KB Securities Sets Target Price of 440,000 Won for NC Following Successful Game Launches KB Securities announced on May 21 that it has initiated coverage of NC with a target price of 440,000 won, citing expectations for continued success of new game launches, improved profitability, and momentum for global market expansion. Lee Ji-eun, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "We present NC as our top pick in the gaming sector, highlighting key investment points such as performance growth driven by consecutive successful game launches, profitability improvements through cost efficiency, global market expansion momentum, and attractive valuation compared to competitors." KB Securities forecasts NC's operating profit for this year to reach 500.6 billion won, a staggering 3,012% increase from the previous year. The firm believes that the sustained success of 'Aion 2' and 'Lineage Classic' indicates that NC is entering a significant phase of performance improvement. Both games are expected to maintain stable traffic and revenue streams, suggesting strong results for the second quarter following a solid first quarter. Particularly, 'Aion 2' is noted not only for its commercial success but also for significant changes in user perception. The development team's ongoing communication broadcasts have successfully restored user trust, fostering a positive community atmosphere. The increase in the proportion of in-game purchases for mobile games is also seen as contributing to profitability improvements. KB Securities estimates that the in-game purchase ratio for 'Aion 2' is about 80%, while the three 'Lineage' mobile games are around 30%. Notably, the in-game purchase ratios for the 'Lineage' mobile games are gradually rising. Additionally, the upcoming global launch of 'Aion 2' in September is identified as a key momentum factor. Given that the current publishing regions are primarily South Korea and Taiwan, a successful global launch could lead to a reevaluation of NC's valuation. The researcher concluded, "Despite possessing both performance and new game momentum, NC is undervalued compared to competitors lacking such momentum. We strongly recommend buying and maintain our top pick status."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:30:00

Candidates Launch Campaigns for Seoul Mayor Election Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party officially launched their campaigns for the Seoul mayoral election on May 21. Jung is focusing on his political hometown of Seongdong, while Oh is reaching out to citizens in Gangbuk, where his elementary school is located. On the first day of the campaign, Jung visited the Dong Seoul Postal Center in Gwangjin-gu at midnight to encourage workers and personally moved packages in the sorting area. He was accompanied by Jung Cheong-rae, the Democratic Party leader, who also participated in the postal work. After completing his initial campaign schedule, Jung shared on Facebook, "I wanted to deliver the future of Seoul to the citizens and our descendants through this local election while experiencing their lives. I will do my best to ensure that Seoul stands on a safe foundation." Later that morning at 10:30 a.m., Jung held an official campaign launch at Wangsimni Station in Seongdong-gu, which is considered his political hometown. Jung previously served three terms as the district chief there. The launch event is expected to showcase the strength of the Democratic Party, with Jung and numerous officials from 25 autonomous districts and 48 regional committees in attendance. Meanwhile, Oh began his campaign at midnight by visiting the Garak Agricultural and Fishery Wholesale Market in Songpa-gu, greeting merchants and assisting with loading cabbages onto trucks. He stated, "Thanks to the self-employed individuals who quietly work in difficult circumstances, the economy of Seoul continues to thrive. I will work hard alongside those who are building a bright future for Seoul." At 9:30 a.m., Oh delivered his campaign message in the alley near his elementary school in Gangbuk, where he grew up in a makeshift village. Oh then plans to meet voters in the districts of Seodaemun, Yeongdeungpo, Guro, and Seongbuk before holding his official campaign launch at Cheonggye Plaza at 7 p.m. Both candidates will conclude their first official campaign schedules in Gangnam. Jung will revisit the construction site of the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, where issues with missing rebar have arisen, at 2:50 p.m. He will then engage in a focused campaign and greet citizens during rush hour at Gangnam Square at 6 p.m. Oh will also wrap up his day in Gangnam, greeting citizens near Gangnam Station at 8 p.m. to solicit their support. 2026-05-21 09:27:00

KT Establishes Privacy Protection Advisory Committee with External Experts KT announced on May 21 that it will establish a "Privacy Protection Advisory Committee" to address changes in the privacy management landscape resulting from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the expansion of data-driven services. The committee aims to strengthen governance focused on proactive privacy management. It seeks to establish privacy protection standards and measures that align with customer expectations, ensuring objectivity and reliability. To achieve this, KT has invited privacy protection experts from various fields, including policy and law, technology and security, industry and services, and ethics and user protection, to serve as advisory committee members. The company plans to continue expanding the committee in the future. Committee members include Yeom Heung-yeol (Professor Emeritus, Soonchunhyang University), Lee Hee-jung (Professor, Korea University Law School), Ryu Jae-cheol (Professor, Chungnam National University Department of Computer Convergence), Son Ki-wook (Professor, Seoul National University of Science and Technology Department of Computer Engineering), Shim Sang-hyun (Secretary General, Korea CPO Forum), and Kim Kyung-ha (CEO, J&Security). The committee will provide advice on enhancing compliance and accountability as data processors, ensuring the safety of personal information and the appropriateness of data usage, and improving systems to prevent and mitigate personal data breaches. KT plans to launch the committee within this month and begin full operations. KT CEO Park Yoon-young will attend the launch ceremony to present certificates to the advisory members and discuss the direction for enhancing the privacy protection system. Kim Chang-o, KT's Chief Privacy Officer, stated, "In the AI era, securing customer trust in privacy protection is as crucial as the innovation in data utilization. We will work closely with external experts to establish a global-level privacy protection system and create a trustworthy data environment for our customers." Meanwhile, LG Uplus established an "Information Security Advisory Committee" composed of external experts in the cybersecurity field in 2023. SK Telecom is receiving advice from the Information Security Innovation Special Committee established by the SK Group last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:24:55

HD Hyundai Robotics Launches $9 Million Cooperative Support Program HD Hyundai Robotics, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai's robotics division, is establishing a cooperative financial support program to assist its partners. On May 21, the company announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hana Bank and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund on May 20 at its headquarters in Daegu. The agreement aims to secure new growth engines for the domestic robotics industry and enhance competitiveness in the global market through collaboration between businesses and financial and public institutions. Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Robotics and Hana Bank will jointly contribute 600 million won (approximately $450,000), while the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund will provide guarantees worth 9 billion won (about $6.75 million) to partner companies in need of loans. The support will be available to domestic mid-sized and small partners engaged in joint production, research and development, and procurement with HD Hyundai Robotics. These companies will benefit from a 100% guarantee rate and fixed guarantee fee rates, significantly easing their financial burden for future business initiatives. A representative from HD Hyundai Robotics stated, "This agreement lays the foundation for financial support, enabling our partners to operate more stably and encouraging research and development (R&D) and investment expansion. We will continue to promote mutual growth with our partners through various support programs." Additionally, HD Hyundai Robotics is accelerating the development of humanoid robots based on physical artificial intelligence (AI) to leverage synergies with HD Hyundai Group's shipbuilding business. The company is collaborating with AI specialists to develop bipedal humanoid robots for shipyard welding and is pushing for the commercialization of automation technologies tailored to shipyard environments. This initiative aims to accelerate the establishment of 'smart shipyards' where robots can replace hazardous and precise tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:22:20

HD Hyundai Partners with TerraPower to Target Next-Generation Nuclear Market Jung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai, is accelerating efforts to target the global market for next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) as a key growth area. The company is expanding its business portfolio, traditionally focused on shipbuilding and marine industries, into the nuclear equipment sector to strengthen its energy value chain. On May 21, HD Hyundai announced that its shipbuilding subsidiary, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, has signed a basic agreement with TerraPower for the supply of sodium reactors in the United States. The signing ceremony was attended by Won Kwang-sik, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Marine Energy Division, and Chris Levesque, CEO of TerraPower, among other officials. Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has become the preferred negotiation partner for manufacturing and supplying key equipment for TerraPower's sodium reactor systems (RES), leveraging its strong manufacturing capabilities and extensive track record. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move for HD Hyundai to establish itself as a key player in the global SMR supply chain, going beyond mere equipment supply. The two companies have been jointly researching manufacturing feasibility, cost competitiveness, and supply schedules since signing a strategic agreement in March 2025 to expand the manufacturing supply chain for sodium reactors. Notably, Chairman Jung previously met with Bill Gates, founder of TerraPower, in the U.S. last year to discuss expanding cooperation on SMRs, marking a significant push for the nuclear power business. At that time, HD Hyundai also participated in supplying key equipment for TerraPower's next-generation sodium reactor, gaining recognition for its technological capabilities. Won Kwang-sik stated, "The signing of this agreement will strengthen our strategic partnership with TerraPower and serve as a crucial foundation for entering the global SMR market. We will strive to ensure timely supply of sodium reactor equipment and establish a continuous production base through our joint research, enhancing our global competitiveness." Additionally, on the same day, HD Hyundai signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with TerraPower and Hyundai Engineering & Construction to collaborate on the next-generation sodium reactor business. This agreement will enable HD Hyundai and Hyundai Engineering & Construction to establish a foundation for design, procurement, and construction execution, as well as major equipment supply, to actively respond to the next-generation nuclear power market in the U.S. and globally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:20:22

Government to Revise Apartment Management Fees to Combat Corruption The South Korean government is set to revise its apartment management system to reduce corruption and opaque contracting practices in the execution of management fees. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will eliminate the exception that allowed properties to forgo external accounting audits with resident consent and will also limit the use of direct contracts. According to a report presented to the Special Task Force on Living Costs on May 21, the average management fee for apartments in March was 224,728 won per household, a 2.1% increase from 220,111 won in the same month last year. However, this figure represents a 7.26% decrease from the previous month’s average of 242,316 won. The ministry noted that the rise in labor costs had already been accounted for in January, and seasonal factors contributed to the drop in fees from the previous month. However, the ministry warned that management fees could rise again after May due to increased use of air conditioning and higher electricity and water consumption as temperatures rise. As of March, the breakdown of management fees included general management costs of 40,903 won, security costs of 27,181 won, cleaning fees of 18,657 won, and electricity charges of 49,001 won. The long-term maintenance fund was set at 22,079 won. From March 25 to April 9, the government conducted inspections of management fee assessments and executions across 19 apartment complexes in 16 cities and provinces. The inspections targeted properties that failed to comply with management fee disclosure regulations or did not release the results of their 2024 accounting audits, as well as those that exhibited multiple anomalies in the early warning system. The inspections resulted in 38 instances of on-site guidance and corrective measures, along with 19 pre-notices for fines. Major violations included failing to disclose management fee details or construction and service contracts for extended periods, not maintaining management fee records and supporting documents, improperly executing management fees, and engaging in direct contracts despite being subject to competitive bidding. Under current law, violations of disclosure obligations, failure to maintain accounting documents, and inappropriate direct contracts can result in fines of up to 5 million won. Improper calculation, assessment, or execution of management fees can lead to fines of up to 10 million won. To prevent misconduct by resident representative councils and management entities, the government plans to eliminate the exception for accounting audits. Currently, mandatory managed apartments must undergo annual audits, but those with fewer than 300 units can skip the audit if more than half of residents agree in writing, while those with more than 300 units require two-thirds approval. The government aims to abolish this provision to prevent the evasion of audits. Discussions on similar measures to eliminate exemptions from external audits have also been raised in the National Assembly. Sanctions against housing managers involved in management fee corruption will also be strengthened. The government is proposing to apply stronger penalties, including revocation of qualifications, for those who cause financial harm to residents through intentional or gross negligence or who receive improper benefits. Criminal penalties will also be increased. Currently, failing to maintain or falsifying records can result in up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won, but this will be raised to a maximum of two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won. Refusing to allow access to records or provide them will see penalties increase from a maximum fine of 5 million won to up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won. Additionally, fines for failing to provide management fee details will be raised from a maximum of 5 million won to up to 10 million won. The contracting process for construction and services will also be revised. The government plans to limit direct contracts to urgent situations such as natural disasters or safety incidents, or when specific expertise is required. Insurance and general goods will be excluded from direct contracting. Existing contracts for cleaning and security services will also be subject to restrictions based on performance evaluations. Requirements for limited competitive bidding will be tightened. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has noted that excessive restrictions on participation qualifications undermine the principles of competitive bidding and contribute to rising management fees. In cases where limited competitive bidding is justified by technical capabilities, prior consent from residents will be required for patents or new technologies necessary for construction and services. The ministry cited a case from January 2023 in which a painting and waterproofing contract worth 2.1 billion won was awarded through collusion among companies due to restrictions on capital and technical capabilities. Next month, the ministry plans to revise guidelines for selecting housing managers and contractors and will propose amendments to the Apartment Management Act. If necessary, additional investigations and audits regarding management fee assessments and executions will be conducted, and administrative procedures for imposing fines will be initiated through local governments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:12:59

Eastar Jet Partners with Silla University to Train Aviation Maintenance Personnel Eastar Jet is taking the lead in training talent for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).On May 21, Eastar Jet announced that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Aviation Maintenance Department at Silla University to foster talent in aviation MRO.The agreement aims to systematically develop aviation maintenance personnel and establish a foundation for early and stable workforce recruitment.The two parties will collaborate in various areas, including the joint development of aviation maintenance training programs, sharing educational infrastructure such as training facilities and equipment, exchanging information on aviation maintenance technology and regulations, and providing guest lectures and mentoring from industry professionals.Notably, during the summer and winter breaks, Silla University will offer an internship program for fourth-year students at Eastar Jet's maintenance center at Gimhae Airport.During the internship, Eastar Jet will provide high-quality curriculum support, including tours of B737-8 aircraft maintenance sites, hands-on training in the use of the maintenance history computerized system (ERP), and practical education on the maintenance quality management system (SMS), helping students grow into aviation maintenance experts.An Eastar Jet official stated, "We plan to expand opportunities for hands-on aviation maintenance education to support the development of skilled personnel. We will continue to nurture aviation maintenance talent across various regions, contributing to the competitiveness of the domestic aviation maintenance industry."Meanwhile, Eastar Jet has been expanding its foundation for training maintenance personnel through industry-academia cooperation since establishing a consolidated maintenance center at Gimpo Airport last October.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:09:33

Trump Declares Cuba a 'Rogue State' Amid Increased Pressure On May 20, coinciding with Cuba's Independence Day, President Donald Trump labeled the Havana regime a "rogue state." He issued a warning against allowing hostile foreign military, intelligence, and terrorist activities just 90 miles from U.S. shores. In a message commemorating the holiday, Trump stated, "The United States will not tolerate a rogue state that allows hostile foreign military, intelligence, and terrorist operations just 90 miles from our homeland." He added, "We will not rest until the Cuban people reclaim the freedom their ancestors fought for over a century ago." Trump accused the Cuban communist regime of undermining political freedom for nearly 70 years, rejecting fair elections, and suppressing dissent. He attributed the collapse of the Cuban economy to corruption and control by the regime's elite. The U.S. has also intensified sanctions and prosecutions targeting the Cuban government. According to Reuters, on May 18, the U.S. government added 11 Cuban officials, along with the Cuban Directorate of Intelligence (DI), the Ministry of the Interior, and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), to its sanctions list. On May 20, four individuals, including former Cuban National Assembly President Raúl Castro, were indicted in connection with the 1996 shooting down of a Cuban exile group's aircraft, facing charges of murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and aircraft destruction. Simultaneously, the U.S. extended a conciliatory message to the Cuban people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed $100 million in food and medical aid in a Spanish-language video message, emphasizing that the support should be distributed not through the Cuban government but via the Catholic Church or trusted humanitarian organizations. Cuba quickly responded, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticizing the White House's message as a "rude statement based on misinformation." The Cuban government has consistently argued that U.S. sanctions and pressure exacerbate its economic difficulties.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:07:28

Nvidia's Strong Performance and Eased Samsung Strike Risks May Boost KOSPI U.S. stock markets rebounded overnight, buoyed by stabilizing Treasury yields and renewed optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). This raises the possibility of a similar recovery in the domestic market. The positive performance of Nvidia and reduced strike risks at Samsung Electronics are also expected to enhance investor sentiment in semiconductor stocks. According to the financial investment industry, on May 20 (local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 645.47 points (1.31%) to close at 35,059.35. The S&P 500 gained 79.30 points (1.08%) to finish at 4,432.91, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite climbed 399.65 points (1.55%) to end at 26,270.36. The stabilization of U.S. Treasury yields and international oil prices, which had contributed to recent market volatility, has led to a recovery in investor sentiment. The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond fell by 6.6 basis points to 5.114%, while the yield on the 10-year bond also decreased to around 4.58%. International oil prices saw a significant drop. July Brent crude futures fell by 5.63% to $105.02 per barrel, and July West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures decreased by 5.66% to $98.26. Market attention is focused on Nvidia's earnings report. After the market closed on May 20 (local time), Nvidia announced its first-quarter results for the 2027 fiscal year (February to April), reporting revenue of $81.62 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.87. The revenue exceeded market expectations of $79.2 billion, and both the gross profit margin (GPM) and second-quarter revenue guidance also surpassed forecasts. Nvidia projected second-quarter revenue of $91 billion. However, in after-hours trading, the stock showed a slight decline of about 1% due to concerns over guidance not reflecting sales in China and pre-emptive pricing pressures. Despite this, the trend of increased investment in AI remains strong. Major semiconductor stocks, including Micron and AMD, also performed well, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index surged by 4.49%. Market observers note that global tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta continue to expand their AI infrastructure investments. In the domestic market, news of a labor agreement at Samsung Electronics has boosted investor sentiment in semiconductor stocks. Samsung's labor union and management reached a tentative agreement on wage negotiations for 2026 under the mediation of Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon. As a result, a planned general strike has been postponed, with a vote for union members scheduled from 2 p.m. on May 22 to 10 a.m. on May 27. As of 8:44 a.m. on May 21, Samsung's stock price surged by 5.2% in pre-market trading on NextTrade (NXT). SK Hynix also showed a strong performance, rising by around 4%, indicating a broad buying trend across the semiconductor sector. Analysts suggest that while a technical rebound is likely following recent declines, high volatility driven by U.S. interest rates and geopolitical factors will persist. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "As expectations for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ease concerns over oil prices and interest rates, the stock market is experiencing a relief rally. However, it is important to note that the domestic market remains strongly characterized by earnings performance." She added, "Recent adjustments have brought the KOSPI's forward price-to-earnings ratio (PER) below the historically high buy rate of 8 times. Assuming current earnings consensus is maintained, a scenario of the KOSPI reaching 10,000 points is plausible."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 09:04:10

South Korea Prepares for Local Election Campaign Season as Posters Fill Seoul Streets SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) -Stacks of campaign posters wait to be sorted as election officials inspect candidate materials at the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission in Seoul on May 20, on the eve of South Korea’s official campaign season for the June 3 local elections. Beginning May 21, the country’s streets, subway exits and neighborhood intersections will transform into a sea of banners, loudspeakers and campaign trucks as candidates fan out nationwide for 13 days of rallies and public speeches. Election posters will begin appearing at designated sites across Seoul and other cities by May 22, while households are set to receive campaign booklets introducing candidates and policy pledges by May 24. Under election rules, candidates may campaign in public from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., though amplified broadcasts are restricted after 9 p.m. Social media, text messaging and online campaigning remain permitted throughout the election period, reflecting how digital platforms have become as central to Korean elections as street corners and traditional stump speeches. The National Election Commission also warned against the spread of AI-generated deepfake videos and false online information, both prohibited under election law ahead of the vote. 2026-05-21 09:01:33