Journalist

Topher L. McDougal
  • Supreme Court Rules Tattooing by Non-Medical Professionals Is Not a Violation of Medical Law
    Supreme Court Rules Tattooing by Non-Medical Professionals Is Not a Violation of Medical Law The Supreme Court has ruled that the typical tattooing practices performed by non-medical professionals do not constitute unauthorized medical practice. This marks a significant change in legal precedent after 34 years since the court's previous ruling in 1992 that deemed such actions a violation of medical law.On May 21, the Supreme Court's full bench unanimously overturned the lower court's ruling that had imposed fines on defendants A and B for violating medical law and sent the case back to the Seoul Western District Court and Suwon District Court with an acquittal recommendation.Defendant A was charged with performing scalp tattooing at a beauty salon in Yongsan, Seoul, from January to December 2020, while Defendant B was charged with providing lettering tattoos at a fashion accessory store in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in May 2019. Both were fined 1.5 million won and 1 million won, respectively, in the first and second trials.The key issue in these cases was whether typical cosmetic tattooing practices fell under the unauthorized medical practices prohibited by Article 27, Section 1 of the former medical law.The Supreme Court stated, "The typical cosmetic tattooing practices performed by the non-medical defendants do not constitute unauthorized medical practices as defined by Article 27, Section 1 of the former medical law." It added that the lower court had maintained the guilty verdict from the first trial, which misinterpreted the legal principles regarding medical practices and affected the judgment.The court explained, "Since the Supreme Court's ruling in May 1992, which classified eyebrow tattooing as unauthorized medical practice, advancements in medical technology and changes in the healthcare environment have significantly improved access to medical services for consumers. Additionally, the general public's knowledge and practice of health and hygiene have markedly improved."It further noted, "Individuals seeking tattoos are in a position to freely decide whether to undergo tattooing as a means of expressing their individuality and pursuing happiness, based on information regarding the health risks and management associated with typical cosmetic tattooing practices."The court emphasized that when determining whether typical cosmetic tattooing constitutes unauthorized medical practice, various interpretations should favor the constitutional rights of individuals seeking tattoos, including their freedom of occupation, freedom of expression, and the right to pursue happiness.Moreover, the court pointed out that tattooing requires not only technical skills for safe procedures but also the ability to achieve a desired level of aesthetic quality, which is not necessarily possessed by medical professionals. It warned that a blanket prohibition against non-medical professionals could infringe upon the constitutional rights of individuals seeking cosmetic tattooing, including their general personality rights and freedom of expression derived from Article 10 of the Constitution.A Supreme Court official stated, "According to the full bench ruling, typical cosmetic tattooing practices are no longer considered unauthorized medical practices under Article 27, Section 1 of the former medical law. Comprehensive regulations regarding this matter are expected to be implemented under the Tattoo Law and related legislation, which will take effect on October 29, 2027."The official added, "However, even before the implementation of the Tattoo Law, if a tattoo artist causes injury due to negligence, it does not negate the possibility of criminal penalties or the introduction of regulations to protect public health as defined by relevant laws such as the Criminal Code or Public Health Management Act."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:00:25
  • Starbucks Controversy Sparks Industry Reassessment of Promotions
    Starbucks Controversy Sparks Industry Reassessment of Promotions The controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event is reverberating throughout the retail industry. The promotion, which coincided with the May 18 Democratic Uprising Memorial Day, has faced criticism for trivializing historical trauma. This concern intensified after President Lee Jae-myung referenced a Musinsa advertisement from seven years ago. Retailers are now reviewing not only their ongoing promotions but also past advertisements and content, adopting a cautious approach in light of the situation. According to industry sources on the 21st, a beauty company is currently assessing its ongoing promotions, previously distributed advertisements, and social media content. A company representative stated, "We are examining whether there are any inappropriate historical references following the Starbucks Korea Tank Day controversy." The household goods sector is experiencing a similar response. Although there has been no official directive from the company, it is reported that departments have been asked to review existing marketing content. A company representative explained, "In light of the Tank Day controversy and the renewed discussion of past advertisements, we are proactively checking for any potentially problematic elements." The industry's heightened sensitivity stems from the potential for the historical trivialization controversy sparked by Starbucks to extend to past content. The day before, President Lee publicly criticized a 2019 Musinsa advertisement featuring the phrase, "I slammed the desk and said, 'Oh my,'" which was noted for evoking memories of the late Park Jong-cheol's torture and death. In response to the President's remarks, Musinsa issued another apology, stating, "We deeply acknowledge that the wounds left by our hasty judgment seven years ago are not trivial even today." The controversy surrounding Musinsa had been resolved through the deletion of the content, an official apology, and visits to the bereaved families and the Park Jong-cheol Memorial Association for further apologies. CEO Jo Man-ho and other executives personally sought forgiveness, and it is reported that the association accepted Musinsa's apology. Following this, Musinsa invited history instructor Choi Tae-sung to conduct historical education for its employees. CEO Jo continues to be active as a member of the Park Jong-cheol Memorial Association. The retail industry believes this controversy could extend beyond a single company and affect the entire sector. The fact that President Lee received information about the Musinsa advertisement has raised concerns among businesses. There is a possibility that previously created advertising phrases or images could resurface through online reports. The Starbucks Korea controversy has also escalated into discussions of executive accountability. Jeong Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, Starbucks Korea's parent company, has been reported for defamation, and there are calls for his resignation. An industry source stated, "In the future, marketing approvals will likely involve stricter scrutiny of expressions that could be linked to historical events, social tragedies, or specific individuals." In fact, Starbucks Korea has temporarily suspended some promotions and marketing schedules ahead of the summer peak season. The company announced through an internal notice the day before, "We are postponing or canceling events with a heavy sense of responsibility and a reflective mindset." They also decided not to operate their booth at the '18th Seoul Jazz Festival' scheduled for the 22nd to 24th. Summer is the peak season for beverage sales in the coffee franchise industry. Consequently, the postponement or cancellation of major events by Starbucks is expected to impose unavoidable pressure on short-term sales. An industry insider remarked, "This controversy has attracted international media attention and prompted responses from Starbucks headquarters. If similar issues arise with the company's name mentioned, the brand burden is significant, leading companies to act more swiftly than usual."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:57:39
  • Starbucks Faces Boycott and Customer Exodus Amid Tank Day Controversy
    Starbucks Faces Boycott and Customer Exodus Amid Tank Day Controversy The controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" has escalated into a boycott movement, refund relays, and political and ideological disputes. Industry experts warn that this situation could undermine Starbucks' core competitive advantage, its loyal customer base, brand image, and overall revenue structure. As of May 21, posts sharing methods for refunding Starbucks cards have rapidly spread across online communities and social media platforms. Some users have encouraged participation in the boycott by posting screenshots of their membership cancellation on the Starbucks app or refund certification photos. Videos showing users smashing Starbucks tumblers and mugs with hammers, dubbed "boycott certifications," have also emerged. Additionally, tips for covering or marking out the Starbucks logo on their products with stickers have been shared. The backlash has reached the political arena and local communities, with criticism that Starbucks has belittled the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Within the Democratic Party, a directive has been issued to avoid entering Starbucks locations, and organized boycotts have begun in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions among local governments and businesses. On May 21, the city of Gwangju released a statement declaring that it views the Starbucks Korea incident not merely as a mistake by a staff member but as a significant social disaster caused by a CEO lacking historical awareness. The city announced a ban on using Starbucks gift cards at various events it organizes. Gwangju Bank, which has previously distributed Starbucks products to thousands during major events like savings and card launches, has also announced a complete halt to its distribution of Starbucks products and mobile coupons. Industry analysts are closely monitoring the potential impact of the boycott, refund requests, and app cancellations on Starbucks' customer retention structure, which has been crucial to its growth. Starbucks has employed a strategy that combines a prepaid charging system with a rewards program to keep loyal customers within its ecosystem. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, SCK Company reported a record prepaid balance of 427.6 billion won at the end of last year, with total contractual liabilities, including unused reward points, reaching 454.3 billion won. However, the growth rate of prepaid balances has noticeably slowed due to intensified competition in the café industry. The growth rate for Starbucks' prepaid balance, which reached 19.1% in 2022, dropped to 8.2% last year. Analysts suggest that the rapid penetration of low-cost coffee brands into Starbucks' core market is diminishing its appeal to loyal customers. In this context, the possibility of accelerated customer attrition due to the current situation cannot be ruled out. Above all, it seems inevitable that the brand's image will suffer. Some conservative online communities have referred to Starbucks as "Patriotbucks" and "Anti-Communist Café," launching a "support movement" alongside AI-generated images of former President Chun Doo-hwan. Concerns are rising that if the brand becomes a proxy in ideological conflicts, it could lead to a permanent loss of general customers. There are also speculations that if the situation escalates into a political issue, Starbucks' headquarters in the U.S. may intervene directly. The company has emphasized its neutrality, stating on its official website that "Starbucks is not a political organization." If the headquarters does intervene, the call option clause in the equity agreement with Shinsegae Group could be triggered. In July 2021, E-Mart acquired additional shares from Starbucks Coffee International (SCI), the U.S. parent company, and currently holds a 67.5% stake in Starbucks Korea. However, the call option held by the headquarters includes a clause that allows it to acquire all of E-Mart's shares at a 35% discount to fair value if the contract is terminated due to E-Mart's fault. If the headquarters were to reclaim management rights due to brand value deterioration, it could lose a key cash cow with annual sales of 3.238 trillion won, placing significant pressure on Shinsegae Group. Lee Jong-woo, a professor of retail marketing at Namseoul University, stated, "It is quite dangerous for a consumer-facing brand to become embroiled in political controversies. There needs to be authentic actions that consumers can understand, such as supporting content related to democratic values or contributing to education, to turn the situation around."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:55:13
  • Yoon Ho-jung: Government to Halt Starbucks Promotions Over Controversy
    Yoon Ho-jung: Government to Halt Starbucks Promotions Over Controversy Yoon Ho-jung, the Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety, announced that the government will cease providing promotional items from Starbucks Korea following controversy surrounding the company's planned 'Tank Day' event coinciding with the May 18 Democratic Uprising memorial. On May 21, Yoon stated on X, "Democracy is built on the sacrifices and dedication of citizens," adding, "Disregarding that history or commodifying it is not something we can take lightly." He expressed deep regret over Starbucks Korea's "anti-historical behavior" that sparked recent outrage. Yoon explained that government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and Safety, have previously utilized mobile gift cards, such as coffee vouchers, for surveys, contests, and public participation events. He emphasized that, moving forward, they will not provide products from companies that undermine the history of democracy or exploit social values for commercial gain. He also expressed hope for understanding and participation from other institutions and the public. Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung also criticized the matter strongly, calling it an act that "insults the sacrifices and struggles of citizens" and labeling it an inhumane behavior that denies democratic values. He stated that there must be moral, administrative, legal, and political accountability, questioning whether an apology would be forthcoming. The controversy erupted when Starbucks Korea used phrases like 'Tank Day' and 'Bang on the Desk' in a tumbler promotion set to begin on May 15. As criticism grew that these expressions trivialized the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the torture and death of Park Jong-cheol, the company decided to halt the event. Following this, Chairman Jeong Yong-jin issued a public apology, stating, "I take full responsibility for this matter."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:52:16
  • Lee Criticizes President Yoon for Interfering in Elections Over GTX-A Issues
    Lee Criticizes President Yoon for Interfering in Elections Over GTX-A Issues Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on May 21 for allegedly interfering in the upcoming elections by directing an investigation into the missing rebar issue at the GTX-A Samsung Station construction site. Jang shared an article on his Facebook page detailing President Lee's instructions to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the rebar situation, stating, "Jung Won-o (the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor) is struggling, so Lee Jae-myung is in a hurry." He linked the government's push for a special investigation into incidents involving President Lee to the current situation, questioning, "Is the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which is responsible for the incident, being told to cover up its mistakes?" Jang added, "Seoul citizens already know the truth about Jung Won-o, so it won't matter," and challenged, "If you're innocent, let's have a debate about Samsung Station." Earlier, Jung Won-o called for a halt to the GTX-A Samsung Station construction, suggesting that it should be paused until safety concerns are addressed. The Democratic Party announced plans to hold a task force meeting on May 22 to investigate the allegations surrounding the missing rebar. In response, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, criticized Jung, saying, "He is only focused on amplifying public anxiety to gain an electoral advantage. The Ministry of Land and the Korea Railroad Corporation concluded after 17 days of test operations that there are no safety issues, yet he wants to stop it for political reasons." Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reformist Party, remarked, "Saying that the GTX-A Samsung Station construction should be stopped is essentially declaring that you want to disrupt the commuting routes for residents of Hwaseong. Using safety as an excuse to halt the GTX project is merely a political maneuver against candidate Oh." He emphasized, "I will not stand by while the Democratic Party sacrifices the commuting routes of Hwaseong residents for their electoral calculations. We cannot allow the already delayed full opening of GTX-A to be postponed further due to the political logic of candidate Jung and the Democratic Party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:51:00
  • Woori Banks 106-Year Legacy: A Visit to the Jeonju Financial Center
    Woori Bank's 106-Year Legacy: A Visit to the Jeonju Financial Center On May 18, I arrived at Wansan-gu Paldal-ro after a 20-minute bus ride from Jeonju Station. Amidst ordinary buildings, one structure stood out, reminiscent of European architecture. Inside, employees were bustling about, and visitors filled the space at the Woori Bank Jeonju Financial Center, which has been a fixture for 106 years.The Jeonju Financial Center, which opened in 1920 as the Jeonju branch of Hanil Bank, has played a crucial role in supporting the local economy. It has evolved into a regional financial hub, serving not just as an old branch but as a central player in the Jeonbuk area. The center is particularly focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed individuals, reflecting the unique characteristics of its location near Jeonju Hanok Village and a high-tech industrial complex.In an interview, Lee Seung-hwa, the center's director, stated, "The Jeonju Financial Center has been a representative branch of Woori Bank, accompanying the growth of local customers and the regional economy for over 100 years. We have consistently supported the financial needs of local businesses and residents, and we continue to serve as a key financial hub in the area."The Jeonju Financial Center has gained increased attention recently due to its pivotal role in Woori Financial Group's plan to enhance financial infrastructure in Jeonbuk Province.Woori Financial is actively building financial infrastructure in Jeonbuk, which is emerging as a key area for balanced development under the '5 poles and 3 specialties' initiative.The focus is on providing corporate financing to stimulate the local economy. Woori Bank plans to establish the 'Jeonbuk BIZ Prime Center,' a specialized corporate finance branch, to concentrate its corporate financing capabilities. This initiative aims to enhance synergy among local branches centered around the Jeonju area and expand business attraction and transaction bases.Additionally, Woori Bank is promoting a venture startup support program called 'Dino Lab Jeonbuk Center' to foster small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, with plans to supply approximately 1.6 trillion won in funding over five years to local small businesses and self-employed individuals. The number of employees in the Jeonbuk region is also set to increase from 200 to 300, contributing to job creation through local talent recruitment.Lee emphasized, "Jeonbuk is a region where the capital market and advanced industries are growing together, and I believe the interest and role of the financial sector will continue to expand. We will further enhance on-site financial support to contribute practically to revitalizing the local economy and establishing a financial hub."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:48:00
  • Woori Bank Expands Global Reach with 100 Years of Expertise
    Woori Bank Expands Global Reach with 100 Years of Expertise Woori Financial Group is leveraging its 100 years of expertise to expand its global footprint. The company is establishing a financial network to support South Korean firms in overseas semiconductor and defense sectors, creating new growth opportunities and productive finance.According to the financial sector on May 21, Woori Financial has established a new base in Austin, Texas, to enhance its corporate banking operations.As Texas emerges as a new "land of opportunity" that rivals Silicon Valley, global companies are flocking to the area. Samsung Electronics, a key client of Woori Bank, is expanding its semiconductor operations by constructing additional foundry facilities. Woori Bank has been a partner of Samsung since the 1960s, and as Samsung grows its local business, Woori is actively securing a new network of branches. This aligns with the group's management goal of "co-prosperity," extending its reach internationally. Woori Bank aims to manage employee accounts while also catering to demands for facility investment and trade finance. Domestic suppliers accompanying Samsung's expansion are also potential clients for Woori Bank. Nearby, major corporations like Tesla, Apple, and Oracle are establishing their presence, further enhancing revenue opportunities.In Europe, Woori Bank is seeing increased corporate finance activity in Poland, with expectations for significant results starting this year. As defense, electric vehicle, and secondary battery companies enter the Polish market, Woori Bank has become the first domestic bank to establish a local sales network. Securing business licenses from local financial authorities is notoriously challenging, but Woori's century-long expertise has earned the trust of these regulators.Woori Bank is also increasing its presence in retail finance in overseas markets, particularly in Vietnam. Despite some domestic companies withdrawing from Vietnam, Woori Bank has gained traction among expatriates and locals, leading to growth in retail finance. The demand for services like non-face-to-face loans is rising, and Woori's digital and IT systems have successfully localized to meet this demand. Consequently, the total comprehensive income of the Vietnam branch quadrupled in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter.Experts attribute Woori Financial's global capabilities to its century-long history. A financial industry insider noted, "By establishing the first overseas branch of a commercial bank in Tokyo, Woori has quickly identified local demand. The strategy of establishing branches whenever domestic companies expand abroad has recently yielded positive results."Woori Financial plans to utilize its 458 networks across 24 countries to support domestic companies in their international ventures through productive finance. The company is also set to provide 3 trillion won in productive finance support for export and import businesses, aligning with this strategy.A financial industry source remarked, "As domestic lending regulations tighten, overseas operations have shifted from being a supplement to becoming a core source of revenue. Financial institutions are likely to accelerate their expansion into adjacent regions based on existing footholds."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:46:01
  • Court Sentences Former National Intelligence Service Chief Cho Tae-yong to 18 Months in Prison
    Court Sentences Former National Intelligence Service Chief Cho Tae-yong to 18 Months in Prison Cho Tae-yong, the former chief of South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), was sentenced to 18 months in prison for failing to fulfill his reporting obligations to the National Assembly during the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, and for submitting false responses to conceal his involvement. However, the court found him not guilty of the key charges of negligence and political involvement. The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 32, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, delivered the verdict on May 21. Cho was convicted on charges including negligence, violations of the National Intelligence Service Act, violations of the National Assembly Testimony and Evidence Act, evidence destruction, preparation and use of false documents, and perjury. The sentence is significantly lower than the seven years sought by the special prosecutor's team led by Cho Eun-seok. The court acquitted Cho of the negligence charge, stating that while he received documents related to martial law from former President Yoon Suk Yeol on the day of the declaration, it could not be definitively concluded that he clearly understood the instructions regarding the arrest of politicians from former NIS Deputy Director Hong Jang-won. The court noted, "It cannot be ruled out that the defendant may have perceived the information received from Hong as mere rumors arising during the martial law process. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that the obligation to report to the National Assembly under the NIS Act arose." The court also ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that Cho selectively provided CCTV footage of Hong's movements to the ruling party, thus finding him not guilty of political involvement. Additionally, allegations that Cho participated in the deletion of electronic information from secure phones used by Yoon and Hong after the martial law declaration were also dismissed, as the court acknowledged the possibility of security measures being in place at that time. However, the court did find Cho guilty of making false statements regarding his receipt of martial law documents during the Constitutional Court impeachment trial and the National Assembly's investigation. The court stated, "As the NIS chief, the defendant should have sincerely addressed public concerns and taken responsibility for any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, he prepared false responses to minimize and conceal his responsibility and even committed perjury in the Constitutional Court." The court emphasized that such actions deceive the public and significantly undermine trust in the National Intelligence Service, warranting a serious penalty. Following the verdict, the special prosecutor's team announced plans to appeal the acquittal, expressing disappointment over the rejection of Hong's testimony. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:43:33
  • Kyochon Donates 150 Million Won to Red Cross, Distributes 5,000 Chickens
    Kyochon Donates 150 Million Won to Red Cross, Distributes 5,000 Chickens Kyochon Chicken is continuing its commitment to community support through its annual chicken distribution initiative. On May 15, Kyochon F&B held a donation ceremony at the Korean Red Cross in Jung-gu, Seoul, where it contributed 150 million won (approximately $130,000). Key figures at the event included Jang Young-jin, a senior official at Kyochon F&B, and Park Jong-soo, Secretary General of the Korean Red Cross. The donated funds will be used entirely to support university RCY 'Chonslover' activities and chicken distribution efforts. The Chonslover Project is Kyochon’s flagship social contribution campaign, which has been ongoing since 2021. The initiative aims to promote a culture of support and sharing within local communities, with university RCY members acting as Chonslovers who directly engage with those in need. This year, university RCY members across the country will distribute 5,000 chickens to local residents. Kyochon employees and franchise owners will also participate in the outreach efforts. The theme for this year's project is 'Sincere Gratitude and Support.' Stories highlighting individuals who quietly support society, such as sanitation workers, cafeteria staff, police officers, the elderly, and children, will be collected. Chonslovers will visit these individuals to express their appreciation with Kyochon chicken. Videos showcasing the volunteers' activities will be featured on Kyochon’s social contribution social media channels. Each month, five outstanding teams will be selected based on Instagram likes and views, receiving additional chicken support to expand the initiative's reach. As the project enters its sixth year, its cumulative achievements are noteworthy. Since its inception, Kyochon F&B has donated approximately 2.277 billion won (about $2 million) in cash and goods to the Korean Red Cross. Last year, 2,482 university RCY members participated, distributing 5,555 chickens and promoting the value of mutual support. A Kyochon F&B representative stated, “We will continue to spread the values of gratitude and support, and we will persist in our social contribution efforts for our community.” In addition, Kyochon F&B has recently initiated a project to provide chicken to children in childcare facilities, following its support for local children's centers. This initiative, valued at 230 million won (approximately $200,000), will benefit 2,400 children across 37 childcare facilities in six regions, including Busan and Incheon, by providing chicken and experiential programs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:40:43
  • EU Follows U.S. in Strengthening Steel Tariffs, Limited Immediate Impact on South Korea
    EU Follows U.S. in Strengthening Steel Tariffs, Limited Immediate Impact on South Korea As the European Union (EU) joins the United States in tightening steel import regulations, experts suggest that the immediate impact on South Korea may be limited. This is largely due to the absence of finalized country-specific regulations and the focus of these measures on curbing the influx of low-cost steel from China. According to industry sources on May 21, South Korean steel companies are closely monitoring the EU's moves to strengthen steel import regulations. On May 19, the European Parliament approved a plan to raise tariffs on steel products from 25% to 50% and reduce the duty-free import quota to about half of its previous level. This measure is set to take effect on July 1, following approval from member states. While the specific application methods and detailed regulations by product category have yet to be disclosed, the reduction of the duty-free quota from the previous annual level of 35 million tons to 18.3 million tons—approximately a 47% decrease—is expected to impose significant burdens on domestic companies. The EU is the second-largest market for South Korean steel exports. According to the Korea Iron and Steel Association, South Korea exported 1.386 million tons of steel to the EU from January to April this year, accounting for about 14% of total exports of 9.644 million tons. High-value-added products, such as hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized steel sheets, make up a significant portion of these exports, raising concerns that increased regulations could further strain the price competitiveness of South Korean steelmakers. Additionally, with the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) gaining momentum, South Korean steel companies are facing growing export burdens. CBAM imposes costs based on the carbon emissions generated during the production of carbon-intensive products, such as steel, exported to the EU. Industry analysts warn that if both tariff barriers and carbon regulations are strengthened simultaneously, the export cost burden on South Korean steelmakers could increase significantly. Among domestic steel companies, POSCO has the highest export share to the European market, with European exports accounting for 15% to 17% of its total overseas sales. Hyundai Steel, Dongkuk Steel, and SeAH Steel follow in this regard. However, some industry insiders believe that the actual impact may be limited, as specific implementation plans have not yet been disclosed. Given that the measures primarily target low-cost steel from China, there is a possibility that the quota for South Korean steel products will remain at current levels. A representative from the steel industry stated, "The EU's regulatory tightening is primarily aimed at preventing the influx of low-cost steel from China, so the likelihood of direct regulations affecting South Korean steel products remains low. However, the overall trend of increasing global protectionism may necessitate changes in export strategies in the long term."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:39:00