Kakao Pay Securities Accelerates IPO Market Entry, Aiming for 20 Million Investors in Three Years Kakao Pay Securities has outlined a plan to enter the initial public offering (IPO) market and expand the number of investors in South Korea to 20 million within three years, leveraging its artificial intelligence (AI)-based investment services.During a press conference held on July 23 in Yeouido, Seoul, CEO Shin Ho-cheol stated, "We will lower the barriers to capital market participation based on our accessibility as a national platform and our AI technology. We aim to create a new financial cu July 23, 2026

Rare Earth Prices Surge Eightfold After China's Export Controls More than a year after China implemented export controls on rare earths, some prices have surged eightfold. The price of dysprosium in the European market has reached $2,250 per kilogram, an eightfold increase compared to April of last year, according to Nikkei Asia on July 23. Dysprosium is used in permanent magnets for electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and military radar systems.The price of terbium, another rare earth material that enhances the heat resistance of electric vehicle motors July 23, 2026

Transit-Oriented Developments Gain Popularity in Busan's Housing Market Transit-oriented developments that combine accessibility and lifestyle amenities are attracting consistent interest in the housing market. Properties near subway stations often feature commercial, business, and convenience facilities, appealing to homebuyers who prioritize commuting ease.Recent sales data highlights the strong performance of transit-oriented developments. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency, the 'Anyang Station Central I-Park Sujin,' launched in February in Anyang's Manan July 23, 2026

Japan, UK, Italy Advance Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jet with Canada Joining The development of a next-generation fighter jet, jointly pursued by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy, is set to advance significantly. Following the completion of the basic design evaluation, the project is moving into the detailed design phase, with Canada participating for the first time as an observer.In 2022, Japan, the UK, and Italy merged their individual next-generation fighter projects to launch the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The plan aims to develop a new aircraft to repla July 23, 2026

LIG D&A Partners with Babcock for Supply Chain Integration and Missile Development LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) announced on July 23 that it has signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) with the UK-based global defense company Babcock during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, the world's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, held on July 21.This agreement is expected to serve as a significant milestone in enhancing international defense cooperation between the two companies. It aims to combine LIG D&A's advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities July 23, 2026

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Inspects 'Seoul Kids' Nutritious Meals' Program Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the site of the 'Seoul Kids' Nutritious Meals' program, which supports child meals and care during the summer break, stating, "If children are happy, the future of Seoul will also be happy," and pledged to make Seoul the best city for raising children. On July 23, Mayor Oh shared on his Facebook page about his visit to a local children's center to observe the operation of the 'Seoul Kids' Nutritious Meals' program. He noted, "While summer break is a joyful time for July 23, 2026

Elon Musk to Create AI-Generated Film Adaptation of 'Odyssey' Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has announced plans to create a feature film adaptation of Homer's epic 'Odyssey' using artificial intelligence (AI). This announcement follows his public criticism of the casting choices in Christopher Nolan's film of the same name.On July 22, Musk stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Before the year ends, Grok Imagine will produce a historically accurate and artistically faithful feature film 'Odyssey.'" He also reposted a roughly three-minute video created with the AI vi July 23, 2026

FortyTwoDot to Hire 70 Employees Across Seven Fields Including Autonomous Driving and AI FortyTwoDot announced on July 23 that it will recruit up to 70 experienced employees across seven sectors to strengthen its competitiveness in mobility artificial intelligence (AI).The hiring will cover not only software development roles in autonomous driving, AI, vehicle operating systems, and app markets but also non-development positions in service planning and business development.There are over 30 positions available, with key development roles including autonomous driving software enginee July 23, 2026

President Lee Calls for Change in Housing Terminology at Real Estate Forum President Lee Jae-myung stated on July 23, "If someone is temporarily non-resident due to circumstances but claims it is for residential use, shouldn't it be treated the same as actual residence?"During the 'National Forum on Real Estate Policy' held at the KBS Annex in Yeouido, Seoul, President Lee remarked, "When we refer to a single home as an actual residence, there are many concerns raised, such as, 'What should I do if I have to move temporarily for work?' or 'What if my children need to b July 23, 2026

Ruling Party's Legal Committee Prioritizes Quality Over Speed in Criminal Procedure Law Revisions Kim Seung-won, the chair of the Democratic Party's Legal Committee, stated on July 23 that there is no set timeline for processing the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which focuses on abolishing supplementary investigation rights. This comment comes as the Justice Innovation Party pressures for the amendment to be completed by the end of July.After concluding the review of the amendment at the National Assembly, Kim told reporters, "The goal of the review is to enhance the quality of th July 23, 2026