Hotel Shilla Reports 606% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit Driven by Business Improvements Hotel Shilla has significantly increased its operating profit for the second quarter of this year, thanks to a focus on profitability in its duty-free business and improvements in its hotel sector.The company reported a consolidated operating profit of 61.1 billion won for the second quarter, marking a 606% increase compared to the same period last year, as announced on July 31.During the same period, sales totaled 971.8 billion won, a 5.2% decrease from the previous year, attributed to the clos July 31, 2026

Japan's Yen Struggles Despite Currency Intervention The yen's exchange rate against the dollar rose above 160 yen again less than a day after Japan's foreign exchange authorities intervened in the market. The intervention on July 30 was a nearly flawless operation, executed in coordination with the United States while market vigilance had eased. However, investors are now more focused on how long the intervention can hold.In fact, when the yen surpassed 160 yen per dollar at the end of April, Japan's foreign exchange authorities spent approximate July 31, 2026

Hyundai Steel Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement with 300% Bonus Hyundai Steel and its labor union have reached a tentative agreement in this year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations, which includes an 80,000 won increase in base salary and a 300% performance bonus. This marks the first tentative agreement reached among major affiliates of the Hyundai Motor Group this year.According to industry sources on July 31, Hyundai Steel and the union held negotiations and produced the tentative agreement.The agreement includes an 80,000 won monthly increase July 31, 2026

Semiconductor Stocks Surge as Power Sector Gains Amid AI Investment Recovery Investor sentiment in artificial intelligence (AI) has rebounded, leading to a surge in semiconductor stocks and a concurrent rise in power infrastructure-related shares.As of 2:33 PM on July 31, Hyosung Heavy Industries was trading at 2,947,000 won, up 510,000 won (21.08%) from the previous trading day. At the same time, HD Hyundai Electric rose by 93,000 won (15.95%) to 676,000 won, while LS ELECTRIC increased by 31,800 won (21.16%) to 182,100 won.With expectations for expanded AI infrastructu July 31, 2026

YouTuber Shuka's Live Stream Misinterpreted as SK Hynix Purchase by Chairman Choi During a live broadcast, economic YouTuber Shuka captured a large purchase of SK Hynix shares, which was mistakenly reported online as a transaction by Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group. However, it has been confirmed that the two transactions were unrelated.On July 31, posts circulated on online communities and social media claiming that Shuka had witnessed Choi's purchase during his YouTube live stream, where he exclaimed, "Wow, someone just bought 3,600 shares in one go!"In the video, as the July 31, 2026

Yangsan Sets New Temperature Record at 41.4 Degrees Amid Ongoing Heat Wave The temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, soared to 41.4 degrees Celsius, setting a new record in South Korea's meteorological history. This extreme heat has persisted for three consecutive days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees at 97 climate observation points across the country.According to Yonhap News and the Korea Meteorological Administration, the temperature in Yangsan reached 41.4 degrees at approximately 1:40 PM on July 31. This marks the highest temperature recorded s July 31, 2026

Samsung Electronics Sets New Record with Memory Semiconductor Performance Samsung Electronics has achieved record quarterly results driven solely by its memory semiconductor division, which accounted for 99% of the company's total profit. The company anticipates continued demand for memory products in the second half of the year and plans to focus on enhancing its competitiveness in advanced semiconductors, including next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM). On July 30, Samsung Electronics reported that its semiconductor (DS) division generated sales of 127.5 tri July 31, 2026

South Korea's Economic Diplomacy Focuses on Key Minerals and Defense in South America President Lee Jae-myung's visit to South America highlighted the direction South Korean diplomacy should take. The trip focused on securing supply chains for key minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, and copper, while also expanding cooperation in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing as part of economic security diplomacy. This strategic approach, centered on national interests, is noteworthy as the global economy undergoes a transformation driven by technological dominance an July 31, 2026

Designer Brand Merryon Expands Offline Amid Sales Growth The domestic designer fashion brand Merryon is expanding its presence with a collection that blends classic moods and romantic sensibilities into modern styles.Merryon has focused on balanced silhouettes, materials, and color combinations rather than chasing rapidly changing trends, establishing its own brand identity. The brand has gained popularity among women in their 20s and 30s who prefer unique styles through products that can be worn comfortably in everyday life while embodying the brand' July 31, 2026

Court Upholds Travel Ban on Moss Tan, Citing Risk of Flight Moss Tan, a Korean-American former professor at Liberty University, has had his request to cancel a travel ban by the Ministry of Justice denied. Tan is facing charges for allegedly spreading false information that defamed President Lee Jae-myung.On July 31, Judge Kim Tae-hwan of the Seoul Administrative Court ruled against Tan's lawsuit challenging the extension of his travel ban. The court found that the public interest in securing state punishment outweighed any disadvantages Tan might face f July 31, 2026