The number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea has surged to record levels, and per capita spending has also increased, shifting the long-standing deficit in the tourism balance. As foreign tourist numbers and tourism revenue rise, domestic spending on overseas travel has decreased, increasing the likelihood of an annual surplus for the first time in 26 years.According to the Bank of Korea and other sources, the monthly tourism balance recorded a surplus of $260 million in March, marking th

Hong Ik-pyo, the Chief of Staff to the President, stated on August 24 that he shares the view that the President's appointment authority has been somewhat infringed upon during the nomination process for Supreme Court Justice Cho Hee-dae.During a comprehensive policy inquiry at the National Assembly's Budget and Settlement Special Committee, when asked by lawmaker Cho Bae-sook of the People Power Party whether there were legal issues with the nomination process, Hong replied, "We need to examine

Korean beauty company Kolmar is participating as an official partner in the Seoul Beauty Week for the fifth consecutive year. Kolmar announced on August 24 that it will take part in the '2026 Seoul Beauty Week,' which runs until the 25th at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in central Seoul. Now in its fifth year, Seoul Beauty Week serves as a business platform supporting beauty companies' entry into domestic and international markets while showcasing the latest trends in K-beauty. The number of

Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province has decided to hold this year's Dolmen Festival with a focus on visitors. The county will reduce formalities and manage its budget efficiently. The '2026 World Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival' will take place from October 16 to 25 at the dolmen site in Chunyang-myeon, Hwasun County, without an opening ceremony. This decision aims to utilize the budget and administrative support typically allocated for one-time ceremonial events more effectivel

Homeplus is requesting public bondholders to agree to a repayment plan ahead of the approval of its rehabilitation plan on September 4. The company is making a concerted effort to secure this agreement, as the rate of consent from public bondholders is a critical indicator of the plan's feasibility.On August 24, Homeplus stated that if the agreement rate among public bondholders is low, the rehabilitation court may determine that the plan's feasibility is compromised due to financial burdens, po

The Sancheoneo, the star of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, is thriving despite this summer's record heat. For next year's festival, over 155 tons of Sancheoneo are expected to be supplied. The Hwacheon County plans to increase the local production share to connect the festival's success with residents' income.According to Hwacheon County, Mayor Kim Se-hoon and officials from the inland water department inspected seven Sancheoneo farms in the Sain and Gandong areas on August 23. The inspection

Samsung Electronics' largest labor union, the Samsung Group's Super Union, is demanding the restoration of posts from the NowTalk bulletin board on the company's intranet homepage. The union argues that the removal of these posts limits the union's promotional activities, which are guaranteed under collective agreements.On August 24, the Super Union sent a formal request regarding the NowTalk changes to Yeong-hyeon Jeon, head of Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division, and Myung-gu Y

Clean Country announced on August 24 that its joint venture KNT, established in collaboration with paper resource distributor Taesori Recycling and resource recycling startup Ugly Lab, officially began operations following a completion ceremony on August 21.KNT aims to expand the supply chain of waste paper and create a sustainable resource recycling ecosystem.A representative from Clean Country stated, "KNT is a win-win cooperation model that combines the expertise and trading networks of exist

Kakao Games is enhancing its shareholder return policy through a stock buyback by its executives, following a recent share cancellation.On August 24, Kakao Games announced that it held an extraordinary general meeting at the Kakao AI Campus, where it approved key agenda items including the 'Plan for Holding and Disposing of Treasury Shares' and the 'Transfer of Retained Earnings to Capital Reserves.'This move is part of a medium- to long-term shareholder return strategy that follows the cancella