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  • Samsung Maintains Top Position in NAND Market, YMTC Rises to Third Amid AI Demand
    Samsung Maintains Top Position in NAND Market, YMTC Rises to Third Amid AI Demand Samsung Electronics retained its position as the leading global NAND flash supplier by shipment volume in the second quarter of this year. SK Hynix closely followed, while China's Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC) climbed to third place for the first time. The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shifting towards enterprise SSDs (eSSD), altering the competitive landscape of the NAND market from mere shipment volume to high-value products.According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Samsung's market share in global NAND bit shipments was 25% in the second quarter, the highest among competitors. SK Hynix, including its subsidiary Solidigm, held 22%, benefiting from a 40% increase in Solidigm's bit shipments compared to the previous quarter.Samsung's NAND market share decreased from 32% in the second quarter of 2024 to 25% this year, a drop of 7 percentage points. Counterpoint attributed this decline to Samsung prioritizing the production of relatively more profitable DRAM.YMTC's rise was notable, achieving a 14% market share, slightly surpassing Japan's Kioxia to enter the global top three for the first time. Its shipments increased by 22% year-on-year and 5% from the previous quarter, attributed to an expanded supply to domestic customers amid a supply shortage.However, the ranking by shipment volume did not directly translate to revenue competitiveness. While YMTC ranked third in bit shipments, it was fifth in revenue. The lower proportion of high-priced eSSDs for data centers affected its product mix compared to leading companies like Samsung and SK Hynix.AI is reshaping the NAND market. As AI workloads expand from training to inference, the demand for eSSDs capable of storing and quickly accessing large volumes of data has surged. In the second quarter, eSSDs accounted for 48% of total NAND bit shipments, nearly doubling from 26% in the same period last year.Counterpoint predicts that by the end of this year, server eSSDs will surpass half of total NAND bit shipments. Consequently, competition among NAND manufacturers is expected to shift from merely supplying volume to increasing the share of ultra-high-capacity and high-performance products for AI data centers, which will determine profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:40:00
  • South Korean Government Unveils New Housing Supply Measures
    South Korean Government Unveils New Housing Supply Measures The South Korean government announced a new housing supply plan on August 13, aimed at expediting public land development and easing regulations on redevelopment and reconstruction projects. The plan introduces various new housing models, including equity accumulation public sales, universal public rentals, long-term private rentals for 20 years, and youth universal lease rentals. Additionally, it seeks to alleviate the so-called 'marriage penalty' that restricts policy loans after marriage.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the new measures will reduce the average time from the announcement of public land candidates to construction from 68 months to 37 months. The designation of districts will be shortened from 12 months to 4 months, while district planning will be cut from 24 months to 13 months. The site acquisition phase, including compensation and relocation, will be reduced from 44 months to 24 months. Specialized models will allow construction to begin within 21 to 34 months after announcement, depending on project conditions.Regulations on redevelopment and reconstruction will also be relaxed. The approval rate for establishing redevelopment associations will decrease from 75% to 70% among landowners, while the consent rate for designating public redevelopment and reconstruction project implementers will drop from 67% to 60%. If only one company participates in the general competitive bidding for construction, the re-bidding process and submission period will be shortened.◆ New Universal Public Rental Housing for Low-Income and General PublicThe rental housing system will undergo significant changes. The government will establish a new 'universal public rental housing' category, separate from existing public rentals.While current public rentals are limited to those earning 150% or less of the median income and focus on low-income households, the universal model will broaden eligibility. More than 50% of the total units will be allocated to young people without homes, with the remainder going to the general public without housing.Locations will be centered around preferred areas, such as transit-oriented developments in the third new towns and downtown Seoul. The design will shift from two-bay to three-bay layouts, and the quality of finishing materials will be elevated to match private housing standards. The basic residency period will be six years, extendable with each childbirth, allowing families with three or more minor children to stay for up to 20 years. In areas subject to private sale regulations, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) will prioritize purchasing units for universal public rental housing.A new long-term rental model will also be introduced for the private sector, addressing the lack of financial support for long-term operators. The government will implement a 'long-term mortgage for rental housing' backed by the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG), allowing for up to 34 years of financial support, including construction and rental operation periods.For 20-year rentals, the fund's investment limit will increase from 11% to 14% of total project costs, and the maximum loan limit will rise from 120 million won to 200 million won. The interest rate will be lower than the current 2.6% to 3.4% for 10-year rentals, set at 2.0% to 2.8%. The initial rent will be set at 95% of the market rate.A new 'universal lease rental' program for youth will also be introduced. The existing youth lease rental program, which supports a maximum of 120 million won for individuals in the metropolitan area, will double the limit to 240 million won and use a lottery system for allocation. The current youth lease rental program will remain in place alongside this new type.◆ Public Sales with 25% Initial Payment and Equity SharingThe public sales method will also change. The government plans to offer about 15% of public sale units as equity accumulation or profit-sharing types.The equity accumulation model allows buyers to pay only 25% of the initial sale price, with the option to acquire an additional 20% every five years, ultimately securing ownership over 20 to 30 years. The profit-sharing model will provide low-interest loans from the housing fund for homebuyers, with profits generated from the housing shared between the fund and the buyers. This model will support low-interest loans with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 70%.The government will also address the issue of policy loans being unavailable after marriage. Currently, loans such as the Didirim, Buteumok, and Bogumjari loans assess eligibility based on combined income after marriage. The new policy will allow loans if either spouse meets the general income criteria. For example, a couple with incomes of 50 million won and 70 million won would currently be disqualified for a Didirim loan due to their combined income exceeding the limit, but under the new rules, the assessment will be based on the 50 million won income.Additionally, protections for lease deposits will be enhanced. The support eligibility for youth lease deposit return guarantees will expand from an annual income of 50 million won and a deposit of 300 million won to approximately 65 million won in income and deposits of 700 million won in the metropolitan area and 500 million won in non-metropolitan areas. The support amount will also increase from a maximum of 400,000 won to 500,000 won.A new 'lease trust' system will be introduced, allowing tenants to deposit their lease funds with a public stabilization organization instead of directly paying landlords. This organization will manage the funds and provide landlords with monthly rental income derived from the investment. Tenants will benefit from deposit protection, while landlords will receive stable income without the risk of late payments. The government plans to start recruiting landlords in September and aims to begin tenant placements by the end of the year, with a pilot supply of 500 units through LH's rental program.Building regulations for non-apartment structures will also be relaxed. The construction area limit for multi-family and multi-household buildings will increase from 660 square meters to less than 1,000 square meters, and the number of floors for multi-household housing will rise from three to four. Sunlight regulations will be eased, allowing for vertical construction instead of sloped designs for typical four to five-story buildings. The government estimates that relaxing floor regulations alone could increase the number of units by about 33% within the same area.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:40:00
  • Yen Hits 160 Mark Again, Raising Concerns Over Currency Intervention
    Yen Hits 160 Mark Again, Raising Concerns Over Currency Intervention The exchange rate serves as a thermometer for a country's economy. When the economy is healthy, the temperature stabilizes naturally; however, if there are fundamental issues, no amount of fever-reducing medication will keep the temperature down. This is evident in the recent fluctuations of the yen. Despite the unprecedented joint intervention by the Japanese and U.S. governments to buy yen, its value is once again approaching 160 yen per dollar. Before the joint intervention at the end of last month, the yen was nearing 164 yen per dollar. Following the intervention, it dropped sharply to around 155 yen. However, this effect was short-lived. As of August 13, the yen has risen back to the 159 yen range, once again nearing the psychological resistance level of 160 yen. Market analysts believe that if the yen surpasses 160 yen per dollar, the Japanese authorities are likely to intervene in the market again. There is a perception that Japan has significant intervention capacity, backed by its dollar reserves of nearly $1 trillion. The problem lies in the diminishing effectiveness of such interventions. Foreign exchange market interventions involve selling foreign currency and buying domestic currency, sending a strong signal to the market and forcing speculative positions to close. The recent U.S.-Japan joint intervention significantly unsettled investors who had bet on a weaker yen. However, once the intervention ended, market participants resumed selling yen, reversing much of the gains. The reason is straightforward. The direction of the exchange rate is determined not by a government’s one-day transactions but by the underlying economic fundamentals. The interest rate differential between Japan and the U.S. remains substantial, and concerns about Japan's fiscal situation and its dependence on energy imports weigh heavily on the yen. If the Bank of Japan (BOJ) does not raise interest rates sufficiently, the so-called yen carry trade—borrowing yen to invest in relatively higher-yielding dollar assets—could resurface. Thus, focusing solely on how much ammunition Japan has left for foreign exchange market interventions misses the essence of the issue. Japan still possesses considerable foreign exchange reserves, indicating sufficient capacity for further interventions. In fact, Japan is estimated to have already spent over $100 billion on two foreign exchange market interventions this year. However, the ability to spend money to defend the currency's value is entirely different from the ability to change the long-term trend of that value. Moreover, this time, the U.S. also participated in the intervention. The joint signal from the U.S. and Japan to curb yen depreciation sent a significant shock to the market. Nevertheless, the yen's return to weakness suggests that the market prioritizes economic fundamentals over mere policy signals. Ultimately, for sustained yen strength, analysts argue that a fundamental policy shift, such as additional interest rate hikes by the BOJ or a more prolonged tightening stance, is necessary. This situation is not just a concern for Japan. The South Korean won is also influenced by the global strength of the dollar, the interest rate differential between South Korea and the U.S., and various factors affecting domestic economic growth. While it is essential for the government to stabilize the market during periods of volatility, it should not aim to maintain a specific exchange rate level against market forces for an extended period. The lesson from the yen's situation is clear. Foreign exchange market interventions can buy time, but they cannot change the economic direction. The fact that the government has the power to influence exchange rates is not the same as being able to keep them at a desired level indefinitely. To persuade the market, the priority must be to create economic fundamentals that the market can accept rather than opposing market forces. 2026-08-13 14:36:10
  • Korea Electric Power Corp. Shares Plunge Over 6% Following Earnings Shock
    Korea Electric Power Corp. Shares Plunge Over 6% Following Earnings Shock Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) shares fell more than 6% during trading after the company reported second-quarter results that significantly missed market expectations.As of 1:56 PM on August 13, KEPCO's stock was trading at 33,050 won, down 2,400 won (6.77%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 34,350 won and briefly dropped to 32,950 won during the session.The decline in share price is attributed to weakened investor sentiment following the announcement of second-quarter results that fell short of market forecasts.KEPCO reported a consolidated operating profit of 1.1286 trillion won for the second quarter of this year, a 47.2% decrease compared to the same period last year. This figure is 42.5% below market expectations. Revenue for the same period was 21.9189 trillion won, a slight decline of 0.1% year-on-year.KB Securities downgraded its target price for KEPCO from 54,000 won to 48,000 won, a reduction of 11.1%.Jung Hye-jung, a researcher at KB Securities, noted in a report that the target price adjustment reflects uncertainties regarding future electricity rates and increased fuel costs compared to previous estimates.She added that KEPCO's operating profit is expected to decline in the second half of the year due to rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, which will be reflected starting in the third quarter.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:36:00
  • South Korean Prime Minister Promises Support to Families of Muan Airport Crash Victims
    South Korean Prime Minister Promises Support to Families of Muan Airport Crash Victims South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo visited the site of the December 29 Muan Airport plane crash on August 13, where he expressed condolences on behalf of the government and pledged to determine the exact cause of the accident. Families of the victims, 1 year and 8 months after the incident, urged Han to take on a government-wide leadership role in the investigation and accountability process.During his visit to Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, Han met with over 50 family members of the victims, stating, "I am deeply sorry to meet you in such circumstances, and I feel a heavy heart. As a representative of the government, I once again express my sense of responsibility and offer my apologies."Han visited a memorial site at the airport to pay his respects and then inspected the ongoing recovery efforts for remains and personal belongings. He later engaged in discussions with the families regarding the investigation, recovery of remains, support for victims, and memorial plans."What the families desire most is to uncover the exact cause of the accident," Han said, explaining that the transfer of the investigation to the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee under the Prime Minister's Office aims to ensure an independent and fair investigation process. He added, "I will ensure that both the truth is revealed and that we support and memorialize the families' pain, and I will carefully oversee the remaining processes to ensure that the families' urgent concerns and efforts are not in vain."Han acknowledged criticisms regarding the inadequacy of the recovery process, stating, "I felt truly sorry and pained to hear that the families had to participate in the recovery and even create manuals themselves. It is preferable to determine the completion timeline in consultation with the families, as we have done so far."In response to demands for transparency regarding accountability for those responsible, he said, "We are currently gathering and organizing relevant information, and I will be able to provide an update once that is complete."According to the investigation committee, the recovery of remains began on April 13. A joint government command center, involving police, fire services, military, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Airports Corporation, and Jeju Air, has deployed an average of 200 to 300 personnel daily to search six designated areas inside and outside the airport.As of August 12, searches have been completed in 724 of the 828 designated areas, achieving a progress rate of 87.4%. A total of 1,620 items believed to be remains and 851 personal belongings have been discovered. The suspected remains have been sent to the National Forensic Service for DNA analysis.However, the recovery efforts were temporarily halted due to the removal of soil contaminated with aviation fuel and extreme heat, and the investigation committee noted that the search speed may slow down due to the large amount of soil that needs to be processed around the area where the aircraft crashed. Currently, searches are conducted from 7 a.m. to noon to ensure the safety of personnel on site.Han also met with police, fire, and military personnel wearing protective gear who were sifting through soil, expressing gratitude for their hard work in the heat and emphasizing the importance of their health and safety. He expressed sorrow over the recovery of remains being conducted on a "point" basis, stating, "It is heartbreaking and regrettable that each individual is being represented in such a manner."At the personal belongings storage site, families raised concerns about issues during the initial recovery process. Some family members reported that items, such as luggage and clothing of victims that were previously said to be lost, were discovered later, demanding an investigation into the recovery and storage processes and accountability for those involved.One family member, who lost his wife and two sons, showed Han a portion of his family's identification card that was found later, stating, "I found nothing." Han took the family member's hand and said, "I am very sorry."Kim Yoo-jin, representative of the 12·29 Muan Airport Jeju Air crash victims' families, stated, "The truth about why 179 people could not return has not been revealed, and no one has been held accountable or punished. The pain of losing loved ones has been compounded by the government's inadequate response."The victims' families' association has requested that Prime Minister Han formalize a control tower role overseeing the recovery and investigation, expand the personnel and budget of the investigation committee, disclose investigation processes and original materials, issue a national apology for the inadequate response, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the effective operation of support and memorial committees.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:32:00
  • Hantap Shares Surge for Three Consecutive Days Following Major Shareholder Buyback Announcement
    Hantap Shares Surge for Three Consecutive Days Following Major Shareholder Buyback Announcement Hantap's shares have surged for three consecutive trading days, driven by the announcement of a significant buyback plan by its largest shareholder.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:19 PM on August 13, Hantap's stock was trading at 3,280 won, up 485 won (17.35%) from the previous trading day. The stock had previously hit its upper limit for two consecutive days on August 11 and 12.On August 11, Hantap disclosed that its largest shareholder plans to buy back 2 million common shares to enhance shareholder and corporate value. The buyback period is set from September 11 to October 10, lasting 30 days, with an estimated purchase amount of about 3.3 billion won.The planned buyback represents approximately 9% of Hantap's total issued shares. The actual number of shares purchased and the transaction price may vary depending on future stock price fluctuations.The announcement of the share buyback has heightened expectations for improved shareholder value and responsible management. Hantap's stock price nearly doubled from 1,654 won on August 10, the day before the announcement, to 3,280 won.Hantap has recorded operating profit for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 through business structure improvements and cost reductions. Last year, the company also turned its net profit into the black.The company is exploring ways to utilize its assets, including cash reserves, investment properties, and its headquarters site.A Hantap representative stated, "We believe the recent stock price has fallen excessively compared to the company's intrinsic value, prompting the largest shareholder to submit a buyback plan to enhance shareholder and corporate value. We are also considering additional measures to increase shareholder and corporate value, which will be disclosed once finalized."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:32:00
  • Samsung Heavy Industries Partners with KAIST to Enhance Maritime Technology Competitiveness
    Samsung Heavy Industries Partners with KAIST to Enhance Maritime Technology Competitiveness Samsung Heavy Industries is establishing a joint research center with KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) to enhance its competitiveness in future maritime technologies, including AI, energy, and digital transformation.On August 13, Samsung Heavy Industries announced the opening of the 'SHI-KAIST Next-Generation Ship Research Center (AMRC)' at KAIST's main campus in Daejeon.Attendees at the opening ceremony included Choi Sung-an, CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, and Bae Chung-sik, President of KAIST, along with representatives from Samsung Heavy Industries' maritime research institute and KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering.The new research center will focus on four key areas of joint research with KAIST, integrating traditional shipbuilding technologies with advancements in AI, robotics, and eco-friendly solutions.The main research areas include: autonomous navigation and intelligent sailing AI technologies; zero-carbon and low-carbon fuel propulsion systems; smart shipyard digital twin manufacturing innovations; and robotics specialized for maritime applications, which are recognized as four major megatrends in future technology.Unlike previous collaborations that focused on individual research projects, the Next-Generation Ship Research Center will continuously identify and pursue joint research initiatives. It will also promote student research support and scholarship programs through industry-academia cooperation funds.Bae Chung-sik, President of KAIST, stated, "In the future, physical AI that innovates actual industrial sites will determine manufacturing competitiveness. The maritime industry, as a representative field where mechanical engineering and AI, along with robotics, can create new value, is expected to solve challenges in the industry and set new standards for future technologies through this research center."Choi Sung-an, CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, expressed, "I am pleased that our 32-year collaboration with KAIST has culminated in the establishment of the Next-Generation Ship Research Center. We will intensify our efforts to secure technological competitiveness in the future maritime industry, focusing on autonomous navigation, eco-friendly ships, and smart manufacturing, while also nurturing talent."Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries has been working to establish various research hubs, including the opening of the 'SSAM Center' in collaboration with San Diego State University in March.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:24:20
  • Coupang Provides Scholarships to Descendants of Independence Activists
    Coupang Provides Scholarships to Descendants of Independence Activists Coupang is stepping up to support the education of descendants of independence activists in honor of the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation. The company has pledged 100 million won to provide scholarships for 60 descendants, including college and high school students.On August 12, Coupang announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Liberation Association at the association's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. The signing ceremony was attended by Jang Young-cheol, Coupang's Executive Director of Social Contribution, Kim Jin, Vice Chairman of the Korean Liberation Association, and Jeon Byeong-in, Secretary General.Under the agreement, Coupang will donate 100 million won to the Korean Liberation Association, which will select 60 scholarship recipients—20 college students and 40 high school students—through recommendations from local branches and a selection committee.Each college student will receive 3 million won, while high school students will receive 1 million won. The selection process for scholarship recipients will take place from September to November, with a ceremony to award the scholarships scheduled for December.Coupang plans to expand its support for national and independence activists through this scholarship initiative. The company aims to provide practical assistance to ensure that the descendants can pursue their education with confidence, honoring the sacrifices of independence activists.Earlier in June, in recognition of Memorial Month for the Fallen, Coupang conducted a health screening program called 'Coupang On-Dongne Care' in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do.On June 24, at the Yeongdeok National Sports Center, Coupang, in collaboration with the Korean Medical Association, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeongdeok County, and the Veterans Association, provided health screening services to over 500 participants, including veterans and local residents.A Coupang representative stated, “We will continue to provide practical support so that the descendants of independence activists can take pride in their studies and prepare for their future.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:24:10
  • Jung Ki-sun Emphasizes Long-Term Growth at HD Hyundai Leadership Meeting
    Jung Ki-sun Emphasizes Long-Term Growth at HD Hyundai Leadership Meeting Jung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai, urged the group’s leadership to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term results. Amid increasing domestic and international uncertainties, he emphasized the need to establish a sustainable growth foundation centered on future business, artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, and safety management.On August 13, HD Hyundai held a leadership meeting at its Global R&D Center in Pangyo, attended by Jung and vice chairmen Cho Young-cheol, Cho Seok, and Lee Sang-kyun, along with CEOs from 11 subsidiaries in shipbuilding, marine, energy, and construction machinery.During the meeting, the leadership reviewed the first-half performance of each subsidiary, new business initiatives, and future growth strategies. They also discussed various plans and execution strategies for the second half of the year to overcome domestic and international uncertainties.The group shared key issues, including the acceleration of AI transformation, and assessed the feasibility of an execution roadmap to lead the market. They checked the current status of AI technology implementation across the group and evaluated the effectiveness of preventive measures against potential information security risks.Jung stated, "Despite the increasing uncertainties worldwide, our group has achieved solid results in most of our businesses. If decisions are made with a focus on long-term outcomes rather than immediate results, the priorities of what needs to be done now may change."He added, "We have painful experiences of paying a heavy price for being too focused on short-term results and failing to read market changes. I will lead efforts to create a management environment that fosters sustainable growth with a long-term perspective of 10 to 20 years, rather than being trapped by short-term performance."Jung also urged the leadership to think more intensively about future business, stating, "The future we envision can only be realized when safety is guaranteed, so please prioritize safety as the foremost value in management and concentrate your efforts accordingly."Meanwhile, HD Hyundai is accelerating its digital transformation across key sectors, including shipbuilding, energy, and construction machinery, with AI transformation as a core strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:24:10
  • Youth Savings Account Program Boosts Income for Low-Income Young Workers
    Youth Savings Account Program Boosts Income for Low-Income Young Workers The 'Youth Tomorrow Savings Account,' regarded as a vital support for low-income working youth, has shown significant effects on income growth, employment stability, and improved housing conditions. Over three years, the average monthly total income of participants increased by more than 500,000 won, alongside a rise in the proportion of full-time employment, indicating positive socio-economic changes backed by statistics. On August 13, the Ministry of Health and Welfare released the results of its fourth-year panel survey of participants in the 'Youth Tomorrow Savings Account' program. This initiative helps low-income working youth save 100,000 won monthly, with the government providing additional matching funds, enabling them to accumulate a substantial amount after three years. Eligible participants are working youth aged 15 to 39 with a monthly income below 50% of the median income (at least 100,000 won). For those who save 100,000 won each month, the government matches this with 300,000 won. After three years, participants can receive a total of 14.4 million won, including their own savings of 3.6 million won, plus interest of up to 5.0% per year, serving as a stepping stone to financial independence. To analyze the program's effectiveness, the ministry tracked changes over time among 3,241 participants who joined in 2022 and 2023. The results showed that the average monthly total income of 2022 participants rose from 1,828,000 won in their first year to 2,349,000 won by 2025, an increase of approximately 521,000 won. Monthly savings grew from 369,000 won to 494,000 won, while debt repayment amounts increased from 342,000 won to 484,000 won, indicating a marked improvement in financial health. Employment stability also improved, with the proportion of full-time workers among 2022 participants rising from 41.1% to 45.2%, and the full-time employment rate increased significantly from 52.2% to 66.5%. Monthly earnings also showed a steady increase from 1,352,000 won to 1,784,000 won. Participants reported improvements in their living conditions as well. The percentage of those living in owner-occupied homes rose from 10.2% to 15.6%, and the proportion living in general or rental apartments increased from 37.0% to 45.4%. Overall housing satisfaction, rated on a scale of 5, increased from 3.47 to 3.58. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program, stating, "I was able to reduce my debt and make concrete future plans by monitoring my savings each month," and "I maintained my savings and ended up transitioning to a full-time position." Kim Moon-sik, Director of Welfare Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "This analysis confirms that the Youth Tomorrow Savings Account program has led to positive changes in economic, financial, employment, and housing aspects. We will continue to develop the program to support the independence of low-income working youth more effectively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:24:00