7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan Shakes Southern Korea A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, causing tremors to be felt in southern regions of South Korea.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 PM on July 28, approximately 23 kilometers south of Kumamoto City.The tremors were detected in several areas of South Korea. The Meteorological Administration reported that the maximum intensity reached level III in Gyeongnam, Busan, Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeju, while levels II were July 28, 2026

Indian Youth Protest Forces Modi Government to Yield, Resulting in Minister's Resignation In India, a youth protest that began as an online satire movement has forced the resignation of a key minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, creating a political stir.After 12 years of long-standing rule, the Modi administration, which has rarely backed down under pressure from civil society, has made an unusual concession in the face of collective action from Generation Z.On July 27, CNN reported that the newly formed "Cockroach People's Party (CJP)" led large-scale protests aga July 28, 2026

South Korea's National Soccer Team to Face Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October Friendlies The South Korean national soccer team, currently seeking a new head coach, will play friendly matches against Venezuela and Uzbekistan during the October international window.According to the Korea Football Association, the team will face Venezuela on October 2 and Uzbekistan on October 6. The specific locations and kickoff times for these matches have yet to be determined.This schedule follows changes to the FIFA international match window regulations, which now allow for a four-match format. F July 28, 2026

KOSPI Plummets 10% on 'Black Tuesday' as Circuit Breakers Triggered The domestic stock market experienced a 'Black Tuesday' as U.S. tech stocks plummeted. The KOSPI index fell by over 10%, while the KOSDAQ dropped more than 7% at the close of trading. Both markets activated sell-side circuit breakers and circuit breakers in response to the rapid decline, with foreign investors leading a sell-off, particularly in the semiconductor sector, causing a sharp drop in investor sentiment.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6023.66, down 732.09 points (1 July 28, 2026

Youngpoong's Seokpo Refinery Confirms 'Clean' Water Quality in Nakdong River Youngpoong's Seokpo Refinery has demonstrated the results of its extensive environmental investments over the years, as public water quality data shows. Major heavy metals are virtually undetectable in the Nakdong River system surrounding the refinery, and overall water quality remains at a clean level.According to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment's water quality information system on July 28, the water quality at the Seokpo 1 to Seokpo 4 monitoring points near the refinery recor July 28, 2026

K-Cruise Industry Attracts Younger Travelers with Digital Innovations The cruise travel industry is undergoing a transformation. Once considered a luxury for older generations due to long itineraries and high costs, the maritime tourism market is now attracting a significant number of younger travelers aged 20 to 40. Notably, Busan Port is emerging as a global cruise hub, with 430 ship arrivals scheduled for 2026 alone.As of 2024, the global marine tourism market is valued at approximately 12.4 trillion won, growing at an annual rate of 11.5%. The international fe July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker Calls for Constitutional Reform Next Year Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on July 28 that he aims to establish a special committee for constitutional reform through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, with discussions set to begin next year.During his first press conference since taking office, Cho emphasized, "We will pursue constitutional reform calmly and boldly, as I proposed to the public on the last Constitution Day."Earlier, in a speech commemorating the 78th anniversary of Constituti July 28, 2026

National Assembly Speaker Calls for Constitutional Reform Next Year Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on July 28 that he plans to establish a special committee for constitutional reform through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, aiming to initiate discussions on the matter next year.During his first press conference since taking office, Cho emphasized, "We will pursue constitutional reform calmly and boldly, as I proposed to the public on the last Constitution Day."Earlier, in a speech commemorating the 78th anniversa July 28, 2026

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Reports Record First-Half Revenue of 860.2 Billion Won Hanmi Pharmaceutical reported a 116.9% increase in second-quarter operating profit, driven by global technology transfer achievements and growth in its domestic pharmaceutical business.On July 28, Hanmi announced its preliminary consolidated results for the second quarter of 2026, showing revenue of 467.2 billion won and operating profit of 131.1 billion won. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 29.3%, and operating profit rose by 116.9%. The company recorded a net profit July 28, 2026

Korean Lawmaker Pushes for Party Discipline and Member Input in Evaluations Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has returned to the National Assembly and is actively working to strengthen party discipline. On July 28, a task force (TF) was launched to establish new evaluation criteria for elected officials, including current lawmakers.According to the People Power Party, Jang is expected to soon announce the direction and methods for the party's reform plans that he has been developing. Additionally, the ethics committee initiated disciplinary procedures a July 28, 2026