1. Economy and Finance
- Hanwha Galleria’s Tender Offer Controversy: Concerns have been raised by some minority shareholders that the tender offer price is lower than the fair value, leading to a surge in the stock price.
- Plantec Sale and Global Fintech Investment Trends: United Asset Management Corporation (UAMCO) is pushing to sell Plantec, and global fintech investments in the first half of the year have slowed, although investments in the payment sector are close to last year’s level.
- Rising Stocks of Domestic Airlines and Oil Refining Companies: Expectations of interest rate cuts have driven the stock prices of domestic airlines like T’way Air and oil refining companies like Korea ANKOR U.S. Oil to rise.
- Real Estate Market and Apartment Move-Ins: Nationwide apartment move-ins for September are expected to reach 23,438 units, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government is planning an inspection to crack down on illegal real estate brokerage activities.
2. Politics and Policy
- Yoon Suk-yeol’s Approval Rating Slightly Decreases: President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval rating has slightly dropped to 30%, and the Democratic Party has formed a special committee to respond to the issue of erasing Dokdo.
- Ruling and Opposition Parties’ Talent Recruitment: The ruling and opposition parties have respectively appointed Ko Dong-jin and Jung Sung-ho as heads of their talent recruitment committees to actively recruit new talent for their parties.
3. Society and Public Safety
- Bribery Case in Housing Redevelopment Association: The police have arrested and sent five people to the prosecution, including a housing redevelopment association president and a broker, on charges of bribery.
- Increase in Chuseok Table Costs: The cost of setting the Chuseok table has increased by 9% compared to last year, with significant rises in the prices of vegetables and fruits.
- Rising Electric Scooter Accidents: The rapid increase in electric scooter accidents is raising serious road safety concerns, with a recent incident involving three middle school students in Gimpo.
- BTS Suga’s DUI Incident: The police investigation into BTS Suga, who was caught driving an electric scooter while intoxicated, is nearing completion and will soon be sent to the prosecution.
4. Business and Industry
- Kakao Entertainment and Yeongjongdo Resort Collaboration: Kakao Entertainment is strengthening its partnership with Yeongjongdo Resort, focusing on intellectual property (IP) and live entertainment capabilities.
- SK Telecom’s Passkey System Implementation: SK Telecom has begun offering its Passkey system, which allows for password-free login and user authentication, to companies through a SaaS-based service.
- Hyundai Mobis’s Endangered Species Conservation Efforts: Hyundai Mobis has successfully bred large numbers of endangered mihogonggae fry as part of its ongoing eco-friendly social contribution activities.
- SK Ecoplant’s Hydrogen Power Project: SK Ecoplant has secured financial agreements for its first project among the hydrogen power projects it won in the second half of the hydrogen power bidding market.
5. Culture and Entertainment
- Webzen’s New MMORPG Launch: Webzen has announced the official launch of a new MMORPG game, “MU Monarch 2,” which is the latest installment in the “MU” series.
- Stephen King’s 50th Anniversary: Stephen King’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated, with his influential works being revisited and adapted into films and dramas.
- Actress Nana’s Legal Action: Actress Nana has announced legal action against those spreading false information about her.
- Hee Bae’s Solo Exhibition: Hee Bae’s solo exhibition “Mu Deung Deung” is scheduled to open at Eve Gallery on September 3rd.
6. Environment and Social Contribution
- Hyundai Mobis’s Ecosystem Restoration Activities: Hyundai Mobis has successfully bred large numbers of endangered mihogonggae fry as part of its efforts to enhance eco-friendly social contribution activities.
- KCC’s Employee Cultural Events: KCC is continuing to host various cultural events to support employees suffering from the summer heat.
7. International and Diplomacy
- Australia’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law Comes Into Effect: In Australia, a law has been enacted that guarantees the right to disconnect from work-related communications after hours, with fines of up to 84 million won for violations.
- US Democratic Party’s Political Strategy: The US Democratic Party has successfully turned supporters’ despair into hope through recent campaigns, following the shooting incident involving former President Donald Trump.
8. Education and Academia
- Recruitment of Land and Housing Museum College Students: The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is recruiting students for its representative civic education program, “Land and Housing Museum College.”
- Philosopher Lee Myung-hyun’s Commemorative Book: A 2,000-page philosophical book dedicated to Lee Myung-hyun, a towering figure in Korean philosophy, has been published by his students in honor of his contributions.