Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan; TSMC Assesses Factory Status A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, a key semiconductor hub in Japan, with some areas experiencing tremors rated at the highest level of 7.According to NHK, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time on July 28, with an estimated depth of 10 kilometers.In Uki and Hikawa, the strongest tremors of magnitude 7 were recorded. Other areas, including Minami-ku and Yatsushiro, as well as Uto, Misato, and Mashiki, reported tremors of magnitude 6 strong.Weaker tremors of magnitude July 28, 2026

Differing Views on Merger with Innovation Party from Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the upcoming Democratic Party convention in August, expressed contrasting views on the stalled merger with the Innovation Party. Jeong argued that the party should unite with the Innovation Party to strengthen its influence, while Kim emphasized the need for careful discussion before proceeding.During a party member meeting in Sejong City on the 28th, Jeong stated, "We must unite with the Innovation Party to expand the Democratic Party's influenc July 28, 2026

Director Heo Beom-wook of 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease' Dies at 43 Heo Beom-wook, the director of the animated film 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' has died at the age of 43. According to the Korean Independent Film Association and the distributor Indie Story, Heo passed away on the morning of July 28 while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit following a fire accident last week. Born in Seoul in 1983, Heo initially aspired to be a poet and novelist during his teenage years. His interest in animation was sparked by a special screening July 28, 2026

KFTC Chair Rebuts U.S. Claims on Coupang Investigation Kim Joo-byeong, chair of the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), responded to U.S. claims that the South Korean government's investigation into Coupang constitutes discriminatory action against American companies. He emphasized that the KFTC applies the same standards to all platform operators, including Baemin and Naver, and will continue to do so. During the first full meeting of the 22nd National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 28, Kim stated, "Many of the cases the KFTC is handlin July 28, 2026

KOSPI Plummets, Yet YouTuber 'Calm Man' Invests in Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai The KOSPI index fell below the 6,000 mark as the domestic stock market experienced a significant decline. YouTuber Lee Byung-gun, known as 'Calm Man,' shared his investment status in Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor Company.On July 28, Calm Man hosted a live broadcast titled 'A Peaceful Tuesday for Residents of Samsung 27th Floor, Hynix 196th Floor, and Hyundai 57th Floor.' During the broadcast, he stated, 'Samsung Electronics is at the 27th floor, Hynix at the 196th floor, and H July 28, 2026

KFTC Chair Rebuts U.S. Claims on Coupang Investigation Kim Joo-byeong, chair of the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), responded to U.S. claims that the South Korean government's investigation into Coupang represents discriminatory action against American companies. He emphasized that the KFTC applies the same standards to all platform operators, including Baemin and Naver, and will continue to do so. During the first full meeting of the 22nd National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 28, Kim stated, "Many of the cases the KFTC is handling July 28, 2026

Individual Investors Turn to Covered Call ETFs Amid Market Volatility As volatility in the domestic stock market intensifies, individual investors are increasingly turning to covered call exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Demand for stable dividend-paying domestic products has expanded to include covered call ETFs based on major U.S. indices, reflecting a shift towards overseas assets.According to Koscom ETF Check on July 28, the second most purchased ETF by individual investors in the past week was the 'TIGER Dividend Covered Call Active,' which saw a net inflow of 1 July 28, 2026

Investors Turn to Covered Call ETFs Amid Market Volatility As volatility in the domestic stock market intensifies, individual investors are increasingly turning to covered call exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Demand for stable dividend-paying domestic products has surged, with covered call ETFs based on major U.S. indices also ranking among the top net purchases, indicating a shift towards overseas assets.According to Koscom ETF Check on July 28, the second most purchased ETF by individual investors in the past week was the 'TIGER Dividend Covered Call Ac July 28, 2026

South Korea and India Discuss Military Cooperation On July 28, Jin Young-seung, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held a coordination call with General Raja Subramani, the newly appointed Indian Defense Minister. They discussed ways to enhance military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, as well as regional security issues. Chairman Jin congratulated General Subramani on his appointment and expressed deep gratitude for India's contributions to South Korea during the Korean War, including the dispatch of a medical suppor July 28, 2026

7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan, TSMC Assesses Factory Status A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, a key semiconductor hub in Japan, with some areas experiencing tremors classified as the highest level of intensity, 7.According to NHK, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 PM in the Kumamoto region, with an estimated depth of 10 kilometers.In Uki and Hikawa, the strongest tremors of intensity 7 were recorded. Intensity 6 was noted in Minami-ku, Yatsushiro, Uto, Misato, and Mashiki. Areas such as Kami-Amakusa, Koshigaya, Ozaki, Nishihara, Mihune July 28, 2026