Naver Launches Special Page for 9th Local Elections with Enhanced Comment Policies Naver is taking steps to ensure accurate election information and combat false comments and automated activities ahead of the 9th Local Elections on June 3. Naver launched its "Special Page for the 9th Local Elections" on May 7, detailing its comment policies for political and election news, as well as a feature for reporting false comments. The special page includes curated election articles from various media outlets, localized election news, public opinion polls, key election dates, and historical voter turnout data. On election day, a live coverage section will aggregate broadcasts from major networks, allowing users to view exit poll results and predictions from various media. Since March, Naver has strengthened its comment policy, allowing only verified accounts to post comments. Comments will not be available on articles in the political and election sections, but a collection of comments will be displayed in reverse chronological order. Naver's AI-based detection system, "Clean Bot," automatically disables harmful comments and provides notifications when there is a surge in likes or dislikes. Last month, Naver upgraded its "AI Clean Bot 3.0," enhancing its ability to detect comments that promote violence or disparage victims and their families. The system analyzes both comment content and article context to identify malicious intent or hate speech. During the election period, requests for comment deletions related to candidates will be handled according to the policies of the Korea Internet Self-Governance Organization (KISO) and in cooperation with the National Election Commission. To combat the spread of false information, Naver will enhance its 24-hour monitoring and establish a hotline for issue response. Users can report false comments on election management news, and a reporting center will connect them to the election commission's channel. Similar to previous presidential and parliamentary elections, Naver will provide candidate information, including names, photos, birth dates, and educational backgrounds, starting June 21, after the candidate registration deadline on May 15. Autocomplete and search suggestions for candidates in various elections will be restricted. Kim Soo-hyang, Naver's leader, stated, "Naver is committed to delivering accurate and timely information for the local elections and ensuring that the comment section for election-related news fosters healthy communication. We will continue to work with the election commission and KISO to prevent the spread of false information." 2026-05-08 11:58:27

KISA Invests 12 Billion Won to Foster Next-Generation Security Companies The South Korean government is taking steps to nurture next-generation security companies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) security. As cyber threats evolve with the rise of AI, the initiative aims to enhance the technological competitiveness and commercialization capabilities of domestic cybersecurity firms. On May 8, the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) announced the selection of 50 companies to undertake 18 projects focused on developing next-generation security products and services, as part of the "2026 Information Security New Technology Support Project." The initiative, which has a total budget of 12.04 billion won, will focus on four key areas: commercialization of AI-based security products, fostering AI security companies, developing a Korean integrated security model, and implementing zero trust frameworks. Companies such as Sands Lab, Kudo Communication, Enki White Hat, and SK Shieldus have been chosen for specific projects. KISA plans to support these selected firms in enhancing the technical maturity of their AI security products and services, facilitating their entry into both domestic and international markets. This support initiative comes in response to the growing demand for security threat detection and response technologies utilizing AI, as well as zero trust-based security systems. The proliferation of generative AI has led to more sophisticated security threats, including malware creation, phishing, and automated attacks, highlighting the need for enhanced response capabilities among businesses and public institutions. The government is focused on backing the development of new technologies by private cybersecurity firms and expanding the availability of security products and services applicable in real-world industrial settings. Additionally, KISA is expanding its efforts to cultivate cybersecurity talent in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT. The agency is supporting educational programs such as the "Next-Generation Security Leader Training Course," which offers training and mentoring in digital forensics, security product development, security consulting, and vulnerability analysis, as well as a job-linked "White Hat Course" based on corporate demand. 2026-05-08 11:56:55

Coway Reports 1st Quarter Operating Profit of 250.9 Billion Won Driven by Water Purifiers and BEREX Growth Coway reported strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased sales of its core products, including water purifiers and BEREX beds. The company attributed its performance to a rise in domestic rental accounts and stable sales growth from overseas subsidiaries.On May 8, Coway announced that its consolidated revenue for the first quarter reached 1.33 trillion won, with an operating profit of 250.9 billion won. This marks a year-on-year increase of 13.2% in revenue and 18.8% in operating profit.Domestic sales amounted to 742.8 billion won, up 9.5% from the previous year. The launch of new products like the Icon Water Purifier 3 and the BEREX Pebble Chair 2, along with the introduction of the home healthcare brand Terasol, contributed to this growth.The 'Coway Festa' promotion, which began in late February, boosted new rental sales across all product lines. Notably, new sales of BEREX beds surged by over 30% compared to the same period last year. The net increase in domestic rental accounts reached 188,000, an 81.8% rise year-on-year.Industry analysts note that Coway is expanding its business focus from water purifiers to include mattresses and massage chairs, enhancing the contribution of BEREX to its overall performance.Overseas, Coway's subsidiaries also experienced growth, with first-quarter revenue reaching 537 billion won, a 20.2% increase from the previous year. The Malaysian subsidiary reported 406.2 billion won, up 23.5%, while the Thai subsidiary saw a 29.3% increase to 55.4 billion won. The Indonesian subsidiary recorded 12.6 billion won, growing by 14.7%. However, the U.S. subsidiary's revenue fell by 4.1% to 57.5 billion won.Kim Soon-tae, Coway's CFO, stated, "We have solidified our market dominance in the first quarter with upgraded new products that continue the legacy of our bestsellers. With balanced sales performance both domestically and internationally, we aim to maintain growth in the second quarter through innovative product launches and enhanced online and offline marketing strategies that support profitability." 2026-05-08 11:55:10

CIA: Iran Can Endure Maritime Blockade for 3-4 Months U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Iran could endure a maritime blockade for at least three to four months. This analysis contrasts with President Donald Trump's public claims that Iran's economy and military are rapidly collapsing. According to the Washington Post, a confidential assessment delivered to the White House this week indicates that Iran could withstand U.S. sanctions for 90 to 120 days, and possibly longer. Sources familiar with the matter stated that Iran would face more severe economic pressures only after this period. This analysis notably separates the impact of the blockade from the regime's resilience. The report suggests that Iran is storing oil in tankers left idle by the blockade and adjusting production levels to maintain its oil fields. Some intelligence officials believe that if certain rail and land routes through Central Asia remain operational, Iran's buffer capacity could increase. The military assessment also diverges from Trump's statements. The Washington Post reported that Iran retains about 75% of its mobile launchers and 70% of its missile stockpiles. Many underground storage facilities have been reactivated, and there are indications that some damaged missiles have been repaired or that new missiles, nearly completed at the onset of conflict, are being assembled. Analysts have noted that the threat in the Strait of Hormuz comes more from drones than from ballistic missiles. The Washington Post cited analysts who warned that the low cost and ease of concealing drones could lead to significant disruptions in the insurance market if even one ship is struck. The report also indicated that at least 228 U.S. military facilities and equipment in the Middle East have been damaged or destroyed due to Iranian attacks. In contrast, the Trump administration has emphasized the effectiveness of the blockade. Trump recently claimed that Iran's economy is “collapsing” and stated that the White House estimates Iran is losing $500 million daily due to the sanctions. He also mentioned that the operation to support navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed 'Project Freedom,' was temporarily suspended due to progress in negotiations with Iran. 2026-05-08 11:53:35

InBody Hits Upper Limit Following Strong Q1 Earnings Report InBody's stock has surged to its upper limit following a significant increase in its first-quarter earnings compared to last year. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:20 a.m. on May 8, InBody's shares rose by 8,850 won (29.85%) to 38,500 won, reaching the maximum allowable price increase. The company reported that its consolidated revenue for the first quarter of this year was 68.445 billion won, a 23.1% increase from the same period last year. Operating profit soared by 86% to 13.025 billion won, while net profit jumped 138.1% to 16.298 billion won. Kim Chung-hyun, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, noted, "Revenue exceeded market expectations, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of record performance," adding that operating profit also surpassed forecasts. He further stated, "As the obesity treatment market grows in the U.S. and Europe, obesity clinics and pharmaceutical companies researching obesity treatments are emerging as new demand sources. The obesity treatment market will continue to provide growth momentum." 2026-05-08 11:52:13

HMM Approves Relocation of Headquarters from Seoul to Busan HMM held an extraordinary general meeting on May 8, approving a change in its headquarters from Seoul to Busan. The company plans to first relocate the CEO's office to Busan, followed by a gradual organizational transition.The meeting took place at Park One Tower in Yeouido, Seoul, where the board voted to amend the company's articles of incorporation to reflect the new headquarters location in Busan.Choi Won-hyuk, HMM's CEO, stated, "As a leading national shipping company, we are committed to contributing to balanced national development and achieving continuous growth." He acknowledged the current uncertainties in the domestic and international shipping environment, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have led to rising costs and declining performance for HMM.Despite these challenges, Choi emphasized the company's commitment to overcoming the crisis through detailed strategies and enhancing shareholder value while strengthening its global investment capabilities.The meeting, which began at 9 a.m., concluded in under an hour as the proposed amendment was swiftly approved. The change in headquarters is effective immediately.After the meeting, HMM officials indicated that the relocation to Busan would proceed gradually and based on labor-management agreements, ruling out forced relocations without employee consent.Initially, some functions, including the CEO's office, will be moved, with further discussions on the scope and timing of organizational transitions to follow.HMM's labor and management reached a dramatic agreement on the headquarters relocation on April 30. However, concerns remain among employees regarding working conditions, housing, education, and the extent of key organizational moves.Industry insiders predict that further negotiations between labor and management will be necessary during the relocation process. One shipping industry representative noted, "While the amendment is complete, the actual relocation process is just beginning. Balancing employee acceptance and management efficiency will be crucial moving forward." 2026-05-08 11:50:46

Celltrion's U.S. Strategy Boosts Sales of Jimpenetra, Achieving Record Prescriptions Celltrion's tailored sales strategy in the U.S. has paid off, with its subcutaneous infliximab treatment, Jimpenetra (known as Remsima SC in South Korea), achieving its highest quarterly prescription volume ever in the first quarter of this year, surpassing the total prescriptions from the first half of last year.The company is optimistic about the second half of the year, anticipating continued growth for Jimpenetra as prescription trends show a consistent upward trajectory.According to Celltrion, Jimpenetra's prescriptions increased by 185% year-over-year in the first quarter, marking a record high.This success is attributed to the company's '3P' marketing strategy, which focuses on key stakeholders in the local healthcare market, including doctors, insurers, and patients, following Jimpenetra's launch in 2024.To expand prescriptions for Jimpenetra, Celltrion has concentrated on engaging healthcare professionals, increasing its local sales force to 100 to enhance marketing capabilities. Securing insurance coverage has also been crucial, as reimbursement directly impacts prescriptions in the U.S. The company has utilized various advertising channels, including TV, YouTube, and social media, to increase patient awareness and preference for the product.Celltrion expects Jimpenetra's growth to continue in the second half of the year, supported by a solid prescription infrastructure with over 90% reimbursement coverage, increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients, and consistent record-breaking prescription volumes since its launch.Additionally, a new high-revenue product line launched alongside Jimpenetra is also performing well in the U.S. The product, Stekima (ustekinumab), launched in March last year, has captured a 10.2% market share within its first year.A Celltrion representative stated, "Considering the upward prescription trend as we move into the second half, we expect Jimpenetra's growth to accelerate further."Previously, Celltrion reported its highest-ever first-quarter performance despite seasonal slowdowns, with consolidated revenues of 1.145 trillion won and an operating profit of 321.9 billion won. This represents a 36% increase in revenue and a 115.5% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year, marking the highest first-quarter revenue and operating profit on record.Celltrion noted that this record performance positions them well to exceed their annual targets of 5.3 trillion won in revenue and 1.8 trillion won in operating profit. 2026-05-08 11:49:00

Iran Establishes Persian Gulf Strait Authority to Regulate Shipping Iran has begun formalizing its control over the Strait of Hormuz by launching a new authority to regulate shipping. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority will oversee vessel passage approvals and collect tolls, marking a shift from temporary military measures to a permanent administrative system. On May 8, reports from AP, PBS, and CBS indicated that Iran has established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is acting as the "only valid approval authority" for vessels transiting the strait, according to maritime information provider Lloyd's List. Reuters also supported this development, citing Iran's state-run Press TV, which reported that a new system for managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been introduced. Commercial vessels must coordinate their passage with Iranian military forces, and a new map reflecting the controlled areas has been released. Under this system, vessels must receive prior approval via official email, detailing regulations and procedures. CBS noted that applications require information about vessel ownership, insurance, crew details, and planned routes. The shipping industry views this move as effectively instituting a "permit-based passage." AP highlighted that with Iran already exerting de facto control over the strait, the establishment of this new authority could further undermine freedom of navigation. PBS reported that the authority's role in approving passage and collecting tolls has resurfaced as a key issue amid stalled U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. Maritime Executive cited Iranian state media, stating that the authority serves as a "single window" for direct communication with shipowners, including a dedicated official email address. However, the legitimacy of toll collection in international straits remains contentious, with the U.S. potentially sanctioning entities that pay these tolls to Iran. 2026-05-08 11:47:34

Government Strengthens Supply Chain for Solar Inverters Amid High Foreign Dependency 정부가 업계와 외산 비중이 높은 태양광 인버터에 대한 공급망을 보호하기 위한 논의를 본격화한다. 기후에너지환경부는 8일 서울 양재 엘타워에서 한국전력공사 등 공공기관 및 OCI파워 등 국내 인버터 제조업계와 함께 '태양광 인버터산업 발전협의체'를 공식 발족했다. The South Korean government is taking steps to protect the supply chain for solar inverters, which are heavily reliant on foreign imports. On May 8, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment officially launched the 'Solar Inverter Industry Development Council' in Seoul, collaborating with public institutions like Korea Electric Power Corporation and domestic manufacturers such as OCI Power. Solar inverters are essential for converting direct current (DC) electricity generated from solar power into alternating current (AC). Their importance is growing due to their impact on generation efficiency, system safety, and power quality. However, the majority of solar inverters in South Korea are imported, raising concerns about supply chain stability. Notably, Chinese products account for over 70% of global solar inverter shipments, contributing to this dependency. The council aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in line with the expansion of renewable energy. It will pursue joint research projects for future technology development and gather industry feedback to protect the solar inverter ecosystem. The ministry plans to enhance the inverter industry ecosystem through public demand expansion, improvements in certification systems, and support for AI-driven inverter technology development. Korea Electric Power Corporation will outline investment plans focused on developing secure next-generation solar inverters. The council will operate through specialized divisions: one for promoting localization of key technologies, another for discussing technology standards and testing facilities, and a third for strengthening the domestic supply chain and creating markets. Plans include technology transfer in the energy sector, R&D support, and opening testing facilities to reshape the industry ecosystem. Lee Ho-hyun, the second vice minister of climate, stated, "With the launch of this council, we will continue to provide policy support to enhance the technological competitiveness of domestic companies and create a stable industrial ecosystem." 2026-05-08 11:45:50

Coupang Expands Healthcare Access for Seniors and Children in Danyang Coupang is accelerating its healthcare support initiative in rural areas with limited medical infrastructure. Ahead of the opening of its advanced logistics center in Jecheon next year, the company is deploying a team of medical professionals to Danyang, a region with a high elderly population, to provide tailored healthcare services. On May 7, Coupang held its "On-Dongne Care" program at the Maepo Gymnasium in Danyang County, targeting residents in medical blind spots. This was the second mobile clinic event following its launch in Jangsu County, Jeollabuk-do, in April. Danyang County has a population of about 26,000, with 37.6% aged 65 and older, making it a representative ultra-aged community. Given the local challenges in accessing advanced hospitals, Coupang partnered with the Korean Medical Volunteer Corps to send over 40 medical professionals, including specialists and nurses, to the site. The event provided comprehensive services, including internal medicine, dentistry, and traditional Korean medicine, along with bone density and blood tests for around 500 participants, including seniors and students from Maepo Middle School. For those with mobility issues, home visits for medical care were also offered. This event expanded its focus to include youth, introducing growth plate examinations and developmental assessments for children. Coupang and the medical team plan to provide essential medicine kits based on the results and will coordinate follow-up care for residents needing additional treatment at nearby hospitals. This healthcare initiative aligns with the upcoming launch of Coupang's Jecheon logistics center, which is being developed with an investment of approximately 100 billion won. The project aims to strengthen community trust through localized social contributions beyond mere job creation. A Coupang representative stated, "In honor of Parents' Day, we are pleased to support the health of local seniors and assist children's growth. We will continue to visit areas in need each month to provide tangible support to residents." Looking ahead, Coupang plans to bring the On-Dongne Care project to the Gyeongbuk region in June, continuing its efforts to support local communities. The company intends to visit rural areas across Jeolla, Gyeongsang, Gangwon, and Chungcheong provinces at least once a month, focusing on villages where hospital access is challenging. 2026-05-08 11:43:54