Korean Minister Proposes Greenbelt Release for Housing Supply Kim Yoon-deok, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated that he is actively considering the option of partially releasing the greenbelt to supply housing if necessary. Although he has opposed the conversion of greenbelt land in principle, his perspective has changed since taking on the responsibility for housing supply. His commitment to addressing the housing supply shortage is commendable. However, the release of greenbelt land should not be used merely as a symbolic gesture July 30, 2026

KOSPI Declines Over 1% Despite Foreign and Institutional Buying The KOSPI is showing a decline of over 1%. Concerns about a 'Black Thursday' have increased due to a drop in the U.S. stock market, a surge in long-term Treasury yields, and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. However, the decline has been limited to the 1% range thanks to buying from foreign and institutional investors.As of 1:19 PM on July 30, the KOSPI was down 97.16 points (1.72%) at 5,566.08. The index opened at 5,681.77, up 18.53 points (0.33%) from the previous trading day, but quickly July 30, 2026

K-Content's Impact: Expanding Foreign Tourism Beyond Major Cities This year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Seoul and Busan reached record highs. Seoul welcomed 8.23 million foreign visitors, a 21.3% increase from last year, while Busan saw a 43.9% rise to 2.42 million.Not only has the number of tourists increased, but their spending has surged even more dramatically. In the first half of the year, foreign visitors spent 5.6172 trillion won in Seoul, marking a 56.8% increase compared to the same period last year. In Busan, tourism spending also rose b July 30, 2026

KAI Signs Strategic MOU with Brazilian Aerospace Company Embraer 한국항공우주산업(KAI) announced on July 30 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer on July 28 to establish strategic cooperation in the field of aircraft structures.The MOU aims to create a framework for exploring potential business opportunities and identifying areas for collaboration based on the technical capabilities and expertise of both companies. The partnership will focus on various areas, including research and development of new techn July 30, 2026

Labor Minister Discusses Rights of Migrant Workers in Fisheries Sector The government has initiated discussions on protecting the rights and improving the working conditions of migrant workers in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. As the workforce in fishing villages declines and ages, migrant workers have become essential personnel, prompting efforts to strengthen systems for preventing human rights violations and providing remedies.On July 30, the Ministry of Employment and Labor held a meeting on the protection of migrant workers' rights in the fisheries and July 30, 2026

BTS Declines to Submit Music for Grammy Awards, Academy Responds BTS has announced that it will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, prompting a response from the Recording Academy. The newly created "Asian Pop" category is intended not to segregate Asian music but to provide more opportunities for artists to win awards.On July 29, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed disappointment upon hearing that BTS would not participate, stating, "While I was saddened to hear that BTS has decided not to participate in the Grammy Awards, I un July 30, 2026

Small Business Agency Visits Seonyang Soju Production Facility to Promote ESG Practices The Small Business Market Promotion Agency announced on July 30 that it visited the production facility of Seonyang Soju and the Gyejoksan Mud Road on July 29 to enhance the ESG management of private companies and the innovative capabilities of their employees. This visit was organized as a follow-up to a special lecture by Seonyang Chairman Jo Woong-rae in June, which focused on the philosophy behind the company's success and the background of the 990 won Good Soju. The on-site exploration incl July 30, 2026

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Visits Ulsan for First Time in 12 Years Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing visited Ulsan on July 30 to discuss expanding cooperation in future advanced industries with Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook. This marks the first official visit by a Chinese ambassador to Ulsan in 12 years, and it is expected to enhance economic and industrial collaboration between the industrial city of Ulsan and China.On the morning of his visit, Ambassador Dai met with Mayor Kim at Ulsan City Hall to discuss economic and industrial cooperation. Following July 30, 2026

Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree on Special Investigation Law for Election Commission The ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party reached an agreement on July 30 regarding a special investigation law aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections. The law, which will allow for an investigation into the Central Election Commission, is expected to be processed in the afternoon session of the National Assembly.During a meeting of the floor leaders at the National Assembly, the two parties finalized th July 30, 2026

Venture Finance Forum Secures 25.8 Billion Won in Funding in First Half of 2026 A recent survey revealed that 25.8 billion won was invested in the growth of venture companies over the past six months.The Venture Business Association announced on July 30 that it facilitated a total of 25.83 billion won in funding for venture companies during the first half of this year through the 'Venture Finance Forum,' supporting their growth and scaling efforts.The forum was held three times in the first half of the year, starting with a briefing on policy funds from policy finance insti July 30, 2026