AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Mirae Asset Securities Reports Record Q2 Profit of 1.9 Trillion Won
    Mirae Asset Securities Reports Record Q2 Profit of 1.9 Trillion Won Mirae Asset Securities achieved a record net profit of over 1.9 trillion won in the second quarter of this year, marking the highest quarterly performance in its history. The growth was driven by strong performance across its key sectors, including global business, brokerage, and wealth management (WM). The company also became the first in the securities industry to surpass 1 trillion won in net profit for two consecutive quarters.On August 12, Mirae Asset Securities announced that its consolidated net profit for the second quarter reached 1.9052 trillion won, a 369.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure represents a 90.2% rise from the previous quarter's profit of 1.020 trillion won.For the first half of the year, the company reported a cumulative pre-tax profit of 3.8863 trillion won and a net profit of 2.9072 trillion won, reflecting increases of 349% and 338%, respectively, from the same period last year. By the end of the second quarter, its equity capital had expanded to 16.2 trillion won, with a return on equity (ROE) of 39.5% for the first half.In the domestic market, the growth in brokerage and WM sectors continued, supported by an increase in customer assets and active trading.Brokerage commission revenue for the second quarter reached 625.6 billion won, a 36% increase from the previous quarter. Revenue from financial product sales also hit a record high of 131 billion won, surpassing the previous quarter's 112.5 billion won.Total customer assets, both domestic and international, amounted to 784 trillion won, an increase of 124 trillion won from the end of the first quarter. Pension assets also exceeded 80 trillion won as of the end of June. Over the past year, the growth rate of retirement pension reserves has exceeded 60%, approximately 2.5 times the market average.Mirae Asset Securities is expanding its asset management services, including the introduction of its retirement pension RoboWRAP service through IRP accounts, which manages everything from portfolio composition to actual trading.The company's overseas operations also achieved record results, with pre-tax profit from its foreign subsidiaries reaching approximately 609.1 billion won in the second quarter. The United States accounted for 37% of this, followed by Hong Kong at 35%, London at 18%, and India at 5%, reflecting strong performance across key international markets.The contribution of overseas subsidiaries to consolidated pre-tax profit was about 24%, an increase of 6 percentage points from the previous quarter. The ROE for overseas subsidiaries was approximately 24.8%.Trading and other financial gains rose to 836.9 billion won, a 107% increase from the previous quarter. Investment banking commission revenue also grew by 65% to 42.8 billion won, indicating improvements across major business areas.Mirae Asset Securities is also expanding its business scope centered around a global investment platform. In June, it launched the 'MAPS' global investment platform in Hong Kong, which encompasses both traditional and digital assets. The company plans to expand services to major markets such as the United States and Singapore.Additionally, it is working on establishing an inbound distribution platform that allows global investors to directly invest in Korean stocks and Mirae Asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs).In the digital finance sector, the company is preparing infrastructure in line with the institutionalization of security token offerings (STOs). It aims to expand the digital finance ecosystem, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) and security tokens, leveraging synergies with Digital X (formerly Korbit).A representative from Mirae Asset Securities stated, "We will continue to strengthen our long-term trust with customers and develop into a global investment platform that contributes to their successful asset management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:48:00
  • Pearl Abyss Shares Plunge 14% Despite Strong Q2 Earnings
    Pearl Abyss Shares Plunge 14% Despite Strong Q2 Earnings Pearl Abyss shares fell sharply on August 12, dropping 14% in early trading despite reporting strong earnings for the second quarter. The company had seen a rise in stock prices earlier this month due to anticipation surrounding its new game, 'Crimson Desert,' but the actual results fell short of market expectations, leading to profit-taking by investors.As of 9:40 a.m. KST, Pearl Abyss shares were trading at 31,700 won, down 5,200 won (14.09%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The company announced after the market closed on August 11 that its operating profit for the second quarter reached 67.6 billion won, a staggering 7389% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue rose 248% to 192.6 billion won, and net profit turned positive at 99.5 billion won. On the surface, these results indicate significant improvement.However, market expectations were even higher. According to Eugene Investment & Securities, Pearl Abyss's second-quarter revenue fell 30% short of the market consensus of 275.9 billion won, and its operating profit was 52% below the consensus estimate of 140.2 billion won.In response, Eugene Investment & Securities lowered its target price for Pearl Abyss from 72,000 won to 50,000 won, a reduction of 30.6%. The annual operating profit forecast was also cut from 497 billion won to 402 billion won, a 19% decrease.The stock's recent performance had been driven by earnings expectations, and the disappointing results led to a wave of selling. Pearl Abyss shares rose from 33,200 won on July 31 to 36,900 won on August 11, marking an 11.1% increase for the month. Notably, on August 4, the stock surged 5.17% in a single day.However, the sharp decline on August 12 has erased most of the gains made this month, with the current share price falling below the closing price at the end of last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:48:00
  • Seoul World Fireworks Festival Ranked Top Korean Festival in New Study
    Seoul World Fireworks Festival Ranked Top Korean Festival in New Study A new index evaluating the appeal of 1,452 domestic festivals using social big data has been released for the first time. The top spot went to the 'Seoul World Fireworks Festival,' which demonstrated overwhelming popularity despite being a one-day event.On August 11, Yanolja Research, a travel and tourism industry research organization, held a seminar in collaboration with Purdue University's CHRIBA Institute and Kyung Hee University's H&T Analytics Center to announce the 'Korean Festival Appeal Index (NOL Korean Festival Index).'This seminar was organized to address the 'qualitative limitations' where, despite a surge in the number of festivals and increased budgets, local participation rates and per capita tourism spending have declined. The aim was to explore alternatives to enhance global competitiveness through data-driven objective assessments.The index was calculated in collaboration with Vibe Company. It involved collecting unstructured data from major social channels such as YouTube, Instagram, and online communities over the past year (from July 2025 to June 2026), excluding promotional articles. An AI sentiment analysis was then applied to derive the final index by combining festival awareness (social mentions at 50%) and appeal (positive evaluation rate at 50%).The key shift was moving from a supplier-centered evaluation to a consumer-centered assessment that measures both 'how well-known a festival is' and 'how satisfied actual attendees are.'According to the evaluation results presented by Professor Choi Kyu-wan of Kyung Hee University, the Seoul World Fireworks Festival ranked first overall. It was followed by the 'Jinhae Gunhangje Festival,' which combines cherry blossom views with historical significance, and the 'Chunhyangje Festival,' which received a perfect appeal score of 10. Other festivals like the 'Seoul Lantern Festival' and 'Boryeong Mud Festival' also showed high competitiveness with their standout content.Notably, it was observed that 'fame' and 'on-site satisfaction' do not always correlate. Music festivals, for instance, had high average awareness but relatively low appeal, indicating a 'high awareness, low appeal' structure.Among festivals utilizing local specialties or culture, many 'hidden gems' were identified. Festivals like the 'Camellia Flower and Baby Octopus Festival' (ranked 44th in appeal, 100th in awareness) and the 'Sorae Port Festival' (21st in appeal, 61st in awareness) were assessed to have significant growth potential if promotional and branding efforts are strengthened.Additionally, it was noted that 45% (90 festivals) of the analyzed festivals occur in the fall, raising the need for a seasonal dispersion strategy due to intensified competition among festivals.Professor Choi emphasized several strategies to invigorate domestic festivals, including: restructuring portfolios centered on differentiated killer content, data-driven targeted promotions, and establishing sustainable operational systems led by private professional organizations. He stated, 'Festivals should not be for everyone but should provide differentiated value to target customers.'Jang Soo-cheong, head of Yanolja Research, also stressed the need for a paradigm shift from a supplier-centered to a consumer-centered approach, and from a domestic to a global model for the advancement of Korean festivals.Jang explained, 'The NOL Korean Festival Index goes beyond simple rankings by diagnosing the experiences and emotional appeal that tourists actually feel, showing where each festival has strengths and what needs improvement.'He added, 'To enhance the global competitiveness of Korean festivals, we must not only showcase Korean culture abroad but also cultivate the ability to attract tourists from around the world to specific regions in Korea where these festivals are held.'Discussion also arose regarding the government's push for a 'Korean version of Coachella.' Jang suggested, 'Rather than expanding into overseas touring events, we need to root these festivals in specific regions of Korea and continuously build their 'sense of place' so that people from around the world come to Korea to experience them.'He concluded, 'Global festivals like Coachella, Oktoberfest, and the Edinburgh Fringe have grown into tourism assets that attract people worldwide by deeply rooting themselves in specific regions. Korea should also cultivate world-class K-festivals that can only be experienced by coming to Korea, based on the competitiveness of K-culture.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:44:00
  • Half of Cars Produced in China Now Exported
    Half of Cars Produced in China Now Exported About half of the cars produced in China are now being exported.According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), China's car exports surged by 87.8% year-on-year in July, reaching 918,000 units, as reported by the China Business Network on August 12. Approximately 41% of cars produced in China were exported, up from 21% during the same period last year. Exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in July totaled 540,000 units, marking a 147.8% increase compared to the previous year. Cumulatively, exports for July this year reached 5.41 million units, a 60% increase from last year.BYD, China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, led the export market last month with 173,721 units, more than double that of the second-place Chery Automobile. BYD's total sales in July were approximately 420,000 units, a 22% increase from the same month last year.Tesla exported 66,330 vehicles produced at its Shanghai factory, while domestic sales during the same period were 27,249 units.Chinese electric vehicle startup Leapmotor, in partnership with Stellantis, is also experiencing rapid growth. The company's monthly sales have surpassed 100,000 units, with retail sales in China reaching 83,698 units, making it the third best-selling car brand in the country, driven by strong demand for popular models like the A10.Despite the surge in exports, the domestic market in China has contracted significantly. Retail sales of passenger cars in July fell to 1.46 million units, a 21% decrease from the same month last year. Sales of internal combustion engine vehicles plummeted by 41%, while NEV sales decreased by 3.9%. The share of NEVs in domestic car sales has risen to a record high of 65%. While exports are booming, the domestic market is struggling. Analysts suggest that Chinese automakers are increasingly relying on international markets due to intensified price competition and rising costs in the domestic market, making it difficult to secure profitability.According to the CPCA, the profit margin for China's automotive industry in the first half of this year was only 3.8%, significantly below the average of 6.5% for automotive supply chain companies. Rising raw material prices, extended payment periods for auto parts suppliers, and ongoing discount competition at the sales level are all contributing to the pressure on automakers' profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:40:00
  • Exchange Rate Remains in the 1410s Amid Rising International Oil Prices
    Exchange Rate Remains in the 1410s Amid Rising International Oil Prices The won-dollar exchange rate is hovering in the low 1410s.As of 9:30 a.m. on August 12, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market is 1,414.6 won per U.S. dollar. Earlier in the morning, it traded at 1,413.7 won, down 2.3 won from the previous session.The rise in international oil prices appears to have weakened the appetite for riskier assets. October futures for Brent crude oil rose by 1.36% to $88.91 per barrel, while September futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 1.30% to $83.20 per barrel.Concerns over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and inflation fears contributed to a decline in the New York stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 184.13 points (-0.34%) at 53,791.85.The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell by 24.91 points (-0.32%) to finish at 7,728.20, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 159.91 points (-0.60%) to close at 26,445.45.The dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, slightly decreased to 99.81.Analysts expect the exchange rate to rise and then retreat. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "Given the rise in oil prices amid a wait-and-see approach to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the slowdown in risk appetite, I anticipate a rise followed by a decline in the exchange rate."He added, "The key factor will be the direction of international oil prices in the Asian market. If oil prices spike as they did the previous afternoon, there could be increased volatility on the upside, so caution is advised."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:40:00
  • Manus Officially Parts Ways with Meta Amid Regulatory Pressures from China
    Manus Officially Parts Ways with Meta Amid Regulatory Pressures from China Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup Manus has officially severed ties with U.S. tech giant Meta amid increasing regulatory pressure from the Chinese government. This decision comes more than three months after China halted Meta's acquisition of Manus, citing national security concerns.In a public letter sent to users on August 11, Manus announced it would "officially resume operations as an independent company," adding that some user account data would be temporarily adjusted or deleted during this process.Specifically, user data created on or after December 29, the day Meta's acquisition of Manus was finalized, will be deleted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Singapore time on August 23 and 24. Affected users have been advised to back up their data.Manus emphasized that this data adjustment is not related to data leaks or security incidents, stating that users not affected by the changes can continue to use the service as usual.While Manus indicated that this move aims to meet regulatory requirements in certain countries and regions, it did not specify which requirements.Manus, launched in March 2022 by Chinese company Butterfly Effect, is a general-purpose AI agent that gained attention for its demo videos showcasing its ability to perform tasks autonomously. It has been referred to as the "second DeepMind" in the market.However, following investments from U.S. capital, Manus has taken steps to distance itself from China, including laying off some employees in China and relocating its headquarters to Singapore. Concerns over the potential outflow of Chinese talent and technology grew when Meta announced its $2 billion acquisition of Manus at the end of last year.Chinese authorities determined that Manus, which had grown based on domestic talent and infrastructure, was circumventing regulations by relocating its headquarters to Singapore after attracting U.S. investment, a practice referred to as "Singapore Washing." Consequently, in April of last year, they ordered the withdrawal of the acquisition based on legal grounds.In its announcement, Manus did not provide specific details about its future operational plans. However, last month, the Financial Times reported that Tencent, China's largest IT company, was in discussions to become Manus's new major shareholder. Existing Chinese investors in Manus, including ZhenFund and HSG, are also said to be involved in discussions to reverse the acquisition deal with Meta.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:36:10
  • President Lee Discusses Development of Seven SEEDs Including SMR and Space Technology
    President Lee Discusses Development of 'Seven SEEDs' Including SMR and Space Technology President Lee Jae-myung is initiating discussions between the public and private sectors to foster small modular reactors (SMR), nuclear fusion, quantum technology, and aerospace as key growth drivers for the future economy and security.The Blue House announced that President Lee will chair a meeting titled "Future Growth Engine, 7 SEED Report" on the afternoon of August 12, under the slogan "The Future Opened by Advanced Technology."The seven SEEDs represent areas identified as seeds of innovation and core assets for future economic and security development. The government has selected the following fields: SMR, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biotechnology, and advanced materials and components supply chains.This meeting, held at the Blue House, aims to explore strategies for securing advanced technologies and nurturing related industries to support a stable transition in AI and pave the way for future leaps. The government plans to refine support measures based on input from science and technology experts and business leaders.The meeting will also address the cultivation of STEM talent and innovation in the research ecosystem, focusing on both short-term technology development and long-term strategies to enhance the foundational strength of domestic science and technology.Approximately 60 participants will include researchers from universities, research institutes, and companies, as well as STEM students, entrepreneurs, and venture capital representatives. Government officials attending include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Baek-kyun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin, and Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Seong-hwan.From the Blue House, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, Senior Economic Growth Advisor Ha Jun-kyung, Financial Planning Advisor Ryu Deok-hwan, Social Affairs Chief Kim Kyung-ja, and Deputy Director of the National Security Office Song Gi-ho will also be present.During the meeting, Professor Kim Seung-wan from Korea University of Science and Technology will present on "Energy Technology and Supply Chains for AI Transformation," while Professor Jang Jin-ah from Pohang University of Science and Technology will discuss "Advanced Technologies Paving the Way for Future Leaps."Following these presentations, Minister Lee Baek-kyun will address "Advanced Technology as the Engine of Future Exploration," and Minister Kim Jeong-kwan will explain government policies on "Nurturing Advanced Supply Chain Ecosystems as the Foundation for Future Exploration." A free discussion will follow among attendees and relevant government departments on "Advanced Technologies Opening the Future and the Role of Government."Additionally, President Lee is expected to view models of SMR vessels, quantum computers, and lunar orbiters prior to the meeting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:36:00
  • Exhibition Showcases North Korean Folk Culture at National Folk Museum
    Exhibition Showcases North Korean Folk Culture at National Folk Museum The faces of North Koreans often seen in the news are typically expressionless or filled with joy. They either applaud with teary eyes at the gestures of Kim Jong Un or stand with tense, rigid faces. These expressions seem somewhat artificial.However, the faces of North Koreans encountered at the National Folk Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on August 11 were different. They rolled their eyes, pouted, and appeared comical, ready to tease someone. Instead of hiding their expressions in the face of authority, they laughed and mocked freely. Their faces seemed eager to jest and criticize.The National Folk Museum's special exhibition, 'ZERO: Encountering North Korea through Folklore,' which runs from August 12 to February 14, 2027, showcases 316 folk artifacts from the North Korean region before the liberation. Items on display include masks from the Bongsan Mask Dance, Haeju jars, traditional cabinets, and records related to Mount Kumgang.The exhibition brings to light an often-forgotten truth: that 'our' folk culture is also the folk culture of 'North Korea,' encompassing regions like Kaesong, Hwanghae-do, Pyongan-do, and Hamgyeong-do. It speaks of a culture that, while now distant, was once close—indeed, one.What captures attention are the masks. The exhibition features masks from the Bongsan Mask Dance, Bukcheong Lion Dance, Gangnyeong Mask Dance, and Haeju Mask Dance. These masks mock the hypocrisy of authority figures, twisting the world with humor and wit. Such expressions are unimaginable in today's North Korea, where everyone stands and applauds in unison at the slightest gesture from their leaders.Once vibrant and dynamic, the lion masks that once leaped and rolled across the North Korean landscape now display unique personalities. With shaggy manes and bulging eyes, they appear silly or fierce, each with distinct features. This stands in stark contrast to the rigid image of North Korea today, defined by its nuclear ambitions.In a time when shamanism and fortune-telling content are trending, the 'Mushindo' displayed in the exhibition evokes a sense of shared heritage. Mushindo are ritual paintings used in shamanistic practices to communicate with spirits, providing rare insight into the shamanistic traditions of North Korea. Visitors can see various deities that the North Korean people rely on, such as the guardian spirit of the village, the deity of fortune and longevity, and the deity of wisdom.Is there still shamanism in North Korea, which claims to be socialist? A museum official confirmed, 'Yes, they are called 'fortune tellers' instead of shamans. The number of fortune tellers is on the rise. The State Security Department even hires powerful fortune tellers, but some have defected due to dissatisfaction with this situation. They say their strong abilities helped them escape safely.'At the center of the exhibition, 88 beautiful Haeju jars draw visitors' attention. These jars, combining the practicality of earthenware with the elegance of blue-and-white porcelain, feature bold designs of peonies, fish, and chrysanthemums. They are among the 232 Haeju jars donated by Kim Ui-gwang, director of the Mokin Museum. Each jar, with its unique patterns and shapes, resonates with the desire of people to keep beauty close.Visitors can also encounter traditional items like the Bakcheon cabinet and small Haeju table, which carry the scent of human touch. If you wish to see the 'people' behind the rigid faces of North Korea—those who laugh, tease, and cherish beauty—this exhibition is highly recommended.The exhibition runs from August 12, 2026, to February 14, 2027, at the National Folk Museum's special exhibition hall 1. 2026-08-12 09:36:00
  • JD.com Establishes Purchasing Corporation in South Korea to Directly Buy K-Products
    JD.com Establishes Purchasing Corporation in South Korea to Directly Buy K-Products 중국 최대 전자상거래 플랫폼인 징둥닷컴이 한국에 전문 구매법인을 설립하고 K뷰티와 식품 등 한국 상품의 직매입을 본격화한다. 국내 기업이 현지 대리상을 거치지 않고 징둥에 직접 상품을 공급할 수 있게 되면서 중국 내수시장 진출이 한층 수월해질 전망이다. 산업통상부와 대한무역투자진흥공사(KOTRA)는 12일 서울 서초구 KOTRA 본사에서 징둥그룹과 공동으로 '징둥닷컴 직매입 입점 설명회 및 상담회'를 개최했다고 밝혔다. 징둥닷컴은 '중국판 아마존'으로 불리는 기업·소비자 간 거래(B2C) 플랫폼이다. 지난해 매출액 약 260조원을 기록해 중국 민영기업 가운데 매출액 1위에 올랐다. 징둥은 최근 한국에 전문 구매법인을 설립했다. 현지 대리상이나 중간 유통업체를 거치지 않고 한국 제조업체로부터 상품을 직접 수입해 중국에서 판매하기 위해서다. 직매입 방식은 국내 기업이 중간 유통단계를 줄여 판매 마진을 높이고 대금을 안정적으로 지급받을 수 있다는 장점이 있다. 징둥도 상품 공급망을 직접 관리해 가품과 불법 유통 위험을 줄일 수 있다. 한국의 대중국 소비재 수출은 2021년 92억6000만 달러로 최대치를 기록한 뒤 코로나19 팬데믹을 거치며 감소세를 이어왔다. 수출액은 2022년 79억3000만 달러, 2023년 68억8300만 달러, 2024년 65억3000만 달러, 지난해 64억5900만 달러로 줄었다. 다만 올해 들어서는 회복세를 보이고 있다. 올해 상반기 대중국 소비재 수출액은 34억3700만 달러로 지난해 같은 기간보다 8.7% 증가했다. 정부는 현지 유통망과의 협력과 중국 내륙시장 진출 확대 등이 수출 회복을 이끌고 있다고 보고 있다. 이날 행사에는 국내 소비재 기업 200여곳이 참석해 징둥의 사업 모델과 입점 절차에 대한 설명을 들었다. 징둥 구매 담당자와 국내 기업 간 일대일 비즈니스 상담도 진행됐다. 현장에서는 150만 달러 규모의 수출 계약도 체결됐다. 계약 기업 관계자는 "이번 계약으로 물류와 결제 부담 없이 중국에 수출할 수 있게 됐다"며 "우수 제품 생산에 전념해 중국 고객층을 더욱 확대해 나가겠다"고 말했다. 강감찬 산업부 무역투자실장은 "최근 두 차례 한중 정상회담을 계기로 우리 소비재가 중국 내수시장에 진입할 수 있는 우호적인 환경이 조성되고 있다"며 "우리 기업이 징둥과 같은 대형 플랫폼을 통해 중국 시장에 원활히 진출할 수 있도록 적극 지원하겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:32:10
  • Youth Employment Declines Despite Record High Employment Rate
    Youth Employment Declines Despite Record High Employment Rate In July, the employment rate reached a record high of 70.3%, but the overall increase in employment was driven by those aged 60 and older. Meanwhile, the number of employed youth has decreased for 45 consecutive months, with the youth unemployment rate reaching its highest level in 5 years and 6 months.According to the national data agency's employment trends report released on August 12, the number of employed individuals in July was 29.136 million, an increase of 108,000 compared to the same month last year. This marks the second consecutive month of growth following an increase of 63,000 in June.The employment rate for those aged 15 to 64, as defined by the OECD, was 70.3%, up 0.1 percentage points from a year ago. This is the highest level recorded for July since statistics began in 1989.Despite the overall increase in employment and improvement in the employment rate, indicators for the youth demographic remain weak. The employment rate for those aged 15 to 29 was 44.2%, down 1.6 percentage points from July of last year, marking 27 consecutive months of decline. The number of employed youth decreased by 226,000, the largest drop among all age groups.Additionally, employment among those in their 40s also fell by 31,000. In contrast, employment for those aged 60 and older increased by 231,000, driving the overall increase in employment numbers.Bin Hyun-jun, head of the social statistics division at the data agency, stated, "The current employment situation is not favorable compared to the past, which is reflected in the decrease in employment among the 15 to 64 age group according to OECD standards. The absolute number of employed individuals is increasing significantly among those aged 65 and older."The unemployment rate was recorded at 2.6%, up 0.2 percentage points from a year ago. Among youth, the unemployment rate rose to 6.8%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points over the past year. Bin noted, "The youth unemployment rate has risen the most since July 2022, when it was also 6.8%."By industry, significant employment growth was observed in the health and social welfare services sector (173,000 jobs, 5.3%), the arts, sports, and leisure services sector (48,000 jobs, 8.4%), and public administration, defense, and social security administration (46,000 jobs, 3.5%).Conversely, agriculture, forestry, and fishing saw a decline of 80,000 jobs (-5.4%), manufacturing lost 68,000 jobs (-1.6%), and construction experienced a drop of 57,000 jobs (-3.0%), continuing a 27-month streak of losses.Among wage workers, the number of permanent employees increased by 71,000 (0.4%), while temporary workers decreased by 40,000 (-0.8%) and daily workers fell by 41,000 (-4.8%). Among non-wage workers, self-employed individuals with employees rose by 75,000 (5.3%), and those without employees increased by 75,000 (1.8%). However, unpaid family workers decreased by 32,000 (-3.6%).The government plans to improve employment conditions, focusing on vulnerable groups such as youth and those in the construction and manufacturing sectors.A ministry of economy and finance official stated, "We will soon announce a 'Youth Job Recovery Plan' prepared in collaboration with relevant departments to improve youth employment conditions. For sectors experiencing employment difficulties, such as manufacturing and construction, we will identify response tasks to boost industrial vitality and expand job creation and entrepreneurship, which will be presented at the economic ministers' meeting."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:32:00