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

Prosecutors Seek 18-Year Sentence for Kim Hyun-tae Over National Assembly Incursion On July 28, prosecutors requested an 18-year prison sentence for Kim Hyun-tae, the former commander of the Army's 707th Special Mission Battalion, who led troops into the National Assembly during the December 3 state of emergency. The special prosecutor's team, led by Jo Eun-seok, determined that Kim and other military commanders did not merely follow orders but made independent decisions to participate in unconstitutional and illegal martial law operations.The Seoul Central District Court's Cri July 28, 2026

Financial Authorities Tighten Regulations on Individual Stock Leverage Products The financial authorities are expected to increase regulations on single stock leverage products, which have been identified as a cause of market volatility. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced that it will first assess the impact of the enhanced basic deposit requirement set to take effect on July 31. If market overheating continues, the FSC will consider implementing individual investment limits and additional investment requirements.During a meeting on July 28 at the Financial I July 28, 2026

Support Small Business Owners, Says In Tae-yeon at New Employee Meeting The Small Business Agency announced that Chairman In Tae-yeon held a 'Conversation with the Chairman' on July 28 at the agency's headquarters in Daejeon with 60 new employees.During the meeting, In explained the agency's vision and core values to the new hires, who were appointed on July 16, and shared the economic, social, cultural, and ecological values of small businesses.A Q&A session followed, focusing on the agency's key projects and the roles expected of the new employees.In provided hear July 28, 2026

Wealth Gap Among Young Adults Reaches 40 Times, Urging Effective Asset Formation Policies The wealth gap among young adults is widening, prompting calls for more effective asset formation support policies. While the government promotes asset formation initiatives highlighting high interest rates, many vulnerable young individuals remain in a support gap.According to a report by the National Assembly Legislative Research Service titled 'What Does the Youth Asset Formation Support Program Mean for Vulnerable Youth?', the average net worth gap between the top 20% and bottom 20% of young July 28, 2026

Immediate Business Suspension for Hotels Overcharging Guests Hotels that fail to post accommodation rates or charge more than the posted rates will face immediate business suspension upon first violation. The government approved a revision to the Tourism Promotion Act during a cabinet meeting on July 28.This amendment also includes foreign tourist city lodging and hanok experience businesses as subjects of regulation. Both sectors will receive a five-day business suspension for their first violation of failing to post rates or adhere to posted rates.The f July 28, 2026

BNK Financial Reports 13.5% Drop in First Half Net Profit to 411.8 Billion Won BNK Financial Group's net profit for the first half of this year has declined compared to last year. Although both interest and non-interest income grew, one-time accounting costs related to the liquidation of a real estate fund impacted the results.On July 28, BNK Financial announced that its consolidated net profit for the first half of 2026 was 411.8 billion won, a decrease of 64 billion won (13.5%) from 475.8 billion won in the same period last year.The group's total interest income rose by July 28, 2026

Korean Game Companies Accelerate Entry into China Amid Renewed Opportunities Korean game companies are re-establishing their long-term strategies for entering the Chinese market. Following the continued issuance of foreign game licenses this year, the genres targeting the Chinese market are diversifying, ranging from established intellectual properties (IPs) to new subculture titles.According to the gaming industry on July 28, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) of China recently announced its list of foreign game licenses issued in July, which inclu July 28, 2026

Banks Shift Life Insurance Sales After Relaxation of Regulations Following the relaxation of bancassurance sales limits by financial authorities, the landscape of life insurance sales at major banks has changed. In the first half of this year, non-affiliated insurers surpassed affiliated ones at Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank, which had previously held the top sales position with their affiliates at the end of last year. However, the highest sales share for individual insurers was 27.2%, indicating that no single large firm dominated the market.According to the f July 28, 2026

Bio Stocks Plummet Nearly 90% Amid Disappointing Clinical Trial Results Biotech companies that saw their stock prices soar on the promise of new drug developments are now facing significant declines following disappointing clinical trial results. After years of research and development, along with investments totaling billions of won, stocks have plummeted by nearly 90% in a short period due to underwhelming outcomes in late-stage trials. On July 28, the Korea Exchange reported that Kolon TissueGene's stock closed at 14,560 won, down 8.49% from the previous trading July 28, 2026