NASA Identifies South Korea as Key Partner in Moon Base Development
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recognized South Korea as a key partner in the construction of a Moon base, stating that various opportunities for participation are available not only for the government but also for domestic companies and research institutions. NASA expressed that the process of building the Moon base could create a new space economy, allowing South Korea to enhance its human exploration technology and advanced industrial competitiveness.Carlos
LG Household & Health Care Surpasses China in North American Sales for the First Time
LG Household & Health Care reported improved profitability in the second quarter of this year, driven by growth in its North American business and a return to profitability in its beauty division. For the first time since the company split, North American sales have surpassed those from China.The company announced on July 29 that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 102.8 billion won, an increase of 87.6% compared to the same period last year. Revenue rose by 3.3% to
Government Reviews Tourism Policy Implementation, Accelerates Collaboration for Regional Airports and Tourism
The government is enhancing the effectiveness of its tourism policy by reviewing progress with relevant ministries and strengthening collaboration to boost local tourism. Plans are underway to develop tourism products linked to regional airports and create tourism zones centered around gateway cities.On July 29, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the second practical meeting of the 2026 National Tourism Strategy Conference, assessing the implementation status and future plans of th
Growing Opposition to NH Agricultural Cooperatives' Relocation Plans
농협중앙회의 지방 이전 논의가 본격화되면서 이전에 반대하는 목소리가 점점 커지고 있다. 농협 이전은 막대한 비용만 발생할 뿐 경제 효과가 미미하며 농업인 지원 축소로 이어질 수 있다는 주장이다. 농협노조는 29일 서울 광화문에서 진행된 '농협중앙회 본사 지방 이전 저지 결의대회'에서 "농협은 정부가 만든 기관이 아니라 농업인들이 만든 협동조합"이라며 "공공기관 이전이라는 잣대를 그대로 들이대는 것은 맞지 않는다"고 비판했다.이번 결의대회는 지난 23일 정부세종청사 국토교통부 앞에서
Increased Scrutiny on Single-Stock Leverage Products as Lee Ok-yeon Considers Adjustments
Lee Ok-yeon, the chairman of the Financial Services Commission, officially mentioned the possibility of additional regulations on single-stock leverage products, including lowering leverage ratios and restricting access to professional investors. This marks a shift in the financial authorities' stance, which had previously deemed such adjustments impractical.During a report to the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 29, Lee stated, "The issue of adjusting leverage ratios is a
South Korea Considers Stockpiling Petrochemical Raw Materials Amid Supply Concerns
The South Korean government is exploring stockpiling strategies for petrochemical raw materials and products, including naphtha, in response to potential supply disruptions due to instability in the Middle East. The plan aims to establish a permanent response system that encompasses stockpiling targets, scale, and the roles of both public and private sectors.According to the Public Procurement Service on July 29, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has recently commissioned a study on "St
Growing Opposition to Proposed Merger of Major Port Authorities
The South Korean government is accelerating restructuring of public institutions, leading to increased opposition regarding mergers, functional reorganization, and regional relocations. Following the push for the consolidation of power generation companies under Korea Electric Power Corporation, discussions are now underway about merging the four major port authorities: Busan Port Authority (BPA), Incheon Port Authority (IPA), Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), and Yeosu-Gwangyang Port Authority (YGPA)
Retail Investors Favor Leveraged ETFs Amid Market Decline
As the domestic stock market experiences significant corrections, individual investors are opting for leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rather than inverse ETFs that bet on declines. During a period when semiconductor and single-stock leveraged ETFs plummeted by 60% to 70%, retail investors continued to purchase leveraged ETFs, viewing the downturn as a buying opportunity.According to the Korea Exchange, from June 1 to July 29, inverse ETFs like KODEX 200 Futures Inverse 2X and TIGER 200 Fu
Kumamoto Earthquake Disrupts Japan's Semiconductor Production
On July 28, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, prompting local manufacturers to halt operations and assess damage. Kumamoto is home to major semiconductor production facilities, including Taiwan's TSMC, Sony, Renesas Electronics, and Tokyo Electron, raising concerns about disruptions in Japan's semiconductor supply chain.According to the Nikkei, a seismic intensity of 5+ was recorded in Kikuyo, where TSMC's factory is located. This level of shaking can cause damage to some bu
Woori Financial Group Launches 'Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town' in South Korea
Woori Financial Group has established a financial hub in Jeonbuk Innovation City, consolidating asset management, corporate finance, and startup support to foster a regional financial ecosystem.On July 29, Woori Financial announced the opening of the 'Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town.' The event was attended by Lee Won-taek, Governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province; Kim Sung-joo, Chairman of the National Pension Service; Jo Ji-hoon, Mayor of Jeonju; and Lim Jong-ryong, Chairman of Woo