidifier Disinfectant Victims Compensation standards and procedures for victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster are being established for the first time. Affected students will receive support for up to eight semesters of college tuition, and the financial burden on raw material suppliers will significantly increase to secure compensation funds.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on June 1 that it will open a public comment period from June 2 to July 13 for a comprehensive revision of the enforcement decree and regulations of the 'Special Law for the Relief and Support of Humidifier Disinfectant Victims.' This revision follows the complete amendment of the special law in April and includes procedures for filing compensation claims, payment standards, and educational support.The humidifier disinfectant disaster, which began with products sold since 1994, has caused environmental and health issues, including lung damage. To date, the government has recognized 6,011 out of 8,065 applicants as victims.In December of last year, the government announced a comprehensive support plan for victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster, indicating a shift to a state-led compensation system. The revised special law is set to take effect on October 8.The key aspect of the revision is the transition from a government-supported relief system to a compensation system based on corporate responsibility.The government will provide bereavement compensation, funeral expenses, and damages to the families of deceased victims, while those who suffered health issues will receive medical expenses, nursing costs, lost income, disability compensation, and damages. Detailed compensation standards and amounts will be determined by a compensation review committee, which will consider the extent of damage and income.The application process for compensation claims has also been clarified. Existing recognized victims need only submit certain documents, while new applicants must provide proof related to treatment, nursing, and death, as well as estimates for future medical costs and disability assessments. Future medical and nursing expenses can be paid continuously if the victim prefers, rather than as a lump sum.Support for victims will also be expanded. Student victims will have priority placement in desired middle and high schools and can receive up to eight semesters of college tuition support through national scholarships.The compensation review system will undergo a complete overhaul. The existing relief committee will be transformed into the 'Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Review Committee' under the Prime Minister, with the establishment of a compensation support team and a specialized committee.Additionally, the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute will be designated as the 'Humidifier Disinfectant Victim Management Center' to handle victim support tasks, including medical and legal consultations and assistance with compensation procedures. This aims to streamline the process from victim recognition to consultation and compensation support for greater convenience.Furthermore, the financial burden on raw material suppliers will be increased. Their contribution rate will rise from 25% to 45% of the current humidifier disinfectant business contributions. In cases of non-payment, a daily penalty of 0.1% of the overdue amount will be imposed, and companies that fail to pay may be publicly disclosed in official gazettes and information systems.Joo Hyun-soo, Director of the Environmental Health Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "We will ensure that the revision of the subordinate regulations is completed smoothly by the time the special law takes effect, so that the compensation review process for victims and their families can proceed without issues."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:03:00

Climate Ministry Supports Green Companies' Expansion into China with Hydrogen and Battery Recycling Technologies South Korean green companies are set to target the Chinese market by leveraging future green technologies such as hydrogen and battery recycling. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the scope of cooperation in the energy and resource recycling sectors has expanded, enhancing Korea-China green industry collaboration.The ministry announced on June 1 that it will operate a public-private joint delegation in Beijing and Tianjin from June 2 to June 5, in collaboration with the Korea Environmental Industry Association and 14 domestic green companies.This delegation is part of a regular exchange event initiated under the 'Cheongcheon Plan,' which was signed by both countries in 2019. The Cheongcheon Plan integrates existing cooperation projects in the air quality sector and agreements from ministerial meetings to achieve tangible improvements in air quality.Notably, this year marks the first event since the ministry's launch in October 2022, expanding the focus from water and air management to encompass the entire green industry, including energy and resource recycling.The delegation will manage a Korean pavilion at the China International Environmental Protection Exhibition (CIEPEC 2026), the largest environmental exhibition in China, and will conduct one-on-one export consultations with local buyers. This initiative aims to support domestic green companies in securing export contracts and discovering new business opportunities.Participating companies this year, including Bluewin and K-PAC Korea, will showcase green technologies in high demand in China, such as integrated solutions for eco-friendly hydrogen production and storage, hydrogen purification systems, battery recycling and resource recovery technologies, and solar panel recycling technologies. With China recently strengthening its carbon neutrality and circular economy policies, opportunities for market entry are expected to grow.In addition to export consultations, the delegation will hold a Korea-China Environmental Industry Cooperation Forum to share environmental and energy policies and strategies for fostering the green industry in both countries. They will also visit Tianjin, which is promoting resource recycling and hydrogen-based green ports, to discuss cooperation in energy supply chains and resource security, as well as the potential for domestic companies to participate in demonstration projects.Industry experts anticipate that as China expands its electric vehicle and battery industries and circular economy policies, the markets for battery recycling and hydrogen will grow rapidly, creating more business opportunities for domestic green companies. The focus of Korea-China environmental cooperation, which has primarily centered on addressing fine dust, is also shifting towards a broader range of green industries.Jung Myung-kyu, head of the Green Industry Overseas Expansion Task Force at the ministry, stated, "The delegation's visit to China aims to explore comprehensive cooperation, from creating business opportunities through the exhibition to policy exchanges and building cooperation networks between Korea and China. We will actively support our green technologies to achieve tangible results in the Chinese market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 12:03:00