U.S. Trade Tensions Rise as Key South Korean Trade Position Remains Vacant
At a critical time when trade tensions from the U.S. are escalating, South Korea's trade policy leadership is vacant following the dismissal of Yeohan Gu, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, on August 15. Minister Kim Jeong-kwan immediately traveled to the U.S. for urgent discussions amid pressing issues such as investment in the U.S. and Section 301 tariffs.The focus now is not on the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Ye's dismiss
Lucy’s Choi Sang-yeop to Marry in August, Mystic Announces Private Ceremony
Choi Sang-yeop of the band Lucy is set to marry this month.His agency, Mystic Story, announced on August 17 that "Choi Sang-yeop of LUCY is preparing for a new beginning with a precious relationship this August."The agency expressed understanding for fans who may be surprised by the sudden news, stating, "We appreciate your warm support as we navigate this moment."The ceremony will be private. Mystic Story explained, "To respect the non-celebrity partner, the ceremony will be held privately, and
President Lee: Democratic Party Strongest When United Under New Leadership
President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of unity within the Democratic Party ahead of the election of its new leader. In a video message delivered on August 17 at the Democratic Party convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center, he stated, "While we have engaged in vigorous discussions and competition as a party, we must now come together as one under the new leadership." He noted, "Our Democratic Party has been strongest when united," highlighting the party's resilience through
Vietnam Stock Market Shifts Focus to Real Estate in First Half of 2026, Vinhomes Leads
This year, the profit landscape of the Vietnamese stock market has shifted towards real estate and non-financial sectors. Real estate developer Vinhomes and its parent company Vingroup have secured top positions in profits, while banks accounted for only nine of the top 20 companies, marking their lowest share in recent years. According to a report by Vietnamese media outlet VnExpress on August 17, based on second-quarter earnings reports from listed companies, 13 firms exceeded a pre-tax profi
Parnas Hotel Reports Record-Breaking First Half Performance
Parnas Hotel and Resort has reported its highest-ever performance for the first half of the year. This achievement is attributed to balanced growth across its main hotels and the rapid establishment of new businesses under CEO Yoon Chang.The company announced that it recorded revenue of 285.5 billion won and an operating profit of 54.3 billion won for the first half of the year. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by approximately 41%, while operating profit surged by about
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement After 2026-2027 Season
Global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, has hinted that he may retire at the end of the upcoming 2026-2027 season.In an interview with the U.S. lifestyle magazine Vogue published on August 17, Ronaldo stated, "This year will probably be the last year of my soccer career. I want to leave a great legacy behind." Until recently, just before the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Ronaldo had avoided confirming his retirement plans. After Portugal's 1-0 loss
Court Rules No Pension Division for Marriages Under Five Years Due to Separation
A recent court ruling has determined that individuals who separate before divorce and have a marriage duration of less than five years are not entitled to pension division benefits.According to legal sources on August 17, the Administrative Division 3 of the Seoul Administrative Court, led by Judge Ho Seong-ho, ruled in favor of A in a lawsuit against the National Pension Service (NPS) seeking to annul a decision denying a pension adjustment.A married B in 1992 and divorced in 2000. A had been e
Traffic Congestion on Highways as Travelers Return to Seoul from Busan
On the last day of the three-day Liberation Day holiday, heavy traffic is reported on highways leading to Seoul. The Korea Expressway Corporation predicts that congestion will peak between 4 and 5 p.m.According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, the total traffic volume on highways nationwide is expected to reach 5.05 million vehicles today. An estimated 420,000 vehicles are expected to travel from provincial areas to the Seoul metropolitan area, while 380,000 vehicles will head in the opposit
Kim Jong Un Attends Liberation Day Events, Ignores Peace Proposal from President Yoon
Kim Jong Un attended circus performances and sports cultural events on Liberation Day, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae. He did not respond to President Yoon Suk Yeol's official proposal for multilateral discussions on ending the war.According to the Korean Central News Agency, a comprehensive circus performance celebrating the 81st anniversary of the country's liberation was held at the Pyongyang Circus Theater on the 16th, with Kim in attendance.The performance featured various acts, includin
Strategic Placement Key to Success of Second Public Institution Relocation
The government is set to announce its second public institution relocation plan in the second half of the year, with increasing calls for strategic placement to promote regional balanced development. Analysts suggest that the success of this second relocation will depend on how effectively it can create synergies by linking industries with public institutions, rather than merely moving agencies to rural areas. According to relevant ministries, up to 350 public institutions, including those rem