Economy & Business:
- Kiosk improvements at Lotteria and Angel-in-us: Introduction of user-friendly kiosks for the elderly and disabled.
- KB Kookmin Card and Hyundai Steel collaboration: Launch of a corporate card for the online steel shopping mall.
- EcoBit sale: The sale of the comprehensive environmental company EcoBit is progressing.
- Noroo Paint eco-friendly certification: Noroo Paint became the first in the Korean paint industry to obtain the global eco-friendly material certification ‘ISCC PLUS.’
- Jungyookgak’s innovative distribution: Jungyookgak has revolutionized the pork distribution process, offering a fast, fresh delivery system.
- BooYoung Group’s support for international students: BooYoung Group has donated 10 billion KRW in scholarships to international students from 43 countries.
- HD Hyundai Infracore: Signed a contract to supply 100 construction machines, including excavators and wheel loaders, to construction companies in Saudi Arabia.
Politics & Society:
- Support for victims of rental fraud: A special law on rental fraud was agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties.
- Rising interest in U.S. education and investment immigration: Increasing interest in investment immigration due to the rising costs of U.S. education.
- Stricter regulations on blog advertisements: Strengthened regulations requiring the disclosure of advertisements at the beginning of blog or internet café posts.
- Preparation for the end of the short-selling ban: Financial Supervisory Service is requiring internal control and real-time stock balance management systems for corporate investors ahead of lifting the short-selling ban.
- Increase in labor disputes: The number of unfair dismissal and other relief applications handled by the Labor Commission increased by 20% compared to the previous year.
International & Foreign Affairs:
- Ukraine front line situation: Ukraine destroyed a bridge over the Sheym River, cutting off Russian supply lines.
- Demographic change in the U.S.: Non-white minorities now make up the majority of the U.S. population under 20 years old, potentially increasing political influence.
Education & Academia:
- Concerns about studying in the U.S.: Rising tuition fees and living costs in the U.S. are causing concerns among parents sending their children to study abroad.
- Seoul National University Law School: Partnered with the Seoul Bar Association to conduct public interest and human rights programs for aspiring lawyers.
Health & Medical:
- Medical gap due to resident departures: Due to the departure of medical residents, nurses are taking over resident duties, but with minimal training.
- Increased interest in dental insurance: Growing interest in dental insurance due to concerns about the high cost of dental treatments.
Finance & Consumer:
- Changes in housing subscription account regulations: From September, the monthly deposit limit for housing subscription accounts will increase, but those who deposited early are unhappy due to potential ranking reversals.
- Samsung Life Insurance short-term savings policy: Samsung Life Insurance has launched a six-month short-term savings insurance policy with a maximum interest rate of 8.0%.
- MG Saemaul Geumgo check card launch: A new check card targeting customers in their 40s and 50s offering various discounts and benefits.
Business & Industry:
- Performance fluctuations of mid-sized construction companies: While some mid-sized construction companies saw an increase in operating profits, others experienced decreased profitability due to rising raw material costs and high interest rates.
- Samsung Electronics IoT security highest grade: Samsung Electronics received the highest grade, ‘Diamond,’ in IoT security assessments.
- AMD’s acquisition of server manufacturer: AMD acquired ZT Systems to strengthen its competition with Nvidia.
- Hyundai Steel’s online platform exclusive card launch: Hyundai Steel and KB Kookmin Card have launched an exclusive card for the ‘HCORE STORE’ online steel shopping mall.
Environment & Sustainability:
- Mandatory disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions: Although companies are now required to measure and disclose all direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, the application of Scope 3 has been suggested for a delay.
- Launch of a household food waste processor: LG Electronics, in cooperation with Ansan City, is set to launch a household food waste processor.
- Smart energy management: S-1’s energy management service, which automatically controls energy usage, has gained popularity during the heatwave.
Culture & Entertainment:
- HERA’s expansion into Thailand: AmorePacific’s beauty brand Hera officially enters the Thai market.
- Improving game accessibility: Smilegate published e-books focused on game accessibility and content diversity.
- BTS Suga’s DUI controversy: Suga’s DUI incident and subsequent apology have sparked further controversy.
- Rewards for NFT holders: Starbucks Korea is offering reward reservations to NFT holders.
- Promotion of Korean traditional crafts: Chanel Korea collaborates with a traditional crafts foundation to highlight young Korean artists.
- Emergence of the ‘YONO’ tribe: A new lifestyle trend known as ‘YONO’ (You Only Need One) emphasizes living with minimal possessions and resources.
Construction & Real Estate:
- Rising apartment lease rates in local areas: The lease rates in local areas have exceeded 70%, with Ulsan recording the highest lease rate.
Defense & Security:
- Joint military training conducted: Joint military exercises involving the Ministry of National Defense and other related agencies were conducted as part of the Eulji exercise.
- North Korean defector captured: A North Korean soldier defected to the South Korean army, marking the second defection within a month.