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  • Surge in Q2 Stock Prices Leads to Record Drop in Net External Financial Assets
    Surge in Q2 Stock Prices Leads to Record Drop in Net External Financial Assets In the second quarter, a significant rise in domestic stock prices resulted in a record drop in South Korea's net external financial assets. The increase in residents' overseas securities investments and a favorable global stock market partially offset the decline in external financial assets.According to the Bank of Korea's '2026 Q2 International Investment Position (preliminary)' report released on August 20, net external financial assets (external financial assets minus external financial liabilities) stood at $640 billion at the end of the second quarter, a decrease of $68.95 billion from the previous quarter. This marks the third consecutive quarter of decline, with the drop being the largest since statistics began in 1994. The balance is also the lowest since the third quarter of 2014, when net external financial assets turned positive.External financial assets increased by $201.7 billion to $3.083 trillion compared to the previous quarter. Residents' overseas direct investments rose by $20.8 billion, driven by equity investments in the United States. Securities investments saw a $142.7 billion increase due to sustained net investments and valuation gains from rising global stock prices.Conversely, external financial liabilities surged by $891.2 billion to $3.0202 trillion. This increase was primarily driven by a $859.3 billion rise in foreign investments in domestic securities. Notably, the value of domestic equity securities held by foreigners increased by $848.1 billion, influenced by the rise in domestic stock prices.Despite foreign investors selling domestic stocks, the significant increase in stock prices led to a substantial rise in the value of their holdings. The KOSPI index rose from 5,052.5 to 8,476.5, a 67.8% increase during the second quarter. During the same period, the value of the won fell by 1.8% against the dollar.Meanwhile, net external debt, calculated as external debt minus external claims, rose by $2.3 billion to $367.8 billion. External claims increased by $407 billion to $1.1806 trillion, while external debt rose by $384 billion to $812.8 billion.Choi Jae-hyuk, head of the Bank of Korea's Capital Movement Analysis Team, stated, "Although net external financial assets have decreased, the scale of residents' overseas assets has not diminished, and income from overseas assets continues to grow. This decline is due to a significant increase in external financial liabilities resulting from rising domestic stock prices, not a depletion of overseas assets. Therefore, the assessment that we can buffer foreign currency supply and demand through the sale of overseas assets and domestic repatriation in the event of external shocks remains valid."Short-term external debt rose by $15 billion to $198.5 billion compared to the previous quarter. Consequently, the ratio of short-term external debt to reserve assets increased to 46.5%, up 3.1 percentage points from the previous quarter. The proportion of short-term external debt within total external liabilities also rose to 24.4%, an increase of 0.7 percentage points.Moon Sang-yoon, head of the Bank of Korea's Foreign Investment Statistics Team, noted, "The 46.5% ratio of short-term external debt to reserve assets is the highest level since the end of the second quarter of 2011. However, the increase in short-term external debt is not due to borrowing issues as seen in the past, but rather because foreign investors sold domestic stocks and did not convert all of it to foreign currency, leaving some in domestic won deposits. This is the main factor behind the increase."He added, "Excluding the impact of foreign sales of domestic stocks, this ratio does not differ significantly from the previous quarter. While headline indicators have risen, we do not see this as a situation that would lead to liquidity issues."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:20
  • Short-term External Debt Rises by $15 Billion in Q2, Weakening Debt Health Indicators
    Short-term External Debt Rises by $15 Billion in Q2, Weakening Debt Health Indicators South Korea's short-term external debt increased in the second quarter of this year, leading to a slight deterioration in external debt health indicators.According to the Ministry of Finance's report on 'Q2 External Assets and Liabilities Trends' released on August 20, the country's external debt reached $812.8 billion at the end of the second quarter, an increase of $38.4 billion from the previous quarter.By maturity, short-term external debt, due within one year, rose by $15 billion to $198.5 billion. Long-term external debt, with maturities exceeding one year, increased by $23.5 billion to $614.3 billion.In terms of sectors, external debt for the government and other sectors rose by $8.4 billion and $36.3 billion, respectively. In contrast, the central bank and banks saw their external debt decrease by $1.5 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively.During the same period, external assets increased by $40.7 billion to $1.1806 trillion. Consequently, net external assets, calculated by subtracting external liabilities from external assets, rose to $367.8 billion, up $2.3 billion from the previous quarter. The increase in external assets slightly outpaced the rise in external liabilities, marking a return to growth in net external assets after three quarters.However, the increase in short-term external debt has led to a slight decline in external debt health indicators. The proportion of short-term debt in total external debt rose from 23.7% at the end of the first quarter to 24.4% at the end of the second quarter, an increase of 0.7 percentage points.The ratio of short-term external debt to foreign exchange reserves also increased from 43.3% to 46.5%, a rise of 3.2 percentage points. Although the increase in long-term external debt was larger, the simultaneous rise in short-term debt contributed to this change.A Ministry of Finance official stated, "Considering the slight increase in net external assets and the rise in foreign exchange reserves, the country's external payment capacity is assessed to be at a healthy level."The foreign currency liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), which indicates the repayment ability of domestic banks' external debt, stood at 167.0% at the end of the second quarter, significantly exceeding the regulatory requirement of 80%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:20
  • South Korea Expands Recycling Standards for Used Batteries
    South Korea Expands Recycling Standards for Used Batteries The South Korean government is broadening the scope of materials recognized for recycling from used batteries and enhancing safety standards for their transport and storage. The Future Waste Resources collection centers, which primarily handled used electric vehicle batteries and solar panel waste, will now also manage components from wind turbines, energy storage systems (ESS), and eco-friendly vehicles.On August 20, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that it will publicly notify amendments to the Waste Management Act and the Resource Circulation Act for electric and electronic products and automobiles from August 21 to October 1.The proposed amendments expand the recycling recognition criteria for materials recovered from used batteries from a nickel content of 10% to a combined nickel and cobalt content of 13%. This adjustment allows for the recycling of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries, which typically have lower nickel content.The intended use of the recovered materials will be clearly defined for domestic product manufacturing, promoting the production of recycled materials in South Korea. A new classification code for 'used secondary batteries for power storage and backup power' will be established to separately track the volume of used batteries from ESS and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The types of recycling will also include remanufacturing and reuse.Standards for the transport and storage of used batteries will be strengthened. The current standards applied to used electric vehicle batteries will be extended to include those from hybrid vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and batteries from construction and agricultural machinery, as well as electric storage facilities. High-risk used batteries that are damaged or deformed will need to be transported in sealed containers with protective equipment, ensuring insulation and cushioning to reduce the risk of hazardous material leaks, fires, and explosions.The range of items handled by the seven Future Waste Resources collection centers across the country will also be expanded. They will now be able to collect, store, and sell components such as drive motors and fuel cells from electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles, as well as wind turbine nacelles and blades, and ESS. These facilities include critical minerals such as rare earth permanent magnets and platinum, and establishing a recovery system is expected to reduce import dependency and contribute to supply chain stability.The scope of large discarded appliances that manufacturers and importers must collect free of charge during new product installations has also been clarified. Eleven items, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, televisions, clothes dryers, and garment care devices, will be included.The implementation rules for the Resource Circulation Act for electronic products will take effect on December 10, following public consultation and review by the Ministry of Legislation. The amendments to the Waste Management Act are expected to be finalized by the end of this year.Kim Go-eung, director of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "Future waste resources are waste that must be managed safely while being core resources that support our industry’s supply chain. We will spare no effort in improving systems and providing support to promote domestic recycling."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:20
  • Financial Supervisory Service Automates Monitoring of Virtual Asset Market Using AI
    Financial Supervisory Service Automates Monitoring of Virtual Asset Market Using AI The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is automating its market monitoring of unfair trading in virtual assets using artificial intelligence (AI).On August 20, the FSS announced the establishment of an AI-based monitoring system for the virtual asset market that integrates generative AI and machine learning algorithms.This system includes real-time transaction data analysis, online public information analysis, and automatic in-depth analysis of suspicious assets.Initially, the AI algorithm will capture abnormal transactions occurring in the virtual asset market in real time. Based on the FSS's accumulated investigative experience, it will automatically identify suspected short-term price manipulation cases, such as the 'racehorse' type, where prices fluctuate dramatically at specific times, and the 'cage' type, where prices surge for assets with restricted deposits and withdrawals.For assets with significant price and trading volume movements, generative AI will analyze related announcements and news to determine the causes of price fluctuations. If typical price manipulation patterns emerge or prices rise sharply without clear reasons, the FSS will request trading data from exchanges to assess the need for further investigation.The AI will also detect artificial trading volume inflation, such as wash trading. By applying Benford's Law and machine learning algorithms, it will identify assets and trading periods that deviate from normal trading patterns.Unfair trading occurring online will also be monitored. Generative AI will analyze posts and videos related to virtual assets, examining subtitles and audio to detect illegal pre-trading through leading rooms, dissemination of false information, and incitement to unfair trading.After detecting abnormal transactions, AI will be utilized in the in-depth analysis process. It will assess quantitative indicators such as price and trading volume surges, the causes of price increases identified by AI, complaints, tips, and media reports to determine whether to initiate a detailed analysis.Generative AI will also compile review reports summarizing the analysis results. Based on the indicators generated by AI, the reports will be automatically created in a pre-designed format, allowing investigators to decide on further analysis or planning investigations.An FSS official stated, "With the establishment of this AI-based market monitoring system, we expect to respond quickly and efficiently to increasingly sophisticated and complex unfair trading in virtual assets with limited personnel. We also plan to further enhance the AI-based market monitoring and investigation system by developing additional features to support fund flow and on-chain tracking."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:10
  • Genesis Targets Large Electric SUV Market with GV90 Unveiling
    Genesis Targets Large Electric SUV Market with GV90 Unveiling Genesis is accelerating its entry into the market with its first large flagship electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the GV90, which is based on the concept car 'Neolun.' The company aims to set a new standard for luxury flagship vehicles in the electric era. On August 18, Genesis held a media design preview for the flagship SUV at its exhibition center in Yongin, South Korea, where it unveiled the GV90 for the first time. This large electric vehicle is a luxury flagship model developed from the Neolun concept car showcased in 2024. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung stated at the 'GV90 World Premiere' in San Francisco on August 19, "To be truly luxurious, a vehicle must have good quality and safety, and it should exceed expectations in value for the money spent." He added, "We have not yet achieved our goals for eco-friendly vehicle development, and there is still much to improve in electric vehicles regarding batteries and motors, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are just beginning their journey." This marks the first time Genesis has launched a large flagship electric SUV. The GV90 is available in two versions: the 'GV90 Neolun,' which features the world's first independent opening hidden B-pillar coach doors known as 'Neolun Arch Gates,' and the standard 'GV90' with swing doors. Notably, the GV90 Neolun incorporates Hyundai Motor Group's first electric swiveling seats in the front row. By pressing a button on the door, the front seats can rotate 180 degrees to face the second row. However, for safety reasons, the seats are designed to rotate only when there are no passengers in the vehicle. A Genesis representative explained, "We have implemented a system that recognizes people using cameras, and the vehicle cannot be driven while the seats are turned around." Additionally, the GV90 introduces a new power system that eliminates the traditional ignition button, a first for Hyundai Motor Group. When the door is closed from the inside, the rotary gear lever moves from the 12 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position, allowing for gear shifting. The vehicle can then be driven by pressing the brake pedal and shifting gears. With the launch of the GV90, Genesis is expected to target the growing demand for large electric SUVs. Currently, the company offers electric models in South Korea, including the G80 electric model, GV60, GV70, and the high-performance 'GV60 Magma' based on the GV60. The addition of the GV90 expands its electric lineup to include a flagship SUV. Moreover, the GV90 is significant as it will be the first production model from Hyundai's dedicated electric vehicle (EV) plant in Ulsan. Hyundai plans to begin full operations at the Ulsan EV plant in the fourth quarter of this year, with plans to produce various electric vehicles starting with the GV90. The company has invested approximately 2 trillion won for this initiative. Hyundai Motor President Jose Munoz emphasized, "The GV90 is a model that sets a new milestone for Genesis and future luxury mobility, embodying the brand's core values of Korean hospitality and craftsmanship in the most advanced way possible." 2026-08-20 12:04:10
  • High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee Begins Operations
    High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee Begins Operations A specialized committee tasked with reviewing policies for managing high-level radioactive waste has officially begun its activities. In its first meeting, the committee will examine the draft of the third basic plan for high-level radioactive waste management and the criteria for excluding unsuitable disposal site areas.The High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee announced on August 20 that it will hold its first sector-specific committee meeting on August 21 at the Sangyeonjae in Jung-gu, Seoul.The specialized committee is an expert advisory body under the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee, responsible for conducting necessary research and professional reviews related to waste management policies. It was established based on the Special Act on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management.The committee is divided into four sectors: site selection, storage and transportation, disposal, and communication. Since the end of June, the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee has received candidate recommendations from 25 organizations, including relevant associations, academic societies, research institutions, and civil society, and has appointed an initial 35 members after verifying their qualifications. The term for committee members is two years from the date of appointment.During the first meeting, the committee will review the draft of the third basic plan for high-level radioactive waste management and the criteria for excluding unsuitable areas for high-level radioactive waste management facilities. The exclusion criteria aim to eliminate geologically unstable regions from consideration in the early stages of site selection, serving as a starting point for future disposal facility location procedures.Given that the establishment of high-level radioactive waste disposal facilities requires a lengthy process from site selection to construction and operation, securing the scientific validity and procedural reliability of the initial exclusion criteria is crucial. The specialized committee will also discuss support measures for investigation and hosting regions, the development of Korean disposal technologies, and long-term communication and outreach strategies.Kim Hyun-gwon, chair of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee, stated, "The launch of the specialized committee is an important foundation for securing public trust in policies based on high-level expertise. We will establish a management system for high-level radioactive waste that assures the public through thorough scientific verification and sincere communication."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:00
  • Population of Centenarians in South Korea Surges to 8,604, Majority Are Women
    Population of Centenarians in South Korea Surges to 8,604, Majority Are Women Last year, the number of centenarians in South Korea surpassed 8,600, marking a 2.7-fold increase over the past decade, with more than 80% being women.According to the National Data Agency's report on the "2025 Population and Housing Census for Centenarians" released on August 20, the number of individuals aged 100 and older was recorded at 8,604 as of November 1 last year.This figure represents an increase of 5,445 (172.4%) from 3,159 in 2015. The number of centenarians per 100,000 people rose from 6.4 to 17.3, an increase of 10.9.By gender, women accounted for 7,176, or 83.4%, while men numbered 1,428, making up 16.6%. The sex ratio, indicating the number of men per 100 women, was 19.9.Regionally, Gyeonggi Province had the highest number of centenarians at 2,052, followed by Seoul with 1,268, North Gyeongsang with 559, South Jeolla with 541, and Incheon with 528. Urban areas housed 65.8% of the total, with 5,663 individuals, while rural areas accounted for 34.2%, or 2,941 individuals.When adjusted for population size, South Jeolla had the highest rate of centenarians at 31.8 per 100,000, followed by Jeju at 30.4 and Gangwon at 28.6.In terms of specific districts, Goyang City in Gyeonggi Province led with 188 centenarians, followed by Yongin City with 169 and Suwon City with 152. Seven of the top ten districts were located in Gyeonggi Province.Per 100,000 people, Goheung County in South Jeolla had the highest concentration at 91.8, followed by Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang at 89.6, Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang at 86.8, and Hadong County in South Gyeongsang at 78.8.The National Data Agency surveyed 4,280 centenarians living at home to assess their living conditions and health status.Among those surveyed, 48.5% lived in single-family homes, while 41.2% resided in apartments. The proportion of those living in their own homes was 76.3%, and 83.9% had at least one elder-friendly feature, such as removed thresholds, safety handrails, or emergency bells.Seventy-five point one percent of centenarians lived with family, with the highest cohabitation rate of 68.4% being with children and their spouses. Those living alone accounted for 20.7%.Caregivers were primarily children and their spouses at 73.5%, while paid caregivers, including nursing aides and attendants, made up 35.6%. Eighty point two percent reported that their living expenses were supported by children or relatives, while 67.2% received assistance from the government or local authorities.Ninety percent of centenarians living at home reported having chronic illnesses. Hypertension was the most common condition at 56.7%, followed by arthritis at 39.9%, dementia at 29.1%, and diabetes at 15.7%.Of those surveyed, 87.4% knew their own names, and 87.8% recognized family members. Sixty-one point nine percent accurately knew their age, while 43.6% could perform simple calculations.Seventy point seven percent expressed no intention of entering a care facility if their health deteriorated or they needed assistance, citing a preference for family care or staying in familiar surroundings as key reasons.When asked about the secrets to longevity, 59.7% attributed it to a moderate diet, followed by regular lifestyle habits at 44.5%, genetic factors at 32.1%, and an optimistic personality at 25.8%. Seventy-five point eight percent of centenarians reported never having consumed alcohol or smoked throughout their lives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:04:00
  • Jung Jeom-sik Accuses Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young of Political Targeting
    Jung Jeom-sik Accuses Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young of Political Targeting 국민의힘은 20일 권창영 2차 종합특검이 나경원·김기현·윤상현·권영진 의원을 불구속 기소한 것에 대해 "정치적 표적 기소"라며 법 왜곡죄로 고발하겠다고 밝혔다.정점식 원내대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 의원총회에서 "기소 폭거범 권창영 특검을 법 왜곡죄로 고발하겠다"며 이같이 말했다.정 원내대표는 "권창영 특검이 활동 종료를 앞두고 폐업 정리 기소 대방출에 나서고 있다"며 "특히 우리 당 의원 4명을 무더기로 기소했다. 기소의 기준도 증거도 없는 기소권 남용이고 기소 폭거"라고 주장했다.이어 "특검이 기소한 사건은 내란몰이 선봉장 조은석 특검조차 수사 끝에 의미 없다고 판단한 것"이라며 "수사 기관과의 몸싸움은 없었지만 스크럼을 짰다는 게 특검의 주장이다. 물리적 충돌이 없었는데 폭력 행위가 있었다고 할 수 있겠느냐"고 지적했다. 아울러 "현장에서 스크럼을 함께한 의원들과 시민들이 여럿인데 이 중에서 4명만 선별했다는 것 자체가 명백한 정치적 표적 기소"라고 강조했다.전날 국회 외교통일위원회 전체회의에서 김준환 더불어민주당 의원이 박충권 의원에게 '김일성 만세 부르던 사람'이라고 발언한 것에 대해 "민주당이 얼마나 뼛속 깊이 저열한 탈북민 비하 정당인지 밝히겠다"며 김 의원을 윤리위원회에 제소하겠다고 했다. 또 개헌과 관련해 "이재명 대통령이 연임은 없다는 약속을 하지 않으면 정부, 여당의 개헌 제안에 응할 수 없다는 입장을 분명하게 밝히라고 했지만 대통령에게 그런 마음이 없다는 것을 충분히 확인했다"며 이 대통령의 5개 재판 속개가 확정될 때까지 개헌 제안에 응하지 않겠다고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 12:00:00
  • D Live TV Expands Local News Programming to Enhance Community Engagement
    D Live TV Expands Local News Programming to Enhance Community Engagement D Live TV is enhancing its community-focused content by expanding its local news and talk show programming.The network announced on August 20 that it has increased the scheduling of local news and talk shows addressing regional issues since August 17.While maintaining live broadcasts of news at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the number of rebroadcasts has been increased from four to six. The morning news will be rebroadcast at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., while the evening news will air again at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., and the following day at 1 a.m.Notably, some rebroadcasts that were previously scheduled during the day and early morning have been moved to prime evening viewing hours to improve accessibility to local news for viewers. D Live TV aims to establish a regular programming flow with the slogan 'D Live News at Odd Hours' to foster viewing habits and brand recognition for local news.The network has also expanded its AI-driven local news content, 'AI Weekly News,' by 50%. The frequency has increased from two broadcasts a day, ten times a week, to three broadcasts a day, fifteen times a week, with the addition of evening slots to the existing morning and afternoon schedules. Future plans include strengthening region-specific content linked to local news.The talk show 'Real Interview,' which addresses local issues, will also resume regular programming. D Live TV will restart production of 'Real Interview,' which was temporarily halted during the election broadcast period, with its first episode airing at 6 p.m. on the same day. The program delves deeply into local agendas with various opinion leaders in the community.D Live TV has been producing its own content to cover local issues and lifestyle information that are difficult to address in national broadcasts, particularly focusing on the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. This programming overhaul aims to expand not only local news but also talk shows, thereby strengthening connections with viewers.Kim Hyun-tae, CEO of D Live TV, stated, 'Through the expansion of our news programming, we will enhance local programming during prime viewing hours and further promote the public role of local channels and strengthen regional competitiveness.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 11:56:00
  • Parties Delay Yongsan Park Special Law Proposal, Process Over 70 Bills in National Assembly
    Parties Delay Yongsan Park Special Law Proposal, Process Over 70 Bills in National Assembly The ruling and opposition parties agreed on August 20 to process over 70 bills pending in the National Assembly. The 'Yongsan Park Special Law' was excluded from the agenda for the day.Cheon Jun-ho, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, told reporters at the National Assembly, "Today (August 20), we decided to present and process over 70 bills in the plenary session. The Speaker of the National Assembly expressed the intention to ensure that bills discussed in the first half of the year but not processed will be addressed in the second half."The recently discussed Yongsan Park Special Law was not included in the agenda. This bill aims to relax green space standards in the Yongsan Park complex to increase housing supply. The government is considering utilizing part of the Yongsan Park area for housing, including public rental housing. However, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized the need to preserve urban green spaces, arguing that sufficient social discussion and public consensus must precede such measures.In this context, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-deok and Mayor Oh are set to meet in Seoul to discuss related issues. The parties agreed to decide on the processing of the Yongsan Park Special Law after monitoring the results of the discussions between Minister Kim and Mayor Oh. The 'Urban and Residential Environment Maintenance Act' and the 'Special Act on Promoting Urban Restructuring' were also postponed.Additionally, bills that did not reach an agreement between the parties will not be presented in today's plenary session. Kim Seung-soo, the floor leader of the People Power Party, noted, "There are bills that passed while our party's members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee were absent. We agreed to further discuss bills that passed through the committee and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee without sufficient consultation between the parties and make adjustments if necessary."Meanwhile, the National Assembly law amendment, which was interrupted during a filibuster on July 31, will be automatically scheduled for today's plenary session. This bill aims to reduce the maximum review period for fast-track items from 330 days to 90 days.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 11:28:00