Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid DUV Equipment Localization News Chinese stocks, which had risen the previous day, fell across the board on July 28. News that China has localized the DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) lithography equipment, a key tool in semiconductor manufacturing, was perceived as a negative factor.On this day, the Shanghai Composite Index closed down 1.16% at 3,813.31, the Shenzhen Component Index fell 4.52% to 13,509.68, and the ChiNext Index dropped 7.35% to 3,327.03.Before the market opened, U.S. IT media outlet The Information reported that a Chin July 28, 2026

KOSPI Plummets 10% Amid Chinese Semiconductor Shock South Korea's stock market faced another "Black Tuesday" as fears over the rapid rise of China's semiconductor industry weighed heavily on global investment sentiment. A sell-off led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix caused the KOSPI to drop more than 10% in a single day.On July 28, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 6,023.66, down 732.09 points (10.84%) from the previous trading day. The index quickly lost ground, falling below the 6,100 mark and even dipping to the 5,000 ra July 28, 2026

Seoul Housing Prices Approach 1.6 Billion Won, Rent Surpasses 700 Million Won The average sale price of apartments in Seoul has nearly reached 1.6 billion won, while the average rent has surpassed 700 million won for the first time. The simultaneous rise in both sale and rental prices is increasing the housing cost burden for prospective buyers. According to KB Real Estate's housing price trends released on July 28, the average sale price of apartments in Seoul is recorded at approximately 1.59 billion won, indicating that it is on the verge of surpassing the 1.6 billion July 28, 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei Missing for Five Months Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public for five months, prompting the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad to intensify efforts to determine his whereabouts and survival.According to the British daily The Times on July 27, tracking Mojtaba's location has become a top priority for U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies.Mojtaba was appointed Supreme Leader on March 8, following the death of his father, Ayatol July 28, 2026

Small Business Owners Face Crisis Amid Minimum Wage Hike and Early Morning Delivery Discussions The recent confirmation of a minimum wage increase for next year, coupled with discussions about allowing early morning delivery by large retailers, has heightened the sense of crisis among small business owners. With rising labor costs and intensified competition from major retail corporations, small business owners are calling for protective measures for local markets.According to industry sources, the Small Business Federation submitted an objection to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on July 28, 2026

Trump Says Agreement with Iran Possible, Threatens Military Action if Talks Fail President Donald Trump stated that there is a possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran. However, he continued to pressure for a resolution, warning that military action against Iran would resume if negotiations fail."Plenty of Time" Yet Urges Quick ResolutionOn July 27, while en route to Michigan on Air Force One, Trump told reporters, "Iran wants to meet, and we are currently meeting. We are having good conversations."He added, "I think there is quite a possibility that something will hap July 28, 2026

HD Hyundai Electric Expects 16% Share of Data Center Orders Amid Market Growth HD Hyundai Electric continued its double-digit growth in the second quarter of this year, driven by increased demand for power equipment in key markets such as North America and Europe. The company plans to expand its data center business by negotiating supply agreements for power and distribution equipment with global tech giants.On July 28, HD Hyundai Electric reported consolidated revenues of 1.1418 trillion won and an operating profit of 287 billion won for the second quarter. This represent July 28, 2026

Jung Kyung-tae Calls Disciplinary Action Against Him Political Retaliation Jung Kyung-tae, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, criticized the Central Ethics Committee's initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him on July 28, calling it "clear targeted punishment and political retaliation." He argued that party leader Jang Dong-hyuk should also face disciplinary action.At a press conference held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "This will serve as a litmus test to determine whether the People Power Party is a political party that has severed ties with i July 28, 2026

Financial Authorities to Hold National Consumer Protection Report Meeting in Second Half of 2026 Financial authorities will hold a national report meeting in the second half of this year to assess the implementation of the consumer protection roadmap. This meeting will evaluate the strengthened consumer protection system in the financial sector and the response to financial crimes, prompted by the recent improper sales of Hong Kong H-index linked securities (ELS). According to the financial sector on July 28, the authorities plan to conduct this consumer protection report meeting in the l July 28, 2026

Nation Faces Extreme Heat as Heat-Related Illnesses Surge Extreme heat and tropical nights are causing a rapid increase in heat-related illnesses across the country. According to Yonhap News and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of July 27, there have been 1,399 reported cases of heat-related illnesses since the monitoring system was activated on May 15, including eight fatalities.Individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 30.2% of the cases. Notably, all but one of the fatalities were among those aged 65 and above, with the exceptio July 28, 2026