Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Leads to National Fire Mobilization Order
A fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon, prompting the fire authorities to issue a national fire mobilization order. The blaze has been difficult to control due to the burning of household goods stored inside, which has filled the building with thick black smoke.
According to the Incheon Fire Department, the fire started at 6:54 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong. Fire authorities declared a Level 1 response at 9:15 a.m., two hours and 21 minutes after the fire began, and escalated to a Level 2 response at 12:25 p.m. To ensure a comprehensive response, the National Fire Agency issued a national mobilization order at 3:15 p.m.
Despite the full-scale response, the fire has proven difficult to extinguish, as household items stored on three-tiered shelves continue to burn, generating significant smoke inside the building.
According to the Incheon Fire Department, the fire started at 6:54 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong. Fire authorities declared a Level 1 response at 9:15 a.m., two hours and 21 minutes after the fire began, and escalated to a Level 2 response at 12:25 p.m. To ensure a comprehensive response, the National Fire Agency issued a national mobilization order at 3:15 p.m.
Despite the full-scale response, the fire has proven difficult to extinguish, as household items stored on three-tiered shelves continue to burn, generating significant smoke inside the building.
President Yoon Directs Full Efforts to Combat Incheon Coupang Warehouse Fire
President Yoon Suk-yeol received updates on the firefighting efforts at the Coupang warehouse in Incheon on July 18 and instructed officials to exert all efforts to control the fire and prevent further damage.Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong stated in a press release that President Yoon emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of firefighters on the scene.
Coupang Apologizes for Incheon Logistics Center Fire, Vows Cooperation with Authorities
Coupang issued an apology on July 18 regarding the fire at its logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon. The company pledged to actively cooperate with authorities in their investigation and support firefighting efforts.In a statement from CEO Jung Jong-cheol, Coupang explained that they immediately reported the fire to emergency services and that all employees present at the logistics center were safely evacuated.
Coupang also stated, "We will prioritize the safety of firefighters and support the firefighting operations on-site, as well as cooperate fully with the investigation by the relevant authorities." The company expressed its sincere apologies to the residents of Incheon and the public for the distress caused.
Gas Prices Drop for Ninth Consecutive Week Amid Rising International Oil Prices
Gas prices at nationwide stations have fallen for the ninth consecutive week, but the decline has slowed significantly due to rising international oil prices amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The increase in international oil prices is expected to exert upward pressure on domestic fuel prices in the near future.According to the Korea National Oil Corporation's oil price information system, the average price of gasoline at nationwide stations for the third week of July (July 12-16) was 1,877.5 won per liter, down 15.5 won from the previous week.
While gasoline prices have continued to decline for nine weeks, the rate of decrease has significantly narrowed compared to the previous week's drop of 59.1 won. Regionally, Jeju had the highest price at 1,914.8 won per liter, while Daegu recorded the lowest at 1,850.1 won.
The average price of diesel fell by 17.7 won to 1,862.5 won per liter, but the decline was more moderate compared to the previous week's drop of 62.3 won.
Debate on Prosecutorial Investigative Powers Canceled as Lawmaker Withdraws
Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon had initially agreed to participate in a debate with Lee Geon-tae of the Democratic Party regarding the issue of abolishing prosecutorial investigative powers, but he withdrew just a day later.On July 18, Lee announced on Facebook that he decided not to proceed with the debate, stating, "I judged that it would not be right to ignore the wishes and concerns of my party members who support me."
In response, Han criticized Lee for backing out, claiming that he had heard pressure from Democratic Party politicians and supporters who feared losing the debate. He remarked, "If a public party is embarrassed, it’s over. The Democratic Party is finished."
Special Prosecutor to Summon Former Minister Won Hee-ryong on July 23
The second special prosecutor's investigation team, led by Kwon Chang-young, will summon former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong for questioning on July 23 regarding allegations of changes to the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route.The special prosecutor's office announced on July 18 that Won is scheduled to appear for questioning at 10 a.m. on July 23.
Previously, the special prosecutor's office had requested Won to appear for questioning twice regarding allegations of abuse of power, but the requests were not delivered due to his absence.
Son Heung-min Scores in Return Match, Easing World Cup Disappointment
South Korean national soccer team captain Son Heung-min (LAFC) scored his first goal of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season in his first match back with his club following the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.On July 18, Son started in the 16th round of the MLS regular season against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, and scored in the 57th minute.
With his team leading 2-0, Son found the net after receiving a pass from Mark Delgado. This goal marked Son's first against local rivals LA Galaxy since joining LAFC last summer.
This goal also marked Son's first in the MLS this season, as he had previously recorded nine assists without scoring since the season began, with two goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Government Posthumously Awards National Medal to Late Jeju Olle Chairman Seo Myung-sook
The government posthumously awarded the National Medal of Morang to the late Seo Myung-sook, chairman of the Jeju Olle Foundation, who passed away in April.On July 18, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that Minister Park Hwi-young visited the Jeju Olle Traveler Center in Seogwipo to present the medal to Seo's family on behalf of the government.
Seo, who passed away at the age of 68 in April, returned to his hometown of Jeju and founded the Jeju Olle Foundation in September 2007, opening the first course of the Jeju Olle trail. In 2022, he completed the 27 courses of the Jeju Olle trail, including the 18-2 course, allowing visitors to explore Jeju solely on foot.
A ministry official stated, "The Jeju Olle trail has attracted a cumulative total of 13.4 million visitors as of June 2026, making it a representative walking trail in the country," adding that it has significantly contributed to sustainable tourism development by creating an ecological and cultural space where nature, travelers, and local residents coexist harmoniously.