Minister Song Mi-ryeong: Expanding Special Agricultural Tax for Rural Growth
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong stated on August 3 that "the expansion of the special agricultural tax will be a new leap for agriculture and rural areas," adding, "We will develop a growth strategy for agriculture and rural areas based on diverse opinions and also promote efficient financial innovation measures."Minister Song made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of experts on growth strategies for agriculture and rural areas utilizing the special agri
Hekto Healthcare Launches Women's Health Product 'Dshimone Balance Care'
Hekto Healthcare has launched a new product, 'Dshimone Balance Care,' aimed at women's health. The company is expanding its Dshimone product line with a complex formulation that combines probiotics, myo-inositol, and prebiotics.On August 3, Hekto Healthcare announced the release of Dshimone Balance Care, a new product from its premium probiotics brand Dshimone. The company explained that the product aligns with the recent trend of personalized health management, which focuses on selecting functi
Wanju County to Disburse 300,000 Won in Living Support Funds to Residents
Wanju County in North Jeolla Province will provide a 'Living Support Fund' to assist residents facing difficulties due to high oil prices, exchange rates, and inflation, while also revitalizing the local economy.According to the county on August 3, the support fund will be distributed to residents registered in Wanju County as of July 31, 2026, including marriage immigrants and permanent residents, with each person receiving 300,000 won.The application and distribution period will run from Septe
Jennie Headlines Lollapalooza Chicago, Surprises Fans with New Song
Global artist Jennie took the stage at the Lollapalooza Chicago music festival in the United States. On August 1, Jennie performed as a headliner at Lollapalooza Chicago, appearing on the main stage, Bud Light, to connect with local fans.Lollapalooza is a major North American music festival that began in 1991. It features over 170 artists across eight stages and attracts more than 400,000 attendees.This year, Jennie joined a headliner lineup that included global artists like Charli XCX, Lorde, a
KOSPI Surges Nearly 18% in a Day, Investors Question Next Steps
The KOSPI index surged nearly 18% in a single day, marking its largest increase on record, prompting investor interest in the market's direction following this dramatic rebound.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6,595.45 on July 31, up 1,001.89 points (17.91%) from the previous trading day. This increase represents both the highest percentage and point gain ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 11.95% set on October 30, 2008, during the global financial crisis.The su
Hanwha M&S Officially Launches with Kim Dong-seon Leading Tech and Life Innovations
Hanwha Group's Tech and Life Solutions division has officially launched Hanwha Machinery and Service Holdings (Hanwha M&S), marking its first step forward.On August 3, Hanwha M&S held a launch ceremony at The Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, officially declaring the establishment of the company. The board of directors, including CEO Kim Hyung-jo and three internal directors, along with independent directors such as Professor Jo Min-ho from Hanyang University, convened to approve key agenda items
Matt Damon Impressed by Korean Baseball Culture and Fan Energy
Hollywood actor Matt Damon shared his experience of attending a professional baseball game shortly after arriving in South Korea.On August 3, a press conference for the film 'Odyssey' was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, featuring director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron.Earlier, Damon made headlines by visiting the Gocheok Sky Dome to watch a home game of the Kiwoom Heroes on August 1. He was seen wearing a Kiwoom Heroes je
Shin Kyuk-ho's Entrepreneurial Spirit Highlighted at International Conference
The entrepreneurial spirit of the late Shin Kyuk-ho, founder of Lotte Group, was spotlighted at an international academic conference. Lotte announced on August 3 that a study analyzing Shin's entrepreneurial spirit and the growth of Lotte Group was presented at the '2026 World Business History Conference' held in Toronto on July 30. Now in its third year, the World Business History Conference took place at the University of Toronto from July 27 to 31, attracting over 400 researchers from more
AI in South Korea: Time for Action
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future technology; it has become a core infrastructure that influences industry, economy, and national competitiveness. While generative AI has amazed the world, we are rapidly entering an era of 'physical AI' that drives robotics, autonomous vehicles, smart factories, healthcare, and logistics. In the future, a nation's competitiveness will depend not on who has the most data, but on who applies AI to real industries first. South Korea must aim to bec
Tourism Industry Warns Casino Regulation Could Stifle Investment
The tourism industry is voicing strong opposition to the government's proposed reforms to casino regulations. On August 3, 12 organizations representing various sectors of the tourism industry, including casinos, hotels, travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions), and theme parks, issued a joint statement condemning the introduction of a five-year renewal system for casino licenses and plans to increase the burden rate for the Tourism Promotion Development Fund. They label