Korea's Food and Drug Administration Launches Investigation Research Group to Enhance Special Police Expertise The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has launched its first investigation research group to enhance the expertise of special judicial police (SJP) responsible for investigating food, drug, and medical narcotics crimes. The initiative aims to improve investigative capabilities by sharing knowledge of the criminal justice system and exemplary investigation cases.On July 28, the KFDA announced the establishment of the investigation research group named 'Sherlock Holmes' and held the '1st F July 29, 2026

South Korea and Brazil Collaborate on Rare Earth Supply Chain The South Korean government has announced a partnership with Brazil to establish a sustainable supply chain for critical minerals, including rare earths, that extends beyond securing stable supplies to include local processing and product manufacturing.Kang Yu-jung, the chief spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing on July 28 that this agreement was reached during President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Brazil, resulting in a joint statement on critical strategic minerals July 29, 2026

South Korea and Brazil Collaborate on Next-Generation Aircraft Development Domestic companies are moving beyond supplying aircraft parts to participate in the joint development of next-generation commercial aircraft. Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand its cooperation into green energy sectors such as hydrogen and small modular reactors (SMRs) based on local production capabilities. At a Korea-Brazil business roundtable held in São Paulo on July 28, seven memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed in areas including aerospace, critical minerals, and AI healthcare. July 29, 2026

Krafton Reports Q2 Revenue of 1.29 Trillion Won, New Games to be Revealed Next Month Krafton reported a revenue of 1.29 trillion won and an operating profit of 410.9 billion won for the second quarter of this year, marking increases of 94.4% and 67%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.For the first half of the year, the company achieved a revenue of 2.66 trillion won and an operating profit of 972.5 billion won, both setting records for the period. These figures represent increases of 73.3% and 38.3% year-on-year, with the first half's operating profit accountin July 29, 2026

Korean and Brazilian Leaders Focus on Aviation, Critical Minerals, and K-Beauty Cooperation The South Korean government is set to enhance economic cooperation with Brazil, focusing on three key areas: next-generation civil aircraft, critical mineral supply chains, and K-beauty.Specifically, South Korea and Brazil aim to double their trade volume, which reached $14.3 billion last year, within two years to address global uncertainties.During a business roundtable in São Paulo on July 28, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated, "We can achieve significant results in three areas: join July 29, 2026

Education Officials Call for Stabilization of Local Education Finances As the government, including the Ministry of Planning and Finance, rushes to reform local education grants citing declining student numbers, strong criticism has emerged from the education sector. It is argued that education finance should not be viewed merely through the lens of economic logic or cost-cutting, but rather as a necessary investment to secure South Korea's future growth potential. The Korea Association of Superintendents held a public discussion on the stabilization of local educa July 29, 2026

Paris Baguette Launches Low-Sugar Bakery Line with R&D Focus Paris Baguette is reaping the rewards of its R&D-focused management philosophy, emphasized by Chairman Huh Young-in, with the success of its low-sugar bakery products.On July 29, Paris Baguette announced that its health bakery brand, 'Blue Label,' launched last year, has surpassed 24 million units in cumulative sales, achieving this milestone at five times the speed of previous healthy bread products. Building on this success, the company is expanding its lineup of 'delicious low-sugar bakery' i July 29, 2026

Special Prosecutors to Reinvestigate Won Hee-ryong on August 6 Over Highway Project The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is set to summon Won Hee-ryong, the former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for further questioning regarding allegations surrounding the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway project.The investigation will focus on whether Won declared the cancellation of the project without following proper procedures and whether he directed the distribution of press releases that contradicted legal advice regarding potenti July 29, 2026

Court Extends Decision on JTBC's Rehabilitation Process by One Month A South Korean court has decided to postpone its ruling on whether to initiate court management proceedings for JTBC by one month. This decision was made to allow more time for negotiations between JTBC and its creditors regarding voluntary debt restructuring.On July 29, legal sources reported that the Seoul Bankruptcy Court's Rehabilitation Division 2, led by Chief Judge Jeong Jun-young, extended the deadline for the decision on the rehabilitation process from July 30 to August 30. This extensi July 29, 2026

South Korea's Foreign Ministry Confirms No Casualties Among Nationals in Kumamoto Earthquake The South Korean Foreign Ministry held a joint situation assessment meeting on July 29, led by Jo Joo-sung, Director of Overseas Safety Planning, with the Consulate General in Fukuoka to evaluate the earthquake situation in Kumamoto, Japan, and to review safety measures for Korean nationals in the area.Director Jo emphasized the need to ensure safety measures for local citizens, stating, "Given that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, followed by over 160 aftershock July 29, 2026