Korea Railroad Corporation Develops AI-Based Simulator for Track Workers, Aiming for 2027 Launch The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has begun developing an AI-based training simulator for track workers. KORAIL announced on July 23 that it is working on an 'AI-based track work training simulator' that allows workers to learn safe working methods without entering the tracks. This development project has been selected as a key initiative in the 'AI Application Product Rapid Commercialization Support Project,' which is jointly promoted by 11 government agencies aiming to elevate South Kore July 23, 2026

Hyundai Card Reports 11.9% Increase in First-Half Net Profit Hyundai Card reported double-digit growth in both operating profit and net profit for the first half of the year, marking four consecutive years of growth. The company attributed its solid performance to an increase in membership and growth in credit sales.On July 23, Hyundai Card announced that its net profit for the first half of the year reached 185.2 billion won, up 11.9% from 165.5 billion won during the same period last year. Operating revenue increased by 10% to 2.3372 trillion won, while July 23, 2026

Hyundai Engineering Selects 12 Startups for AI and Future Housing Collaboration Hyundai Engineering has selected 12 startups to collaborate on construction AI transformation and future housing, in partnership with the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency.On July 23, Hyundai Engineering announced that it has finalized the selection of 12 promising startups through the '2026 Hyundai Engineering x Seoul Startup Open Innovation' competition, co-hosted with the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency.This year's competition, now in its fifth iteration, received applications from a total of 1 July 23, 2026

President Lee Calls for Faster Construction of New Towns Amid Housing Concerns President Lee Jae-myung has labeled the delays in construction for existing public housing sites, including the third new town project, as a "serious problem" and has called for expedited administrative procedures. He expressed caution regarding demands to ease regulations on private redevelopment and reconstruction projects, citing concerns that such measures could stimulate housing prices. Instead, he emphasized a focus on accelerating the pace of public land development and enhancing public-l July 23, 2026

President Lee Discusses Property Tax and Rental Loan Reforms at National Forum President Lee Jae-myung chaired a national forum on real estate policy, concluding with three main issues: property tax, rental loans, and supply regulations. While specific tax rates, loan criteria, and supply targets have not been finalized, the government is increasingly likely to focus on taxing high-value single-home owners, managing rental loans, and easing regulations on private redevelopment projects in future measures.On July 23, the President led the forum at the KBS annex in Yeouido, July 23, 2026

Samsung Biologics Reports Strong Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Amid Union Strike Concerns Samsung Biologics continued its solid growth in the second quarter, meeting market expectations with strong performance. The company attributed its revenue and profit increases to full operation of its production facilities and favorable exchange rates. However, union-related risks are expected to pose challenges in the second half of the year.On July 23, Samsung Biologics announced that it recorded a revenue of 1.32 trillion won and an operating profit of 586.4 billion won for the second quarte July 23, 2026

Vietnam's New Cryptocurrency Regulations Spark Confusion Among Investors Vietnam has introduced regulations to control both trading methods and capital flows in its cryptocurrency market, which is set to begin pilot operations. Domestic investors who trade cryptocurrencies without going through licensed service providers approved by the Ministry of Finance may face fines. Additionally, splitting transactions into multiple parts or using anonymity tools could be classified as suspicious money laundering activities, leading to increased confusion among investors.Accord July 23, 2026

Hite Jinro Launches First Global Jinro Campaign with BTS's V to Target Overseas Soju Market Hite Jinro is accelerating its efforts to penetrate the global soju market by partnering with BTS member V. The company has launched its first global campaign featuring V and plans to expand its flavored soju product line to cater to international consumers' tastes. On July 23, Hite Jinro unveiled the main advertisement for its global campaign, 'My Favorite Jinro.' The campaign aims to familiarize overseas consumers with Jinro and convey the image of a brand enjoyed with friends in everyday sett July 23, 2026

KB Financial Reports Record Earnings of Nearly 4 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 KB Financial Group reported record earnings nearing 4 trillion won for the first half of 2026. The contribution of its securities subsidiary to the group's performance rose to 21%, with the non-banking sector's share expanding to 44%, driving overall growth.On July 23, KB Financial announced a net profit of 3.8846 trillion won for the first half of 2026, marking a 13.1% increase compared to the same period last year, the highest level ever recorded.In the second quarter, net profit reached 1.992 July 23, 2026

KOSPI Approaches 7,100 Mark Amid 2 Trillion Won Foreign Investment; KOSDAQ Rises 5% The KOSPI surged over 4% to near the 7,100 mark, bolstered by 2 trillion won in net purchases from foreign investors. Expectations for Alphabet's expansion in artificial intelligence (AI) investments fueled gains in semiconductor stocks, with buying interest also spreading to power equipment, secondary batteries, and biotechnology sectors.On July 23, the KOSPI closed at 7,096.89, up 299.19 points (4.40%) from the previous trading day. At one point during the session, it rose to 7,137.20, surpass July 23, 2026