Korea Daily News (August 9, 2024)

Economy

  1. Rising Seoul Housing Prices and Reasonable Supply

    • Seoul’s housing prices continue to rise, while HDC Hyundai Development Company will begin a no-priority application process for Seodaemun Central I-Park.
    • Point: The ongoing increase in Seoul’s real estate market and the attention on reasonably priced housing.
  2. KT Q2 Earnings Announcement

    • KT maintains solid performance due to the expansion of wireless service subscribers and cloud business growth, though operating profit decreased due to rising labor costs.
    • Point: Despite a decrease in operating profit due to cost increases, the growth in subscribers and cloud business is a positive factor.
  3. China’s CPI Continues to Rise

    • China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) continues its six-month rising streak, surpassing market expectations.
    • Point: The continuous inflation in China and its market implications.

 

IT/Gaming

  1. Netmarble Launches ‘The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross’

    • Netmarble officially launched the highly anticipated global game ‘The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross’ in 174 countries.
    • Point: Netmarble’s strategy to conquer the global gaming market and the potential success of its new release.
  2. Com2uS ‘BTS Cooking On’ Gains Global Popularity

    • ‘BTS Cooking On’ topped Japan’s App Store game rankings and reached the top 5 in several other regions within a day of its release.
    • Point: The global success of a game leveraging the BTS brand.
  3. Nexon’s ‘Dungeon & Fighter’ Balance Patches

    • Nexon continues to roll out balance patches for ‘Dungeon & Fighter,’ but user satisfaction remains below expectations.
    • Point: Despite efforts to balance gameplay, user dissatisfaction persists.

 

Society

  1. Seoul’s Electric Vehicle Charging Restrictions

    • Seoul is implementing safety measures by regulating electric vehicle charging in underground parking lots of apartment complexes.
    • Point: Addressing safety concerns related to the increase in electric vehicles through institutional approaches.
  2. Son Heung-min’s Legal Action Against False Claims

    • Son Heung-min has filed a lawsuit against nightclub employees in Gangnam, Seoul, for spreading false information on social media about his alleged spending.
    • Point: Legal action against the spread of false information regarding celebrities’ private lives.
  3. Bio-Gasification Facility Project in Gwangju

    • Gwangju City has been selected for the Ministry of Environment’s bio-gasification facility installation project, scheduled for completion by 2028.
    • Point: A government-backed initiative to promote eco-friendly energy solutions.

 

Culture/Entertainment

  1. HYBE’s Bang Si-hyuk Spotted with Influencer Gwak Joo-seyeon

    • HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk was spotted in the U.S. with influencer Gwak Joo-seyeon, drawing media attention.
    • Point: Public interest in the private life of high-profile individuals.
  2. Starbucks Opens Art Collaboration Store

    • Starbucks opened its first art collaboration store in Korea, transforming an old villa into a store filled with art.
    • Point: Starbucks’ attempt to merge cultural arts with its brand.
  3. Film Review: ‘My Dear Enemy’

    • The film explores modern society’s taboo of judging others based on their choices, dealing with the fine line between personal decision and social judgment.
    • Point: An analysis of the societal issues surrounding choice and judgment depicted in the film.

 

Sports

  1. Medytox’s Operating Profit Surges 50%

    • Medytox’s operating profit surged by 50%, drawing attention from investors.
    • Point: Increased investor interest due to improved operating performance.
  2. Son Heung-min’s Legal Action Against False Claims

    • Son Heung-min has filed a lawsuit against nightclub employees in Gangnam, Seoul, for spreading false information on social media about his alleged spending.
    • Point: Legal action against the spread of false information regarding celebrities’ private lives.
  3. Hyundai’s Autonomous Robot Successfully Tested

    • Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous robot successfully crossed a crosswalk, showcasing its technological capabilities.
    • Point: The advancement of autonomous driving technology and its potential real-world applications.