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  • Government to Transition 17,600 Police Vehicles to Electric and Hydrogen by 2035
    Government to Transition 17,600 Police Vehicles to Electric and Hydrogen by 2035 The government is accelerating the electrification of the public sector, starting with the transition of police vehicles to electric and hydrogen models. By 2035, all new police vehicles, excluding special vehicles, will be converted to electric and hydrogen.On July 30, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, marking the launch of a project to promote the transition of police vehicles to electric models.Attendees included Minister of Climate Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, and Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency Yoo Jae-sung. The three agencies agreed to enhance the transition to electric and hydrogen police vehicles and establish a collaborative framework among relevant departments.Currently, there are approximately 17,600 police vehicles operating nationwide. As of the end of last month, electric and hydrogen vehicles accounted for only 2,185, or 12.4%, of the total.The National Police Agency purchases or leases about 1,908 vehicles annually. The government plans to ensure that all new police vehicles purchased or leased, excluding some special vehicles, will be electric or hydrogen by 2035.The government expects that electric vehicles, which have quick acceleration and low noise, will enhance police response capabilities. In the long term, it also aims to introduce patrol cars equipped with specialized driving and safety features for police work.The Gangnam Police Station will be designated as the first eco-friendly police station. It will convert 22 internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles and install nine 200 kW fast chargers at six district police stations and precincts, including Yeoksam, Nonhyeon, Cheongdam, Samsung, and Sinsa.Based on the results of this pilot project, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment plans to expand eco-friendly police stations to other regional police stations. It will also continue to identify large-scale demands for electric and hydrogen vehicle transitions in both the public and private sectors.Minister Kim stated, "The transition of police vehicles to electric and hydrogen models signifies that our police are taking the lead in addressing the national challenge of carbon neutrality. We will spare no administrative and financial support to promote the electrification of all modes of transportation in the public sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 10:04:00
  • Koreas Fair Trade Commission to Inspect Wedding Venue and Planner Pricing
    Korea's Fair Trade Commission to Inspect Wedding Venue and Planner Pricing The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is set to inspect wedding venues and planning companies to ensure compliance with pricing information and cancellation fee disclosure requirements. This initiative aims to prevent unexpected additional costs for couples during the wedding planning process, including expenses related to venues, catering, dress rentals, and makeup services. On July 30, the FTC announced that it will conduct a focused inspection starting August 1 to verify adherence to important information disclosure regulations for wedding service providers. Couples have often faced challenges in obtaining advance information about venue rental fees, meal costs, dress rental prices, and makeup fees, leading to unforeseen expenses. In response, the FTC revised its important information disclosure regulations in November 2022, mandating the disclosure of wedding service prices. Under the revised regulations, wedding service providers, including venues and planning companies, must display service details, prices, cancellation fees, and refund policies on their websites or on the Korea Consumer Agency's 'Fair Price' site, as well as on the cover of contracts. Notably, practices that restrict access to pricing information, such as requiring membership or personal information input, are considered violations of the disclosure obligation. The upcoming inspection follows a six-month grace period since the regulations took effect, during which compliance rates have not sufficiently improved. The FTC plans to directly check whether prices and refund conditions are properly displayed on websites, the Fair Price site, and contract covers. Businesses that fail to comply may face fines of up to 100 million won. The FTC intends to gradually expand the scope of inspections by the end of the year to ensure ongoing monitoring and corrective measures. This effort aims to support couples in making informed decisions based on adequate pricing information. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 10:04:00
  • SK hynix Introduces Half-Day Interviews Focused on Critical Thinking Skills
    SK hynix Introduces Half-Day Interviews Focused on Critical Thinking Skills SK hynix is overhauling its recruitment process to select candidates with fundamental thinking skills and practical problem-solving abilities necessary for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The company is shifting from a qualifications-based approach to a competency-based one by eliminating educational restrictions, discontinuing self-introductions, and introducing half-day in-depth interviews.The company announced on July 30 that it will accept applications for new graduate recruitment from August 20 to 26. The positions available include roles in design, device, research and development (R&D) processes, and mass production technology, with work locations in Icheon, Cheongju, Bundang, and Seoul.This recruitment marks the first significant application of the company's policy announced in June to completely abolish educational restrictions. Anyone can apply regardless of age or educational background. Given the rapid technological changes in the semiconductor industry, the focus will be on actual job performance and growth potential rather than standardized educational qualifications.The most significant change is the introduction of the 'half-day in-depth interview.' Previously, interviews typically lasted around 20 to 30 minutes and consisted of a question-and-answer format. In the new format, candidates will engage in tasks over half a day and participate in various types of interviews.During this process, SK hynix plans to comprehensively evaluate candidates' job expertise, logical thinking skills, AI utilization abilities, humanistic qualities, and their capacity to structure problems and derive solutions. The aim is to assess candidates' thought processes and problem-solving skills in real situations rather than relying on brief answers or pre-prepared interview techniques.This reform aligns with the vision for talent in the AI era emphasized by Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group. He has stressed the importance of individuals who can navigate multiple fields and design systems where humans and AI coexist, rather than those with knowledge limited to specific areas. He has particularly highlighted the need for individuals who can question the essence of problems and think critically, referring to this ability as 'thinking muscle.'The document screening process will also undergo a complete overhaul. SK hynix will eliminate the existing self-introduction section and introduce a new format where candidates directly describe their 'AI utilization capabilities' and 'semiconductor job expertise.'Instead of standardized questions about motivation or personal growth, the evaluation will focus on how candidates have applied AI in their work or learning processes and how they have solved semiconductor-related problems. This change reflects the reality that the proliferation of generative AI has made it difficult to distinguish candidates' capabilities based solely on traditional self-introductions.The recruitment information sessions will also move away from being centered on university campuses. SK hynix plans to hold regional recruitment information sessions in Seoul, Cheongju, Daegu, and Gwangju, open to anyone interested. These sessions will provide industry insights and job information not only to university students but also to youth and job seekers interested in the semiconductor industry.Additionally, a separate program will be established to identify AI talent early. SK hynix will host an 'AI Hackathon Competition' in the fourth quarter, where participants will tackle problems that may arise in the semiconductor field using AI, software, and algorithms within a limited timeframe.Outstanding participants in the competition will receive 'fast-track' benefits, exempting them from the document screening process and granting them immediate interview opportunities. This strategy aims to select top-tier AI talent through a separate pathway that is difficult to verify in the public recruitment process.A recruitment official from SK hynix stated, "We have restructured our hiring system to thoroughly verify candidates' fundamental problem-solving abilities and practical skills, moving away from a focus on qualifications and documents. We aim to actively recruit and nurture AI talent with strong thinking skills to maintain our technological leadership in the global AI semiconductor market."Details regarding the new graduate recruitment guidelines and information session schedules can be found on the official SK hynix recruitment website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 10:04:00
  • Yuhan Corporation Launches Blood Sugar Management Probiotic DangQLac in Mexico
    Yuhan Corporation Launches Blood Sugar Management Probiotic 'DangQLac' in Mexico Yuhan Corporation has entered the Mexican market with its blood sugar management probiotic, DangQLac, marking a significant expansion into Latin America.On July 30, Yuhan Corporation announced the official launch of DangQLac in Mexico, where it will be marketed under the name Glucobiotic.Mexico is considered one of the largest health supplement markets in Latin America. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the diabetes prevalence rate among Mexican adults aged 20 to 79 is approximately 16.4% as of 2024, which is significantly higher than the global average.Previously, Yuhan Corporation signed a five-year supply contract worth about 13 billion won with a local partner in 2024 and completed the product registration process last year. The two companies plan to expand both online and offline distribution channels based on a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes local clinical trials.DangQLac is a probiotic developed from the strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HAC01, which took nearly a decade of research. This strain is the first in South Korea to receive recognition from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its functionality in reducing post-meal blood sugar levels.A Yuhan Corporation representative stated, "We plan to expand our business throughout the Latin American market by increasing consumer touchpoints based on the differentiated blood sugar management functionality of DangQLac."Meanwhile, Yuhan Corporation recently launched a new probiotic product, Wonderthin, which has been recognized for its fat reduction functionality.Wonderthin is based on the individually recognized probiotic ingredient L. plantarum ATG-K2, which has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its fat reduction capabilities.According to the company, human application tests showed an increase in basal metabolic rate and lean body mass after six weeks of consumption, with significant reductions in body fat and body fat percentage observed after 12 weeks. 2026-07-30 10:00:20
  • LG Energy Q2 profit slides 77% on weak EV demand
    LG Energy Q2 profit slides 77% on weak EV demand SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - LG Energy Solution confirmed that its second-quarter operating profit tumbled 77 percent from a year earlier to 113.3 billion won ($78.6 million), as a prolonged slump in North American electric-vehicle demand continued to erode earnings at South Korea's largest battery maker. According to regulatory filings released Thursday, revenue rose 24.8 percent year-on-year to 7.56 trillion won, while the net loss came to 328.6 billion won, swinging back into the red. Still, the quarterly result marked a rebound from a first-quarter operating loss of 207.8 billion won, snapping two straight quarters of losses that stretched back to the final three months of last year. The turnaround leaned heavily on government support. The reported profit included about 241 billion won in tax credits under the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act; excluding the subsidy, the company would have booked an operating loss of 127.7 billion won. Rising North American demand for energy-storage systems and firm cylindrical battery sales cushioned the blow, offsetting a demand chasm that has forced the temporary shutdown of the firm's Ultium Cells joint venture with General Motors in Ohio and Tennessee. Shares of LG Energy Solution traded at 320,000 won per stock at 9:53 a.m., 6.49 percent higher than the day before. 2026-07-30 09:56:34
  • People Power Party Warns of Impeachment if Lee Fails to Deny Re-election
    People Power Party Warns of Impeachment if Lee Fails to Deny Re-election 국민의힘은 30일 조정식 국회의장이 이재명 대통령의 연임 개헌 가능성을 언급한 것에 대해 "국민들 앞에 '연임은 없다'는 다섯 글자를 말하지 못하면 '이재명 탄핵'이라는 새로운 다섯 글자로 넘어갈 것"이라고 연일 공세를 펼쳤다.장동혁 대표는 이날 국회에서 최고위원회의를 열어 "개헌에 대한 모든 논란을 종식시키자. 음모론이라고 주장하지 말고 대통령 입에서 연임은 없다고 얘기하면 끝날 일"이라며 이같이 말했다.장 대표는 "현직 대통령을 포함한 연임 개헌을 조 의장이 운을 뗐다"며 "이에 대해 비판했더니 청와대와 더불어민주당은 국민의힘을 향해서 음모론이라고 공격하고 있다"고 했다.이어 "누구라도 다 현직 대통령이 포함된 연임 개헌이라고 이해했다"며 "대한민국 국민 모두가 지금 음모론에 빠져 있는 거냐. 늘상 봐왔던 짜고 치는 고스톱 아니냐"고 꼬집었다.그는 "누군가 던져 놓고 문제 생기면 꼬리 자르고, 대통령에게 물으면 대통령은 실실 웃으면서 남의 일 얘기하듯이 한다"며 "애먼 국회의장 이상한 소리 하는 사람 만들지 말고 대통령이 해결하면 된다. '연임은 없다'는 다섯 글자만 말하라"고 요구했다.정점식 원내대표도 "연임 개헌 논란은 단순히 조 의장 개인의 말실수로 보기 어렵다"며 "청와대는 현실적으로 불가능하다, 조 의장은 헌법 제128조 2항의 내용은 존중돼야 한다는 이상한 해명을 내놓아 마치 하고 싶지만 할 수 없다, 할 수 있으면 하고 싶다는 뉘앙스로 들린다"고 지적했다.정 원내대표는 "이미 여권에는 연임 이야기가 파다하게 퍼져 있다"며 "연임이라는 연기가 계속 흘러나오는 것은 이 대통령의 심중에 연임하고 싶은 마음이 굴뚝 같기 때문"이라고 했다. 그러면서 "이 대통령 스스로 연임은 없다고 선언하라. 그것만이 이 논란의 종지부를 찍는 길"이라고 강조했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:56:20
  • Hankook Semiconductor Chairman Kwak Dong-shin Acquires Additional $4.2 Million in Company Shares
    Hankook Semiconductor Chairman Kwak Dong-shin Acquires Additional $4.2 Million in Company Shares Hankook Semiconductor Chairman Kwak Dong-shin announced on July 30 that he has acquired an additional 5 billion won (approximately $4.2 million) in company shares. This purchase fulfills a stock buyback plan disclosed on July 2.The acquisition price was set at 170,565 won per share, totaling 5 billion won. Following this transaction, Kwak's ownership stake has increased to 33.62%, or 32,048,145 shares. This marks the third stock buyback this year, following purchases of 3 billion won in April and 8 billion won in June, bringing his total stock buyback for 2023 to 16 billion won (about $13.5 million). Since 2023, his total personal stock acquisitions have reached 69.5 billion won (approximately $58.5 million).Kwak has received cumulative dividends of 64.74 billion won (around $54.5 million) since 2024, which he has reinvested into stock buybacks.Kwak's stock purchases reflect confidence in Hankook Semiconductor's technological capabilities and future growth in the global artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor equipment market. The decision is also seen as a commitment to enhancing corporate value, given the perceived undervaluation of the company's stock amid strong growth momentum from its entry into the U.S. market and next-generation equipment supply.Hankook Semiconductor continues to grow based on its unique technological prowess. The company reported record second-quarter revenues of 251.1 billion won, the highest quarterly performance since its founding in 1980. Notably, the operating profit margin for the second quarter reached 51.9%, demonstrating exceptional profitability in the global semiconductor equipment market.Hankook Semiconductor holds the top position in the production of TC bonders, essential for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key component in AI semiconductors. The company is maintaining its leadership by supplying 'TC Bonder 4' equipment for HBM4 mass production and plans to release a prototype of its second-generation hybrid bonder equipment this year, with a 'wide TC bonder' set to launch in the first half of next year.The company is also intensifying its overseas expansion efforts. By the end of this year, Hankook Semiconductor plans to establish a subsidiary, 'Hankook USA,' in San Jose, California, to target the U.S. semiconductor market. With companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI leading the 'TerraFab' initiative, along with Micron, SK Hynix, Amkor Technology, Intel, and TSMC expanding local manufacturing facilities supported by the U.S. government's CHIPS Act, Hankook Semiconductor aims to provide close technical support through its local subsidiary.A representative from Hankook Semiconductor stated, "Chairman Kwak's additional stock purchases reflect confidence in the company's growth driven by its U.S. expansion and equipment supply, as well as a commitment to responsible management. We will further solidify our leadership in the global AI semiconductor packaging market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:56:10
  • China Will Not Implement Major Stimulus or Rate Cuts This Year, GDP Target Achievable
    China Will Not Implement Major Stimulus or Rate Cuts This Year, GDP Target Achievable China's GDP growth rate for the second quarter was 4.3%, falling short of expectations. However, analysts predict that the country will not announce any major stimulus measures or interest rate cuts.Xiong Yuan, chief economist at Guosheng Securities, stated, "It is unlikely that strong economic stimulus measures will be introduced at the Politburo meeting at the end of this month," according to a report by the Jiemian newspaper on July 30.Xiong noted that while the second quarter growth rate of 4.3% is below the government's GDP growth target of 4.5% to 5.0% for the year, the growth rate for the first half of the year stands at 4.7%, which is within the target range. He added, "To achieve the annual GDP growth target of 4.5%, the GDP growth rate in the second half only needs to exceed 4.3%, making it feasible to meet this year's goal." He explained that this is why China is unlikely to implement a large-scale stimulus and will focus on effectively utilizing existing policies.He also pointed out that recent statements from high-ranking officials indicate a distance from major stimulus measures. On July 13, Premier Li Qiang emphasized during a forum that existing policies should be effectively utilized and that any additional stimulus measures should be proactively researched and prepared. Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also mentioned the need to maximize the synergy of existing policies.Xiong remarked, "Recent high-level officials have all stressed the importance of effectively utilizing and implementing existing policies in a timely manner. Additional large-scale stimulus measures will be announced as needed based on specific circumstances."The likelihood of interest rate cuts in the second half of the year is also considered low. Wen Bin, chief economist at Minsheng Bank, stated, "Unless there is a significant slowdown in exports, which currently support the Chinese economy, or a rapid deterioration in the economy, the chances of a policy rate cut in the second half are slim. In the current situation, the People's Bank of China will maintain sufficient liquidity and focus on using policy tools to support development in key areas."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:56:00
  • LG Household & Health Care Shares Surge Over 18% on Strong Q2 Results and Upgraded Price Targets
    LG Household & Health Care Shares Surge Over 18% on Strong Q2 Results and Upgraded Price Targets LG Household & Health Care shares surged more than 18% in early trading following strong second-quarter results and upgraded price targets from analysts.As of 9:41 a.m. on July 30, the company’s stock was trading at 311,000 won, up 48,000 won (18.25%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.On July 29, LG Household & Health Care reported consolidated sales of 1.656 trillion won and an operating profit of 102.8 billion won for the second quarter of 2026. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 3.3%, while operating profit rose by 87.5%. Net profit reached 77.6 billion won, marking a 101.2% increase year-on-year.The improvement in performance was driven by the beauty segment, which saw sales rise to 818.4 billion won, a 3.9% increase from the previous year, and an operating profit of 44.4 billion won, marking a return to profitability. The Home Care and Daily Beauty (HDB) segment also reported sales of 377.6 billion won and an operating profit of 22.3 billion won, reflecting increases of 5.5% and 23.1%, respectively.In international markets, North American sales surged by 47.3% year-on-year to 205.8 billion won, surpassing sales in China for the first time, which totaled 176 billion won. Overall overseas sales reached 584.5 billion won, a 12.6% increase.However, it is important to note that this performance includes a one-time gain from U.S. customs refunds. The company stated that even without this factor, profitability improved due to the growth of premium brands and expansion in the North American market.Following the earnings announcement, analysts provided positive assessments. Son Min-young, a researcher at KB Securities, noted, "The cosmetics segment has entered a significant turnaround phase, and the revenue growth centered on the high-growth North American region is leading to improved profits. It is time for a reevaluation of the stock price."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:56:00
  • Jung Cheong-rae Leads in First-Choice Votes Ahead of Democratic Party Convention
    Jung Cheong-rae Leads in First-Choice Votes Ahead of Democratic Party Convention As the Democratic Party prepares for its convention on August 17, candidate Jung Cheong-rae has emerged with a significant lead in first-choice votes, according to a recent poll. However, analysts caution that the outcome remains uncertain due to the preference voting system that will be used if no candidate secures a majority in the first round.On July 30, Media Tomato released results from a survey conducted from July 27 to 28, which included responses from 1,033 individuals aged 18 and older nationwide. The poll indicated that 36.9% of respondents would choose Jung as their first choice. Kim Min-seok followed with 28.0%, while Song Young-gil garnered 9.2%. Additionally, 21.8% of participants indicated they had no preferred candidate, and 4.1% were unsure.Among supporters of the Democratic Party, Kim Min-seok led with 44.9%, within the margin of error, while Jung received 38.9% and Song 11.2%.The upcoming convention will combine votes from delegates and party members, accounting for 70%, with public opinion polls making up the remaining 30%. The preference voting system is expected to play a crucial role. This system allows voters who selected a third-choice candidate to have their second-choice votes redistributed proportionally to the final two candidates. Some analysts suggest that Kim may benefit from votes that would otherwise go to Song, who is aligned with the same faction.The survey was conducted using an automated response system, achieving a response rate of 1.7%. The margin of error is ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:56:00