Major Shopping Mall Collapses After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, leading to the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto. Reports indicate that several people are trapped inside the building. According to NHK, at around 6 p.m. local time, multiple calls were received reporting an explosion and white smoke rising from the mall located in Kashima Town. The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that part of the second floor of the shopping mall collapsed, trapping several individuals inside. A July 28, 2026

Korean Defense Industry Thrives Amid Global Conflicts The Korean defense industry is experiencing a surge as conflicts in Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., and Iran continue to escalate. The combined operating profit of five defense companies surpassed 1.5 trillion won in the second quarter, setting a new record for quarterly performance. However, the companies faced mixed results due to gaps in export volumes.According to the Financial Supervisory Service and industry sources, the consensus for the second-quarter operating profit of Hanwha Aerospace, Hyu July 28, 2026

Furniture Industry Competes for Summer Apartment Move-In Market The furniture industry is ramping up its marketing efforts to target the large-scale apartment move-in market for the second half of the year. With a surge in demand for furniture and interior design expected as major apartment complexes in Seoul prepare for occupancy, companies are launching various initiatives, including discount events, 3D space consulting, and move-in expos.According to Zigbang and Real Estate R114, a total of 14,342 apartments are set to be occupied nationwide in August, a July 28, 2026

Next Year's Standard Median Income to Increase by 6.7%, Reaching 6.92 Million Won for Four-Person Households The standard median income, which serves as the benchmark for various welfare programs, will see its largest increase ever at 6.7%. This decision reflects the government's commitment to better protect the most vulnerable populations suffering from rising living costs amid deepening income polarization. On July 28, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the 80th Central Living Security Committee meeting, where it was decided to raise the standard median income by 6.7% for 2027. The standard medi July 28, 2026

Young Adults Flock to Jongno 5-ga for Hair Loss and Obesity Treatments "If you haven't made a reservation, you may have to wait over 30 minutes." On July 24, at 2 p.m., the waiting room of Clinic A, located near Jongno 5-ga Station, was bustling with patients. Known as a hub for hair loss treatments, the clinic was filled with people waiting for their appointments. Kim, a 30-something office worker who took a half-day off to visit the clinic, said, "I found out about Jongno 5-ga after searching online for ways to save on prescriptions and medication costs." He exp July 28, 2026

Kim Eun-hye Denies Reports of State Compensation for ETF Investment Losses Kim Eun-hye, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, refuted reports that she is considering a state compensation claim related to losses incurred by investors in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix single-stock leverage ETFs. This denial has sparked a debate online regarding the government's responsibility for investment losses.On July 28, Kim stated on her Facebook page, "While we must point out and improve the government's reckless actions that have turned the domestic stock market into a volati July 28, 2026

Korea's Food and Drug Administration Launches Food Recall Alerts via 'Guppi' The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has announced the launch of a food recall and sales suspension notification service through its national assistant, 'Guppi.' This service allows consumers to quickly access food safety information without having to search for it separately.Starting July 28, the KFDA will provide notifications about food recalls and sales suspensions through the Guppi service. This initiative aims to help the public access relevant information more quickly and conveni July 28, 2026

Hanmi Science Reports 71% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit, Strengthens Competitiveness as a Business Holding Company Hanmi Science reported a 70.9% increase in operating profit for the second quarter, driven by solid growth from its group affiliates and its own business competitiveness. The company plans to enhance its competitiveness as a business holding company by expanding its healthcare business portfolio.On July 28, Hanmi Science announced preliminary figures showing consolidated sales of 367.9 billion won, operating profit of 59.1 billion won, and net profit of 43.7 billion won for the second quarter. S July 28, 2026

Pharma Research Medicare Hosts 'Reborn Symposium' to Share Growth Strategies in Pharmabeauty Pharma Research Medicare, a subsidiary of Pharma Research, recently held a symposium for pharmacists, unveiling growth strategies and new products centered around its pharmacy-exclusive beauty brand, Rejuvi. The event also presented total solutions to enhance competitiveness in the pharmacy channel.On July 28, Pharma Research Medicare announced that it hosted the 5th 'RE:BORN Symposium' at the Chosun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul. The Reborn Symposium aims to share the latest market trends and produc July 28, 2026

Aribio Completes Global Phase 3 Trial of AR1001 for Alzheimer's Disease Aribio has completed the last patient visit for its oral Alzheimer's treatment, AR1001, in the global Phase 3 trial known as POLARIS-AD. The company is now in the final stages of data refinement and analysis ahead of the topline results announcement.On July 28, Aribio announced that the last patient in the Phase 3 trial, conducted across 13 countries, has completed their final safety follow-up visit, marking the end of the last patient last visit (LPLV).LPLV is considered a key milestone in clin July 28, 2026