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  • Irans Revolutionary Guard Promises Retaliation After US Airstrikes Resume
    Iran's Revolutionary Guard Promises Retaliation After US Airstrikes Resume The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has issued a warning of immediate retaliation following the resumption of U.S. airstrikes against Iran, which had been paused for over ten days. This escalation marks a significant cooling of tensions in the Middle East.On July 30, local time, the IRGC released an official statement declaring its intention to target U.S. facilities in the region in response to the renewed airstrikes.The IRGC stated, "Punishment for the provocateurs will occur today," clearly indicating a hardline response.This statement came shortly after U.S. military officials confirmed they had struck key military infrastructure within Iran.U.S. Central Command announced via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that operations were conducted early in the morning local time in Iran, successfully hitting dozens of IRGC-related targets. The strikes reportedly included military command centers, missile and drone bases, as well as coastal surveillance and maritime defense assets.Previously, President Donald Trump had withheld approval for military action against Iran, citing ongoing backchannel negotiations. However, following a surprise attack by Iranian forces on a U.S. base in Jordan, he shifted to a more aggressive stance.As a result, a period of relative calm lasting approximately 13 days has ended, and U.S. airstrikes against Iran have resumed. 2026-07-30 20:12:00
  • South Korea Extends Deployment of Dongmyeong and Hanbit Troops
    South Korea Extends Deployment of Dongmyeong and Hanbit Troops The South Korean government has decided to extend the deployment of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit units currently stationed in Lebanon and South Sudan, and will initiate the parliamentary approval process. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 30 that it finalized the extension plan during the 2026 United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Policy Council meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister Kim Jin-ah at the ministry's office in Seoul. Officials from related agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the National Police Agency, attended the meeting to discuss the necessity of extending the deployments. They concluded that the extension was justified based on the South Korean military's contributions to international peacekeeping, past operational achievements, evaluations from the United Nations and local governments, and the regional situation. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is set to officially conclude its mission in December under UN Security Council Resolution 2790. Consequently, the Dongmyeong unit will enhance inter-agency cooperation to ensure a safe withdrawal next year. Deputy Minister Kim expressed gratitude for the dedication of the troops, stating, "I deeply appreciate the efforts of our soldiers who have earned the trust of the international community and the host country while fulfilling their duties under challenging local conditions." Based on consultations with relevant ministries, the government plans to submit the extension agreement for the Dongmyeong and Hanbit units to the National Assembly soon. Additionally, the government aims to continue collaborating with the United Nations and the international community to enhance the effectiveness of its PKO contributions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 20:04:00
  • Chey Tae-won Makes First Direct Purchase of SK Hynix Shares, Strengthening Responsible Management
    Chey Tae-won Makes First Direct Purchase of SK Hynix Shares, Strengthening Responsible Management Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, has made his first direct purchase of SK Hynix shares, signaling a commitment to responsible management. This move comes amid increased market volatility in the semiconductor sector, reflecting a strong intent to restore corporate value.On July 30, SK Hynix announced that Chey acquired 3,620 common shares through on-market transactions. The total purchase amount, based on the closing stock price, is approximately 4.785 billion won. This marks the first time Chey has directly bought shares in SK Hynix.Industry analysts view Chey's share acquisition as a demonstration of management's confidence during a period of undervaluation in the stock market and a step towards fulfilling responsible management obligations. It is believed that he set the purchase amount below the 5 billion won threshold to expedite the transaction without prior public disclosure.Recently, SK Hynix's stock price has experienced a short-term correction after reaching a peak. On June 25, the stock soared to an intraday high of 298,700 won but has since traded in the 130,000 won range due to overall market downturns and weakened investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector.Chey has previously emphasized the ongoing demand for memory semiconductors and reiterated the company's long-term growth potential. He stated, "In time, the stock price will rise again," urging the importance of the company's intrinsic value and long-term investment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 19:56:00
  • Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho: The Future of Pyeongchon Lies in the Hands of Its Residents
    Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho: The Future of Pyeongchon Lies in the Hands of Its Residents Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho emphasized on July 30 that "the future of Pyeongchon ultimately lies in the hands of the residents who will live there."On this day, Mayor Choi announced that an online survey targeting residents will be conducted until August 7 to gather foundational data for the "Guidelines for Parks, Green Spaces, and Pedestrian Systems in Pyeongchon New Town" and the "Review of Social Infrastructure Development and Utilization in Pyeongchon New Town."Mayor Choi aims to promote the revitalization of Pyeongchon New Town as a sustainable city that integrates residential improvements with green spaces, welfare, and living infrastructure.This survey is a follow-up to the initial report held in May for the two projects, designed to specifically identify resident needs and necessary facilities to be reflected in the actual revitalization process.He plans to link the two projects to create a green living zone accessible to all residents on foot, implementing a Pyeongchon-style Aging in Place (AIP) model that allows residents to age healthily and securely in their existing communities.The survey on parks, green spaces, and pedestrian systems will assess current usage of parks and green areas, satisfaction with walking environments, inconveniences, and areas for improvement. The results will be used to establish a Pyeongchon-style green network and management standards for public pedestrian pathways in different zones.Additionally, the survey on social infrastructure (SOC) demand will go beyond merely expanding cultural and leisure facilities, aiming to gather data for creating tailored living infrastructure that combines care for the elderly, health services, and cultural functions.Mayor Choi views this survey not just as a collection of opinions but as the beginning of a "resident-driven revitalization" process where residents directly influence the direction of Pyeongchon's revitalization.In particular, the goal is to create living zones where medical, care, housing, and cultural services are accessible within a 500-meter walking distance, with plans to actively incorporate resident feedback into the placement of facilities and spatial planning.Local residents have expressed optimism about the survey. As the demographic structure and living demands have changed since the establishment of Pyeongchon New Town, there is a growing call for a new urban strategy that reflects these changes. Residents are advocating for improvements not only in reconstruction and physical changes but also in actual living convenience and residential conditions.Above all, there are hopes that the revitalization plan will reflect changes that can be felt in daily life, such as expanding parks and green spaces, creating safe walking environments, and enhancing care and medical services for the elderly.Residents stated, "We hope Pyeongchon becomes a city where we can continue to live comfortably for many years," and expressed the need for spaces and facilities that can be used by multiple generations, hoping their opinions will be adequately reflected in the plans.Meanwhile, Mayor Choi Dae-ho stressed, "The participation of each resident is the most certain foundation for completing the master plan for the next century, so I ask for your interest and participation in the survey." 2026-07-30 19:56:00
  • Ansan City Corporation Expands Free Safety Inspections to Private Facilities
    Ansan City Corporation Expands Free Safety Inspections to Private Facilities Gyeonggi's Ansan City Corporation will continue its free safety inspections and maintenance consulting for small, aging facilities in the second half of the year. According to the corporation on July 30, the 'Safety Knock' program will operate year-round, targeting aging buildings and civil engineering structures that are difficult to inspect independently. The program checks safety conditions and provides maintenance guidance. Starting this year, the support has expanded from public facilities to include private ones, and the application process has shifted from a biannual recruitment to a year-round system to enhance accessibility for citizens. In the first half of the year, safety inspections and maintenance consulting were conducted for four locations, including two single-family homes and the bus stop at Ansan Station transfer center. Based on the inspection results, facilities requiring further verification will receive follow-up inspections and monitoring, depending on the extent of damage. Eligible facilities include small, aging buildings and civil engineering structures that need safety inspections or maintenance support. However, facilities classified as Type 1, 2, or 3 under the Facility Safety Act, as well as apartment complexes and those involved in disputes such as complaints or lawsuits, are excluded. 'Safety Knock' is regarded as a practical initiative that provides significant assistance to owners of small facilities who find regular safety inspections financially burdensome. The expansion of support to private facilities and the introduction of a year-round application system have been positively received for improving convenience. The corporation plans to continue identifying facilities in safety blind spots and provide on-site safety inspections and maintenance support in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Kim Bo-young, head of the construction project division, stated, "Building on the inspection experiences from the first half of the year, we will continue to provide customized maintenance support for each facility and work to eliminate safety blind spots."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 19:36:00
  • Gwangmyeong Mayor Shin Gye-yong Highlights Youth Festival as Key Cultural Event
    Gwangmyeong Mayor Shin Gye-yong Highlights Youth Festival as Key Cultural Event Gwangmyeong Mayor Shin Gye-yong emphasized on July 29 that the Gwangmyeong Youth Festival is becoming a representative cultural event for the region, driven by the participation and ideas of local youth. On this day, Mayor Shin announced the launch of the 'Third Gwangmyeong Youth Festival Planning Group' during a ceremony at the youth space, 'Flying Zone,' marking the beginning of their activities. The mayor is accelerating efforts to create a city where young people can thrive by expanding participatory youth policies that allow them to plan and operate local festivals. The new planning group consists of nine local youths selected through an open recruitment process in May. They will be involved in all aspects of the upcoming '5th Gwangmyeong Youth Festival,' scheduled for October 3, including planning, promotion, and operations. This initiative aligns with Mayor Shin's vision of positioning youth not just as beneficiaries of policies but as active contributors to policy-making and local culture. During the ceremony, participants received their appointment letters and discussed the festival's operational direction and roles, as well as various ideas from the youth. Notably, the second planning group, which operated last year, successfully laid the groundwork for a youth-led festival through effective program planning, on-site management, and promotion. This year, the third planning group aims to focus on developing enhanced content and citizen participation programs. Before the festival, the planning group will conduct expert training, workshops, benchmark successful festivals from other municipalities, and create promotional content to ensure a festival that is collaboratively built by youth and citizens. Since taking office, Mayor Shin has consistently pursued various youth policies, including the establishment of youth spaces, expanding youth participation, and developing youth policies, to create a foundation for young people to become key players in local development. The operation of this youth festival planning group is also being recognized as a prime example of effectively expanding youth participation in policy-making. Gwangmyeong citizens have responded positively to the approach of having youth directly create local events. One citizen remarked, "If young people are generating ideas and running the festival, it will be much more innovative and enjoyable for the community." Another citizen noted, "Mayor Shin's ongoing efforts to actively incorporate youth opinions into governance are commendable. I hope Gwangmyeong evolves into a cultural city where young people want to stay and where all citizens can participate together." Local youth expressed optimism, stating, "Opportunities for youth to directly create policies and festivals are increasing beyond administrative boundaries. We hope to see more diverse youth participation policies in the future." Meanwhile, Mayor Shin Gye-yong added, "I will actively support the 5th festival to ensure it becomes a meaningful event where both youth and citizens can enjoy and communicate together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 19:16:00
  • Lucky Plant Blooms, Good Fortune Realized: 326th Pension Lottery 720+ Winning Numbers Drawn
    Lucky Plant Blooms, Good Fortune Realized: 326th Pension Lottery 720+ Winning Numbers Drawn On July 30, interest is growing in the winning numbers for the 326th Pension Lottery 720+, while stories of the winners from the 269th round are being highlighted.In a post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' board from July 2024, a winner of the first prize (one ticket) and second prize (four tickets) from the 269th round shared, "I usually buy a lotto ticket once a week, but that day, the pension lottery caught my eye, and I decided to buy it as well." They continued, "Strangely, I had a good feeling that I would win this time, and when I checked the results, I was so surprised that I thought my phone was broken and checked it multiple times. I couldn't contain my joy and told my mother first, and she celebrated with me." The winner reflected, "Actually, the lucky plant I have been growing since last year recently bloomed, and I thought, 'Good things are coming soon,' and it seems that feeling has become a reality. I still can't believe it." The winner, who purchased the lottery ticket at a store in Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, shared that they usually buy lotto tickets weekly. Regarding plans for the winnings, they stated, "I plan to use it to pay off loans and for living expenses." Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 326th Pension Lottery 720+ will be available after 7:05 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 18:52:00
  • Lee Seung-won Appointed as New Overseas Media Secretary
    Lee Seung-won Appointed as New Overseas Media Secretary Lee Seung-won has been appointed as the new Overseas Media Secretary at the Blue House, according to reports on July 30.The Blue House stated that Lee will begin his duties around July 31, succeeding Choi Sung-ah, who recently submitted her resignation.Lee, a former journalist with the Daily News and E-Daily, has been active as a political commentator and is also an adjunct professor at Hanyang University’s Graduate School of Education.Additionally, the Blue House has reportedly promoted Kim Rak-jung, a senior administrative officer in the National Agenda Secretary's Office, to succeed Han Sang-ik as the National Agenda Secretary.Kim, a former reporter for Seongnam Ilbo, has served as a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung during his tenures as mayor of Seongnam, governor of Gyeonggi Province, and a member of the National Assembly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 18:40:00
  • Korean Football Association Begins Search for Interim Mens National Team Coach
    Korean Football Association Begins Search for Interim Men's National Team Coach The Korean Football Association has initiated a public recruitment process to appoint an interim head coach for the men's national football team.On July 30, the association announced the schedule and detailed procedures for selecting the interim coach and coaching staff for the national team.Previously, on July 24, the association's board approved the appointment of an interim coach to lead the team during the FIFA A-match periods scheduled from September to November.This recruitment aims to find a successor to Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down following the team's failure to advance past the group stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The process will be conducted in accordance with the national sports selection and operation regulations. This is the first time that the head coach for both men's and women's senior national teams will be selected through a public recruitment process. The association had previously implemented this method for the men's under-20 and Olympic teams.Applications will be accepted from July 30 until 5 p.m. on August 9. After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the association will finalize the list of candidates and begin contract negotiations. With the A-match schedule starting on September 21, the association aims to complete the entire selection process by the end of August. The opponents for the A-matches in September have not yet been determined, but the team will face Venezuela and Uzbekistan during the October A-match period.Notably, applicants are required to form a 'team structure' for their applications. Candidates must assemble a coaching staff of at least five and up to seven members, including general coaches, goalkeeper coaches, physical trainers, and analysts. Once applications are submitted, changes to the team composition will not be allowed.Qualification criteria have also been specified. Domestic candidates must hold an AFC Pro (or equivalent) coaching license along with a Level 2 professional sports coaching certification. Foreign candidates are required to possess the highest-level coaching certification issued by a FIFA-affiliated confederation. For the coaching staff, domestic coaches must have an AFC A-level certification and a Level 2 professional sports coaching certification, while foreign coaches must meet the qualifications for their respective fields and have at least five years of coaching experience.Required application documents include certifications, a resume (CV), a personal statement, and a national team operation plan. The operation plan must detail player selection and management strategies, tactical and game models, and the division of roles among the coaching staff. An evaluation committee, composed of members from the association's performance enhancement committee and external evaluators, will assess the candidates' expertise and operational capabilities.The association stated, "Given the concerns and opinions from within and outside the football community regarding the public recruitment process for the A national team coach, we plan to gather insights on the strengths and weaknesses identified during this process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 18:28:00
  • Retail Investors Exit Market as KOSPI Declines for Third Consecutive Day
    Retail Investors Exit Market as KOSPI Declines for Third Consecutive Day Despite avoiding a 'Black Thursday,' investor sentiment remains low. The South Korean stock market has seen three consecutive days of decline, with individual investors exiting the market to realize profits, even after Samsung Electronics reported strong second-quarter results. The decline in investor deposits and margin trading balances indicates a shrinking appetite among retail investors.On July 30, the KOSPI closed at 5,593.56, down 69.68 points (1.23%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 5,681.77, up 18.53 points (0.33%), but fluctuated throughout the day, ultimately widening its losses in the afternoon. The KOSDAQ also fell, closing at 644.78, down 17.90 points (2.70%). While foreign and institutional investors bought a net 1.33 trillion won and 665 billion won, respectively, they were unable to reverse the downward trend.Samsung Electronics initially supported the market, with its stock surging 8.39% to 226,000 won after announcing record earnings for three consecutive quarters, temporarily boosting sentiment for semiconductor stocks. SK Hynix also saw a brief rise of 4.14%. However, both stocks later reversed course, closing down 0.72% and 5.64%, respectively, causing the KOSPI to relinquish its earlier gains.As foreign and institutional investors defended the index, individual investors sold off a net 1.42 trillion won in the KOSPI. The decline in investor sentiment is further reflected in the drop in deposits. According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, investor deposits stood at 109.593 trillion won as of July 29, a 21.55% decrease from this year's peak of 139.695 trillion won on June 4. The scale of margin trading has also decreased, with the combined balance for the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets falling to 32.995 trillion won, down 14.59% from 38.633 trillion won on June 24.Brokerages that had previously raised target prices for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, driven by an anticipated AI semiconductor supercycle, have recently begun to lower their forecasts. According to financial information provider FnGuide, Shinhan Investment Corp. cut its target price for SK Hynix from 4.2 million won to 2.7 million won, Hanwha Investment & Securities from 4.3 million won to 3.15 million won, NH Investment & Securities from 4.1 million won to 3.4 million won, and Daishin Securities from 3.9 million won to 3.2 million won. The previous day, Mirae Asset Securities reduced its target price for Samsung Electronics from 550,000 won to 370,000 won, a 33% decrease.Market analysts believe that the recent stock price adjustments are more influenced by a decline in investor sentiment than by actual performance. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "Currently, negative narratives surrounding the semiconductor sector, such as profit peak-out and the end of the AI investment cycle, are forming. However, it is important to recognize that fundamental deterioration has not yet materialized, and earnings estimates are not significantly declining. We expect a rebound as we approach the major earnings events scheduled for early August."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 18:24:00