Economy
- Musinsa: Musinsa has appointed Jeon Jun-hee, former CEO of Yogiyo, as the new head of the tech division to accelerate its technology-driven overseas business expansion.
- SSG Day Event: Josun Hotels & Resorts is participating in Shinsegae Group’s largest annual discount event, offering up to 84% off on over 300 items during the 2024 SSG Day.
- Bitcoin Surpasses 100 Million KRW: Bitcoin’s price surged past 100 million KRW, fueled by expectations for pro-crypto policies ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
- Hyundai PPA Agreement: Hyundai Motor has signed South Korea’s largest renewable energy supply agreement (PPA) to further its carbon neutrality efforts and transition to renewable energy.
- Kakao’s Poor Performance: Kakao is facing difficulties in the platform competition due to M&A failures and declining performance, raising concerns about its future growth potential.
Society
- Seoul’s Marriage and Birth Support: Seoul City announced a policy to support newlyweds and families without housing by providing financial aid for marriage preparations and housing, promoting childbirth through the “Birth Support Project.”
- Public Transport Fare Increase Discussions: Major cities, including Seoul, are considering raising public transport fares, with subway and bus fares likely to increase by early 2024.
- Rising Kimchi Costs: This year’s kimchi-making costs are expected to rise by approximately 20% compared to last year due to the price increases of key ingredients like cabbage and radish.
Politics
- Special Prosecutor Cooperation Request: Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae called for cooperation on a special prosecutor’s investigation related to First Lady Kim Kun-hee, asking to clear any misunderstandings.
- National Assembly Law Amendment Passed: The National Assembly’s Operation Committee has pushed through an amendment that weakens the National Assembly Advancement Act, sparking controversy.
- People Power Party Pushes for Semiconductor Support: The People Power Party is emphasizing the need for national support measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry.
- U.S. Presidential Election Impact on Foreign Policy: The U.S. presidential election is expected to significantly influence global political and diplomatic issues, especially regarding the Ukraine war and Middle East tensions.
International
- Impact of the U.S. Presidential Election: The U.S. election’s influence on the Ukraine war, Middle Eastern conflicts, and global economic trends is under close scrutiny.
- European Auto Industry Restructuring: Volkswagen is set to close three factories in Germany and cut wages due to declining demand from China’s domestic market.
- Democratic Party Criticizes Trump: The U.S. Democratic Party continues its sharp criticism of former President Trump, comparing him to Hitler in their attacks.
- Global YouTubers Experience Korea: International YouTubers are promoting Korea’s Pepero Day through various activities, acting as ambassadors to introduce the event to the world.
Culture/Arts
- Popularity of ‘Culinary Class Wars’: Netflix’s recent release of ‘Culinary Class Wars’ has gained widespread popularity, with stock analysts even incorporating memes from the show into their reports.
- Define Seoul 2024: Gallery M9 is hosting ‘Define Seoul 2024,’ featuring works by contemporary artists and designers.
- World Pansori Festival: Foreign pansori performers took the stage at the World Pansori Festival held in Namsangol Hanok Village, captivating audiences with traditional Korean music.
- Legoland Autumn Festival: Legoland Korea has kicked off its autumn festival, featuring colorful autumn leaves and flowers, providing plenty of attractions for visitors.
- Seoul’s Artistic Event: Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is hosting the ‘City Variety’ promotion, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning night views of Namsan and the city skyline.
Sports
- Netmarble Rowing Team: Netmarble’s rowing team secured 8 gold medals and 12 total medals at the National Para Sports Festival.
- NFL Team Investment: U.S. private equity firm Arctos Partners has invested in the NFL team Buffalo Bills.
- Valorant Tournament ‘SVL 2024’: The global Valorant tournament ‘SVL 2024’ is scheduled for December 10-15, with top international teams expected to participate.
Real Estate/Construction
- Redevelopment of Seongsu Strategic Redevelopment Zone: The Seongsu Strategic Redevelopment Zone in Seoul has selected contractors to expedite its redevelopment project.
- Rising Seoul One-room Jeonse Prices: Jeonse prices for one-room apartments in Seoul have risen, with Seocho District recording the highest at 270 million KRW.
- Reconstruction Boom in Gangnam: Several redevelopment projects in Gangnam and other regions are actively underway, with related contractors being selected.
- Apartment Sales in Gimpo: Gimpo’s housing demand is rising as new apartment sales begin in the Han River New Town area.
- Luxury Apartments in Seongsu: The sale of high-end apartments in Seongsu District has resumed, with expectations for a transformation into a riverside skyscraper community along the Han River.
Health/Medical
- GV1001 Research Findings: GemVax & KAEL is set to present research findings on progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer’s disease at BIO-Europe 2024.
- Local Bank Loan Activation: Financial authorities are expanding local bank loans to address household debt issues, including a policy to waive early repayment penalties.
Gaming
- ‘Solo Leveling: Arise’ Redeem Code: Netmarble hosted a developer livestream where new redeem codes and seasonal events for ‘Solo Leveling: Arise’ were revealed.
- ‘Blue Archive’ 3rd Anniversary Concert: Nexon will hold the ‘Blue Archive 3rd Anniversary Sound Archive Concert’ on November 23 at KINTEX, with pre-sales starting on October 31.
- ‘Goddess of Victory: NIKKE’ 2nd Anniversary Update: Level Infinite is celebrating the 2nd anniversary of ‘Goddess of Victory: NIKKE’ with new character ‘Cinderella’ and a host of events.
- ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Open Beta Test: Capcom’s highly anticipated ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ has begun its open beta test, featuring customization and story quests.
- ‘Black Clover Mobile’ Update: Big Game Studio has rolled out a Season 18 update for ‘Black Clover Mobile,’ introducing new PvE content and rewards.