KOSPI Surges 11% in a Week, Approaching 7000 Mark
The KOSPI index has risen for five consecutive trading days, nearing the 7000 mark. Next week, the domestic stock market is expected to be influenced by semiconductor earnings and foreign investment trends. Analysts believe that the KOSPI's valuation normalization will continue, supported by easing inflation concerns in the U.S. and strong performances from AI infrastructure companies. However, profit-taking from the recent surge and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are seen as potential
Major Insurers Report Significant Profit Increases in First Half of 2026
Major insurance companies increased their net profits in the first half of 2026, but the drivers behind these results varied. Life insurers benefited from their financial affiliates compensating for fluctuations in core insurance performance, while property and casualty insurers saw improvements in long-term insurance profitability.According to the insurance industry on August 15, the combined net profit of Samsung Life, Hanwha Life, and Kyobo Life reached 3.37 trillion won, an increase of 1.425
Increased Demand for Laundry Services Amid Rain and Heat
As this summer's rainy season and heat waves continue, laundry service providers are experiencing a surge in demand. High humidity is making it difficult for clothes to dry, leading consumers to rely on laundry services for everyday items as well as bedding and towels that are hard to dry.Washiswat, which operates the Washiswat laundry service, reported on August 15 that the volume of everyday laundry orders in July increased by 65.6% compared to the same month last year. Compared to June, when
Hansem and Shinsegae Casa Report Gains, Hyundai Livart Holds Steady, Persis Turns to Loss
The second-quarter performance of four major furniture companies in South Korea varied significantly. Hansem and Shinsegae Casa both reported improvements in sales and operating profit. Hyundai Livart, despite a decline in sales, managed to increase its operating profit through cost efficiency. In contrast, Persis experienced a shift to an operating loss.According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system on August 15, Persis recorded an operating loss of 5.4 billion wo
Trump Declares Hormuz Strait Will Soon Become U.S. Territorial Waters
President Donald Trump declared on August 14 that after defeating Iran, the Hormuz Strait will become U.S. territorial waters.According to Yonhap News on August 15, Trump made this statement during a speech in Nassau County, New York, asserting, "Essentially, that is correct. We are blocking it, so no ships can pass through unless we want them to."Regarding the conflict with Iran, he noted, "More military force was used than I wanted, but we cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons."Earlier
Bestseller Surge: Classic Literature Inspired by 'Odyssey' Film
The success of the film 'Odyssey' has sparked a surge in interest for classic literature this summer. Homer's Odyssey has jumped to the top of bestseller lists, with related books also seeing a significant increase in sales.According to Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24, in the second week of August, Seneca, For Those Who Are Losing Today topped the charts at both bookstores. At Kyobo, it rose four spots to claim the number one position, while Yes24 maintained its number one ranking for the second conse
Free Admission to Major Historical Sites in Seoul on Liberation Day
On August 15, marking the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, major historical and cultural sites in downtown Seoul will open their doors to the public for free.On Liberation Day, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung, along with Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs, will all be accessible without charge. Visitors can explore Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, which typically charge admission, without needing a separate ticket. Notably, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung will also o
New Book Compiles 500 AI Tools in Comprehensive Global Encyclopedia
With the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) services, how can one choose the right tools for their work and objectives? A new book has been released that classifies and compares 500 AI tools used both domestically and internationally based on their functions and purposes.Academy Soft, a publishing company specializing in education, announced the release of "Global AI Tools Encyclopedia" by author Choi In-ho on August 1.This 560-page book categorizes 500 AI tools into six industry groups and 3
Progress Stalls on Establishing Southeast Marine Capital in Busan
Eight months after the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries relocated to Busan, efforts to establish a Southeast Marine Capital centered in the city have not gained momentum. Despite the ministry's announcement to promote the relocation of key affiliated agencies, a concrete roadmap has yet to be developed, raising concerns that the creation of a marine cluster involving government departments and related organizations may be delayed.According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on August 14, th
Airlines Expand Routes Amid Strong Travel Demand During Liberation Day Holiday
The domestic airline industry is gearing up to capitalize on the peak travel season. With robust demand for overseas travel and favorable exchange rates, some routes are experiencing full bookings. Airlines are launching new routes and offering ticket discounts to capture passenger demand.According to the airline industry on August 15, major routes for Liberation Day are seeing full capacity. All seats on the Gimpo-Jeju route operated by Eastar Jet were sold out as of the previous day. Key route