Lotte Innovate Reports 2nd Quarter Revenue of 274.5 Billion Won, Operating Profit Up 54% Lotte Innovate reported a double-digit increase in operating profit for the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, driven by improved profitability in its core business and enhanced earnings from key subsidiaries.On July 30, Lotte Innovate announced that it achieved consolidated revenue of 274.5 billion won and an operating profit of 12.4 billion won. The operating profit rose by 54% year-on-year, with the operating profit margin increasing by 1.7 percentage points to July 30, 2026

Hyun-bum Cho Returns to Leadership as Hanon Systems Seeks Recovery Hyun-bum Cho, chairman of Korea & Company Group, returned to management on July 30 after being released on parole. He now faces significant challenges in addressing the company's operational issues.Among the pressing tasks are the normalization of Hanon Systems, which was acquired last year, and creating synergies among the group's subsidiaries. Additionally, external challenges such as U.S. tariffs, global economic slowdown, and geopolitical risks loom large.Cho was released from the Hwaseong V July 30, 2026

Government Moves to Eliminate 'Wedding Penalty' in Housing and Loans The government is taking steps to reduce the so-called "wedding penalty," which has resulted in disadvantages for newlyweds in areas such as loans, public housing, and youth asset formation. This initiative involves revising regulations related to public housing eligibility, interest rates on jeonse loans, and tax benefits for married couples.According to relevant authorities on July 30, the government is gradually improving the marriage penalty in housing, asset formation, and tax sectors based July 30, 2026

Young Adults Embrace Retirement Savings and ETFs for Tax Benefits Yoon, a 28-year-old who recently started working, opened a retirement savings fund account to invest a fixed amount each month in domestic exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The appeal of long-term investing through ETFs, combined with the tax deductions available during year-end tax settlements, motivated his decision.Yoon stated, "Although my salary isn't high, I believe it's better to steadily build assets from the beginning of my career, when I have more time to invest. While I could buy ETFs thr July 30, 2026

Should Couples Delay Marriage Registration for Financial Benefits? A couple planning to marry in the second half of next year has decided to hold their wedding ceremony but postpone their marriage registration. This decision is influenced by the income requirements for the government-backed housing loan program, Bogumjari Loan. Unmarried individuals can apply if their annual income is below 70 million won, but married couples must meet a combined income limit of 85 million won. Since both partners work, the couple would exceed this income threshold upon registe July 30, 2026

Former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and Coach Hong Myung-bo Deny Allegations at National Assembly Hearing Chung Mong-kyu, former president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), and Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the South Korean national football team, faced intense criticism following their team's exit from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They appeared at a National Assembly hearing on July 30, where they acknowledged the disappointing performance but denied allegations of opaque administrative practices and favoritism regarding the appointment of the head coach.The National Ass July 30, 2026

Samsung and SK Hynix Stock Drop Hits Retirement Funds The sharp decline in shares of semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix has impacted retirement pension accounts. Investors who increased their stakes in these companies through bond mixed ETFs, classified as safe assets, have recorded losses exceeding 20% in July, raising concerns about the classification of safe assets in retirement pensions.According to the Korea Exchange on July 30, four bond mixed ETFs related to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, including 'KIWOOM Samsung Elect July 30, 2026

Mia-dong 75 Set for Redevelopment into 45-Story Residential Complex "There are no villa listings available. When they come up, they sell immediately. Many people are hopeful because the redevelopment will bring about 1,600 units. Right now, only multi-family housing listings remain," said a representative from a local real estate agency in the Mia-dong 75 area of Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, on July 29.The representative noted, "Prices have been gradually rising, with current market values for multi-family homes at around 700 million to 800 million won, and for multi-unit July 30, 2026

DL E&C Reports 26% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit, Surpasses 3 Trillion Won in New Orders DL E&C has significantly increased its operating profit and new orders in the second quarter of this year, driven by improved profitability in housing projects and expanded urban redevelopment contracts. The company is also pursuing a 55.5 billion won share buyback to enhance performance and shareholder return policies.On July 30, DL E&C announced its preliminary results for the second quarter, reporting consolidated sales of 1.8 trillion won, operating profit of 159.4 billion won, and new order July 30, 2026

SH to Supply 3,421 Redevelopment Rental Units, Easing Access for Youth and Singles The Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) is recruiting tenants and prospective tenants for 3,421 redevelopment rental units. The organization has revised its scoring criteria to expand opportunities for low-income youth and single-person households, while also streamlining the application process. On July 30, SH announced on its website that it is seeking tenants and prospective tenants for a total of 3,421 units. This supply consists of 1,528 remaining units due to tenant departures a July 30, 2026