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Government Faces Backlash Over Tax Reforms Cutting Public Transport Deductions The government is facing intense backlash after announcing a tax reform plan that eliminates income deductions for public transport expenses and reduces additional deduction limits. On August 3, the Ministry of Finance and Economy revealed the '2026 Tax Reform Plan,' which will take effect from the tax period starting January 1, 2027.According to the proposed changes, the current 40% deduction rate for public transport expenses will be completely removed from the income deduction category. As a result, the additional deduction limit for workers earning less than 70 million won will decrease from 3 million won to 2 million won for traditional markets, public transport, and cultural expenses. For those earning over 70 million won, the additional deduction limit will be halved from 2 million won to 1 million won, with public transport expenses excluded.The government explained that the shift from tax deductions to direct financial support (such as subsidies) aims to enhance the efficiency of tax expenditures. However, online critics argue that the move disproportionately affects working-class individuals who primarily rely on public transport, suggesting that the government is trying to fill budget gaps at their expense."It was nice to receive, wasn't it?"... Outrage Across Political LinesFollowing the announcement, thousands of comments expressing anger flooded major online communities.In a female community with over 770 comments, users connected the government's cash support payments to the tax reform, voicing self-deprecating criticism. Comments included, "They threw money into the air and now they're taking it back through taxes," and "This is the price we pay for receiving 100,000 won in subsidies." Many expressed feelings of betrayal towards the current administration, comparing it unfavorably to the previous government.In a male community with over 1,110 comments, users criticized the policy contradictions and the government's approach to tax revenue. Comments included, "They are squeezing every penny from tax revenue," and "They give out subsidies for high fuel prices but eliminate public transport deductions—what are we supposed to do?" Some sarcastically remarked, "They distribute 150,000 won in subsidies while taking so much back, making it impossible for everyone to live well."Criticism of cash-based welfare policies also emerged, with comments like, "It was nice to receive, but did they not realize that this is debt that they and their children will have to repay?" and "The poor will only become poorer; it seems they want a welfare state."While the government claims the transition to direct financial support will improve efficiency, the increased tax burden on daily commuters and working-class individuals suggests that tax resistance and accountability for the administration will persist for the foreseeable future. 2026-08-04 17:00:00 -
Education Sector Adapts to Summer Learning Demand As the short summer vacation of less than a month approaches, more parents are seeking advance learning opportunities for the second semester and supplementary education for their children. In a competitive environment marked by a declining school-age population, the education sector is ramping up marketing efforts to attract new customers and retain existing members during the break.According to a survey conducted by Yoon's English involving 610 parents of elementary and middle school students, the average summer vacation for their children is 25 days, about half the length of the winter break. Notably, 54.6% of respondents indicated that their children plan to participate in short-term programs such as academy special lectures, while 41.0% expressed a desire for focused learning in preparation for the second semester. In contrast, only 33.0% of parents said their children would focus on relaxation.In response to this demand, learning material companies are launching interactive programs to help maintain study habits during the summer vacation.Kyowon has introduced the 'Red Pen Marathon' aimed at kindergarten and elementary school students. This program encourages reading and learning activities by converting them into marathon distances, with a goal of completing 42.195 kilometers. It incorporates game elements to promote consistent learning and expands upon the existing '150 Reading Marathon' by combining reading with early childhood learning programs, focusing on developing study habits during the break.Yoon's English is hosting the 'Real Speech 2026' English speaking competition this summer. Participants will create and submit videos of their English presentations, receiving evaluations and feedback from experts. This year, the competition has expanded to include 436 awards and offers cultural gift certificates worth a total of 7 million won to encourage participation.Megastudy Education's online learning platforms, Elihigh for elementary students and Mbest for middle school students, have launched the 'Study Hard Challenge' event. This initiative supports students in maintaining their study habits during the break through daily attendance checks and study certifications.AI-driven personalized learning services are also a key focus of summer marketing efforts. Cheongjae Textbook's AI elementary learning material, Milk T Elementary, is offering a free trial event until September 9. This service provides customized learning based on AI diagnostic assessments during the summer break, along with prizes. Freewilling's AI math learning platform, Math Flat, allows teachers to set learning ranges and problem quantities tailored to each student's progress and achievement levels, delivering personalized math problems daily.The education sector views summer vacation events as a crucial time for retaining members and attracting new customers. An industry representative stated, "Summer events significantly increase member influx compared to usual periods," adding that competition for new members has intensified due to the declining school-age population, prompting companies to focus more on summer events.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:52:00 -
Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Withdrawal of Tax Increase Plan Targeting Homeowners Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, urged the government on August 4 to withdraw its proposed tax reform plan, calling it a "tax increase notice" that punishes both homeowners and non-homeowners.During a press conference at the National Assembly, Jang criticized the government's approach, stating, "It is packaged as normalizing transactions, but the essence is clear. It is a punitive tax for owning a home. They cannot control housing prices but aim to target homeowners instead."He further pointed out that the plan differentiates between homeowners based on whether they reside in their properties, significantly increasing the comprehensive real estate tax burden on those who do not live in their homes. "Even if someone temporarily lives elsewhere for their child's education, work, or medical care, their home is still their home. Yet, the government ignores these circumstances and demands higher taxes," he said.Jang emphasized that the goal is not to stabilize housing prices but to fill the country's empty coffers with the wealth of its citizens. He described the policy as a "bad real estate policy" that imposes higher taxes on those who have worked hard to buy their homes while preventing properties from entering the market.He also expressed concern that taxes paid by homeowners would ultimately lead to increased rent for tenants, making it even harder for young people and low-income families to afford housing. "The dream of homeownership is slipping away due to skyrocketing rents," he warned.Jang predicted that the proposed measures would lead to further suffering for the public, stating, "A 'hellish reality' for citizens is unfolding. It is no wonder that the term 'jamdemic' has become popular among the people. President Lee has become the biggest risk for South Korea."He added, "Taxes are not the solution to the real estate problem. Only expanding supply, including redevelopment and reconstruction, and truly normalizing the real estate market can resolve these issues."Regarding President Lee's decision not to exercise his right to request a reconsideration of the criminal procedure law amendment, Jang criticized him, saying, "He signed a law that harms victims to erase his trial entirely. He is a president who only thinks of himself. 'Selfish Lee' is the name of the President of South Korea."When asked about the possibility of a meeting with President Lee, Jang stated, "Even if the president proposes a meeting now, I would not attend. I believe there is no need for any dialogue with him, not even a meeting."He questioned the effectiveness of past meetings between party leaders and the president, saying, "What has changed since then? All that has returned are laws and policies that cause the public to shed tears."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:52:00 -
Haenam County Chief Myung Hyun-kwan: National AI Computing Center's Success is Haenam's Future Myung Hyun-kwan, the chief of Haenam County, presented a vision for the future of Haenam as a key hub for South Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) industry, emphasizing his commitment to administrative support for the seamless advancement of the National AI Computing Center project. During a regular staff meeting on August 4, Myung reflected on the significance of the groundbreaking ceremony held the previous day at the Solarido Data Center Park, stating, "The groundbreaking of the National AI Computing Center marks the starting point for South Korea to become one of the top three AI powerhouses. I find it very meaningful that this historic project began in Haenam, and I thank the residents for their support." Myung also shared insights from a meeting with key figures from the government, National Assembly, and local governments, recalling the process of securing the National AI Computing Center. He noted, "When Haenam was selected last year, there were concerns about the project's success. However, within just a few months, the government's strong commitment and local cooperation have increased confidence in the project's success." Myung expressed pride in sharing this historic moment with the residents, stating, "We are at the starting point of a new path that no one has traveled before, but since this project is crucial for the nation's future, we will pursue it with confidence and determination." He also praised the role of local public officials in the lead-up to the groundbreaking, saying, "The fact that we reached this point in just 10 months since the site was confirmed last October is thanks to the swift and accurate administrative support from our officials. Haenam's administrative capabilities, aligned with the government's AI industry development policies, have led to meaningful results." Haenam County is establishing a one-stop administrative support system to facilitate the project, quickly completing the necessary permits related to the National AI Computing Center. The county plans to continue enhancing infrastructure and administrative support to ensure the smooth progress of this national strategic project. Myung also outlined follow-up tasks to establish a foundation for future growth. He emphasized the need to improve living conditions, push for the enactment of the Special Act on Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities currently pending in the National Assembly, and promote the establishment of the RE100 national industrial complex. Additionally, he mentioned efforts to include the construction of a high-speed highway connecting Gwangju and Solarido in Haenam, as well as a high-speed rail line linking Seoul, Haenam, and Wando in the fifth national railway network construction plan. Myung stated, "After over six years of steady preparation under challenging conditions to attract future industries, we have finally achieved our first success with the National AI Computing Center. We will continue to enhance Haenam's competitiveness as a center for South Korea's AI and energy industries, with the determination to leave hope for future generations." Meanwhile, the National AI Computing Center is a key infrastructure project supporting the government's AI competitiveness enhancement policy, to be established at the Solarido Data Center Park in Haenam. The total project cost is 2.4065 trillion won, with plans to install 15,000 high-performance GPUs by 2028 and expand to 50,000 by 2030, operating as a national AI computing hub to support ultra-large AI research and industrial innovation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:48:20 -
Kakao Pay Securities Reports First-Half Operating Profit of 63.1 Billion Won Kakao Pay Securities recorded an operating profit of 63.1 billion won in the first half of this year, surpassing its total profit from the previous year in just six months.According to Kakao Pay's second-quarter earnings report released on August 4, the cumulative operating profit for Kakao Pay Securities in the first half reached 63.1 billion won, a 407.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure exceeds last year's total operating profit of 42.8 billion won by 20.3 billion won.In the second quarter of this year, revenue rose to 121.9 billion won, an 86% increase from the previous year. Notably, the operating profit for the second quarter surged by 347.4% to 39.6 billion won compared to the same period last year.Customer assets also grew rapidly. As of the end of June, the total assets under custody reached 21.1 trillion won, marking a 279% increase year-on-year. Among these, stock and pension assets amounted to 18 trillion won, a 391% increase.Investor inflows continued as well. In the second quarter, net inflows of funds into domestic and international stock markets totaled 4.8 trillion won, marking six consecutive quarters of growth. The cumulative net inflow for the first half reached 8.5 trillion won.Trading volume also expanded. In the second quarter, stock trading volume reached 139.9 trillion won, a 497% increase from the previous year, while the number of transactions rose by 191% to 266 million. The number of monthly stock trading customers increased to 1.61 million, a 98% rise during the same period.The conversion rate of Kakao Pay users to regular stock trading customers exceeded 30%, up 20 percentage points from the same period last year. The increase in investor assets has been interpreted as a driver for improved performance through expanded trading.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:48:20 -
New Platform Combines Voice Phishing Data for Financial and Law Enforcement Agencies Financial companies, telecom providers, and law enforcement agencies are launching a new system to share suspected voice phishing information on a single platform. This initiative aims to enhance initial responses by quickly sharing information on suspicious accounts, phone numbers, and malicious applications, allowing for prompt actions such as freezing accounts and blocking phone numbers.The Financial Services Commission announced that the revised Special Act on the Prevention of Telecommunications Financial Fraud and its enforcement decree will take effect on August 4. This will enable the sharing of financial, telecommunications, and investigative information through the voice phishing information sharing and analysis AI platform known as ASAP.ASAP has been operational since October of last year, primarily focusing on banking sector information. However, the lack of a clear legal basis for information sharing limited participation to financial institutions, making it difficult to fully utilize telecommunications and investigative data.With the implementation of the revised regulations, not only financial institutions but also telecommunications operators, law enforcement agencies, the Financial Supervisory Service, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), electronic financial service providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, and the Korea Information and Communication Promotion Association can now provide suspected information to the ASAP operating agency without needing individual consent from the data subjects.The information shared will include account numbers, transaction histories, and personal information of individuals associated with accounts that have been used for fraud or are suspected of being fraudulent. Additionally, phone numbers suspected of being used for voice phishing, user information, and details about malicious apps will also be shared.Each agency will not only provide information but will also receive data from other agencies and analysis results from ASAP. Financial institutions can use this information to quickly freeze suspicious accounts, while telecom companies can urgently block phone numbers used for criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies can also utilize the relevant information in their investigations.The new regulations also provide a basis for excluding the application of laws that restrict information sharing, such as the Financial Real Name Act and the Credit Information Act. However, to prevent misuse of personal information, safeguards regarding data retention periods and destruction methods will be included in subordinate regulations.Considering the operational experience of ASAP and expertise in financial security, the Financial Services Commission has designated the Financial Security Agency as the information sharing and analysis agency. The system integration between telecom companies, law enforcement agencies, and ASAP has also been completed, allowing for immediate information sharing upon the law's enactment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:48:10 -
Customers Demand Refunds After Dermatology Clinic Suddenly Closes A well-known dermatology clinic in Gangseo District, Seoul, has closed unexpectedly, leaving customers who purchased memberships without refunds. Victims reported that they received no prior notice of the closure and that the clinic encouraged payments through promotions right up until its closing. The clinic acknowledged that some customers did not receive notifications but claimed the promotions were intended to help existing customers use their remaining credits.According to reports from Aju Economy, the A Dermatology Clinic in Balsan-dong decided to close on July 31. However, during the closure process, the clinic failed to refund customers who had prepaid for memberships.As of August 3, Aju Economy identified at least 30 victims, primarily women aged 20 to 50, with individual losses ranging from $100 to approximately $2,000. The total unrefunded amount is estimated to be in the millions of won.The number of victims and the total amount lost may increase. Victims have pointed out that the clinic did not adequately inform them about the closure and the ongoing rehabilitation process. Some learned about the closure only through a text message announcing the initiation of rehabilitation procedures, while others reported not receiving any information at all.One victim, identified as C, stated, "I was informed on July 11 that the clinic would close and was told to choose between a refund or treatment, so I requested a refund." Another victim, D, recounted, "On July 24, during my treatment, I was informed of the closure and provided my bank account details, and the clinic confirmed that my refund request was received."In contrast, victim B described a different experience, saying, "On July 2, when I received treatment, I had no information about the closure. I only learned about it on July 31 when I received a text saying 'no refunds'" and added, "A friend who goes to the same clinic informed me after hearing my story."The clinic sent a text to customers on July 31 stating, "Due to ongoing financial difficulties, we are unable to process refunds normally. Payments will be made according to a plan through court rehabilitation procedures," and posted the same message at the clinic's entrance.After the sudden closure notice and the text about the rehabilitation process, victims attempted to contact the clinic but were unable to reach anyone.C reported, "After applying for a refund, I asked two or three times why the payment hadn’t been made, and I was told it would be processed soon. Even after the closure, they said they would respond through the application and that I shouldn’t worry." However, he expressed frustration, stating he made 60 calls after receiving the rehabilitation text but could not get through to the clinic.B also noted, "When I first received the text and went to the clinic, I found a notice posted, and the clinic was already closed." The clinic's information was also found to be removed from the internet.Victims are raising suspicions that the clinic may have induced payments through promotions while knowing it was set to close in June and July.D shared a KakaoTalk message from the clinic, stating, "The clinic sent event notifications six times in June and once in July through chat rooms," while B claimed, "There was a victim who said the clinic encouraged bank transfers by offering lower prices around June." If the clinic attracted customers through promotions while planning to close, it could raise legal concerns.A more significant issue is that with the clinic entering rehabilitation procedures, the likelihood of victims receiving refunds remains uncertain.E stated, "I made a three-month installment payment with my card, and since two months have not been charged yet, I applied for a refund through the installment dispute process. If the card company accepts my application, there may be a chance for a refund," but added, "I’m not sure what will happen to those who made bank transfers or one-time card payments."Among the victims, B and C made one-time card payments, while D made a bank transfer, leaving their funds tied up with the clinic. Victims are reportedly contacting the Korea Consumer Agency, local health offices, and the Korea Legal Aid Corporation individually for assistance. Some are considering legal action, but the costs are a concern.Park Jeong-mun, a lawyer at Ilro Law Firm, told Aju Economy, "Seeking assistance through institutions rather than legal procedures can have limitations, making it difficult to receive practical help," and noted that small-scale victims often band together to hire a lawyer for civil and criminal responses.He added, "If there is an outstanding balance on the installment payment, it can be disputed with the card company, but for those who paid by bank transfer or cash, they will have to seek refunds through criminal settlements or civil lawsuits."After speaking with Aju Economy, the clinic sent a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the delay in refunds.Regarding the issue of some customers not receiving the closure notice, the clinic stated, "We decided to end services on July 30 and began notifying customers sequentially from early to mid-July, but some did not receive notifications due to contact errors and system issues. This is a management failure on our part, and we are currently re-notifying customers."The clinic further clarified, "We operated normally until June, and the decision to close was made in July. The events in July were not intended to collect new payments but to allow existing customers to use their remaining credits. The claim that we accepted payments before closing is not accurate."They added, "We have been processing refunds within the limits of available funds since the closure, but delays have occurred as funds have been exhausted. We are currently working on transferring the clinic and will do our best to refund as much as possible before rehabilitation, with any shortfall to be addressed through the rehabilitation process."The clinic estimated that preparing for the rehabilitation application would take 2 to 3 weeks, with about a month until a decision is made, and typically around six months until approval, stating, "Rehabilitation is not a process to evade responsibility but a procedure to maximize repayments under court supervision." 2026-08-04 16:48:00 -
Samsung Securities Reports Record Q2 Operating Profit of 675.8 Billion Won Samsung Securities achieved record results in the second quarter of this year, driven by growth in its asset management (WM) and investment banking (IB) divisions.According to Samsung Securities, the consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 675.8 billion won, marking a 10.9% increase from the previous quarter and a 119.0% rise compared to the same period last year. Pre-tax profit was 669.7 billion won, up 8.8% from the previous quarter and 114.1% year-on-year, while net profit stood at 488.2 billion won, reflecting increases of 8.3% and 108.1%, respectively.The company attributed its performance improvement to the growth in its asset management (WM) sector. Retail customer assets surged to 652.4 trillion won, a 31.6% increase from the previous quarter, while the number of high-net-worth (HNW) clients rose by 27.5% to 572,000.The asset management business also showed strong performance, with net commission income from wrap accounts increasing by 52.1% to 49.5 billion won, and retirement pension deposits growing by 20.7% to 28.1 trillion won.In the investment banking sector, structured finance was a key driver of growth. The IB division reported a 26.1% increase in performance, reaching 90.6 billion won, primarily due to structured finance revenue of 79.4 billion won.Samsung Securities successfully completed the IPOs of Chabi and JersTech, and also executed a financing deal for the acquisition of Hugel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:48:00 -
Song Young-gil Rejects Candidate Unification, Vows to Complete Race Song Young-gil, a member of the Democratic Party and candidate for party leader, has dismissed the possibility of candidate unification and made it clear that he intends to complete the race until the party convention on the 17th. He argued that withdrawing midway would be disadvantageous given the introduction of a preferential voting system, and he plans to leverage his experience leading both local governments and the ruling party to aim for a late-stage turnaround.In an interview with Aju Economy on July 31 at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, Song stated, "There is no need for unification; I will go all the way to the end."The upcoming Democratic Party convention will implement a preferential voting system. Party members will rank three candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the candidate in third place will be eliminated, and their second-choice votes will be redistributed to the remaining two candidates.Song argued, "If we do not go all the way, it will be a loss," asserting that it is rational for all three candidates to participate fully in the election.He emphasized that his experience as both the mayor of Incheon and the leader of the Democratic Party distinguishes him as the strongest candidate. "The party leader must support the president's governance legislatively while accurately conveying public sentiment and proposing alternatives to address the president's shortcomings," he said, adding, "Among the three, I am the one who can perform that role best."He continued, "I have led a metropolitan government, specialized in economics, and have experience supporting the government's success as the leader of the ruling party. My experience in managing both local governments and the ruling party makes a significant difference in times of crisis."One of Song's key achievements is his experience overcoming a financial crisis during his tenure as mayor of Incheon. When he took office in 2010, Incheon was facing severe financial difficulties, with debts exceeding 7 trillion won and daily interest payments reaching about 1 billion won. To secure funding, Song pushed for the sale of the Incheon Comprehensive Terminal, which was leased by Shinsegae Department Store, but determined that it could not be sold for the 650 billion won that Shinsegae had considered.He involved Lotte in the bidding process, fostering real competition between the two retail giants, and ultimately, the terminal was sold for 900 billion won. He explained that including related revenues, the financial impact amounted to approximately 920 billion won.Song highlighted this case as evidence of his negotiation skills and crisis management abilities, showing that he did not sell local government assets at a loss but rather secured their true value through competition.He argues that his experience as mayor can be a significant asset in national politics. A politician who has managed a local government understands how policies are implemented on the ground and how budgets and administrative organizations operate."Politics is not just about slogans," he said. "One must understand economics, administration, and budgets, and have real experience in solving crises to support the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."Currently, the Democratic Party leadership election is unfolding as a two-horse race between former leader Jeong Cheong-rae and former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. As of August 3, the cumulative first-choice vote percentages among party members were 45.51% for Jeong, 44.52% for Kim, and 9.97% for Song.Despite his low first-choice vote percentage, Song maintains that the nature of the preferential voting system means the final outcome cannot be predicted. Even if he finishes in third place, the second-choice votes from his supporters could determine the ultimate winner, and he could create an opportunity for a turnaround in the remaining regional contests.Since entering the National Assembly in 2000, Song has served five terms in the Incheon Gyeyang district and was elected mayor of Incheon in 2010. He became the leader of the Democratic Party in 2021 and returned to the National Assembly through a by-election in Incheon Yeonsu-gap in June, becoming the first six-term member from Incheon.The interview took place in Room 818 of the National Assembly building, which was previously used by President Lee Jae-myung during his time as a lawmaker. After returning to the National Assembly through the by-election, Song took over this office. In this space, where traces of President Lee remain, Song emphasized that he is the right person to support the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."I have experience leading both local governments and the ruling party," he said. "Just as I managed the crisis in Incheon, I will lead the success of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party's victory in the general election based on my experience and policy capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 16:40:00 -
AI startup XIIlab's shares soar as new contract fuels earnings hopes SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence (AI) startup XIIlab saw its shares rise on the junior KOSDAQ on Tuesday. The stock closed at 11,020 won (US$7.93), up 17.23 percent from the previous session, after surging as much as 30 percent during the session to hit the daily price limit of 12,220 won. The rise came after the startup announced that it had signed a contract worth 30.7 billion won with BNINC, an AI infrastructure provider, to supply software for the National IT Industry Promotion Agency's project to procure next-generation high-performance AI computing resources including 2,016 NVIDIA Vera Rubin GPUs. The deal, valued at nearly three times the company's annual revenue, raised expectations for a sharp increase in future earnings. Running from Aug. 4 through March 2027, the deal follows a series of major AI infrastructure projects secured by XIIlab. Earlier this year, it signed a contract with Samsung SDS to support the construction of AI computing infrastructure, which provides the high-performance computing power needed for AI development. It also won a contract last month to supply software for NVIDIA Spectrum-X, a networking platform designed to enable AI servers to communicate more efficiently. Founded in 2010, XIIlab develops AI software that analyzes video to identify people, objects and events. It also creates synthetic data for AI training and develops GPU-based software used in AI computing systems. 2026-08-04 16:37:51


