Lee Jae-myung to Host Lunch Meeting With Minor Parties, Independent Lawmakers on April 29 President Lee Jae-myung will host a lunch meeting this week with five minor parties that do not hold negotiating-group status in the National Assembly, as well as independent lawmakers, the presidential office said. Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing on Saturday that the meeting is scheduled for April 29. The time and venue will be announced separately. Lee is expected to ask for cooperation on pending issues including the June 3 local elections, balanced regional development and prosecution reform. Lee previously met with leaders of parliamentary parties, including the Democratic Party, at the presidential office on Jan. 16 and urged cooperation on his policy agenda. The People Power Party leadership did not attend that meeting. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 20:30:15

South Korea Golf Club Data Breach Exposes About 100,000 Records; North Korea Suspected Police are investigating a data breach at a golf club in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi province, that exposed personal information on an estimated 100,000 customers. According to the Kukmin Ilbo on Saturday, the National Police Agency’s Security Investigation Command and Control Division confirmed a large-scale leak from the Lee & Lee CC website and is investigating. The number of affected people is estimated at about 100,000. Lee & Lee CC said in a notice posted April 18 that it had confirmed customer data was leaked after a hacker inserted malicious code into its website on Oct. 21 last year. The exposed information includes names, dates of birth, gender, user IDs, passwords, mobile and landline phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses. Police reportedly learned of the breach while investigating major North Korean hacking groups and believe the club’s server was infected with malware distributed by the group. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 20:09:14

MBC’s “Straight” Obtains CCTV in Propofol Sedation Death, Raises Questions About Emergency Response MBC’s investigative program ‘Straight’ is examining both the rapid spread of news outlets and problems in medical settings involving the sedative propofol. In an episode airing on the 26th, ‘Straight’ presents “Proliferating Media, Broken Trust,” focusing on the reality behind the surge in registered news organizations. Since the establishment of the South Korean government, about 64,000 news outlets have been launched. About 28,000 are currently active. With registration requirements eased and one-person media expanding on platforms such as YouTube, virtually anyone can claim to be engaged in journalism. ‘Straight’ tracked whether the growing number of outlets are performing journalism’s core role. The producers reported on practices such as using critical articles as leverage to demand advertising or sponsorship from companies; a journalists’ association that allegedly collected millions of won in training fees after promoting lectures by using celebrities’ names without authorization; and a news outlet accused of selling press credentials for money. The program also looks at how a single owner or a specific corporation can operate multiple outlets by splitting them into separate entities. It also examines some media-registered YouTubers who run channels after registering as online news outlets and spread false information, including claims of election fraud conspiracies. The broadcast also includes a segment titled “Propofol’s Two Faces.” ‘Straight’ said it obtained CCTV footage from an operating room at a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul and traced a death that occurred during sedation anesthesia. A man in his 50s receiving a cosmetic procedure suffered severe brain damage during sedation and later died. The hospital said it took the best possible measures as physicians, but the CCTV reviewed by the producers shows medical staff not taking immediate emergency steps. The producers examine why deaths linked to sedation anesthesia keep recurring and what practical measures could better protect patients. The program also reports that propofol, a highly addictive controlled drug, is being sold at some plastic surgery and dermatology clinics as if it were an add-on product for cosmetic procedures. It also points to a system in which propofol oversight effectively depends heavily on the conscience and discretion of medical staff. ‘Straight’ airs at 8:30 p.m. on the 26th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 20:03:16

Putin Thanks North Korean Troops Who Fought in Kursk, Honors War Dead Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korean troops who took part in fighting in the Kursk region.  TASS reported on April 26 (local time) that Putin issued a congratulatory message marking the opening in Pyongyang of a memorial complex for heroes of overseas military operations and a military heroes museum. Vladimir Putin said in the message, "I sincerely thank the brave Korean (North Korean) soldiers who participated in the battles in the Kursk region, and I would like to pay tribute to the heroes who died." North Korea pushed to build a memorial for those killed in the Kursk deployment, aiming to complete it for the first anniversary of the "liberation of Kursk." Russia sent a high-level delegation to the memorial’s completion ceremony. Russia said it had at one point lost Kursk during the war with Ukraine, but officially declared on April 26 last year that it had regained the territory after North Korea entered the fighting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 19:30:14

World Leaders Condemn Suspected Shooting Targeting Trump, Say They’re Relieved He’s Safe World leaders condemned what they described as “political violence” after a shooting believed to have targeted U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they were relieved he and others were unharmed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X on April 26 (local time) that she was “relieved” to hear that Trump, first lady Melania Trump and everyone at the dinner were safe, adding that “there must never be violence in politics.” Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said political violence is unacceptable in public life and must be firmly rejected. He added it was fortunate that, thanks to a swift response by law enforcement, all attendees were able to evacuate safely. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he was “shocked,” and that any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom must be condemned “in the strongest terms.” He said he was greatly relieved that Trump, the first lady and all attendees were safe. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that, after reports of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, he was relieved to learn the president, the first lady and all attendees were safe. “Political violence must not occur in any democracy,” he said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a statement, praised the efforts of the agencies that responded quickly. Earlier, gunfire was heard at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., prompting Trump and others at the event to evacuate. The shooter was subdued at the scene.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 19:27:15

Netanyahu Says He Was ‘Shocked’ by Reported Attempt on Trump at Washington Dinner Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked” after U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated following gunfire at a dinner event. Speaking at a news conference in Jerusalem on April 26 (local time), Netanyahu said he was deeply shaken by reports of an assassination attempt targeting Trump. He said he was relieved to learn that Trump and the first lady were safe and in good condition, adding that he saluted the U.S. Secret Service for responding with “swift and decisive action.” Trump was attending a dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., on Friday evening when shots were heard and he was rushed to safety. No attendees were reported wounded, and a suspect was arrested at the scene. The Los Angeles Times and other local media identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Authorities said Allen had a shotgun, a handgun and several bladed weapons at the time. He was charged with two counts related to firearm use and one count of assaulting a federal official with a dangerous weapon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 19:18:17

Samsung Shareholder Group Plans Rally Outside Lee Jae-yong’s Home Ahead of Union Strike Event A Samsung Electronics labor union is preparing a general-strike rally next month outside the home of Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and a shareholder group has announced a counterprotest. Yonhap News Agency reported on the 26th that the Korea Shareholder Movement Headquarters, which has opposed the union’s activities, notified police it will hold a rally from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 21 outside Lee’s residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul’s Yongsan district. The gathering is widely seen as a response to the general-strike plan by Samsung Electronics’ companywide union. The union plans to hold its own rally at 1 p.m. the same day outside Lee’s home to announce its general-strike plans. The reported number of participants for the shareholder group’s rally is about 30. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 19:12:15

South Korea Forecast: Mostly Cloudy Nationwide; Rain Possible in Capital Area at Night Monday the 27th is expected to be mostly cloudy nationwide, with rain starting overnight in parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon and Chungcheong, the Korea Meteorological Administration said Sunday. Central regions will be mostly cloudy, while southern areas will see intermittent clouds before turning cloudier at night. Jeju Island will be mostly clear during the day, then gradually cloud over at night. Rain is possible overnight in the capital area, Gangwon inland and mountainous areas, and the northern west coast of South Chungcheong Province. Expected rainfall: 5-10 millimeters in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province; about 5 mm on the five West Sea islands; 5-20 mm in Gangwon inland and mountainous areas; and less than 5 mm in Daejeon, Sejong and South Chungcheong Province. Skies will be mostly cloudy across the country, with occasional sprinkles in the afternoon mainly in the capital area, Gangwon and the northern west coast of South Chungcheong. Temperatures are forecast to range from 6-14 degrees Celsius (43-57 Fahrenheit) in the morning and 14-27 C (57-81 F) in the afternoon. Daytime highs are expected to reach 22 C in Seoul and Wonju, 16 C in Gangneung, 23 C in Cheongju, 24 C in Daejeon, 25 C in Jeonju, 24 C in Gwangju, 23 C in Yeosu, 27 C in Daegu, 23 C in Busan and 20 C on Jeju. Fine dust levels are expected to range from “good” to “moderate” nationwide. On Tuesday the 28th, the country is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with rain in the capital area, Chungcheong and Gangwon. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 18:06:40

South Korean Steelmakers Post Improved Q1 Results, but Second-Half Risks Loom South Korea’s steelmakers posted improved first-quarter results despite headwinds including a construction downturn and a wave of low-priced Chinese steel, helped by anti-dumping measures and stronger exports. Analysts said profitability has begun to recover, but warned that higher raw material and shipping costs tied to Middle East geopolitical risks and tighter European Union carbon rules could weigh on results in the second half. As of the 23rd, industry officials said the country’s three major steelmakers — POSCO Holdings, Hyundai Steel and Dongkuk Steel — held up relatively well in the first quarter despite weak demand and external pressures. Hyundai Steel reported 15.7 billion won ($11.3 million) in operating profit on a consolidated basis, swinging to a profit from a 19.0 billion won loss a year earlier. The turnaround was attributed to stronger domestic pricing power after anti-dumping steps against low-priced Chinese steel, along with a sharp rise in rebar exports, mainly to the U.S. market. Dongkuk Steel also benefited from exports. On a separate basis, it posted 21.4 billion won in operating profit, up 403.9% from a year earlier. While the domestic long-steel market remained weak, overseas sales expanded for products including heavy plate and color-coated steel sheet. POSCO Holdings, which has yet to report, is expected to post 594.9 billion won in first-quarter operating profit, up 4.7% from a year earlier, according to market estimates. The results have fueled views that pressures from the construction slump and China-driven oversupply that persisted through last year are easing somewhat. Analysts also pointed to the government’s anti-dumping probes and stronger trade responses as creating a more favorable environment for domestic producers. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is imposing anti-dumping duties of 27.91% to 38.02% on Chinese heavy plate. For hot-rolled steel sheet from Japan and China, duties range from 31.58% to 33.43% for Japanese products and 28.16% to 33.10% for Chinese products. Prices for key steel products such as hot-rolled sheet, rebar and heavy plate have reportedly risen by more than 100,000 won per ton in recent weeks. A continued decline in China’s crude steel output has also been supportive. China’s National Bureau of Statistics said first-quarter crude steel production totaled 247.55 million tons, down 4.6% from a year earlier, the lowest first-quarter level since 2022. Risks remain. If Middle East tensions persist, a weaker won and higher ocean freight rates could lift costs. A renewed rise in iron ore and coking coal prices could also squeeze margins. In addition, tougher environmental rules such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM, are seen as a burden for South Korean steelmakers with high export exposure. Steelmakers say they plan to keep improving results in the second half by expanding exports and cutting costs. POSCO plans to expand investment in overseas steel plants to build local production that reduces costs and tariff burdens. POSCO Holdings has agreed to set up a joint venture with Indian steelmaker JSW Steel and build an integrated steel mill in Odisha state by 2031, aiming to secure annual crude steel capacity of 6 million tons. Hyundai Steel said it plans, in cooperation with Hyundai Motor Group and POSCO Holdings, to build an integrated electric-arc-furnace steel mill in Louisiana by 2029 with annual capacity of 2.7 million tons. Hyundai Steel also plans to target steel demand tied to power infrastructure and data centers at home and abroad, citing expanding downstream industries such as data centers, energy storage systems and transmission networks as artificial intelligence demand grows. Dongkuk Steel said it will continue raising the share of export sales, aiming to increase it to 15% this year from about 11% last year by strengthening capabilities including integrated sales, trade and logistics operations. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 18:05:51

Korean Unions Escalate Bonus Demands, Raising Concerns Over Competitiveness Major South Korean conglomerate unions are escalating demands for performance bonuses, prompting growing concern inside and outside industry. After SK Hynix reached a deal tying bonuses to operating profit, unions at Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor have followed with tougher demands. Industry officials describe it as a competitive one-upmanship in bonus negotiations. According to industry officials on April 26, Samsung’s union is demanding that 15% of operating profit be set aside for performance bonuses and that the company abolish caps on payouts. The union has also raised the possibility of a general strike. SK Hynix previously agreed to scrap a cap of 1,000% of base pay and to pay bonuses equal to 10% of operating profit. Based on projected operating profit this year, some analysts say that could allow bonuses of about 700 million won per employee. Hyundai Motor’s union also included in this year’s wage talks a demand for performance bonuses worth about 30% of last year’s net profit. Critics say bonus demands are increasingly driven less by productivity or individual performance than by comparisons with payouts at other companies. Some in the business community say SK Hynix’s unusually generous agreement spurred Samsung’s union, and that Samsung’s case is now pushing Hyundai Motor’s demands higher. In the semiconductor sector, many executives and analysts argue that much of the recent earnings strength reflects improved market conditions rather than gains in individual productivity. “Recent improvements in memory-chip results were driven decisively by rising server demand from expanded AI investment and higher prices for commodity DRAM,” one industry expert said. “Many assessments say the DRAM price increase stems from global supply-demand conditions and market shifts, making it hard to link directly to individual employees’ efforts.” Some analysts also say competitiveness in high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, reflects the combined impact of a small group of key researchers, long-term investment decisions and management judgment. Industry sources say there is discomfort with a 분위기 in which even junior employees with limited tenure demand bonuses worth hundreds of millions of won as a matter of course during an upcycle. “One semiconductor industry official said the current mood looks less like profit-sharing than a scramble for bonuses riding a market boom,” adding that “a pattern could repeat in which workers take as much as possible when times are good and then blame underinvestment when conditions turn.” Lee Gyu-bok, a former president of the Semiconductor Engineering Society, said the AI chip era will require far more capital and warned that missing development windows could cost customers to rivals. If too much money is diverted away from investment, he said, research and development schedules could slip. Some analysts say prolonged internal conflict at Samsung is being watched by Taiwanese competitors as an opportunity. Taiwanese media and industry have suggested that if production disruptions at Samsung materialize, local companies such as TSMC could gain market share and strengthen pricing leverage. Concerns are sharper in autos. Despite weaker first-quarter results as uncertainty grows from U.S. tariff burdens and a slowdown in the global electric-vehicle market, Hyundai Motor’s union is seeking what the industry describes as record-high bonuses. Some warn the stance could spread across corporate Korea alongside debate over the so-called Yellow Envelope Act. “A performance bonus itself isn’t the problem,” an industry official said. “The problem is a structure where demands surge competitively whenever the business cycle improves. If this trend hardens, weaker investment capacity and supply-chain instability could ultimately shake overall industrial competitiveness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 18:04:57