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  • Democratic Party Appoints Moon Jin-seok and Ahn Tae-jun to Key Positions
    Democratic Party Appoints Moon Jin-seok and Ahn Tae-jun to Key Positions Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, appointed Representative Moon Jin-seok as the Chief Administrative Vice Chairman and Representative Ahn Tae-jun as the Organizational Vice Chairman on August 19. Additionally, a new task force for innovation at the Democratic Research Institute was established, with Representative Kang Deuk-gu appointed as its head.Park Sung-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, discussed the new appointments with reporters in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, in the afternoon. He explained that the task force was created to reform the Democratic Research Institute based on the experiences of its director and the policy committee chair.Since taking office on August 17, Kim has announced several appointments for key party positions, including Representative Han Jeong-ae as Secretary General and Representative Kwon Chil-seung as the chair of the policy committee. On the same day, Representative Han Byeong-do also appointed Representative Jeon Eun-soo as the party's floor spokesperson.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:44:10
  • Musinsa to Showcase AI Innovations at Upcoming Tech Conference
    Musinsa to Showcase AI Innovations at Upcoming Tech Conference Musinsa will share its technological achievements and development know-how gained from applying artificial intelligence (AI) in commerce services with external developers.The company announced that it will host the 'Musinsa Pattern 2026 Tech Conference' on September 18 at the Bondavinci Museum in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. This event aims to share Musinsa Tech's engineering capabilities and product development experiences with the developer ecosystem, focusing on innovative cases of using AI in commerce services and product development.The conference will feature an opening keynote followed by a total of 16 sessions across two tracks: Atelier and Collection. During the opening keynote, Jeon Jun-hee, Musinsa's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), will present the company's technological vision and strategy.CTO Jeon will also share practical insights gained from the process of applying AI to real services. He plans to discuss solutions to issues such as reliability verification and context understanding that can arise as AI development speeds up.In the Atelier track, Musinsa will unveil technologies like the 'Star Map,' which connects fragmented system structures, and an integrated data platform that reliably handles large-scale traffic.The Collection track will highlight how productivity and work methods have changed since the introduction of AI. Musinsa's tech leaders and developers will explain practical cases, including the design of an AI-based inventory platform, automated code generation linked to design systems, data architecture optimization, and reduced development lead times.The conference is free for developers and product practitioners. A Musinsa representative stated, "This will be an opportunity to share concrete achievements and know-how gained from applying AI to actual projects, rather than just theories or possibilities."Meanwhile, Musinsa introduced its app to ChatGPT in June, with plans to gradually expand its technological connections with global customers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:44:10
  • Nexters CEO Jang Hyun-guk: One Store to Achieve Monthly Profitability in September
    Nexters CEO Jang Hyun-guk: One Store to Achieve Monthly Profitability in September “One Store is expected to surpass its monthly breakeven point (BEP) and turn a profit in September,” said Jang Hyun-guk, CEO of Nexters. He has moved up the timeline for achieving BEP from the end of the year to September, citing recent expansions in new content and exclusive games that have enabled faster profitability improvements. Additionally, the global launch of One Store in 124 countries at the end of this month will accelerate its transformation with a focus on AI and blockchain games.In a recent interview at Nexters' office in Pangyo, Jang discussed the company's plans for profitability improvement and global platform transition following the acquisition of One Store. Nexters completed the acquisition of One Store in June and is now accelerating its efforts to enhance profitability and restructure its business.As a domestic app market, One Store has faced challenges against global competitors, reporting sales of 113.3 billion won and an operating loss of 9.6 billion won last year. Since acquiring One Store, Nexters has been implementing new content and exclusive games starting in July to improve profitability.“A month ago, I said we would achieve monthly BEP by the end of the year, but now I can confidently say it will be in September,” Jang stated. “By September, we will not only achieve a monthly turnaround but also expect to turn a profit in Q4, with an annual profit expected next year.”One Store to Evolve into an AI and Blockchain Game Platform, Attracting Users in 124 CountriesJang envisions Nexters as an 'AI and blockchain game platform.' When planning new business initiatives for Nexters by the end of 2024, he initially considered a blockchain game platform, later expanding the vision to include AI as it emerged as a new technological paradigm.He believes that first-mover advantage is particularly significant in the platform market. As seen with platforms like Steam, Google Play, and the App Store, user and content concentration occurs in platforms that dominate specific markets. Therefore, establishing a platform in the AI and blockchain game sector is crucial.Nexters has been building its mainnet, wallet, game token and NFT exchange, and community, and secured game distribution and payment capabilities with the acquisition of One Store. The global service is set to launch in 124 countries at the end of this month, just two months after the acquisition.Jang also plans to change One Store's differentiation strategy. He noted, “One Store has competed with low fees and point benefits, but this approach alone has limitations for growth.”Instead, One Store will highlight AI and blockchain games as unique content that cannot be found on Google Play or the App Store. He emphasized, “There must be content that is not available on the App Store or Google Play, and I see AI and blockchain as that content.”After the global launch of One Store, the challenge will be how many actual users can be attracted. It is essential to create reasons for overseas users of existing app markets to install One Store separately. Jang views user acquisition as key to establishing a foothold in the global platform market.He is looking to Steam as a reference for acquiring global users. Unlike existing app markets that secure users based on specific operating systems, Steam has grown its user base by gradually adding games on an open platform. One Store aims to attract users with AI and blockchain games, creating a network effect that increases game supply.“We need to have answers on how to secure platform users,” he said, adding, “In the competitive global market, game content will ultimately become crucial.”The AI creation game section opened in early August is one of the content areas where One Store can differentiate itself from existing global app markets. It allows individuals to create games using AI and share them on One Store, establishing a new foundation for game supply.One Store to Increase Platform Fees and Consider Merger; “We Will Prove It with Results”In the long term, One Store aims to grow platform fees as a primary revenue source. The plan is to expand the revenue structure centered on fees from game and app distribution and game item transactions.Currently, One Store's distribution fees are around 10 billion won per month, while game item transaction fees range from 100 million to 200 million won. Jang anticipates that as item transactions expand, related fee revenues will grow to match distribution fees.In AI games, he sees potential for monetization not only through in-app purchases and advertising but also through the game creation process itself. He envisions charging for the usage of large language model (LLM) tokens and production support features, potentially linking this to a subscription model. “We can create a revenue model from the production itself by supporting users to use more tokens or create better games,” he explained.The organizational integration of Nexters and One Store is also underway. Jang stated, “Ultimately, we are a company that is creating a single platform, so we are considering merging into one company,” adding that depending on technical reviews, this could happen as early as the end of this year or next year.Meanwhile, Jang expressed lingering regret over his experience leading the WEMIX project at Wemade. He said, “I feel sorry for those who invested in WEMIX and for the employees and partners I worked with. The successful experience with WEMIX confirmed the potential of blockchain games, and both successes and failures are now integrated into this new project.”Jang believes that the success of the AI and blockchain game platform must be demonstrated through user engagement and results. “If we show that playing AI games leads to growth and results, and that going global with blockchain games connects to growth and results, the market will believe it,” he concluded. 2026-08-19 15:44:00
  • Foreign Land Transaction Permit System Set to End Amid Decreased Housing Sales
    Foreign Land Transaction Permit System Set to End Amid Decreased Housing Sales The 'Foreign Land Transaction Permit System,' implemented to curb speculative housing purchases by foreigners, is set to end in a week. Since its introduction, foreign housing transactions in Seoul have dropped by more than half, prompting interest in whether the system will be extended.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the permit designation period for areas including all of Seoul, 23 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province, and seven districts in Incheon will expire on the 25th. The ministry plans to make a final decision on the extension after a review by the Central Urban Planning Committee. When the system was introduced last year, it was set for a one-year period, with a promise to consider an extension based on the real estate market situation.The foreign-only permit system was established amid concerns that foreign investors using overseas funds, which are not subject to domestic financial regulations, would increase speculative housing purchases following the loan regulations implemented on June 27 last year. The designated areas include all of Seoul, as well as cities in Gyeonggi Province such as Suwon, Seongnam, Goyang, Yongin, Ansan, Bucheon, Gwacheon, Hanam, and Namyangju, along with districts in Incheon including Jung, Michuhol, Yeonsu, Namdong, Bupyeong, Gyeyang, and Seo.Foreigners wishing to purchase single-family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, or townhouses in these areas must obtain permission from local governments. They are required to move in within four months of acquiring the property and must reside there for two years, effectively limiting investment purchases by foreigners who do not reside in South Korea.Comparing the period from September to December last year, after the permit system was designated, with the same period in 2024, foreign housing transactions in the metropolitan area decreased from 2,279 to 1,481, a drop of 35%.Seoul saw the largest decline, with foreign housing transactions falling from 496 to 243, a 51% decrease. Gyeonggi and Incheon also experienced declines of 30% and 33%, respectively, with the reductions concentrated in high-priced homes. Transactions for homes priced below 1.2 billion won decreased from 2,073 to 1,385, a 33% drop, while transactions for homes priced above 1.2 billion won fell from 206 to 96, a 53% decrease. By nationality, transactions by Chinese buyers decreased from 1,554 to 1,053, a 32% drop, while transactions by American buyers fell from 377 to 208, a 45% decrease.Kim I-tak, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, interpreted the decline in foreign housing transactions as a sign that demand, which had been fueling market overheating, is decreasing.However, it is difficult to attribute the decline in transactions solely to the foreign-only permit system. In October of last year, the government designated all of Seoul and parts of Gyeonggi Province as regulated areas, which also restricted apartments in Seoul under the general permit system. Therefore, even if the foreign-only permit system ends on the 25th, it does not mean that the permit system for apartments in Seoul will disappear simultaneously.Moreover, the scope of the foreign-only permit system is broader. While the general permit system primarily targets apartments throughout Seoul, the foreign-only permit system encompasses all types of housing, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, townhouses, and multi-unit dwellings. Thus, if the foreign-only designation ends, the separate permit and residency requirements imposed on foreigners may be lifted in areas and housing types not covered by other permit zones.Park Won-gap, a senior real estate expert at KB Kookmin Bank, stated, “While foreigners are not purchasing homes in large numbers, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall market trend. However, in areas like Ansan and Pyeongtaek, where foreign transactions are high, demand may decrease somewhat.” 2026-08-19 15:40:00
  • Financial Support for Customers Affected by Heavy Rains in Gyeongnam
    Financial Support for Customers Affected by Heavy Rains in Gyeongnam Financial institutions are providing support to customers affected by the recent heavy rains in the Gyeongnam region, including deferrals on insurance premiums and credit card payments, as well as reductions in loan interest rates. According to the financial sector on the 19th, Samsung Card will defer credit card payment due dates for affected customers from August to October for up to six months. One-time domestic purchases over 10,000 won can be converted to installment payments for up to six months, with all related interest waived. Customers using short-term and long-term card loans will receive a discount of up to 30% on interest rates until the end of October. Long-term card loans maturing during this period can also be extended. Lotte Card is also offering a payment deferral of up to six months for affected customers. For those in arrears, debt collection will be suspended for six months from the date the damage is confirmed, and support will be provided for installment repayment and reduction of late fees. Additionally, interest on card loans and cash services will be reduced by up to 30% until the end of next month. Customers applying for installment card loans during this period will also have the option to switch to a three-month interest-only payment plan. Shinhan Life is deferring insurance premium payments for affected customers for six months. Coverage under insurance contracts will continue normally during the deferral period, and unpaid premiums can be settled in a lump sum or through six-month installments afterward. Customers utilizing insurance policy loans will receive a maximum interest reduction of 1 million won for six months. The company plans to streamline the claims process to expedite insurance payouts. Customers seeking financial support should submit relevant documents, such as a damage confirmation certificate issued by the local government, to the customer service centers of the respective companies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:40:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceutical Launches Daewoong Alliance to Connect Health Data
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical Launches 'Daewoong Alliance' to Connect Health Data Daewoong Pharmaceutical is launching the 'Daewoong Alliance' in collaboration with 12 domestic digital healthcare companies.The company announced on August 19 that it will showcase the Daewoong Alliance at the 'Korea Hospital and Health Tech Fair (KHF) 2026,' taking place at COEX in Seoul until August 21.The Daewoong Alliance is a digital healthcare collaboration model that connects health data generated in hospitals and daily life, extending beyond drug-centered treatment to encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and post-care. Daewoong Pharmaceutical plans to build a healthcare ecosystem based on the '4P paradigm,' which stands for prevention, prediction, precision, and participation.At the event, Daewoong Pharmaceutical will operate a joint exhibition space with 12 partner companies, including Cears, Skylabs, Medical AI, Arc, TR, Puzzle AI, iCoop, Promedius, Everex, AllSoCare, Hurotics, and Exosystems, featuring around 20 booths. The exhibition will be located in the COEX G30 area.The partner companies will demonstrate solutions in various fields, including diagnostics, monitoring, chronic disease management, digital therapy, and medical artificial intelligence (AI). Daewoong Pharmaceutical will host a total of 34 expert lectures over three days, sharing the clinical value of each technology and real-world application cases. Discussions on specific commercialization strategies with hospital representatives will also take place.Daewoong Pharmaceutical aims to leverage its sales and marketing infrastructure in conjunction with the technological capabilities of its partners to position the Daewoong Alliance as a key growth driver in the digital healthcare sector.Lee Chang-jae, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated, "We will establish a total healthcare environment that encompasses disease prediction to post-care based on data."In the first half of this year alone, Daewoong Pharmaceutical invested approximately 7.4 billion won in six companies, expanding its investment areas to include medical AI, data, imaging diagnostics, medical devices, and next-generation therapeutics.The market views this strategy as a proactive approach to securing technologies and products that can synergize with existing pharmaceutical operations, beyond simple equity investments, as well as next-generation pipelines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:36:10
  • Lee Seok-yeon Calls on President Yoon to Leave Democratic Party
    Lee Seok-yeon Calls on President Yoon to Leave Democratic Party Lee Seok-yeon, chair of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, publicly urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign from the Democratic Party and pursue bipartisan governance. He argued that now, following the conclusion of the party's convention and the establishment of new leadership, is the right time for the president to step down from party affiliation and become a 'president for all.'During an appearance on MBC's '100 Minutes Debate' on the night of August 18, Lee stated, "I would like to publicly suggest one decision to the president. The Democratic Party's convention has ended. Now, resign from the Democratic Party."He added, "As the chair of the National Integration Committee, I must say something that may be uncomfortable for the president. If it is considered a breach of etiquette, I will take responsibility for that as well."Lee cited the escalating political division between the ruling and opposition parties as the backdrop for his resignation proposal. He noted, "The ruling party is competing over who is closer to the president, while the opposition is taking an extreme stance against the president and the government. I am concerned that politics is once again dividing along party lines centered around the president."He emphasized, "The president has repeatedly stated that he wants to be a 'president for all.' Therefore, he must feel the heaviest responsibility for the current national governance challenges and severe national division."Lee also called for the inclusion of citizens who did not support or opposed President Yoon in the governance process. He remarked, "The constitution does not require the president to resign from a party, but if the goal of governance is true national integration, then I hope the president will step outside the political confines of being a party president."Regarding the relationship with the Democratic Party, he stated, "The Democratic Party has elected new leadership through its convention. Now, the party should be entrusted to its new leaders, and the president should return as the president of the people, not just the Democratic Party." He added, "It is essential to govern from a bipartisan perspective, and now is the right time to do so."Lee also urged the president to reach out first to opposition leaders and those who have been critical of him. He advised, "Meet with the opposition leader and listen to the voices of those who have criticized the president the most. The president should surround himself with those who tell him what he does not want to hear rather than those who only tell him what he wants to hear."Furthermore, he stated, "National integration does not begin with demanding concessions from others; it starts with the person who holds the greatest power and authority taking the first step down. The president must do so first."Meanwhile, the broadcast focused on the theme 'Korean Politics on the Edge: What is the Exit?' Lee and Lee Boo-young, honorary director of the Free Press Practice Foundation, discussed the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party following its convention, the turmoil within the People Power Party, and ways to resolve political polarization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:36:00
  • KDI raises South Koreas growth forecast to 3.2%
    KDI raises South Korea's growth forecast to 3.2% SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - South Korea is expected to grow 3.2 percent this year, the Korea Development Institute said on Wednesday. The revised outlook is higher than its previous forecast of 2.5 percent in May, as well as the government's 3 percent estimate and the Bank of Korea (BOK)'s current forecast of 2.6 percent. The state-run think tank attributed the stronger outlook to the global artificial intelligence (AI)-led boom, which has boosted semiconductor exports and facility investment, while giving the BOK more room to tighten monetary policy despite an uneven domestic recovery. KDI also raised its growth forecast for next year to 2.2 percent from 1.7 percent, expecting some of the semiconductor windfall to eventually boost household consumption and employment. It said semiconductors accounted for about 0.6 percentage point of the 0.7-point increase in this year's growth forecast, driven by higher exports, related equipment investment and income effects. More than half of projected growth was linked to the chip sector. KDI also raised its forecast for export volumes to 8.7 percent from 4.6 percent and its equipment investment forecast to 7.9 percent from 3.3 percent. Its current-account surplus forecast surged to $359.7 billion from $239.0 billion as higher semiconductor export prices delivered a sharp improvement in South Korea's terms of trade. The strong growth figures, however, mask an economy where gains remain concentrated among major chipmakers and have yet to reach household incomes, small businesses and domestic services more broadly. Private consumption is projected to expand 2.3 percent, only 0.1 percentage point above KDI's May estimate, while construction investment is expected to edge up just 0.1 percent amid a prolonged regional housing slump and elevated building costs. KDI cut its forecast for employment growth to 110,000 from 170,000, reflecting the semiconductor sector's limited capacity to generate jobs and continued weakness in construction and non-chip manufacturing. Kim Meeroo, head of KDI's macroeconomic and financial policy division, said the 3.2 percent expansion was strong relative to South Korea's potential growth rate but would feel considerably weaker to households because its benefits were concentrated in a narrow part of the economy. KDI kept its overall and core inflation forecasts at 2.7 percent and 2.5 percent and said the policy rate should stay slightly above the nominal neutral rate, which is estimated to be in the mid-2 percent range, though it did not call for a rate hike at any specific BOK meeting. KDI identified a sudden reversal in global AI investment as the principal downside risk because South Korea's rising dependence on semiconductors has made its broader outlook increasingly sensitive to the global chip cycle. Separately, BOK data released earlier in the day showed household debt rose by 25.9 trillion won ($17.4 billion) to a record 2,019.8 trillion won ($1.36 trillion) in the second quarter, surpassing 2,000 trillion won for the first time and marking the largest quarterly increase since the third quarter of 2021. The combination of above-potential growth, persistent underlying inflation and renewed household borrowing has prompted several economists to retain additional rate-hike forecasts even as consumption, construction and employment remain subdued. Park Jeong-woo, an economist at Nomura Securities, said that average retail sales contracted in the second quarter and that labor conditions remained weak, but put the probability of an Aug. 27 rate hike at 60 percent. Others remain more cautious, with Woori Financial Research Institute and KB Securities expecting the BOK to hold at 2.75 percent this month while delivering a hawkish signal, potentially accompanied by one or two dissenting votes for an increase. The latest data therefore reinforce expectations that the BOK's tightening cycle has further to run, but the weakness beneath South Korea's chip-led growth continues to divide economists over whether the next increase comes on Aug. 27 or later in the year. AJP Takeaways • KDI raised South Korea’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.2 percent from 2.5 percent, attributing 0.6 percentage point of the upgrade to semiconductors and their spillover effects. • Export volume is forecast to rise 8.7 percent and equipment investment 7.9 percent, while private consumption grows 2.3 percent, construction investment 0.1 percent and employment by just 110,000. • KDI's outlook and record household credit have kept Bank of Korea rate-hike calls alive ahead of Aug. 27, although economists remain divided between a back-to-back increase and a hawkish hold. 2026-08-19 15:32:37
  • Youth Outrage Over Housing Policies Amid Ongoing Real Estate Controversy
    Youth Outrage Over Housing Policies Amid Ongoing Real Estate Controversy As controversy continues over the government's real estate and housing policies, discontent among the youth demographic has surged on online platforms. On August 19, reactions emerged regarding the restrictions on jeonse loans for one-home owners in the metropolitan area and the proposal for youth rental housing at Yongsan Park. Many expressed frustration, questioning whether the government is suggesting they should live in rental housing as homeownership becomes increasingly difficult.On the same day, a popular online community frequented by young men shared an article titled, 'I can't rent another place while renting out my own.' The government announced that starting next year, it will limit jeonse loan guarantees for one-home owners who do not reside in their properties in the metropolitan area and regulated zones, categorizing them as 'non-resident homeowners for speculative purposes.'In response, users questioned, 'What percentage of homes under 300 million won exist in South Korea?' and lamented, 'Where are those who can't buy a home supposed to live if you are meddling with jeonse and monthly rent? Is it really this hard to own a single home?'Another user pointed out, 'The president himself rented out his home when he ran for office. Now that he’s in the Blue House, he no longer worries about his own home, and it seems he wants to crack down on non-resident homeowners. That’s quite a nasty attitude.'Meanwhile, in another online community with a significant number of young female users, discussions centered around the Blue House's consideration of providing youth rental housing within Yongsan Park. Ha Jun-kyung, the chief of economic growth at the presidential office, emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing the valuable land, mentioning the potential use of some areas for youth housing.However, this community also shared links to petitions opposing the housing supply at Yongsan Park.Users reacted with comments like, 'Isn't it inappropriate for residential use now that it has been deemed unsuitable?' and 'Are young people supposed to live in rentals? When will they save enough to buy a home?' They also questioned whether the demand for youth rental housing truly exists.Past criticisms from the Democratic Party regarding soil contamination and safety issues at Yongsan Park were also revisited. Users compared the party's previous stance on the park's safety with the current consideration of youth rental housing, suggesting a shift in position.One user remarked, 'Since the time of Roh Moo-hyun, Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, Moon Jae-in, and now Yoon Suk Yeol, all candidates have claimed Yongsan Park is a park. Yet now that Lee Jae-myung is president, the Democratic Party has changed its tune.'This recent online discourse highlights a shared concern among youth regarding housing stability, as they grapple with the implications of the jeonse loan restrictions and the proposed youth rental housing. Many are calling for an environment that enables homeownership rather than a reliance on rental living.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 15:32:00
  • Employment in Finance Sector Rises, But Major Banks Cut New Hires by 14%
    Employment in Finance Sector Rises, But Major Banks Cut New Hires by 14% While overall employment in the finance and insurance sectors has increased, the number of new hires at major commercial banks has been declining over the long term. The rise of online transactions and the reduction of physical branches have led to a decreased demand for general bank tellers, prompting a shift in recruitment within the finance sector towards specialized roles in digital IT, investment finance, and non-bank institutions.According to the Financial Services Commission, the '2026 Joint Recruitment Fair for the Finance Sector' is taking place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul over two days, featuring a record 82 financial institutions. The number of participating organizations has steadily increased from 64 in 2023 to 78 in 2024, and 80 last year.Despite the growth of the job fair, new hiring at major commercial banks is generally on the decline. According to the finance sector, the four largest banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori—plan to hire approximately 510 new employees in the first half of this year, a decrease of 85 positions, or 14.3%, from about 595 in the same period last year.Hiring trends vary by bank. Some banks have increased their hiring numbers compared to last year, but the reductions at other banks have been more significant, leading to an overall decrease among the four major banks. The total number of annual new hires has also dropped from 1,880 in 2023 to 1,320 in 2024, and approximately 1,170 last year, marking a 37.8% decline over two years.The reduction in bank hiring is attributed to changes in the operating environment. The expansion of mobile banking and the consolidation of branches have decreased the demand for general tellers. Banks are now focusing on hiring specialized personnel in areas such as digital IT, data, and corporate finance on an as-needed basis, rather than relying on large-scale regular recruitment.In contrast, overall employment in the finance sector has increased. According to the National Data Agency's Economic Activity Population Survey, the number of employed individuals in finance and insurance reached 825,900 in the second quarter of this year, up by 56,300, or 7.3%, from 769,600 in the second quarter of 2021.However, this statistic includes not only bank employees but also those working in insurance companies and finance-related services, as well as non-wage workers. Therefore, the increase in finance and insurance employment cannot be directly interpreted as a growth in bank jobs. There is also a trend in non-bank sectors to hire experienced workers who can be deployed immediately rather than increasing large-scale new graduate recruitment. The re-employment of voluntary retirees in the banking sector is also reflected in the overall employment figures.Ultimately, even as overall employment in finance and insurance rises, the number of entry-level positions available for young people may be decreasing. Lee Ok-yeon, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, commented, “With the introduction of AI and rapidly changing job requirements, companies are increasingly favoring experienced candidates, making it more challenging for young people to enter the finance sector.” 2026-08-19 15:32:00