Jang Dong-hyuk Wraps Up Campaign with Final Walk in Jongno and Hongdae Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, concluded his official campaign on June 2, one day before the local elections, in Seoul, a key battleground. He visited Jongno 3-ga Station and Hongdae to encourage voter participation.At around 10:20 p.m., Jang walked along the street filled with food stalls connecting Line 5 to Line 1 at Jongno 3-ga Station, greeting citizens. The area was bustling with young people in their 20s and 30s, as well as foreign visitors.As Jang appeared, citizens sitting at outdoor tables showed interest, cheering, "You're handsome!" "Go Jang Dong-hyuk!" and "The People Power Party will win!" Many requested to take photos with him, while some expressed confusion, asking, "Who is he, Oh Se-hoon?"Jang made his way to each outdoor table, shaking hands and posing for photos with citizens. He urged them, "Please vote for number 2," and "Make sure to vote tomorrow."At around 11 p.m., Jang moved to Hongdae Station to continue his walk campaign, greeting citizens and appealing for support.As midnight approached, he stated, "I am now wrapping up the People Power Party's campaign," emphasizing, "Please go to the polls tomorrow and support the People Power Party." He also addressed the recent 'Starbucks controversy,' saying, "If you protect the People Power Party, we will safeguard your freedom over a cup of coffee."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 00:27:00

Jung Won-oh Appeals for Votes at Final Campaign Stop Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, concluded his final campaign rally on June 2, urging citizens to realize their dreams through voting. At the Bokjeong Station Transfer Center, Jung called on voters to help create a new Seoul where citizens can feel secure in their daily lives. He explained his choice of Bokjeong Station as the final campaign stop, stating it would become the economic center of a new Seoul, describing it as both the end and the beginning of the city. Regarding the election dynamics, he noted, "I predicted from the start that it would be a close race," adding, "We have done our best until the end." Jung expressed optimism about winning, citing the citizens' expectations for a capable new mayor and their aspirations. As he finished his remarks, supporters gathered at the site chanted his name, encouraging him to win. He then boarded a bus, humorously stating he had not yet decided which station to disembark at, eliciting laughter from his supporters. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 00:18:00

Final Campaign Rallies Held Ahead of Seoul Mayoral Election Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party held their final large-scale rallies on June 2, one day before the voting for the Seoul mayoral election. Jung emphasized "national stability," while Oh focused on the need to "check the government." At his rally in Cheonggye Plaza, Jung urged voters, "By voting, you can choose a successful Seoul alongside President Lee Jae-myung." He added, "We can create a Seoul where the dreams of young people come alive, a city that becomes a bucket list destination for people around the world." Jung called for strong support, stating, "Please elect a mayor who acts, keeps promises, and proves results. Make sure your friends also vote, thinking that every vote counts." Jung criticized his opponent, Oh Se-hoon, for neglecting safety and failing to fulfill housing and economic promises. He highlighted his achievements in transforming Seongsu-dong, once an old industrial area, into a global attraction and boosting local employment. "A candidate who neglects safety is unfit to be mayor," he declared, urging voters to choose someone who will ensure a safe Seoul. He stressed that a mayor from the ruling party is essential for collaborating with President Lee to drive Seoul's development. Jung asked, "Can you stand by and watch Oh insult President Lee at the Cabinet meeting?" as he reiterated his plea for votes. At his final rally in Sinchon, Oh expressed his vision for a proud Seoul that is admired and respected worldwide. He stated, "The significance of this election is to make Seoul a city that ranks among the top three globally within four years." He noted that Seoul has risen to sixth place in global city competitiveness rankings and promised to deliver overwhelming results from the changes initiated. Oh actively targeted young voters, highlighting his creation of the free education platform "Seoul Run," which has helped over 900 students enroll in college this year. He asserted, "The ladder of social mobility is beginning to be restored. If you give me four more years, I will strengthen this ladder and ensure that young people can start on equal footing in Seoul." He continued to criticize President Lee's administration and Jung's qualifications, stating, "President Lee is losing humility and becoming arrogant. If this continues, the rule of law and democracy in South Korea will begin to crumble." He urged voters to support him to guide President Lee back on the right path. Targeting Jung, Oh remarked, "Seoul cannot be a practice course for novice drivers. We cannot entrust the city to an unqualified and unprepared candidate. Please protect Seoul by supporting me." 2026-06-02 23:24:00

South Korea to Increase Imports of Canadian Crude Oil by 3.3 Times The South Korean government has agreed to increase imports of Canadian crude oil from 4.88 million barrels last year to a maximum of 16 million barrels this year, a 3.3-fold increase. If investments proceed as planned, the share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports is also expected to rise from 1.7% last year to 3.0% by 2031.On June 2, the Blue House announced in a joint press release with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy that this agreement was reached with Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources during the 'Korea-Canada Energy Resource Supply Chain Cooperation Forum' held in Ottawa.The forum, organized by KOTRA, was linked to Kang Hoon-sik's visit to Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation on behalf of President Lee Jae-myung. Approximately 150 participants from both countries' resource-related governments, associations, and businesses attended the forum.Kang held a preliminary meeting with Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Tim Hodge, to discuss energy and resource cooperation strategies.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "Both sides recognized that they are reliable partners in the rapidly changing global supply chain environment and agreed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as crude oil, LNG, and key minerals."In the crude oil sector, South Korea plans to increase its imports of Canadian crude oil from 4.88 million barrels last year to a maximum of 16 million barrels this year, with a goal of eventually reaching 20 million barrels annually. This would make South Korea the third-largest destination for Canadian crude oil exports, following the United States and China.In the LNG sector, Korea Gas Corporation is participating with a 5% stake in the first phase of the LNG Canada project, which imports 700,000 tons annually. Discussions are underway for the second phase, aiming for a final investment decision by the third quarter of this year. If the new 'Ksi Lisims' project, which will add 2 million tons annually, is included, South Korea will secure a stable supply of 3.4 million tons of Canadian LNG each year.The ministry noted, "In this case, the share of Canadian LNG imports for South Korea is expected to increase from 1.7% in 2025 to 3% by 2031," adding that LNG shipped from Canada's west coast, which poses no geopolitical risks, is expected to arrive in South Korea within 13 days, contributing to supply stability.Additionally, the government discussed ways to enhance cooperation with Canada, a key mineral producer. Currently, Canada is South Korea's third-largest source of mineral imports, following Australia and Indonesia. Domestic companies have expressed plans to purchase Canadian minerals worth CAD 9.03 billion and invest CAD 130 million in graphite mines.The two countries agreed to actively support increased investment and purchasing between companies based on their complementary industrial structures, while continuing discussions on policy measures to stabilize supply.Regarding the joint stockpiling of key minerals, agreed upon during a phone call between the two leaders on May 8, both countries will prepare a joint plan by the end of this year.Meanwhile, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources and the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) signed a 'Joint Research Implementation Agreement on Natural Hydrogen' during the forum.The ministry stated, "The governments of both countries and KOTRA will support the smooth implementation of cooperation in the areas of crude oil, LNG, and key minerals, including investments and imports, and will work together to resolve any on-site challenges faced by companies." 2026-06-02 22:48:00

Candidates Rally for Votes Ahead of June 3 Local Elections in Gyeonggi Province On June 2, a day before the June 3 local elections, candidates for the Gyeonggi governor position campaigned vigorously across key locations in the province, urging voter participation and support. Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate, visited Uijeongbu and Seongnam to rally support, while Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate, embarked on an overnight campaign visiting all 31 cities and counties. Cho Eung-cheon, the Reform Party candidate, focused on attracting voters by criticizing the two major parties. Choo urged voters in Uijeongbu, Seongnam, Gwangju, Icheon, and Yongin to cast their ballots, stating, "Please vote for victory. We must achieve a major transformation to spread Gyeonggi Province's growth energy throughout the region." She emphasized the importance of supporting not just her but also the Democratic candidates in all 31 cities and counties, saying, "Choo Mi-ae alone cannot win the governorship. Please choose Democratic candidates across all municipalities." Choo concluded her campaign with a final rally in Nahyeok Street, Suwon, starting at 7 PM. Yang, under the slogan "31 cities and counties, 31 hours of commitment," began her intensive campaign the previous day, visiting various locations including Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Anyang, and Yongin. Starting early in the morning, she greeted commuters in front of the Gapyeong County Office at 8 AM. Yang stated, "Elections are ultimately about changing the lives of citizens," and pledged to create a Gyeonggi Province where small business owners can thrive. She also campaigned in Hwaseong City with support from party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, targeting her voter base. Cho appealed to centrist voters, highlighting his experience as a lawmaker in the challenging northeastern region of Namyangju from 2016 to 2024. He declared, "If you vote for number 4, an unexpected miracle will happen." He called for support for the Reform Party, asserting the need to check the power of the two major parties to restore politics and the rule of law in South Korea and to advance Gyeonggi Province. Cho urged every citizen to exercise their precious right to vote, stating, "I hope everyone will go to the polls." He plans to conclude his campaign at 9 PM alongside Park Yun-ok, a candidate for the Reform Party in Namyangju.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 22:09:00

Jung Won-oh Urges Voters to Support Lee Jae-myung for Presidential Success Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, appealed for support on June 2, the last day of official campaigning ahead of the June 3 local elections, stating, "If you wish for President Lee Jae-myung's success, please vote for me." At his final rally held in the evening at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung said, "By voting, you can choose a Seoul that will succeed alongside President Lee Jae-myung." He emphasized the vision of creating a Seoul where the dreams of young people are revived and that becomes a bucket-list destination for people worldwide. Jung urged voters to select a mayor who acts rather than just speaks, one who can prove results and keep promises. He added, "Please ensure your friends also vote, as every vote counts." Targeting his rival, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, Jung criticized him for neglecting safety and failing to fulfill housing and economic pledges. He highlighted his own achievements in transforming Seongsu-dong, a former industrial area, into a global attraction while boosting local job creation and economic activity. "A candidate who disregards safety is unfit to be mayor," Jung stated, asserting that just as he made Seongsu safe, he would ensure that Seoul becomes the safest city. He called on voters to choose someone committed to creating a secure Seoul. Jung stressed the importance of having a ruling party mayor to effectively collaborate with President Lee for the city's development. He questioned, "Can we tolerate seeing Oh hurl insults at President Lee during cabinet meetings?" and reiterated his plea for votes. The ruling party's leadership also rallied behind Jung, with Jung Cheong-rae stating, "We need to elect a Democratic mayor, a Democratic city council, and a Democratic district chief to ensure alignment with the president. This election is about empowering President Lee." He warned that failing to eliminate remnants of insurrection in this election could lead to a resurgence of corruption and political turmoil in South Korea, urging citizens to make their choice wisely. Democratic lawmakers united in support of Jung's candidacy. Park Joo-min, who faced Jung in the party's primary, remarked, "If housing, public transport, and welfare in Seoul are lacking, who should we replace? We must remove Oh Se-hoon, who has harmed Seoul." He called for the election of Jung Won-oh to advance the city alongside the Lee administration. Seo Young-kyo, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, referenced allegations against Oh regarding the funding of a public opinion poll, stating, "I will take the lead in the trial against Oh Se-hoon. Please ensure that only Jung Won-oh is elected." Han Jeong-ae, policy chair, criticized Oh, saying, "With the KOSPI rising and exports booming, these benefits must reach you through the Seoul city government. Can we allow the mayor to obstruct the president's efforts for the people?" Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik also took the stage, asserting that Jung, who has proven his capabilities in Seongdong, must be elected. He noted President Lee's successful track record from his time as Seongnam mayor to his current presidency. After concluding his rally, Jung moved to conduct a walking campaign in Nonhyeon-dong and Cheonho-dong in Gangnam District. The final event of the official campaign is scheduled for 11:40 p.m. at the transfer center in Bokjeong Station, Songpa District, where Jung will share his reflections on the campaign and express his commitment to creating a completely new Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:48:00

Jung Won-oh Holds Final Campaign Rally in Cheonggye Plaza On June 2, Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, held his final campaign rally, where supporters arrived early to show their backing. As Jung and Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, reaffirming their determination for victory in the June 3 local elections. Supporters began gathering at Cheonggye Plaza around 6 PM, two hours before the rally officially started, displaying blue balloons and signs reading "New Era" while taking photos with family and friends in anticipation of Jung's arrival. An hour before Jung's arrival, a video showcasing highlights from his campaign was played, marking the official start of the rally. As the event emcee, Representative Lee Jeong-heon, asked the crowd if they would unite to vote for the Seoul mayoral election the next day, supporters responded with enthusiastic shouts of "Yes" and "Jung Won-oh." Several lawmakers from Jung's campaign, including Lee In-young, Park Joo-min, Seo Young-kyo, Kim Young-bae, Kim Young-ho, Han Jeong-ae, Seo Mi-hwa, Kim Yoon, Choi Gi-sang, Lee Joo-hee, and Nam In-soon, took the stage to rally support for Jung. As Lee In-young, Park Joo-min, and Seo Young-kyo urged the crowd to "punish Oh Se-hoon" and called for accountability for his actions, supporters responded by chanting Jung's name and applauding. At approximately 8:32 PM, when Jung arrived at the rally alongside Jung Cheong-rae, supporters welcomed him with even louder chants and cheers. When Jung asked the crowd, "Who should we change (as mayor of Seoul)?" they shouted "Jung Won-oh" three times in unison, expressing their support. During the rally, Lee Jeong-heon encouraged the crowd to respond, and they continued to chant Jung's name and cheer. Jung also targeted Oh Se-hoon, questioning his approval ratings and whether it was acceptable to obstruct President Lee Jae-myung, prompting the crowd to shout, "It's at rock bottom. We cannot forgive him." As Jung concluded his speech around 8:50 PM, lasting approximately 18 minutes, supporters chanted his name, applauded, and sang the national anthem up to the fourth verse before dispersing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:48:00

Oh Se-hoon Holds Final Campaign Rally in Sinchon “Experience matters. The person who has been working will do well.”On the evening of June 2, just one day before the local elections, Sinchon Station in the Seodaemun District of Seoul was filled with supporters attending the final rally of Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party. Given the area's proximity to several universities, many in the 2030 age group were also present.As citizens waved placards bearing Oh's name and the number '2', they cheered for his arrival. When Oh greeted the crowd with a hoarse voice, some expressed concern, saying, “Oh no, your voice is hoarse,” and “Your voice is completely gone.”In interviews with Aju Economy, citizens shared their reasons for supporting Oh. Jeong Myeong-seon, a woman in her 60s living in Seodaemun, stated, “I don’t support the party, but I support the person,” expressing hope for Oh's victory. She explained, “I was originally a member of the People Power Party but left due to the Park Geun-hye administration's corruption scandal. Recently, I have grown disillusioned with the party under former President Yoon Suk-yeol.”While acknowledging that Jeong Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate, has accumulated significant achievements as the head of the Seongdong District Office, she emphasized the importance of completing ongoing projects, such as the redevelopment of the Yujin Shopping Center and the light rail project, stating, “The person who has been working should finish what they started.”Recent social media trends, such as the 'Main Enemy Challenge,' have also emerged as a reason for supporting Oh. This challenge involves asking candidates, “Who do you consider the main enemy of South Korea?” and gauging their responses. It has primarily targeted candidates from the ruling party, with conservative candidates naming “North Korea” while Democratic candidates often evade the question, becoming subjects of ridicule.Kim, a 23-year-old living in Sinchon, remarked, “Seeing Democratic candidates unable to name North Korea as the main enemy made me decide to support the People Power Party candidate.” He added, “I’m not a party member, but I support them.”A man in his 60s, Baek, who resides in Mapo, shared, “I was neutral before, but I became concerned when Democratic candidates couldn’t name North Korea as the main enemy.” He mentioned that he had not participated in early voting but planned to vote for Oh in the main election.Park, a 65-year-old supporter who came to cheer for Oh's final rally in Eunpyeong, expressed dissatisfaction with President Lee Jae-myung, stating, “There are many things I don’t like about what this president is doing,” and added, “The president and the Democratic candidates have so many issues that they are not worthy of my vote.” 2026-06-02 21:45:00

Hanwha Aerospace Explosion Investigation Concludes; Police Begin Safety Probe Police conclude joint investigation into Hanwha Aerospace explosion; safety probe begins Seven people, including five fatalities, were reported in the explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility, prompting police to launch an investigation into the cause. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the Daejeon Police Agency conducted a joint investigation at the explosion site with the fire department, the National Forensic Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. The investigation lasted approximately six hours and concluded around 4:40 PM. The explosion occurred at 10:59 AM the previous day in a cleaning room of Building 56, resulting in the deaths of five workers and injuries to two others. Reports indicate that workers were cleaning gunpowder residue from manufacturing tools for projectiles at the time. Police focused their investigation on the suspected ignition point, examining the site for evidence of the cause and the presence of flammable materials. However, much of the evidence was destroyed, limiting visual confirmation. Chairman Jin Young-seung inspects military readiness ahead of local elections Chairman Jin Young-seung of the Joint Chiefs of Staff inspected military readiness at key units in the capital region one day before the local elections. According to Yonhap News, on June 2, Jin visited the Army Capital Corps and the Marine Corps 2nd Division to assess their coastal defense operations and encourage the troops. Jin first visited the Army Capital Corps headquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, to review operational readiness. He received briefings on coastal defense operations, procedures for responding to drone threats, and the status of illegal fishing in neutral waters of the Han River, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust operational posture. During the visit, discussions also took place regarding the transfer of operational control of the Marine Corps 2nd Division to the Marine Corps, in line with the government's plan to reform the Marine Corps into a 'quasi-fourth military force.' Earlier, Jin visited the Marine Corps 2nd Division's coastal defense unit in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, instructing them to maintain heightened surveillance and readiness to prevent enemy surprise attacks. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to visit Seoul National University; eager to meet students Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, will visit the AI research center and robotics lab at Seoul National University during his trip to South Korea. He has expressed a desire to meet with students directly, according to reports. Huang is expected to arrive in South Korea on the evening of June 4 and plans to visit the university's AI research center and robotics lab on June 8, with details still being finalized with the school. Professors from the research centers will accompany Huang, and demonstrations of key research areas are anticipated. As the competition for AI talent intensifies, there is significant interest in the messages Huang will convey to the next generation of researchers in South Korea. A representative from Seoul National University stated, "The format of the meeting is currently under discussion with NVIDIA." This visit follows approximately two months after Huang's daughter, Madison Huang, a senior director of robotics marketing at NVIDIA, visited the robotics lab at the university, where she observed robot demonstrations and met with researchers. Court denies Kim Se-ye's request for release; maintains detention over defamation case Kim Se-ye, the head of the Garosero Research Institute, who is accused of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, had his request for a review of his detention denied by the court. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the 8th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judges Cha Seung-hwan, Choi Hae-il, and Choi Jin-sook, dismissed Kim's request for a review of his detention after a hearing on charges of defamation, threats, and attempted coercion, stating, "There is no reason for the request." Kim had filed the request five days after his detention on May 31, seeking a review of the legality and necessity of his detention. During the one-hour hearing, Kim, with his hands bound, claimed that his detention was leading to defamation against the late Kim Sae-ron. With Kim's detention upheld, police, who have been investigating the case for over a year, are expected to conclude their investigation into Kim's alleged pressure on Kim Soo-hyun's side and soon forward the case to prosecutors. Court hears arguments on travel ban for Professor Tan; government cites lack of evidence A court hearing was held on June 2 regarding whether to suspend the travel ban imposed on Professor Tan (Korean name: Dan Hyun-myung) of Liberty University, who is under police investigation for allegedly defaming President Lee Jae-myung. Tan did not attend the hearing. According to Yonhap News, Tan's legal representatives argued before Judge Wi Ji-hyun of the Seoul Administrative Court that the right to freedom of movement is constitutionally protected and requested the suspension of the travel ban. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice argued for the continuation of the travel ban. A representative from the Ministry stated, "Tan's side claims the need to travel for lectures in the U.S., but they have not provided specific details about the timing or purpose of the trip, making it difficult to prove any irreparable harm from the ban." The representative added, "While they claim to be cooperating with the investigation, it appears they are refusing to appear without legitimate grounds, suggesting the request should be denied." The main trial for the cancellation of the travel ban is scheduled for June 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:42:00

K-Shipbuilding Shines at Posidonia 2026 in Greece "Posidonia is a rare stage where shipowners from around the world can meet in one place. This year, with the largest scale ever, expectations for orders are high." On June 2, the Metropolitan Expo in Athens was bustling with attendees for Posidonia 2026, following the official opening the previous day. The venue was alive with meetings and consultations as global shipowners, shipbuilders, and equipment manufacturers engaged in discussions and technical presentations. Held biennially, Posidonia is considered one of the world's top three maritime exhibitions alongside Germany's SMM and Norway's Nor-Shipping. Posidonia 2026, which began on June 1 and runs for five days, is the largest in its history, featuring 2,227 companies from 83 countries and covering an exhibition area of 45,000 square meters. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend during the event. Among the global companies present, the prominence of K-Shipbuilding was particularly noteworthy. This year, the Korean Pavilion, organized by the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), brought together the domestic shipbuilding and maritime industry. Major Korean shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HJ Shipbuilding, along with equipment manufacturers and the Korean Register (KR), showcased the Korean shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. As a result, the Korean Pavilion attracted a steady stream of global shipowners and industry representatives from early morning. Notably, the KR exhibition area, set up as an independent booth within the Korean Pavilion, hosted several memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremonies. With the recent tightening of environmental regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the role of classification societies in supporting vessel certification and decarbonization strategies has become increasingly important. The demand for collaboration between domestic and international companies is also on the rise, especially in the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and alternative fuel technologies, where verification and certification by classification societies are essential. A KR representative stated, "This year, we expect to sign over 10 MOUs. Overseas shipowners are showing significant interest in digital platforms that can assist in making practical decisions in response to the increasing carbon reduction demands." However, many of the MOUs signed during the event focused on collaboration among domestic companies, resulting in limited tangible business partnerships with global shipowners. This was somewhat disappointing given the significance of the world's largest maritime exhibition. This year, the three major Korean shipbuilders emphasized 'liquefied natural gas (LNG) and eco-friendly technology' as key themes at Posidonia. With the growing demand for LNG driven by energy security concerns and stricter environmental regulations, they are targeting global shipowners with LNG carriers, very large crude carriers (VLCCs), and autonomous navigation technologies. HD Hyundai showcased 178,000-cubic-meter and 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carriers equipped with wind-assisted devices as its main offerings. Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries also presented a diverse portfolio centered on LNG carriers and VLCCs. Chinese companies also made a significant impact at the event, with over 200 firms participating, marking the largest representation from a single country in history. The most notable presence was from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the largest shipbuilding group in the world, formed by the merger of CSSC and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) in September 2022. At this event, CSSC set up its first integrated booth since the merger, showcasing an impressive display of large ship models and digital exhibits, drawing large crowds of visitors eager to explore the booth. These companies are reportedly expanding their local sales networks targeting Greece, the world's largest shipowning nation, and are conducting large-scale receptions and business contracts during Posidonia. Im Sung-hwan, head of KR's European office, acknowledged, "While the presence of Chinese companies is undoubtedly formidable, Korean shipbuilders still maintain a competitive edge in high-value sectors such as LNG carriers and eco-friendly ship technology. If the public and private sectors work as a unified team with a connected infrastructure, Korea can outpace China's pursuit in the future shipbuilding market and maintain its technological leadership." Meanwhile, this year's Posidonia featured not only shipbuilders, KR, and equipment manufacturers but also companies from other sectors such as power, engines, and paints. Notably, paint manufacturer KCC participated in Posidonia for the tenth time this year, showcasing a portfolio of marine coatings designed to meet the demands of enhanced environmental regulations and improved vessel operational efficiency. 2026-06-02 21:42:00