June Movie Releases Target Nostalgia with 'Wild Thing,' 'Toy Story 5,' and 'Supergirl' June brings a wave of familiar titles to theaters, appealing to audiences with a mix of nostalgia. From a comedy rooted in 2000s pop culture to beloved animated franchises and a new hero from the DC Universe, these films aim to attract viewers of all ages.The first film to hit theaters is "Wild Thing," set to premiere on June 3. This comedy follows the fictional three-member dance group "Triangle," which once dominated the music scene but disbanded due to unforeseen circumstances. Now, 20 years later, they embark on a reckless challenge to seize a second chance at fame.Actors Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun portray the members of "Triangle." Kang plays Hyun-woo, the leader and dance machine; Um takes on the role of Sang-goo, an overly passionate rapper; and Park plays the center, Domi. Oh Jung-se adds comedic flair as Seong-gon, a ballad singer who has been stuck at number two for 39 weeks."Wild Thing" goes beyond merely recreating the past music scene. It tells the story of individuals who enjoyed their prime two decades ago and now confront their realities as they return to the stage, blending humor with themes of redemption. The film is produced by About Film, known for hits like "Extreme Job," and directed by Son Jae-gon, who has helmed projects such as "Sweet, Savage Family" and "The Villainess."Music and performance are key highlights of the film. It features songs like "Love Is," the debut track of "Triangle," and the title track from their second album, "Shout It Out," along with Seong-gon's ballad, "I Like You," creating an authentic representation of the music industry. The film's production team includes K-pop composers like Shim Eun-ji, who has worked with groups such as TWICE and SHINee, and choreographer Yang Wook, known for his work on "Ssak3."The cast underwent rigorous training, resembling that of actual idol trainees. Kang mastered hip-hop, breakdancing, and headspins, while Um trained in rap at JYP Entertainment's headquarters. Park, as the center of "Triangle," learned choreography and stage gestures, and Oh prepared for Seong-gon's performances. Elements like Y2K styling and a 4:3 aspect ratio in the music video evoke the nostalgia of the 2000s music scene.Another major animated franchise returns with "Toy Story 5." This installment sees Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and other toys unite for a new adventure when Bonnie's new smart tablet, LilyPad, creates a crisis. Directed by Andrew Stanton, who won Academy Awards for "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E," and co-directed by McKenna Harris of "Elemental," the film explores the relationship between toys and technology.Stanton describes the film as a reflection on the reality that children no longer play with toys, rather than a simple conflict. The voice cast includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, and Joan Cusack as Jessie, with Greta Lee from "Past Lives" voicing the new character, LilyPad.The DC Universe also introduces a new character with the film "Supergirl," which is set to be released in June 2026. The first poster and trailer have been unveiled. Directed by Craig Gillespie, known for "Cruella," this film continues the narrative of the DC Universe following "Superman."The lead role of Supergirl is played by Milly Alcock, who gained attention from the HBO series "House of the Dragon." Jason Momoa, known for his role in "Aquaman," also stars, generating excitement among DC fans. The film promises a fresh take on the superhero genre, incorporating traditional elements like the suit and cape with modern visuals such as sunglasses, headsets, and trench coats.From "Wild Thing" to "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl," these films aim to engage both existing fanbases and new audiences, setting the stage for an exciting summer at the box office.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 06:03:00

Korean Government Expands Public Stockpile of Non-Ferrous Metals The South Korean government is expanding its public stockpile of non-ferrous metals amid increasing supply chain uncertainties. On June 2, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 19th Non-Ferrous Metals Day ceremony at the LSMnM Onsan smelter, attended by key figures including Yang Gi-wook, head of the Industrial Resource Security Office, Do Seok-gu, president of the Non-Ferrous Metals Association, and Cho Si-young, chairman of the Korea Copper and Metal Industry Cooperative. Non-Ferrous Metals Day commemorates the first melting of copper ore at the Janghang smelter. The ministry has hosted this event since 2008, marking the 90th anniversary of the initial production this year. During the ceremony, 18 individuals were recognized for their contributions to the non-ferrous metals industry, receiving awards including one presidential citation, two prime ministerial citations, and 15 ministerial citations. Jo In-rae, team leader at LSMnM, received the presidential citation for significantly increasing the smelting of copper concentrate and scrap through equipment improvements and process optimization, contributing to supply chain stabilization. Last month, non-ferrous metal exports surged by 41.5% year-on-year, reaching $16.7 billion, reflecting growing demand. The demand for copper and aluminum has risen due to expansions in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, with raw material prices also increasing, resulting in 12 consecutive months of export growth. The non-ferrous metals industry relies heavily on imported raw materials, making supply chain stability crucial for competitiveness. As this sector evolves into a strategic industry that underpins advanced manufacturing, effective supply chain management becomes essential. In response, the government plans to enhance the non-ferrous metals industry by expanding public stockpiles, diversifying raw material procurement for a stable supply chain, developing high-value materials and recycling technologies linked to demand industries, and addressing trade uncertainties. Yang Gi-wook stated, "The non-ferrous metals industry is the foundation of South Korea's manufacturing sector and a key asset for the future. I appreciate the efforts of those in the non-ferrous metals industry for driving export growth and strengthening industrial competitiveness despite challenging domestic and international conditions, including U.S. tariff policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 06:03:00

Zero Subsidies for Mid-Sized Electric Trucks Despite Demand This year, the newly established subsidy for mid-sized electric trucks has yet to disburse any funds. While manufacturers exist and there is clear demand for purchases, mid-sized electric trucks are rarely seen on the roads. With half the year gone, widespread adoption remains elusive. The government introduced a subsidy for mid-sized and larger electric trucks in January 2026, as part of its "2026 Electric Vehicle Supply Project Subsidy Management Guidelines." It allocated up to 40 million won for electric cargo trucks weighing between 1.5 and 5 tons, and up to 60 million won for trucks over 5 tons. This expansion of support, previously focused on 1-ton electric trucks, has garnered significant interest from the freight industry. However, the program has struggled to gain traction in the market. Tata Daewoo, which has entered the mid-sized electric truck market, reports difficulties in selling its 'Gisen' model. Even with government subsidies, the trucks are about 100 million won more expensive than internal combustion engine vehicles. The price of a Gisen truck ranges from 180 million to 200 million won. Despite using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to reduce costs, industry insiders have noted that selling these trucks often results in losses. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, which established the mid-sized electric truck subsidy, is also in a difficult position. No vehicles have yet passed the certification process required for subsidy eligibility. The ministry explained that the evaluation process for manufacturers is taking longer than expected. As a result, there is a disconnect between policy and market realities. The government has created subsidies, but the vehicles are not ready, and while manufacturers have introduced trucks, consumers are hesitant to purchase. Although mid-sized trucks attract less attention than passenger cars, they are widely used in daily life. Most cleaning vehicles, moving trucks, and convenience store delivery vehicles in urban areas are mid-sized trucks. A significant number of vehicles also operate between logistics centers, factories, and ports. Given their repetitive routes, electrifying these vehicles could have a substantial impact. Mid-sized cargo trucks typically have longer operating distances and higher fuel consumption compared to passenger cars, making them effective for reducing emissions. Industry experts estimate that one mid-sized electric truck can have the carbon reduction effect equivalent to dozens of internal combustion engine passenger cars. Additionally, operating these trucks incurs lower fuel costs and minimal expenses for replacing consumables like engine oil. The longer they are in operation, the more economically viable they become. The widespread adoption of mid-sized electric trucks is no longer a matter of choice. The government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030, as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The introduction of the mid-sized electric truck subsidy reflects the understanding that achieving carbon neutrality cannot rely solely on the electrification of passenger vehicles. Reducing emissions in the transportation sector is essential to meet these goals. However, transportation operators purchasing vehicles must prioritize economic viability over carbon considerations. While there is acknowledgment of the need to transition to electric vehicles, voices in the field express difficulty in making purchasing decisions due to vehicle prices, charging infrastructure, and maintenance costs. It is crucial to remember that trucks are ultimately a means of livelihood. The government also needs to reflect on its approach. What is needed now is to ensure that the system can operate at the same pace as the market. Lowering price accessibility is vital for expanding mid-sized commercial vehicles, but current government policies focused on protecting domestic industries have resulted in dissatisfaction for both consumers and manufacturers. In this context, the "zero subsidies for mid-sized electric trucks" is not just a number. It serves as a symbolic report card illustrating the significant gap between carbon neutrality policies and industrial realities. Achieving carbon neutrality cannot be accomplished through declarations alone.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 05:03:00

Colombia's Presidential Election: Trump-Backed Candidate Leads First Round In Colombia's presidential election held on May 31, a right-wing candidate who supports U.S. President Donald Trump and has vowed to combat crime with a tough approach emerged as the frontrunner. However, no candidate received a majority, leading to a runoff election scheduled for June 21. According to reports from the Associated Press and other outlets, the Colombian Electoral Commission announced that Abelardo Espriella, a 48-year-old newcomer from the right-wing "Guardians of the Fatherland" party, garnered approximately 43.74% of the votes. Following him was Ivan Cepeda, the 64-year-old candidate from the ruling leftist party, "Historical Alliance," who received about 40.9%. Conservative candidate Paloda Valencia recorded 6.92%. Since no candidate achieved a majority in the first round, Espriella and Cepeda will face off in the runoff. Espriella, known by the nickname "El Tigre," has openly declared his support for President Trump and has consistently promised to tackle crime during his campaign. Analysts suggest that he is likely to attract a significant portion of Valencia's conservative base, potentially complicating Cepeda's chances in the runoff. Celebrating his lead on election night, Espriella stated, "In 21 days, we will change the history of Colombia." Espriella's rise has drawn attention as a political newcomer who has made favorable remarks about Trump while also taking a hard stance against criminal organizations. CNN compared him to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who has imprisoned thousands of gang members in a massive prison. In contrast, Cepeda, a sitting senator, aims to continue the current administration's "Total Peace" strategy. President Gustavo Petro's administration, which began in 2022, achieved a historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), but this has paradoxically led to a surge in gang violence. Notably, presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot and killed during a campaign event last June. U.S. political circles are closely watching how this election may impact Trump's immigration policies. President Petro had a public clash with Trump over the deportation of undocumented immigrants last year. However, relations appeared to thaw when Petro visited the White House in February. Despite this, Colombia remains the world's largest producer of cocaine, and tensions with the U.S. government, which maintains a tough stance on drug trafficking, persist. Regarding U.S. relations, Cepeda advocates for an independent foreign policy and strengthening integration in Latin America, while Espriella and Valencia have called for enhanced security and economic cooperation with the United States, CNN noted. Following the announcement of the first-round results, President Petro and Cepeda raised concerns about possible manipulation and foreign interference in the election, according to the Associated Press.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 05:03:00

K-Physical AI at a Crossroads: Rise of Neuromeka and Mind AI The domestic physical artificial intelligence (AI) market is rapidly expanding into industrial sectors. While generative AI has primarily focused on text and image creation, physical AI is recognized as a key component of the next-generation AI market due to its ability to perceive real-world environments and make autonomous decisions. According to a report released on June 1 by the Naljiri Research Group, the domestic physical AI market is projected to reach approximately 6.419 trillion won this year. In South Korea, which has a manufacturing-centric industrial structure, collaborative robots, humanoids, and autonomous robots are expected to drive the commercialization of physical AI. The market is experiencing rapid growth. According to Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, the related market is expected to grow from $7 billion (about 10.5 trillion won) in 2025 to $23 billion (approximately 34.8 trillion won) by 2030. During the same period, the humanoid market is anticipated to expand from $6 billion to $46 billion. The average annual growth rates are projected at 32.7% and 52.1%, significantly outpacing the existing industrial robot market's growth rate of 1.8%. Among domestic physical AI startups, Neuromeka and Mind AI are leading the way. Neuromeka has shown strength in industrial automation based on collaborative robots, while Mind AI has secured core software competitiveness in physical AI through AI agents and world model technology. Neuromeka is a domestic startup that provides both collaborative robots and automation solutions. Its competitive edge lies in its ability to offer system solutions tailored to client processes, going beyond simple robot manufacturing. Last year, the company supplied collaborative robot solutions to Kyochon Chicken and is currently pursuing collaborative robot-based automation projects in manufacturing sites, including POSCO. It is particularly making strides in the specialized welding sector of the shipbuilding industry. A flagship product is the OPTi-5, a cart-type welding robot supplied to HD Hyundai Robotics and applied at the HD Hyundai Samho shipyard. The OPTi-5 features sensor-based welding seam tracking technology that corrects welding path errors in real time and utilizes 3D cameras and touch sensors for automatic seam recognition. Building on this foundation, Neuromeka is preparing to enter the humanoid market. A company representative stated, "We are currently undergoing KCs autonomous safety confirmation for a new humanoid robot we are developing. We aim to complete certification by mid-July, and once finalized, we will establish a legal safety framework for large-scale deployment of robots in manufacturing and industrial sites, paving the way for commercialization and orders." Mind AI is a company that develops AI agents and physical AI solutions. Founded in 2014, it was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2021. Recently, it was selected as a participating organization in a national project supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). The company is involved in the "Development of World Foundation Model Technology for Learning Physical AI Models" project led by LG Electronics, focusing on enhancing autonomous driving and robot control solutions. Mind AI's core strengths lie in its multimodal AI technology, which integrates and processes multi-sensory data such as visual and auditory inputs, and its world model technology that learns the physical laws of the real world. This enables the software to assist robots in understanding complex industrial environments in real time and responding to variables. An industry insider noted, "While the initial physical AI market focused on implementing movements of robot hardware, the success of future developments will hinge on the sophistication of AI software that acts as the brain. The organic integration of hardware and software will be a key challenge for market establishment." 2026-06-02 00:03:00

Labor Minister Orders Investigation into Hanwha Aerospace Explosion Labor Minister directs thorough investigation at Hanwha Aerospace site Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor, visited the Hanwha Aerospace facility in Daejeon on June 1, where an explosion occurred, to hold an emergency situation assessment meeting. According to the Ministry of Labor, Minister Kim instructed the head of the Industrial Safety and Health Agency and the director of the Industrial Safety and Health Division, who were dispatched to the scene, to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and determine accountability. He emphasized the need to swiftly and rigorously clarify the cause of the incident during a joint investigation scheduled for June 2. He also urged participants in the investigation to prioritize their safety. Additionally, he called for collaboration with local governments to establish a robust support system for the families of the victims and the injured. He instructed that trauma counseling support for witnesses and fellow workers be carefully monitored. Hanwha Group mobilizes resources for accident response and support In response to the explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace facility, Hanwha Group, under the direction of Chairman Kim Seung-yeon, has formed a special response task force to focus on accident recovery, support for victims' families, and treatment for the injured. On June 1, Hanwha Group issued a statement expressing condolences for the tragic accident that claimed the lives of five employees. The statement read, "We deeply apologize to the families of the deceased, the injured employees, and the local community." Chairman Kim expressed his sorrow over the loss of employees who were dedicated to their work, stating, "I extend my deepest condolences and support to the families of the deceased." He further urged that the company provide the utmost respect to the deceased and act swiftly and sincerely in supporting the families and treating the injured. Safety issues impact election campaigns With the upcoming local elections and parliamentary by-elections, both ruling and opposition parties have scaled back their campaign activities in light of recent major safety incidents. On June 1, following the explosion at Hanwha Aerospace and a toxic gas leak at SK Hynix in Cheongju, the leadership of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party announced the suspension of public campaign events. Individual candidate camps have also shifted their strategies, opting to meet voters in a more subdued manner, avoiding campaign songs and speeches. Both parties are aware that inappropriate responses to safety incidents just days before the election could negatively impact voter sentiment. Lee Jae-myung's government relies heavily on Bank of Korea loans In the first year of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the Bank of Korea's temporary loan amount exceeded 120 trillion won, marking the highest level among past administrations. Despite expectations of improved tax revenue from a semiconductor supercycle, concerns are growing over the government's repeated reliance on temporary loans that do not appear in national debt statistics. According to Aju Economy's investigation on June 1, from June of last year to May of this year, the government borrowed a total of 122 trillion won in temporary loans from the Bank of Korea, with 58 borrowing instances. This is the largest amount recorded in the first year of any administration since statistics began in 2011. The Bank of Korea's temporary loan system is designed to fill short-term funding gaps that arise from timing differences between revenue and expenditure. The government borrows funds from the Bank of Korea as needed and repays them, effectively acting as a fiscal overdraft. The government has relied heavily on these temporary loans since its inception. Starting with 17.9 trillion won in June last year, it borrowed 25.3 trillion won in July, 31.6 trillion won in August, and an additional 14 trillion won in September and 5 trillion won in December. This year, it borrowed 17 trillion won in March and 11.2 trillion won in April, with no additional borrowing in May. This trend is notable compared to previous administrations. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which recorded the highest borrowing among prior governments, borrowed a total of 87.9 trillion won from May 2022 to April 2023, with 41 instances. The Park Geun-hye administration borrowed 86.8 trillion won in its first year, with 32 instances. In contrast, the Moon Jae-in administration borrowed only 1.5 trillion won during the same period, with just three instances.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 21:24:00

Iran: Lebanon Ceasefire is Essential for Peace Negotiations Amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran following President Donald Trump's failure to finalize a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU), Iran has reiterated that a ceasefire on the Lebanon front is a fundamental condition for any peace agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on June 1, "A ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. clearly includes a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. Any violation of the ceasefire on one front constitutes a violation on all fronts. The responsibility for any violations lies with the U.S. and Israel." Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran's negotiating team and Speaker of Parliament, also commented on X, asserting, "The U.S. maritime blockade and the war crimes committed by the Zionist regime (Israel) in Lebanon are clear evidence of U.S. violations of the ceasefire." Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, emphasized during a regular briefing that the U.S. is behind all current events in Lebanon, stating, "The ceasefire in Lebanon is a fundamental condition for all negotiations aimed at ending the conflict." The call for a ceasefire in Lebanon has been a longstanding demand from Iran in the context of peace negotiations. However, the renewed emphasis from key Iranian figures appears to be an attempt to pressure the U.S. and Israel amid the current stalemate in talks. This renewed focus comes in response to Israel's recent escalation of bombings and occupation in Lebanon. It may also relate to the revised ceasefire MOU reportedly communicated to Iran by the U.S. The New York Times reported on May 30, citing three officials, that Trump had not approved the preliminary ceasefire agreement and had instead imposed stricter conditions, sending a revised document to Iran. Specific details of the changes have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, Baghaei noted that the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange messages regarding negotiations. He remarked, "We began negotiations amid serious distrust and skepticism, and message exchanges continue in this atmosphere." He added, "It is important to remember that diplomacy cannot replace power. Negotiations and diplomacy do not inherently signify trust between the parties involved, and these should be viewed separately." Baghaei criticized the U.S. for frequently changing its position and introducing contradictory demands, claiming that this has prolonged the negotiations. He stated, "The situation in Lebanon is a violation of the ceasefire not only by the Zionist regime (Israel) but also, broadly speaking, by the U.S. We will take all necessary measures to defend our national security."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 21:18:00

Kim Se-woo Requests Review of Detention in Defamation Case Involving Kim Soo-hyun Kim Se-woo, head of the Garosero Research Institute, has requested a court review of his detention related to defamation charges stemming from allegations that he spread false information about the late actress Kim Sae-ron's death. According to Yonhap News on June 1, Kim's legal team filed a request for a review of the legality of his detention at the Seoul Central District Court on May 31, five days after his arrest. The hearing for the review is scheduled for June 2 at 2:10 PM. This review process allows the court to reassess the legality and necessity of the detention. The court is required to interrogate the suspect and examine evidence within 48 hours of receiving the request. Kim is accused of disseminating false claims that Kim Soo-hyun pressured Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time, regarding debt repayment, suggesting that this pressure was a direct cause of her death. He is also facing allegations of using artificial intelligence to manipulate Kim Sae-ron's voice, fabricating statements that she had sexual relations with Kim Soo-hyun during her second year of middle school, which would harm Kim Soo-hyun's reputation. Police believe Kim knowingly spread these falsehoods to attract public attention. He has made related claims during a press conference with Kim Sae-ron's family in March of last year. After a year-long investigation, the Gangnam Police in Seoul concluded that Kim had manipulated transcripts using AI, as claimed by Kim Soo-hyun's side. Consequently, on May 14, a warrant for Kim's arrest was issued, citing violations of laws concerning sexual violence, defamation, threats, and attempted coercion. The Seoul Central District Court detained Kim on May 26, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence or flee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 20:36:00

Lee Myung-bak Supports Candidates Ahead of Seoul Mayor Election Former President Lee Myung-bak visited Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu on June 1, urging citizens to support candidates from the People Power Party ahead of the Seoul mayoral election. On that morning, Lee joined the campaign for People Power Party candidate Ko Jae-hyun, who is running for Seongdong District Mayor, along with Choi Soo-jin, the party’s district committee chair for Jung-gu and Seongdong-gu, and former lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook. Seoul Forest was created during Lee's tenure as mayor in 2005. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Lee remarked, "Many people opposed the creation of this park (Seoul Forest) politically. The same was true for the restoration of Cheonggyecheon and the bus reform." He added, "Despite the political opposition, we ultimately created a very convenient and beautiful park. Now, no one complains about Seoul Forest." He emphasized the importance of electing capable local leaders, stating, "We need to choose mayors and district heads who can get the job done. Politicians who are all talk do not contribute to regional development." Lee highlighted his achievements during his time as mayor, including the restoration of Cheonggyecheon and the implementation of the central bus lane and transfer discount system, despite the difficult political environment. He urged citizens to vote for candidates who can effectively lead the city. Lee's visit to Seoul Forest is seen as an effort to rally support among his base while countering claims by Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, who has been emphasizing his accomplishments in Seongdong-gu. Yoon Hee-sook, co-chair of the campaign committee for People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon, stated in an MBC radio interview, "Candidate Jung has claimed he will create 20 more Seongsu-dongs, but it was former President Lee who invested in the infrastructure of Seongsu-dong." Meanwhile, Oh Se-hoon, who could not join Lee during the campaign due to scheduling conflicts, visited the Ttukseom area in Seongdong-gu later that afternoon to meet with voters. Born in Seongsu-dong, Oh began his remarks by saying, "'The son of Seongdong,' Oh Se-hoon, is back." He stressed the importance of the upcoming election, calling for overwhelming support to ensure collaboration among district heads, city councilors, and provincial councilors for the development of Seongdong-gu and the continuous progress of Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 20:30:00

Labor Minister Orders Investigation into Hanwha Aerospace Explosion Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Labor, visited the Hanwha Aerospace plant in Daejeon on June 1, where an explosion occurred, to hold an emergency situation assessment meeting. According to the Labor Ministry, Minister Kim instructed the head of the Ministry's Industrial Safety and Health Agency and the director of the Industrial Safety and Health Office, who were dispatched to the scene, to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and determine accountability. He emphasized the need to swiftly and rigorously uncover the cause of the incident during a joint investigation scheduled for June 2. He also urged participants to pay special attention to safety measures. Additionally, he directed local governments to establish a comprehensive support system for the families of the victims and the injured. He called for careful consideration of trauma counseling support for witnesses and fellow workers. The Labor Ministry has formed a dedicated investigation team of about 20 members, including inspectors from the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office's Serious Industrial Accident Investigation Division and the Serious Industrial Accident Prevention Center, to commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The ministry stated, "We will rigorously identify the exact cause of the explosion through on-site investigations," adding that it will strictly examine whether safety measures for handling hazardous materials and obligations under the Serious Accident Punishment Act were properly implemented. The dedicated investigation team plans to work closely with relevant agencies, including the prosecution and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, to clarify the specifics of the accident and determine accountability. Minister Kim has instructed the establishment of a Central Industrial Accident Response Headquarters within the Labor Ministry and a Regional Industrial Accident Response Headquarters at the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office. Immediately following the incident, the head of the Daejeon Labor Office and inspectors issued a work stoppage order at the plant.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 19:57:00