Mammoth Coffee to Raise Prices on Iced Americano Mammoth Coffee will increase the prices of its iced Americano and iced decaf Americano starting next month. However, the prices for hot Americano and large (L) size Americano will remain unchanged.On July 28, Mammoth Coffee announced that it will raise the prices of iced Americano and iced decaf Americano by 200 won each, effective August 11.As a result, the price for a small (S) iced Americano will rise from 1,200 won to 1,400 won, while the medium (M) size will increase from 1,600 won to 1,800 July 28, 2026

Heat-Related Illnesses Surge After Rainy Season Ends, Death Toll Rises to 9 The end of the rainy season has led to a nationwide heat wave, resulting in an additional death from heat-related illness. Following a pattern observed last year, health authorities have urged the public to limit outdoor activities and adhere to health guidelines as cases surge after the rainy season. According to Yonhap News and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from May 15 to July 27, when the heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system was activated, a total of 1,48 July 28, 2026

BNK and JB Financial Reject Merger Proposal from Align Partners BNK Financial Group and JB Financial Group have decided to reject the merger feasibility review request from activist fund Align Partners Asset Management. On July 28, both BNK and JB Financial announced through public disclosures that they would not proceed with a review of the merger feasibility after discussions. BNK Financial stated in its disclosure, "After thorough discussions in the board meeting, we have decided not to proceed with the merger feasibility review and will not establish July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker's Office Clarifies Comments on Presidential Term Extension The National Assembly Speaker's Office clarified on July 28 that Speaker Cho Jung-sik's comments regarding the potential for a constitutional amendment to allow the current president to serve additional terms were not intended to suggest that such a possibility is open. The office emphasized that Cho is fully aware of the constitutional provisions related to amendments.Jang Hyun-joo, the chief spokesperson for the Speaker's Office, spoke with reporters in the National Assembly, stating, "During July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker Clarifies Comments on Presidential Term Limits The office of National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik clarified on July 28 that his comments regarding the possibility of a constitutional amendment to allow the current president to serve additional terms were not intended to suggest any openness to such a change. The office emphasized that Cho is fully aware of the constitutional provisions related to this issue.Jang Hyun-joo, the chief press secretary, spoke to reporters in the National Assembly, stating, "During today’s press briefing, the Sp July 28, 2026

Opposition Criticizes Speaker Cho Jung-sik's Comments on Presidential Term Limits The opposition criticized comments made by National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik on July 28, stating that the issue of re-election for the sitting president ultimately rests with the people's choice. They accused him of revealing hidden motives.Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, saying, "There are discussions about how long the remaining four years of the term will be. How much more suffering do you want to inflict on the people by dis July 28, 2026

Father's Online Harassment of Family Recognized as Domestic Violence in China A father in China has been recognized for committing domestic violence after repeatedly disclosing family conflicts in his son's class group chat and other online forums.The Hong Kong South China Morning Post reported that the People's Court of Pudong New District in Shanghai recently issued a protection order against the father in this case.The Lin family resides in Shanghai, where the father has been estranged from his wife for an extended period, with their son living with his mother. The cou July 28, 2026

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan; TSMC Assesses Factory Status A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, a key semiconductor hub in Japan, with some areas experiencing tremors rated at the highest level of 7.According to NHK, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time on July 28, with an estimated depth of 10 kilometers.In Uki and Hikawa, the strongest tremors of magnitude 7 were recorded. Other areas, including Minami-ku and Yatsushiro, as well as Uto, Misato, and Mashiki, reported tremors of magnitude 6 strong.Weaker tremors of magnitude July 28, 2026

Differing Views on Merger with Innovation Party from Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the upcoming Democratic Party convention in August, expressed contrasting views on the stalled merger with the Innovation Party. Jeong argued that the party should unite with the Innovation Party to strengthen its influence, while Kim emphasized the need for careful discussion before proceeding.During a party member meeting in Sejong City on the 28th, Jeong stated, "We must unite with the Innovation Party to expand the Democratic Party's influenc July 28, 2026

Director Heo Beom-wook of 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease' Dies at 43 Heo Beom-wook, the director of the animated film 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' has died at the age of 43. According to the Korean Independent Film Association and the distributor Indie Story, Heo passed away on the morning of July 28 while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit following a fire accident last week. Born in Seoul in 1983, Heo initially aspired to be a poet and novelist during his teenage years. His interest in animation was sparked by a special screening July 28, 2026