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  • InnoBiz Welcomes Government Tax Reform Plan as Key to Business Growth
    InnoBiz Welcomes Government Tax Reform Plan as Key to Business Growth The Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Innovation Association (InnoBiz Association) expressed its support on August 9 for the government's tax reform plan, stating, "We deeply resonate with the intention of revitalizing national growth engines and enhancing innovation vitality in small and medium enterprises."InnoBiz particularly highlighted that the newly established domestic production tax credit will serve as a crucial foundation for bold investments and technological innovations by InnoBiz companies, which are centered on advanced manufacturing, enabling them to grow into global startups.Regarding the introduction of a gradual tax support structure to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises and the extension of grace periods, the association forecasted that this would alleviate the hesitation that companies face in their growth and contribute to establishing a virtuous growth ladder from small to medium to large enterprises.On the topic of business succession tax exemptions, InnoBiz positively evaluated the inclusion of specialized skills and know-how in the evaluation criteria, reflecting the value of technology. However, it emphasized the need to adequately gather and incorporate feedback from the business community in future discussions.InnoBiz stated, "We hope that legislation at the National Assembly will allow InnoBiz companies to innovate freely and achieve tangible results," adding, "The association will also strive for a significant economic leap for an irreplaceable South Korea through super-gap technological innovation alongside global startup InnoBiz companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:36:00
  • President Lee to Review $800 Billion Semiconductor and Real Estate Plans Next Week
    President Lee to Review $800 Billion Semiconductor and Real Estate Plans Next Week President Lee Jae-myung will review the progress of the Honam semiconductor cluster, part of a $800 billion initiative, during a public-private meeting on August 10. An announcement regarding additional housing supply and financial support for actual homebuyers is expected as early as August 13.According to the Blue House, President Lee will chair the second public-private meeting on mega projects on August 10, a month after the first meeting held on July 6.During the first meeting, President Lee unveiled plans for three mega projects focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and physical AI, with participation from Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. The site for the Honam semiconductor cluster was designated as the Gwangju military airport area.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to build a total of four semiconductor production facilities on approximately 2.5 million pyeong of the Gwangju military airport site. The total investment over the long term is estimated at around $800 billion.This meeting is expected to focus on specific discussions regarding how and when to resolve obstacles to actual construction. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Environment are expected to report on plans for relocating the military airport, land supply, securing power and water resources, and expediting permits.The first issue on the agenda will be the relocation of the Gwangju military airport. To move the military airport, alternative sites and community acceptance must be secured, along with procedures such as a public vote. A phased schedule is also needed to convert the existing site into a semiconductor industrial complex while avoiding gaps in military operations.President Lee may demand a specific timeline from relevant ministries to prevent delays in corporate investment due to prolonged airport relocation. Discussions will also likely cover whether industrial complex development can begin on usable land before the entire military airport is relocated.Securing power and industrial water sources will also be a key topic. It is estimated that operating four semiconductor fabs will require about 650,000 tons of industrial water daily. Urgent measures are needed to connect existing metropolitan water supplies, dams, and recycling facilities without affecting domestic and agricultural water supplies.In the power sector, options for utilizing power sources from the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant and offshore wind farms in the Honam region, as well as the schedule for building new transmission networks and substations, are expected to be discussed. Even if power generation is sufficient, delays in building transmission networks could hinder factory operations, making the reduction of permit and compensation procedures crucial.There is also interest in when Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will begin construction and operation of the first fab. The government aims for both companies to have at least one fab operational by the end of 2029.Discussions are expected on whether the projects in Yongin and the Honam semiconductor cluster can be pursued simultaneously. Overlapping construction schedules for 10 fabs in Yongin and four in Honam could lead to competition for power, water, and specialized construction and semiconductor personnel.Special legislation and the establishment of a dedicated organization at the Blue House to support the mega project initiatives will also be discussed.It has been reported that the Blue House is considering creating a senior-level organization to manage large-scale national investments, and attention is focused on how the roles and structure of this dedicated organization will be defined. President Lee plans to hold monthly public-private meetings to directly review the progress of the projects and tasks assigned to various ministries.Following the mega project meeting, a real estate plan that includes housing supply and financial support for actual homebuyers is expected to be announced on August 13.President Lee chaired the first real estate policy review meeting for 7.5 hours on August 3, shortly after returning from a trip to the U.S. and South America. He held a second meeting for six hours on August 7.While no additional meetings are currently planned, there remains a procedure for finalizing the proposals to be reported to the president before the announcement. The final report is expected to involve last-minute adjustments regarding new supply sites, quantities, construction timelines, and the scope of financial support for actual homebuyers.The most significant concern is where to secure the housing supply referred to as '50,000 units + α' in the metropolitan area. Potential sites under consideration include the Yongsan Children's Garden, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) site in Yeouido, and development-restricted areas in Gangnam.President Lee is likely to emphasize that the supply numbers should not just be large figures but should also include quantities and timelines for actual construction within the next two to three years. This raises the question of whether to maintain the initially mentioned supply scale or to present a more conservative estimate by focusing only on projects with a higher likelihood of starting construction.Negotiations with the Seoul city government regarding the use of the Yongsan Children's Garden are also a variable. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has opposed housing supply in the Yongsan Park area, citing reasons for green space preservation. It is reported that President Lee has instructed that the government should consult with the Seoul city government first rather than proceeding unilaterally.The final report is expected to discuss the scale of housing that can be supplied in Yongsan, plans for preserving green space, and strategies for persuading the Seoul city government. If Yongsan is excluded, alternative public or unused land will also be examined.Separately from the supply measures, there is ongoing debate regarding loan support for young people, newlyweds, and those without homes.Within the government, there is a consensus on the need for reasonable support for actual homebuyers, but there are concerns that loosening loans in a situation where supply is insufficient could again stimulate housing prices and household debt.As a result, a 'targeted support' plan based on income, housing prices, and first-time home purchases is being strongly considered. There may also be discussions on treating specific loans such as down payments, interim payments, and relocation costs separately from overall household loan management.On August 8, President Lee instructed an investigation into systems that disadvantage young people in terms of loans, subscriptions, and tax benefits due to marriage, indicating that related issues will likely be reflected in the real estate measures. Discussions may arise regarding whether to include content related to loans for newlyweds or subscriptions in this plan or to separate them into a distinct youth policy.A ruling party official stated, “With the Democratic Party's national convention approaching on the 17th, these two events this week seem to be pivotal for boosting approval ratings. Given the differing opinions within the ruling party, more proactive communication between the party and the government is necessary.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:32:00
  • Concerns Rise Over Rising Loan Defaults Among Young and Elderly Borrowers
    Concerns Rise Over Rising Loan Defaults Among Young and Elderly Borrowers The KOSPI has dropped more than 40% from its peak, increasing the repayment burden for borrowers who invested in stocks using loans. The default rates among those under 20 and over 60 are significantly higher than the overall average, raising concerns about the aftermath of speculative investments.According to data submitted by Lee Jong-wook, a member of the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Committee, the default rate for personal credit lines (overdraft accounts) at the five major banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup—was 0.22% as of the end of June. This marks an increase of 0.04 percentage points from 0.18% at the end of last year.More concerning is that the rate of increase in defaults is outpacing the growth in overdraft balances. The total overdraft balance at these banks rose from 39.9 trillion won at the end of last year to 43.3 trillion won by the end of June, an 8.5% increase. In contrast, the amount in default surged by 33.2%, from 711 billion won to 947 billion won.A similar trend is evident in credit loans. The default rate for credit loans at the five major banks was 0.35% at the end of June, up 0.05 percentage points from the end of last year. While the total credit loan balance increased by 3.6%, from 103.4 trillion won to 107.1 trillion won, the amount in default rose sharply by 19.4%, from 3.14 trillion won to 3.75 trillion won.By age group, signs of financial distress are particularly pronounced among young and elderly borrowers. The default rate for borrowers over 60 was 0.37%, exceeding the overall average by 0.15 percentage points. Those under 20 had a default rate of 0.33%, which is 0.11 percentage points higher than the average.The pace of increase in default amounts was also steep in these age groups. The overdraft balance for borrowers over 60 grew from 4 trillion won at the end of last year to 4.5 trillion won by the end of June, a 12.5% increase, while the amount in default rose by 23.0%, from 135 billion won to 166 billion won. For those under 20, the balance remained unchanged at 1 trillion won, but the amount in default surged by 32.0%, from 25 billion won to 33 billion won.In total credit loans, including overdrafts, the default rates for those under 20 and over 60 were 0.67% and 0.59%, respectively, both significantly higher than the overall average of 0.35%.Analysts suggest that the increase in loan defaults is closely linked to the recent stock market decline. The KOSPI reached an all-time high of 9,385.59 on June 19 but subsequently fell sharply, dropping to 5,262.77 on July 29, a decline of over 40% from its peak.Borrowers who used loans to invest during the stock market's overheated phase likely faced difficulties in repaying principal and interest due to the drop in stock prices. Given the significant decline in July, the default rates reported at the end of June may not fully reflect the recent shocks.A banking industry official noted, "Those in their 20s typically have limited income and assets, while many in their 60s are retirees, making them relatively vulnerable in terms of repayment capacity. If they used loans for risky investments, the combination of investment losses and interest burdens could further increase default rates."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:32:00
  • Reforming Military Service: A Starting Point for National Defense Reform
    Reforming Military Service: A Starting Point for National Defense Reform Hong So-young, head of the Military Manpower Administration, stated in a recent media interview that the agency is reviewing plans to gradually reduce and abolish the supplementary service system in response to a sharp decline in military resources due to a demographic crisis. She noted, "The decrease in military resources was a predetermined future, yet there has been no comprehensive response until now," signaling a fundamental overhaul of the military service system.The official acknowledgment of the reduction and potential abolition of supplementary service as a core issue of national defense reform indicates that South Korea's military can no longer sustain itself through traditional personnel supply methods. Amid the rapidly changing security landscape in Northeast Asia and the dual challenges posed by a demographic crisis, reforming the military service system is not merely a matter of personnel adjustment but an unavoidable choice critical to the survival of national security.The necessity for reform is underscored by statistics. According to data from the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Manpower Administration, the number of active duty enlistment candidates has plummeted from approximately 450,000 in 2016 to about 320,000 in 2025, a decline of over 29%. This means that within just ten years, the equivalent of ten divisions of military personnel has vanished. If this trend continues, projections suggest that enlistment resources could drop to the 200,000 range by the late 2020s.Despite this alarming trend, defense policies have largely relied on adjusting evaluation criteria or temporary personnel allocations rather than implementing fundamental changes. Measures such as converting supplementary service personnel to active duty have shown limitations in utilizing talent from the industrial, artistic, and health sectors, leading to further social conflicts. The past approach of artificially inflating the active duty assessment rate has resulted in an increase in unfit service members and added burdens to military management, while the ambiguity of the supplementary service system has fostered feelings of loss and fairness concerns among the youth.Experts argue that reducing supplementary service personnel, such as social service workers and those in the arts and sports, is merely a minimal step toward efficiently reallocating military resources and does not provide a fundamental solution. They emphasize the need to move away from a personnel-centric conscription system and to concurrently redesign the qualitative aspects of military strength, including the operation of advanced technology-based weapon systems, increasing the ratio of officers, and restructuring the standing army.Furthermore, a fundamental overhaul of national security strategies is required, including the introduction of flexible volunteer service elements, significant improvements in military service conditions, and a technology-intensive restructuring of military organization. Without a major shift that complements the reduction of supplementary service with the expansion of drone, AI, and unmanned advanced weapon systems, as well as a reorganization centered on specialized personnel, it will be challenging to fill the gaps in operational strength.Particularly, the geopolitical security environment surrounding South Korea is more severe than ever. The intensifying U.S.-China security rivalry, the entrenchment of a new Cold War structure, and North Korea's continued provocations with missiles and nuclear threats leave no room for complacency in our military. In this complex security landscape, disruptions in personnel supply directly translate to a crisis for national survival. If security falters, the economy and the future of the nation cannot be sustained. In a context where military buildups and tensions among neighboring powers have reached unprecedented levels, any shortfall in military personnel poses a significant risk to overall defense readiness.Reforming the military service system is not merely an administrative task for the Ministry of National Defense or the Military Manpower Administration. It is a matter of national survival that requires social consensus and collective national capability. The government must prioritize national security and survival in the process of establishing the basic plan for defense reform, avoiding short-term political considerations or stopgap measures. Security is the last bastion of a nation that cannot be compromised. 2026-08-09 14:28:10
  • Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power CEO Inspects Gori Nuclear Plant Amid Heatwave
    Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power CEO Inspects Gori Nuclear Plant Amid Heatwave 극한 폭염이 지속되는 가운데 김회천 한국수력원자력 사장이 현장을 찾아 종사자 안전과 전력수급 상황을 점검했다.한수원은 김 사장이 지난 7일 고리원자력본부를 방문해 폭염 취약 현장을 살피고 현장 근무자의 온열질환 예방 등을 확인했다고 9일 밝혔다. 이번 점검은 정부의 폭염 중대경보 대응 기조에 맞춰 발전 설비의 안정적인 운영과 현장 근로자의 안전을 최우선으로 확보하기 위해 마련됐다.김 사장은 발전소 내 폭염 취약 작업 구역에서 작업자들의 건강 상태와 작업 환경을 점검하고 온열질환 예방을 위한 보호조치가 이행되고 있는지 확인했다. 공용 휴게시설에 마련된 '무더위 쉼터' 운영 현황을 살피며 현장 근무자들의 애로사항을 듣고 실질적인 지원 방안을 논의했다.해수 온도 상승과 관련해서는 발전설비 운영 현황 및 대응 조치 사항을 보고 받고 안정적인 전력 생산에 차질이 없도록 철저한 관리와 선제 대응을 당부했다. 이어 주제어실을 방문해 발전 설비의 안정적 운영을 위해 근무 중인 교대 근무자들을 격려했다.한수원은 정부의 산업안전보건 강조기간이 지난달 종료됐지만, 자체적으로 강조 기간을 8월 31일까지 연장해 운영 중이다. 이에 따라 폭염 취약 시간대 순찰을 강화하고 온열질환 민감군을 집중 관리하는 등 종사자 건강 보호와 안전사고 예방에 힘쓰고 있다.김 사장은 "무더위 속에서도 안전하게 일할 수 있는 작업 환경을 만드는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다"며 "현장 중심의 선제적인 폭염 대응으로 종사자의 건강과 안전을 지키고 국민에게 안정적인 전력을 공급할 수 있도록 최선을 다하겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:24:00
  • Korean Football Association Faces Scandal Over Referee Bribery Allegations
    Korean Football Association Faces Scandal Over Referee Bribery Allegations The controversy surrounding the Korean Football Association (KFA) has escalated to alarming levels. Following allegations of unfair practices in the selection of the national team coach and the first-ever police raid, issues of bribery involving foreign referees during international matches have also come to light. It is difficult to comprehend how such incidents could occur within an organization that represents Korean football. The recent revelations are serious. Between 2011 and 2012, around 10 foreign referees and match officials were reportedly bribed in connection with seven matches, including World Cup and Olympic qualifiers held in South Korea. Evidence suggests that the expenses were charged to the association's corporate credit card. If true, this cannot simply be dismissed as the misconduct of a few individuals. What is even more concerning is that the South Korean national team recorded five wins and two draws in those seven matches. While it is essential not to jump to conclusions about match-fixing or biased officiating, the integrity of referees and match officials is paramount. If the association engaged in inappropriate hospitality towards them, it raises serious concerns. Matches that were conducted without any issues and victories achieved legitimately could now face unnecessary scrutiny. On August 8, the KFA issued an apology regarding the recent issues. They stated that the bribery incidents occurred over a decade ago and that they were unaware of the details at the time. The association emphasized that they now utilize a clean card system and have strengthened internal controls to prevent such misconduct. While it is necessary to explain the changes in the current management system, this does not absolve past responsibilities. It is crucial to investigate who arranged and approved the bribes, how the corporate credit card was used, and whether anyone within the organization was aware and complicit. The fact that these incidents occurred years ago does not exempt them from scrutiny. The current situation surrounding the KFA underscores this need for accountability. The selection process for the national team coach has been marred by controversy, culminating in a police raid. The resurfacing of past bribery allegations only compounds the issues. While it is not appropriate to conflate these different matters, the ongoing controversies inevitably erode trust in the KFA's organizational management and internal controls. The KFA is responsible for managing the national team and representing South Korean football on the international stage. It is the association's duty to demand fair play and adherence to regulations from players, coaches, and referees. Such an organization must hold itself to the highest standards of fairness and ethics. If the body responsible for ensuring the integrity of the game is itself embroiled in allegations of impropriety, an apology to football fans would hardly suffice. This situation cannot be resolved with a mere apology. Even if these events occurred in the past, it is essential to verify the facts and hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing. If an internal investigation is insufficient, there should be no hesitation in seeking external validation. Transparency regarding the use of corporate credit cards and the practices surrounding hospitality for international match officials must be prioritized. What the KFA needs now is not just more explanations, but a commitment to uncover the truth, acknowledge mistakes, and rectify them. The trust in South Korean football is not built solely on the field; it is upheld when the organization managing the sport adheres to common sense and principles. 2026-08-09 14:24:00
  • Stock Trading Volume Drops, Yet Retail Investors Continue Buying Amid Debt Concerns
    Stock Trading Volume Drops, Yet Retail Investors Continue Buying Amid Debt Concerns The KOSPI has experienced significant fluctuations, leading to a sharp decline in trading volume and value in the domestic stock market. As the market has seen wild swings, investor sentiment has turned cautious. Retail investors continue to buy, absorbing foreign sell-offs, but there is a noticeable decrease in leveraged investments, with a shift towards cash-based strategies.According to the Korea Exchange, the average daily trading volume for the Korean stock market (including KOSPI, KOSDAQ, KONEX, and ETFs) in August has been recorded at 32.1 trillion won. This is about half of the daily average trading volume of 60 trillion won seen during the strong upward trend in May and June.The decline in trading volume is largely attributed to the recent sharp corrections in the stock market, which have led to a slowdown in trading activity. The KOSPI reached an all-time high of 9,114.55 on June 22 but has since experienced significant drops and rebounds, falling to the 5,500 range at one point. Although it has recently climbed back to the 6,200 range, the extreme volatility, with the index moving several percentage points in a single day, has resulted in more investors opting to observe the market rather than actively trade.However, retail investors have not completely curtailed their buying activity. The Korea Exchange reports that retail investors have net purchased approximately 175 trillion won in the Korean stock market this year. The trend has continued into August, with net purchases by individuals reaching 10 trillion won over the first five trading days of the month. During the same period, foreign investors net sold about 7.8 trillion won, indicating that retail investors have effectively absorbed most of the foreign sell-offs.Nonetheless, retail investors are not enduring the downturn in the same manner as in the past. A notable change is the reduction in leveraged investments. The balance of credit transactions for retail investors peaked at 38.6 trillion won on June 24 but has since fallen to the 28 trillion won range. This suggests that investors who had increased their investment size using credit during the market's rise are now prioritizing debt reduction as the correction phase intensifies. As buying activity continues, the deposit balance of retail investors has also decreased, dropping from nearly 140 trillion won in June to around 104 trillion won as of August 5.Experts suggest that for retail investors to continue filling the gap left by foreign capital, new catalysts are needed to attract foreign investment back into the market. Na Jeong-hwan, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, “To encourage additional foreign capital inflow at this point, new catalysts such as concrete shareholder return policies or regulatory changes are necessary, particularly regarding inheritance and gift tax reforms.” 2026-08-09 14:16:00
  • Han Jeong-ae: Final Tax Reform Plan Expected by End of August
    Han Jeong-ae: Final Tax Reform Plan Expected by End of August Han Jeong-ae, the policy chief of the Democratic Party, stated that the government's tax reform plan is likely to be finalized by the end of August after discussions between the party and the government. She also addressed the recent controversy surrounding lawmaker Hwang Hee's 'youth bus house' remarks, asking the public to view it as a 'happening' while sincerely apologizing to young people.During a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the morning of August 9, Han mentioned the tax reform plan, saying, 'There are various voices calling for reform. We will consolidate the opinions of stakeholders and aim to finalize the plan by the end of August.' She added, 'Once the positions are organized, the party and government will coordinate and submit it to the National Assembly.'Han emphasized that the party plans to expand and reorganize the internal task force (TF) to discuss directions for real estate supply in relation to the tax reform plan.'We plan to expand and reorganize the internal housing market stabilization TF to discuss measures for real estate supply and related financial support,' she said, indicating that public discussions and forums will continue.Additionally, Han addressed the recent controversy regarding Hwang's 'youth bus house' comments, stating, 'I hope you can see it as a happening.' She explained, '(Hwang's suggestion) is an impractical idea with little feasibility. It was meant to encourage thinking about various ideas.' However, she expressed her sincere apologies for any unintended hurt caused to young people, emphasizing that the party takes the situation of youth seriously and is seeking solutions for their needs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:12:00
  • SK Broadbands Blossom Music Festival Awards Top Prize After Last Years Setback
    SK Broadband's Blossom Music Festival Awards Top Prize After Last Year's Setback "I promised my mom we would travel to Europe last year, but it clashed with the music camp schedule. I gave up the trip, but I’m happy it led to such a great outcome and motivated me to pursue my dreams," said Kim Ji-woo, a vocalist from PLAYB4CK.At the SK Broadband '2026 Blossom Youth Music Festival' held on August 8 at the CTS Art Hall in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, the announcement of the top prize winner, the band PLAYB4CK, brought tears of joy from the students.PLAYB4CK is a band composed of students from Sejong Arts High School, ranging from first to third year. They participated in this year's festival with their original song 'comp4ss.' Team member Lee Won-ho stated, "After being eliminated in the preliminaries last year, I thought we should really give it our all this time. I personally sought out friends who harmonized well to form the team." The preparation for the finals was not smooth. Instead of their originally planned song, they had to rewrite and compose a new piece that aligned with this year's festival theme of 'youth' within a tight timeframe. Kim Ji-woo explained, "I included messages in the lyrics that I want to convey to all young people, including those of us who feel anxious about the future." Now in its fifth year, the Blossom Youth Music Festival is an ESG program initiated by SK Broadband to discover young creators in the popular music field. This year, 142 teams participated, resulting in a competitive ratio of about 18 to 1. Over the past five years, approximately 1,300 young people have taken part.Participants underwent two rounds of preliminary evaluations and attended a music camp, where they experienced the actual music production process, from expert mentoring to recording.The original songs from the eight finalist teams will be officially released on major domestic music platforms in September. Kim Ji-woo expressed, "I want to bring happiness and comfort to people through the music I create," while Lee Won-ho shared his aspiration to become a producer who creates music that people can easily sing along to.Lee Jong-ho, head of the Corporate Center at SK Broadband, congratulated the award-winning youth, stating, "I sincerely congratulate the young people who won. We will continue to listen to their genuine stories and strive to support their dreams."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:04:00
  • Will Highway Tolls Be Waived During Liberation Day Holiday?
    Will Highway Tolls Be Waived During Liberation Day Holiday? As the three-day holiday surrounding Liberation Day approaches, there is growing interest in whether highway tolls will be waived. As of August 9, no announcement has been made regarding the exemption of tolls on highways nationwide during the Liberation Day holiday.This year, Liberation Day falls on Saturday, August 15, with Monday, August 17, designated as a substitute holiday, creating a three-day break from the 15th to the 17th.However, just because the holiday spans three days does not mean that highway tolls will automatically be waived.The current enforcement decree of the Toll Road Act specifies that toll exemptions apply only on the day before, the day of, and the day after the Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Other days may be designated for toll exemptions through a separate government decision following a cabinet meeting.Unlike the Lunar New Year and Chuseok, Liberation Day is not listed as a toll exemption day in the law. Therefore, unless there is a specific government decision, regular vehicles will be required to pay the usual tolls.The same applies to substitute holidays. The mere designation of a substitute holiday does not automatically make highway tolls free.Some vehicles may still benefit from existing discount programs. For instance, small cars receive a 50% discount on highway tolls, and electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are also eligible for toll discounts this year.Additionally, vehicles belonging to multi-child families may receive discounts on weekend and holiday highway tolls if they meet certain criteria.As it stands, regular vehicles using highways during this three-day Liberation Day holiday will need to pay the standard tolls. However, there remains a possibility that the government may announce separate toll exemption measures before the holiday, so it is advisable to check for any related announcements before traveling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:04:00