Financial Services Chief Eo Eok-yeon Cancels Vacation Amid Ongoing Issues
Eo Eok-yeon, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, has returned to work after canceling his scheduled vacation for this month, following a similar decision last month. With significant issues such as household debt and the restructuring of financial holding companies at hand, the head of the commission is taking a direct role in managing the agenda.According to the financial sector on August 11, Eo was originally set to take a two-day leave on August 10-11 but ultimately decided to forg
President Lee: Protecting Heroes is Protecting the Nation
이재명 대통령은 11일 대한민국 최초의 소방 전문병원인 국립소방병원 개원을 맞아 “영웅을 지키는 것이 곧 국가와 국민을 지키는 것”이라고 말했다. 이 대통령은 이날 충북 음성군 국립소방병원에서 열린 개원식 기념사를 통해 “국가의 제1책무는 국민의 생명과 안전을 지키는 것”이라며 이같이 밝혔다. 그러면서 “이 위대한 과업을 재난 현장에서 온몸으로 감수해 내는 분들이 바로 소방공무원”이라고 강조했다. 정부는 의료진 기숙사 마련과 소방의학 연구개발(R&D)센터 확충, 24시간
Three Tax Deductions You Might Miss That Could Save You Money
The income tax withheld from monthly salaries is reconciled during the year-end settlement, allowing taxpayers to receive refunds for overpayments or make additional payments for underpayments. Experts advise that managing tax deduction items now, rather than waiting until the year-end settlement season, can significantly increase refund amounts.The first item to check is the usage ratio of credit and debit cards. Only the amount spent that exceeds a certain percentage of total salary is eligibl
Construction Companies Face Mixed Results in Overseas Projects
Domestic construction companies are experiencing mixed results in their overseas operations. While existing overseas projects supported performance in the first half of the year, the ability to secure large contracts for nuclear power, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and data centers in the second half is expected to determine results for next year.According to the Korea Construction Industry Institute on August 11, the total value of overseas construction orders for the year is projected to reach
NCSOFT Reports Strong User Retention for Lineage Classic After 140 Days
NCSOFT has expressed optimism about the long-term success of its game, Lineage Classic, as user metrics remain strong even after its launch.During a conference call on August 11, NCSOFT co-CEO Park Byung-moo stated, "The MMORPG market typically sees a surge in user acquisition initially, followed by a sharp decline. However, Lineage Classic has maintained a very solid monthly active user count (MAU) even 140 days post-launch."He added, "Conversations with the development and business teams indic
Ruling Party Task Force to Establish Evaluation System for Elected Officials
The People Power Party's Task Force on Evaluation Innovation for Elected Officials has decided to conduct extensive field consultations and external research to establish a new evaluation system.During its second meeting held at the National Assembly on August 11, the task force agreed to gather a wide range of opinions from all elected officials affiliated with the party, including local and district heads, local council members, and senior former lawmakers. Additionally, the task force will wo
MainBiz Calls for Tax Benefits for SMEs to Maintain Employment
The Korea Management Innovation Small Business Association (MainBiz) has requested increased tax support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help maintain employment.On August 11, the SME Ombudsman held a regulatory improvement meeting with MainBiz at the Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno, Seoul. The meeting was attended by Choi Seung-jae, the SME Ombudsman, Kim Myung-jin, president of MainBiz, and other executives and representatives from member companies.Kwon Jong-soon, a director at
Concerns Raised Over Reassessment of Historic Metal Typefaces by Cultural Heritage Agency
The reassessment of the 'Jeongdogaja,' a metal typeface potentially predating the world's oldest known metal type, the Jikji, by 138 years, is set to be decided on August 13. However, it has come to light that some experts involved in the 2017 review of the Jeongdogaja's designation as a treasure are still part of the Cultural Heritage Committee's movable cultural heritage division. This raises questions about whether individuals who participated in the previous review should also be involved in
Record Power Demand Amid Heat Wave Raises Pressure for Electricity Rate Hike
As extreme heat drives total power demand to record levels, the financial burden related to power systems is expected to increase due to climate change. Analysts suggest that the 'climate adaptation costs' associated with investments in power grids and energy storage systems (ESS) may lead to pressure for higher electricity rates amid ongoing financial challenges for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).According to the Korea Power Exchange, total demand, including both market and external d
Debate Erupts Over Tax Reforms for Non-Resident Homeowners
Concerns and criticisms regarding the government's real estate tax reform plan were voiced during a full meeting of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed worries that increased taxes on non-resident homeowners could harm genuine homebuyers and destabilize the rental market. On August 11, the committee meeting featured questions directed at Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-deok