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  • LG Household & Health Care Surpasses China in North American Sales for the First Time
    LG Household & Health Care Surpasses China in North American Sales for the First Time LG Household & Health Care reported improved profitability in the second quarter of this year, driven by growth in its North American business and a return to profitability in its beauty division. For the first time since the company split, North American sales have surpassed those from China.The company announced on July 29 that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 102.8 billion won, an increase of 87.6% compared to the same period last year. Revenue rose by 3.3% to 1.6574 trillion won, while net profit surged by 101% to 77.6 billion won.Notably, international sales showed significant growth. Second-quarter overseas revenue was 584.5 billion won, a 12.6% increase year-on-year, accounting for 35% of total sales. North American sales alone reached 205.8 billion won, up 47.3%.In contrast, sales in China fell by 5.0% to 176.0 billion won. This marks the first instance of North American sales exceeding those from China since LG Household & Health Care became an independent entity.By division, the beauty segment reported sales of 818.4 billion won, a 3.9% increase, and operating profit of 44.4 billion won, returning to profitability. Key brands such as Dr. Groot, Yusimol, Dominus, VDL, and Hince contributed to this growth through both online and offline channels domestically and internationally.The Home Care and Daily Beauty (HDB) division saw sales rise by 5.5% to 377.6 billion won, with operating profit increasing by 23.1% to 22.3 billion won, driven by strong sales of functional products in major channels like online platforms and Costco.The Refreshment division reported a slight sales increase of 0.5% to 461.4 billion won, but operating profit fell by 15.1% to 36.1 billion won, impacted by weak domestic beverage consumption and rising raw material costs due to instability in the Middle East.A company representative stated, "We will expand investments in high-potential markets and key channels to lead intelligent K-beauty based on scientific research."Additionally, LG Household & Health Care's board of directors approved an interim dividend of 1,500 won per share, with the record date set for August 14 and payment scheduled by August 28.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:42:00
  • Growing Opposition to NH Agricultural Cooperatives Relocation Plans
    Growing Opposition to NH Agricultural Cooperatives' Relocation Plans 농협중앙회의 지방 이전 논의가 본격화되면서 이전에 반대하는 목소리가 점점 커지고 있다. 농협 이전은 막대한 비용만 발생할 뿐 경제 효과가 미미하며 농업인 지원 축소로 이어질 수 있다는 주장이다. 농협노조는 29일 서울 광화문에서 진행된 '농협중앙회 본사 지방 이전 저지 결의대회'에서 "농협은 정부가 만든 기관이 아니라 농업인들이 만든 협동조합"이라며 "공공기관 이전이라는 잣대를 그대로 들이대는 것은 맞지 않는다"고 비판했다.이번 결의대회는 지난 23일 정부세종청사 국토교통부 앞에서 열린 간부 집회에 이은 두번째 집회다. 당초 노조는 2000명 규모의 집회를 계획했으나 중앙본부 소속 조합원들의 참가가 늘면서 참가 인원이 4000명으로 불어났다.이날 이현인 전국금융산업노동조합 NH농협지부 위원장 직무대행은 "농협중앙회는 농산물 판매를 책임지는 핵심 조직"이라며 "수도권은 우리나라 최대 소비시장일 뿐 아니라 농산물 가격 형성과 유통이 이뤄지는 핵심지로 경제사업의 시장분석·판로 확대·유통 협력 등의 역할을 위한 최적의 위치"라고 강조했다. 농협의 지방 이전은 막대한 비용에 비해 경제적 효과가 적다는 것이 노조의 주장이다. 노조는 토지매입 비용을 제외하고도 본사 이전에만 최소 2520억원 이상으로 들어갈 것으로 추산한다. 반면 범농협 임직원 7만명 중 73%가 이미 지방에서 근무하고 있다. 천문학적인 비용이 발생하는 반면 지역경제에 미치는 파급효과는 크지 않다는 것이다. 비용 발생에 따른 농업 경쟁력 약화 가능성도 나온다. 이 직무대행은 "수천억 원에 달하는 이전 비용은 결국 농업인 지원 재원을 잠식하게 된다"며 "농협중앙회 계열사의 지방 이전이 사업 경쟁력 악화로 이어질 가능성이 매우 크고 이는 농업인 경쟁력 강화·공동 이익 증진 등의 지원 기능을 약화시킨다"고 강조했다. 협동조합의 자율성에 대한 우려도 제기된다. 협동조합의 의사결정은 조합원의 의사를 따라야 하는데 이를 강제할 수 없다는 비판이다. 노조는 헌법 제123조를 근거로 협동조합의 자율적 활동을 침해해서는 안 된다고도 주장했다. 농협노조는 향후 대정부 투쟁 수위를 한층 높일 방침이다. 노조는 여야 정치권과 소통을 이어가는 한편, 한국노총 및 금융노조 등 상급단체와 협력해 국토교통부 면담을 추진할 계획이다. 정부의 지방 이전 추진 움직임에 따라 총파업 돌입도 검토하고 있다.특히 농협노조의 상급단체인 금융노조와의 연대도 강화한다. 금융노조는 최근 산별중앙교섭 결렸다 이후 일부 지부 중심으로 운영해 온 지방 이전 공동대응 태스크포스(TF)를 '총력투쟁본부'로 확대하고 임금·단체협상 투쟁과 연계하기로 했다. 농협노조와 금융노조는 다음 달에도 지방 이전 반대 연대 집회를 이어갈 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:39:00
  • Government Reviews Tourism Policy Implementation, Accelerates Collaboration for Regional Airports and Tourism
    Government Reviews Tourism Policy Implementation, Accelerates Collaboration for Regional Airports and Tourism The government is enhancing the effectiveness of its tourism policy by reviewing progress with relevant ministries and strengthening collaboration to boost local tourism. Plans are underway to develop tourism products linked to regional airports and create tourism zones centered around gateway cities.On July 29, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the second practical meeting of the 2026 National Tourism Strategy Conference, assessing the implementation status and future plans of the comprehensive government tourism measures announced in February.Officials from 12 ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended the meeting. Participants shared the progress of strategic initiatives from their respective departments and focused on discussing areas where collaboration is needed during the implementation process.The main agenda items included the creation of tourism zones centered around gateway cities and the activation of local tourism utilizing regional airports. Attending ministries reviewed tasks requiring cooperation, such as developing tourism products linked to regional airports and joint marketing efforts.As a follow-up to the National Tourism Strategy Conference, the Ministry is operating sector-specific consultative bodies for aviation and transportation, cruise, and public-private partnerships in local tourism. It is establishing a collaborative framework with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to continue advancing policy initiatives.“Tourism policy involves the interconnection of various ministries' systems and projects, making close cooperation essential,” said Kang Dong-jin, Director of Tourism Policy at the Ministry. “Through government-wide collaboration, we aim to achieve tangible results that can be felt in the tourism sector.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:39:00
  • Growing Opposition to Proposed Merger of Major Port Authorities
    Growing Opposition to Proposed Merger of Major Port Authorities The South Korean government is accelerating restructuring of public institutions, leading to increased opposition regarding mergers, functional reorganization, and regional relocations. Following the push for the consolidation of power generation companies under Korea Electric Power Corporation, discussions are now underway about merging the four major port authorities: Busan Port Authority (BPA), Incheon Port Authority (IPA), Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), and Yeosu-Gwangyang Port Authority (YGPA). Labor unions are raising concerns that a uniform approach to public institution efficiency could weaken national competitiveness.According to the port industry on July 29, there are ongoing discussions about consolidating the four major port authorities into a single organization.Previously, the government pursued the merger of power generation companies under Korea Electric Power Corporation, citing operational efficiency. At that time, labor unions and local communities expressed concerns about reduced functions and economic downturns, but the government remained committed to the merger.The port industry is now worried that this trend could extend to port authorities. In particular, the National Federation of Port Workers' Unions (Hyangunno) has called for an immediate halt to the merger discussions and is taking collective action.In a statement released on July 27, the federation expressed support for the government's vision of making Busan a maritime capital but opposed the plan to merge the four port authorities. They argued that absorbing the unique functions and autonomy that each port has developed over time into a single organization could lead to a decline in port competitiveness rather than the realization of Busan as a maritime capital.The unions emphasized that port authorities are not merely local public enterprises but are national key logistics institutions designed for specialized management tailored to the industrial structures and market environments of each port. They argue that pushing for organizational consolidation without adequately considering the impact on regional economies and national logistics competitiveness is inappropriate.The port authorities assert that the ports operate in a complementary structure rather than a competitive one. For instance, Busan Port serves as a global transshipment hub competing with major ports worldwide and acts as an international logistics center. Incheon Port is the gateway to the capital region and a key hub for trade with China, also preparing for logistics functions related to North Korea in the future.Ulsan Port specializes in handling crude oil, petroleum products, and automotive cargo, while Yeosu-Gwangyang Port is a critical hub supporting the steel and petrochemical industries. The unions argue that since each port has different industries and functions, operating them as a single organization could diminish on-site responsiveness and expertise.While the unions oppose the merger itself, they have expressed support for enhancing cooperation among the ports. They advocate for joint initiatives in overseas marketing, smart port development, Arctic route responses, and strengthening port safety, arguing that these should be pursued collaboratively while maintaining independent operations to create synergies. They have also made demands to the government, including halting discussions on merging the four port authorities, ensuring independent operational rights and investment for each port, focusing on efficiency through cooperative projects, and establishing a labor-management-government consultative body.A representative from the National Federation of Port Workers' Unions stated, "While airports share a common function of transporting passengers, ports handle different cargo and industrial bases. Each port serves as a national logistics hub performing distinct roles, so this is not a matter that can be approached with simple organizational consolidation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:36:10
  • South Korea Considers Stockpiling Petrochemical Raw Materials Amid Supply Concerns
    South Korea Considers Stockpiling Petrochemical Raw Materials Amid Supply Concerns The South Korean government is exploring stockpiling strategies for petrochemical raw materials and products, including naphtha, in response to potential supply disruptions due to instability in the Middle East. The plan aims to establish a permanent response system that encompasses stockpiling targets, scale, and the roles of both public and private sectors.According to the Public Procurement Service on July 29, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has recently commissioned a study on "Stabilizing the Supply Chain of the Petrochemical Industry." This initiative is seen as a follow-up to the government's announcement of its "Economic Growth Strategy for the Second Half of 2026" on July 14.During that announcement, the government highlighted vulnerabilities in the domestic supply chain exposed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and stated its intention to examine the necessity and operational strategies for naphtha stockpiling in the latter half of this year.In March, amid growing concerns over naphtha supply due to the Middle East conflict, the government designated naphtha as a critical economic security item and implemented emergency measures, including export restrictions and bans on hoarding, as well as support for price differences in imports.There are expectations that the government may shift from temporary supply measures to a permanent system for managing the petrochemical supply chain, given the strategic importance of the petrochemical industry within the overall industrial supply chain.The focus will likely be on stockpiling raw materials and products, as well as inventory management strategies. The Ministry plans to identify necessary stockpiling items through research and assess the required stockpiling days and quantities for each item. It will also evaluate the costs associated with stockpiling and the effectiveness of related policies to propose appropriate stockpiling levels.Additionally, the government will consider how to secure and operate public stockpiling facilities. It will review the inventory management practices of private companies, appropriate levels of mandatory stockpiling, and what support the government should provide. The research will also encompass any necessary legislative amendments related to the introduction of a stockpiling system.Beyond stockpiling, the government is looking into diversifying supply sources and stabilizing domestic production. It plans to design a system for activating emergency supply adjustments during crises and establish public-private cooperation frameworks along with support measures for the private sector.The study will also assess the structure and industrial significance of the domestic petrochemical supply chain. It will analyze the supply system for petrochemical raw materials and products, such as naphtha, and evaluate the risks associated with supply disruptions, as well as the current level of crisis response. The government intends to investigate supply and crisis management cases from major countries to derive applicable policy measures for South Korea.Meanwhile, amid rising concerns over supply chain instability due to recent tensions in the Middle East, the domestic petrochemical industry has secured naphtha supplies above last year's levels through next month. The inventory levels in the petrochemical sector remain stable. However, to prepare for a prolonged situation, the government plans to continue implementing supply stabilization measures and explore strategies to secure necessary quantities after September.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:36:10
  • TEO Expands into Film Distribution with The Drama Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson
    TEO Expands into Film Distribution with 'The Drama' Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson TEO is expanding into film distribution.On July 29, TEO announced a strategic partnership with Waterhole Company to distribute A24's new film 'The Drama.'Waterhole Company has invested in and distributed a variety of works, including 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' 'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,' 'Whiplash,' 'Love Letter,' 'Decision to Leave,' 'Broker,' and 'Confidential Assignment 2.'Through this collaboration, TEO aims to extend its existing content production capabilities into film distribution. The first project from this partnership is 'The Drama.'Set to be released domestically in September, 'The Drama' is a romantic thriller that follows a couple on the brink of marriage as they confess hidden pasts, leading to unexpected chaos during what was supposed to be a perfect wedding week.Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in the film, which is anticipated as one of A24's major releases for 2026.TEO plans to broaden its content offerings beyond entertainment to include films, starting with 'The Drama.' This initiative aligns with its recently unveiled rebranding slogan, 'Spark It.'Founded by Kim Tae-ho, TEO has previously showcased content that transcends genres and platforms, including 'Earth Explorers,' 'Devil's Plan' series, 'Physical: 100,' 'Good Day,' and 'Salon Drip.'Kim Tae-ho stated, "The content TEO pursues goes beyond videos on screen to encompass all valuable moments experienced by the public. We aim to break the boundaries between long-form and short-form, entertainment and film, and evolve in a way that brings us closer to those who love content."Currently, TEO is airing the ENA entertainment program 'The Prince and the Pauper' and plans to release various content, including 'Gym Salabium,' 'Good Day 2,' 'Earth Explorers 4,' and 'Devil's Plan 3' within the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:33:10
  • Increased Scrutiny on Single-Stock Leverage Products as Lee Ok-yeon Considers Adjustments
    Increased Scrutiny on Single-Stock Leverage Products as Lee Ok-yeon Considers Adjustments Lee Ok-yeon, the chairman of the Financial Services Commission, officially mentioned the possibility of additional regulations on single-stock leverage products, including lowering leverage ratios and restricting access to professional investors. This marks a shift in the financial authorities' stance, which had previously deemed such adjustments impractical.During a report to the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 29, Lee stated, "The issue of adjusting leverage ratios is about whether we should lower the current 2x ratio, which is too high. This could help mitigate volatility. However, we will also consider how to address existing investors and the general meeting of beneficiaries during discussions on the Capital Markets Act."This indicates a departure from the previous position of the Financial Services Commission, which had stated that changing significant aspects like the leverage ratio of ETFs under the current Capital Markets Act would require a general meeting of beneficiaries, making it practically difficult. Lee's comments suggest that the commission is now open to reviewing procedural requirements for potential adjustments during the legislative discussions.In response to concerns about the need for additional measures following the increase in the basic deposit requirement to 30 million won starting July 31, Lee noted, "If necessary, we could consider restricting access to professional investors." He also mentioned other potential measures, such as setting limits on individual investment ratios in single-stock leverage products, reallocating assets for liquidity providers, and diversifying hedge transactions.On the same day, lawmakers pressed financial authorities on their responsibility regarding the introduction and management of single-stock leverage products. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man raised suspicions about external pressures during the product's introduction, to which Lee responded, "There were concerns raised by the market, media, and research institutions about the feasibility of such products domestically compared to overseas. We pursued institutional improvements in consultation with relevant ministries, and the products were introduced after revising enforcement decrees and coordinating with those ministries."People Power Party lawmaker Park Dae-chul criticized the single-stock leverage products as a result of mismanagement by financial authorities. In response, Lee acknowledged, "We take the significant increase in market volatility very seriously."In light of ongoing market volatility and the growing accountability surrounding single-stock leverage products, financial authorities have been steadily increasing regulatory measures. On July 16, they announced supplementary measures for single-stock leverage products, including an immediate halt to new listings and advertising, and raising the basic deposit from 10 million won to 30 million won. They are also working on enhancing pre-education, managing discrepancies, and expanding minimum trading units.However, pressure from the political sphere has continued even after the announcement of these supplementary measures. President Lee Jae-myung stated during a Cabinet meeting on July 21, "There are concerns about whether these measures will be sufficient," urging swift and decisive action. The Democratic Party's 'Korea Premium K-Capital Market Special Committee' also held a meeting with securities firms and asset management companies on July 27 to discuss additional measures, including the possibility of further increasing the basic deposit requirement.In response, the Financial Services Commission announced on July 24 an early implementation plan for strengthening the basic deposit requirement and held a meeting with the financial investment sector on July 28 to assess the effectiveness of the supplementary measures, indicating that they would consider further regulatory adjustments, including raising investment requirements and setting individual investment limits. 2026-07-29 16:33:00
  • Woori Financial Group Launches Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town in South Korea
    Woori Financial Group Launches 'Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town' in South Korea Woori Financial Group has established a financial hub in Jeonbuk Innovation City, consolidating asset management, corporate finance, and startup support to foster a regional financial ecosystem.On July 29, Woori Financial announced the opening of the 'Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town.' The event was attended by Lee Won-taek, Governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province; Kim Sung-joo, Chairman of the National Pension Service; Jo Ji-hoon, Mayor of Jeonju; and Lim Jong-ryong, Chairman of Woori Financial Group.The Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town will house Woori Bank, Woori Asset Management, and the Woori Smile Finance Foundation, aiming to create a regional financial center that encompasses capital markets, fund management, and productive and inclusive finance.The initiative will also enhance support systems for productive finance and the discovery and nurturing of innovative startups.Woori Bank plans to establish a specialized corporate finance channel, the 'NPS Jeonbuk BIZ Prime Center,' to focus on supporting companies in advanced strategic industries in the Jeonbuk region. The bank aims to supply approximately 1.6 trillion won in corporate finance to the area by 2030. Additionally, support for promising startups in Jeonbuk will be expanded through the venture startup support program 'DINNOLab.'Furthermore, Woori Smile Finance Foundation will open a new branch in Jeonju and a Goodwill Store to provide financial support to vulnerable groups and small businesses.Chairman Lim Jong-ryong stated, "The Jeonbuk Woori WON Financial Town is a starting point for Woori Financial and Jeonbuk and Jeonju to grow together, and we will strive to help local SMEs, small business owners, and startups thrive." 2026-07-29 16:30:20
  • Samsung C&T Trading Division Sees 77.5% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit
    Samsung C&T Trading Division Sees 77.5% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Samsung C&T's trading division significantly improved its performance in the second quarter, driven by strong market conditions in steel, chemicals, and fertilizers, as well as achievements in renewable energy development. The trading division reported sales of 4.703 trillion won and an operating profit of 142 billion won, according to a disclosure on July 29. Sales increased by 24.5% compared to the same period last year, while operating profit surged by 77.5% during the same timeframe. Samsung C&T stated, "Despite the severe uncertainties in the global supply chain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we recorded stable results across our portfolio, including trading, business development, and operations." In the trading sector, the company effectively responded to rising global market conditions, achieving high performance in essential industrial materials such as steel, chemicals, and fertilizers. The solar energy development business generated a total of $9.5 million (approximately 137.5 billion won) in sales profits during the second quarter, an increase of $1.4 million compared to last year. Overseas operations, including precision steel products, also contributed to profitability. Looking ahead, Samsung C&T plans to actively expand its value chain in trading essential industrial materials such as steel, fertilizers, and non-ferrous metals. The company added, "We will accelerate growth in renewable energy businesses, including solar power and energy storage systems (ESS), and seek to discover and expand new ventures in semiconductor materials, components, and equipment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:30:00
  • Rising LNG Prices Raise Concerns Over KEPCOs Power Purchase Costs
    Rising LNG Prices Raise Concerns Over KEPCO's Power Purchase Costs 국제 액화천연가스(LNG) 가격 상승분이 국내 발전원가에 반영되면서 한국전력의 전력구입비 부담이 빠르게 커지고 있다. 최근 국제 LNG 가격까지 다시 오르면서 한전의 하반기 실적과 재무구조 개선 속도가 예상보다 둔화할 수 있다는 우려가 나온다. ◆7월 SMP 전년比 10.5% 상승…사흘 연속 140원대 29일 전력거래소에 따르면 이달 1일부터 29일까지 육지의 일별 가중평균 계통한계가격(SMP)을 단순 평균한 결과 1㎾h당 132.57원으로 집계됐다. 지난해 같은 기간의 119.96원보다 10.5%, 지난달 같은 기간의 113.67원보다 16.6% 오른 수준이다. 상승세는 이달 하순 더욱 뚜렷해졌다. 7월 들어 일별 가중평균 SMP가 140원을 넘어선 날은 모두 7일이다. 특히 지난 27일부터 29일까지는 각각 141.12원, 141.26원, 140.41원으로 3거래일 연속 140원대를 기록했다. 높은 SMP가 이어질수록 한전의 전력구입비 부담도 커진다. SMP는 전력시장에서 발전사에 지급하는 정산금 산정의 기준가격이다. 통상 연료비가 가장 높은 LNG 발전기가 가격을 결정하는 경우가 많아 LNG 발전원가가 오르면 SMP와 한전의 전력구입비도 함께 상승한다. 다만 실제 정산 과정에서는 발전원별 정산조정계수 등이 적용되기 때문에 SMP와 한전의 전력구입단가가 완전히 일치하는 것은 아니다. 발전용 천연가스 요금의 최근 상승세가 SMP 오름세를 끌어올리고 있다. 한국가스공사가 발전사에 공급하는 일반발전용 천연가스 요금은 7월 기준 1GJ당 2만522.58원으로 지난해 같은 달보다 20.3% 올랐다. 6월의 1만9379.70원과 비교해도 5.9% 상승했다. 올해 초 중동 정세 악화로 급등한 국제 에너지 가격이 시차를 두고 국내 발전원가에 반영된 영향이다. ◆증권가, 한전 영업이익 전망 하향…4분기 원가 부담 확대 증권가도 한전의 실적 눈높이를 낮추고 있다. 금융정보업체 에프앤가이드가 집계한 한전의 올해 영업이익 전망치는 9조8396억원으로 3개월 전 전망치인 13조6375억원보다 27.8% 감소했다. 지난해 7월 당시 전망치인 15조9428억원과 비교하면 38.3% 낮은 수준이다. 한화투자증권은 최근 한전의 올해 영업이익 전망치를 기존 12조원대에서 9조원대로 하향 조정했다. 목표주가도 6만4000원에서 4만7000원으로 26.6% 낮췄다. 한전의 2분기 영업이익은 지난해 같은 기간보다 6.1% 감소한 2조원으로 추정했다. 송유림 한화투자증권 연구원은 "최근 에너지 가격 변동은 실적 불안을 키우는 요인"이라며 "하반기부터 본격적인 이익 감소가 예상된다"고 분석했다. 한전은 다음 달 2분기 실적을 발표할 예정이다. 향후 부담 요인은 최근 국제 LNG 가격의 급등분이 아직 국내 발전원가에 반영되지 않았다는 점이다. 동북아 LNG 가격 지표인 JKM은 지난 28일 기준 MMBtu당 21.33달러로 한 달 전보다 34.8% 상승했다. LNG 현물가격은 구매와 해상운송, 통관 등을 거쳐 통상 약 2개월 뒤 국내 전력시장에 영향을 미친다. 이러한 가격 상승분이 반영되는 시점이 전력·가스 수요가 늘어나는 겨울철과 맞물릴 경우 4분기 SMP와 한전의 전력구입비가 추가로 오를 가능성이 있다. 2분기보다 하반기에 영업이익 감소 폭이 더 커질 것으로 예상되는 이유다. ◆요금 동결에 재무개선 '제동'…"전력시장 보상체계 개편해야" 문제는 한전이 늘어난 비용을 전기요금에 곧바로 반영하기 어렵다는 점이다. 정부와 한전은 3분기 기본요금과 전력량요금, 기후환경요금을 동결하고 연료비조정단가도 기존과 같은 1㎾h당 5원으로 유지했다. 원가가 오르더라도 전력 판매단가가 유지되면서 한전이 비용 증가분을 상당 부분 부담해야 하는 구조다. 한전은 2023년 3분기부터 11개 분기 연속 영업흑자를 이어가고 있지만 올해 1분기 말 연결 기준 총부채는 206조원에 달한다. 지난해 이자비용도 4조3000억원 규모로 하루 평균 100억원을 넘었다. 올해 1분기 영업이익은 3조7842억원을 기록했으나 당시에는 중동발 국제 에너지 가격 상승분이 본격적으로 반영되기 전이었다. 하반기 이익이 감소하면 차입금 상환을 비롯한 재무구조 개선뿐 아니라 송·배전망 확충에 투입할 재원 마련에도 부담이 커질 수 있다. 국제 LNG 가격이 다시 급등할 때마다 한전의 재무 부담이 반복되는 구조를 개선해야 한다는 지적도 나온다. 임장혁 기후솔루션 전력시장계통팀 연구원은 "정부는 에너지 대전환을 실행하기 위해서 화력발전 보상에 특화된 현 전력시장 보상체계를 개편하는 역할을 수행해야 한다"며 "에너지 위기 때마다 한전 부채와 전기요금 부담을 키우는 전력시장 구조를 더 이상 방치할 수 없다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:30:00