Taiwan to Provide Monthly Cash Support for Children to Combat Low Birth Rate 대만이 저출산 대응을 위해 18세까지 매달 현금을 지급하는 방안을 추진한다. 0~18세 아동·청소년에게 매달 5000대만달러(약 23만원)를 지원해 양육 부담을 낮추겠다는 취지다. On May 20, Taiwan's Central News Agency and Minshi News Network reported that President Lai Ching-te announced a "New Population Policy Strategy" during a press conference marking his second anniversary in office. A key component of this strategy is the proposal to provide a monthly growth allowance for children aged 0 to 18. Executive Yuan Minister Su Tseng-chang stated that the program is set to be implemented next year. Taiwan's demographic indicators are deteriorating rapidly. The total fertility rate fell to 0.695 last year. As of the end of April this year, the total population stood at 23,262,544, marking a decline for 28 consecutive months. The proportion of the population aged 65 and older has surpassed 20%, indicating that Taiwan has entered an ultra-aged society. Details regarding the payment structure are still under review. For children aged 0 to 6, the allowance is intended for parental childcare expenses, while for those aged 6 to 18, part of the funds may be deposited into a "Child Future Account." This account would allow the savings to be used for education or startup costs once the child reaches adulthood. The estimated budget for this initiative is around 200 billion New Taiwan dollars (approximately $9.4 billion). President Lai stated, "Considering Taiwan's economic scale and tax revenue growth, this is a manageable level." He clarified that this funding will not come from cuts to other budgets. This growth allowance is one of 18 policies included in the "Family Support Package." The Taiwanese government aims to reduce the burdens of marriage and childbirth for young people by bundling the growth allowance with support for marriage, pregnancy, childcare, work-life balance, and housing assistance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:36:23

Hanwha Solutions Accelerates Financial Improvement with $130 Million AMPC Cash Flow Hanwha Solutions is rapidly improving its financial structure by cashing in on the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC) generated from its solar business in the United States. The company is currently pursuing a large-scale capital increase while securing stable cash flow based on its North American production facilities. On May 21, Hanwha Solutions announced that it recently sold approximately 200 billion won ($130 million) of AMPC received last year. The company plans to continue cashing in on AMPC to enhance liquidity and expedite its financial improvement. The AMPC program provides tax credit benefits for solar products manufactured in the U.S. Hanwha Solutions receives 7 cents per watt in AMPC for solar modules produced at its Dalton and Cartersville plants. AMPC can be received as a subsidy or tax credit, with the latter being transferable to third parties. When received as a subsidy, it typically takes over a year from the corporate tax filing date to realize the funds. A liquidity market for buying and selling AMPC rights has also emerged in the U.S. From 2023 to 2025, Hanwha Solutions expects to receive a total of 1.3 trillion won in AMPC, having already sold 1.13 trillion won ($812 million) worth, including this recent transaction. The company is currently negotiating contracts to sell the remaining AMPC for 2025 by the end of the first half of this year. In the first quarter of this year, the company received approximately 220 billion won in AMPC. Once the construction of its solar hub, the largest integrated solar manufacturing facility in North America, is completed this year, Hanwha Solutions anticipates receiving AMPC not only for modules but also for cells and wafers, potentially exceeding 1 trillion won annually. The company expects the AMPC receipts from the Cartersville plant to be around 1 trillion won this year. Lee Jae-bin, head of Hanwha Solutions' finance division, stated, "We will continue to secure stable cash flow through AMPC liquidity and focus on improving our financial structure, solidifying our foundation for long-term growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:33:50

Anthropic Projects $10.9 Billion Revenue for Q2, Eyes First Profit Anthropic, the developer of the AI model Claude, is projected to achieve its first quarterly profit, driven by a surge in revenue. Bloomberg reported on May 20, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Anthropic's revenue for the second quarter is expected to reach $10.9 billion (approximately 16.4 trillion won). This figure represents more than a doubling from the previous quarter and is based on materials disclosed to investors. During the same period, operating profit is anticipated to be $559 million (around 840 billion won). However, the sources indicated that due to increased spending on computing resources and other expenses, sustaining profitability in future quarters may be challenging. Once considered a latecomer trailing behind competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic has rapidly increased its revenue by enhancing the performance of its AI agent tools. The company is particularly noted for expanding its market share among corporate clients. Currently, Anthropic is in discussions to secure new investments that would recognize its valuation at over $900 billion (approximately 1,360 trillion won). If successful, this could surpass OpenAI's recent valuation in the private market. Bloomberg previously reported that Anthropic is considering an initial public offering (IPO) as early as October. OpenAI is also aiming for a potential listing this fall. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, stated on May 6 that while the company planned for tenfold growth this year, it is currently experiencing a growth rate of 80 times. Last month, Anthropic announced that its annualized revenue had surpassed $30 billion (approximately 44.4 trillion won), a significant increase from $9 billion at the end of the previous year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:31:51

Samsung Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun Calls for Unity After Wage Negotiation Agreement Jeon Young-hyun, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics and head of the Device Solutions (DS) Division, urged employees to unite following a tentative agreement on wage negotiations this year. His message came after a period of intense labor-management conflict that nearly escalated into a general strike, signaling a move toward organizational stability and internal cohesion.On May 21, Samsung Electronics announced via internal communication channels a notice regarding the '2026 Wage Negotiation Tentative Agreement' along with a message from Vice Chairman Jeon directed at DS Division employees.In his message titled 'Let's Come Together Again,' Jeon encouraged weary employees from the prolonged conflict and emphasized the need for unity to face the upcoming global semiconductor competition.He stated, "It was the dedication of our employees, who have worked diligently in their respective roles despite challenging circumstances, that made this possible."Jeon acknowledged that while there were disagreements and conflicts during the negotiation process, it was clear that everyone shared a commitment to the company. He expressed that he takes seriously the concerns and disappointments employees have felt throughout this process, particularly in light of rising discontent regarding performance bonuses and internal conflicts among business units.Samsung Electronics and its labor union have been at odds over performance bonus systems and wage increase rates. The issue of compensation for the DS Division has become a central point of contention, especially as the semiconductor market shows signs of recovery. The union had even threatened a general strike, leading to heightened tensions. Amid significant external uncertainties and concerns over potential production disruptions, the parties reached a dramatic tentative agreement, averting a worst-case shutdown scenario.The tentative agreement still requires a vote from union members. The Samsung Electronics union's joint action headquarters plans to conduct voting from 2 PM on May 22 to 10 AM on May 27. If a majority of the eligible members participate and a majority vote in favor, the agreement will be finalized; however, if it fails, discussions about a general strike may be reignited.Thus, Jeon's message is interpreted as a heartfelt appeal to union members to endorse the agreement. He urged, "This tentative agreement still requires gathering the opinions of our members. I ask everyone to come together for the future of the company and its employees."Furthermore, he identified 'the chemical bond of the organization' as a top priority following the labor-management conflict. He emphasized, "What matters now is to leave the time of conflict behind and unite as one. I believe that if we work together based on mutual respect and trust, we can achieve another significant leap forward."In conclusion, Jeon stated, "The company will continue to listen to the efforts and dedication of our employees and strive to create a better working environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:29:21

Macau Aims to Attract South Korean Tourists as a Multi-Destination Hub "This year, we aim to attract 41 million tourists, leveraging diverse infrastructure and integrated content to draw South Korean travelers to Macau," said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Chair of the Macau Tourism Board. Macau is accelerating its efforts to attract South Korean tourists as it transforms into a multi-destination hub connecting Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. On May 21, the Macau Tourism Board held the 2026 Macau Tourism Seminar and Travel Mart at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, where it unveiled its key tourism strategies for the year. ◆ Macau Expands Engagement with South Korean Travelers The event was attended by over 250 representatives from Macau, including Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing, and officials from the Hengqin Economic Development Bureau, Macau International Airport, and major integrated resorts, as well as members of the South Korean travel industry. In her welcoming remarks, Fernandes noted, "South Korea is Macau's top overseas tourism market, with 184,900 South Koreans visiting in the first quarter of this year, a 7.4% increase compared to the same period last year. We aim to increase our engagement with South Korean travelers as we target a total of 41 million tourists and over 3 million foreign visitors this year." Dai Bing also addressed the audience, stating, "Since the return of Macau to the motherland, it has successfully implemented 'one country, two systems' and has established itself as a key city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea will closely cooperate with the Macau SAR government to actively support exchanges in culture, tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) among various fields." ◆ Free Bus Service from Hong Kong to Macau: A Multi-Destination Travel Experience This year's core tourism strategy for Macau focuses on enhancing accessibility and diversifying the global market. The emphasis is on developing multi-destination tourism products linked to Hengqin, Guangdong, and Hong Kong. As part of the "Fly You to Macau" campaign, free direct buses to Macau will be provided to foreign tourists using Hong Kong International Airport until the end of the year. Additionally, with the implementation of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers from 55 countries can explore Macau, Hengqin, Guangdong, and Hong Kong without a separate Chinese visa for up to 10 days. ◆ Culinary Experiences, Performances, and Convenient Payments: Enhancing Stay Tourism Macau is also expanding its offerings to transform from a simple visit to a stay-oriented destination. The "Tourism Plus" strategy combines MICE, culture, sports, and culinary experiences, with various experiential events planned throughout the year. The goal is to extend tourists' stay by featuring large-scale performance content. To enhance payment convenience for South Korean travelers, Macau has improved its payment options. In addition to KakaoPay, this year it will collaborate with Naver Pay to create a travel environment free from currency exchange burdens. The Macau Tourism Board plans to continue strengthening business cooperation with the domestic industry to cater to diverse demands, from family travel to the MICE sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:25:19

Seongdong Police Chief Suspended Amid Allegations of Misusing Emergency Vehicle Gwon Mi-ye, the chief of the Seongdong Police Station, has been suspended amid allegations that she used an emergency electric vehicle for commuting to avoid restrictions under the government’s two-part vehicle system. The National Police Agency has initiated an official investigation and announced a strict response policy. According to Yonhap News on May 21, the National Police Agency stated in a press release that it has begun an official investigation into Gwon Mi-ye and that it will take strict action against any misconduct identified during the investigation. Consequently, Gwon has been placed on suspension. Police reports indicate that Gwon is suspected of using a government electric vehicle, which is exempt from the two-part system, for commuting instead of using a designated command vehicle that falls under the restrictions. This vehicle was originally designated for emergency response duties. As the controversy escalated, the National Police Agency also issued directives to reinforce discipline across the national police organization. The agency emphasized the importance of adhering to vehicle restrictions and maintaining electoral neutrality, especially in light of the national energy crisis and the ongoing election campaign. Earlier, Kang Yu-jeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated during a briefing that President Yoon Suk Yeol had been informed of the allegations and directed a prompt investigation to ensure accountability. The police plan to determine whether further disciplinary actions are necessary based on the findings of the investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:24:20

Korea Aims to Attract Foreign Investment with Expanded ETF Access and New IR Event Lee Ok-yeon, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, announced plans to expand the scope of foreign integrated accounts to include exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in order to attract foreign investment in the domestic stock market. He also revealed the establishment of a large-scale international investor relations (IR) event called 'Korea Premium Week.' This initiative aims to transition from the 'Korea Discount' to a 'Korea Premium' era through the globalization of capital markets. During a press conference held on the third floor of the Government Seoul Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 21, Lee stated, "We will actively promote the globalization of capital markets to attract global funds and high-quality assets, moving beyond a domestic-focused approach." The conference focused on the major achievements of the first year of the administration and key initiatives moving forward. He emphasized that while overseas individual investors are eager to purchase Korean stocks, there are currently insufficient mechanisms to facilitate this interest, saying, "We will address this issue." The Financial Services Commission plans to broaden the trading scope of foreign integrated accounts from stocks to include ETFs. This account system allows foreign investors to invest in the domestic stock market without needing to open an account with a local brokerage. The need for this expansion has arisen due to an increase in foreign individual investors entering the Korean market. Lee explained, "Currently, both institutional and individual investors can invest in domestic stocks through foreign integrated accounts. From April 26 to May 15, the cumulative trading volume reached approximately 58 trillion won, with net purchases around 22 trillion won, indicating significant capital inflow." He added, "At present, trading is limited to stocks, but we aim to expand this to include ETFs. We will soon announce regulatory changes, and for those ready, we plan to implement this quickly through non-action letters, even if it takes time." Additionally, the Financial Services Commission will host 'Korea Premium Week' in September, a large-scale IR event targeting foreign investors. This event aims to establish itself as a representative international event for the Korean capital market, similar to Japan's 'Japan Week' and Taiwan's 'Taiwan Week.' Lee noted, "Previously, various institutions held IR events separately, but we will systematically integrate and coordinate these to create an international event representing the Korean capital market. The program will be comprehensive and multifaceted over the course of a month, and we will also pursue overseas IR efforts to attract promising global companies to list on KOSDAQ." The commission is also accelerating efforts to improve capital market regulations. It is preparing to implement a ban on dual listing principles by July. To this end, two seminars will be held this month, and a draft of detailed regulations and guidelines will be released from late May to early June. Lee stated, "Rather than specifying exceptions for future advanced industries, we are focusing on clarifying the board's obligations to protect shareholders and establishing criteria for evaluating shareholder protection efforts. It is important to create universally applicable procedures and standards." He reiterated the need to ease regulations on network separation in the financial sector. The commission plans to temporarily relax these regulations for financial companies with a certain level of security capabilities that utilize AI for enhanced security, subject to expert review. Furthermore, it is considering completely abolishing network separation regulations for financial companies with advanced security capabilities and AI integration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:22:00

Seoul Apartment Prices Rise 0.31%, With Significant Gains in Gwanak and Gwangmyeong Apartment prices in Seoul have increased by 0.31% in the third week of May, driven by strong demand in the Gangnam Three Districts (Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa) and an influx of actual buyers in the outskirts. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's weekly apartment price trends released on May 21, the increase reflects a growing interest in mid- to low-priced apartments, particularly in areas where buyers have access to loans. Gwanak District saw the largest rise at 0.45%, up 0.25 percentage points from the previous week. Other districts with significant increases included Seongbuk (0.47%), Gwangjin (0.42%), Dobong (0.42%), and Nowon (0.39%). Nam Hyuk-woo, a researcher at Woori Bank's Real Estate Research Institute, noted, "In areas like Gangbuk and Gwanak, the ease of obtaining loans and the availability of reasonably priced listings are attracting actual demand from first-time buyers and newlyweds. There is potential for sellers in these areas to move up to higher-priced regions along the Han River, which could have a cascading effect on the market." After a period of decline due to the anticipated resumption of capital gains tax, the Gangnam Three Districts and Yongsan have all turned upward, with increases accelerating last week. Songpa District recorded the highest increase among the four districts at 0.38%, driven by major complexes in Jamsil and Geoyeo-dong. Gangnam (0.20%), Seocho (0.26%), and Gangdong (0.21%) also saw notable gains. Nam added, "As asking prices rise, the market is generally in a wait-and-see mode. However, Songpa is a preferred area for those working in the semiconductor industry, which may continue to attract demand for relocation." In southern Gyeonggi Province, key areas are also showing positive trends in apartment prices. Suji in Yongin (0.38%), Dongtan in Hwaseong (0.46%), Yeongtong in Suwon (0.35%), and Seongnam (0.47%) are leading the upward momentum, reflecting optimism about the booming semiconductor industry. In non-regulated areas like Gunpo (0.18%) and regulated areas such as Uiwang (0.17%) and Gwangmyeong (0.72%), the influx of actual demand continues to support strong apartment prices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:19:15

Government to Expand Experience-Based Economic Education with Tailored Content The Economic Education Association held discussions with stakeholders on enhancing economic education and innovating through artificial intelligence (AI). The government announced plans to build an economic education ecosystem that responds to the digital transformation era by expanding experiential learning and strengthening tailored content for different life stages. The Economic Education Association hosted its "2026 First Half Workshop" on May 21 at the DB Life Human Resources Development Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The event was attended by representatives from 51 member organizations across the private, financial, media, and public sectors, along with officials from government ministries and public institutions. They discussed future directions for economic education, exemplary practices in the field, and collaboration among member organizations. In his opening remarks, Park Jae-wan, president of the Economic Education Association, stated, "We will lead the activation and solidification of economic education based on solidarity and cooperation with our member organizations. We will also focus our efforts on the digitalization of economic education, including the integration of AI into our programs." Kim Young-no, policy planning officer at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, remarked, "This year, the government aims to promote experience-based economic education and expand tailored content for different life stages and social classes under the vision of 'dynamic economic education that reaches everyone.' Government policies must be integrated with the field experiences and cooperation of our member organizations to become truly effective."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:16:23

Korean Finance Ministry Promotes K-GX for Climate Crisis Response On May 21, Heo Chang, the Second Vice Minister of Finance, stated that combining South Korea's climate technology and development experience with the Global Green Growth Institute's (GGGI) project development capabilities and the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) financial resources could present a new growth model in response to the climate crisis. He made these remarks during the GGGI-GCF joint conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, which was attended by over 100 participants, including diplomats. In his opening speech, Heo emphasized that the government is actively pursuing the Korean-style Green Transition (K-GX) to address the climate crisis and is expanding cooperation with international organizations based in South Korea, such as the GCF and GGGI. He expressed the intention to establish a virtuous cycle where climate crisis responses lead to future growth drivers. He further explained that through the Global Voluntary Carbon Market (GVCM), which is being developed in collaboration with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and GGGI, the GCF's carbon reduction achievements could be converted into carbon credits, potentially generating new revenue while contributing to both carbon reduction and development funding. The government plans to strengthen cooperation with major climate and green international organizations located in South Korea. A Ministry of Finance official stated, "We will actively seek ways to enhance collaboration with international organizations such as the GCF and GGGI in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 15:15:00