Rising Check Default Rates Signal Crisis for Small Businesses Warnings are emerging that small businesses and self-employed individuals are reaching their breaking point. According to the Bank of Korea, the national check default rate in June hit 0.32%, the highest level recorded in over a year since May 2025. This figure represents an eightfold increase compared to December 2025, when the rate was just 0.04%. The rising default rate indicates that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed individuals are struggling to cope with worsening July 29, 2026

National Assembly Speaker's Comments on Presidential Term Limits Spark Controversy 조정식 국회의장의 현직 대통령 연임 관련 발언이 정치권에 커다란 파장을 일으키고 있다. 조 의장은 취임 후 첫 기자간담회에서 야권이 개헌에 반대하는 이유로 현직 대통령의 임기 연장 문제가 거론된다는 질문에 대해 “권력구조 개편에서 현직 대통령 연임 개헌 문제는 결국 주권자 국민의 선택 문제”라고 답했다. 국가의 최고 입법기관을 이끄는 수장이 헌정 질서의 근간을 흔들 수 있는 현직 대통령의 연임 가능성을 열어두는 듯한 취지의 발언을 한 것이다. 가뜩이나 여야 간 대립이 첨예한 상황에서 국회의장의 선을 July 29, 2026

Korea Tourism Organization Restructures After 11 Years The Korea Tourism Organization has undergone an organizational restructuring for the first time in 11 years. The changes, which will take effect on August 3, aim to enhance public-private collaboration, improve tourist experiences, and strengthen strategic marketing functions. This restructuring comes as the organization prepares for the '2027-2029 Visit Korea Year.'A key point of interest in this restructuring is how the organization will establish its presence through new initiatives.The organ July 29, 2026

SK Hynix: AI Semiconductor Boom Expected to Last, HBM Leadership Strong SK Hynix has dismissed concerns about a slowdown in artificial intelligence (AI) investment, stating that demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and general DRAM and NAND has entered a structural growth phase. The company anticipates that the AI memory supercycle will last longer than previously expected.During a conference call on its second-quarter earnings held on July 29, SK Hynix noted, "AI infrastructure investment remains solid, and major customers are requesting even more memory supply." July 29, 2026

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Shares Drop 17% Amid Poor Performance of Chinese Subsidiary Hanmi Pharmaceutical is experiencing a decline in its stock price due to poor performance from its Chinese subsidiary. As of 2:02 PM on July 29, Hanmi Pharmaceutical's shares were trading at 310,000 won, down 64,500 won (17.22%) from the previous trading day. Earlier in the session, the stock fell more than 19%, reaching a low of 302,000 won. On the previous day, Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced its earnings, which revealed disappointing results from its Beijing Hanmi subsidiary, contributing to a July 29, 2026

Seongnam Youth Foundation Expands Global Exchange Through International Youth Conference The Seongnam Youth Foundation successfully concluded the '5th International Youth Conference in Seongnam' held from July 19 to 22.According to the foundation on July 29, this year's conference, themed 'Global Zalpha Life,' focused on cultural diversity and international cooperation.Participants included youth and leaders from seven cities across six countries: Seongnam, South Korea; Wrocław, Poland; Shenyang, China; Hong Kong; Semarang, Indonesia; Osaka, Japan; and Aurora, United States.Attendee July 29, 2026

HD Korea Shipbuilding Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 1.645 Trillion Won, Up 72.5% Year-on-Year HD Korea Shipbuilding announced on July 29 that it recorded consolidated sales of 8.927 trillion won and an operating profit of 1.6451 trillion won for the second quarter.Sales and operating profit increased by 20.2% and 72.5%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, driven by improved productivity, a higher proportion of high-priced ship sales, and enhanced profitability from selective orders.Its shipbuilding subsidiary, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, reported sales of 6.3322 trillio July 29, 2026

Actor A Faces Infidelity Allegations on Social Media Allegations regarding the personal life of actor A are spreading on social media.Recently, a social media account posted a series of claims from an individual who alleges to have had an inappropriate relationship with A in 2024. The account included materials such as KakaoTalk conversations, text messages, and recorded phone calls.Notably, the audio files released by the accuser reportedly feature a voice believed to be A saying phrases like "I want to hold you" and "I want to hug you." However, July 29, 2026

Massive Business Complex to Be Built in Jamsil, 2.5 Times the Size of COEX A major urban development project aimed at enhancing Seoul's international competitiveness has officially begun. On July 28, the Seoul Metropolitan Government signed a business agreement for the 'Jamsil Sports and MICE Complex Development Project' with the preferred bidder, Seoul Smart MICE Park Co., Ltd. (tentative name), with a goal of completion by 2032. This agreement signifies more than just a development contract. It represents the culmination of nearly four years of negotiations since July 29, 2026

Goldman Sachs: Recent Drop in Japanese AI Stocks Presents Buying Opportunity Goldman Sachs has identified the recent sharp decline in Japanese artificial intelligence (AI) stocks as a buying opportunity. With stock prices having fallen significantly, analysts believe that strong corporate earnings could lead to a substantial rebound.According to Bloomberg on July 29, Bruce Kirk, Goldman Sachs' chief Japan equity strategist, stated, "As long as geopolitical conditions do not deteriorate significantly, there are certain stocks worth increasing exposure to. We do not see th July 29, 2026