Homeplus Resumes Operations, Card Payments Normalized Amid Legal Issues
Homeplus has resumed operations, prompting card companies to normalize payments for card sales that had been on hold. However, some funds remain frozen due to a partial seizure of payment claims by suppliers who have not received their payments from Homeplus. According to the financial sector on August 17, most card companies lifted their payment hold around the time Homeplus officially reopened on August 13. Following the resumption of operations, sales and customer traffic have increased, l
Trump Orders Major Reduction of US-South Korea Military Drills Amid North Korea Outreach
President Donald Trump directed a significant reduction in US-South Korea military exercises on August 16, 2026, signaling a softer approach toward North Korea while increasing pressure on South Korea.According to reports from AP and Reuters, Trump explained on his social media platform Truth Social, "Given that Chairman Kim Jong Un and I have a very good relationship, I am not pleased that the United States has long agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea." He added,
Moon Warns of Serious Consequences for Democratic Party Amid Factional Conflicts
Moon Jae-in, the former president of South Korea, warned on August 17 that the Democratic Party is heading for serious trouble due to escalating factional conflicts. The party has seen tensions rise between the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction and the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction during the ongoing national convention.In a video message delivered at the Democratic Party's third regular national convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center, Moon expressed significant concern, stating, "I have great w
Hanwha's Kim Dong-kwan Sees RSU Value Approach 270 Billion Won Amid Stock Surge
Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, has seen the value of his restricted stock units (RSUs) approach 270 billion won, driven by a surge in stock prices, particularly in the defense and shipbuilding sectors.According to the semi-annual reports from Hanwha Corporation, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Solutions, the market value of the RSUs granted to Kim was estimated at 268.2 billion won as of the end of last year.By company, Hanwha Aerospace accounted for the largest share at 165.1 billio
Divided Democratic Party Holds National Convention Amid Tensions
17일 열린 더불어민주당 전당대회는 마치 둘로 쪼개진 당을 보는 것 같은 격정적인 현장이었다. 각 후보 지지자들이 상대 후보를 향한 '명청 갈등(이재명 대통령과 정청래 당대표 후보의 갈등)을 촉발시킨 후보' '고(故) 노무현 전 대통령을 배신한 후보' 등 원색적인 발언도 서슴지 않았다.아주경제는 이날 민주당 제3차 정기전국당원대회가 열리는 대전 컨벤션센터를 찾아 김민석 후보와 정 후보 지지자들에게 이야기를 들어봤다. 전당대회 시작 2시간 전인 이날 오전 11시 30분부터 대전 컨벤션센터는 각 후보 지지자들로 인산인해를
South Korea and U.S. Maintain Joint Defense Posture Amid Training Adjustments
The Blue House stated on August 17 that South Korea and the United States have closely coordinated on maintaining their joint defense posture and training, and will continue to collaborate on specific matters moving forward. A Blue House official noted, "We pay attention to President Trump's social media message," adding that they hope the friendly relationship between the North Korean and U.S. leaders will lead to dialogue and discussions aimed at advancing peace and stability on the Korean Pen
Interview: Yoo Hyun-soo on 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' and His Character's Journey
The Disney+ original series "Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2" continues to gain global popularity, surpassing the buzz of its predecessor. The return of Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook) and the new representative Jian (Kim Hye-jun) leads a massive counterattack against the global force "Babylon." Among the highlights of this season is the impressive performance of newcomer Yoo Hyun-soo, who plays Woo-jin, a young resident managing various affairs in Hanam-do. His character provides crucial support for J
Vietnam to Establish Durian as a National Brand, Overhauls Production and Quality Control
The Vietnamese government is overhauling its durian production and quality control systems to promote the fruit as a key export item. Following stricter customs inspections in China that impacted exports, the focus has shifted from merely increasing production to building a national brand and diversifying markets.According to VnExpress on August 17, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Cuong Trung inspected the current status of durian production, consumption, and exports on July 31. He instructed relevant
Deposits Near 1 Trillion Won as Banks Face Funding Costs
The combined balance of time deposits at South Korea's five major banks is approaching 1 trillion won. As the stock market experiences volatility and deposit rates rise, funds that were previously seeking investment opportunities are returning to banks. As of August 13, the balance of time deposits at KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup banks totaled 999.2326 trillion won, an increase of approximately 14.2927 trillion won from 984.9399 trillion won at the end of last month. The inf
Challenges Persist in Housing Development at Yongsan Park and Camp Kim
The South Korean government has officially opened the door to the possibility of housing development at Yongsan Park, but analysts warn that significant obstacles remain before any actual supply can be realized. Even the nearby Camp Kim, a site returned by the U.S. military, has been stalled for nearly a decade due to soil contamination and cultural heritage investigations, preventing any construction from starting.To build housing in Yongsan Park, which is designated as a national park by law,