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Why Extreme Heat Causes Drowsiness and Fatigue As record-breaking heat continues, many people are feeling unusually drowsy and lethargic. While heat itself does not directly induce sleep, the physical strain from regulating body temperature, dehydration, and sleep deprivation caused by tropical nights can significantly increase daytime fatigue and drowsiness.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the maximum daytime temperatures across the country are expected to range from 31 to 39 degrees Celsius, with similar highs forecasted for August 6 and 7. The agency warns that heat waves and tropical nights will persist in most regions, urging the public to take special care of their health.This year's heat has reached unprecedented levels. On August 2, the temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea's meteorological history. The Korea Meteorological Administration attributes this unusual heat to a combination of high atmospheric pressure, strong sunlight, dry soil, and basin topography.The first reason for increased drowsiness and lethargy in hot weather is the strain on the body during temperature regulation. As temperatures rise, the body increases blood flow to the skin and sweats to release heat. Prolonged exposure to this process can lead to quicker fatigue and both physical and mental exhaustion.In particular, failing to drink enough water while losing fluids and electrolytes through sweat can exacerbate fatigue and reduce concentration. Research indicates that when high temperatures and dehydration occur together, they can affect blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, increasing feelings of fatigue and impairing cognitive function. This drowsiness may not be a genuine desire for sleep but rather a result of decreased alertness and concentration due to the heat.The second reason is the poor quality of sleep caused by tropical nights. The human body prepares for sleep by lowering its core temperature. However, if indoor and outdoor temperatures remain high at night, it becomes difficult to lower body temperature sufficiently, leading to trouble falling asleep and frequent awakenings, preventing deep sleep.Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness. In cases of heat exhaustion, excessive sweating can lead to extreme weakness, fatigue, paleness, nausea, and dizziness.If you experience significant lethargy accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, severe thirst, and cold sweats, it is advisable not to dismiss it as mere daytime drowsiness. Move to a cool location, loosen your clothing, and rest while drinking water.If you are unable to respond properly when called, speak incoherently, or lose your sense of direction, you may be experiencing heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by central nervous system abnormalities, requiring immediate treatment. In such cases, do not hesitate to call emergency services.To reduce fatigue and drowsiness caused by the heat, it is advisable to drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. During the hottest parts of the day, limit outdoor activities and intense exercise, and take regular breaks in cool areas. At night, use air conditioning or fans to lower bedroom temperatures, but avoid prolonged direct exposure to cold air.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also recommends drinking water regularly, regardless of thirst, during heat waves and advises against outdoor work and exercise during the hottest hours. On suddenly hot days, it is important to adjust activity levels according to your physical condition rather than maintaining the usual intensity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20 -
Korea Zinc Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 1.33 Trillion Won Korea Zinc achieved its highest half-year performance since its establishment this year. The company reported record sales and operating profit, driven by strong sales of key non-ferrous metals, including silver, and improved profitability.On August 5, Korea Zinc announced that its consolidated sales for the first half of the year reached 12.445 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.333 trillion won. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 62.5%, and operating profit rose by 151.5%. The operating profit margin also improved from 6.9% to 10.7%, a rise of 3.8 percentage points.On a separate basis, the company also recorded its highest half-year results. Sales for the first half reached 8.34 trillion won, a 72% increase from 4.85 trillion won in the same period last year. Operating profit surged from 539 billion won to 1.282 trillion won, marking a 137.8% increase. The operating profit margin also rose from 11.1% to 15.4%.For the second quarter, consolidated sales were 6.373 trillion won, with an operating profit of 587 billion won, reflecting increases of 66.6% and 126.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. On a separate basis, sales were 4.046 trillion won, and operating profit was 589 billion won, up 64.4% and 121.0%.Korea Zinc has maintained a streak of 106 consecutive quarters of operating profit since the mandatory disclosure of quarterly results. Silver sales were a key driver of this growth, with first-half silver sales reaching 4.108 trillion won, a 170.4% increase from 1.519 trillion won in the same period last year. Gold sales also rose by 58.5% to 1.225 trillion won.Sales of zinc increased by 22.6% to 1.563 trillion won, while lead sales rose by 9.5% to 717 billion won, and tin sales surged by 51.8% to 334 billion won.Sales of rare metals used in advanced and defense industries also increased. First-half indium sales reached 30 billion won, an 11.1% increase from the previous year, while bismuth sales rose by 81.8% to 40 billion won. Sales of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, used in semiconductor manufacturing processes, slightly increased to 71 billion won compared to the same period last year.Market analysts expect Korea Zinc's performance improvement to continue this year, supported by strong metal prices and expanded sales of rare metals.A company official stated, "Thanks to the technological innovation efforts of our employees and proactive investments, we achieved our highest half-year results despite an unstable market environment. We will continue to enhance productivity and profitability while working to increase corporate value."Meanwhile, Korea Zinc's board of directors approved a cash dividend of 5,000 won per share for the second quarter. The record date for the dividend is set for August 20, with payment scheduled for September 4. The total dividend for the second quarter amounts to approximately 102 billion won. Including the first-quarter dividend, the total dividend for the first half of the year is 10,000 won per share, totaling around 204 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20
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Korean Agency to Collect and Inspect Home Medical Devices Ahead of Chuseok The Food and Drug Administration is set to conduct a focused collection and inspection of home medical devices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to proactively check the quality of medical devices that are expected to see increased use during the holiday period, thereby enhancing safety management.On August 5, the agency announced that it will carry out the third quarter collection and inspection of medical devices in collaboration with six regional food and drug safety offices.This collection and inspection are designed to preemptively assess medical devices that are likely to be used as gifts or for family health management during the holiday, reinforcing quality management for devices frequently used by the public.The inspection will target 43 categories and 173 products, including low-level light therapy devices and limb compression circulation devices, which are expected to be in high demand during the holiday, as well as electronic thermometers, automatic electronic blood pressure monitors, and electric medical suction devices.Additionally, the agency plans to re-inspect adhesive transparent wound dressings and direct drug injection devices, which had previously failed quality standards during last year's collection and inspection, to enhance the effectiveness of quality management for products in circulation.Unapproved medical devices not only lack verified quality but also do not guarantee safety and efficacy, necessitating caution. The agency will conduct comprehensive checks on collected products, including biological safety tests such as sterility tests, as well as electrical and mechanical safety and major performance tests based on the characteristics of each item.Products that do not meet inspection standards will be immediately removed from sale and recalled or disposed of, with administrative actions taken against the respective companies in accordance with relevant laws. The results of these actions will be made available to consumers through the Medical Device Safety Information Center.The agency stated, "We will continue to manage the distribution of safe medical devices through proactive collection and inspections that consider seasonal and usage environments, and we will consistently verify the safety and performance of products, from everyday items to specialized medical devices in healthcare settings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20
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Baemin Partners with Seoul to Promote K-Delivery Culture to Foreign Tourists Baemin is launching a campaign to promote delivery culture aimed at foreign tourists.Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin, announced on August 5 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to spread 'K-delivery' culture in light of the anticipated influx of 20 million tourists visiting South Korea.The agreement aims to create an environment where anyone can conveniently experience delivery services, regardless of language or payment methods. The goal is for foreign tourists visiting Korea to enjoy food delivery as a new aspect of their travel experience, thereby invigorating local businesses.As part of the agreement, Baemin plans to continuously enhance its app features to make food delivery more accessible for foreign tourists, while the Seoul city government will handle promotion and on-site guidance for these visitors.Baemin is the only domestic delivery app offering multilingual services in English, Chinese, and Japanese, and it supports various international payment methods. This has positioned Baemin as a partner to facilitate the delivery culture experience for foreign tourists.Additionally, Baemin will conduct a K-delivery culture experience campaign for foreign tourists throughout August, in conjunction with the '2026 Han River Night Camping' initiative, a key project of the Seoul city government aimed at revitalizing the nighttime economy.'Han River Night Camping' is designed to allow citizens and tourists to enjoy the nighttime charm of the Han River during the summer, featuring a range of activities such as swimming, festivals, performances, movies, and delivery services. The city will operate a campsite with 200 tents during the festival, and special areas will be set up around Yeouido and Ttukseom Han River Parks for late-night dining, along with delivery zones to facilitate easy access for riders and smooth food pickup.During this period, Baemin will operate a dedicated promotional page for foreign tourists. Visitors to the Han River Park during the festival can access this page through QR codes on promotional banners placed on-site.The promotional page will provide festival information in various languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese, and offer a coupon for a 3,000 won discount on orders over 20,000 won. Foreign tourists can register using a domestic phone number or a foreign registration number, and can place orders directly on Baemin after a simple SMS verification with an international phone number.Yoon Seok-jun, head of brand communication strategy at Woowa Brothers, stated, "Customers who hesitated to use the app due to language and payment differences will now be able to conveniently experience K-delivery anywhere in Seoul. We will continue to develop related services to help foreign tourists become more familiar with Korea's delicious food through the Baemin app."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:10
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Kakao Games Aims for Profitability in Q1 2027, Following Weak Q2 Results Kakao Games reported disappointing results for the second quarter, following a weak first quarter. Co-CEOs Lee Si-woo and Kim Tae-hwan stated that launching new titles in the second half of the year is their priority to boost revenue in Q4 and achieve profitability in Q1 2027.On August 5, Kakao Games announced that its consolidated revenue for Q2 was 75 billion won, with an operating loss of 23 billion won. This represents a decrease of about 35% compared to the same period last year, continuing the trend of losses. However, the loss narrowed by approximately 10% compared to the previous quarter.The company anticipates that revenue will remain low through Q3 but plans to launch most of its major new titles from Q4 through Q1 2027 to turn the tide. In October, it will launch the 2.5D MMORPG 'World of Goblins.' The online action RPG 'ArcheAge Chronicle' and the strategic adventure RPG 'Dungeon Rise' are also set for release by the end of the year.In Q1 2027, Kakao Games will sequentially release three highly anticipated titles, including 'Odin Q,' 'God Save Birmingham,' and 'Chrono Odyssey.'Notably, 'Odin Q' is a sequel in the 'Odin' series, which shares a universe with Kakao Games' flagship title 'Odin: Valhalla Rising' and is considered a key intellectual property for the company.Lee Si-woo explained, "While 'Odin Q' is a title that inherits the Odin IP, the gameplay and target audience are clearly differentiated. The combat styles and player demographics are very different, so we expect these two games based on the Odin IP to complement each other."Kakao Games plans to prioritize acquiring developers with proven game quality and key metrics as part of its M&A strategy, gradually increasing investment from hundreds of millions of won. Kim Tae-hwan stated, "We will also focus on improving profitability by restructuring non-core and inefficient businesses and expanding global co-development and outsourcing to enhance our cost structure."Kim emphasized that there are no plans for corporate mergers, such as a merger with Line Games, but noted that collaboration within the scope of general partnerships is possible.Kakao Games aims to enhance shareholder value by securing the capacity for share buybacks through a reduction in capital reserves, along with a planned 500 million won share buyback by the new management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:00
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SK Telecom Plans to Fund AI Data Center Expansion Through External Capital SK Telecom (SKT) plans to secure funding for its expansion of artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC) through project financing and financial investors, minimizing its direct investment burden due to the scale of the project.On August 5, SKT Chief Financial Officer Park Jong-seok acknowledged during a second-quarter earnings conference call, "We fully understand the market's concerns regarding the 5-gigawatt (GW) AIDC project," adding, "We are considering various options in light of this."Park emphasized, "Given the substantial investment required for the AIDC project, it is realistically difficult for SKT to fund it entirely on its own. We plan to leverage external investments, including project financing, to secure the necessary funds for the project."Last month, SKT established a specialized company, SK Hyper, for the AIDC initiative, committing a total of 750 billion won by 2030. SK Hyper will lead customer acquisition and AIDC development based on the secured site and power infrastructure.This year, SKT will invest 330 billion won in SK Hyper, with the remaining funds to be disbursed in installments starting next year, aligned with project progress. SKT stated that this year's investment will not significantly burden its free cash flow (FCF).SK Hyper will operate separately from SK Broadband's existing data center business. Park noted, "SK Hyper will have its own personnel and organization to drive the project," and added, "We aim to create synergies by combining SKT's customer acquisition and business development capabilities with SK Broadband's data center operational expertise."Additionally, SKT anticipates that the demand for AI infrastructure will not be a temporary phenomenon. As the focus of generative AI shifts from training to inference, computational demand is increasing, and the public sector's use of AI is expanding, indicating a structural change in the industry. Lee Jae-shin, who oversees AI business development at SKT, stated, "We are currently in ongoing discussions regarding AI infrastructure demand, particularly with global big tech companies," and added, "The 5GW expansion will be pursued flexibly and sequentially in line with customer demand and project progress."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 16:56:00
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Director Lee Seung-yong on 'Kim Manager': So Ji-sub is Perfect, Positive Talks for Season 2 플랫폼 범람의 시대, 시청률 23%라는 수치는 단순한 기록 이상의 의미를 가진다. 최근 신드롬급 인기를 구가하며 막을 내린 SBS 드라마 '김부장'은 그 묵직한 성취를 이룬 작품이다. '별순검'을 시작으로 '특수사건 전담반 TEN', '보이스2', '트레이서' 등 굵직한 장르물을 연출해온 이승영 감독은 이번 작품에서도 자신의 특기를 십분 발휘해냈다. 짜릿한 액션의 쾌감과 긴장감을 밀도 있게 엮어낸 그는 또 한 번 대중들의 반응을 끌어냈다."후반 작업을 마무리할 때쯤 되면 으레 첫 방송 시청률 이야기를 하잖아요. 저는 일부러 낮게 이야기했어요. 그런데 예상보다 훨씬 높게 나왔죠. 처음 든 생각은 홍보팀에 대한 감사였습니다. 드라마 홍보도 전체 산업에서 무척 중요한 역할이고, 첫 방송에 기여하는 바가 크다고 생각하거든요. 여러 요소가 있겠지만 많이 힘써주셔서 감사하다는 마음이 먼저 들었습니다."축포를 터뜨려도 좋을 법한 성공적인 출발이었으나 이승영 감독과 제작진은 방송 내내 긴장의 끈을 놓을 수 없었다. 다만 그를 진정으로 안도하게 만든 건 업계의 거창한 찬사가 아닌 지인들이 보내온 소박한 시청 후기였다."촬영이 완전히 끝나면 '김부장'을 조금 편하게 대할 수 있을 줄 알았는데, 방송이 나가면서 더 긴장을 많이 했던 것 같아요. 먼 지인들에게서 가족들이 모여 TV를 본다는 문자가 오면 그게 그렇게 고맙더라고요. '주말을 즐겁게 보낼 수 있게 해줬다'는 말이 참 좋았어요. 코미디도 섞여 있지만 근본적으로는 딸을 지옥에서 건져내야 하는 아빠의 이야기잖아요. 가족에 관한 서사이다 보니 감정이입이 쉬우셨던 것 같아요. 꼬마들도 잘 봤다고 하고, 연배가 높으신 분들도 즐겨 보셨다는 말을 들으며 결과적으로 폭넓게 즐길 수 있는 드라마가 된 것 같아 보람을 느꼈습니다."이 감독이 기획 단계부터 끈질기게 밀어붙인 연출의 뼈대는 '캐릭터와 스토리를 관통하는 액션'이었다. 10시간짜리 서사 속에서 액션이 단순한 볼거리로 전락하지 않도록 변주와 빌드업에 공을 들였다. 그리고 이 철학을 현실로 구현해 낸 가장 강력한 동력은 스태프와 배우들이 빚어낸 굳건한 팀워크였다."화려한 볼거리 위주의 의미 없는 액션은 지양했어요. 각 액션의 디자인부터 공간, 촬영 스타일을 어떻게 변주해 마지막에 포텐을 터뜨릴 것인가를 목표로 움직였죠. 저희 팀의 최대 강점은 각 분야가 서로의 말에 귀를 기울이고 아이디어를 협력해 나갔다는 점입니다. 희한할 정도로 스태프와 연기자들이 성품 좋은 사람들이어서 현장에서 큰 소리가 안 났어요. 추운 날씨에 살수차 비를 맞아 배우들 옷과 머리가 꽁꽁 얼고, 바닥에 염화칼슘을 뿌려가며 촬영했는데 밤새 누구 하나 싫은 소리를 하지 않았습니다. 다들 이런 팀의 일원이라는 게 자랑스럽고 벅차다고 말해줬을 때, 알 수 없는 에너지가 뿜어져 나왔어요.극의 중심을 묵직하게 지탱한 주연 배우 소지섭을 향한 신뢰는 남달랐다. 극을 이끄는 역량은 물론, 카메라 밖에서 현장을 아우르는 태도야말로 그가 소지섭을 향해 "완벽에 가까웠다"고 평하는 이유다."배우는 자기가 맡은 역할을 잘 이해하는 게 첫 번째고, 그다음은 스태프 및 상대 배우와의 시너지라고 생각해요. 그런 측면에서 (소지섭은) 퍼펙트했습니다. 농담으로 '가장 좋을 때 헤어져야 하지 않을까'라고 말할 정도였죠. 모니터를 보는 첫 번째 관객으로서 '이 남자 멋지다'고 생각하며 찍은 순간이 많았어요. 첫 방송 날이자 마지막 10부 완제를 입고한 날, 소지섭 배우에게 전화가 왔어요. 감독님 수고하셨고 지금까지 고생한 스태프들에게 감사 인사를 대신 전해달라고요. 하나의 드라마를 만드는 데 얼마나 많은 사람이 일하는지 정확히 아는 주연 배우의 태도였습니다."소지섭, 최대훈, 윤경호 세 배우가 빚어낸 이른바 '아빠들'의 앙상블 역시 철저한 준비와 치열한 현장 소통이 낳은 결실이었다."촬영장에서 셋이 자꾸 모여 이야기를 하길래 가보면 늘 장면에 관한 토론이었어요. 캐릭터에 영혼을 불어넣을 준비를 집에서 해와, 현장에서 협업으로 살려내는 과정이었죠. 저는 연출자로서 가끔 핀트가 안 맞거나 산만한 지점이 있어도 막지 않았습니다. 그런 시행착오를 통해 얻어내는 것들이 분명 있거든요. 최대훈, 윤경호 배우는 대사 하나의 표현 방식에 대해서도 예닐곱 가지를 준비해 와서 리허설을 통해 가장 적합한 걸 뽑아냈습니다."무거운 범죄 스릴러에 매진해 온 이 감독에게 코미디와 액션이 짙게 배어 있는 '김부장'은 분명 낯선 도전이었다. 이 감독은 스태프들의 목소리에 귀 기울이며 작품의 디테일을 빚어나갔다."예전에는 답을 제가 내는 게 중요했어요. 그런데 경력이 쌓일수록 저보다 더 깊은 생각을 하는 스태프들의 의견을 잘 들으면 작품이 훨씬 탄탄해진다는 걸 깨달았죠. 액션과 코미디가 낯선 제게는 이를 잘 담아낼 팀의 역할이 절대적이었습니다. 유쾌한 엘리베이터 신은 공동 연출자의 톡톡 튀는 아이디어였고, 악당 시점의 야투경 사우나 액션 역시 무술감독님의 데모 영상에서 출발했어요. 누가 낸 아이디어든 귀담아듣고 격려하는 저희 팀의 방식이 만들어낸 결과물입니다.극 초반, '김부장'의 과거를 다룬 에피소드는 AI를 통해 만들어졌다. 제작 여건과 상상력 사이에서 타협점을 찾은 과감한 시도였다. 이 감독은 작품이 가진 '리얼리즘'을 훼손하지 않기 위해 치열하게 고민하며 AI를 사용했다고 설명했다."초반에 무시무시한 과거를 직접 보여주는 액션 신이 필요했는데, 실사로 다 찍자니 본편을 위한 재화가 너무 많이 들었죠. 고민 끝에 완성본이 나오기 6개월 전부터 파트너를 찾아 AI 작업에 돌입했습니다. 땀내 나는 리얼리즘 드라마에서 AI는 무척 조심스럽게 접근해야 해요. 제가 가장 신경 쓴 부분도, 이 짧은 장면이 스태프들이 땀 흘려 찍은 나머지 99%의 리얼리티에 영향을 주지 않게끔 철저히 중심을 잡는 일이었습니다."신드롬급 흥행은 자연스레 시즌2에 대한 대중의 염원으로 이어졌다. 이 감독은 시즌2에 관해 조심스럽게 입을 열었다."방송이 나가는 한 달 동안 조마조마했어요. 실패할 때도 힘들지만, 성공의 과정을 성숙하게 받아들이는 게 더 힘들다는 생각 때문이었죠. 그래서 그간 들떠서 '시즌2 가자'고 이야기한 적은 아예 없습니다. 본격적이고 진지한 논의는 최근 들어서야 긍정적인 방향으로 시작된 단계예요. 책임 있는 사람들이 질서 있게 자제하며 첫 스타트를 잘 잡아주면 그다음 이야기가 될 것 같습니다.시즌2에 대한 논의와 별개로 연출자로서 구상 중인 행보는 '위로'에 방점이 찍혀 있다. 거대한 장르물을 거쳐 이제는 시청자들에게 소박한 위안을 건네는 작품을 만들고 싶다는 바람이었다."제 개인적인 다음 스텝으로는 '위로'라는 키워드가 자꾸 떠올라요. '김부장'은 사이즈가 큰 드라마였지만, 다음번에는 규모가 작더라도 시청자가 우연히 보고 큰 위안을 얻을 수 있는 그런 드라마를 해보고 싶습니다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 16:52:00
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Seoul plans fall push despite North Korea silence SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korea will spend the fall looking for a way to talk to North Korea and does not expect to get one, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Wednesday, hours after the president told the officials who run the policy that the work will feel like shouting and hearing no echo. Asked whether the two governments might meet face to face at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Cho said the chance remains uncertain and that the North's conduct points one way. "Judging by North Korea's attitude so far, I think it will probably avoid such an opportunity," he said. "But the government is doing everything it can to break the current deadlock, so we will not miss occasions such as the General Assembly, or APEC in the fall." No official channel has opened between the two governments since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the written report it submitted to the president the same day, lists North Korea's refusal to talk or exchange as the first obstacle to its own Korean Peninsula policy. Cho spoke at a post-briefing session at Government Complex Seoul at 3 p.m., after the ministry delivered its half-year report at the presidential Blue House alongside the ministries handling unification, defense and veterans affairs. The report set out where Seoul has been knocking. Through the first half of the year, the ministry worked with third countries and international bodies to reach Pyongyang, naming Singapore, Viet Nam and Sweden along with the United Nations. It also pressed Beijing on peninsula stability at the January summit and during the prime minister's visit in June, and secured a Security Council sanctions exemption for humanitarian aid to the North. For the second half, it plans to keep working multilateral meetings that North Korea actually attends, including UN settings and unofficial dialogues that mix government officials with academics, while pulling China and Russia toward what it calls a constructive role. The substance on offer is a denuclearization sequence that begins with a freeze. The ministry describes it as halt, then reduce, then dismantle, and says progress on the first step is what it will pursue in talks with Washington. Pyongyang has been moving the other way. It claims status as a nuclear weapons state, continues to build out its nuclear and missile programs, and has drawn closer to Moscow while repairing ties with Beijing, according to the ministry's assessment. It has also widened its own diplomacy, hosting the Vietnamese and Singaporean foreign ministers in May and naming new ambassadors to posts including Indonesia and Sweden, while keeping open the possibility of conditional talks with the United States. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected in Seoul later this month, and Cho said North Korea will be at the front of that conversation. "This is an important issue for settling peace on the Korean Peninsula, so I will take it up with Wang Yi as the top priority," he said. He added that he does not expect Beijing to arrive holding a card it intends to reveal. On reports that North Korea is sending additional troops to Russia, Cho said the matter needs further confirmation and that Seoul is watching closely. "We are looking at how the situation develops with concern, and with a very grave view given the seriousness of this matter," he said. The rest of the report was an accounting of a year the ministry believes went well. Diplomacy ranked first among the areas the public rates positively in the president's performance, according to a Gallup Korea survey released on July 24. A separate evaluation published on June 7 by the Public Policy Evaluation Association and the Segye Times placed national-interest-centered foreign and security policy first among the administration's governing goals. Since the government took office, it has held more than 100 leader-level engagements with over 50 countries, producing roughly 700 follow-up items the ministry is now tracking. Thirty-two foreign ministers had visited South Korea as of July 16. When war broke out in the Middle East, the ministry helped about 1,500 South Koreans get out by land, charter flight, military transport and commercial aircraft, and its missions in the region stayed open through the fighting. Of 26 South Korean vessels caught in the Strait of Hormuz, 24 got clear by July 16. Confinement cases involving South Koreans caught in scam operations in Cambodia fell from 225 in the first half of last year to 14 in the same period this year, a drop of 94 percent, after the ministry adjusted travel advisories, built a standing channel with local police and pushed for the repatriation of suspects. The ministry also ran the first comprehensive survey of grievances from Korean communities abroad, collecting about 2,800 submissions across two rounds through all 173 overseas missions. Of the 1,438 received in the first round, 989 have been resolved. Cho relayed one instruction from the president that came without numbers attached. Lee told the room that foreign policy becoming a target of domestic politics is not desirable, and that it is heading that way regardless. "Rather than any argument, he spoke about practice," Cho said. "My own reading is that it was a remark reflecting deep insight into the fact that diplomacy is reality, and that it happens inside that reality." --- AJP Takeaways ● Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said North Korea will probably avoid a face-to-face opportunity at the United Nations General Assembly in September, while committing to work that occasion and APEC in the fall regardless. ● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs named Singapore, Viet Nam, Sweden and the United Nations as the channels it used to reach Pyongyang in the first half of the year, and listed the North's refusal to talk or exchange as the first obstacle to its own peninsula policy. ● Cho said North Korea will be his top priority when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Seoul later this month, and that he does not expect Beijing to arrive holding a card it intends to reveal. ● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed a denuclearization sequence of halt, then reduce, then dismantle, and said it will pursue progress on the first step in talks with Washington. The sequence appears in the written report and slide deck submitted to the president, not in the briefing. 2026-08-05 16:51:17 -
Gold investment loses steam as investor sentiment cools SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Interest in gold investment in South Korea is rapidly losing steam after a record-breaking run that continued until earlier this year, with trading volume and value on the Korea Exchange (KRX) gold market falling to their lowest levels in recent months. According to data released by the Korea Exchange on Wednesday, the average daily trading volume of KRX gold spot products stood at 218,708 grams in July, down 51.6 percent from 451,831 grams in June. Average daily trading value also dropped 54.4 percent to 42.66 billion won from 93.47 billion won. Compared with January, when gold trading reached its peak, trading volume plunged 78.4 percent and trading value fell 81.8 percent. The decline has continued this month, with average daily trading volume falling to 89,589 grams and average daily trading value dropping to 16.7 billion won during the first four days of August. Gold prices have also weakened, with the KRX gold spot price falling from a yearly high of 269,810 won per gram on Jan. 29 to a yearly low of 185,990 won on July 30. Gold-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have also continued to see outflows as investors as investors turn their attention to other assets. According to financial platform Koscom's ETF Check, individual investors sold the most shares of ACE KRX Gold Spot among domestic commodity ETFs over the past month, resulting in net outflows of 26.5 billion won. Another leading gold ETF, TIGER KRX Gold Spot, also saw net selling of 12.9 billion won. Market analysts say the sharp drop reflects weakening investor sentiment rather than just a decline in gold prices. They point to continued high interest rates in the U.S., which have reduced gold's appeal, while funds have shifted into growth stocks, particularly semiconductor-related shares. "Gold prices are often more affected by changes in market liquidity than stocks, which are more sensitive to the economic cycle," said Choi Jin-young, a researcher at Daishin Securities. He added that gold has fallen more than 30 percent from this year's peak as investors remain concerned about tighter monetary policies. Oh Jae-young, a researcher at KB Securities, also said global liquidity has been concentrated in certain assets such as semiconductor stocks, dampening investor sentiment toward gold. A recovery in gold prices also remains to be seen, as demand from Chinese retail investors, who helped fuel last year's rally, has slowed. In addition, gold purchases by the People's Bank of China have also slowed, as its recent buying has been aimed more at diversifying its reserves rather than supporting prices. AJP Takeaways: - The average daily trading volume of gold spot products on the Korea Exchange (KRX) fell 51.6 percent to 218,708 grams in July 2026, down from 451,831 grams in June 2026, according to data released by the Korea Exchange on Aug. 5, 2026. - The average daily trading value of KRX gold spot products dropped 54.4 percent to 42.66 billion won in July 2026, down from 93.47 billion won in June 2026. - Compared with January 2026, when KRX gold trading peaked, trading volume plunged 78.4 percent and trading value fell 81.8 percent by July 2026. - KRX gold trading continued declining in early August 2026, with average daily trading volume falling to 89,589 grams and average daily trading value dropping to 16.7 billion won during the first four trading days of the month. - The KRX gold spot price fell from a yearly high of 269,810 won per gram on January 29, 2026, to a yearly low of 185,990 won per gram on July 30, 2026. 2026-08-05 16:49:40 -
Support for Local Commercial District Revitalization: In Tae-yeon Visits Chuncheon The Small Business Market Promotion Corporation announced that In Tae-yeon visited Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on August 5 to explore innovation strategies for traditional markets.During the visit, In received reports on key operational statuses at the Gangwon regional headquarters and reviewed initiatives and support directions aimed at revitalizing local commercial districts.He particularly focused on the 'customized mobile consultation service' to address policy gaps and the 'mobile health management service' to care for the health of traditional market vendors vulnerable to extreme heat.Following this, he held a meeting with the Gangwon Merchants Association to hear about the current operations and challenges faced by local traditional markets and to discuss strategies for securing sustainable market competitiveness.Finally, In visited the Chuncheon and Wonju centers to encourage staff who support small businesses on the front lines and urged them to strengthen the field-centered support system.In Tae-yeon stated, "We will actively support traditional markets to develop self-sustainability and grow proactively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 16:44:00