Kihyun Discusses His Solo Album 'Borderline' and the Title Track 'So Good' Group MONSTA X's main vocalist Kihyun has proven his worth on stage with his voice over the past 11 years. His journey as a solo artist has evolved from exploration (VOYAGER) and reflection (YOUTH) to a stage where he fully confronts himself. His second mini-album 'Borderline' is a record of Kihyun's decision to trust his own instincts rather than seek validation from others. The explosive energy he honed as a team vocalist and the refreshing rock sound he has developed as a solo artist permeate July 28, 2026

POSCO Labor Negotiations Fail, Union Plans to Initiate Strike Procedures POSCO and its labor union have failed to reach an agreement in this year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations. The POSCO labor union, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has notified the company of its intention to seek mediation from the Central Labor Relations Commission and plans to initiate formal dispute procedures.According to reports from Aju Economy, the sixth round of negotiations held on the morning of July 23 did not yield any consensus on key issues suc July 28, 2026

Hyundai Mobis Joins U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding R&D Initiative to Develop Autonomous Transport Technology Hyundai Mobis announced on July 28 that it has been selected as the lead research institution for the 2026 shipbuilding and marine industry technology development project and will participate in a U.S.-Korea shipbuilding R&D agreement.This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), aims to enhance export competitiveness and secure new markets by developing core technologies and equipment in the shipbuilding an July 28, 2026

Hana Bank Expands Senior-Focused Financial Channels Nationwide with First Regional Lounge in Daegu Hana Bank is accelerating its efforts to target the asset management market by expanding its senior-focused financial channels nationwide.On July 24, Hana Bank announced the opening of the 'Hana the Next Daegu Central Lounge' in Namsan-dong, Daegu. This marks the first establishment of a Hana the Next lounge outside of Seoul.The Daegu Central Lounge will offer financial consultations for senior customers, covering areas such as asset management, retirement planning, inheritance and gifting, trus July 28, 2026

DS Investment Securities Raises Hanwha Ocean's Target Price Amid Strong Shipping Profits DS Investment Securities has raised its target price for Hanwha Ocean from 132,000 won to 145,000 won, reflecting improved profitability in the shipping sector and upward revisions to earnings estimates. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Kim Dae-sung, a researcher at DS Investment Securities, stated, "In the second quarter, sales reached 5.4 trillion won, and operating profit was 736.1 billion won, exceeding previous estimates by 32.9%. The shipping sector achieved an operating profit margin July 28, 2026

Shin Ji-eun Wins LPGA Title After 10 Years, Jumps to World No. 36 Shin Ji-eun has claimed her first LPGA title in over a decade, significantly boosting her position in the women's golf world rankings.On July 28, the women's golf world rankings were released, showing Shin rising 62 spots to 36th place from 98th the previous week. This marks the largest jump among players in the top 50.Shin secured her victory on July 27 at the ISPS Handa Scottish Women's Open, held at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she finished with a total score of 9-under- July 28, 2026

Korea Trade Insurance Corporation to Support $100 Million for European Smartphone Market Expansion The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) announced it will provide $100 million (approximately 80 million euros) in trade insurance to help domestic companies expand their market share in the European smartphone sector.This support will utilize trade insurance to finance the purchase of Samsung mobile devices by a Spanish telecommunications company. Banks will extend the payment period for the importer by using the trade insurance as collateral, easing the liquidity burden for the Spanish July 28, 2026

Kakao Bank Surpasses 5 Million Users for Investment Tab, Fund Balance Reaches 1.8 Trillion Won Kakao Bank's investment service is experiencing rapid growth.As of July 26, Kakao Bank reported that the cumulative number of users for its 'Investment Tab' has reached 5.43 million, just three months after its launch in April.The Investment Tab allows users to manage their investment assets in one place and explore products tailored to their investment preferences. It consists of an 'Investment Home' for checking the status of held investment products and a 'Discovery Home' that provides variou July 28, 2026

China Begins Production of Immersion DUV Equipment, Causing Semiconductor Stocks to Plummet A company supported by the Chinese government has started production of immersion deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, leading to a sharp decline in global semiconductor equipment stocks. Concerns over China's progress in localizing semiconductor equipment have dampened investor sentiment.Bloomberg reported on July 27, citing the U.S. IT media outlet The Information, that a Shanghai-based Chinese company has begun producing its own immersion DUV lithograp July 28, 2026

Middle East Risks Weigh on Business Sentiment, August Outlook Drops to 80s As risks in the Middle East escalate, domestic business outlook has declined. While exports, particularly in semiconductors, have increased, most indicators related to cash flow, domestic demand, and profitability remain below baseline levels.The Korea Economic Association (KEA) reported on July 28 that the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) forecast for August stands at 89.9. This marks an 8.1-point drop from the previous month’s figure of 98, falling back into the 80s for the first time in three m July 28, 2026