Samsung Electronics union and management will return on May 18 to a second post-mediation session at the National Labor Relations Commission, days before a planned strike. Chairman Lee Jae-yong apologised to customers worldwide and the public, calling employees and the union “one family” and saying he would take responsibility. The company changed its lead negotiator, while the union agreed the outgoing negotiator could attend without speaking. Talks focus on performance bonuses and whether to institutionalise the scheme.

Samsung Electronics\' executive team issued a public apology on May 15 over a protracted labor dispute, saying it had burdened and worried the public and government. Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun and other executives urged unconditional dialogue, calling the union a family and community of destiny. The company said it had proposed options on OPI funding and added a special unlimited compensation scheme. The union criticised the response as strike plans and internal divisions grew.