In the second quarter of this year, the number of operating prepaid installment companies decreased to 74 as two firms filed for bankruptcy.The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) released a report on July 29 detailing major changes in the information of prepaid installment companies for the second quarter of 2026. The FTC publishes updates on significant changes in the information of these companies each quarter to prevent consumer harm.According to the FTC, Daeno Welfare Business Group and Agape Life,

As negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Bangladesh approach their conclusion, the South Korean government has discussed support strategies with companies looking to enter the market.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Trade Negotiations Chief Yeo Han-goo held a meeting on July 29 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry with companies currently operating in Bangladesh and those considering entry. Nine companies from the textile ma

Gwangju City is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to officially launch the National Agricultural AX (AI Transformation) Platform, aimed at transforming South Korea's agriculture through artificial intelligence (AI).The city announced that it has signed an implementation agreement with the ministry for the National Agricultural AX Platform construction project, marking the start of a national strategic initiative to create an advanced agricultural ecosystem based

Jinan County's official Facebook page has won the Grand Prize in the local government category at the prestigious 'Social Media Awards 2026'.According to the county on July 29, the Social Media Awards evaluates entries based on five categories: service, visuals, branding, marketing, and content, using 15 detailed criteria through four stages of judging: preliminary, main, final, and ultimate.The official Facebook page, which has fostered authentic communication with visitors through emotional co

Wanju County in North Jeolla Province is set to operate its largest-ever senior employment and social activity support program, involving 4,867 participants.According to the county on July 29, this number represents an increase of 347 from the previous year.The county has secured a total budget of 22.1 billion won and plans to allocate additional funds through supplementary budgets to expand the program.In particular, the county aims to establish a specialized execution system for senior employm

Iran has rejected a proposal to jointly manage shipping traffic in the Hormuz Strait with Oman. Instead, Iran has suggested that it will control all incoming routes and some outgoing routes in the strait.According to Iran International on July 28, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in a televised interview that discussions are ongoing with Oman regarding the resumption of shipping traffic in the Hormuz Strait.Oman had proposed that each country manage one entry and one exi

Hwang Jung-min's agency has issued a statement regarding the circulation of personal information about the actor online.On July 29, Hwang Jung-min's agency, Sam Company, stated, "The author of the malicious posts related to Hwang Jung-min is a suspect in a stalking crime who has continuously harassed him."According to the agency, Hwang Jung-min has filed a criminal complaint against the individual. Sam Company explained, "The court has imposed temporary measures, including a restraining order ag

President Lee Jae-myung announced on July 28 that South Korea aims to achieve concrete cooperation with Brazil in three key areas: joint development of next-generation civil aircraft, supply chains for critical minerals, and K-Beauty.Speaking at a Korea-Brazil business roundtable in a hotel in São Paulo, President Lee stated, "If South Korea's unique innovative technology and manufacturing capabilities combine with Brazil's abundant resources, the two countries can become optimal partners leadin

The won-dollar exchange rate has dropped to the 1450 range.On July 29, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stood at 1456.3 won per US dollar as of 9:29 AM.This decline appears to be linked to the ongoing cessation of U.S. airstrikes against Iran and growing optimism for renewed dialogue. However, uncertainty remains following Iran's surprise attack on U.S. military bases in the Middle East on July 28.International oil prices continued to plummet. September futures for Brent c