Guidelines for Teacher Gifts on May 15: Carnations Allowed, Gift Certificates Prohibited As Teacher's Day approaches on May 15, many parents and students are confused about whether it is permissible to give teachers carnations or small gifts. Gifts that are seen as a "gesture of appreciation" could potentially violate the Anti-Corruption Law (Kim Young-ran Act) due to the evaluative relationship between teachers and students. In summary, it is generally prohibited to give gifts or money to teachers who are currently evaluating or guiding students. Even small gifts valued at less than 50,000 won are unlikely to be considered exceptions. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission states that gifts exchanged between teachers who are continuously responsible for evaluating and guiding students do not qualify for exceptions under the Anti-Corruption Law, even if they are valued at less than 50,000 won. Providing drinks, such as coffee, during meetings with homeroom teachers is also not permitted. Cautions also apply to carnations. Individual students are not allowed to give carnations to their homeroom teachers. However, if student representatives publicly present carnations or flowers to their homeroom or subject teachers on Teacher's Day, this may be permissible under social norms. Handwritten letters or thank-you cards from students are acceptable. The commission suggests that students can present handwritten letters or thank-you cards to their homeroom teachers on Teacher's Day without violating the Anti-Corruption Law. Some gifts may be allowed for former homeroom teachers or subject teachers who are no longer teaching the child. Gifts valued at less than 50,000 won may be given if there is no direct interest due to the end of grading and guidance responsibilities, and if the gift is considered social or ceremonial. Agricultural and fishery products or their processed goods may be allowed up to 150,000 won. For gift certificates, whether they qualify as "gifts" under Article 8, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Anti-Corruption Law depends on the nature of the exchangeable items. Monetary gift certificates (such as department store gift certificates) are considered securities and are not allowed, even if within the value limit. However, gift certificates for goods and services (such as movie or sports tickets) are considered gifts and may be allowed if they are within the value limit and serve social or ceremonial purposes. The criteria change for graduates giving gifts to their former teachers. After graduation, gifts are permissible up to 1 million won per occasion and 3 million won per fiscal year, provided there is no direct job-related connection. Different institutions have varying standards. Kindergarten teachers fall under the Early Childhood Education Act and are subject to the Anti-Corruption Law. In contrast, daycare teachers are generally not subject to this law. However, some daycare center directors operating public facilities may be considered public officials and thus subject to the law. English kindergarten and after-school instructors are also treated differently based on their legal status. English kindergartens often fall under the category of private academies and may be excluded from the Anti-Corruption Law, while after-school instructors may be employees of companies contracted with schools and could also be excluded. Nonetheless, educational authorities advise against accepting gifts regardless of legal applicability. Parents involved in parent-teacher associations or school operation committees should also be cautious. It is not permissible for members of these groups to give gifts to principals, vice principals, or teachers on Teacher's Day. Parents serving on school operation committees or as members of school violence response teams may be considered public officials and thus subject to the Anti-Corruption Law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:35:12

Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Public Judgment on People Power Party Ahead of Local Elections Jung Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on May 13 that the People Power Party, which he accused of endorsing insurrection, should face a severe public judgment in the upcoming June 3 local elections before any constitutional review of the party's legitimacy. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "This local election is crucial because we must decisively judge the insurrection forces and eliminate even the slightest trace of insurrection." He added, "Through this, we aim to fully normalize the state and establish an effective local government that will robustly support the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. This is the spirit of the times and our historical mission in 2026." Jung also criticized the People Power Party for rejecting a proposed constitutional amendment. He remarked, "If the People Power Party had any sense of responsibility, they would not have so shamelessly discarded a constitutional amendment that clearly outlined the procedures for declaring and lifting martial law." Regarding the launch of the People Power Party's campaign committee for the cancellation of charges, led by Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, Jung dismissed it, saying, "The moment they form a committee for fabricated charges, the public will think, 'It seems there were many fabricated charges under the Yoon Suk-yeol prosecution dictatorship.'" Jung highlighted the economic achievements of the Lee Jae-myung administration, stating, "Although it has been less than a year since the Lee Jae-myung administration took office, its effectiveness is the strongest in history. The KOSPI index, which barely surpassed 2,500, is now approaching 8,000." He noted that last year's export volume reached a record high, surpassing $700 billion, making South Korea the sixth-largest exporter in the world. He also pointed out that the GDP growth rate for the first quarter of this year was 1.7%, ranking first among the top 22 countries. He added that the recovery of democracy and stability on the Korean Peninsula have further revitalized the tourism sector, with the country on the brink of welcoming 20 million foreign tourists. "This local election will be a historical turning point for South Korea. The Democratic Party must win for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration," he urged. During the press conference, Jung outlined the party's nomination and policy achievements, including holding 37 meetings of the highest decision-making body, implementing a four-no and four-strong nomination policy, ensuring member sovereignty in primaries, and fulfilling practical pledges. He promised five major visions and 15 policy tasks, along with 200 central party pledges. The five major visions include: local-led growth and balanced national development, economic leap through the growth of new AI industries, supporting citizens' success through opportunity guarantees, creating a stable and fair society, and restoring national normalization and citizen sovereignty. Among the 200 pledges, key initiatives include designating mega-special zones, introducing climate insurance, establishing a self-reliance fund for children, promoting solar income villages, and expanding support housing. Jung described these as "living, closely connected pledges that resonate with the people's lives." Regarding the election campaign, he announced plans for new initiatives, including the Blue Step campaign, bicycle and pedestrian campaign teams, and policy-focused promotions through blue notebooks, stating, "I will dedicate everything to winning this local election and ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:33:31

First U.S.-China Summit After Middle East War Raises Hopes for Trade Expansion President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold their first summit in about six months since their meeting in Busan last October, amid growing expectations that South Korean companies will gain some benefits from expanded trade between the two nations. According to industry sources on May 13, Trump indicated that a key agenda item for the U.S.-China summit on May 14 will be expanding trade between the two countries. He stated on Truth Social, "I will ask President Xi Jinping to open up China." Trump's delegation for the trip to China includes prominent business leaders such as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX; Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Kelly Ortberg, CEO of Boeing; and Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, all of whom have significant business interests in China or have invested heavily in Chinese companies. Given his social media comments and the composition of his delegation, it is likely that Trump will directly or indirectly request Xi to open the tightly restricted Chinese market to U.S. companies following the imposition of mutual tariffs. Experts believe that to partially lift the "bamboo curtain," the U.S. may have to offer concessions, such as easing export restrictions on China. A notable example is the semiconductor sector, where predictions suggest that the U.S. will relax some of its restrictions on exporting semiconductor equipment to China. The U.S. has consistently blocked the export of advanced semiconductor equipment to China since the Trump administration, continuing under President Biden, in an effort to curb China's semiconductor ambitions. However, the tightening of these export regulations has significantly impacted South Korean companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which operate semiconductor fabs in China. There is a strong possibility that China will demand the easing of restrictions on semiconductor equipment imports needed by companies like CXMT (Changxin Memory Technologies) and YMTC (Yangtze Memory Technologies) in exchange for allowing the import of U.S.-made GPUs. This could accelerate the modernization of Samsung and SK Hynix's fabs in China, presenting potential benefits for these companies. If negotiations between the two sides are successful, it is likely that the export volumes of rare earths and battery materials, such as anode and cathode materials, desired by companies like Boeing and Tesla, will increase. Following the export restrictions on semiconductor equipment, China designated rare earths—key materials for advanced industries like semiconductors, automotive, and defense—as subject to an "export licensing system." Easing restrictions on rare earth exports would facilitate the procurement of critical minerals needed for domestic semiconductor equipment and defense manufacturing, enhancing the competitiveness of related industries in line with ongoing supply chain diversification efforts. While the supply chain for battery anode materials has diversified, reducing dependence on Chinese sources, the reliance on Chinese materials for cathodes remains significant. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) recently determined that the quality of Chinese cathode materials is superior to that of U.S. alternatives, suggesting that the high tariffs of around 160% on Chinese cathodes may not be necessary. If regulations on Chinese cathode materials are relaxed, domestic companies like LG Energy Solution, which manufacture batteries in the U.S., are expected to accelerate their procurement of raw materials, boosting their electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) businesses. Kim Tae-hwang, a professor of international trade at Myongji University, stated, "Amid increasing global uncertainty due to the Iran war, we hope that the U.S. and China can alleviate economic and trade volatility and uncertainty through this summit. However, similar to the meeting in October last year, it is unlikely that we will see significant improvements in bilateral relations; rather, we should view this as a turning point for reducing uncertainty."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:30:00

Delisting of Penny Stocks to Begin in July as Financial Authorities Tighten Rules Starting in July, the delisting of penny stocks will be implemented more rigorously. Financial authorities are significantly tightening the criteria for market capitalization, penny stocks, and disclosure violations, leading to an expected surge in companies facing delisting pressure in the second half of the year. Market analysts suggest that this marks the beginning of a phase to eliminate so-called "zombie companies." On May 13, the Financial Services Commission announced at its ninth regular meeting that it has approved amendments to the Korea Exchange listing regulations to implement the "swift and strict delisting reform plan for struggling companies" announced in February. The new rules will strengthen four key delisting criteria—market capitalization, penny stocks, complete capital erosion, and disclosure violations—across both KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets. One of the most notable changes is the enhancement of market capitalization requirements. Previously, the threshold for maintaining a KOSPI listing was set to rise to 30 billion won in 2027 and 50 billion won in 2028. However, this has been accelerated, with the new thresholds set at 30 billion won starting in July and 50 billion won beginning in January 2024. KOSDAQ will see similar increases to 20 billion won and 30 billion won during the same period. The method for determining delisting will also be strengthened. Previously, companies designated as management issues could avoid delisting by meeting the criteria of "10 consecutive trading days or 30 cumulative trading days" within a 90-day period. Under the new rules, companies must maintain a standard of "more than 45 consecutive trading days" to avoid delisting, aimed at preventing temporary stock price boosts from allowing companies to evade delisting. The most significant market impact is expected from the new "penny stock delisting" rule. Financial authorities have introduced a new criterion for stocks priced below 1,000 won. If a stock remains below 1,000 won for 30 consecutive trading days, it will be designated as a management issue, and if it fails to recover the price within 45 consecutive trading days over the next 90 trading days, delisting procedures will commence. Concerns have been raised that some companies previously avoided delisting by artificially inflating their stock prices through large-scale stock consolidations or reductions. To prevent such circumventions, new regulations have been introduced. Companies that have conducted stock consolidations or reductions within the past year will be prohibited from further consolidations or reductions after being designated as management issues, and excessive consolidations exceeding a 10-to-1 ratio will also be restricted. Tension in the market is also rising regarding companies that have received adverse audit opinions. According to the Korea Exchange, a total of 54 companies, including 12 on KOSPI and 42 on KOSDAQ, received adverse audit opinions (including limited opinions) this year. While this is a slight decrease from 57 last year, the number remains high. The issue is that cases of companies resolving audit opinion problems and returning to normal status are rare. Among the 57 companies that received adverse opinions last year, only eight have regained a "proper" opinion this year. The remaining companies either received adverse opinions again or entered delisting procedures. Particularly, there has been an increase in forced delisting cases in the KOSPI market this year. In the last three years, there were no delisting decisions in the first quarter, but this year, five companies, including Daedong Electronics, Kukbo, Well Biotech, IHQ, and KH Philux, have already been delisted from the market. Companies that have received adverse audit opinions for two consecutive years are also considered high-risk. Geumyang has recently faced delisting due to receiving adverse opinions for two consecutive years, while KC Green Holdings, Bumyang Construction, and Samboo Construction have also received consecutive adverse opinions. Additionally, the inclusion of complete capital erosion based on semiannual standards as a delisting review criterion is expected to increase the burden on companies with weak financial structures. Previously, complete capital erosion was only a formal delisting criterion at the end of the business year, but now semiannual capital erosion will also be subject to substantive review. The criteria for disclosure violations will also be strengthened. The cumulative penalty points for disclosure violations over the past year will be lowered from the previous 15 points to 10 points, and any significant or intentional disclosure violation will trigger a delisting review even if it occurs just once. Through this reform, financial authorities aim to change the domestic stock market structure, which has been characterized by "easy listings and difficult delistings." The Financial Services Commission stated, "This is intended to support the smooth listing of innovative companies while swiftly and strictly delisting struggling companies, transitioning to a 'many births, many deaths' market structure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:26:51

Nongshim's Shin Ramyeon Surpasses $15 Billion in Sales as It Celebrates 40th Anniversary Nongshim's Shin Ramyeon has made history in the South Korean food industry by surpassing 20 trillion won ($15 billion) in cumulative sales since its launch 40 years ago. This achievement marks a rare milestone for a single food brand, not only in the ramen sector but across the entire food industry. The company aims to increase its overseas sales share to 60% and achieve group sales of over 7.3 trillion won ($6 billion) by 2030. On May 13, Nongshim held a media briefing at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul to discuss the achievements of Shin Ramyeon over the past four decades and its global vision. Launched in October 1986 with the tagline "Spicy flavor that moves men," Shin Ramyeon became the top-selling ramen in South Korea in 1991 and has maintained its leading position for 35 years. The cumulative sales have reached approximately 42.5 billion units. Jo Yong-cheol, CEO of Nongshim, stated during the briefing, "The cumulative sales of 20 trillion won is not just a financial achievement; it is evidence that we have been part of consumers' daily lives worldwide for 40 years. What Shin Ramyeon has created are countless moments, memories, and slices of life for many people." He quoted the late founder of Nongshim, Shin Chun-ho, saying, "Korean flavors will become the most global flavors," highlighting the brand's heritage. Nongshim has outlined its 'Vision 2030' plan, aiming to increase total group sales to 7.3 trillion won and achieve over 60% in overseas sales by 2030. Jo described the goals as "challenging but entirely achievable," citing the completion of a second export-only factory in Busan, entry into the U.S. snack market, and diversification into new business areas as key factors. In terms of global marketing, the integration with K-culture has yielded visible results. Shim Kyu-cheol, head of global marketing, noted that the first advertising campaign featuring the K-pop girl group aespa as global ambassadors garnered over 500 million views worldwide, stating, "Shin Ramyeon has established itself as a cultural product representing K-culture beyond just a food item." Indeed, Shin Ramyeon participated in three major winter festivals worldwide, including the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, and the Harbin Ice Festival in China. The brand also launched large outdoor advertising campaigns in key locations such as Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London. A new product celebrating the 40th anniversary was also unveiled. Nongshim plans to launch 'Shin Ramyeon Rose' simultaneously in Korea and Japan on May 18, with a global rollout starting in June. Inspired by the modi-shumer trend, this product combines gochujang with tomato and cream sauce, under the 'K-Rose' concept, taking about four years to develop. Additionally, in June, Nongshim will open a brand experience space called 'Shin Ramyeon Bunsik' in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, to engage with younger consumers and foreign tourists. Shin Ramyeon is currently exported to over 100 countries and has established itself as a top-five brand in the global ramen market. Nongshim aims to expand beyond its fried noodle portfolio into all areas of noodle dishes, including dry noodles, stir-fried noodles, and pasta, positioning itself as a 'global noodle solution provider.' Jo emphasized, "Today's consumers are looking for more than just a tasty product; they demand health, convenience, and the experiences and culture that come with it. As we move into an era where individual solutions are needed rather than a one-size-fits-all answer, Nongshim aims to be the company that can meet all tastes through the medium of 'noodles.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:24:00

Hyundai Engineering to Introduce High-End Senior Services in Apgujeong Redevelopment Hyundai Engineering has announced plans to introduce high-end senior services in the Apgujeong 3rd and 5th districts, where it has been selected as the construction company for the redevelopment project. This marks the first time such services will be integrated into multi-family housing in the area. On May 13, Hyundai Engineering signed a partnership agreement with The Classic 500, an operator of private senior towns, to develop and operate a senior life care service model. The initiative will target residents in the Apgujeong 3rd district, where Hyundai has been appointed as the construction contractor, as well as the 5th district, which is currently in the bidding process. Through this agreement, Hyundai Engineering plans to provide medical, health management, and cultural programs for senior residents in both districts. Medical services will be managed by Konkuk University Hospital. The health management services will include fall prevention, cognitive function management, and dementia prevention, along with wellness care that encompasses sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Community programs such as art classes, classical performances, dance sports, and Go will also be offered. The Classic 500 is a premium senior residence brand that combines hotel-style living services with medical care. Hyundai Engineering aims to expand this collaboration to include age-friendly housing services in its THE H brand complexes and new projects. A Hyundai Engineering representative stated, "This differentiated strategy aims to comprehensively support the health management, leisure, social interaction, and convenience of senior residents. We will proactively respond to the aging-friendly housing trend and set new standards for living spaces." Meanwhile, the bidding for the redevelopment of the Apgujeong 5th district is a competitive race between Hyundai Engineering and DL E&C, with the construction contractor to be selected at a general meeting of members on May 30. Previously, Hyundai Engineering unveiled plans for future-oriented residential technologies and large-scale community facilities at the Apgujeong 3rd district promotional center, including unmanned shuttles and patrol robots. The company plans to enhance luxury living services by creating a circular community space connecting key facilities within the complex, along with a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and private areas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:20:01

DL E&C Achieves Construction Technology Certification for Dry Bathroom Wall System DL E&C is accelerating innovation in bathroom construction quality and productivity with its newly certified dry wall waterproofing system. On May 13, DL E&C announced that its 'Dry Wall Waterproofing System for Bathrooms,' developed in collaboration with Hansol Home Deco, has received certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This certification is awarded to new or improved technologies that demonstrate novelty, advancement, and applicability in the field. The new technology has been highly praised for addressing the limitations of traditional wet construction methods. Typically, bathroom construction involves stacking bricks with cement and then attaching tiles, a process that requires additional waterproofing and curing, resulting in longer construction times and the need for skilled labor. In contrast, DL E&C's dry construction method utilizes 16 large waterproof panels (2440×590mm) for a lightweight wall in a bathroom measuring approximately 16.3 square meters. This approach eliminates the need for a curing process, thereby shortening construction time and enhancing efficiency. Notably, this technology is similar to the box-type modular construction methods that are gaining traction in the industry. Bathrooms, traditionally seen as wet spaces requiring waterproofing and tiling, can now benefit from standardized construction and simplified processes through the introduction of the dry system. DL E&C has previously secured foundational technologies related to box-type modular methods, including the 'post-tension coupling method.' A key differentiator of this technology is the 'reverse slope clip' structure, designed to prevent water penetration at the joints between materials. This innovation reduces the risk of cracks, mold, and contamination that can occur with traditional silicone or grout methods, while also improving maintenance convenience. According to DL E&C, this new technology combines its construction expertise with Hansol Home Deco's finishing material technology. It is currently being applied in housing brands such as Acro and e-Pyeonhansesang. This development has reportedly increased productivity by about three times compared to previous methods and reduced defect rates on-site by over 60%. Labor input has also been cut by approximately 18%. A DL E&C representative stated, "This new technology revolutionizes bathroom construction productivity and fundamentally addresses chronic issues such as tile detachment and cracking. We will continue to lead the industry by overcoming the limitations and challenges of existing methods." Meanwhile, industry experts anticipate that demand for dry bathroom systems, which can shorten construction periods, will grow alongside the expansion of the remodeling market for aging apartments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:18:00

Weather Forecast: Early Summer Heat with Showers Expected in Gwangju and Jeonnam On Thursday, May 14, daytime temperatures are expected to reach a high of 31 degrees Celsius, signaling an early onset of summer weather.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on May 13, the weather across the country will generally be clear, although some areas in the southern regions may see increased cloud cover in the afternoon. The heat is expected to spread across most inland areas, with temperature differences between day and night reaching around 15 degrees Celsius.Morning low temperatures are forecasted to be between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will range from 18 to 31 degrees Celsius, which is above the average of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius for this time of year.The expected morning low temperatures across the country are as follows: △Seoul 15 degrees △Incheon 14 degrees △Chuncheon 14 degrees △Gangneung 15 degrees △Daejeon 14 degrees △Daegu 15 degrees △Jeonju 15 degrees △Gwangju 15 degrees △Busan 15 degrees △Jeju 14 degrees.In Seoul, the daytime high is projected to reach 31 degrees. Other regions are expected to see the following highs: △Incheon 29 degrees △Chuncheon 28 degrees △Gangneung 20 degrees △Daejeon 30 degrees △Daegu 26 degrees △Jeonju 29 degrees △Gwangju 28 degrees △Busan 23 degrees △Jeju 24 degrees.In the Jeolla region and western South Gyeongsang, clouds will develop in the afternoon, with possible showers from daytime into the evening. Areas experiencing rain may also encounter gusty winds and thunderstorms. Expected rainfall amounts are: △Gwangju and Jeonnam, Jeonbuk 5 to 20 mm △Western inland South Gyeongsang 5 to 20 mm.Fine dust levels are expected to be rated as 'good' to 'moderate' across all regions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:14:57

The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Malacca, and Taiwan Strait The recent conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns about the potential blockade and toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting renewed attention from the international community on the strategic significance of this and other straits. Issues related to the Strait of Hormuz are closely linked to other international straits and choke points. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, expanded the territorial sea limit from 3 nautical miles to 12 nautical miles. As a result, 116 straits that were previously open for international navigation became part of the territorial waters of coastal states, leading to restrictions on the previously free right of passage. To address this issue and balance the interests of coastal states and user states, the international community introduced the legal concept of transit passage for straits used for international navigation. This guarantees the right for ships, submarines, and aircraft to pass quickly and without interference through relevant straits and their airspace. If the right of transit passage is denied in the Strait of Hormuz and tolls are imposed, it would directly contradict the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and have profoundly negative implications for all international straits worldwide. In the Malacca and Singapore Straits, which are familiar to us, a significantly larger volume of crude oil and refined oil passes through daily compared to the Strait of Hormuz. The volume of general cargo is also vastly greater than that of Hormuz. Over 30% of South Korea's import and export cargo and about 90% of its crude oil imports transit through these straits. Moreover, the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz is approximately 39 kilometers wide, while the narrowest point of the Singapore Strait is only about 3.7 kilometers, making the Malacca/Singapore Straits strategically more sensitive. Recently, Indonesia's finance minister suggested imposing tolls in the Malacca Strait, but this proposal was withdrawn due to backlash from coastal states Malaysia and Singapore, as well as negative domestic reactions. However, if the maritime order in the Strait of Hormuz fundamentally changes, there is no guarantee that their stance will remain unchanged. The Taiwan Strait, through which over 45% of our import and export cargo and more than 85% of our crude oil imports pass, is another critical choke point. Although its narrowest point is about 130 kilometers wide, it is a heavily trafficked route, with approximately half of the world's container ships passing through it. If tensions between China and Taiwan escalate or if military conflict erupts, the impact on both the South Korean economy and the global economy would be unimaginable. The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz raises fundamental questions about straits: “Can coastal states charge tolls for straits like the Suez Canal or Panama Canal? Who owns the straits, and who can control them?” Toll collection is possible for artificially constructed waterways under the complete territorial sovereignty of individual nations, as seen with the Suez Canal and Panama Canal, which are granted the right to collect tolls under separate international treaties. In contrast, international straits are recognized as having the right of transit passage, which is a stronger right than the innocent passage allowed for foreign vessels in territorial waters. This means that international straits are not entirely under the sovereign control of coastal states and are guaranteed the right of passage free from interference by coastal nations as international public goods. Of course, reality cannot be explained solely by law. International law provides norms, but actual control over straits is heavily influenced by military power and geopolitical logic. When a specific coastal state militarizes islands or maritime features within or around a strait, or attempts to extend control beyond what international law permits, the legal principles agreed upon by the international community face significant challenges. What implications does this situation hold for South Korea? As a maritime trading nation that relies heavily on imports for energy and raw materials, South Korea's economy would suffer tremendously if energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait were disrupted. South Korea's import and export volumes are also significantly dependent on maritime routes in East Asia, including the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, South Korea must recognize this issue not merely as a regional dispute but as a structural risk directly related to national survival. First, it must consistently support the freedom of navigation and the right of passage, which are core to the international maritime order. Second, strategies to reduce dependence on specific straits through diversification of energy and supply chains are necessary. Third, South Korea should strengthen its naval capabilities and international cooperation to protect maritime routes. Most importantly, a balanced approach is crucial. Rather than aligning with the position of any specific country, maintaining a principled stance based on international law and multilateralism aligns with long-term national interests. A clear message runs through the Strait of Hormuz, Malacca, and Taiwan Strait: when norms collapse, most countries, including ours, suffer tremendous losses. Straits are not the exclusive property of any one nation; they are lifelines for the entire international community.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:12:31

Lotte Department Store Expands VIP Experience with Culinary Tours and Luxury Content Lotte Department Store is evolving its VIP membership program from a focus on point accumulation to a "lifestyle curation" model. The revamped AvenueL program aims to enhance the experiences of its top-tier customers by expanding exclusive travel, fine dining, and unique cultural events. On May 13, Lotte Department Store announced the transition from the existing "AvenueL Points" system to "AvenueL Curation," which will strengthen content-focused VIP services. AvenueL Curation allows customers to utilize tiered points to experience luxury lifestyle content at over 100 partner locations across six categories: luxury hotels, fine dining, golf and leisure, stay, cuisine, wellness, store, and charity. A highlight of the program is an exclusive tour of Ulleungdo scheduled for next month, featuring a private dining experience with Chef Jeong Ho-young and wine pairings by Lotte Department Store's sommelier Han Hee-soo, set against the backdrop of the luxury resort "Cosmos Villasome." The tour will also include a scenic drive along the Ulleungdo coastline in a BMW 7 Series and visits to local attractions, combining nature, gastronomy, and mobility into a single experience. Customer response to AvenueL's exclusive content has already been positive. Last month, Lotte Department Store hosted a gala dinner with Michelin three-star chef Yannick Alléno, which sold out quickly due to limited seating. Previously, a private wedding showcase held at the high-end Hanok resort "The Hanok Heritage" in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, was also a success. Directed by renowned wedding planner Moon Jeong-kyung, the event included accommodations, a dress and hanbok runway, and an after-party, and despite a high package price of 1 million won for two, it received rave reviews and sold out early. Park Sang-woo, head of marketing at Lotte Department Store, stated, "We plan to continuously expand differentiated content for our AvenueL customers, offering experiences that are more finely tailored to their tastes and lifestyles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:09:32