North Korea's Economy Grows 3.5% in 2025, Boosted by North-Russia Cooperation North Korea's economy grew by 3.5% last year, marking three consecutive years of growth above 3%. The expansion was driven by increased economic cooperation with Russia.According to a report released by the Bank of Korea on July 31, the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) reached 38.264 trillion won, a 3.5% increase from the previous year.North Korea's economy had experienced three consecutive years of negative growth from 2020 before returning to an upward trend in 2023, with growth rat July 31, 2026

Gachon University to Continue 'One Thousand Won Store' Program for Students Gachon University is participating in the 'One Thousand Won Store' initiative in Gyeonggi Province for the second consecutive year, aiming to provide practical welfare support to alleviate students' living expenses.According to Gachon University on July 31, the 'One Thousand Won Store for College Students' will operate from September to December, coinciding with the start of the second semester, in collaboration with Gyeonggi Province, NH Nonghyup Bank, Hana Bank, the Gyeonggi Social Welfare Cou July 31, 2026

Lee Jae-myung Arrives in Argentina for First Presidential Visit in 22 Years President Lee Jae-myung arrived at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 30, beginning a three-day official visit.This marks the first official visit by a South Korean president to Argentina in 22 years, since former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004. Argentina is the final stop in President Lee's South American tour, which included visits to San Francisco, Brazil, and Chile.President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung landed at the airport around 11 p.m. local time.On July July 31, 2026

Fasoo AI Reports 22.7% Revenue Growth in Q2, Achieves Profitability Fasoo AI has successfully turned a profit in the second quarter of this year, driven by the expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) business and increased demand for data protection and software (SW) supply chain security.In a disclosure on July 31, Fasoo AI reported consolidated revenue of 13.128 billion won and an operating profit of 1.06 billion won for the second quarter. This represents a 22.7% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, and a turnaround from an operati July 31, 2026

KOSPI Surges Over 13% Amid Semiconductor Stock Rebound The KOSPI index continues to soar, rising over 13% thanks to strong performances from major U.S. tech companies and a rebound in semiconductor investment sentiment. Foreign capital influx has led to a surge in bargain buying, particularly in semiconductor stocks, prompting buy sidecars to be activated in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets.As of 11:28 a.m. on July 31, the KOSPI was up 781.11 points (13.96%) at 6,374.67. The KOSDAQ index also rose by 57.11 points (8.86%) to trade at 701.89.In the s July 31, 2026

Customs Agency Seizes 2.1 Tons of Drugs in Asia-Pacific Operation The Customs Agency has seized 2.1 tons of drugs in a joint operation with customs authorities from 19 Asia-Pacific countries.On July 31, the agency reported that it detected a total of 785 cases and 2,100 kilograms of drugs during the third joint anti-drug smuggling operation, dubbed 'Pacific Shield,' which took place from May 1 to June 30. The seizures included 633.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 368.8 kilograms of cannabis, and 757.4 kilograms of new psychoactive substances.This operation was July 31, 2026

30-Year-Old Woman Who Blocked Access to Jamsil Polling Station Charged A 30-year-old woman, known as 'Jandarque' (Jamsil's Joan of Arc), has been charged with obstruction for blocking access to the Olympic Park handball stadium, which served as a polling station during the June 3 local elections.On July 31, the Songpa Police in Seoul transferred the woman, identified as A, to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office without detention, applying charges of obstruction of business.This action comes about six weeks after she was booked by police in mid-June.A is July 31, 2026

Democratic Party Candidates Differentiate Strategies Ahead of Primary Results Three candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party are implementing differentiation strategies ahead of the first results of the primary, set to be announced on August 1. Kim Min-seok is focusing on 'policy,' Jeong Cheong-rae on 'reform,' and Song Young-gil on 'legitimacy.'On July 31, Kim will hold a policy concert titled 'Asking Youth for Directions' at Kyungpook National University in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. This event is seen as an effort to recover the party's youth support and showcas July 31, 2026

South Korea and Vietnam Collaborate on Development Goals South Korea has expressed its commitment to share development experiences to support Vietnam's medium- to long-term national development goals. During a meeting with Kim Yoon-deok, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong proposed expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, science and technology, and infrastructure, based on the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership.On July 30, local media reports from Viet July 31, 2026

South Korea and Chile Elevate Cooperation on Key Minerals to Ministerial Level The South Korean government has elevated its cooperation with Chile on key minerals to a ministerial level, aiming to secure supply chains for essential raw materials such as lithium and copper for future industries. The partnership will also expand collaboration in investment, defense, and digital sectors.On July 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a Korea-Chile mineral resources partnership in Santiago, Chile, during President Lee Jae-m July 31, 2026