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

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

Kia Launches Blue Carbon Project to Restore 50,000 Pyeong of Tidal Flats in Seocheon Kia is set to restore 50,000 pyeong of tidal flats in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, by 2029 as part of its Blue Carbon ecological restoration project. On July 28, Kia signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Chungcheong Province, Seocheon County, Marine Environment Corporation, and Korea Marine Foundation to advance the "Seocheon Tidal Flat Blue Carbon Ecological Restoration Project." Key July 28, 2026

Korea GM Reaches Labor Agreement Before Summer Vacation, First in Auto Industry Korea GM has finalized its wage and collective bargaining agreement before the summer vacation, becoming the first in the domestic auto industry to do so.On July 28, the Korea Metal Workers' Union Korea GM branch announced that 3,500 out of 6,513 eligible voters (56.5%) approved the tentative agreement following a two-day voting period that began on July 27.The negotiations between Korea GM and its labor union began on May 27 and included 17 sessions leading up to the tentative agreement.The key July 28, 2026

Regional Talent Selection Rate for Medical Schools Rises to 59.4% Approximately six out of ten new students at local medical schools are selected from the region, indicating significant success of the 'mandatory regional talent selection' system. The Ministry of Education has publicly released the selection results for the first time since the system's implementation, noting that a positive cycle is quickly establishing itself as local talent enrolls and settles in regional medical schools. On July 28, the Ministry announced the '2026 results of mandatory regi July 28, 2026

Prosecutors Seek 18-Year Sentence for Kim Hyun-tae Over National Assembly Incursion On July 28, prosecutors requested an 18-year prison sentence for Kim Hyun-tae, the former commander of the Army's 707th Special Mission Battalion, who led troops into the National Assembly during the December 3 state of emergency. The special prosecutor's team, led by Jo Eun-seok, determined that Kim and other military commanders did not merely follow orders but made independent decisions to participate in unconstitutional and illegal martial law operations.The Seoul Central District Court's Cri July 28, 2026

Financial Authorities Tighten Regulations on Individual Stock Leverage Products The financial authorities are expected to increase regulations on single stock leverage products, which have been identified as a cause of market volatility. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced that it will first assess the impact of the enhanced basic deposit requirement set to take effect on July 31. If market overheating continues, the FSC will consider implementing individual investment limits and additional investment requirements.During a meeting on July 28 at the Financial I July 28, 2026

Support Small Business Owners, Says In Tae-yeon at New Employee Meeting The Small Business Agency announced that Chairman In Tae-yeon held a 'Conversation with the Chairman' on July 28 at the agency's headquarters in Daejeon with 60 new employees.During the meeting, In explained the agency's vision and core values to the new hires, who were appointed on July 16, and shared the economic, social, cultural, and ecological values of small businesses.A Q&A session followed, focusing on the agency's key projects and the roles expected of the new employees.In provided hear July 28, 2026