Homeplus Union Urges Meritz to Quickly Execute $1.5 Million DIP Financing Homeplus General Labor Union has requested that Meritz Financial Group promptly execute 200 billion won (approximately $150 million) in emergency operating funds (DIP). The union expressed concerns that delays in funding could disrupt product supply and the timeline for resuming operations.In a statement on July 30, the union said, "Homeplus is currently finalizing preparations for a swift business resumption," and urged for the rapid disbursement of funds to achieve management normalization and July 30, 2026

LG Display to Invest $2.3 Billion in OLED Technology Amid Chinese Competition LG Display will make a proactive investment of 3 trillion won (approximately $2.3 billion) to enhance its next-generation OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology and infrastructure. Despite high interest rates and a global economic slowdown, the company aims to expand its technological edge through this significant funding.On July 30, LG Display announced that it has been selected as a support company for the 'OLED Technological Edge Acquisition' under the second phase of the National Gro July 30, 2026

Investments Shift Focus to Sensory AI in Humanoid Robotics The landscape of humanoid robotics investment is changing. In the past, funding was primarily directed towards hardware components like joints and actuators that enable robot movement. Recently, however, there has been a surge in investments towards startups developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that replicate human senses such as touch, hearing, sight, and smell.According to the '2026 Physical AI Startup Map' released by Startup Alliance on July 30, among 149 domestic physical AI July 30, 2026

Yuhan Corporation Achieves Record Quarterly Performance in Q2 Yuhan Corporation has achieved its highest quarterly performance to date in the second quarter of this year, driven by licensing revenue from the non-small cell lung cancer treatment Lecraza (ingredient name: lazertinib) and growth in its overseas business.On July 30, Yuhan announced that its operating profit for the second quarter reached 61.4 billion won, a 34.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue rose to 614 billion won, up 10.4%, while net profit increased by 22.1% to 47 July 30, 2026

Who is Michelle Steel, the First Korean-American Ambassador to South Korea? Michelle Steel, the first Korean-American ambassador to South Korea under the Trump administration, has arrived in the country, drawing attention to her background and foreign policy stance.On July 30, Steel arrived at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2 and issued a statement. She described the Korea-U.S. alliance as one of the strongest in the world and expressed her commitment to realizing a vision of a stronger and more prosperous partnership between the two countries.Steel's appointm July 30, 2026

Survey: 70% of Young Employees Would Leave if Deposit Insurance Corporation Relocates Concerns are rising that a potential relocation of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) could lead to a significant exodus of young employees. The low willingness of key 4th and 5th level staff to remain, coupled with potential disruptions in collaboration with financial authorities, has raised alarms.Reports indicate that plans are being considered to move the Financial Services Commission and the DIC to Sejong.According to a survey commissioned by the DIC labor union and conducted by the La July 30, 2026

Starbucks' Pink Peach Refresher Sells 300,000 Units in a Month Starbucks Korea's low-cost refresher drinks and discount coupon promotions aimed at consumers during the summer season have received a positive response.The company announced on July 30 that its 'Pink Peach Refresher,' launched on June 23, has surpassed 300,000 units sold within a month.The Pink Peach Refresher, which combines peach, mango, and strawberry flavors with lemonade, is priced at 4,900 won for a Tall size, making it the lowest-priced fruit beverage currently offered by Starbucks. On J July 30, 2026

Typhoon Dolphin Changes Course, May Impact South Korea's West Coast A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck Japan, and now a massive typhoon is approaching, raising concerns that it may suddenly change direction and head toward South Korea's west coast.According to Japan's Weather News, as of 9 a.m. on July 30, Typhoon Dolphin is maintaining a central pressure of 910 hPa and maximum gusts of 80 m/s, moving northwest at a speed of 20 km/h. These figures indicate a level of intensity capable of causing buildings to collapse and derailing trains.The typhoon July 30, 2026

Korea's First Guidelines for Safe Meals for Children with Rare Diseases The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has established the country's first guidelines for meal safety management for children with rare diseases. This initiative aims to create a safe meal environment for these children and alleviate the burden on meal service providers.On July 30, the KFDA held a meeting at the Pyeongtaek Meal Management Support Center in Gyeonggi Province, where it unveiled the 'Meal Safety Management Guidelines for Children with Rare Diseases,' which includes 29 types of rare d July 30, 2026

Paradox of Loan Regulation: Halved Limits and Rising Rates Create Chaos at Banks Banks are raising the bar for household loans by cutting mortgage limits and increasing interest rates. With household loan growth expected to reach around 4 trillion won this month, KB Kookmin Bank's rate hike may prompt similar actions from other banks. The varying responses and timing among banks are contributing to confusion at loan counters.As of July 28, the combined household loan balance of the top five banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup—stood at 778.628 trillion won July 30, 2026