Blue House watches Samsung Electronics closely as strike deadline nears
As a union-planned general strike at Samsung Electronics draws closer, the presidential office is closely tracking developments.
Yonhap News reported on April 30 that the Blue House policy office recently prepared a report analyzing the potential impact on the South Korean economy if a strike materializes. Samsung Electronics has helped drive economic growth and a strong stock market during a semiconductor boom cycle, and officials are reviewing how a walkout could ripple across multiple sectors.
A Blue House official called it a routine reporting process on social issues, saying the office regularly prepares reports on major public matters.
Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung said at a meeting of senior aides that if some organized workers make excessive or unfair demands to protect only themselves and draw public criticism, it would harm not only that union but other workers as well. Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong said the remarks were not about any specific company.
Taiwan posts 13.69% first-quarter growth, highest since 1987
Taiwan’s economy logged growth in the 13% range in the first quarter, boosted by surging demand for artificial intelligence semiconductors.
Yonhap reported on April 30 that Taiwan’s statistics agency, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, said first-quarter gross domestic product rose 13.69% from a year earlier. It topped the previous quarter and marked the highest level since 1987, far exceeding market expectations in the 11% range.
Semiconductors were the main driver as demand for AI, high-performance computing and cloud infrastructure lifted exports and investment. First-quarter exports jumped 51% from a year earlier.
Results at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world’s largest foundry, also weighed heavily on the broader economy. TSMC posted a record performance, with net profit up 58% over the same period.
Iran’s top leader calls U.S. attack a defeat, formalizes Hormuz control plan
Iran’s top leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, described U.S. military involvement as a “defeat” and declared plans to build a new order around the Strait of Hormuz.
Yonhap reported on April 30 that Khamenei, in a message marking “Persian Gulf Day,” said the U.S. attack ended in a “shameful failure” and that it was time to fully remove outside influence from the region. He said Iran would establish a new management system for the strait to block its use by hostile forces.
Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic chokepoint tied directly to its security. Khamenei criticized the U.S. military presence, saying U.S. bases are vulnerable and do not guarantee regional stability.
The remarks were seen as a hard-line message following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in February. The strait is a key route for about 20% of global oil shipments, and analysts say rising tensions could affect international oil prices and maritime logistics.
LG Energy Solution set to supply BMW batteries worth more than 10 trillion won
LG Energy Solution posted a first-quarter loss despite expectations for large orders, but is seeking a rebound by expanding its electric-vehicle battery and energy storage system businesses.
Yonhap reported on April 30 that LG Energy Solution is expected to supply BMW with cylindrical EV batteries worth more than 10 trillion won. The batteries are expected to be used in next-generation EVs, and the contract period is projected to run as long as 10 years.
On a conference call, the company said it secured more than 100 gigawatt-hours in new orders for its 46-series cylindrical batteries and that its total order backlog exceeds 440 GWh.
In the first quarter on a consolidated basis, LG Energy Solution posted an operating loss of 207.8 billion won, swinging to a loss from a year earlier. Revenue fell 2.5% to 6.555 trillion won. The company said it aims to lift the share of ESS sales to the mid-30% range by year’s end to improve profitability.
Nobel Peace Prize field set at 287 nominees; South Korean citizens, Trump mentioned
The Nobel Peace Prize field this year totals 287 nominees, reflecting a broad range as global conflicts expand.
Yonhap and foreign media reported on April 30 that the Norwegian Nobel Committee designated 287 nominees for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize: 208 individuals and 79 organizations. The list is kept confidential for 50 years, but some nominations become known through outside disclosures.
South Korean civil society may be among the nominees, after it emerged that figures in South Korea’s political science community recommended “citizens as a whole,” citing a nonviolent overcoming of a martial law crisis.
U.S. President Donald Trump was also mentioned as a possible nominee. The committee said the peace prize remains important even as international cooperation weakens. The winner will be announced on Oct. 9.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.