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  • Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady
    Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady Samsung Electronics has reported its highest-ever earnings for the second quarter of this year, yet its stock has shown only modest gains. Analysts suggest that the market has already priced in much of the expected performance, leading to a cautious outlook on future profitability.As of 2:29 PM on the Korea Exchange, Samsung's stock was trading at 209,500 won, up 0.48% (1,000 won) from the previous trading day.On this day, Samsung announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 89.4924 trillion won, a staggering increase of 1,013.8% compared to the same period last year. Revenue surged to 171.4995 trillion won, up 130%, while net profit soared to 71.6245 trillion won, marking a 1,299.9% increase.This performance marks the third consecutive quarter of record earnings for Samsung. The Device Solutions (DS) division, which oversees the semiconductor business, was the primary driver of this success, reporting sales of 127.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.2 trillion won, both setting new records.In contrast, the Device Experience (DX) division, responsible for smartphones and home appliances, faced challenges due to rising component prices, generating sales of 48 trillion won but incurring an operating loss of 800 billion won.Market sentiment is currently focused more on future growth drivers and shareholder return policies rather than the record earnings themselves. Samsung announced a cash dividend of 374 won per share for both common and preferred stocks. The dividend yield stands at 0.1% for common shares and 0.2% for preferred shares, with a total dividend payout of approximately 24.559 trillion won. The record date for the dividend was June 30, and payments are scheduled for August 28.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:36:00
  • Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations
    Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - Members of Hyundai Motor's labor union who continue working during scheduled strike hours could face disciplinary action, with additional walkouts threatened against entire departments if violations are confirmed, the union said Thursday. The warning came as the union entered its third round of partial strikes this week after wage and collective bargaining talks with the automaker stalled. The union plans four-hour walkouts through Friday, with both production and office workers taking part. Hyundai Motor shares were trading at 345,000 won as of 2:12 p.m. Thursday on the Korea Exchange, down 2.40%, or 8,500 won, from the previous close of 353,500 won. The stock had climbed as high as 369,000 won earlier in the session before falling back. It was not immediately clear whether the decline was tied to the strike or to broader market conditions. Unlike production workers, whose duties stop when assembly lines shut down, office employees often return to accumulated workloads after participating in strikes because many administrative responsibilities must still be completed afterward. Some office workers also handle time-sensitive tasks involving suppliers, financial institutions and other outside parties, making it difficult to suspend work without creating backlogs or missing contractual deadlines. The union said members who work during strike hours at management's request could face disciplinary measures, with additional strike action possible against their departments. It added that employees who voluntarily continue working without management's instruction could also face sanctions for violating strike guidelines. The union's stance has raised questions about the scope of its internal disciplinary authority. In a separate recent case, the Seoul Southern District Court ruled that a labor union could not expel members solely for refusing to participate in industrial action, saying the alleged violations and the union's disciplinary grounds had not been sufficiently established. The current round of walkouts will continue through Friday before the union begins its summer vacation. Its central strike committee is scheduled to meet on Aug. 11 to review the status of negotiations and decide whether to escalate industrial action. The union is seeking a 149,600-won increase in monthly base pay, a bonus equivalent to 30 percent of last year's net profit, a bonus increase from 750 percent to 800 percent of base pay, an extension of the retirement age linked to national pension eligibility, stronger job protections as artificial intelligence and robotics are introduced, and the adoption of a fully fixed monthly wage system. 2026-07-30 14:31:35
  • Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit
    Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit 대한축구협회가 국회 청문회에 섰다. 국가대표팀이 2026 북중미 월드컵 조별리그에서 탈락한 뒤 협회 운영과 감독 선임 과정, 책임 소재를 따져야 한다는 목소리가 커진 데 따른 것이다. 정몽규 전 대한축구협회장과 홍명보 전 국가대표팀 감독도 출석해 성적 부진에 대해 사과했다. The Korean Football Association (KFA) faced a parliamentary hearing following the national team’s exit from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. This scrutiny arose from growing calls to examine the association's operations, the coaching appointment process, and accountability. Former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo attended the hearing and apologized for the team's poor performance. 축구대표팀은 경기에서 질 수 있다. 월드컵 탈락도 스포츠에서 일어날 수 있는 결과다. 그러나 중요한 결정을 내리는 절차가 불투명하고, 문제가 생긴 뒤에도 책임의 주체가 분명하지 않다면 얘기가 달라진다. 최근 국민이 축구협회에 묻는 것도 한 경기의 승패보다 협회가 어떤 기준으로 움직였는지에 가깝다. The national football team can lose matches, and failing to advance in the World Cup is a possible outcome in sports. However, the situation changes when the processes for making critical decisions are opaque, and accountability is unclear after issues arise. Recently, the public has been more concerned about the criteria guiding the KFA's actions than the outcome of a single match. 감독 선임 논란은 이를 잘 보여준다. 감독을 뽑는 과정에서 누가 어떤 권한을 행사했는지, 후보 검증과 면담은 정해진 절차에 따라 이뤄졌는지 충분히 설명되지 않았다. 청문회에서도 감독 결정 권한과 면담 방식 등을 둘러싼 질의가 이어졌고, 홍 전 감독은 특혜를 요구하거나 받은 적이 없다고 반박했다. The controversy surrounding the coaching appointment illustrates this issue well. There has been insufficient explanation regarding who exercised what authority in the selection process and whether candidate evaluations and interviews followed established procedures. During the hearing, questions continued about the authority in coaching decisions and the interview process, with Hong denying any requests for or receipt of special favors. 문제는 특정 인물을 비난하는 데 있지 않다. 같은 논란이 되풀이되지 않도록 절차를 고치는 일이 더 중요하다. 감독 선임 기준과 평가 항목, 의사결정권자의 권한과 책임을 명문화하고 주요 결정 과정은 기록으로 남겨야 한다. 설명할 수 없는 결정은 하지 않는다는 원칙부터 세워야 한다. The issue is not about blaming specific individuals. It is more important to reform the processes to prevent similar controversies from recurring. The criteria for coaching appointments, evaluation metrics, and the authority and responsibilities of decision-makers should be clearly defined, and key decision-making processes must be documented. A principle should be established that no decisions will be made without clear explanations. 최근 불거진 홍 전 감독의 법인카드 사용 논란도 마찬가지다. 협회가 제출한 자료에 따르면 홍 전 감독은 2024년 7월부터 2026년 5월까지 법인카드로 3742만원을 썼고, 이 가운데 1400만원가량이 자택이 있는 경기 성남시 분당구 일대에서 결제된 것으로 전해졌다. 주말과 공휴일 사용 내역도 있었다. 홍 전 감독은 외국인 코치들과의 회의와 경기 관찰 등 업무 목적으로 사용했고 모든 내역을 증빙·정산했다고 해명했다. The recent controversy over Hong's use of a corporate credit card is similar. According to documents submitted by the KFA, Hong spent approximately 37.42 million won on the card from July 2024 to May 2026, with about 14 million won spent in the Bundang area of Seongnam, where his home is located. There were also charges on weekends and holidays. Hong explained that the expenses were for work-related purposes, including meetings with foreign coaches and match observations, and that he provided documentation and reconciled all expenses. 현재 공개된 내용만으로 사적 유용 여부를 단정할 수는 없다. 그러나 협회의 관리 방식은 따져볼 필요가 있다. 자택 인근이나 휴일 사용에 추가 소명이 필요했다면 이를 누가 확인했는지, 회계 부서와 감사 기능은 제대로 작동했는지 밝혀야 한다. 법인카드 사용자가 유명 감독인지 일반 직원인지에 따라 관리 기준이 달라져서도 안 된다. It is not possible to definitively conclude whether there was personal misuse based solely on the information currently available. However, the KFA's management practices warrant scrutiny. If additional clarification was needed regarding expenses near his home or on holidays, it should be determined who verified this, and whether the accounting department and auditing functions were operating effectively. The management standards should not vary based on whether the credit card user is a well-known coach or an ordinary employee. 대한축구협회는 대표팀만 운영하는 조직이 아니다. 유소년과 생활축구, 지도자와 심판 육성, 각급 대표팀과 국내 대회 운영까지 한국 축구 전반을 책임진다. 그만큼 의사결정과 예산 집행에는 높은 투명성이 요구된다. 국민의 관심과 기업 후원, 공공 지원을 바탕으로 운영되는 조직이라면 내부 기준만 지켰다는 설명으로 충분하지 않다. The KFA is not just an organization that manages the national team. It is responsible for all aspects of Korean football, including youth and recreational football, the development of coaches and referees, and the operation of various national teams and domestic competitions. This broad responsibility necessitates a high level of transparency in decision-making and budget execution. For an organization that operates based on public interest, corporate sponsorship, and public support, merely adhering to internal standards is insufficient. 앞으로 축구협회가 해야 할 일은 분명하다. 회장과 집행부에 집중된 권한을 분산하고 이사회와 감사 기능을 강화해야 한다. 감독 선임과 주요 인사, 예산 집행 과정은 외부에서도 납득할 수 있도록 공개해야 한다. 문제가 확인되면 책임자를 바꾸는 데 그치지 말고 같은 일이 반복되지 않도록 규정을 손봐야 한다. The KFA has clear tasks ahead. It must decentralize the concentrated powers of the president and executive board and strengthen the board of directors and auditing functions. The processes for appointing coaches, key personnel, and budget execution should be made transparent to the public. When issues are identified, it is essential not only to change the responsible parties but also to revise regulations to prevent recurrence. 한국 축구에는 여전히 좋은 선수와 지도자, 수많은 팬이 있다. 협회가 이들의 기대를 뒷받침하려면 성적보다 먼저 운영의 기본을 바로잡아야 한다. 공정한 절차, 투명한 회계, 분명한 책임. 한국 축구가 다시 출발하려면 이 세 가지 원칙부터 지켜야 한다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:10
  • Controversial Bill to Abolish Prosecutors Investigative Powers Advances in South Korea
    Controversial Bill to Abolish Prosecutors' Investigative Powers Advances in South Korea 검찰의 보완수사권을 전면 폐지하고 법원의 공소기각 사유를 확대하는 내용을 담은 형사소송법 개정안이 국회 본회의에 상정되어 처리를 앞두고 있다. 여당인 더불어민주당이 상임위원회에서 법안을 단독 의결한 지 하루 만에 본회의 수순을 밟으면서, 정치권은 또다시 극심한 강대강 대치 국면으로 치닫고 있다. 형사사법 체계의 근간을 뒤흔드는 중대 입법이 충분한 사회적 합의나 숙의 과정 없이 정쟁의 한복판에서 일방통행식으로 추진되는 현실에 깊은 우려를 표하지 않을 수 없다. 이번 개정안의 핵심은 검사의 직접수사권과 보완수사권을 묶어 전면 폐지하고 수사는 경찰과 중대범죄수사청 등에 전담시키는 것이다. 더불어 상정 직전 법안에는 ‘중대한 위법수사가 확인되거나 소추재량권을 현저히 일탈해 공소를 제기한 경우’ 판사가 공소기각을 선고할 수 있도록 한 조항이 추가됐다. 민주당은 검찰의 수사권·공소권 남용을 막고 피의자의 인권을 보호하기 위한 장치라고 설명한다. 그러나 야당과 법조계 일각에서는 공소기각 사유의 기준과 범위가 모호해 재판 지연을 유발하고 특정 정치적 사건을 구제하기 위한 수단으로 악용될 수 있다는 비판을 제기한다. 특히 현장의 경찰 수사 능력이 완전히 담보되지 않은 상태에서 보완수사마저 차단될 경우, 억울한 피해자의 구제길이 막히고 민생범죄 대응력이 현저히 약화될 것이라는 우려가 깊다. 여야 지도부의 발언에서도 격한 시각차가 드러난다. 한병도 민주당 대표 직무대행 겸 원내대표는 “경찰 수사를 견제하고 피해자를 보호하는 장치를 강화했다”며 야당을 향해 “토론을 외면하고 필리버스터로 시간을 끄는 것은 반대가 아니라 무책임”이라고 지각 처리를 압박했다. 반면 정점식 국민의힘 원내대표는 “검찰에 대한 증오와 복수심으로 탄생한 악법”이라며 “보완수사권 폐지로 인한 범죄대란의 모든 책임은 여당에 있다”고 강하게 반발했다. 한동훈 무소속 의원 역시 “법원을 압박해 억지로 공소기각 판결을 받아보자는 취지”라고 직격했다. 국민의힘은 법안 처리를 저지하기 위해 무제한 토론(필리버스터)에 돌입한다는 방침이다. 주호영, 나경원 의원 등 법조인 출신 의원들을 대거 배치해 법안의 위헌성과 부작용을 부각하겠다는 전략이다. 하지만 절대다수 의석을 확보한 민주당이 필리버스터 시작 24시간이 지나는 31일 오후 종결 동의안 표결을 실시해 필버를 강제 무력화하고 표결을 강행할 예정이어서, 법안 통과는 기정사실로 받아들여진다. 문제는 31일 표결 이후 펼쳐질 정국 전망이다. 민주당은 형소법 처리에 이어 패스트트랙 기간 단축을 골자로 한 국회법 개정안 등 후속 입법을 속도전으로 이어갈 기세다. 야당의 강렬한 반발 속에 여야 협치의 고리는 사실상 끊어지고, 정국 파행은 장기화될 가능성이 크다. 무엇보다 수사권 조정에 따른 경찰의 업무 과부하와 수사 지연, 공소기각 신설로 인한 법원의 사법적 혼란 등 그 부작용은 온전히 국민의 피해로 돌아가게 된다. 나아가 입법부가 사법부의 판단 영역까지 과도하게 개입한다는 삼권분립 침해 논란마저 불거지며 국가 사법 체계 전체가 거센 흔들림을 겪을 것으로 보인다. 수사·기소 분리라는 명분 뒤에 국민적 불안을 방치해서는 안 된다. 정치권은 강행 처리와 필리버스터라는 대립을 넘어 실질적인 국민 권익 보호를 최우선에 두는 사법개혁의 길을 다시 모색해야 한다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:00
  • Koreas KOSME and Credit Guarantee Fund Sign MOU to Support Mid-Sized Enterprises Global Expansion
    Korea's KOSME and Credit Guarantee Fund Sign MOU to Support Mid-Sized Enterprises' Global Expansion The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Credit Guarantee Fund on July 30 in Daegu to support the global expansion and scale-up of mid-sized enterprises.This agreement aims to combine the policy capabilities of both organizations to establish a multifaceted support system that enables promising domestic mid-sized enterprises to evolve into globally competitive companies.The two organizations will collaborate on initiatives including: supporting companies' entry into overseas markets through market development and investment attraction; fostering global leading companies and scale-up support through the linkage of KOSME's policy funds and Credit Guarantee Fund's guarantees; and enhancing policy support through research on domestic and international financial systems.In particular, they will strengthen policy support throughout the entire process of overseas expansion to ensure that promising domestic mid-sized enterprises successfully establish themselves in global markets and secure international competitiveness.To facilitate this, KOSME will integrate its policy funds with the Credit Guarantee Fund's guarantee support system, enabling mid-sized enterprises to smoothly secure the necessary funding for overseas market entry and market development. This will provide the momentum for stable growth in the global market based on large-scale funding.Additionally, KOSME will systematically support the establishment of promising companies in global markets by linking its overseas infrastructure with the Credit Guarantee Fund's programs.To achieve this, KOSME will utilize its overseas bases, such as the Global Business Center (GBC) and K-Startup Center (KSC), to offer tailored programs from local settlement support to investment attraction and commercialization, while expanding networking opportunities for companies entering foreign markets and relevant organizations.Furthermore, they will provide office and residency space at overseas bases to assist companies in settling locally, and both organizations will strengthen their collaborative framework by jointly utilizing these overseas bases. Moreover, they will offer tailored support at various growth stages by linking the Credit Guarantee Fund's financial and non-financial support to promising companies participating in KOSME's overseas base programs and global projects.Previously, KOSME announced on June 26 that it supported the issuance of corporate bonds worth 204 billion won for 70 promising mid-sized enterprises through its 2026 Scale-Up Finance (P-CBO) initiative.Gang Seok-jin, President of KOSME, stated, "Building a strong ladder for mid-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of our economy, to leap to become leading companies is key to restoring the dynamism of the national economy. Through this agreement, we will combine KOSME's policy funds, overseas infrastructure, and the Credit Guarantee Fund's policy capabilities to support promising domestic mid-sized enterprises in becoming global leaders."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:00
  • Amorepacific rides K-beauty boom to strongest Q2 in years
    Amorepacific rides K-beauty boom to strongest Q2 in years SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - Amorepacific Group reported sharply higher second-quarter earnings on Thursday as robust growth in North America, Europe and Japan offset weakness in Greater China, underscoring the South Korean cosmetics maker's accelerating shift toward a broader global business footprint. The company posted consolidated revenue of 1.25 trillion won and operating profit of 122.8 billion won for the April-June period, up 14.6 percent and 53.3 percent, respectively, from a year earlier. It also recorded a double-digit operating margin for a second consecutive quarter. The earnings were driven by strong overseas demand, with North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Japan delivering broad-based growth across both online and offline channels. Higher profitability from fast-growing brands also helped lift margins. At its flagship Amorepacific unit, overseas revenue jumped 28 percent from a year earlier, while overseas operating profit nearly doubled, rising 99 percent. The company said North America and EMEA were the biggest growth drivers, supported by an expanding brand portfolio and improving profitability. In North America, Aestura posted triple-digit sales growth on Amazon and Sephora, led by its Atobarrier 365 Cream, while COSRX continued strong momentum through Amazon and TikTok Shop. Innisfree also reported solid gains on the back of its Green Tea skincare line and sun care products. Europe also delivered strong results, with COSRX's Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen topping Amazon's beauty category in Germany and the sunscreen category in the United Kingdom. The company also expanded into additional European markets while strengthening partnerships with Sephora. Japan remained another bright spot. Laneige extended its growth through new product launches and broader distribution, while COSRX achieved record sales during Qoo10 Japan's Mega Sale campaign. Across Southeast Asia, India and Australia, revenue also increased, although sales in Greater China declined as the company continued restructuring its distribution channels and focusing on higher-quality sales. Domestically, Amorepacific benefited from continued strength in luxury skincare, derma cosmetics and hair care. Sulwhasoo and Hera maintained leadership in Korea's premium beauty market, while online sales and the company's multi-brand store channel posted double-digit growth. The company said it would continue investing in key global markets under its "Create New Beauty" strategy, focusing on expanding its international business, strengthening its multi-brand portfolio and accelerating AI-driven business transformation. 2026-07-30 14:27:56
  • ESS transition helps Samsung SDI swing to profit as peers lag
    ESS transition helps Samsung SDI swing to profit as peers lag SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) -Samsung SDI returned to the black in the second quarter, snapping seven consecutive quarters of operating losses as booming demand for energy storage systems powering AI data centers offset the prolonged electric-vehicle slowdown that continues to weigh on most Korean battery makers. According to regulatory filings released Thursday, the firm booked an operating profit of 203.8 billion won ($141.5 million) for the three months through June, reversing a loss of 397.8 billion won a year earlier and a first-quarter shortfall of 155.6 billion won. Revenue climbed 18.5 percent from a year earlier to 3.77 trillion won, while net profit vaulted to 471.6 billion won, up about 740 percent from the previous quarter. "We had originally expected a turnaround in the second half, but revenue growth and improving profitability came faster than anticipated, moving up the timing of our return to profit," said a Samsung SDI spokesperson, adding that it would keep pursuing sustainable growth and firmer margins. The battery division led the charge with an operating profit of 159.3 billion won, as sales of high-output cells for uninterruptible power supplies, backup battery units and power tools gained traction alongside brisk European electric-vehicle orders. Momentum also came from home. This month Samsung SDI cells were tapped for 21 of the 32 distribution lines in the government's first AI-based grid ESS program — about 66 percent of the volume, or roughly 420 megawatt-hours — the biggest share of any supplier and a lead over LG Energy Solution and SK On, positioning the firm ahead of a larger state ESS auction expected around September. Higher-margin products, expanding U.S. output and subsidies under the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit of the Inflation Reduction Act, together with tariff refunds, further sharpened profitability. The electronic-materials arm chipped in an operating profit of 44.5 billion won, up 34.8 percent, buoyed by resilient semiconductor-material sales and film used in foldable smartphones. The result stood in relief against rival LG Energy Solution, which earlier the same day reported second-quarter operating profit of 113.3 billion won — down 77 percent from a year earlier, though a recovery from a first-quarter loss, as North American energy-storage demand cushioned a punishing slump in electric-vehicle sales. For LG, government support did the heavy lifting: about 241 billion won in IRA tax credits masked what would otherwise have been a 127.7 billion won operating loss, underscoring how heavily Korea's battery makers still lean on Washington's subsidies. Samsung SDI said it expects earnings to keep improving in the second half, pledging to ramp up prismatic LFP battery output in the United States and expand capacity for power-storage and uninterruptible-supply products as the data-center build-out accelerates. Shares of Samsung SDI traded at 354,000 won per stock at 2:11 p.m., down by 2.75 percent from the previous session. 2026-07-30 14:27:53
  • Japans Population Falls Below 120 Million for First Time in 42 Years, Foreign Residents Reach 4 Million
    Japan's Population Falls Below 120 Million for First Time in 42 Years, Foreign Residents Reach 4 Million The population of Japan has fallen below 120 million for the first time in 42 years. The country recorded a decrease of over 910,000 people in the past year, marking the largest decline since the start of population surveys. Meanwhile, the number of foreign residents in Japan has surpassed 4 million for the first time.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported on July 29 that as of January 1 this year, the Japanese population stood at 119,736,483. This represents a decrease of 916,744 people (0.76%) from the previous year, falling below 120 million for the first time since 1984. Both the number and rate of decline are the highest since the surveys began in 1968. The Japanese population has been decreasing for 17 consecutive years since peaking in 2009.The natural decrease was also the largest on record. The Asahi Shimbun reported that the number of births in Japan last year was the lowest ever at 670,467. Deaths were recorded at 1,593,475, a decrease from the previous year. The number of births was 923,008 less than the number of deaths.By age group, the proportion of children has decreased while the share of elderly individuals has increased. According to the Asahi, the working-age population (ages 15-64) among Japanese residents is 70,748,417, accounting for 59.1% of the total. The population aged 0-14 is 13,323,730, which is down 0.25 percentage points to 11.13%, while those aged 65 and older number 35,664,327, an increase of 0.21 percentage points to 29.79%.Regionally, the only area where the Japanese population increased was Tokyo. All other 46 prefectures saw declines. The largest decrease was in Hokkaido, with a drop of 58,104 people, while Akita Prefecture recorded the highest rate of decline at 1.95%. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the only regions where the number of Japanese moving in exceeded those moving out were Tokyo and the four surrounding prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, as well as seven other areas including Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka.In contrast, the foreign population increased in all 47 prefectures. The number of foreign residents reached 4,031,159, an increase of 353,696 (9.62%) from the previous year, the highest since records began in 2013. The number of foreigners moving to Japan from abroad also hit a record high of 720,988.Among foreign residents, 86.17% are of working age (15-64 years). The largest age group is those aged 25-29. Foreigners now make up 3.26% of the total population, with Tokyo having the highest proportion at 5.57%.The combined total population of Japanese and foreign residents is 123,767,642, a decrease of 563,048 from the previous year. The total population increased in only three areas: Tokyo, Osaka, and Chiba. The overall working-age population accounts for 59.97% of the total, with a decline in the Japanese working-age population while the foreign working-age population has increased.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:24:10
  • Most Korean jobseekers feel on hold rather than unemployed
    Most Korean jobseekers feel "on hold" rather than unemployed SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) —Active jobseekers theoretically fall under the "unemployed" in South Korea, but most of them see themselves as being "on hold" or in "rest mode," reflecting a growing sense of uncertainty and defeat rather than withdrawal from the labor market, a survey showed. According to a survey of 1,412 job seekers conducted by career platform Saramin, 63.3 percent said they considered themselves to be in a "resting" or "taking a break" phase. The finding underscores a gap between South Korea's official labor classifications and how many job seekers perceive their own status. Under the country's labor statistics, people actively seeking work are classified as unemployed rather than economically inactive. Even those preparing for employment by studying or acquiring new skills are not included in the official "taking a break" category. The survey, however, found that many use the term more broadly to describe the emotional reality of prolonged job hunting. The perception was widespread across age groups, with 62.4 percent of respondents in their 20s, 66.1 percent in their 30s and 65.8 percent in their 40s describing themselves that way. The figure was lower among those aged 50 or older at 53.9 percent. The biggest reason cited was the inability to secure a full-time job, selected by 70.9 percent of respondents. Others said they felt unproductive (37.9 percent), believed they were simply letting time pass (34.6 percent), were not engaged in paid work such as part-time jobs (28.9 percent), or were recovering physically or mentally before returning to work (20.6 percent). Respondents could choose more than one answer. Yet most respondents remained actively engaged in their job search. More than four in five, or 81.4 percent, said they had either been looking for work continuously over the past year or had resumed their job search after taking a break. They had applied for an average of 30.3 job postings during that period. Their willingness to find work also remained strong. Some 86.6 percent said they hoped to find a job within the next month, while the number of newly registered resumes on Saramin rose 14.4 percent from the second half of last year. Different meanings were attached to the "taking a break" phrase. While 34.8 percent associated it with helplessness or giving up on job hunting, 28.5 percent viewed it as a period of regrouping before the next opportunity. Another 20.1 percent said it meant waiting for a job that met their expectations, while 13.4 percent associated it primarily with leisure or time off. Saramin said many job seekers use the expression not because they have left the labor market, but because it captures the uncertainty and pressure of an increasingly prolonged job search. 2026-07-30 14:24:04
  • Amanoi Resort Plans $43 Million Investment for Luxury Experience Expansion
    Amanoi Resort Plans $43 Million Investment for Luxury Experience Expansion The luxury resort market in Vietnam is shifting from a competition of quantity to one focused on offering irreplaceable experiences. Amanoi has announced plans to invest 800 billion dong (approximately $43.9 million) to add 10 new rooms, raising questions about whether an investment of 80 billion dong (about $4.4 million) per room is justified. Unlike typical resorts that increase room numbers to boost profitability, luxury resorts are expanding their market by emphasizing scarcity, privacy, environmental preservation, and cultural richness.According to local media reports on July 30, Luc Van Nerom, co-founder of Amanoi, revealed plans to invest 800 billion dong in the Amanoi Resort, located in the Vinh Hy Bay area of Khanh Hoa Province, known to Koreans as Nha Trang. He acknowledged that the average investment per room is quite high, describing it as a "very significant amount." Experiences Worth More Than Rooms: A Market for Multi-Million Dong StaysThis investment is not merely about increasing room numbers; it aims to expand experience-based offerings targeted at luxury clientele. Van Nerom explained that the investment encompasses not only a limited number of rooms but also an ecosystem of experiences connected to nature, as well as cultural and entertainment spaces. He admitted that from a financial perspective, it may not seem rational, but emphasized that it aligns with the high-end customer segment.Amanoi is the only resort in Vietnam operated by the globally renowned luxury hotel and resort brand Aman, which was founded in 1988 and currently operates 38 hotels, resorts, and residences across 24 countries. The name Amanoi combines Aman with the Vietnamese word "noi" and opened in 2013 in the former Ninh Thuan Province. The resort is situated within the UNESCO-recognized Nui Chua National Park, a biosphere reserve.Amanoi's expansion will continue to prioritize privacy over large-scale room supply. The resort spans approximately 90 hectares, but Van Nerom believes that the ideal number of rooms should not exceed 90. Currently, Amanoi operates 68 rooms, and he stated that around 78 rooms would be an appropriate scale to maintain quality, noting that nearly one room per hectare strikes the best balance between guest experience and natural landscape preservation.The luxury accommodation market in Vietnam reportedly established a distinct price range in December 2022. According to data from last year, Amanoi offered a three-bedroom villa for $15,000 per night, requiring guests to book a minimum of three nights. This package includes two private pools, a spa, a living room, a dining area, a beach, and two 24-hour butlers.Meanwhile, the Vias Resort on the Phu Quoc Peninsula also introduced luxury accommodation options. This resort presented a five-star exclusive rental model in August 2022, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per night, accommodating up to 100 guests with 25 staff members providing services.Market experts believe that the supply of luxury resorts in Vietnam remains insufficient. Morgan Ulakanathan, head of tourism and hotel consulting at Avison Young Vietnam, noted that while competition in the resort market is intensifying, the luxury segment lacks adequate supply despite the increase in five-star resorts. He explained that assets like Amanoi possess unique value that is difficult to replicate, making investors willing to inject additional funds.The key criteria for investment are shifting from cost per room to scarcity and brand value. Ulakanathan stated that investment in this sector should not be evaluated solely based on the cost per room. He analyzed that value derives from scarcity, quality, craftsmanship, and the brand's ability to command top-tier room rates.Changes in the customer base are also cited as a factor driving the expansion of luxury resorts. Van Nerom noted that a decade ago, the primary clientele was in their 50s, but now millennials and Generation Z account for over 60% of guests. He explained that these younger generations prioritize authentic experiences and meaningful memories over material luxury or ostentation. Tourism market indicators further support investment decisions. In the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed 12.3 million international tourists, a 14.9% increase from the previous year, generating $9 billion in tourism revenue. Khanh Hoa Province alone received over 4.6 million visitors during the same period, marking a 66.1% increase, with revenue rising by 24.9% to 42.5 trillion dong.Luxury Resort Investment Draws Mixed ReactionsResponses to the luxury resort investment have linked it to cultural value. One user noted that the floor tiles used in the resort are handcrafted using traditional methods, taking over 50 days to produce a single tile. They highlighted the use of ancient Bat Trang glaze, which is becoming increasingly rare due to production costs, expressing respect for the investment in culture and mindset.Conversely, some comments expressed surprise at the scale of the investment. One user described the 80 billion dong investment per room as a "true luxury item." Another remarked that while typical resorts focus on increasing room numbers for profitability, luxury resorts prioritize space and experience, suggesting that success is possible if the market accepts this approach.Additional opinions on travel and development were also shared. Some users expressed realistic concerns about living costs and affordable travel, while others hoped for more world-class investors in Vietnam. One comment emphasized that investments, whether by Vietnamese or foreign companies, should prioritize respect for the landscape.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:24:00