Politics
- US Election’s Impact on Korean Markets: Following Donald Trump’s confirmed victory, individual investors flocked to the stock market, leading to a surge in trading volume.
- Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee Meeting: The Presidential Committee on Aging Society held an expert forum to discuss the challenges of Korea’s aging population.
- President’s Veto Power Exercised: President Yoon Suk-yeol exercised his veto on the Special Prosecutor Act for the First Lady, intensifying political friction.
- German Coalition Crisis: Germany’s “traffic light coalition” is facing collapse due to economic challenges and policy disagreements sparked by Trump’s return to office.
- Government’s Stock Market Revitalization Efforts: The Korean government introduced the “Korea Value Up Index” to address stock market undervaluation, though investor deposits remain at a year-low.
Society
- Fall Foliage Trail Recommendations: The Korea Forest Service recommended five hidden scenic forest trails perfect for autumn walks.
- Large-Scale Labor Protest Planned: This weekend, large labor protests are expected in central Seoul, prompting planned traffic control measures.
- Elderly Education Agreement: Hunet and the Korea Retirement Design Research Institute signed an agreement to provide new support for future retirees.
- Promoting Dokdo’s Heritage: “Dokdo Keeper” Professor Seo Kyung-duk is strengthening efforts to have traditional Korean sauces listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Economy
- App-based Rewards Rising in Popularity: App-based services that reward users for watching ads or completing tasks are rapidly gaining traction.
- Bitcoin Hits All-Time High: Bitcoin broke the $74,000 mark, further raising interest in virtual asset investments.
- Mixed Stock Performance for Korean Cosmetics: As China’s Singles’ Day shopping event approaches, local cosmetics stocks show mixed results, with some ODM companies reporting high growth.
- Initech Turns a Profit: KT’s financial security subsidiary, Initech, has sustained its profitable streak through the third quarter.
- Korean Air Expands Mileage Events: Korean Air is holding various mileage promotions through the end of the year, making it easier for customers to redeem rewards.
- Restaurant Spending Recovery: Dining-out spending shows a gradual recovery, with restaurants introducing new promotions to attract customers.
- LG U+ Profit Decline: LG U+ reported a 3.2% drop in Q3 operating profit compared to the same period last year.
Real Estate
- High Expectations for Seoul-Sejong Expressway: The new Seoul-Sejong Expressway, expected to open in December, is sparking interest in the real estate market.
- Application for Lease-Purchase Housing: The government will begin accepting applications for lease-purchase housing next week, allowing tenants to buy after six years at reduced prices.
- Large-Scale Development in Yongin: Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is attracting investors with a large-scale commercial and residential complex under development.
- Popularity of Knowledge Industry Centers: Knowledge industry centers in southern Gyeonggi are drawing interest, offering attractive returns for investors.
- Improved Transportation in New Cities: The expansion of transportation infrastructure in new cities is raising resident satisfaction.
- Urban Redevelopment Projects: Urban redevelopment projects in central Seoul are revitalizing local business districts.
Culture
- New K-Content Business Centers in Japan: New K-Content business centers have opened in Osaka and Tokyo, creating hubs for expanding Korean content in Japan.
- Record of Forgotten History in Busan: A Busan-based writer published a work on the city’s lesser-known history, even unfamiliar to local residents.
- La Bohème Musical Performance: The Seoul Opera Company will perform Puccini’s classic “La Bohème” at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
- Art Exhibition Boom: Major art auctions have seen Korean painter Kim Whanki’s works sell for tens of millions of won, spurring interest in art investment.
Technology/IT
- NVIDIA GeForce Now Time Restriction: Starting in 2025, NVIDIA will limit GeForce Now subscriptions to 100 hours per month for new and renewed users.
- Summoners War World Championship: The global esports tournament “Summoners War World Arena Championship” finals will take place in Tokyo.
- OneStore Prepares for U.S. Market: OneStore has begun registering developer products for its upcoming U.S. launch.
- Netmarble’s Jeju Island Raid Event: Netmarble’s “Solo Leveling: Arise” will hold a Jeju Island Raid event, attracting fans of the popular webtoon.
- LG Uplus 5G AI Development: LG Uplus is accelerating the development of new services using 5G AI technology.
- LINE FRIENDS Entering the Metaverse: LINE FRIENDS is entering the metaverse, aiming to offer new branded experiences in virtual spaces.