Hoban Construction Wins Contract for Gunpo Geumjeong 3 Redevelopment Project Worth 230 Billion Won Hoban Construction has secured the construction rights for the Geumjeong 3 redevelopment project in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, accelerating its expansion in urban redevelopment projects in the metropolitan area.The company announced on July 26 that it has been selected as the construction firm for the Geumjeong 3 redevelopment project, which is being developed in the area of 766 Geumjeong-dong, Gunpo.This project will consist of six buildings, ranging from four underground floors to 35 above-grou July 26, 2026

Government and Seoul City Diverge on Housing Supply Solutions The South Korean government and Seoul city are at odds over housing supply solutions. While they agree on the need to utilize industrial areas and transit zones, they differ on the supply entities and development methods.According to reports from the government and Seoul city, President Lee Jae-myung expressed concerns during a national discussion on real estate policy on July 23, stating that it is difficult to find new land for housing in Seoul. He questioned the housing supply effects of rede July 26, 2026

Government Plans Overhaul of Real Estate Tax System The government is expected to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the real estate tax system, addressing both property ownership and disposal stages. The comprehensive real estate tax and capital gains tax benefits, which have been broadly applied to single-homeowners regardless of property value, are likely to be re-evaluated.To mitigate the concentration of investment demand in high-value single homes, known as the 'one good house' phenomenon, the government is considering increasing the tax July 26, 2026

Interview: Director Choi Jeong-kyu on the Hopeful Ending of 'Donggung' Director Choi Jeong-kyu, known for his meticulous craftsmanship in genre dramas like 'The Devil Judge' and 'Red Moon Blue Sun,' has shifted his focus to the royal palace of Joseon in the Netflix series 'Donggung.' The show explores a mystery set in the world of spirits, where a palace maid with secrets investigates a curse that haunts the king. By blending the distinctly Korean theme of shamanistic beliefs with fantasy action, 'Donggung' achieved remarkable success, ranking second in the global July 26, 2026

U.S. Tech Giants and Korean Semiconductor Leaders Brace for 'AI Earnings Super Week' U.S. tech giants and South Korea's semiconductor leaders are set to announce their second-quarter earnings, marking an 'AI earnings super week.' Following Alphabet's recent announcement of better-than-expected results and a reaffirmation of its commitment to expanding AI investments, market attention is now focused on Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Amazon, as well as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.According to the financial investment industry on July 26, earnings reports from key companies in the AI July 26, 2026

Hyundai Motor Group Strengthens AI Collaboration in San Francisco Hyundai Motor Group is enhancing its collaboration with the innovation ecosystem in San Francisco, USA, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). The company has also announced its long-term plan, the 'Physical AI Vision,' which aims to achieve integrated intelligence at the city level through the intelligence of individual devices such as automobiles and robots, as well as specific spaces.According to industry sources on July 26, the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Silicon Valley, is a global i July 26, 2026

KB Kookmin Card Reports Double-Digit Profit Growth Amid Operational Improvements KB Kookmin Card has reported a double-digit increase in net profit for the first half of the year, driven by improvements in financial health. The company has strengthened both profitability and future growth through risk management focused on high-quality assets and operational innovations based on artificial intelligence (AI).According to the card industry on July 26, KB Kookmin Card's net profit for the first half of the year reached 218.9 billion won, a 20.7% increase compared to the same pe July 26, 2026

Seong-kyu Seo Criticizes People Power Party's Opposition to Criminal Procedure Law Reform Seong-kyu Seo, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee from the Democratic Party, criticized the People Power Party on July 26 for opposing the amendment to the criminal procedure law, which aims to abolish supplementary investigative powers. He questioned, "Do they still have lingering attachments to Prosecutor Yoon Suk Yeol? The People Power Party, which hinders just judicial reform, will face the judgment of history."In a Facebook post, Seo condemned Jung Jeom-sik, the People Power Party's fl July 26, 2026

Van Plows Into Berlin Pride Festival, Leaving 1 Dead and 16 Injured A van crashed into a crowd at a Pride festival in Berlin, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others.According to the Associated Press, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time on July 25, when a white van entered Tiergarten Park and struck festival participants before colliding with a tree. One person died, and at least 16 were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.Police have identified the suspect but have not yet made an arrest. Florian Natt, a spokesperson f July 26, 2026

Pulmuone's 'Korean Kimchi' Thrives in the U.S. with 12.3% Sales Increase in First Half of 2026 Pulmuone is continuing its growth in the U.S. kimchi market by exporting 'Korean Kimchi' produced in Iksan, North Jeolla Province.According to Pulmuone, the kimchi sales of its U.S. subsidiary increased by 12.3% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to the mention of kimchi in the U.S. government's dietary guidelines announced in January, along with a strategy of diversifying product lines and expanding distribution channels.Pulmuone main July 26, 2026