NCT's Taeyong to release first full-length solo album 'WYLD' SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) -Lee Tae-yong, the leader of NCT, will release his first full-length solo album titled WYLD on May 18, SM Entertainment said Monday. The 10-track project marks a significant milestone for the 30-year-old performer who has been a central figure in South Korea's global music expansion since his debut in 2016. The release underscores the artist's creative evolution as a producer and songwriter for both his individual projects and the wider NCT collective. Since beginning his career, Lee Tae-yong has been instrumental in shaping the experimental sound associated with SM Entertainment’s global expansion strategy. The upcoming album features the hip-hop title track WYLD alongside B-side recordings such as the alternative R&B song Mermaid. It also includes 404 Euphoria, a track that continues an ongoing musical concept series that first began with 404 File Not Found in 2023. This song drew significant interest from fans after it was previewed via a video segment during a recent concert tour. Ahead of the launch, a commemorative exhibition for the album will be held from May 16 to 18 at the Hyundai Card Music Library in the Yongsan District of Seoul. Listening sessions are also scheduled to take place at the Hyundai Card Understage on May 16 and 17. 2026-05-11 14:22:37

Shift in Japan's Stock Market Leadership: Semiconductors and Banks Rise Japan's stock market is witnessing a shift in leadership. Once dominated by automotive and telecommunications companies, the market is now being led by semiconductors, banks benefiting from rising interest rates, and general trading companies with resource interests, all of which are capitalizing on the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI). On May 11, the Nikkei 225 index closed down 226.81 points (0.36%) at 62,486.84. The index opened at 63,203.44 and briefly rose to 63,385.04 during the day, but profit-taking led to a decline to 62,437.20, erasing earlier gains. This followed a record high closing on May 7, which contributed to the pressure at these elevated levels. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the number of companies with market capitalizations exceeding 10 trillion yen (approximately $93.9 billion) rose to 27 as of May 8, an increase of four from the end of last year. At one point in mid-April, this number reached 30. As the base of Japan's large-cap stocks broadens, the focus has shifted from automobiles to semiconductors, banks, and trading companies. The most notable change is in the semiconductor sector. Kioxia Holdings' market capitalization reached 24.2 trillion yen as of May 8, soaring more than 30 times from its initial public offering price of 784.3 billion yen in December 2024. Its ranking in market cap jumped from 43rd at the end of last year to 5th, surpassing major manufacturers like Hitachi and Keyence. The surge in NAND flash prices driven by AI demand has led to sharply revised profit forecasts for the fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027). Companies related to AI and semiconductors, such as SoftBank Group, which invested in OpenAI, and semiconductor equipment firms like Tokyo Electron and Advantest, now occupy four of the top ten spots. The revival of bank stocks is also noteworthy. The three major megabanks, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, have all surpassed a market cap of 10 trillion yen for the first time in nearly 20 years. Rising interest rates, which were once a burden during deflationary periods, are now seen as a catalyst for improved profitability, changing market perceptions. General trading companies like Mitsubishi Corporation are also gaining prominence amid inflation and fluctuating resource prices, boosting their market cap rankings. From Deflation to Inflation The Nikkei highlights that rising prices are a key factor behind these changes. Tetsuro Ii, president of Commons Asset Management, stated, "The shift in Japan's economic trend from deflation to inflation is significant." As the long-standing deflationary period ends, companies find it easier to pass on rising costs and increased demand to prices, which in turn boosts expectations for revenue and profit growth, driving up stock prices. The semiconductor sector, with its soaring sales prices and rapidly expanding earnings due to strong AI investment, exemplifies this inflationary trend. In contrast, the automotive sector, once a cornerstone of the Japanese stock market, is losing its prominence. Toyota Motor Corporation retains its top position with a market cap of 46 trillion yen, but the gap with second-place companies like SoftBank and Mitsubishi UFJ is narrowing. Following Toyota's forecast of a third consecutive year of declining net income for the fiscal year 2026, the market reacted with disappointment, pushing its stock price to a year-to-date low on May 8. All three major Japanese automakers—Toyota, Honda, and Nissan—now have price-to-book ratios (PBR) below 1. The automotive sector's share of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's TOPIX index has also fallen to 5.3%, a decline of 2 percentage points over the past year, marking its lowest level since 2000. However, the Nikkei cautions that this shift in market capitalization does not necessarily indicate a restoration of Japan's stock market status. Over the past year, the growth rate of market capitalization in dollar terms has been 30.9% in the U.S. and 30.8% globally, compared to just 26.0% in Japan. Only three Japanese companies—Toyota, SoftBank Group, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group—are included in the global top 100 by market cap, down from four a decade ago. As of the end of April, Japan's share of the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) stood at 5%, down from 7.7% ten years ago. 2026-05-11 14:18:57

2PM to return with full-group concert in Korea coming August SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - K-pop group 2PM will return to the South Korean stage as a full six-member act this August for its first domestic solo concert in three years, management agency JYP Entertainment said Monday. The group will hold the 2026 2PM Concert THE RETURN in INCHEON on August 8 and 9 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. The performances will mark the first solo show in South Korea featuring all six members since September 2023, when the group held a concert to commemorate its 15th anniversary. Debuting in 2008, 2PM became one of the most recognizable male groups in the region with its athletic choreography and signature beast idol image. The group built a large fanbase across Asia through hits such as Heartbeat, Hands Up, and My House. The Incheon concerts were announced during the group's performances in Japan last weekend. The Tokyo Dome shows marked the first time the group had returned to the venue in 10 years following a hiatus for mandatory military service. During the Japanese performances, 2PM played a selection of South Korean and Japanese songs released throughout its career. The event also served to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the group's Japanese debut. The group ended the show with the song I'll Be Back, echoing a promise made during its previous Tokyo Dome concert that it would return to the venue. Further details regarding ticket sales for the Incheon concerts will be released later through the group's official social media channels. 2026-05-11 14:18:07

Woori Bank Issues 300 Billion Won Green Bonds, Leading the Banking Sector Woori Bank has become the first commercial bank this year to issue Korean-style green bonds, accelerating its efforts in ESG finance. The bank raised a record 300 billion won, reinforcing its position as a leader in the green finance market. On May 11, Woori Bank announced that it issued a total of 300 billion won in Korean-style green bonds through the "Korean-style Green Bond Issuance Interest Support Program" organized by the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. The issuance consists of 150 billion won with a three-year maturity and 150 billion won with a one-year maturity. This marks the first instance among commercial banks this year and is the largest single issuance to date. Following the issuance of 150 billion won in Korean-style green bonds in both 2024 and 2025, this latest 300 billion won issuance brings the bank's total to 600 billion won. This amount positions Woori Bank as the leader in cumulative issuance of Korean-style green bonds among banks since 2022. The funds raised will be fully allocated to support eco-friendly projects, including solar and wind energy production and waste-to-energy recovery projects. Woori Bank plans to solidify its leading position in the green finance market and accelerate its expansion in ESG finance. Kang Han-na, head of Woori Bank's funding department, stated, "This issuance of Korean-style green bonds is an opportunity to reaffirm Woori Bank's commitment to ESG management in the market. As the role of finance in the transition to eco-friendliness becomes increasingly important, we will continue our responsible ESG initiatives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 14:16:16

IBK Industrial Bank Receives Presidential Award for Family Policy Contributions IBK Industrial Bank announced on May 11 that it received a Presidential Award for Family Policy Contributions at the '2026 Family Month Commemoration Ceremony' hosted by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.This award recognizes the bank's ongoing social contribution efforts benefiting 2.87 million marginalized individuals, including small business workers and vulnerable youth.The award cited the bank's diverse social contribution activities, ranging from basic living support to childcare and caregiving. Notable initiatives include the 'IBK Scholarship and Medical Expense Support' to alleviate educational and medical costs for small business workers and their families, the 'IBK Hope Narae' program assisting independent and socially withdrawn youth, and the 'IBK Everyone Concert' aimed at enhancing cultural accessibility for multicultural families and foreign workers.The 'IBK Hope Narae' program has notably led to successful outcomes, including admissions to dental and law graduate schools and employment in the financial sector.An IBK official stated, "This award is particularly meaningful as it recognizes our sincere efforts to support marginalized neighbors. We will continue to serve as a robust safety net in our society and strive to assist those in need of social consideration." 2026-05-11 14:14:46

Seoul stays cautious on blaming Iran over HMM Hormuz attack SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun maintained a cautious stance Monday, stopping short of directly blaming Iran for the attack on a Korean-operated cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz despite the government’s initial conclusion that the vessel had come under an external strike. “There are still things that need to be studied before making a judgment,” Cho told reporters, signaling Seoul’s reluctance to escalate tensions before the investigation is fully completed. His remarks came a day after the foreign ministry disclosed that two “unidentified airborne objects” struck the stern of the Panama-flagged cargo ship HMM Namu last week, triggering an explosion and fire aboard the vessel. The ship, operated by HMM, was carrying 24 crew members, including six South Koreans. No casualties were reported. Additional analysis is underway on engine fragments recovered from debris found at the scene. Seoul’s calibrated response reflects the delicate diplomatic balancing act facing South Korea as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensify. South Korea remains heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude imports and has sought to avoid being drawn directly into confrontation between Washington and Tehran despite its alliance with the United States. The foreign ministry summoned Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi on Sunday to explain the findings, Cho said, adding that the investigation results had also been shared with Washington. Koozechi did not speak publicly upon arriving at the ministry. According to Seoul officials, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo briefed the Iranian envoy on the preliminary investigation outcome. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier claimed that Iran had “taken some shots” at the HMM vessel and other targets in the region. The Iranian Embassy in Seoul strongly denied any involvement, saying Tehran “firmly and categorically” rejects allegations linking its military to the incident. The attack came just hours after Washington launched — and later suspended — “Project Freedom,” a U.S.-led operation aimed at assisting commercial ships stranded around the strategic waterway. Tehran condemned the operation as a violation of the ceasefire framework that has nominally remained in place since early April. The incident is expected to surface during talks between South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday local time. The trip marks Ahn’s first visit to the United States since taking office. 2026-05-11 14:14:09

SHINee to return with new EP 'Atmos' on June 1 SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - SHINee, one of K-pop's most influential bands known for its experimental music and trend-setting performances, will return on June 1 with its sixth mini album “Atmos,” SM Entertainment said Monday. Debuting in 2008 under SM Entertainment as a five-member group, SHINee built a strong global fanbase with hits such as “Replay,” “Ring Ding Dong” and “Sherlock,” while earning recognition for pushing the boundaries of K-pop performance, fashion and contemporary pop sound. The group's six-track EP, including the title song "Atmos," will be released at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) through major music streaming platforms on June 1. The album marks the band’s first major release in a year following the 2025 single "Poet | Artist." Ahead of the release, SHINee will hold its eighth solo concert series, "The Trilogy I - 2026 SHINee WORLD VIII : ," from May 29 to May 31 at KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Olympic Park. Pre-orders for the album began Monday through online and offline music retailers. 2026-05-11 14:12:50

Doosan Fuel Cell Shares Surge 12% on North American Data Center Demand Doosan Fuel Cell has seen its shares rise over 12% during trading, reaching an all-time high amid expectations of increased demand for data centers in North America. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:53 PM, Doosan Fuel Cell shares were trading at 97,000 won, up 10,700 won (12.40%) from the previous trading day. At one point, the stock peaked at 103,800 won, marking a record high. Analysts attribute the stock's rise to growing demand for phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) aimed at North American data centers and the anticipated visibility of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack exports. Jung Hye-jung, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "Demand for PAFC in North American data centers appears to be stronger than previously expected, and SOFC stack exports are likely to become visible soon. Considering that we are currently in discussions for new orders with multiple clients for North American data centers, additional orders could be possible in the first half of the year." Expectations for improved performance are also rising. Doosan Fuel Cell reported a preliminary revenue of 144.8 billion won for the first quarter of this year, a 45.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Although the company continued to incur an operating loss of 1.3 billion won, this figure exceeded market expectations. The increase is attributed to revenue growth from the domestic Clean Hydrogen Power Generation Obligation (CHPS) project and the effects of SOFC deliveries for the Haichangwon project. Jung noted, "While one-time factors such as the reversal of provisions in the SOFC sector and profits from the sale of retired electrodes were partially reflected, the expansion of demand for data centers in North America will serve as a medium- to long-term growth driver."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 14:06:22

Controversy Erupts Over Inappropriate Subtitle on Lotte Giants' YouTube Channel A controversy has arisen over inappropriate subtitle editing on the official YouTube channel of the Busan Lotte Giants, 'Giants TV.' In response to the backlash, the production team has removed the problematic segment. On May 11, a video titled 'Responding to Park Se-woong's Strong Performance' was uploaded to the 'Giants TV' channel. In the video, a segment at 7 minutes and 9 seconds featured a uniform with the name of player Noh Jin-hyuk, accompanied by the subtitle 'Infinite Applause.' Notably, the subtitle was edited in a way that obscured the player's name, making it appear as 'Noh Mu-han Applause,' which drew attention. As the clip circulated on online communities and social media, some users raised suspicions that the expression was intentionally reminiscent of the far-right community 'Ilbe.' The controversy intensified, particularly because Noh Jin-hyuk is from Gwangju, and the opposing team at the time was the KIA Tigers, also based in Gwangju. Users commented, "It's disrespectful to Noh Jin-hyuk; this is insane," "This was definitely intentional," "There was no need for 'infinite applause' to be there," "Ilbe is a mental illness," and "If you have time, please report the Lotte Giants YouTube channel." As the controversy grew, 'Giants TV' issued an apology through the comments section of the video. The channel stated, "We sincerely apologize for the discomfort and concern caused by the subtitle expression in today's uploaded video. The problematic subtitle was used without fully recognizing the potential associations during the filming and editing process, and it was removed immediately upon confirmation of the issue." They added, "We take the failure to review more carefully seriously and will thoroughly check the entire content creation and review process to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. We deeply apologize once again for the concern caused."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 14:03:13

California Governor Newsom Announces Free Diaper Program for Low-Income Families California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent contender for the 2028 presidential election, has unveiled a free diaper program aimed at addressing rising living costs. The initiative will provide 400 diapers to each newborn, with a total of 40 million diapers to be distributed this year. This announcement comes in conjunction with Mother's Day on May 10, seen as a strategic move to engage mothers as voters. According to the Wall Street Journal, during the announcement on May 8, Newsom stated that all newborns discharged from hospitals in California will receive 400 diapers. Given that a newborn typically uses 8 to 10 diapers a day, this supply will last between one month and 50 days. The newspaper reported that a pack of 84 diapers sells for $25. In a press conference, Newsom emphasized, "This is not a political slogan; it is a tangible provision of a box of diapers." He added, "California aims to reduce the cost of raising a family by providing free school meals, free childcare for four-year-olds, and ensuring that newborns leave the hospital with essential items. Every baby in California deserves a healthy start in life, which means guaranteeing access to necessities from day one." However, not all newborns will receive diapers immediately. Newsom noted that the 40 million diapers planned for this year represent only 25% of the ultimate goal. Priority will be given to mothers participating in the Medicaid program. California plans to purchase 80 million diapers next year and has requested $12.5 million from the state legislature for this purpose. The budget for this year's diaper program is approximately $7.4 million. The Associated Press reported that diapers will primarily be distributed through 65 to 75 hospitals that mainly serve low-income patients. Additionally, California is collaborating with the nonprofit organization Baby2Baby to produce diapers under the brand name "Golden State Start." This initiative reflects California's declining birth rate. Last year, 394,294 newborns were born in the state, a 20% decrease compared to a decade ago, attributed to high housing costs driving middle-class families to relocate to other states. In the U.S., Tennessee and Delaware are also running free diaper distribution programs for low-income families participating in Medicaid. In Tennessee, families with children under two can receive 100 diapers per month, while Delaware offers 80 diapers and one pack of wipes weekly for the first 12 weeks after birth. The Hill, a publication focused on Congress, noted that Newsom announced this new cost-of-living policy ahead of Mother's Day weekend, highlighting that he is viewed as a leading Democratic candidate for the 2028 election, where cost of living will be a significant issue. Fox News criticized the initiative, stating that Newsom is proposing a tax-funded free diaper program amid a budget tightening in California. Meanwhile, the Arab media outlet Al Jazeera pointed out the excessive costs of childbirth and parenting in the U.S. It reported that the average cost of a vaginal delivery is $15,178, while a cesarean section averages $19,292. Alaska has the highest childbirth costs, with vaginal deliveries reaching $29,152 and cesarean sections $39,532. Costs are even higher for non-partner hospitals, with Nevada reporting $49,699 for vaginal deliveries and $72,604 for cesarean sections. Furthermore, childcare expenses in the U.S. account for 40% of disposable income for couples, marking one of the highest rates globally. 2026-05-11 14:01:12