Latest by
-
Trump Announces Halt to Iran Strikes, Signals Resumption of Talks, Causing Oil Prices to Plummet President Donald Trump announced a halt to additional strikes against Iran and indicated a resumption of talks, leading to a sharp decline in international oil prices and a rise in U.S. stock index futures.According to Investing.com, as of 8:46 a.m. KST on August 3, October Brent crude futures fell by $6.53 (7.25%) to $83.59 per barrel. September West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also dropped by $4.21 (4.97%) to $80.46 per barrel.In contrast, major U.S. stock index futures rose. As of 8:36 a.m. KST, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 183 points (0.35%) at 52,818. S&P 500 futures increased by 31 points (0.41%) to 7,550.25, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose by 181.25 points (0.64%) to 28,585.50.The drop in oil prices and the rise in stock index futures are seen as reactions to President Trump’s announcement that he would hold off on further strikes against Iran and suggested that negotiations could resume.According to the Associated Press, on August 2, Trump claimed that he would direct U.S. forces to halt new attacks on Iran, asserting that an agreement to end the Middle East conflict was close. He also stated that talks between the U.S. and Iran would resume on the afternoon of August 3.If the ongoing military confrontations between the two sides, which have lasted for over five months, are resolved, there is growing optimism that oil and petroleum product carriers stranded in the Persian Gulf could resume operations. The Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran, is a critical route for global oil transport, and restrictions on shipping during the conflict have contributed to rising oil prices.High oil prices have led to fuel rationing in some countries and temporary closures of schools and government offices, increasing the burden of airfares and logistics costs. However, despite the sharp decline on this day, WTI prices remain about 20% higher than before the outbreak of hostilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 09:08:10 -
Yoo Hae-ran Finishes Tied for 6th at AIG Women's Open, Major Three-Peat Bid Falls Short Yoo Hae-ran's quest for a historic third consecutive major title in women's golf ended in disappointment.On August 2, local time, Yoo played the final round of the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Links in Lancashire, England, finishing with three birdies, four bogeys, and one double bogey for a score of 3-over-par 74.With a total score of 1-under-par 283, Yoo concluded the tournament in a tie for 6th place.Having won the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship in succession, Yoo was aiming for a historic third major victory in a single season. Only four players in women's golf history have achieved three major wins in a year: Babe Zaharias in 1950, Mickey Wright in 1961, Pat Bradley in 1986, and Inbee Park in 2013. Among them, only Zaharias and Park hold the record for three consecutive major wins.Yoo started the final round tied for second, three strokes behind the leader, and began strong with a birdie on the first hole (par 3). However, she made her first bogey on the third hole (par 4) and recorded a double bogey on the fifth hole after her tee shot landed in a bunker. Although she added birdies on the seventh hole (par 5) and the 13th hole (par 4), bogeys on the 11th hole (par 5), 17th hole (par 4), and 18th hole (par 4) pushed her out of contention for the title.With this missed opportunity, Yoo also lost her lead in the race for various major titles to Nelly Korda of the United States. Yoo scored 130 points in the Annika Major Award competition, which is given to the player with the best performance in major tournaments in a season, falling behind Korda, who finished tied for 4th with a total score of 2-under-par 282 and earned 140 points. Additionally, Yoo ranked second in the CME Globe Race points, Player of the Year, and scoring average categories, all behind Korda.The championship was claimed by Shiho Kuwaki of Japan, who finished with a total score of 5-under-par 279. After tying with Esther Henseleit of Germany, Kuwaki secured the victory by making par on the 18th hole during a second playoff.Competing as a non-member, Kuwaki achieved her first major victory, earning a prize of $1.5 million and a spot on the LPGA Tour.This marks the second consecutive year that a Japanese player has won the AIG Women's Open, following Miu Yamashita's victory last year.Yoon Ye-rim, who was the sole leader after the third round, lost three strokes on the final day, finishing in third place with a total score of 4-under-par 280. Gino Titiqun of Thailand tied for fourth with Korda.Among South Korean players, Kim Hyo-joo and Lim Jin-hee both finished with a total score of 1-over-par 285, tying for 16th place. Kim Sei-young placed 29th with a score of 4-over-par 288, while Shin Ji-eun, Ko Jin-young, and Yang Hee-young all finished tied for 47th with scores of 8-over-par 292.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 09:08:10
-
President Lee's Approval Rating Hits Lowest Point at 45.9% Amid Decline A recent poll revealed that President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating for his government performance has dropped to its lowest level since he took office. The survey, conducted by Realmeter at the request of Energy Economy News, assessed the opinions of 2,508 voters aged 18 and older from July 27 to 31. The results showed an approval rating of 45.9%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the previous week, marking three consecutive weeks of decline and the lowest rating since his inauguration.The percentage of respondents who rated his performance as 'poor' rose to 50.5%, an increase of 1.0 percentage point from the prior week. This is the first time that negative evaluations have surpassed positive ones by a margin of 4.6 percentage points, exceeding the margin of error of ±2.0 percentage points. Meanwhile, 3.5% of respondents indicated they were unsure.In a separate survey conducted on July 30-31, the Democratic Party garnered 45.1% support, while the People Power Party received 37.7%. The Democratic Party's support increased by 3.8 percentage points compared to the previous week, while the People Power Party saw a decline of 2.9 percentage points. Support for the Reform Party was at 2.4%, the Justice Party at 2.0%, and the Progressive Party at 0.9%. The percentage of undecided voters was recorded at 9.5%.Both surveys were conducted using automated telephone interviews. The margin of error for the presidential approval rating survey is ±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 3.8%. The party support survey has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 3.3%. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2026-08-03 09:08:00
-
Na Hong-jin's sci-fi thriller attracts over 4 million moviegoers SEOUL, August 3 (AJP) - Director Na Hong-jin's latest film "Hope" has attracted over 4 million moviegoers less than a month after its release. According to ticket sales data released by the Korean Film Council on Monday, the sci-fi film reached the milestone the previous day, becoming this year's third film to do so, after "The King's Warden" and "Colony." The milestone is particularly impressive given the film's competition from Hollywood blockbusters including the latest installment of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." The superhero film got off to a strong start, drawing about 680,000 moviegoers on its opening day last week and surpassing 1 million admissions on its second day at the box office. The 160-minute film starring veteran actor Hwang Jung-min along with Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon revolves around a story set in a demilitarized border village where unidentified objects suddenly appear. The film also features Hollywood stars such as Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender and Taylor Russell. 2026-08-03 09:07:39 -
Kia Expands Electric Vehicle Lineup with Customized Strategies Kia is enhancing its electrification strategy to cover the entire process from purchasing to owning and disposing of electric vehicles. The company plans to expand its dedicated purpose-built vehicle (PBV) lineup to 10 models and launch a refreshed version of the EV6. Kia is also increasing financial support for new car buyers as it accelerates its efforts in the domestic market.On August 3, Kia announced the introduction of five new models in the PV5 lineup, along with the '2027 PV5' and '2027 EV6,' aimed at providing tailored electric vehicle solutions that align with customer lifestyles and business environments.The most significant change is the expansion of the PBV lineup. The newly added models include: Prime, Passenger 5-seater (1-2-2), Passenger 7-seater (2-2-3), Cargo Compact, and Chassis Cab donor model, bringing the total PV5 lineup to 10 models. This expansion allows Kia to meet diverse demands ranging from passenger transport to logistics and specialty vehicles.The newly introduced '2027 EV6' features standard safety equipment across all trims and incorporates 19-inch tires, increasing the driving range of the 2WD model from 494 km to 502 km on a single charge, enhancing its market appeal.Kia has also strengthened its purchase incentives. Customers who own internal combustion engine vehicles and purchase a Kia electric vehicle can receive up to 1 million won in support. Additionally, the EV3 and EV4 models will offer ultra-low interest financing at 0.8% for 36 months. A new residual value guarantee financing program allows buyers of PV5 passenger models to defer up to 60% of the vehicle price until the end of the term.During the vehicle ownership phase, Kia plans to pilot a proactive vehicle diagnostic system in the second half of this year, which will identify potential issues based on real-time vehicle data. The company also aims to enhance customer convenience by expanding its at-home test drive program and aftermarket products.Kia is set to further expand its trade-in program to promote electric vehicle adoption and repurchase. Internal combustion vehicle owners who sell their cars to Kia-certified used car dealers and then purchase an electric vehicle can receive a total benefit of up to 1.2 million won, which includes a 700,000 won discount on a new car and an additional 500,000 won for the trade-in. Electric vehicle owners purchasing a new electric vehicle will see the trade-in bonus increase to 700,000 won, allowing for a total support of up to 1.4 million won. Kia plans to provide detailed information on the residual value and market reliability of used electric vehicles, including battery health status and charge/discharge cycles.Jung Won-jung, Vice President of Kia's Domestic Business Division, stated, "We will provide a differentiated experience throughout the entire lifecycle of our customers' electric vehicles, from products to purchasing, ownership, and residual value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 09:00:00
-
Rohini Venkateswaran Appointed New CEO of P&G Korea Korea P&G announced on August 3 that it has appointed Rohini Venkateswaran, the Chief Sales Officer of P&G India, as its new CEO as of August 1.Venkateswaran brings over 20 years of experience in sales, market strategy, distribution channels, e-commerce, and brand management across major global markets, including India, the U.S., the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.Since joining P&G India in 2005, he has served as Chief Sales Officer, overseeing sales strategy and business growth while leading channel strategies that encompass major retailers and e-commerce.Venkateswaran stated, "Korea is a strategically important market for P&G due to its high consumer expectations and rapid market changes. I aim to understand the unique needs of Korean consumers and deliver innovations and value that meet their expectations."Korea P&G explained that this appointment aligns with P&G's talent development strategy, which involves rotating leaders with global business experience to key markets to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.Lee Ji-young, who led Korea P&G for the past four years, has transitioned to oversee P&G's skincare division in Greater China.Additionally, Korea P&G has implemented an early responsibility system that empowers employees with authority from the start of their careers, along with an internal promotion system that nurtures internal talent for executive roles. Notably, 99% of P&G's global executives, including the former CEO, have been developed from within the company.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 09:00:00
-
Disability Rights Group Protests at Hyehwa Station on Subway Line 4 The National Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (전장연) is staging a protest at Hyehwa Station on Seoul's Subway Line 4, causing non-stop train passes.On August 2, the coalition announced via social media that it would hold a protest titled 'Taking the Subway for the 70th Time' starting at 8 a.m. on August 3.In response, netizens expressed frustration, commenting, "Late again," "Another protest on Monday morning," "I don't understand why they are protesting in the subway," and "I'm tired of waiting for the subway because of the protests."Additionally, the protest schedule for August includes events on the 10th, 18th, and 24th. 2026-08-03 08:56:00
-
Coinone Launches Voucher Service with Lowest Trading Fees in the Industry Coinone has introduced a new 'voucher' service that combines trading fee discounts with point payback benefits.On August 3, Coinone announced the launch of the voucher service aimed at reducing the trading fee burden for its customers.Coinone users can access the benefits through a newly created 'voucher' tab on the app and website. Once registered, three fee benefits will be applied for 30 days.With the voucher, the trading fee rate for all assets will be set at 0.04%, the lowest among domestic virtual asset exchanges. There will be no fees for maker trades involving USDT (Tether), which refers to orders that add new buy or sell quantities to the order book.However, the fee discount applies only to trades executed directly through the Coinone app and website. Benefits do not extend to smart trading, coin collection, or coin redemption.Customers who register for the voucher will also earn Coinone points based on their trading volume. For cumulative trading amounts between 100 million and 1 billion won, a payback rate of 0.008% will be applied; for amounts between 1 billion and 10 billion won, the rate increases to 0.01%. For amounts between 10 billion and 100 billion won, the payback rate is 0.015%, and for amounts exceeding 100 billion won, it is 0.02%.Cha Myung-hoon, CEO of Coinone, stated, “We have revamped our trading fee coupon policy, which previously operated on a prepaid purchase model, to expand fee benefits to all members. We aim to create an environment where everyone can take advantage of the industry’s lowest fee rates and various fee benefits.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:48:10
-
SK Intellix Unveils Wellness Robot 'Namux' SK Intellix has released a new advertisement showcasing the key features of its wellness robot, Namux, by comparing them to dog behavior. The ad aims to enhance consumer understanding of the unfamiliar role of home robots through everyday scenarios.On August 3, SK Intellix announced the launch of the Namux advertisement, themed 'Living with Robots.'The advertisement is structured from the perspective of a dog observing Namux. Instead of listing product features, it connects the robot's actions with the dog's behavior as it moves around the home and monitors the environment.The 'Safe Care' feature, which alerts users to the presence of strangers, is illustrated through the dog's alertness. The 'Follow Me' function, which allows the robot to follow users, is likened to a dog trailing its owner. The AI air purification feature, which detects pollutants, is explained through the dog's keen sense of smell.Through this approach, SK Intellix emphasizes that Namux is not just a device that follows commands but a lifestyle robot that recognizes people and environments to provide services.Namux integrates air purification, health monitoring, and security functions into one device, expanding the use of home robots from mobile appliances to wellness platforms.Namux operates on autonomous driving and voice control. It supports AI air purification services and health indicator measurements using non-contact photoplethysmography technology.It also features voice interaction and real-time information provision powered by Google's AI model, Gemini. Recently, the robot added a 'Live View' feature for remote home monitoring and an AI health consultation service called 'My Healthcare.'An SK Intellix representative stated, "We designed the advertisement to make it easy to understand Namux's functions through familiar dog behaviors. We aim to enhance technology and services so that wellness robots can seamlessly integrate into daily life."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:48:00
-
U.S. Treasury Confirms Joint Currency Intervention with Japan Amid Yen Weakness Following President Donald Trump, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has officially confirmed the joint currency intervention by the United States and Japan in the foreign exchange market. He stated that further intervention could occur if the yen continues to weaken.On August 2, Besant wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "The coordinated action in the foreign exchange market last Friday was aimed at addressing the yen's erratic movements," adding that the Trump administration aims to provide tangible results to trusted partners. He emphasized, "Economic security is national security, and the U.S.-Japan alliance is built on these two foundations."Besant explained that the U.S. Treasury is closely monitoring market conditions in communication with officials from Japan's Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan. He stated, "We will not hesitate to participate in additional joint interventions if necessary."On July 31, the U.S. and Japan intervened in the foreign exchange market by purchasing yen to prevent a sharp decline in its value. This marks the first joint market intervention by the two countries since the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.Recently, the yen-dollar exchange rate surged to around 164 yen per dollar, reaching its highest level in nearly 40 years. Following news of the intervention by Japanese authorities and U.S. participation, the rate fell to the 157 yen range, indicating a strengthening of the yen.Besant also proposed expanding the Federal Reserve's Foreign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) Repo Facility, stating, "The FIMA Repo Facility is an important safety net," and recommended increasing its scale in the coming months.The FIMA Repo Facility allows foreign central banks to use U.S. Treasury securities as collateral to obtain dollars from the Fed. This enables Japan to secure the dollar liquidity needed for yen purchases without having to sell its U.S. Treasury holdings in large quantities. From the U.S. perspective, this helps prevent a sharp decline in Treasury prices and market instability.Besant expressed strong support for Japan's decisive market and monetary policy actions to correct the yen's significant undervaluation. This is interpreted as backing for further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan and the government's intervention in the foreign exchange market.He also gave a positive assessment of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi's economic policies, stating, "The Takaiichi administration is entering an interesting new phase of Abenomics," and noted that the robust stimulus measures over the past 15 years have created sustainable and solid economic conditions.This confirmation of joint intervention by both Secretary Besant and President Trump underscores the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Japan. Trump stated to reporters that the intervention was conducted because the U.S. has a "good relationship" with Japan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:48:00