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Hwacheon County Council Calls for Designation of Peace Economic Zone On July 30, the Hwacheon County Council concluded its 297th extraordinary session, during which council members passed a resolution urging the designation of the county's second Peace Economic Zone. This session marked the first extraordinary meeting since the 10th Hwacheon County Council was established, focusing on various policy initiatives aimed at securing future growth and improving the quality of life for residents over a 15-day agenda.During the sixth plenary session, the council approved the 'Resolution Urging the Designation of the Hwacheon County Peace Economic Zone,' co-sponsored by Chairperson Jo Woong-hee and seven other council members. The resolution will be forwarded to the government, the National Assembly, and the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.The council also approved 12 ordinances, the 2026 second supplementary budget, and changes to the fund management plan as originally proposed. This extraordinary session, which began on July 16, served as a platform to review the administration's key tasks and discuss the direction of military governance for the second half of the year.During deliberations, council members focused on issues directly affecting residents, including the expansion of stay-type tourism, stable implementation of basic income for rural areas, attracting businesses and creating jobs, enhancing childbirth and welfare support, and strengthening disaster response.Chairperson Jo Woong-hee emphasized the need to expand the foundation for stay-type tourism, develop sports vacation programs, and improve educational conditions in preparation for the establishment of a public high school for military families. Vice Chairperson Lee Sun-hee proposed linking the tomato festival with sunflower tourism resources and expanding the economic impact of local sports events.Council members Kim Dong-wan, Kim Myung-jin, Kim Eun-kyung, Park Jin-cheon, and Choi Ho-ki each raised specific issues, including job creation through the designation of the Peace Economic Zone, disaster response systems, securing funding for basic income, expanding childbirth support and transportation welfare, and revitalizing industrial complexes to create youth jobs.During the review of ordinances and the supplementary budget, discussions centered on expanding delivery services in mountainous areas, protecting civil service workers, securing funding for basic income in rural areas, enhancing facilities to respond to heat waves, and strengthening the competitiveness of traditional markets. Council members visited the site of the Gumanri Hwacheon Dam historical trail project in Gandan-myeon to inspect facility safety and completion status, requesting improvements before finalization.The core of the resolution urging the designation of the Peace Economic Zone reflects the council's belief that a national growth foundation must be established for border areas that have endured sacrifices for national security over a long period.The council argued that Hwacheon County faces challenges in industrial base development and attracting businesses due to military facility protection zones and various development regulations. They called for the evaluation of not only development potential but also military regulations, population decline, and the risks of regional extinction to be included in the criteria for the designation process.Additionally, they urged the government to establish a new growth model for border areas through the opening of the second Hanawon, experiential security and unification education, development around Hwacheon Station, and linking security and peace tourism resources. They called for the designation of the second Peace Economic Zone, expansion of the target area, reflection of border area sacrifices in evaluations, enhancement of infrastructure linked to Hwacheon Station, and an increase in development project funding for special situation areas.This extraordinary session is recorded as the first comprehensive review of military governance and policy direction since the establishment of the 10th Hwacheon County Council. Notably, through the resolution urging the designation of the Peace Economic Zone, the council clearly expressed a collective will to address the issues of regulations and population decline in border areas as a matter of national balanced development rather than a local concern.Attention now turns to whether the policy proposals and resolutions presented by the council will translate into government policies, securing national and provincial funding, and institutional improvements that residents can feel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:20:10
Foreign Sales at Duty-Free Shops Near 5 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, foreign sales at South Korean duty-free shops approached 5 trillion won. The increase in foreign visitors and the industry's shift from catering to bulk buyers from China to attracting individual tourists contributed to this growth. However, despite the rise in the number of customers, the increase in sales has been slower, highlighting a decline in average spending as a new challenge. According to the Korea Duty-Free Shops Association, foreign sales from January to June 2026 totaled 4.9967 trillion won, a 3.2% increase from 4.8414 trillion won during the same period last year. Compared to the second half of 2025, this figure represents an 11.2% increase. Monthly sales figures were 786.6 billion won in January, 704.7 billion won in February, 851.3 billion won in March, 879.5 billion won in April, and 857.0 billion won in May. In June, sales reached 917.6 billion won, surpassing 900 billion won for the first time in 14 months since April 2025, when sales were 937.7 billion won.The increase in foreign buyers has driven sales higher. In June, the number of foreign customers at duty-free shops rose to 1.28 million, a 32.0% increase from 970,000 in the same month last year. The number of buyers increased from 940,000 in January and 910,000 in February to 1.09 million in March, 1.19 million in April, and 1.23 million in May. However, the amount spent per customer has decreased. In June 2025, the average spending per foreign customer was approximately 848,000 won, but last month it dropped to about 717,000 won, a decline of 15.4%. This reduction is attributed to a decrease in bulk purchases by Chinese buyers and a higher proportion of individual tourists, leading to a dispersion of spending amounts.The duty-free industry is expanding its product offerings to target individual foreign tourists, focusing on K-beauty, fashion, and daily necessities, while enhancing discount events and brand experiences. Lotte Duty-Free's foreign beauty sales in the first half of the year increased by 55% compared to the same period last year, while food sales rose by 62%. An industry official stated, "While foreign sales approached 5 trillion won in the first half, we need to monitor whether this growth translates into improved profitability, considering the slowdown in domestic consumption and the decline in average spending."Meanwhile, domestic consumption at duty-free shops has slowed. Sales to domestic customers were 284.2 billion won in January, dropping to 257.6 billion won in February and 231.2 billion won in March. Although sales rebounded to 239.7 billion won in April and 254.6 billion won in May, they fell again to 211.0 billion won last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:20:10
LG Electronics Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit LG Electronics announced on July 30 that it achieved a record revenue of 23.83 trillion won and an operating profit of 1.58 trillion won for the second quarter. Both figures represent the highest ever recorded for the second quarter. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 14.9%, while operating profit surged by 147%.Despite unfavorable external conditions, including conflicts in the Middle East, the company leveraged its competitive edge in home appliances to drive revenue growth. The impact of sports events and growth in the automotive business also contributed to the overall revenue expansion.The company’s operating profit more than doubled compared to the previous year. Strong fundamentals in its core businesses, along with the effects of revenue growth and an increased share of high-value product sales, played a significant role. Efforts to improve cost competitiveness across all operations and proactive measures in response to uncertainties in the business environment also contributed to enhanced profitability. Additionally, the company recognized a one-time gain from tariff refunds on exports to the U.S. last year.In the second quarter, business-to-business (B2B) revenue reached 6.5 trillion won, marking a 5% increase from the same period last year. Excluding LG Innotek, the B2B segment accounted for 36% of total revenue. Revenue from subscription services, including products and services, reached 660 billion won, with continued expansion in overseas markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:20:10
Hanwha Group Strengthens Third-Generation Leadership with Promotions Hanwha Group has promoted all three sons of Chairman Kim Seung-yeon, enhancing its third-generation leadership structure. The company announced on July 30 that the promotions of key executives and the appointment of new CEOs for several affiliates will take effect on August 1.Kim Dong-kwan has been elevated to senior vice chairman, while Kim Dong-won, president of Hanwha Life, has been promoted to vice chairman. Kim Dong-sun, vice president of Hanwha Vision, has been named president.As senior vice chairman, Kim Dong-kwan will lead the defense, marine, aerospace, and energy sectors, driving significant growth in global markets and successfully completing strategic large-scale projects.Kim Dong-won has spearheaded digital innovation and global expansion in the financial sector, solidifying the foundation for future growth. Kim Dong-sun has achieved success in expanding the retail, leisure, and food and beverage sectors, as well as entering the semiconductor equipment market.With these key promotions, Hanwha Group aims to dramatically enhance its business capabilities across various sectors and drive future growth through business expansion.The company also announced new CEO appointments for five affiliates, selecting individuals optimized for executing strategic tasks to stabilize management and ensure long-term growth.Lee Boo-hwan, the designated CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, is an expert in ground weapon systems R&D and overseas business, having previously served as head of Hanwha Aerospace's European branch and PGM division. He will play a key role in establishing overseas defense bases.Yang Gi-won, the designated CEO of Hanwha Systems, is recognized as a new business model expert, having served as head of Hanwha's global division and Hanwha Impact. He is seen as well-suited for expanding global business in the aerospace and defense sectors.Kang Jeong-hoon, the designated CEO of Hanwha Impact, currently leads Hanwha Total Energy's Daesan plant and is expected to drive cost innovation and improve profitability based on his experience in the petrochemical field.Im Dong-jun, the designated CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, has held positions as head of Hanwha Asset Management's U.S. branch and strategic business unit. He will lead global business growth by enhancing competitiveness in securities management and expanding alternative investments.Kim Ki-cheol, the designated CEO of Hanwha Semitec, has successfully led the restructuring of overseas-focused operations as the current head of Hanwha Vision and will also oversee the expansion and market capture of the semiconductor equipment business.The newly appointed CEOs will be confirmed through the respective companies' shareholders' meetings and boards of directors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:20:00
Climate Change Creates 'Brutal Summer'; Experts Warn Heat Waves Are Just the Beginning South Korea's summers increasingly resemble those of Southeast Asia, characterized by high humidity, scorching sunlight, and sudden downpours. The landscape of midsummer is no longer the familiar temperate climate. The troubling aspect of this change is that it does not affect everyone equally.Disasters always strike unevenly. For farmers, construction workers, delivery drivers, and elderly individuals living alone, heat waves are not just uncomfortable weather; they pose a life-threatening disaster.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, from June 1 to July 27, the average number of tropical nights across the country was 7.8 days, the highest since nationwide observations began in 1973. The average temperature was also 24.2 degrees Celsius, the second highest on record. The overlapping of the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High has trapped hot, humid air over the Korean Peninsula, with daytime highs expected to reach between 33 and 39 degrees Celsius from August 1 to 7. In Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, nighttime temperatures did not drop below 29.1 degrees Celsius.The damage is already evident in the numbers. On July 27, the government raised the heat wave warning to the highest level, 'serious,' and activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.As of that date, there were 1,399 reported cases of heat-related illnesses, with an estimated eight fatalities. More than 80% of patients collapsed outdoors, with the majority of incidents occurring at workplaces. While heat waves may be a painful commute for office workers, they are a matter of life and death for outdoor laborers and the elderly.'Human Refrigerators' EmergeIn neighboring Japan, days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are referred to as 'gokushobi' (酷暑日), literally meaning 'brutally hot days.' Climate change is not only creating new weather patterns but also new terminology.On July 21, temperatures in Kihoku and Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, surpassed 40 degrees Celsius, with five consecutive days of temperatures above 40 degrees recorded. Between July 13 and 19, approximately 11,000 people were transported to emergency care for heat-related illnesses, with 14 already deceased upon arrival at hospitals.In Japanese industrial settings, cooling booths called 'Dohiemon boxes' have emerged, allowing one adult to enter and cool down. These 'human refrigerators' maintain an internal temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius and blow cool air at around 5 degrees Celsius onto the head, neck, shoulders, and back. High school baseball games have been rescheduled to avoid the hottest times of the day, and farmers are testing subtropical crops like heat-resistant rice and avocados. This is a survival manual for the era of global warming.In Europe, disasters continue even after heat waves pass. In France, an estimated 5,764 excess deaths occurred during the heat wave from June 17 to July 2. High temperatures rapidly depleted moisture from soil, rivers, lakes, and plants. As the ground dries, much of the solar energy is used to heat the surface and atmosphere rather than evaporating moisture. This creates a vicious cycle where heat causes drought, and drought exacerbates heat.European grain production is expected to decrease by about 9 million tons this year, and the lowering water levels in the Rhine, Loire, and Danube rivers threaten logistics and hydropower generation. Researchers from the World Meteorological Organization have analyzed that extreme evaporation conditions have become about 80 times more likely in Western Europe and about 40 times more likely in Eastern Europe due to climate change.Scholars do not view this heat wave as a mere anomaly or natural phenomenon. While natural atmospheric flows may be a direct cause, the underlying factor is human-induced climate change.James Renwick, a climate scientist and professor at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, stated in an interview with Aju Business Daily, 'The extreme heat waves occurring around the world, including in Korea, are difficult to explain without climate change.'He explained that while heat waves have occurred in the past, the current situation is different. Even a slight increase in the Earth's average temperature leads to more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense heat waves. He noted that a rise of just 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius significantly increases the likelihood of extreme heat events.Ashish Sharma, a professor at the University of Illinois, likened this to 'changing the dice.' While heat waves existed before, climate change has altered the dice itself. Now, even when rolling the same dice, the probability of extreme heat outcomes has significantly increased.While atmospheric phenomena like high pressure or blocking are direct triggers for heat waves, global warming amplifies their intensity and duration.Shang-Ping Xie, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, described this heat wave as a typical example of a blocking phenomenon. When a strong high-pressure system lingers over an area, the air continues to descend, compressing and heating up. Simultaneously, reduced cloud cover and rainfall allow strong sunlight to continuously heat the surface. Without rain, the parched ground cannot cool down and instead releases more heat into the atmosphere. Additionally, warmer-than-average waters in the Yellow Sea and East Sea provide extra heat and moisture, resulting in tropical nights where temperatures do not drop.Professor Xie stated, 'The foundation of all these phenomena is the slow but relentless warming created by greenhouse gases.'Of course, science is cautious. To determine exactly how many times more frequently or intensely this heat wave occurred due to climate change, 'climate attribution' studies are necessary. This involves comparing a hypothetical Earth where humans have emitted little to no greenhouse gases with the actual Earth to calculate how much human activity has influenced specific heat waves.However, the scientific consensus is that the lack of completed attribution studies does not negate the connection between human activity and heat waves.Dargan Frierson, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Washington, remarked, 'The Earth has already changed significantly due to fossil fuel emissions,' adding, 'It is virtually impossible to find weather phenomena that are completely unrelated to pre-industrial climate.'He further noted, 'The immense heat energy generated by fossil fuels is accumulating in the atmosphere and oceans, causing heat waves to occur more frequently, last longer, and be more extreme.'Natural climate variability also plays a role. Francina Dominguez, a professor at the University of Illinois, explained that strong El Niño events and global warming can interact to alter global atmospheric circulation.However, experts agree that while El Niño may influence when and where heat waves occur, greenhouse gases continue to raise the baseline for when these heat waves happen.Ultimately, even the same high-pressure systems result in hotter summers now than in the past.Experts predict that as long as greenhouse gas emissions continue, heat waves will become more frequent, more intense, and last longer.Professor Frierson warned, 'The more fossil fuels we burn, the more extreme heat waves will occur.'Professor Renwick cited an analysis from the UK Met Office, suggesting that disasters on the scale of the 2003 European heat wave, which claimed over 70,000 lives, could recur approximately every two years by 2050, stating, 'As greenhouse gas emissions increase, both the changes and the damage will also grow.'Professor Xie added, 'Climate models have been warning of futures like this for decades,' noting that the recurring heat waves and large wildfires worldwide demonstrate that these predictions are becoming reality.Experts unanimously agree that heat waves are no longer exceptional weather anomalies but are becoming the new normal due to human-induced climate change. While the timing and location of heat waves may be determined by natural atmospheric flows, their intensity and frequency will increase as greenhouse gases accumulate. Ultimately, the current heat wave is not a temporary anomaly but a preview of a future that will repeat itself.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:16:10
LG Electronics confirms record Q2 on premium power SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - LG Electronics confirmed record second-quarter results on Thursday, driven by strong home appliance sales, resilient vehicle component demand and growing subscription revenue despite geopolitical uncertainties and softer consumer spending. The South Korean electronics maker posted consolidated revenue of 23.83 trillion won ($16.52 billion) and operating profit of 1.58 trillion won ($1.09 billion) for the April-June period, up 14.9 percent and 147 percent, respectively, from a year earlier. Both figures marked the highest-ever results for a second quarter. LG said premium home appliances, strong demand in emerging markets and continued growth in its vehicle solutions business helped offset external challenges, including the conflict in the Middle East. Higher sales of premium products, improved cost competitiveness and a one-off tariff refund related to U.S. exports also boosted profitability. Business-to-business revenue reached 6.5 trillion won, accounting for 36 percent of companywide sales excluding LG Innotek, while subscription-based services generated 660 billion won, reflecting continued overseas expansion. The Home Appliance Solution division posted quarterly revenue of 7.08 trillion won, surpassing the 7 trillion-won mark for the first time, with an operating margin approaching 10 percent. LG attributed the performance to strong sales of both premium and mass-market products, supply chain optimization and subscription services that continue to generate recurring revenue. Its Vehicle Solution business recorded quarterly revenue of 3.03 trillion won and operating profit of 191.2 billion won, both record highs for a second quarter, supported by a growing order backlog and an improved product mix. The Media Entertainment business also improved on stronger sales of OLED and QNED televisions and continued growth of its webOS platform, while the Eco Solution division benefited from robust overseas air-conditioner demand and continued investment in AI data center cooling technologies. Looking ahead, LG said it expects demand to remain subdued in the third quarter but plans to strengthen profitability by focusing on emerging markets, expanding premium product sales and accelerating growth in businesses such as robotics and AI data center cooling solutions. 2026-07-30 14:16:03
Construction Stocks Surge Following Designation of Gwangju Semiconductor Industrial Complex Construction stocks showed strong performance on July 30 after the Gwangju military airport site was designated as a candidate for the Honam region's semiconductor national industrial complex.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:57 PM, Kumho Construction's shares rose by 2,190 won (30.00%) to reach the upper limit of 9,490 won. Namhwa Construction also saw an increase of 1,820 won (21.58%), trading at 4,620 won. Other construction-related stocks, including Ilseong Construction (10.55%), Dongshin Construction (6.53%), and Sangji Construction (5.94%), also experienced gains.The surge in stock prices is attributed to investor optimism following the announcement that the Gwangju military airport site would be developed into a semiconductor industrial complex, which is expected to benefit construction and infrastructure projects. Both Kumho Construction and Namhwa Construction are headquartered in Gwangju and Jeonnam.On the previous day, executives from SK Hynix visited the Gwangju military airport site to assess conditions for establishing a semiconductor fabrication plant and discussed specific implementation plans with Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City. Earlier, on July 23, SK Hynix's technical team conducted a preliminary site visit, followed by a site inspection by Samsung Electronics' team on July 25.On June 29, the government announced a 'Southwest Semiconductor Mega Project,' in which Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to invest a total of 800 trillion won to establish four advanced semiconductor fabs at the Gwangju military airport site. The government and the special city aim to facilitate the relocation of the military airport, develop the industrial complex, and establish power and water supply networks, with the goal of commencing mass production by 2030.Expectations for a recovery in the construction market are also supporting investor sentiment. According to a report released by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade on July 26, construction investment is projected to increase by 0.9% this year compared to the previous year, driven by the government's active fiscal input and improvements in leading indicators. If construction investment turns positive on an annual basis, it will be the first increase in six years since 2020.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:16:00
The Technology Shares Plunge 82% on First Day of Trading Resumption Ahead of Delisting The Technology experienced a significant drop of over 80% on the first day of its trading resumption. This decline is attributed to a surge in sell orders from investors ahead of its impending delisting.According to the Korea Exchange, as of the afternoon of July 30, The Technology's shares were trading at 205 won, down 935 won (82.02%) from the previous trading day. Trading resumed after a suspension due to the company's delisting process.The Korea Exchange determined that The Technology met the criteria for delisting based on a comprehensive assessment of the company's sustainability and management transparency. Following this decision, a request by the company to suspend the delisting was rejected, leading to the continuation of the delisting process. Earlier, financial authorities revealed that The Technology had falsely recorded sales and cost of goods sold, treating transactions with little substance or low likelihood of recovery as normal sales. The total amount of false accounting was approximately 4.6 billion won, with about 2.3 billion won in 2021 and 2.1 billion won in 2022.From today until August 7, The Technology will conduct trading for seven days, with a scheduled delisting from the KOSDAQ market on August 10. This trading period provides investors with a final opportunity to sell their shares before the delisting is finalized. During this time, there are no price limits (±30%), which can lead to significant daily fluctuations in stock prices. Typically, stocks facing delisting see a sharp decline in prices due to concentrated sell orders from investors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:16:00
Interview: Lee Dong-wook on 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' and the Thrill of Action The second season of the Disney+ original series 'Killer's Shopping Mall' has quickly risen to the top of global viewership for Korean originals, proving its predecessor's strong presence after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. At the center of this success is Lee Dong-wook, who reprises his role as Jin-man, a former mercenary and the founder of the shopping mall, who returns from the dead. "I am so grateful to the fans who waited for two years. I’m happy that the love for Season 1 laid the foundation for Season 2, and I enjoyed playing Jin-man again," Lee said. The story of Season 2 picks up immediately from the end of Season 1, where Jin-man returns to life. Lee described the process of reconnecting with the character's emotional journey after the break as a natural adjustment. "The story of Season 2 begins right where Season 1 left off with Jin-man coming back to life. I discussed with the director what Jin-man might have been doing while Ji-an was struggling at home. We thought he would be fighting against the veil, ensuring it doesn’t reach Ji-an, and that the fight would only end when the veil is dealt with. Since I had some ideas in mind already, I didn’t find it too difficult to act. However, now we can show what Jin-man was actually doing, which I believe will satisfy the viewers' curiosity. Just like when I returned to the character after two years for 'Tale of Nokdu,' it turned out to be possible. Humans seem to be adaptable creatures," he explained. As he prepared for Season 2, Lee also focused on physical changes to embody the character of a strong uncle and former mercenary. He underwent an intense weight gain regimen for several months before filming. "When I played Jin-man in 'Killer's Shopping Mall,' I gained about 7 to 8 kg compared to my usual weight. Since he is a former mercenary and a killer, I thought I needed that kind of physique to be a reliable support for Ji-an. I didn’t expect to do Season 2, but since we had to continue the story from Season 1, I had to gain weight again. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I ate four to five meals a day, focusing on protein, and increased the intensity and amount of my workouts. I prepared for about three to four months," he said. This weight gain was not just for visual appeal; it was crucial for the weight of the action and the character's identity. "Jin-man is a former mercenary who has scars and bullet wounds all over his body, so I thought that kind of physique suited him better. This isn’t just for action; it’s part of adapting to the character. In the current project 'Love Affair,' I play a civil servant, so it would be strange if I looked like Jin-man. Therefore, I lost about 9 kg to fit the character. Changing my body according to the character also prepares me mentally," he added. The most significant virtue of Jin-man, which spans both seasons, is his 'consistency.' Lee believes that his unwavering demeanor in the face of crises provides a reliable anchor for viewers. "There’s nothing different. Episode 1 of Season 2 is a continuation of the story from Season 1, so I think the consistency of Jin-man is the most important. He is a character who remains unshaken regardless of the situation or crisis. I believe viewers will think, 'Jin-man will get through this; he will overcome this crisis.' It was important to maintain that reliable character," he said. The relationships between characters have also been solidified as a continuation from Season 1. As a leader on set, Lee fostered a natural synergy among the cast. "I thought of it as a continuation of Season 1. The Murder Help team from Season 1 is back, and their relationships continue. The massive enemy, the veil, remains as well. I approached it with the mindset of continuing that story. New relationships with new enemies will be revealed in the latter half. I believe the bond between the Murder Help team and Jin-man goes beyond trust. We all felt that way during filming. Jin-man is a character who takes responsibility. While his nephew's safety is paramount, he also brings in his brother and builds a shopping mall with trustworthy allies, creating a foundation to fight against Babylon," he explained. Despite not having many personal meetings, the cohesion shown by the Murder Help team was exceptional, allowing fellow actors to immerse themselves in their characters naturally. "We hardly had any personal meetings. But it naturally happened. The actors from the Murder Help team treated me as Jin-man. I’m not sure if it’s method acting, but they always treated me like 'our leader' or 'our captain,' which helped me blend into the role. I acted with the actor who played Jin-woo after 13 or 14 years. We previously worked together in a project called 'Cheonmyeong,' and since we are the same age, it was nice to have a more comfortable dynamic in Season 2, especially since Jin-woo's character has expanded," he said. Working with newly joined Japanese actors also went smoothly due to thorough preparation, overcoming language barriers. "Actors Masaki Okada and Hyun-ri joined us, and I was worried about communication, but they prepared very well. They must have felt pressure to join Season 2 after the success of Season 1, but they came thoroughly prepared, so we filmed without any difficulties. Both Masaki Okada and Hyun-ri said this was their first action project. Filming started in April, but they came to Korea in January to attend action school and prepare. I appreciated their efforts to listen to the director and fellow actors and to integrate into the team," he said. Lee displayed humility regarding the preparation process for action scenes, prioritizing safety and repetitive practice over flashy techniques. "Whenever I’m asked about action preparation, I feel sorry because I don’t do much. The first principle in action is safety. No one should get hurt on set, including the actors, camera crew, grip team, and stunt doubles. The second principle is repetition. However, I’ve already gone through that process many times, so I just do it," he said. As a veteran actor with 28 years of experience, Lee remains open to new challenges in his work. He believes there are still many unexplored areas ahead. "What I always consider important is playing characters and genres I haven’t done before. In that sense, 'Killer's Shopping Mall' has been a very enjoyable project. Even though I’ve done a lot of action, I wonder if I’ll encounter a character that allows me to handle various weapons and use different types of knives again. There’s still so much I haven’t done. I haven’t done a full-fledged investigative drama or a political drama yet. Even though my role in 'Harbin' is a special appearance, it’s a genre and character I haven’t done before, which is part of why I was persuaded to take it. There’s still a lot left for me to do," he said. As Season 2 wraps up, Lee shared his hopes for viewers and addressed the possibility of a third season. "I think viewers can just let themselves go like they’re on a ride. I can guarantee the fun, so I hope they enjoy it. I believe the points to watch will be how Ji-an and Jin-man navigate their crises. There are no plans for Season 3. Season 2 was made based on the success of Season 1. We don’t know what results it will bring. Who knows what Disney+ thinks? But if we do it, we will. We’ll do it if we’re asked. What else can we do at home? Haha. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:16:00
Government Completes 97% of National Farmland Survey, 27% Suspected of Violations The government has classified 27% of the farmland surveyed nationwide as areas suspected of violating farmland laws. Notably, 21% of all farmland is suspected of illegal leasing, where owners are not actively farming despite being registered as self-cultivators. On July 30, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the progress of the "National Farmland Survey and Future Plans" at the Government Sejong Complex. The ministry plans to complete the basic farmland survey by the end of this month and begin in-depth investigations next month. Since starting the basic survey in May, the government has completed assessments on 97% of the targeted area, covering 1.32 million hectares (10.13 million parcels) as of July 29. A total of 5,313 public officials and 2,964 private surveyors participated in the basic survey. According to the results, 27.0% (2.84 million parcels) of farmland is suspected of violations, including illegal leasing, illegal conversion, and unauthorized fallowing. Specifically, the breakdown is as follows: 21.1% suspected of illegal leasing, 11.6% suspected of unauthorized fallowing, 9.0% suspected of illegal conversion, and 1.4% for violations of ownership restrictions. Illegal leasing is identified when farmland is registered as self-cultivated but lacks records of essential agricultural purchases like fertilizers and tax-exempt fuel. Unauthorized fallowing occurs when farmland is not cultivated and has turned into forest land. Cases of illegal conversion are noted when facilities are installed without proper conversion permits, and ownership restriction violations are identified when non-farming heirs own more than 1 hectare. Sejong City reported the highest number of suspected violations. Yoon Won-seop, Director of Agricultural Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated during the briefing, "By region, Sejong, Jeju, and Gangwon have the most suspected violations based on parcel counts. The metropolitan area is entirely subject to in-depth investigations, so we did not conduct actual farming-related surveys there, resulting in fewer suspected violations." The government will begin in-depth investigations into suspected farmland law violations and farmland in the metropolitan area next month. The in-depth investigations will proceed in two phases: field surveys and supplementary investigations. The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, which specializes in actual farming investigations, will also be involved in the in-depth surveys. The first phase, the field survey, will involve officials and surveyors visiting farmland to directly verify usage. However, in difficult-to-access areas such as islands and mountainous regions, drones, aerial, and satellite imagery will be utilized. The second phase, the supplementary investigation, will focus on confirming illegal leasing and other issues that are hard to verify on-site. This will include requesting documentation from landowners and employing interviews and inquiries. The government has promised strict action against violations. However, it plans to implement guidance measures for elderly farmers who may have to leave land fallow due to health issues or for farmers who exchange land for mutual cultivation. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung stated, "The comprehensive survey aims to accurately assess the overall farmland situation to enhance productivity and strengthen the future agricultural foundation. Farmers actively cultivating their fields need not worry excessively about the farmland survey." 2026-07-30 14:08:10