Government Vows to Crack Down on False and Fake News Ahead of June 3 Local Elections The South Korean government is intensifying efforts to combat false and fake news that threatens the integrity of the upcoming local elections on June 3. A task force will be operational weekly until the elections, mobilizing resources from all government ministries. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that a meeting of the "Government-Wide Task Force on False and Fake News" was held on May 8 at 4 p.m. at the Government Seoul Complex, chaired by Minister Yoon Ho-joong. This meeting follows discussions held in February and April among relevant ministers, aimed at strengthening intergovernmental cooperation leading up to the elections. The task force was established in response to the serious issue of persistent and malicious false and fake news circulating on various online platforms and social media, which could significantly hinder citizens' exercise of their voting rights. Attendees at the meeting included deputy ministers from the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Korea Communications Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Police Agency. They reviewed the progress of each agency's response efforts and discussed effective measures to eradicate false and fake news. The government plans to implement a comprehensive strategy to block false and fake news across all sectors. The Korea Communications Commission is operating a "Public-Private Joint Self-Regulation Task Force" to swiftly remove and block access to false and fake news on online platforms until the elections. They will regularly monitor the situation and encourage proactive measures from platform operators. Since May 4, 30 days before the election, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has begun a concentrated cleanup of illegal advertising materials. They are promptly addressing banners that violate the "Election Advertising Management Guidelines" and relevant laws, having already removed over 30,000 illegal banners by March. Additionally, special joint inspection teams will be deployed to ensure strict penalties for public officials involved in posting or distributing false and fake news or interfering in the elections, regardless of intent. The prosecution and police have classified false and fake news, along with black propaganda, bribery, and public official election interference, as key election crimes that threaten fair elections, and are conducting thorough investigations. They will respond vigorously to organized and repeated dissemination of false and fake news, applying a zero-tolerance policy for severe penalties. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are also focusing on prevention and awareness campaigns. The Ministry of Education is enhancing digital media literacy education to combat the spread of manipulated information on social media, and in collaboration with the National Election Commission, is conducting "New Voter Education" for 400,000 high school students to inform them about election procedures and political laws. The Ministry of Culture is using KTV and government social media to provide accurate policy information and disseminate messages to eradicate false and fake news. The National Election Commission, a constitutional body, has established a "Special Response Team for Deepfakes, False Information, and Defamation" to thoroughly address false and fake news. They maintain a close cooperation system, sharing relevant information with the government in real-time and reporting serious violations to law enforcement agencies. Minister Yoon Ho-joong stated, "False and fake news not only obstructs citizens' free exercise of their voting rights but also undermines trust in elections, fuels social conflict and chaos, and constitutes a serious crime that damages the foundations of democracy. The government will relentlessly pursue and respond to organized and malicious dissemination of false and fake news, ensuring that this local election is conducted more fairly and cleanly than ever before through close cooperation across the government until election day."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 17:08:18

KT fined for failing to properly inform customers over phone pre-orders SEOUL, May 8 (AJP) - Telecom provider KT was fined 640 million won (about US$460,000) for failing to properly inform customers about available benefits and subscription-related terms when accepting pre-orders for Samsung's handsets in January last year, the Korea Media and Communications Commission said on Friday. After a meeting at the government complex in Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, the communications watchdog decided to impose the fine along with corrective orders, citing damage to customers' rights and harm to their interests. The punitive measures came more than a year after the commission launched its investigation in February last year. It found that KT had misled customers by telling them benefits were available to all when accepting pre-orders for Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25, although they were limited to the first 1,000 customers. KT blamed the incident on a clerical error by staff. But the commission also found that KT had unilaterally canceled some 7,127 pre-orders placed through certain online platforms for some reason. The commission ordered KT to clearly inform customers of all terms and conditions including pre-order details, and to make the process more transparent. "There were shortcomings in our pre-order process at the time, but all related procedures have since been improved," a KT staffer said. "We will continue to closely monitor for any false or exaggerated ads and promotions to minimize inconvenience for customers using mobile services," the commission's chairman Kim Jong-cheol pledged. 2026-05-08 17:08:14

Lee Hoon-ki Calls for Government to Lower Communication Costs for Citizens Lee Hoon-ki, a member of the Democratic Party, held a discussion at the National Assembly on May 8, urging a paradigm shift in government communication cost policies to better reflect citizens' experiences. During the "Discussion on Reducing Communication Costs Felt by Citizens," Lee expressed disappointment with the recent announcement from the Ministry of Science and ICT regarding a 20,000 won 5G plan. He stated, "I had high hopes after seeing the press release, but upon reviewing the actual details, it became clear that the government is merely increasing service offerings to claim a reduction, without providing any substantial benefits for citizens." He emphasized that, similar to how amendments to corporate law have boosted stock prices, a fundamental restructuring of the market is necessary for genuine cost reductions in communication fees. The discussion also highlighted concerns that the government's proposed fee restructuring plan, announced in April, would have minimal impact on actual service quality or household financial relief. Moon Hyung-nam, president of Sookmyung Women's University, pointed out, "According to the government's figures, the average monthly savings per person is 488 won, but when accounting for the decrease in telecom company revenues, the actual savings felt by users is only about 180 won." Cho Soo-hyung, head of the Korea Consumer Protection Center for Telecommunications, noted that excessive penalties for two-year contracts create significant barriers to consumer choice, stating, "We need to go beyond simple fee reductions and implement measures to alleviate the actual cost burden, including reforms to the penalty system." Criticism also arose regarding the government's annual announcements of communication cost reduction policies, which some labeled as mere token gestures. Lim Hyung-do, a special professor of computer engineering at Kyung Hee University, remarked, "It would be better if there were no negotiations between the government and the three major telecom companies regarding fee reductions. Such negotiations lead to delays in policy announcements until the telecom companies feel pressured to propose reductions." The discussion included a structural analysis of why communication costs remain high, citing Japan's Rakuten Mobile, which offers unlimited 5G service for around 30,000 won. Kim Hyup, vice president of the Korea Policy Forum, explained, "Japan has achieved a 30,000 won unlimited plan by lowering infrastructure investment costs through cloud-based virtualization technology. We need competitive policies that fundamentally change the market structure, rather than just fine-tuning existing conditions." However, Song Cheol, head of external relations at the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KOTA), countered that comparing Rakuten's pricing to domestic budget phone services is inappropriate. Kim quickly responded, stating, "Dismissing Rakuten's pricing as budget phone rates prevents a fair comparison with domestic telecom companies. Rakuten Mobile is a fourth mobile carrier approved by the Japanese government, and categorizing it as a budget service is misleading."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 17:02:05

Samsung Electronics' Major Union Enters Post-Adjustment Process Following Government Request Samsung Electronics' largest union, the Major Union, has entered a post-adjustment process at the request of the government. This decision comes as the union and management prepare to return to the negotiating table ahead of a planned general strike on May 21.The Major Union of Samsung Electronics announced on the afternoon of May 8 that this decision was made following a meeting with Kim Do-hyung, head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Office, and representatives from management.The union stated, "The Ministry of Labor deeply recognizes the seriousness of this matter and has promised full support for negotiations at the government level, strongly encouraging the post-adjustment process. We have taken the government's proactive stance and repeated requests seriously and have decided to participate in the post-adjustment process after internal review."The negotiations will be conducted under the authority of the Major Union, which has been delegated the rights to negotiate and conclude agreements.The post-adjustment process is set to take place intensively on May 11 and 12, with participation from Chairperson Choi Seung-ho and union members Lee Song-yi and Kim Jae-won.Choi Seung-ho, Chairperson of the Major Union, stated, "If we do not achieve a satisfactory outcome for our members, we will not hesitate to proceed with the general strike. We will ensure that preparations for the strike are thorough and without disruption." 2026-05-08 17:00:20

AI Revolutionizes Operations in Securities Firms Securities firms are accelerating their use of artificial intelligence (AI) to innovate operations. Some companies are incorporating AI usage into their key performance indicators (KPIs), reflecting a broader organizational shift. Previously limited to experimental use in select departments, AI is now being encouraged at the enterprise level and integrated deeply into daily operations. According to the financial investment industry on May 8, some securities firms have begun identifying departments where AI can be utilized and including AI-driven performance improvement metrics in their KPIs this year. Major firms like Shinhan Investment Corp. and Hana Securities are reportedly adopting policies to reflect AI-related KPIs in departments as overall AI usage increases. Before showcasing AI-driven customer services externally, securities firms are enhancing internal efficiency through AI. They are expanding AI adoption in repetitive and extensive tasks such as report writing, research, and data analysis. While strategies and implementation speeds vary among firms, a common direction is the 'close-to-business application' of AI. KB Securities is advancing its AI initiatives through its newly established AI Digital Headquarters, which was created in 2025. The organization has been segmented to separate data strategy, AI model development, and infrastructure operations, broadening AI applications to complex areas such as investment analysis, legal review, risk management, and customer consultation. The firm is also transitioning from simple automation to a stage of 'agentic AI' that supports decision-making. Korea Investment & Securities has been increasing AI utilization by having a dedicated team assess the applicability of AI solutions across its divisions since the beginning of the year. Notably, it has established an environment where investment information is delivered promptly through AI translations of overseas research materials obtained in collaboration with global financial firms. There are also examples of generative AI platforms linked to internal systems. One securities firm has created an AI work portal within its groupware, offering interactive services that support everything from file uploads to analysis and summarization. Additionally, most securities firms are expanding AI training for employees and collaborating with external AI solution companies to broaden their reach. However, the unique security regulations in the financial sector continue to pose challenges to widespread AI adoption. Principles such as network separation limit the scope of generative AI usage. Although the Financial Services Commission announced a 'Roadmap for Improving Network Separation in the Financial Sector' in August 2024 to suggest regulatory easing, cautious approaches remain prevalent in the field. Despite these challenges, the financial investment industry is focusing on the structural changes that AI adoption may bring. There is a growing atmosphere where not only back-office staff but also front-line personnel in private banking and investment banking are autonomously utilizing AI. It is anticipated that the scope of AI reflected in KPIs will gradually expand in the future. A securities firm representative stated, "AI can process vast amounts of information and handle repetitive tasks much faster and more accurately. This allows us to allocate the time saved to more essential tasks, such as customer consultations and risk management, thereby enhancing overall organizational competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:57:32

Public Frustration Grows Over Fuel Prices and Telecom Fees Amid Corporate Profits In January 2011, former President Lee Myung-bak sparked a stir in the oil industry when he remarked on the disparity between international oil prices and domestic fuel costs, saying, "Fuel prices are strange." His comments led to government inspections of gas stations and intense media scrutiny of oil company profits, igniting public outrage over rising fuel costs. Fifteen years later, amid soaring international oil prices due to the war in Iran, President Lee Jae-myung convened an emergency cabinet meeting, directing the establishment of a maximum price for gas stations. He expressed strong dissatisfaction, noting, "Prices vary from morning to noon to evening, and some stations have raised prices by nearly 200 won per liter in a single day," pointing to unethical pricing practices by certain gas stations. According to officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the price inspections that began at gas stations are now extending to oil companies. Due to the surge in oil prices linked to the Iran conflict, the first-quarter operating profits of major refiners, including SK Innovation, S-Oil, GS Caltex, and HD Hyundai Oilbank, are projected to approach 5 trillion won. Some lawmakers are reportedly preparing to pressure these companies to return their profits. When international oil prices rise, the selling price of petroleum products made from already secured crude oil increases, leading to a significant short-term boost in operating profits. Notably, over 80% of the operating profits of domestic refiners come from exports, while the margin that refiners earn from domestic gas station sales is only a few dozen won per liter after taxes. Telecom companies are facing similar scrutiny. The first-quarter results of the three major telecom firms are expected to exceed market expectations. Industry insiders attribute this resilience not to wireless communications but to increased demand for cloud services and data centers, despite subscriber losses due to hacking incidents. The wireless communication sector itself has stagnated due to the government's stringent policies against significant rate hikes. Current telecom companies have found new revenue sources through investments in AI infrastructure rather than extracting profits from consumers. Nevertheless, whenever the economy falters, the government consistently targets telecom companies. The Lee Myung-bak administration promised a 20% reduction in communication fees, while the Park Geun-hye administration called for "half-price telecom fees." The Moon Jae-in administration sought to eliminate basic fees and increase discount rates, and the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has made expanding low-cost 5G plans a priority. None of these administrations have succeeded in achieving substantial rate reductions. Under the current government, the Ministry of Science and ICT is discussing improvements to telecom plans with the three major companies, which are expected to launch 5G plans priced in the 20,000 won range this year. Industry insiders express skepticism, noting that the government continues to seek solutions to economic stimulation through telecom fees, just as previous administrations did. By creating villains in the oil and telecom sectors, the government has used them as scapegoats to address public frustration stemming from economic downturns. It is now time to focus on the real issues at hand. Labor unions in large corporations, which pay salaries exceeding 100 million won, are demanding performance bonuses in the millions of won and have initiated strikes. In contrast, many workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up a significant portion of the labor force, have received notices of wage freezes due to the economic downturn. As large corporations absorb the pressure of rising labor costs by lowering supplier prices, the burden will undoubtedly fall on subcontractors and their employees. Many workers will tighten their budgets, and it will become increasingly common to see neighborhood restaurants changing their signs every few months. As lunch prices soar above 10,000 won, images of workers demanding performance bonuses of 600 million won make headlines. Today, the government continues to target easy scapegoats while proposing economic stimulus measures. The entities generating billions in operating profits are not the oil companies or telecom firms profiting from cloud services, but rather a troubling structure that mocks the entire population while masquerading as the underprivileged.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:52:17

Dongwon Industries Reports 17.1% Increase in Q1 Operating Profit Driven by Packaging and Logistics Growth Despite facing the dual challenges of rising raw material prices and high exchange rates, Dongwon Group demonstrated growth in the first quarter. The B2B sector and logistics and construction subsidiaries filled the gap left by the seafood and food divisions, boosting the group's overall performance. Dongwon Industries, the holding company of Dongwon Group, announced on May 8 that its consolidated revenue for the first quarter reached 2.53 trillion won, a 9.1% increase from the previous year, while operating profit rose 17.1% to 146.2 billion won. Performance varied among subsidiaries. Dongwon Industries' standalone revenue from the seafood division fell 7.8% to 295.8 billion won, with operating profit plummeting 35.7% to 66.6 billion won. Dongwon F&B, a food subsidiary, saw slight revenue growth due to the rise of online sales. However, operating profit declined by over 6% due to cost pressures from high exchange rates, unstable raw material supply, and intensified competition in offline sales. Conversely, the B2B and non-food subsidiaries served as a backbone for the group's performance. Dongwon Systems, a packaging and materials subsidiary, managed to perform well despite the burdens of high exchange rates and rising prices for naphtha and aluminum, thanks to increased exports of high-value products like flexible packaging and food cans. Dongwon Systems reported consolidated revenue of 337.8 billion won and operating profit of 13 billion won, marking increases of 0.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Notably, demand for pet food and retort pouches surged in the North American market, and the company expanded its export reach to 30 countries by securing new clients in Asia and Africa. Exports in the materials sector grew by approximately 20% year-on-year. Leveraging its technological expertise in the packaging business, Dongwon Systems is also investing in new ventures, including materials for secondary batteries and advanced films, to establish long-term growth drivers. Dongwon Home Food, a food distribution company, experienced balanced growth across all business areas, including seasoning products, meal services, and meat distribution, leading to improved performance through the expansion of new clients. Logistics subsidiary Dongwon Loex and construction subsidiary Dongwon Construction Industry also contributed to the group's profit improvement with double-digit growth in both revenue and operating profit. A Dongwon Group official stated, "The challenging business environment continues with high exchange rates, unstable raw material supply, and a sluggish domestic market, increasing our burdens." He added, "While the outlook for the second quarter remains bleak, we will focus on solid management based on our robust business portfolio spanning seafood, food, materials, and logistics." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:48:49

Lee Seung-hwan Wins Partial Victory in Lawsuit Over Concert Cancellation The Seoul Central District Court has ruled that the city of Gumi unlawfully canceled singer Lee Seung-hwan's concert venue reservation and ordered the city to pay damages. On May 8, Judge Park Nam-jun of the court's civil division ruled in favor of Lee, his agency Dream Factory, and ticket purchasers in a lawsuit against Gumi City and Mayor Kim Jang-ho. The court ordered Gumi City to pay 35 million won to Lee, 75 million won to his agency, and 1.5 million won to each of the 100 ticket buyers, totaling 125 million won. Lee's team initially sought 250 million won in damages, but the court recognized only about half of that amount. However, the court acknowledged Gumi City's legal responsibility while not holding Mayor Kim personally liable for damages. In December 2024, Lee planned to hold his 35th anniversary concert, titled 'Heaven,' at the Gumi Cultural and Arts Center. However, just two days before the event, on December 23, Gumi City unilaterally canceled the venue reservation, citing public safety concerns. During this process, Mayor Kim's office reportedly demanded that Lee submit a pledge not to engage in political speech. When Lee's team refused, Gumi City decided to cancel the reservation. Subsequently, Lee's team filed a lawsuit against Mayor Kim and Gumi City in January of the following year, claiming that the demand and the cancellation were illegal actions. After the ruling, Lee expressed his disappointment on Facebook, stating, "They said they could not hold Mayor Kim accountable. I am still unsatisfied with the ruling," and he announced his intention to appeal for justice. In relation to this case, Lee's team also filed a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court, arguing that the city's demand for a pledge infringed on freedom of expression. However, the court dismissed the complaint in March of last year, stating that it did not meet the necessary requirements. 2026-05-08 16:45:53

S. Korea expands drone security push with Army pact, coastal test site SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - South Korea is expanding efforts to strengthen its drone security capabilities, as the National Intelligence Service signed a cooperation agreement with the Army and the government opened the country’s first integrated test site for land, sea and aerial unmanned systems. The moves reflect Seoul’s push to turn lessons from overseas battlefields into practical drone operations at home, as unmanned systems play a growing role in both military and public security missions. The NIS said Friday it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Army at Gyeryongdae, the military headquarters in South Chungcheong Province. Under the agreement, the two sides will share domestic and overseas drone security information, improve regulations on advanced drone use, verify drone and counter-drone systems and conduct joint drills against threats to national security facilities. The spy agency said it will also share information and analysis on drones used in overseas conflicts to support the Army’s efforts to strengthen its drone capabilities and upgrade tactics. The NIS signed a similar agreement with the Navy in October last year. “Information on drones used in overseas battlefields is an important asset for improving our military’s operational capabilities,” the NIS said. “Through close cooperation with the Army, we will support responses to drone threats and help establish a national drone security system.” In a related move, the Ministry of Science and ICT opened a coastal test site for unmanned vehicles in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province. The facility, located at the Dangjin Drone Industry Support Center, is the country’s first test site where land, sea and aerial unmanned systems can be operated together for cooperative missions. The ministry said the site will support demonstrations of integrated control technologies for coastal security missions, including monitoring illegal entry, detecting pollution sources and responding to maritime accidents. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the Korea AeroSpace Administration and the Korea Coast Guard. 2026-05-08 16:45:07

Test Drive: Lexus RX450h+ Offers Flexible Electric and Hybrid Driving The first impression of the Lexus RX450h+ is its striking copper-toned exterior. The bronze color subtly shifts in the sunlight, exuding a sense of luxury that stands out in any setting. During the May holiday, I tested the RX450h+ in Seoul and the Boryeong area of South Chungcheong Province. This vehicle is notable for being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and part of the increasingly popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Activating the EV mode on the console, I noticed the driving range displayed on the dashboard, based on internal combustion, remained at 790 km. Even after driving through downtown Seoul, this number barely decreased. It was only when I thought, "I’m driving through Seoul for free," that I saw the electric driving range drop from 24 km to 15 km on the left side of the dashboard. The RX450h+ allows drivers to switch seamlessly between electric and hybrid modes based on their needs. Notably, when driving in hybrid mode, the electric vehicle battery charges automatically, allowing for a dual benefit. On May 1, while traveling from Seoul to Boryeong for a business trip, the benefits of EV mode became evident. The vehicle operated almost entirely on the electric motor, with minimal engine engagement. The smooth ride in low-speed urban areas felt akin to that of an electric sedan. The RX450h+ is equipped with an 18.1 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery, enabling approximately 56 km of driving in electric mode when fully charged. For drivers who frequently commute or travel within urban areas, the option to charge at a parking facility makes it a practical choice for electric driving. Once on the West Coast Highway, the vehicle's character shifted again. Engaging hybrid mode activated the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering a refreshing acceleration. The engine and electric motor worked together seamlessly to increase speed. During heavy traffic between Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek, I experienced the effectiveness of the driver assistance systems. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) maintained a stable distance from the vehicle ahead, even in slow-moving traffic. In fact, even in stop-and-go traffic at around 30 km/h, the vehicle responded smoothly without abrupt acceleration or deceleration. When traveling over 100 km/h, if the car in front suddenly slowed down, the RX450h+ naturally adjusted its speed. This feature significantly reduced fatigue during long drives. The interior focuses on Lexus's signature comfort. The driver's seat incorporates the Tazuna concept, inspired by horseback riding, enhancing the connection between the driver and the vehicle. It feels more like a refined, eco-friendly vehicle than an aggressive sports car, showcasing a new direction for Lexus in the era of electrification. 2026-05-08 16:34:58