May 21, 2026 Doyoung Lim www.koreatimes.co.kr Seoul expanded its discount program for customers bringing their own cups to cafes starting from Monday, as it applies to more stores to promote using reusable cups and eco-friendly habits. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, customers using their own cups at participating cafes can save at least 500 won per drink, with stores discounting a minimum of 100 won and the city affording 400 won. Starting this year, Seoul ha

May 21, 2026 Dogeon Lim koreajoongangdaily.joins.com The profound South Korean memory chip maker Samsung Electronics is facing its worst ever strike, with approximately 48,000 workers threatening to stop working on May 14th for 18 days over an argument about bonus payment. Samsung’s union is demanding that the company remove the cap that limits bonuses to 50% of annual salaries and distribute 15% of the annual operating bonus pool to workers. The union is also pushing for the

May 13, 2026 Dogeon Lim www.koreaittimes.com At the NAB Show 2026, which is one of the world’s biggest media exhibitions, SK Telecom received attention as the only Korean company to receive an award for its innovative artificial intelligence technology. The company was recognized for its new AI-based service called “Live-to-Cart.” This technology allows viewers to immediately purchase products that show up in videos or broadcasts. By analyzing visual content and subtitles at

May 13, 2026 Doyoung Lim www.koreatimes.co.kr The government’s newly announced decision to allow the issuance of credit cards to minors aged 12 and older has evoked skepticism from parents, along with some raising concerns about early exposure to overspending and impulse buying, leading to no concept of money. Credit cards had previously been limited only to adults aged 19 and older, while the minimum eligibility age was just lowered through a revision of the policy by the go

May 13, 2026 Hajin Kim www.koreaittimes.com Korean people are famous for having good hand skills, and now this talent is helping robots too. A Korean physical AI startup called RealWorld developed a new robotics foundation model called RLDX-1. On May 7, the company announced that the model ranked first in global benchmark tests. RLDX-1 was made to help humanoid robots move all five fingers very carefully and naturally. The AI model can listen to human commands, understand obj

May 1, 2026 Eunyo Hwang www.msn.com China’s reported decision to halt sulfuric acid exports beginning in May is expected to send shockwaves through global metals and fertilizer markets, which are already under strain due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move has also raised concerns that China may be expanding its use of resource control as a strategic tool. According to the South China Morning Post, China—currently the world’s largest exporter of sulfuric aci

Apr 28, 2026 Doyoung Lim en.yna.co.kr Oxford University has newly announced a plan to launch Korean studies as early as October to boost research into Korean culture, history, and language, Jieun Kiaer, James Lewis, and Chi Young-hae, professors leading this project, said. The University of Oxford is planning on announcing the establishment of the Oxford Center for Korean Studies during the official public opening, starting this Sunday, at Oxford’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Cente

Apr 24, 2026 Eunyo Hwang e.vnexpress.net Recently in South Korea, Korean construction companies launched to ‘target’ Vietnamese marketplaces. Daewoo E&C Chairman Jung Won-ju and GS E&C CEO Huh Yoon-hong were elected as economic delegates to visit Vietnam to proceed with their economic strategy. Pursuant to their formal visit, official business cooperations were made between two nations. The specific area South Korea and Vietnam are placing an emphasis on is the ‘data center.’

Apr 22, 2026 Dogeon Lim en.yenisafak.com North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on April 19. This came shortly after South Korea reported, following warnings from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, that North Korea was making significant progress in developing nuclear weapons. The incident marked North Korea’s seventh ballistic missile launch this year and its fourth launch in April. The missiles were fired from near the city of Sinpo on North Korea’s east co

Apr 19, 2026 Eunyo Hwang en.sedaily.com In Seoul, South Korea, the average price of apartments for rent has surpassed 600 million won in 3 years and 4 months, according to public statistics. Due to economic inflation in diverse sectors—which include the skyrocketing price of oil—rent prices are increasing as well, gaining concern among Korean citizens. The rate is getting closer to the peak price of the ‘Jeonse crisis,’ and the price is anticipated to escalate substantially,