Bank ETF Trust Sales Surge Ninefold in Five Months; Financial Supervisory Service to Revise Fee Structure The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has issued a consumer alert regarding the rapid increase in bank sales of exchange-traded fund (ETF) trusts and is initiating improvements to the fee structure, internal performance evaluations, and overall sales procedures. This decision comes amid a rise in transactions among vulnerable investor groups, such as the elderly, where short-term trading and increased upfront fees have heightened consumer costs.According to the FSS, from January of last year t July 30, 2026

Cyber Incidents Rise 19.5% in First Half of 2026 Amid AI Expansion The number of cyber incidents in the first half of 2026 reached 1,236, marking a 19.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This rise is attributed to security threats stemming from the expansion of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the sophistication of software supply chains.The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) announced the findings on July 30, 2026, in their report titled '2026 Cyber Threat Trends in South Korea.'Accordin July 30, 2026

Population in Declining Areas Reaches High Levels in February The resident population in areas experiencing population decline reached its highest level in February. The stay population exceeded four times the registered population, indicating active local engagement.On July 30, the National Data Agency announced the results of the 'First Quarter 2026 Resident Population Assessment,' revealing that the resident population in 89 declining areas across the country was 25.82 million in February, the highest for the quarter. Among this, the stay population was July 30, 2026

Chemical Handling Facilities Decrease, but Variety of Chemicals Increases by 18% 국내 화학물질 취급 사업장은 줄었지만 산업 현장에서 다루는 화학물질의 종류는 2년 새 18% 늘어난 것으로 나타났다. 화학물질 취급이 일부 사업장에 집중되는 동시에 취급 물질은 다양해지면서 사업장별 안전관리 부담도 커질 것으로 보인다. 기후에너지환경부는 '제6차 화학물질 통계조사' 결과 2024년 전국 3만5969개 사업장에서 총 3만8855종의 화학물질을 취급한 것으로 집계됐다고 30일 밝혔다. 2022년 제5차 조사와 비교하면 취급 사업장은 7.4%(2860개) 감소했지만 취급 화학물질은 18.1%(5945종) 증가했다. 사업장 한 곳당 July 30, 2026

New Regulations for Bottled Water Storage and Usage 먹는샘물의 실내 보관이 원칙으로 정해지고 직사광선 차단 조치가 의무화된다. 반복해서 사용하는 10ℓ 이상 대용량 생수통은 제조일로부터 최대 10년까지만 사용할 수 있다. 기후에너지환경부는 이 같은 내용을 담은 '먹는샘물 등의 기준과 규격 및 표시기준 고시'와 '먹는물 관련 영업장 등의 지도·점검에 관한 규정'을 개정해 31일부터 시행한다고 30일 밝혔다. 이번 개정은 여름철 직사광선 노출과 노후 물통 재사용 등 생수 제조·유통·보관 과정에서 발생할 수 있는 품질 저하를 예방하기 위 July 30, 2026

Barley Production Surges 47.3% Amid Rising Prices; Garlic and Onion Output Also Increases This year, barley production has increased by more than 47% compared to last year, driven by a significant rise in planting area due to higher prices. Garlic and onion production also saw slight increases thanks to expanded cultivation and favorable growing conditions.According to the National Data Agency's report on barley, garlic, and onion production released on July 30, this year's barley output reached 135,881 tons, up 43,657 tons (47.3%) from last year's 92,224 tons.The area planted with b July 30, 2026

Regulatory Overhaul for Pharmaceutical and Biotech Disclosures The financial authorities are overhauling the disclosure system for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The focus will shift from future value explanations, such as expectations of clinical success or large technology transfer contracts, to providing investors with concrete figures on success probabilities, development costs, and contract structures.On July 30, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) announced a comprehensive improvement plan for pharmaceutical and biotech disclosures aimed at July 30, 2026

Rising Inflation Leads to Decline in Real Wages for Workers As international oil prices surge due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, inflation continues to rise, resulting in a decline in real wages for workers for the second consecutive month.The Ministry of Employment and Labor reported on July 30 that the nominal wage for employees at businesses with at least one regular worker was 3,982,000 won in May, an increase of 1.7% (66,000 won) compared to the same month last year. This marks four consecutive months of growth since February.However, w July 30, 2026

Rokit Healthcare Shares Surge Following Announcement of World's First Kidney Regeneration Clinical Trials Rokit Healthcare, a regenerative medicine company, is experiencing a surge in stock prices following the announcement of the world's first clinical trials for kidney regeneration.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:37 a.m., Rokit Healthcare's shares rose by 5,050 won (13.76%) to 41,750 won. At one point, the stock increased by 22.75%, reaching 45,200 won.The announcement that Rokit Healthcare, in collaboration with a leading general hospital in South Korea, has begun the world's first clini July 30, 2026

Kibo Provides 100 Billion Won Financial Support for Semiconductor Companies in Partnership with Hyundai and Kia The Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Kibo) announced on July 30 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, and the Industrial Bank of Korea to provide financial support for semiconductor companies collaborating with Hyundai and Kia. This agreement aims to enhance financial accessibility for Hyundai and Kia's partner semiconductor firms in response to the global supply chain restructuring and intensified technological competition, while also supporting July 30, 2026