South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups is accelerating efforts to build a growth ladder for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while expanding support for local businesses and small merchants. The ministry aims to establish a growth framework that spans from startup to global expansion and re-challenge, while enhancing the competitiveness of traditional markets and overhauling SME support programs and regulations.During a public work report held at the Blue House on August 4, the ministry

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is tightening regulations on large business groups in the second half of this year. The agency plans to amend laws to impose fines on the heads of conglomerates if they fail to include affiliated companies in their submissions for designation as large business groups. Additionally, the FTC will expand disclosure requirements related to corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management.On August 4, the FTC announced its "2026 Second Half Major Work P

The global obesity treatment market is rapidly expanding, prompting South Korea's pharmaceutical and biotech industries to accelerate investments in production infrastructure beyond just drug development. With the launch of domestically produced obesity medications on the horizon, efforts to secure production facilities and supply chains are intensifying, positioning the domestic bio industry as a new growth engine.According to a report by IQVIA on August 4, the global obesity treatment market i

The debate over exemptions to the 52-hour workweek regulation for semiconductor research and development (R&D) personnel is reigniting within the industry. As the government pushes for flexible work hour regulations primarily in non-capital special zones, industry stakeholders are expressing strong opposition, calling it a "half-hearted measure" that excludes key locations.According to political and industry sources, the government plans to submit the "Special Law on Designation and Management o

Last year, the amendment to the Industrial Technology Protection Law increased penalties for the leakage of national core technologies. However, critics argue that it is still inadequate to prevent leaks of key technologies in advanced industries such as semiconductors and displays. As competition in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors intensifies, the issue of technology leakage has become critical, impacting both corporate competitiveness and national security. There are calls for legi

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran regarding negotiations, raising concerns that Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics may face prolonged logistics costs in the second half of the year. LG Electronics had previously expected shipping costs to peak in the third quarter, with a decline anticipated in the fourth quarter. However, renewed tensions in the Middle East surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could lead to sustained surcharges and war risk insurance premiums.According to

롯데하이마트는 올해 2분기 매출이 5911억원으로 전년 동기 대비 0.5% 줄었다고 4일 공시했다. 다만 지난해 2분기 매출에 반영된 부가세 환급금 66억원을 제외하면 0.6% 신장한 것으로 나타났다.영업이익은 9억원으로 전년 동기 105억원보다 96억원 감소했다. 부가세 환급 수익 등 일회성 요인을 제외하면 영업이익 감소 폭은 29억원이다.월별 총매출액은 4월 6.2%, 5월 0.8% 각각 감소했지만, 6월에는 8.3% 증가하며 반등했다. 롯데하이마트는 이 같은 매출 개선 흐름을 바탕으로 하반기 성장세를 더욱 끌어올릴 계획이다.가전 관리 서비

A record heat wave engulfing the nation is expected to continue into early next week.The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced on August 4 that from August 8 to 11, morning temperatures across the country will range from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will reach between 31 and 37 degrees, significantly above average. Most regions are forecasted to experience a perceived temperature exceeding 33 degrees, with inland areas likely surpassing 35 degrees, leading to ongoi

Han Seong-sook, the first female Prime Minister from a business background in South Korea, is rapidly reshaping her cabinet just over a month after her inauguration on July 2. According to government sources on August 4, Prime Minister Han has set a clear governance standard, stating, "The ultimate goal is to solve problems for the people," and is focusing on swift resolutions. During her inauguration, she emphasized that the standard for a government of the people is solely based on the 'li