May Theatrical Releases Feature Diverse Genre Films May will see a surge of genre films in theaters, ranging from horror comedies to zombie thrillers and sci-fi adventures. Audiences can expect a mix of fear, laughter, survival narratives, and expansions of global franchises. The first notable release is 'Teaching Practicum,' debuting on May 13. This high school horror comedy follows enthusiastic trainee teacher Eun-kyung as she faces a supernatural exam against a ghost. Directed by Kim Min-ha, known for 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' the film has already garnered attention by winning awards at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. The cast includes Han Sun-hwa, Hong Ye-ji, Lee Yeo-reum, Lee Hwa-won, and Yoo Seon-ho, promising a comedic horror ensemble. Another highly anticipated film is 'Goonche,' directed by Yeon Sang-ho. Set to release on May 27, it depicts survivors in a quarantined building battling evolving infected beings amid an unidentified outbreak. Unlike traditional zombies, these creatures communicate and adapt, offering a fresh take on horror. Yeon, known for 'Train to Busan' and 'Hellbound,' is expected to expand his unique narrative style. 'Goonche' has already gained attention as an official selection for the Midnight Screenings at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The film features a strong cast, including Jeon Ji-hyun, returning to the screen after 11 years, alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo. Also releasing on May 27 is 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' a blockbuster sci-fi adventure that follows bounty hunter Din Djarin and Grogu on a life-changing mission. This film expands the universe of the popular Disney+ series, attracting significant attention from fans. Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the script with Dave Filoni, the film maintains the franchise's authenticity. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin, joined by Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, who recently won Golden Globe awards. As 'Teaching Practicum,' 'Goonche,' and 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' hit theaters, it remains to be seen if they can sustain the box office momentum established by previous hits like 'The King and the Man,' 'Salmon Fishing,' and 'Super Mario Galaxy.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:52:15

NIS: North Korea's Constitution Affirms Two States but Reduces Hostility The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on May 7 that North Korea's constitutional amendments clarify the existence of two states but significantly reduce hostility towards South Korea. After a meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, ruling party lawmaker Park Sun-won stated that the NIS provided an assessment of the new constitution. According to Park, the NIS noted that while the new constitution establishes a territorial clause stating that North Korea's territory includes areas adjacent to South Korea, it does not label South Korea as an enemy or mention the need to subdue it during wartime. The NIS also indicated that although there is a clause asserting the inviolability of territory adjacent to South Korea, there are no hostile statements directed at the South. Park added that the NIS interprets the constitutional changes as a clear indication of North Korea's separation from South Korea, emphasizing that this reflects a focus on maintaining the status quo rather than aggressive actions. Additionally, the NIS reported that references to the achievements of former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in state-building and unification have been removed, consolidating Kim Jong-un's leadership authority. The revised constitution, released the previous day, includes a new clause stating that the chairman of the State Affairs Commission has command over North Korea's nuclear forces. Lee Jong-suk, the NIS director, explained that this clause serves as a clear declaration that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear arsenal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:47:13

Daiso Becomes New Hub for 'Phone Number Fishing' Incidents The practice of 'phone number fishing,' previously common in nightlife areas, is reportedly spreading to discount stores like Daiso, sparking controversy. According to a report by Newsis, an online community post described an incident where a woman, referred to as A, was approached by a man asking for her phone number while she was shopping at Daiso. The man commented on her skin and insisted that he liked her style before requesting her number. A expressed her discomfort and declined, but the man persisted, blocking her path and saying, "If you give me your number, I’ll let you go." Following the encounter, A remarked, "It seems that phone fishing has reached Daiso now." After researching the issue, A discovered that Daiso is gaining notoriety as a new hotspot for such incidents, with online discussions suggesting that women shopping for affordable cosmetics are often judged harshly. A noted, "The idea that buying cosmetics means you're trying to look good is troubling," and expressed her frustration at the man's refusal to respect her boundaries. Experts warn that such behavior, which targets individuals in specific locations, can be perceived as a serious threat and may lead to legal issues under minor crime or stalking laws. They advise caution to prevent potential legal repercussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:45:27

KAI Reports Record Sales of 1.09 Trillion Won in Q1, Driven by Aircraft Exports Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) achieved record sales of 1.09 trillion won in the first quarter of 2026, fueled by increased aircraft exports. The growth in domestic system development and overseas aircraft sales is expected to continue. KAI reported on May 6 that its consolidated revenue for Q1 reached 1.09 trillion won, with operating profit at 671 billion won and net profit at 413 billion won. These figures represent increases of 56.3% in revenue, 43.4% in operating profit, and 41.7% in net profit compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is attributed to stable domestic operations, expansion in international markets, and future project developments. The rollout of the KF-21 fighter jet in March, along with ongoing domestic projects like the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter (MCH), contributed significantly to the revenue growth, alongside deliveries of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and FA-50GF. Notably, aircraft exports surged by 79.5% year-on-year, reaching 307.1 billion won, marking the highest growth in sales. Sales from the delivery of two T-50i aircraft to Indonesia, along with contracts for the FA-50M in Malaysia and FA-50PL in Poland, reflected stable growth in international operations. Revenue from aircraft parts also rose by 11.6% to 222.8 billion won, driven by a recovery in the commercial aircraft market. The satellite sector, identified as a future growth area, contributed 10.4 billion won to the overall revenue. KAI's order backlog has also increased, with domestic and international projects like communication equipment upgrades and FA-50PH PBL contracts growing by 29.4% year-on-year to 309.3 billion won. With the KF-21's integration into the Air Force and additional deliveries of the LAH expected in the second half of the year, KAI anticipates achieving record sales. A KAI official stated, "If the additional deliveries of the KF-21 and LAH proceed smoothly, we can expect record sales this year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:43:36

Jung Jin-seok Withdraws Candidacy for By-Election, Vows to Serve Party Jung Jin-seok, a former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, announced on May 7 that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the by-election in Chungnam's Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang districts. He stated, "I will return to being an unnamed party member and serve the party from a humble position."In a Facebook post, he expressed concern that his candidacy could harm party unity or weaken the momentum needed to counter the dominance of major powers. He said, "While I am in pain, the party is suffering greatly as well," and confirmed his commitment to follow the party's decisions, including those of Park Deok-heum, the nomination committee chair.Jung emphasized his dedication to the victory of conservative patriotic forces, stating, "The only alternative to stop the Democratic Party's reckless governance is the People Power Party. I hope the public will look at us once more, even if they dislike us." He urged support for the People Power Party to counter the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Concerns had been raised within the party that Jung's nomination could negatively impact the local elections. Kim Tae-heum, the candidate for Chungnam governor, hinted at the possibility of leaving the party if Jung were nominated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:42:04

Lotte Cinema Hosts Special Movie Screening for Children with Rare Diseases Lotte Cinema and Mindullemaum organized a special movie screening for children with severe rare diseases and their families. On May 6, Lotte Cinema World Tower hosted a 'Spring Outing Screening' for these children and their families. The event aimed to provide a cultural experience for children who find it difficult to visit theaters due to long-term illnesses and to offer families a brief respite from caregiving duties.Excitement filled the venue as children visited the cinema for the first time or after a long absence. Lotte Cinema provided popcorn and drinks, and a Polaroid photo event took place at a 'Super Mario Galaxy' photo zone.Before the screening, video messages from family members, medical staff, and social workers who could not attend were shared. Children and their guardians watched these encouraging messages together, creating a meaningful moment.The featured film was the current box office hit, 'Super Mario Galaxy.' The children enjoyed the vibrant visuals and adventurous storyline, and after the screening, a recreational time with quizzes, games, and gift giveaways further enhanced the atmosphere.One guardian expressed, "Bringing my child to the cinema required a significant decision, but thanks to Lotte Cinema's thoughtful arrangements, we were able to create happy memories."Lee Soo-min, head of the Cinema Division at Lotte Culture Works, remarked, "It was impressive to see the children who usually struggle to visit theaters enjoying the film with bright smiles. We will continue to work towards creating an environment where marginalized groups can enjoy movies."Mindullemaum's representative, Son Yu-rin, added, "I hope the positive energy the children gain from the film helps them endure their treatment process."Finally, Lotte Culture Works stated, "For some, a familiar cinema can be a daunting space requiring courage and preparation for children and their families. We hope this experience leaves them with joyful memories, even if just for a moment."Looking ahead, Lotte Cinema plans to continue this initiative by launching collaborative merchandise with Mindullemaum in June, featuring characters based on artwork from children with severe rare diseases.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:40:08

Demand for 'Mirinae House' Grows Amid Housing Challenges for Newlyweds As high prices and rental shortages strain newlyweds, demand for Seoul's long-term rental housing program, 'Mirinae House,' is surging. The initiative allows for partial deposit payments, easing financial burdens and increasing accessibility to private brand apartments. From May 6 to 8, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) are recruiting residents for the seventh round of 'Mirinae House' (Long-term Rental Housing II), offering 441 units. This program targets newlyweds planning to have children, providing extended residency and home purchase opportunities for families that give birth after moving in. A notable feature of this recruitment is the 'deposit installment payment system.' Tenants can move in by paying only 70% of the rental deposit, deferring the remaining 30% until they vacate. For instance, in the Dongjak District's Hillstate Dongjak Signature, a 45-square-meter unit with a rental price of 469.56 million won requires an initial payment of 328.69 million won, with the remaining 140.86 million won deferred until departure. This translates to an annual interest burden of about 5.63 million won, or approximately 470,000 won monthly, based on a 4.0% interest rate. A Seoul official stated, "Due to loan restrictions and rising rental prices, many newlyweds have faced increased initial costs, leading to canceled applications or contracts. We introduced the deposit installment system to alleviate this burden." Previously, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon noted that competition for 'Mirinae House' had decreased due to lending restrictions and suggested easing these regulations for young people. This supply focuses on popular private brand apartments, including Hillstate Dongjak Signature, Boramae Station Precinct, and nearby complexes in Gangbuk District. Major brands like Raemian and Xi are also included, with most located within a five-minute walk from subway stations and rental prices set at about 80% of the market rate. Eligible applicants are households residing in Seoul without property as of the announcement date. Newlyweds must be within seven years of marriage, while prospective couples must provide proof of marriage before moving in. The income limit for dual-income households has been raised to 200% of the average monthly income for urban workers, and asset limits for families with children have also been increased. Benefits for families with children remain intact. Households with one child can reside for up to 20 years, while those with two or more children will have the right of first refusal to purchase the unit at the end of their residency. A Seoul official explained, "The right of first refusal will be based on approximately 80-90% of the market price after 20 years." These conditions align with current rental market trends, driving demand amid limited supply. Competition remains high, with application ratios for the first three rounds of 2024 at 59.8 to 1, 50.0 to 1, and 38.0 to 1, respectively. Last year's rounds recorded ratios of 64.8 to 1, 39.7 to 1, and 69.7 to 1, with the highest competition reaching 759 to 1 for a 59-square-meter unit in Guro District during the fourth round. Seoul plans to expand the annual supply of 'Mirinae House' to 4,000 units this year. Following this offering of over 440 units, an additional 1,000 units will be announced in July, along with approximately 300 general housing units in villa and officetel formats later in the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:38:07

CJ OnStyle Reports Q1 Operating Profit of 23.9 Billion Won Amid Mobile Investment CJ OnStyle's operating profit fell to 23.9 billion won in the first quarter of this year, a 7.6% decrease from the same period last year, due to increased investments aimed at enhancing mobile competitiveness. However, the company reported a 4.5% rise in revenue to 378.5 billion won, driven by a significant increase in mobile live commerce and improved app user metrics.Mobile live commerce sales surged by 137% year-on-year, fueled by content expansion through short-form videos and influencers, which boosted traffic. Additionally, new customer acquisition led to an 11.8% increase in app installations and monthly active users (MAU) compared to the previous year.Looking ahead, CJ OnStyle plans to continue its growth trajectory in the second quarter by expanding its fandom intellectual property (IP) and enhancing the competitiveness of premium products. Collaborations with external IPs, including the KBO and the film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' are part of this strategy. A company representative stated, "We aim to rapidly expand our fandom customer base through major external IP collaborations while simultaneously increasing customer acquisition and retention through enhanced premium product sourcing."The company will also maintain its investment in AI-driven content to bolster its short-form commerce capabilities and expand influencer commerce, ensuring continued growth in mobile live commerce.In addition, CJ OnStyle is committed to nurturing small brands, having recently selected 30 brands through its '2026 CJ On-Cubating' initiative. The company plans to provide phased support in marketing, research and development, and mobile live commerce to these brands by the end of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:35:47

Trump's Upcoming Visit to China Highlights AI Crisis Management Talks As the competition for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy intensifies between the U.S. and China, the upcoming U.S.-China summit is expected to focus on AI issues. The Wall Street Journal reported that both nations are considering establishing official communication channels to prevent the AI rivalry from escalating into an uncontrollable crisis.According to the report, discussions are underway to include AI topics in the agenda for the summit during President Donald Trump's visit to China on May 14-15. Currently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen is overseeing the AI negotiations, while China has yet to confirm its official counterpart. However, Deputy Finance Minister Liao Min is reportedly involved in the discussions.With the intensifying AI competition, both countries are exploring ways to manage risks associated with unexpected AI malfunctions, autonomous military systems, and the misuse of open-source AI by non-state actors. There are even talks about the long-term possibility of establishing an AI hotline.If an official dialogue channel on AI is launched, it would mark the first U.S.-China AI discussions since the Trump administration began. The WSJ noted that both nations recognize that a fierce competition in AI development could lead to a crisis neither can handle.On May 4, President Trump emphasized the importance of leading in AI, stating, "AI is an enormous industry, and we want to stay ahead of China."However, Time magazine reported on May 7 that the Trump administration has viewed AI more as a strategic advantage than a risk, suggesting that substantial cooperation on risk management may be challenging.AI discussions between the U.S. and China began during the Biden administration. At a summit in November 2024, former President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the decision-making authority for nuclear weapons should remain with humans, not AI. Nonetheless, the WSJ pointed out that progress has been limited as China has led these discussions through its foreign ministry rather than specialized agencies like the Ministry of Science and Technology.As Trump's visit approaches, China has not officially announced the schedule but maintains that it is in communication with the U.S. On May 7, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a regular briefing that both sides are keeping in touch regarding the visit.Ahead of the trip, photos of Trump's armored vehicle and accompanying security equipment have surfaced online, with reports indicating sightings near Beijing's airport and highways. According to the Hong Kong Ming Pao, vehicles identified as the "Beast," Trump's armored limousine, and large SUVs expected to be used for security were spotted, reportedly brought in via a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:33:57

Trump Hints at Ending Iran Conflict Before China Visit President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of concluding peace negotiations with Iran ahead of his upcoming visit to China. However, significant differences remain on key issues such as Iran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the timeline for a potential agreement uncertain. On May 6, during a White House event, Trump told reporters, "Iran cannot and will not have nuclear weapons," adding that they have agreed on several points. He noted, "We had very good discussions with Iran over the last 24 hours, and the chances of an agreement are very high." Reports from CNN and Axios suggest that the U.S. and Iran are discussing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities. The one-page MOU reportedly includes a temporary halt to Iran's nuclear enrichment, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and a gradual easing of maritime blockades. In an interview with PBS, Trump mentioned that the agreement would likely involve the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to the U.S. and a halt to operations at Iran's underground nuclear facilities. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement before his trip to China on May 14-15, stating, "It is possible that we will have an agreement before I leave for China." Axios reported that the White House hopes to finalize negotiations with Iran before Trump's visit. Fox News anchor Bret Baier noted that Trump anticipated a week to reach an agreement, reflecting a cautious optimism. Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, remarked that Trump has a strong incentive to conclude the conflict before his China visit. He warned that if the war continues, Trump may find himself seeking Xi Jinping's help to persuade Iran to accept U.S. conditions. Iran: 'Just a U.S. wishful thinking' Despite Trump's emphasis on progress, he warned that if Iran does not agree, military action would resume. On social media platform Truth Social, he stated, "If they do not agree, bombing will start, and sadly, it will be at a much higher level and intensity than before." Additionally, the U.S. continues to maintain its maritime blockade against Iran despite the ongoing peace negotiations. The U.S. Central Command reported enforcing a blockade on the oil tanker Hasna, which was heading to an Iranian port. Iran remains defiant, having implemented new maritime regulations requiring all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to obtain prior permission. This raises questions about whether key issues like the reopening of the Strait and the nuclear program can be resolved even if negotiations resume. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ebrahim Raisi, spokesperson for Iran's National Security Committee, dismissed reports of nearing an agreement, stating that U.S. hopes for a swift resolution are unrealistic. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament, also denied claims of progress in negotiations. Grant Rumley, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted that while the Trump administration believes a peace agreement is possible, history shows that negotiations often collapse at the last minute for various reasons.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:31:57