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  • Youth Housing Policy Faces Criticism Amid Tax Evasion Tactics in Gangnam
    Youth Housing Policy Faces Criticism Amid Tax Evasion Tactics in Gangnam Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party, has proposed a controversial youth housing initiative known as the 'Bus House,' which has sparked significant criticism and satire. Concurrently, a new tax evasion strategy called 'housing exchange' has emerged in the high-end real estate market of Gangnam, highlighting the stark disparities in the housing market.On August 11, various online communities and social media platforms saw a surge in parodied images of the 'Bus House.'One image, released under the name 'e-Comfort Bus,' features a floor plan of a bus converted into a living space complete with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and cockpit. Notably, the image includes details mimicking real estate listings, such as 'sale price 88 million won, pre-tax 78 million won, management fee 80,000 won, mobile single-story.'Internet users reacted with sarcasm, asking, 'Will parking be provided?' and commenting, 'Is this the kind Democratic youth bus?' Others quipped, 'Do you enter through the back door for work and the front door for home?' and 'Youth drum housing.'Some users expressed strong criticism, stating, 'These people view the 2030 generation as being at this level,' and 'If it costs 500 billion won to supply 10,000 units, just build houses instead.' They added, 'If you tell them to move in first with their family, they would complain about it like others.'At the same time, discussions about the new tax evasion strategy 'housing exchange' gained traction in online communities, particularly among high-end apartment owners in Gangnam and Apgujeong.'Housing exchange' refers to a transaction method where owners of similarly priced high-end apartments swap properties. By exchanging homes, the acquisition price is adjusted to the current high market price, which can reduce capital gains tax when the property is sold later.As youth housing policies face backlash, this new tax evasion strategy has become popular among affluent individuals. Users commented, 'The president has set an example for using loopholes, so if you don't do it, you're missing out,' and 'The president of a country has created a mess by leading the way in this manner.' Others remarked, 'If mortgage sales aren't illegal, what's the problem? This is a smart tax-saving method that will be praised by supporters of the Democratic Party.' They added, 'The president sold using loopholes, so there's nothing to say,' and 'This is really happening.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:48:00
  • Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun Aims to Establish Unique Marine Healing Center
    Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun Aims to Establish Unique Marine Healing Center Lee Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, expressed his commitment on August 9 to establish a unique marine healing foundation in Ansan, drawing on experiences from Usedom, a prominent marine healing resort in Germany. During his visit, Mayor Lee toured the Usedom Marine Healing Center and a rehabilitation hospital, examining local healing programs, operational systems, professional staffing, and user-centered services. Currently visiting Germany, Mayor Lee is experiencing advanced marine healing and rehabilitation systems firsthand and has signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with the Usedom Marine Healing Rehabilitation Hospital, aiming to develop a new healing and rehabilitation model utilizing Ansan's marine resources. He particularly engaged in various programs, including a 'Children's Healing Forest' and activities like mist therapy and yoga, assessing facilities and programs from the user's perspective. This visit was not merely a facility tour; it involved a detailed examination of the healing process, user flow, and facility convenience, which is significant for finding practical operational models applicable to the future Ansan Marine Healing Center. Mayor Lee held discussions with Usedom officials, exchanging insights on operational experiences in marine healing and rehabilitation, program development, professional training, and facility management systems. The focus of their collaboration is to evolve marine healing beyond mere tourism into an industry linked to health management and rehabilitation. Following this, they signed a memorandum of understanding for 'Cooperation in Marine Healing and Rehabilitation.' The agreement includes sharing information and operational cases in marine healing and rehabilitation, collaborating on the development and operation of healing processes, training professionals, sharing facility management systems, and identifying joint cooperation projects. With Mayor Lee's direct engagement and the establishment of an international cooperation foundation, this collaboration is expected to lead to a new regional industry model that combines tourism, health, and rehabilitation utilizing Ansan's marine resources. Local citizens have expressed optimism about this international collaboration. Residents believe that given Ansan's rich marine and natural environment, including Daebu Island and Shihwa Lake, it is essential to create differentiated marine healing programs tailored to Ansan's natural environment and citizens' lifestyles rather than simply adopting foreign advanced cases. One resident stated, "Ansan has many resources that can differentiate it from other cities, such as the sea, islands, and Shihwa Lake. I hope facilities and programs that citizens can actually use and experience are developed, drawing on Germany's advanced operational methods." Another resident remarked, "If marine healing can connect not only to attracting tourists but also to citizens' health management and revitalizing the local economy, it would be significant. I hope this international cooperation leads to actual projects rather than being a one-time visit." Mayor Lee Min-keun noted, "Through this visit, I was able to directly experience marine healing and confirm what facilities and operational methods are needed from the user's perspective." He added, "Having established a practical foundation for exchange and cooperation with the Usedom Marine Healing Center and Rehabilitation Hospital, I will actively integrate their excellent operational experiences to fit Ansan's conditions." Meanwhile, Mayor Lee plans to continuously share advanced marine healing and rehabilitation experiences from Usedom and develop programs and operational systems suited to Ansan's marine environment and regional characteristics.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:48:00
  • Ruling Party Urges Opposition to Support Livelihood Bills Ahead of August 13 Session
    Ruling Party Urges Opposition to Support Livelihood Bills Ahead of August 13 Session The Democratic Party has called on the opposition People Power Party to support the passage of livelihood bills ahead of the plenary session scheduled for August 13. The party criticized the opposition for attempting to delay the recount scheduled for August 18, stating they are merely changing conditions to buy time.Han Byeong-do, the party's acting leader and floor leader, made these remarks during a policy meeting at the National Assembly on August 11. He questioned, "What is the intention behind opposing the convening of the plenary session for the passage of bills after first demanding the August session?"He added, "There are currently 113 bills awaiting processing in the plenary session," emphasizing that the legislation supporting the housing supply, which the opposition has stressed, is also stalled.Han further urged cooperation, stating, "The opposition is blocking the plenary session on the grounds of opposing a bill to shorten the fast-track period. If they disagree, they can enter the session and cast a dissenting vote."Additionally, he pointed out that the opposition is strategically using the public's demand for a complete reform of the Election Commission while opposing the agreed-upon recount schedule of August 18, which was reached during the National Assembly's special committee investigating the alleged election fraud in the June 3 local elections.Kim Seong-hwa, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party and a member of the special committee, also criticized the opposition after the policy meeting, stating, "Chairman Yoon Sang-hyun of the special committee did not intend to proceed with the meeting without bipartisan agreement."Meanwhile, the Democratic Party plans to hold its first meeting of the Housing Market Stabilization Task Force on August 12. On August 13, the party will discuss the government's tax reform plan and real estate supply measures during a general meeting of lawmakers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:48:00
  • Intels Planned Capital Increase May Exceed $20 Billion Amid Strong Demand
    Intel's Planned Capital Increase May Exceed $20 Billion Amid Strong Demand Intel, the American semiconductor company, is preparing for a capital increase that may exceed $20 billion (approximately 28.27 trillion won), more than one-third larger than initially planned, according to a report by Bloomberg on August 10, citing sources.Reports indicate that Intel is planning the offering price at $95 per share or higher. If set at $95, this would be about 2.6% lower than Intel's closing price of $97.52 on the New York Stock Exchange that day.One source noted that demand has already surpassed $100 billion (approximately 141 trillion won), suggesting that if the overallotment option (greenshoe option) is exercised, the capital increase could significantly exceed $20 billion. The overallotment option allows for additional shares to be issued if the stock price significantly exceeds the offering price after the public offering or capital increase, helping to stabilize the stock price.This represents an increase of more than one-third from Intel's previously announced capital increase of $15 billion. However, sources indicated that discussions regarding the expansion of the capital increase are ongoing, and the specific size and offering price may change.Previously, Intel announced plans to raise $15 billion through the capital increase, with the potential to issue an additional $2.25 billion, bringing the total amount raised to as much as $17.25 billion.The funds raised will be used for investments in semiconductor production facilities and equipment, as well as for company operations. Intel stated, “As investments related to AI are rapidly increasing, demand for semiconductors remains strong,” highlighting new growth opportunities in AI applications for robotics and autonomous driving, custom semiconductors, advanced packaging, and semiconductor production for external customers.Intel is also increasing its investment scale. Last month, it raised its capital expenditure forecast for the year from $18 billion (approximately 25.5 trillion won) to $20 billion (approximately 28.4 trillion won). The company plans to expand investments in production facilities and equipment to meet the demand for AI server semiconductors while growing its foundry business.However, concerns have arisen that the capital increase may dilute the value of existing shareholders' stakes, leading to a 4.06% drop in Intel's stock price, which closed at $97.52.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:44:00
  • KOSPI and KOSDAQ Recover After Early Declines
    KOSPI and KOSDAQ Recover After Early Declines The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices have rebounded after starting the day in decline. The KOSPI rose over 3% as Samsung Electronics regained the 6,300-point mark, while the KOSDAQ surpassed 870 points during trading.As of 10:29 a.m. on August 11, the KOSPI was trading at 6,330.96, up 31.30 points (0.50%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,240.06, down 59.60 points (0.95%), and fell more than 1% early on before turning upward around 10:14 a.m. It later peaked at 6,377.38.Individual and foreign investors purchased a net 102.2 billion won and 18.7 billion won, respectively, while institutions sold a net 106.7 billion won.Among the top market-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 3.26%, Samsung Electronics preferred shares increased 3.02%, Samsung Biologics gained 1.98%, and Samsung Life Insurance was up 0.53%. Conversely, SK Hynix fell 1.06%, SK Square dropped 1.48%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics declined 3.77%, LG Energy Solution decreased 0.82%, Hyundai Motor slipped 0.74%, KB Financial fell 1.28%, and Hanwha Aerospace dropped 3.30%.At the same time, the KOSDAQ was trading at 854.86, up 0.39 points (0.05%) from the previous day. The index opened at 848.59, down 5.88 points (0.69%), but turned positive around 9:30 a.m., reaching a high of 875.16 during the session.Individuals and institutions bought a net 204.8 billion won and 19.4 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 228.1 billion won.Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks were in the red. Alteogen fell 4.74%, EcoPro dropped 2.89%, EcoPro BM declined 2.96%, Rainbow Robotics decreased 3.07%, Lino Industry slipped 0.42%, and ABL Bio fell 3.53%. However, JUSUNG Engineering rose 9.53%, HLB increased 0.74%, Wonik IPS gained 2.34%, and EO Technics was up 2.66%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:44:00
  • Ulsan City Conducts Comprehensive Survey on Government Advertising Media Influence
    Ulsan City Conducts Comprehensive Survey on Government Advertising Media Influence Ulsan Metropolitan City has initiated a survey to assess the influence and reach of various media outlets for the effective execution of government advertising.The city is examining a wide range of metrics, including traditional indicators such as newspaper circulation and television ratings, as well as digital metrics like reach, unique visitors (UV), page views (PV), partnerships with portal sites, YouTube subscribers, and views, along with the number of articles and special reports related to Ulsan. This comprehensive approach may lead to changes in the criteria for selecting government advertising media.There has been ongoing criticism that the influence and actual promotional effectiveness of media outlets should be reflected more objectively. As a result, this survey could serve as a turning point for changing existing advertising practices.According to Ulsan City, the Public Relations Office sent a request for cooperation in providing reference materials for selecting advertising media to media companies on August 10.In the request, Ulsan City asked for relevant data to be used as reference materials for the efficient and effective execution of government advertising, instructing recipients to respond by August 12.The requested materials include data that can verify media influence and reach.Media companies are asked to submit various documents, including promotional materials and proposals, that demonstrate their influence and reach.Ulsan City has provided a variety of indicators as examples for reference materials, categorized by media type.For newspapers, the indicators include △circulation △paid circulation △readership rate △subscription rate, while for broadcasting, they include △viewership rate △listenership rate △market share.For internet media, the indicators include △reach △unique visitors (UV) △page views (PV), along with the status of partnerships with portal sites.For new media like YouTube, the indicators include △number of subscribers △number of views △number of videos.The number of articles related to Ulsan and the number of special reports are also included to assess actual reporting activities on local issues.This indicates a shift towards considering not just the size of media outlets but also their actual content production and reporting activities on local issues as reference materials for government advertising execution.Ulsan City plans to use the submitted materials as reference for the efficient and effective execution of government advertising.The key issue will be how to reflect the objective data showing media influence and reach in the future selection of advertising media and the execution of government advertising.In particular, the inclusion of data that examines not only the existing size of media outlets but also digital influence and actual reporting activities on local issues may lead to a more detailed and objective standard for government advertising execution.Diversifying Advertising Media Selection Criteria: Digital Influence and Local Reporting ActivitiesOne of the most notable aspects of this survey is that Ulsan City has broadened the scope of materials used to assess media influence.In addition to traditional media indicators like newspaper circulation and television ratings, the survey now includes data that can gauge the influence of digital media, such as internet reach, unique visitors (UV), page views (PV), partnerships with portal sites, and YouTube subscribers and views.As media consumption rapidly shifts towards online and mobile platforms, it has become increasingly difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of government advertising based solely on traditional metrics like circulation or media type.The inclusion of portal site partnerships and digital usage metrics as reference materials suggests that the selection process for advertising media may consider how effectively news reaches actual readers.The inclusion of Ulsan-related articles and special report performance is also significant.This data allows for an assessment of whether national or non-Ulsan media outlets are consistently covering Ulsan issues and, for local media, how deeply they address local concerns beyond routine reporting.Ultimately, this means that not only the size of media outlets but also their actual reporting capabilities and content production capacity regarding local issues could be utilized as reference factors for government advertising execution.However, there are challenges to incorporating these metrics into actual government advertising execution.Newspapers, broadcasting, internet, and YouTube have different content production methods and user metrics, making it difficult to directly compare circulation, page views, viewership rates, and YouTube views.Internet usage metrics can also vary depending on the data collection agency or measurement methods, and it is not easy to assess the actual influence of individual media or articles based solely on portal partnerships.The number of articles, if evaluated solely on quantitative metrics, may not adequately reflect the quality of reporting and social impact.How to evaluate qualitative differences in content, such as exclusive, planned, and in-depth reports, will also need to be considered in the future standard-setting process.Therefore, if Ulsan City intends to utilize the data collected in actual government advertising execution, it will need to establish specific criteria that ensure the objectivity and reliability of the metrics while considering the characteristics of each media outlet.A Ulsan City official stated, "We requested materials that can verify media influence and reach to use as reference for the efficient and effective execution of government advertising. How the submitted materials will be utilized is a matter that requires further review."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:40:00
  • Exchange Rate Fluctuates in the 1410 Won Range Amidst Stalled Hormuz Negotiations
    Exchange Rate Fluctuates in the 1410 Won Range Amidst Stalled Hormuz Negotiations The won-dollar exchange rate remains in the 1410 won range. As of 10:27 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate is 1,413.4 won against the U.S. dollar. Earlier in the morning, the rate was trading at 1,418.3 won, down 0.1 won from the previous session. Overnight, U.S. stocks fell amid uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding the reopening of the Hormuz Strait. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 60.95 points (-0.11%) at 53,975.98. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 4.53 points (-0.06%) to finish at 7,753.11, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 85.26 points (-0.32%) to close at 26,605.36. International oil prices showed an upward trend. October futures for Brent crude rose 1.29% to $83.55 per barrel, while September futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 1.15% to $78.18. The dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, fell by 0.38% to 99.60. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The exchange rate is expected to rise due to the increase in international oil prices stemming from the stalled negotiations over the reopening of the Hormuz Strait and a strong dollar. However, the export and heavy industry companies' deferred negotiation volumes are likely to support the upper limit of the exchange rate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:40:00
  • President Lee: Sejong Office Era to Begin During Term, Final Cabinet Meeting in Sejong
    President Lee: Sejong Office Era to Begin During Term, Final Cabinet Meeting in Sejong 이재명 대통령은 11일 “우리 정부 임기 내에 세종집무실 시대를 열고 마지막 국무회의도 세종집무실에서 개최한다는 자세로 총력을 다해야 한다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 세종집무실과 국회 세종의사당 건립을 서두르는 동시에 행정수도 세종의 완성을 뒷받침할 법·제도 정비에도 속도를 내라고 주문했다.이 대통령은 이날 정부세종청사에서 주재한 제35회 국무회의 모두발언에서 “국토 균형발전을 상징하는 세종이 명실상부한 국정의 중심축으로 확고하게 자리 잡을 수 있도록 국가 중추 기능의 안정적인 이전에 힘을 모아야 한다”며 이같이 말했다.이번 국무회의는 정부 출범 이후 세종에서 열린 네 번째 국무회의다. 이 대통령은 세종에서 국무회의를 연 의미를 수도권 집중 해소와 행정수도 완성에서 찾았다.이 대통령은 “이미 한계에 이른 수도권 일극 체제는 부동산 문제와 교육 문제, 청년 문제, 극단적인 양극화 등 우리 사회가 직면한 모든 중대 문제의 출발점”이라고 진단했다.이어 “국토 균형발전은 대한민국의 고질병을 고치고 전국이 고르게 성장 기회를 누리는 ‘모두의 성장’ 시대를 여는 핵심 열쇠”라며 “세종특별시는 대한민국의 균형발전을 위한 역사적 결단으로 탄생한 도시”라고 강조했다.세종시가 공식 명칭을 얻은 지 올해로 20년이 됐다는 점도 언급했다. 이 대통령은 “행정중심복합도시라는 이름으로 출발했던 이곳이 세종이라는 공식 명칭을 얻게 된 지 20년이 되는 해”라며 세종을 실질적인 국정 운영의 중심으로 만들어야 한다고 역설했다.그러면서 “대통령 세종집무실과 국회 세종의사당 건립에 속도를 내고 관련 인프라 정비도 차질 없이 진행해 달라”고 관계 부처에 지시했다.또한 이 대통령은 세종의 행정수도 기능을 강화하기 위한 입법과 제도 개선을 당부했다. 이 대통령은 “행정수도 세종의 실질적이고 최종적인 완성을 위한 법·제도의 뒷받침도 중단 없이 이어가야 한다”고 말했다.이 대통령은 국토 균형발전과 첨단산업 육성을 함께 추진하겠다는 구상도 제시했다. 국토 균형발전이 지속적인 성장의 토양이라면 반도체와 인공지능(AI), 데이터센터, 피지컬 AI 등 초격차 첨단산업 육성은 경제 대도약을 위한 씨앗이라는 설명이다.이 대통령은 “국토의 중심인 세종과 충청이 새로운 균형발전 시대를 이끄는 중심이 될 수 있도록 범정부적으로 최선을 다하겠다”며 “균형발전과 초격차 첨단산업의 과감한 육성을 통해 국민과 함께 대체불가 대한민국을 만들어 갈 것”이라고 약속했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:36:00
  • LK Samyang Hits Upper Limit for Second Consecutive Day Amid Drone Business Hopes
    LK Samyang Hits Upper Limit for Second Consecutive Day Amid Drone Business Hopes LK Samyang has recorded its upper limit for the second consecutive day. Following news of the construction of the second space center, the company gained attention as a space-related stock, and further interest surged with the announcement that it will supply camera modules for the Ministry of National Defense's drone project.As of 10:29 a.m. on August 11, LK Samyang's stock was trading at 1,055 won, up 29.93% (243 won) from the previous trading day. After closing at the upper limit the day before, the stock rose to the price ceiling again shortly after the market opened.The rise in stock price appears to be influenced by news related to the defense ministry's drone project. LK Samyang, an optical specialist, announced that it will supply camera modules to the final selected drone manufacturers for the ministry's educational commercial drone procurement project.Investors are optimistic that supplying camera modules, a key component of drones, will allow the company to expand its business into the defense sector. Following a significant surge in stock price due to space-related news, the additional business announcement has continued the upward trend.Previously, LK Samyang also reached its upper limit as a space-related stock after the government announced it would begin the selection process for the second space center's candidate sites. The combination of expectations for the expansion of the aerospace industry due to the second space center's construction and news related to the defense drone project has led to a concentrated buying trend in LK Samyang's stock in the short term.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:36:00
  • Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association to Host 10th K-SPACE STATION Focusing on Next-Gen ADC Technology
    Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association to Host 10th 'K-SPACE STATION' Focusing on Next-Gen ADC Technology The Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association is set to create a platform for sharing next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology and collaboration strategies.The association announced on August 11 that it will hold the 10th 'K-SPACE STATION' on the 20th at its headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul.K-SPACE STATION is a technology exchange event aimed at revitalizing the open innovation ecosystem by sharing and exploring the application of fundamental and cutting-edge technologies from industry, academia, and research.As global pharmaceutical giants actively adopt ADC technology, the field has emerged as a key investment target. With fierce competition among major domestic pharmaceutical companies in ADC development, the upcoming event will focus on sharing next-generation ADC development technologies and manufacturing and analysis platforms.The detailed program includes presentations such as 'Beyond Current ADCs: TrioR's Next-Generation ADC Development Strategy' by Park Jo-hae, Head of TrioR, and 'De-Risking ADC Development through Integrated CDAMO Solutions' by Cho Ik-hyun, Vice President of Proteum Science. Following the presentations, a networking session will allow participants to discuss collaboration opportunities.Participants will include industry professionals interested in the technologies presented and collaboration in the ADC field. Registration is available through Google Forms until the 14th, and due to limited parking, public transportation is recommended.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:36:00