Boryung Expands Combination Drug Lineup with Launch of 'Canabjet' for Hypertension and Dyslipidemia Boryung announced it will launch 'Canabjet,' a treatment for hypertension and dyslipidemia, on June 1. Canabjet is a three-in-one combination drug that combines the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) 'Canab' (active ingredient: Pimasartan) with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor 'Atorvastatin' and the cholesterol absorption inhibitor 'Ezetimibe.' It is intended for patients suffering from both hypertension and dyslipidemia, as well as high-risk patients who have not reached their LDL cholesterol targets with statin monotherapy. It is estimated that over 70% of hypertension patients in South Korea also have dyslipidemia. Recent treatment guidelines have emphasized the importance of combination therapy for managing both hypertension and dyslipidemia, highlighting the expected benefits of improved treatment convenience and medication adherence through combination drugs. The need for combination therapy was also discussed at a symposium held by Boryung on May 21 to celebrate the launch of Canabjet. The event featured domestic internists who shared the latest insights on treating hypertension and dyslipidemia, along with practical applications in prescribing. Lee Chan-joo, a professor of cardiology at Yonsei University College of Medicine, stated, "Pimasartan is a component that has been proven safe and effective across various patient groups. In the context of evolving treatment guidelines that recommend combination therapy, controlling blood pressure and LDL cholesterol through a three-in-one combination drug can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease." Canab is Boryung's 15th domestically developed new drug, launched in 2011. Since then, the company has continued to expand its treatment options with the 'Canab Family' of combination products. The launch of Canabjet marks an extension of its offerings from blood pressure management to high-intensity lipid management. This year, Boryung aims for sales of the Canab product line to reach 200 billion won. The company is also developing a four-in-one combination drug based on the Canab ingredient, as well as a combination drug for hypertension and diabetes, to build a comprehensive portfolio for chronic diseases. Sung Baek-min, Executive Director of Boryung's BD & Marketing Division, remarked, "Canabjet is a product developed based on the proven efficacy and safety of Canab. We will lead the market for hypertension and dyslipidemia treatments through data-driven sales and marketing activities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:22:00

Binggrae's Third-Generation Owners Divide Roles Following Haitai Ice Cream Merger Binggrae is formalizing its third-generation ownership structure following the merger with Haitai Ice Cream. Dongman Kim, the second son of Chairman Ho-yeon Kim, has recently taken on the role of overseeing international operations, further clarifying the management roles between him and his older brother, Dong-hwan Kim. Industry experts are closely watching how the newly merged entity performs and whether it can expand its global business, as these factors may serve as key indicators for evaluating the third-generation leadership. According to industry sources, Binggrae appointed Dongman Kim as the executive in charge of international operations. This move follows the completion of the merger with Haitai Ice Cream last month and marks the first organizational restructuring since the merger. Since acquiring Haitai Ice Cream in 2020, Binggrae has been working on efficiency improvements, including joint marketing and logistics integration, and has now entered a full integration phase this year. Industry analysts interpret this appointment as more than just a routine assignment. Previously, Dong-hwan Kim was responsible for strategy and management planning at Binggrae's headquarters, while Dongman Kim gained operational experience at Haitai Ice Cream. With the merger, the two brothers are now clearly delineating their roles within a single corporate structure, indicating a more defined sibling management dynamic. Born in 1983, Dong-hwan Kim joined Binggrae in 2014 and has since overseen corporate strategy and management planning. Dongman Kim, born in 1987, studied in the United States, served as an Air Force officer, and gained management experience at eBay Korea and logistics subsidiary 'Jae-Ttae' before working at Haitai Ice Cream. Particularly noteworthy is Dongman Kim's focus on international operations. The domestic ice cream market faces growth limitations due to low birth rates, sluggish consumption, and seasonal constraints, while international business is becoming a core growth driver for Binggrae. Binggrae is accelerating its efforts to expand internationally, increasing sales of products like Melona, Bungeoppang, and Banana Flavored Milk in markets such as the United States, China, and Vietnam. The company also established a subsidiary in Australia last December. In the first quarter of this year, export sales reached 53.4 billion won, with frozen products accounting for 32.5 billion won, driving overseas growth. However, Binggrae's business structure still heavily relies on domestic sales. International revenue accounts for less than 20% of total sales, and exports are concentrated on a few flagship brands. Consequently, diversifying the product portfolio beyond Melona and Banana Flavored Milk and integrating Haitai Ice Cream's products, such as Burabocon and Babamba, into existing global distribution networks are seen as critical challenges. The new role distribution is also drawing attention for its potential implications for succession. Currently, Chairman Ho-yeon Kim holds a 37.89% stake in Binggrae, making him the largest shareholder, while the third-generation brothers do not own shares in the company. However, in the logistics subsidiary 'Jae-Ttae,' Dong-hwan Kim holds 33.34% of the shares, while Dongman Kim and their sister, Jeong-hwa Kim, each hold 33.33%. Analysts suggest that the performance of the merged entity and the expansion of international business could lead to shifts in influence within the group. This trend aligns with recent practices among major food companies like Nongshim, Ottogi, and Samyang Foods, which are evaluating the performance and global expansion capabilities of the next generation of management ahead of ownership succession. A Binggrae representative stated, "This appointment is aimed at strengthening our response to overseas markets and expanding our global business post-merger," adding that it is a business decision unrelated to succession.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:18:00

President Yoon Plans Aerospace Belt in Southern Regions President Yoon Suk Yeol announced plans on May 28 to develop the southern regions, including Gyeongnam and Jeonnam, into a comprehensive aerospace belt. Building on the successful launch of the Korean rocket Nuri, the initiative aims to elevate the nation's capabilities in launch vehicles, satellites, and ground equipment to world-class standards.During a senior advisor meeting at the Blue House, President Yoon stated, "Aerospace encompasses cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, communications, materials, and precision machinery, making it a key strategic industry with significant growth potential that is attracting global interest."He noted that major countries and private companies like SpaceX are fiercely competing for leadership in the aerospace sector, highlighting a shift in the industry toward a competition that includes both state and private entities.While acknowledging the achievements made since the successful launch of the Nuri rocket in November, he emphasized that there is still a long way to go. "We must solidify our path toward becoming a global aerospace powerhouse based on our current achievements," he said, calling for bold investments in research and development to quickly attain world-class technology in launch vehicles, satellites, and ground equipment.President Yoon also pointed out that the private sector and local governments play a crucial role in aerospace development. He urged for enhanced public-private cooperation to foster the emergence of a 'Korean SpaceX' and to develop the southern regions with essential infrastructure into a comprehensive aerospace belt.Additionally, he suggested accelerating the development of dual-use advanced engines based on technologies acquired during the KF-21 development process, and expressed commitment to actively support the aerospace sector as a new foundation for the economy and national security.In a closed meeting, he directed the swift and bold integration of military academies.After the meeting, Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung reported that President Yoon emphasized the importance of actual execution over mere planning.He also stressed the necessity of re-educating military commanders on future warfare and advanced weapon systems, suggesting that educational content should evolve with changing times.Furthermore, President Yoon instructed to review the progress of advanced technology research, including small modular reactors (SMRs), and to prepare thoroughly for the transition of military combat systems, structural reforms, and re-education issues, according to Spokesperson Kang.Meanwhile, the Blue House's National Security Office reported on plans to enhance defense capabilities in response to the Middle East conflict, transition to unmanned combat systems, and innovate reserve forces in preparation for future battlefields.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:14:00

Seoul Mayoral Candidates to Face Off in Final Debate Ahead of Early Voting Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party will hold their first and final face-to-face debate on May 28, just seven hours before early voting begins. The debate is expected to focus on issues such as safety and real estate in Seoul. According to the Seoul Election Broadcasting Debate Committee, the legal debate will take place at 11 p.m. at SBS in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The debate will feature four candidates, including Jung and Oh, as well as Kim Jeong-cheol of the Reform Party and Kwon Yeong-guk of the Justice Party. The candidates will discuss four main topics: △measures for economic recovery △housing stability policies △welfare policies for single-person households △employment policies by age group. Safety will also be a key issue. Jung has repeatedly criticized Oh over the missing rebar issue in the GTX-A line section at Samsung Station. At a press conference earlier in the day, Jung stated, "I will approach the debate as I have in the past," indicating he would address the issue. Regarding the collapse of the Seosomun overpass on May 26, he remarked, "We should not politicize an incident with casualties," but added that discussions on improving safety are welcome. In response, Oh plans to highlight his safety policies and achievements. At a press conference that afternoon, he emphasized, "I have repeatedly stated that safety is the top priority of my administration," noting that he has led initiatives for 100% installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) at construction sites commissioned by the city and 100% installation of screen doors in subways. He particularly highlighted that the installation of screen doors has led to a significant reduction of over 1,000 subway fatalities. Debate over the real estate policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration is also anticipated. Oh stated, "Citizens are suffering greatly from skyrocketing housing prices, especially rent," and pledged to emphasize real estate issues along with culture and welfare throughout the election process. Meanwhile, a recent poll revealed that both candidates have the same level of support. A survey conducted by the Cultural Daily, commissioned to Embrain Public, from May 25 to 27 among 805 Seoul voters showed that both Jung and Oh received 39% support. The survey was conducted via mobile phone interviews, with a response rate of 14.0% and a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the website of the Central Election Survey Deliberation Committee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:12:00

Samsung Electronics Falls While SK Hynix Rises as Leverage ETFs Attract $9.6 Billion After a strong debut, the single-stock leverage ETFs for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix showed diverging trends. While the SK Hynix leverage ETF continued to gain, the Samsung Electronics leverage ETF experienced a decline. According to the Korea Exchange, Samsung Electronics closed at 299,500 won, down 7,500 won (2.44%) from the previous trading day, while SK Hynix rose by 46,000 won (2.05%) to finish at 2,289,000 won. Consequently, the performance of the leverage ETFs tracking these stocks varied significantly. As reported by Yonhap Infomax, the total trading volume for 16 domestic single-stock leverage and inverse ETFs reached 9.6177 trillion won. Although this was a slight decrease from the previous day's 10.4043 trillion won, trading remained robust for two consecutive days around the 10 trillion won mark, indicating signs of overheating. The overall market capitalization increased slightly to 5.0248 trillion won compared to the previous day. The most actively traded product was Samsung Asset Management's 'KODEX SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage ETF,' which recorded a trading volume of 3.7712 trillion won and a gain of 4.3%. Mirae Asset Management's 'TIGER SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage ETF' also saw a trading volume of 1.9065 trillion won with a rise of 4.39%. In contrast, the Samsung Electronics leverage ETF showed weakness. Samsung Asset Management's 'KODEX Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage ETF' recorded a trading volume of 1.4671 trillion won but ended with a return of -4.95%. Similarly, Mirae Asset Management's 'TIGER Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage ETF' closed down 5.19% with a trading volume of 988.9 billion won. Given that these ETFs are based on the same stocks, their performance was closely aligned. Inverse products betting against Samsung Electronics performed well. Hanwha Asset Management's 'PLUS Samsung Electronics Futures Single Stock Inverse 2X ETF' rose by 5.32%, with a trading volume of 107.8 billion won. Conversely, Shinhan Asset Management's 'SOL SK Hynix Futures Single Stock Inverse 2X ETF,' which had plummeted the previous day, fell by 4.3% due to the strong performance of SK Hynix shares. Market analysts suggest that single-stock leverage ETFs are rapidly absorbing short-term investment demand. As volatility in major semiconductor stocks, which are currently leading the domestic market, increases, funds with a high-risk, high-reward profile are also flowing into the ETF market, intensifying the concentration trend. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "The market is currently experiencing short-term fatigue from the dominance of AI and semiconductor stocks, leading to a 'supply-demand black hole' phenomenon created by single-stock leverage. She added, "The previous day's domestic market saw an unprecedented level of return concentration, and it is necessary to prepare for the possibility that this concentration burden could lead to short-term profit-taking and increased volatility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:08:00

LG Energy Solution Shares Surge After Major ESS Contract with DTE Energy LG Energy Solution's shares rose more than 15% following the announcement of a supply contract for energy storage systems (ESS) worth approximately 2 trillion won with a major U.S. energy company. Market expectations are growing that the increasing power demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers will serve as a new growth driver for the domestic battery sector. According to the Korea Exchange, LG Energy Solution's stock closed at 442,000 won, up 58,500 won (15.25%) from the previous trading day. During the session, shares peaked at 447,000 won. Trading volume exceeded 719 billion won, ranking eighth in the KOSPI market. The surge in stock price is attributed to the large-scale ESS supply contract with DTE Energy. LG Energy Solution announced that it signed a contract to supply a total of 6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of ESS batteries with DTE Energy, valued at around $1.6 billion (approximately 2.4 trillion won). DTE Energy is a major power and energy company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. The contract will support power grid projects, including the Oracle AI data center project being developed in Saline Township, Michigan. Market analysts believe that the expectation of LG Energy Solution's ESS batteries being integrated into the OpenAI data center infrastructure has boosted investor sentiment. As the power demand from AI data centers surges, the importance of ESS for stable power supply and load management is increasing. On the same day, buying interest spread across the secondary battery sector. Samsung SDI initially showed weakness but recovered to close up 7.30%. Investor focus remained on LG Energy Solution, leading to increased interest across the related value chain. Analysts are noting that this contract could signal an expansion of the ESS market for data centers beyond a one-time supply. On the same day, Jumin Woo, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "This BESS contract is significant as it addresses not only renewable energy integration but also the power demand from data centers. It exemplifies the potential for expanding the total addressable market (TAM) for battery energy storage systems (BESS)." He added, "New orders this year are still at an early stage compared to targets, suggesting a possibility of substantial additional orders in the second half. If orders related to data center power demand increase, it could trigger a reevaluation of stock prices." Market attention is also focused on LG Energy Solution's competitive edge in securing contracts based on its local production system in North America. The supply will be produced primarily at the Holland plant in Michigan, which serves as a hub for ESS production in North America.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:08:00

Prosecutors Cancel Charges Against Victim of 43-Year-Old Spy Case Prosecutors have canceled the suspended charges against Kim Byung-jin, a 71-year-old victim of a fabricated spy ring case involving the Military Security Command, 43 years after the initial charges were filed. This marks the first instance of prosecutors taking action to relieve a victim of suspended charges on their own authority. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on May 28 that it had reinstated Kim's case, which had been suspended due to violations of the National Security Law, and subsequently declared him not guilty. This decision comes approximately nine months after Kim submitted a petition to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office requesting the cancellation of the suspended charges last August. Prosecutors explained that they considered the illegal detention and investigation conducted by the Military Security Command, which lacked civilian investigative authority, as well as the fact that Kim's co-defendant, Seo, was acquitted after a retrial in 2017. In July 1983, while studying at Yonsei University, Kim was taken into custody without a warrant by the Military Security Command and subjected to interrogation for about three months. At that time, the command believed Kim had met with Seo, a Korean resident in Japan, during his studies and had received ideological training, returning to Korea in 1976 to collect state secrets and receive operational funds. Kim received a suspension of charges in November 1983 from the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office. This suspension, under Article 20 of the National Security Law, allows for charges to be postponed based on the motives for the crime or circumstances following the offense. It is similar to the current concept of deferred prosecution, effectively presuming guilt. However, the issue lies in the absence of a separate relief procedure for those who receive a suspension of charges. While individuals with confirmed guilty verdicts can request a retrial, those with suspended charges do not undergo a trial and thus cannot seek retrial. Even after Seo's acquittal, Kim was unable to pursue any legal relief. A suspension of charges cannot lead to prosecution after two years, yet the suspension itself remains in effect. Considering this institutional gap, prosecutors decided to reinstate the case and declare Kim not guilty. A prosecutor stated, "This is the first case where a prosecutor has reinstated a case and declared it not guilty, taking into account the lack of a separate relief procedure for individuals with suspended charges." Kim has long claimed that he was coerced into making false confessions under torture and threats from Military Security Command investigators. After moving to Japan in 1986, he published a book titled 'Security Command' in 1988, exposing the realities of state violence at the time. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission also made two determinations regarding the truth of Kim's case in 2009 and 2024. Prosecutors stated, "We will faithfully fulfill our duty to comply with due process and ensure human rights as representatives of the public interest and as an objective law enforcement agency in past human rights violation cases."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:08:00

Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young Denies Reports of Prosecutorial Investigation Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young has clarified that he has not received any notifications from relevant agencies regarding reports that he is under investigation by prosecutors for allegedly leaking information related to North Korean nuclear facilities. On May 28, the Unification Ministry's spokesperson issued a statement addressing media reports concerning the minister. The spokesperson stated, "The allocation of the case by the prosecution is merely a procedural measure following a complaint, so it is difficult to view it as the start of an investigation," adding, "We have not received any related notifications from relevant agencies." The spokesperson expressed regret that some articles appeared to prejudge the allegations, stating, "We have lodged a complaint with the media outlet in question." Earlier that day, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office announced that it had received a case against Minister Jeong for allegedly leaking official secrets and had assigned it to its Criminal Division 1, led by Chief Prosecutor Kang Ho-jun, after transferring it from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on May 21. The controversy arose after Minister Jeong mentioned 'Pyeonganbuk-do Guseong' in the National Assembly on March 6, in addition to the previously known locations of North Korea's uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon and Gangseon in Nampo City. At that time, the Unification Ministry explained that Minister Jeong's remarks were based on comprehensive information regarding North Korea's nuclear facilities, including statements from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports from research institutions such as the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS). * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:08:00

Samsung Electronics Faces Employee Discontent Over Performance Bonuses Samsung Electronics is facing escalating discontent among employees in its Device Experience (DX) division regarding performance bonuses. Despite an official apology from DX head Noh Tae-moon, discussions about a potential spin-off have emerged as tensions remain high.On May 28, an anonymous post on a Samsung Electronics community called for the formal establishment of a committee to pursue the spin-off of the DX division, attracting significant attention. More than 1,100 employees have participated in a vote supporting the spin-off and sale of the division.The compensation structure for DX executives has become a new point of contention. Samsung executives receive long-term incentives (LTI) in addition to the excess profit performance bonuses (OPI) distributed by individual divisions. The LTI, which can reach up to 300% of their salary based on the company's overall performance and stock price over the previous three years, is awarded to executives with over three years of service. Senior executives receive more than 50%, vice presidents over 70%, and presidents over 80% of their LTIs in company stock.This structure has drawn criticism from regular employees in the DX division, who argue that they bear the brunt of poor business performance. One employee stated, "Why should only the staff bear the responsibility for poor performance?"In fact, Noh received 22,679 shares of company stock as part of his LTI last July, valued at approximately 1.596 billion won based on the closing price of 70,400 won on the payment date. This was the largest amount among the 19 eligible executives. Choi Won-jun, head of the Mobile Experience (MX) division, received 473.22 million won (6,722 shares), while Yong Seok-woo, Noh's assistant, received 209.7 million won (2,869 shares).A DX employee expressed frustration, saying, "Executives can secure multi-million won rewards through LTIs even if their OPIs are zero. Ultimately, only the employees are being sacrificed."Although Noh issued an apology to address internal dissent, he is struggling to quell public sentiment. In an official message following the finalization of the labor wage agreement, he acknowledged that many employees likely felt alienated and deprived, expressing awareness of the serious reality facing the DX division.Following Noh's message, online communities and internal chat rooms were flooded with comments demanding, "Don't just apologize; compensate us with bonuses," and "Recoup the investments poured into DS and split off DX." Some expressed skepticism, questioning whether a single apology would suffice.There is also a growing movement to form a separate union focused on the DX division. As of this morning, the Samsung Electronics Labor Union, which has a majority of DX members, surpassed 16,000 members, a fourfold increase in just one week.Lee Jong-hwan, a professor at Sangmyung University’s Department of System Semiconductor Engineering, emphasized the urgency of resolving internal conflicts, stating, "In a time when both semiconductors and finished products are facing fierce global competition, quickly mending internal divisions is a top priority. The management must ensure open communication and improve systems to regain the momentum for company-wide innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:04:00

Samsung Union Faces Internal Strife Following Wage Negotiations Samsung Electronics has reached a final agreement on wage negotiations, but internal conflicts within the union are escalating. Concerns are growing that the Samsung Group's inter-company union, representing Samsung Electronics, may lose its majority status as employees from the Device Experience (DX) sector continue to leave the union.As of 10 a.m. on May 28, the number of members in the inter-company union has dropped to approximately 69,000, a decrease of over 6,000 from the peak of 76,000 during the wage negotiations. This decline is particularly attributed to the exodus of members from the DX sector, which oversees home appliances and mobile devices.The inter-company union secured its majority and legal representative status from the Ministry of Employment and Labor in April. To maintain this status, it must retain more than approximately 64,500 members, which is half of the total workforce.If the current trend of departures continues, the union's influence may weaken during the multi-union negotiation process next year.In fact, the second and third largest unions, the National Samsung Electronics Union (Jeonsamno) and the Samsung Electronics Union Donghaeng, have recently seen an increase in membership, reaching 20,000 and 16,000 members, respectively. This shift appears to be driven by dissatisfaction among DX sector employees with the provisional agreement focused on compensation in the DS sector.In response, the inter-company union has begun restructuring its organization. Chairman Choi Seung-ho announced plans to operate negotiations under a 'two-track system' for the DS and DX sectors. The executive committee will be divided into five members from DS and three from DX, with separate consideration for DX sector demands.Choi acknowledged, "I understand that a high approval rate does not necessarily reflect member satisfaction. I have deeply contemplated the disappointment and inadequacies that are not visible in the votes." He also publicly apologized for controversial remarks made during negotiations, including comments expressing frustration with the DX sector. A vote for his reappointment as chairman is scheduled for June 17.However, there are concerns within the union regarding the separation of negotiations for DS and DX. Jeonsamno issued a statement on May 27, emphasizing that "the real threat is not from our colleagues but from a structure that encourages competition between business units," clearly opposing the idea of separate negotiations.While Jeonsamno recognizes the feelings of alienation among DX members and the compensation disparities between memory and non-memory sectors within DS, it argues that the root cause lies in the company's opaque compensation system, not the union. They stressed, "Both DS and DX are affected by market changes, and if the negotiation structure is divided, it will inevitably weaken our ability to support each other in times of crisis."There are predictions that internal discord between the DS and DX sectors will persist for some time, as performance bonuses and differences in business unit results widen, prompting the union to begin operating based on business unit interests. In this context, discussions about the potential separation of DS and DX sectors have also emerged. Unlike most leading global semiconductor companies like NVIDIA, TSMC, and SK Hynix, which have specialized structures focused on semiconductors, Samsung Electronics uniquely operates as a comprehensive electronics company encompassing both semiconductors and finished products.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:04:00