Netmarble Launches 'Monster Taming: Star Dive' AMD Edition Graphics Card Netmarble announced on June 1 that it has officially launched the 'PowerColor Radeon RX9060 Monster Taming: Star Dive Edition Gaming Graphics Card' in collaboration with AMD for its monster-taming action RPG, 'Monster Taming: Star Dive.' This product is based on AMD's latest architecture, 'RDNA 4,' and supports machine learning-based upscaling technology 'FSR' (Graphics Quality and Game Frame Enhancement Software) along with an easy performance setting feature called 'HYPR-RX.' Additionally, a recent driver update officially supports 'Monster Taming: Star Dive,' providing a more optimized gaming experience. The PowerColor Radeon RX9060 Monster Taming: Star Dive Edition Gaming Graphics Card will be available starting June 2 at over 30 major PC retailers in South Korea, as well as in online marketplaces and physical stores. Netmarble anticipates that the availability of the card through both online and offline channels will not only attract fans of 'Monster Taming: Star Dive' but also generate interest among general consumers considering a graphics card purchase. Meanwhile, Netmarble has previously prepared collaborations with NVIDIA's 'DLSS' and AMD's 'FSR' ahead of the launch of 'Monster Taming: Star Dive.' The company has been testing support for AMD's FSR functionality since the development phase of the game. AMD is also collaborating with various domestic games, including Pearl Abyss's 'Crimson Desert.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:09:00

ASIA DEEP INSIGHT: US Defense Chief speech in Singapore brings tough choices for Seoul The world is changing fast, and the recent defense meeting in Singapore proved it. United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, and his words carry a heavy message. For South Korea, sitting right between major global powers, his speech is a loud wake up call. The days of relying on a system where America promises to protect everyone without asking for much in return are officially over. Washington wants friends to pay more and do much more on their own. This new demand forces South Korea to look closely at how it protects itself, spends its money, and deals with China. Hegseth made it very clear that the United States is shifting its focus. The focus is no longer on keeping peace purely out of goodness. The focus is on finding partners who will share the heavy lifting and the heavy costs. This means every country that relies on the United States must completely change how it thinks about the future. To understand what this means for citizens in Seoul, we need to look at what Hegseth said about China. He pointed out that Beijing is building up its military forces at a historic speed. He warned that this rapid growth could change the balance of power in the Pacific Ocean forever. If one country becomes too strong and takes over the neighborhood, it could threaten the safety and wealth of everyone else. Hegseth said clearly that the United States and its friends cannot let this happen. He asked allied nations to increase defense spending immediately to match this growing challenge. But he also noted relations between Washington and Beijing are somewhat better right now, following a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. That important meeting in Beijing did not change the big picture, but it did change the temperature. The two leaders agreed to keep their militaries talking, which helps prevent accidental wars. However, the deep competition between the two giant nations remains exactly the same. They still view each other as main rivals. For South Korea, this ongoing situation is incredibly difficult to manage. On one hand, the United States is South Korea's most important friend and protector. The two countries have shared a military alliance for decades. On the other hand, China is South Korea's biggest trading partner. South Korean businesses sell millions of products to China every single year, supporting countless jobs back home. If South Korea follows Hegseth's strict advice and spends massive amounts of money to specifically push back against China, Beijing might get very angry. We have seen this happen before. When South Korea allowed the United States to place a missile defense system on its land to watch North Korea, China punished South Korean businesses severely. Popular stores closed overnight, and tourism stopped completely. Therefore, South Korea must be very careful. It wants to keep its strong bond with Washington, but it simply cannot afford to destroy its economic relationship with Beijing. It is like walking on a thin tightrope high in the air with no safety net below to catch you if you fall. Another massive problem Hegseth brought up is the serious issue of weapons and supplies. Right now, the United States is involved in a severe conflict with Iran in the Middle East. This war started in late February and has used up a shocking amount of American military supplies. This fighting has rattled global markets and caused energy prices to jump, which hurts countries like South Korea that need to buy fuel overseas. But the biggest worry is weapons. The most important supplies are advanced missiles used to shoot down enemy attacks. These systems are complicated to build and cost about twelve million dollars for every single shot fired. Because they are being used so fast in the Middle East, the United States is running out of them at an alarming rate. Experts say it will take two or three years just to replace the weapons that have already been fired. This creates a very dangerous gap in global security that affects everyone. This news is truly terrifying for South Korea. South Korea lives right next door to North Korea, a country with many missiles and a long history of making sudden threats. For a long time, South Korea felt safe because it knew the United States had enough weapons stored up to protect it. But if American factories cannot build missiles fast enough to fight a war in the Middle East and keep Asia safe at the exact same time, South Korea finds itself in great danger. This empty weapon storage problem shows a cold and difficult reality. The United States is still the strongest country in the world, but its resources are stretched thin across the globe. It simply cannot fight everywhere all at once anymore. If North Korea decides to cause trouble right now, taking advantage of the distraction, will the United States have enough weapons left over to help? The answer is no longer a guaranteed yes, and that uncertainty is frightening. Hegseth basically admitted this hard truth when he said America needs partners, not protectorates. A protectorate is a weaker country that relies entirely on a stronger country for safety and does not contribute much. A partner is someone who pulls their own weight and helps out. Hegseth stated very clearly in Singapore that the era of the United States paying for the defense of rich nations is completely over. He said there can be no more free riding on American money. For South Korea, a wealthy and successful modern nation, this means Washington expects a much bigger check very soon. The United States currently keeps thousands of soldiers in South Korea to help keep the peace. Every few years, Seoul and Washington sit down to argue about how much money South Korea should pay to help keep those soldiers there. Hegseth's speech tells us that the next argument over money will be the hardest and most painful one yet. The current American government looks at alliances almost like business deals. If the deal does not make strict financial sense to them, they might just walk away. They want to see a solid return on their investment. We already see this unpredictable behavior happening in Europe. The American government has confused its European friends by saying it will move troops around, take some away from Germany, and maybe send some to Poland, based on who is paying enough money and following the rules. South Korea cannot assume that the American soldiers currently stationed on its soil will stay there forever no matter what happens. If Seoul does not agree to pay more, or if Washington decides those troops are needed somewhere else, South Korea could quickly find itself completely alone. This is exactly why the country must start thinking differently about its own survival right now. It cannot just write a bigger check every year and hope everything stays exactly the same. Then there is the very sensitive issue of Taiwan, which Hegseth also talked about at length. Taiwan is an island near China, and China firmly believes Taiwan belongs to it. Taiwan operates like its own country with its own government, and it wants to stay that way. This intense disagreement is probably the most dangerous flashpoint in the entire world today. President Xi Jinping recently warned President Trump face to face that if the Taiwan situation is handled badly, it could lead to devastating fighting. Trump seems to understand this great danger. He recently told Taiwan not to officially declare independence, trying hard to keep things calm and quiet for now. Hegseth told the crowd in Singapore that the United States still supports Taiwan, but he added a very interesting twist. He said President Trump himself will make the final decision on whether to sell a huge fourteen billion dollar package of weapons to Taiwan. This statement means Washington is currently using weapons sales as a bargaining chip in its big game with China. For South Korea, the extreme tension around Taiwan is a matter of life and death, even if South Korea is never directly involved in the fight itself. The oceans sitting right around Taiwan are some of the busiest and most important shipping lanes on the planet. Almost all of the oil and gas that South Korea desperately needs to keep its factories running comes on huge ships that sail right past Taiwan. Furthermore, many of the valuable products South Korea sells to the rest of the world leave on container ships that travel through those exact same waters. If a war breaks out over Taiwan, those shipping lanes will close immediately and completely. The South Korean economy would crash in a matter of days because it relies heavily on trade. Even worse, if the United States military gets pulled into a fierce fight over Taiwan, the American forces based in South Korea might be sent away to help fight the battle. Because the overall risks are so incredibly high, South Korea has to do everything in its power to make sure peace continues in the Taiwan Strait for as long as possible. But as Hegseth's speech clearly shows, South Korea cannot simply trust Washington to handle the problem smoothly all the time. The current American government's approach is highly unpredictable. Sometimes it acts very tough and loud, and sometimes it pulls back quietly to make a sudden deal behind closed doors. South Korea desperately needs a long term strategy that protects its own national interests, no matter what mood Washington is in on any given day. So, what exactly should South Korea do right now to prepare for this changing world? First and foremost, the country must speed up the process of building its own advanced weapons. The terrible news about the severe shortage of American missiles should act as a massive warning sign for the defense department. South Korea already has very smart engineers and incredibly strong manufacturing companies. It already builds excellent tanks, fast ships, and modern airplanes. Now, it must focus heavily on building its own missile defense systems as fast as possible. If the United States runs out of interceptor missiles, South Korea must have its own ready to fire into the sky. True self reliance is an absolute necessity for survival today. Secondly, South Korea must quickly learn how to negotiate in this harsh new business like environment. When Washington demands more money for its troops next time, Seoul should not just say yes or complain and say no. It needs to offer different kinds of value to make the partnership stronger. For example, South Korean factories could offer to help build the exact weapons that the United States is currently running out of. By helping to fix the giant American supply chain problem, South Korea becomes a truly valuable partner to Washington, not just a customer paying a high bill. Thirdly, South Korea has to manage its delicate relationship with China very carefully and quietly. Even though the United States is loudly pushing for a united front against Beijing, South Korea cannot simply join a block that seeks to isolate China completely. It must keep talking directly to Chinese leaders. It must explain clearly that South Korea's military moves are only meant to defend against North Korea, not to threaten China in any way. By keeping the lines of communication wide open, South Korea can try to prevent dangerous misunderstandings and protect its vital trade relationship. This difficult task requires skillful diplomats who know exactly how to speak softly while building military strength quietly in the background. Furthermore, South Korea should reach out to other friendly countries in the region that are feeling the exact same pressures right now. Countries like Japan and Australia are watching the wild changes in Washington and the rapid rise of China with deep concern. If these middle powers work together, they can share the heavy burden of keeping the region safe. The old way of doing things in global politics was simple to understand. The big powers made the rules, and smaller powers followed them in exchange for safety. What Hegseth said at the Shangri La Dialogue proves this old world is gone. The United States is tired of carrying the whole load. It wants to look after its own interests first. South Korea has spent decades building a truly powerful society. It is no longer a weak nation. The simple truth remains perfectly clear. No one else is going to guarantee South Korea's future. The country must forge its own path forward in a messy world where old friends expect a lot more and old rivals are growing bolder. 2026-06-01 17:08:16

New ad solution to connects mobile navigation with digital billboards in South Korea SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Innocean has launched what it describes as South Korea's first advertising solution linking mobile navigation services with large digital billboards, it said on Monday. Innocean is a Seoul-based advertising agency affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group. The solution links TMAP, one of South Korea's most widely used navigation apps, with Innocean's digital out-of-home, or DOOH, media network in major commercial districts. The service aims to reach consumers on the move, connecting mobile and outdoor ads within a single campaign. The service will initially use large digital billboards in key commercial areas, including The Monte near Gangnam Station and the K-Finance Building in Myeong-dong, central Seoul. Campaign packages can be arranged by day, week or month, depending on the advertiser's goals and campaign period. Lotte Entertainment will be the first partner to use the solution to promote its film "Wild Thing," scheduled for release on June 3. TMAP users moving through the Gangnam Station area will see promotional messages for the film through both the navigation app and connected outdoor screens. "By combining TMAP's mobility insights with DOOH, this solution opens a new way for brands to become part of consumers' everyday travel routes," an Innocean spokesman said. 2026-06-01 17:06:53

Explosion at Hanwha Aerospace in Daejeon Leaves 7 Dead or Injured An explosion occurred at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility, marking the third such incident in seven years. The explosion resulted in a total of seven casualties, prompting Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace to commit to thorough recovery efforts. In an official statement, the company expressed condolences and vowed to investigate the cause to prevent future incidents.According to fire authorities, the explosion took place at 10:59 a.m. on June 1, resulting in five fatalities and two injuries.The Daejeon facility is a key research and development site for Hanwha Aerospace, focusing on large propulsion systems, propellant mixing and charging, and tactical ground-to-ground weapon systems.The incident reportedly occurred during a cleaning operation involving explosive residue on propellant equipment in the facility's cleaning area.Hanwha Aerospace has experienced two previous explosions: one in 2018 that killed two workers and injured three others, who later died from their injuries, and another in 2019 that resulted in the deaths of three employees in a different section of the facility.The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns about safety inspections and management practices at the defense contractor's facilities.In response to the explosion, Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace pledged to prioritize recovery efforts. A crisis meeting was held immediately at the company's headquarters in Seoul, and CEO Son Jae-il traveled to the site shortly after. A command center has been established at the scene, where the company is collaborating with fire and police authorities to manage the situation. Key executives from the group also rushed to the site to assess the situation.In their statement, Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace expressed deep sorrow over the loss of five valued employees, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. They also apologized to the public, promising to thoroughly investigate the cause of the explosion to prevent such tragic incidents from happening again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:03:00

Hyungji I&C Targets Japanese B2C Market with Carisnote Brand Hyungji I&C is set to launch its global expansion, starting with the Japanese market. The company plans to apply its omnichannel strategy, which combines online and offline sales, to enhance its business-to-consumer (B2C) operations abroad.On June 1, Hyungji I&C announced that it will introduce its women's clothing brand Carisnote as the leading brand for its entry into Japan. This decision comes in response to the growing demand for business attire in Japan and the expanding K-fashion consumer base shifting from young fashion to adult women's clothing.In the offline sector, the company is collaborating with Tokyo-based fashion sales agent KUNI to secure placements in major local retail channels, including Mitsukoshi Department Store and Onward Kashiyama. In the second half of the year, Hyungji I&C plans to participate in the fall/winter (F/W) season order fairs organized by major Japanese trading companies, including Itochu Corporation.For the online segment, Hyungji I&C intends to leverage a K-fashion online platform set to launch in August by Itochu and fashion distribution company CNB Network. The company aims to establish this platform as a B2C sales hub in Japan and develop a local direct shipping system to broaden its sales base.Once Carisnote establishes itself in the Japanese market, Hyungji I&C plans to expand its local lineup with the men's clothing brand Yejak and the Bon brand. The company is also reportedly considering entering the home shopping platform Shop Channel, which caters to premium brand customers in Japan.A representative from Hyungji I&C stated, "We will build a distribution network in the Japanese market that includes online, offline, and home shopping, and we aim to capture the local premium market with high-quality materials and differentiated designs."In March, ahead of Carisnote's entry into Japan, Hyungji I&C underwent a brand renewal to reduce the heavy image of its existing women's clothing line and to strengthen a younger, more modern concept.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:00:00

Ex-presidents return to campaign trail to rally conservatives ahead of local elections SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye on Sunday intensified their support for conservative candidates ahead of the upcoming June 3 local elections, making high-profile campaign appearances in the traditional conservative strongholds of the southeastern cities of Busan and Daegu in a bid to rally voters amid dim prospects. The two former disgraced presidents, both of whom previously received prison sentences in separate corruption scandals before later being pardoned, have collectively joined campaign events 10 times in May alone as the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) seeks to prevent what many within the party fear could be a sweeping defeat by the ruling Democratic Party. Lee, who served from 2008 to 2013, appeared with the PPP's Busan mayoral candidate Park Heong-joon and local lawmakers in Busan. His trip marked Lee's first campaign stop outside the Seoul metropolitan area during this election season. Lee previously met Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon in central Seoul on May 15 and separately met Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidate Yang Hyang-ja and Seoul education superintendent candidate Cho Jeon-hyuk later in the month. Park, South Korea's first female president who served from 2013 to 2017, campaigned in Daegu's famous Seomun Market alongside the PPP's Daegu mayoral candidate Choo Kyung-ho and local lawmakers. Park has been campaigning extensively across the southeastern region in recent weeks. She previously visited Seomun Market with Choo on May 23 and later traveled to multiple cities including Okcheon, Daejeon, Gongju, Jinju, Yangsan, Ulsan, Busan, Wonju and Hoengseong. PPP lawmakers defended the involvement of the two former presidents as necessary to consolidate conservative support amid concerns over declining party unity after impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle in 2024. Rep. Yoo Sang-bum of the PPP said Park was motivated by fears that conservatives could collapse politically in Daegu, long considered the "heart of conservatism." "I think former President Park Geun-hye decided to support the campaign because she felt an urgent sense that conservatism should not completely collapse while seeing a Democratic Party wave even in Daegu," Yoo said. "Various candidates who felt a sense of crisis that conservatives could collapse in this local election requested support from Park." Yoo added that conservative voters were now regrouping around Park. "There had not been a central axis for conservatives, but Park's visits to places like Daegu are helping conservative forces unite around her," he said. "Unlike a month ago, when many expected the Democratic Party to win overwhelmingly, recent local election polls show several competitive races. I believe the two former presidents played a major role in consolidating conservatives." Rep. Park Sung-min of the People Power Party also defended the strategy. "The presidency belongs to the DP, the National Assembly belongs to the DP, and the judiciary belongs to the DP," Park said. "One-party dominance inevitably becomes corrupt, so the PPP is trying to prevent one-party rule by utilizing every possible resource." Still, some ruling party lawmakers privately questioned the electoral impact of the appearances. An anonymous four-term PPP lawmaker said the former presidents' support "may help somewhat, but it is unreasonable to expect a decisive change in the election." DP candidate Kim Sang-wook, who is running for mayor of Ulsan, dismissed the campaign appearances as ineffective. "Campaigning by former presidents from the People Power Party side is increasing, but citizens are close to indifferent," Kim said. "It appears the PPP is trying to wage this election not through policies but through political camp mobilization." 2026-06-01 16:57:16

Employment Visa Reforms Allow Increased Foreign Worker Hiring in Rural Areas The restrictions on hiring skilled foreign workers in rural areas are set to ease, particularly in regions experiencing population decline and in traditional industries. On June 1, the Ministry of Justice announced that it will implement reforms to the Skilled Worker (E-7-4) visa system starting this month to address chronic labor shortages in various sectors and ensure foreign workers can remain and work in South Korea more securely.Under the revised 'Employment Quota Exception,' the allowable employment of skilled workers (E-7-4) will increase from 30% to 50% of the workforce. Previously, this exception applied only to areas with declining populations and traditional industries, but the new reforms will extend this to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.Additionally, small agricultural businesses with four or fewer employees will be permitted to hire up to two foreign skilled workers (E-7-4), regardless of the employment ratio.Previously, if a business changed due to closure, violence, or wage arrears, skilled workers (E-7-4) had to meet a new one-year tenure requirement to transfer or extend their visa. However, a new provision will allow the combined work periods from previous and current employers to count towards this tenure if the change was not due to the foreign worker's fault.Skilled workers (E-7-4) are selected based on a scoring system that considers five criteria: annual income, Korean language proficiency, age, bonus points, and penalty points. The annual quota is determined by the Ministry of Justice after consulting with relevant ministries and local governments, with this year's quota set at 33,000 workers.These employment visa reforms are also expected to benefit the regionally specialized skilled worker (E-7-4R) system, providing practical support to local economies and industries struggling with population decline.The Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau plans to actively gather feedback from employers and foreign workers through surveys to support systematic skill development and rapid workforce acquisition in industries. They aim to announce measures to enhance the skilled worker (E-7-4) system in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor in the second half of this year.Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "These reforms will create a foundation for a stable supply of skilled labor while ensuring the protection of foreign workers' rights, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. We will continue to listen to the voices of the industry and foreign workers to promote rational immigration policies and improvements to the employment visa system."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 16:54:00

Trump Pressures Iran on Nuclear Weapons Ahead of Peace Talks As negotiations between the U.S. and Iran approach a critical juncture, President Donald Trump has reiterated that a key condition for any agreement is the prohibition of nuclear weapons development and acquisition. In response, Iran has indicated it will propose amendments and prepare for a potential breakdown in talks. In an interview on Fox News with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump on May 30, Trump stated regarding the peace agreement with Iran, "I will make a deal. We can open the Strait of Hormuz immediately upon signing." However, he emphasized, "One guarantee I need is that they cannot have nuclear weapons." Trump noted, "They (Iran) agreed. They originally said they would not develop nuclear weapons, and when I asked, 'What if you buy nuclear weapons?' they now say they will not develop or purchase military weapons in any way. There is a significant difference." He added, "I am not rushing. Slowly but surely, we are getting what we want," and warned, "If we do not get what we want, we will end it in another way," suggesting the possibility of resuming military action if negotiations fail. U.S. officials have also continued to apply pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bancen stated in a Fox News interview on May 31, "Completing our mission means opening the Strait of Hormuz, securing enriched uranium, and ensuring Iran does not possess nuclear weapons." He noted that discussions about Iran not having nuclear weapons are happening for the first time in 47 years, thanks to Trump, and that this previously taboo topic is now on the negotiation table. Kevin Hassett, Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, mentioned in an ABC interview that Iran is under significant pressure to agree to the conditions set forth by Trump. Alongside diplomatic pressure, military tensions are escalating. The U.S. Central Command announced on June 1 via X (formerly Twitter) that it conducted defensive strikes against Iranian radar and drone control facilities on the islands of Goruk and Qeshm over the weekend. The Central Command described the strikes as a measured and deliberate response to Iran's aggressive actions, including the downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone operating in international airspace. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced through state media that it targeted the airbase responsible for a recent U.S. military attack on communication towers on Sirik Island in the Hormuz region. Heightened Uncertainty in Negotiations Meanwhile, both countries continue to negotiate the terms of a peace agreement. The New York Times reported that Trump did not approve a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) established between the U.S. and Iran, instead sending it back with strengthened conditions. However, specific details on what changes were made have not been disclosed. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iran is also expected to propose new amendments. A source stated, "The exchange of drafts is ongoing, and Iran will naturally reflect its own amendments in the agreement. Nothing has been finalized yet." The source emphasized, "Iran's criterion is whether we can agree on the text directly," adding that just because Trump’s team has applied amendments does not mean Iran will accept them. He also noted that Iran is thoroughly preparing for a scenario where no deal is reached. Iran has made it clear that it will not accept an agreement that does not guarantee its rights. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, stated in a televised address, "We will not approve any agreement until we are assured that the rights of the Iranian people are protected," adding, "The Iranian negotiating team does not trust the enemy's words or promises." Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also mentioned in an interview with state TV that while dialogue and message exchanges between Iran and the U.S. continue, no judgments can be made until clear results are achieved. Thus, the possibility of negotiations breaking down remains. Amid these developments, there are reports of internal conflicts in Iran regarding the peace negotiations and future decision-making structures. According to the semi-official Fars news agency, President Masoud Pezeshkian, identified as a pro-negotiation figure, stated during a cabinet meeting on May 31, "Iran's leadership should not consist solely of a limited group of leaders and bureaucrats." This reflects the confusion in Iran's decision-making process amid the rising influence of hardliners, particularly within the IRGC. Pezeshkian emphasized that the general public, as well as all social groups, economic stakeholders, and scientists, should participate in Iran's decision-making process, asserting that the more the public is involved in decision-making and problem-solving, the higher the likelihood of resolving issues. He urged that those responsible must stand with the people to address challenges during difficult times. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 16:54:00

Government Lowers Avian Influenza Alert Level to 'Concern' as No New Cases Reported The South Korean government has downgraded its avian influenza (AI) alert level from 'caution' to 'concern' due to a decreased risk of outbreaks. No new cases have been reported in poultry farms since April 8.According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, there have been 62 reported cases of AI in poultry farms nationwide this winter season, an increase of 13 cases compared to the same period last year, marking the highest number in three years since the winter of 2022.This winter season is notable for the detection of three types of serotypes (H5N1, H5N6, and H5N9) for the first time in the country. Among these, the H5N1 virus has been found to be more than ten times more infectious than previous strains.Despite the downgrade in the alert level, the ministry plans to continue surveillance inspections and biosecurity checks at poultry farms, traditional markets, and migratory bird habitats without interruption. Additionally, it aims to promptly address any issues identified during the biosecurity efforts.To prepare for the next winter season, the ministry will conduct a comprehensive inspection of biosecurity measures at poultry farms and implement improvements before the start of the special biosecurity measures period. Customized biosecurity training by region and species will be conducted until September, with a particular focus on enhancing training for farms that experienced outbreaks last winter.Park Jeong-hoon, head of the Food Policy Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, urged poultry farmers to adhere strictly to basic biosecurity protocols, emphasizing that the potential for sporadic AI outbreaks still exists. "Farmers should take the mindset of 'I protect my farm' to ensure safety," he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 16:51:00

Hyundai Motor Reports 325,473 Global Sales in May, Down 7.7% Year-on-Year Hyundai Motor Company reported a slight decline in global sales last month due to supply chain disruptions affecting its partners. The company announced on June 1 that it sold a total of 325,473 vehicles worldwide in May, including 45,364 units in South Korea and 280,109 units overseas. This marks a 7.7% decrease compared to the same period last year. In the domestic market, sales fell by 23.1% year-on-year, totaling 45,364 units. The recently launched Grandeur, which began pre-orders last month, contributed significantly with 5,183 units sold. Hyundai unveiled the facelifted model, 'The New Grandeur,' at the end of April. Following the Grandeur, the Avante and Sonata sold 4,526 and 4,118 units, respectively, bringing the total sedan sales to 14,876 units. In the recreational vehicle (RV) segment, sales included 2,862 units of the Santa Fe, 2,575 units of the Ioniq 5, and 2,183 units of the Tucson, totaling 15,799 units. Commercial vehicle sales included 4,270 units of the Porter and 1,912 units of the Staria, amounting to 6,312 units. Medium and large buses and trucks recorded 2,216 units. Last month, Hyundai also launched the 2027 models of 'The New Mighty,' 'The New Pavis,' 'The Exient,' and 'The New Exient Hydrogen Electric Truck.' Genesis sold a total of 6,161 units, including 2,220 units of the G80, 1,798 units of the GV70, and 1,547 units of the GV80. Sales in overseas markets totaled 280,109 units, a 4.6% decrease compared to the same month last year. A Hyundai official stated, "The impact of reduced production due to supply chain disruptions from our partners is continuing this month, limiting the supply of key models. However, as deliveries of The New Grandeur ramp up this month, we expect sales performance to gradually recover."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 16:48:00