Youngpoong's Seokpo Refinery Confirms 'Clean' Water Quality in Nakdong River Youngpoong's Seokpo Refinery has demonstrated the results of its extensive environmental investments over the years, as public water quality data shows. Major heavy metals are virtually undetectable in the Nakdong River system surrounding the refinery, and overall water quality remains at a clean level.According to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment's water quality information system on July 28, the water quality at the Seokpo 1 to Seokpo 4 monitoring points near the refinery recor July 28, 2026

K-Cruise Industry Attracts Younger Travelers with Digital Innovations The cruise travel industry is undergoing a transformation. Once considered a luxury for older generations due to long itineraries and high costs, the maritime tourism market is now attracting a significant number of younger travelers aged 20 to 40. Notably, Busan Port is emerging as a global cruise hub, with 430 ship arrivals scheduled for 2026 alone.As of 2024, the global marine tourism market is valued at approximately 12.4 trillion won, growing at an annual rate of 11.5%. The international fe July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker Calls for Constitutional Reform Next Year Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on July 28 that he aims to establish a special committee for constitutional reform through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, with discussions set to begin next year.During his first press conference since taking office, Cho emphasized, "We will pursue constitutional reform calmly and boldly, as I proposed to the public on the last Constitution Day."Earlier, in a speech commemorating the 78th anniversary of Constituti July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker Calls for Constitutional Reform Next Year Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on July 28 that he plans to establish a special committee for constitutional reform through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, aiming to initiate discussions on the matter next year.During his first press conference since taking office, Cho emphasized, "We will pursue constitutional reform calmly and boldly, as I proposed to the public on the last Constitution Day."Earlier, in a speech commemorating the 78th anniversa July 28, 2026

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Reports Record First-Half Revenue of 860.2 Billion Won Hanmi Pharmaceutical reported a 116.9% increase in second-quarter operating profit, driven by global technology transfer achievements and growth in its domestic pharmaceutical business.On July 28, Hanmi announced its preliminary consolidated results for the second quarter of 2026, showing revenue of 467.2 billion won and operating profit of 131.1 billion won. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 29.3%, and operating profit rose by 116.9%. The company recorded a net profit July 28, 2026

Korean Lawmaker Pushes for Party Discipline and Member Input in Evaluations Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has returned to the National Assembly and is actively working to strengthen party discipline. On July 28, a task force (TF) was launched to establish new evaluation criteria for elected officials, including current lawmakers.According to the People Power Party, Jang is expected to soon announce the direction and methods for the party's reform plans that he has been developing. Additionally, the ethics committee initiated disciplinary procedures a July 28, 2026

Korean Lawmaker Pushes for Party Discipline and Member Input in Evaluations Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has returned to the National Assembly and is actively working to strengthen party discipline. On July 28, a task force (TF) was launched to establish new evaluation criteria for elected officials, including current lawmakers.According to the People Power Party, Jang is expected to soon announce the direction and methods for the party's reform plans that he has been developing. Additionally, the ethics committee initiated disciplinary procedures a July 28, 2026

Kia Launches Blue Carbon Project to Restore 50,000 Pyeong of Tidal Flats in Seocheon Kia is set to restore 50,000 pyeong of tidal flats in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, by 2029 as part of its Blue Carbon ecological restoration project. On July 28, Kia signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Chungcheong Province, Seocheon County, Marine Environment Corporation, and Korea Marine Foundation to advance the "Seocheon Tidal Flat Blue Carbon Ecological Restoration Project." Key July 28, 2026

Korea GM Reaches Labor Agreement Before Summer Vacation, First in Auto Industry Korea GM has finalized its wage and collective bargaining agreement before the summer vacation, becoming the first in the domestic auto industry to do so.On July 28, the Korea Metal Workers' Union Korea GM branch announced that 3,500 out of 6,513 eligible voters (56.5%) approved the tentative agreement following a two-day voting period that began on July 27.The negotiations between Korea GM and its labor union began on May 27 and included 17 sessions leading up to the tentative agreement.The key July 28, 2026

Regional Talent Selection Rate for Medical Schools Rises to 59.4% Approximately six out of ten new students at local medical schools are selected from the region, indicating significant success of the 'mandatory regional talent selection' system. The Ministry of Education has publicly released the selection results for the first time since the system's implementation, noting that a positive cycle is quickly establishing itself as local talent enrolls and settles in regional medical schools. On July 28, the Ministry announced the '2026 results of mandatory regi July 28, 2026