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  • High School Student Receives Impromptu Casting Offer at Psys Wet Show
    High School Student Receives Impromptu Casting Offer at Psy's 'Wet Show' The identity of a high school student who received an impromptu casting offer during Psy's 'Wet Show' has garnered significant attention.On July 26, a video from the 'Wet Show' went viral, amassing over 11 million views within a day of its release on social media and online communities.The video captured a high school student dancing confidently on stage after her image appeared on the big screen during the performance. She captivated the audience with her energetic presence and lack of visible nerves.Psy, noticing her performance, requested that she be shown on screen again and asked his agency, P Nation, to obtain her contact information for an impromptu casting, stating, "We will meet again soon," which heightened expectations.Viewers reacted positively, with comments such as, "She has exceptional talent," "Is she an aspiring entertainer?" and "She is definitely a natural on stage." The attention on the student has increased significantly since the video went viral.The student, identified as Kim Ra-hee, is currently training in vocals and dance with the goal of debuting as an idol. She is reportedly honing her skills at the BNB Idol Lab, a training institution specializing in idol preparation.After the video gained traction, Ra-hee shared on her social media, "I was cast by Psy at the 'Wet Show.' I made eye contact with the camera director, and I was captured on screen again. The agency took my contact information. I was so happy!"BNB Idol Lab also commented through media outlets, stating, "Ra-hee was completely taken by surprise and is still in shock. She has always enjoyed performing on stage, and her ability to showcase her energy in front of a large audience seems to have led to this positive outcome." They added, "This experience has motivated her to take her dreams more seriously, and we hope everyone will continue to support her growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 17:04:00
  • NH Nonghyup Bank Purchases 5,254 Tons of Carbon Credits from Farmers
    NH Nonghyup Bank Purchases 5,254 Tons of Carbon Credits from Farmers NH Nonghyup Bank announced on July 27 that it has purchased a total of 5,254 tons of carbon credits from 20 farms across the country.These carbon credits are officially certified by the government, reflecting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through the adoption of low-carbon agricultural technologies. In September 2023, NH Nonghyup Bank established a system to directly purchase these credits from farmers through a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency.In its first year of the program, NH Nonghyup Bank purchased 1,419 tons in 2024, followed by 8,245 tons in 2025, and an additional 5,254 tons this year, bringing the total cumulative purchase to 14,918 tons. The recently acquired carbon credits will be used to offset the bank's own greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with relevant guidelines.Additionally, NH Nonghyup Bank is continuing to invest in building eco-friendly, low-carbon infrastructure, including entering into power purchase agreements (PPAs), installing solar power facilities for self-consumption at its branches nationwide, and transitioning its fleet of vehicles to zero-emission electric cars.NH Nonghyup Bank President Kang Tae-young stated, "The climate crisis is a significant challenge threatening the sustainability of our agriculture and rural areas. We will continue to discover and expand win-win models that provide farmers with practical additional income while contributing to carbon reduction."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 17:00:00
  • Gopax Appoints Kim Na-young as New CEO
    Gopax Appoints Kim Na-young as New CEO Cryptocurrency exchange Gopax announced on July 27 that it has appointed Kim Na-young, the former head of financial business development at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Korea, as its new CEO.Kim holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a certified international financial analyst. She previously served as the country head for Bloomberg in South Korea and most recently was a member of the Korea Investment Corporation's operating committee, where she oversaw risk-related deliberations.With this appointment, Gopax aims to expedite the resolution of the long-standing repayment issues related to its GoFi service. The company also plans to enhance communication with financial authorities to normalize its operations.A Gopax representative stated, "At a time when the integration of the cryptocurrency market into the regulatory framework is accelerating, we believe Kim is the ideal person to lead Gopax's fundamental restructuring, given her expertise in both traditional finance and IT technology."Kim emphasized, "Resolving the GoFi repayment issues and normalizing operations are my top priorities. I will focus all efforts on addressing the outstanding issues faced by GoFi customers first."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 17:00:00
  • North Koreas Smartphones Offer Digital Services Amid Tight Control
    North Korea's Smartphones Offer Digital Services Amid Tight Control North Korea is utilizing smartphones for various digital services, including payments, taxi calls, and medicine orders. The Washington Post reported on July 26, with the assistance of North Korean technology expert Martin Williams, that it analyzed two of the latest smartphones from North Korea. The smartphones featured a range of applications, including a 'women's health management program,' an 'economic information system for mobile phones,' and 'transportation fare guidance.' These apps provided functions related to daily life, from banking and electronic payments to health management, transportation information, and medicine orders. Using an electronic wallet app, users can pay for public transportation and recharge their bank accounts. The app's interface also displayed advertisements for stores selling electronics and groceries, as well as state-owned enterprises. Recently, QR code payments have become widespread in Pyongyang, with street vendors reportedly adopting this technology. Steven Chang from the North Korean travel agency Young Pioneer Tours explained, 'North Koreans can pay for public transport, book taxis, and order food delivery or movie tickets using their electronic wallets.' Peter Ward, a researcher at the Sejong Institute, noted that electronic payments help the North Korean authorities strengthen their control over currency circulation, exchange rates, prices, and taxes. Ward stated, 'While all stores are equipped with CCTV and keep records, it is very difficult to monitor cash transactions on a large scale. As online finance expands, authorities can more easily track transaction histories.' The 'Manbang' video streaming app allows users to watch 24-hour TV programs, movies, and content from state media. It includes works from China, the former Soviet Union, and Eastern European socialist countries, as well as Disney animations like 'Aladdin,' 'Pinocchio,' and 'Frozen' for language learning. The Washington Post analyzed that instead of strictly cracking down on illegal foreign content like South Korean dramas and films, North Korean authorities seem to be providing residents with state-approved alternative content. Apps for women offer information on managing menstrual cycles, makeup techniques, skincare, exercise, and diet. There are also apps promoting the ability to order and receive delivery of over 3,000 types of medicines, including cold medicine and hepatitis treatments. Experts cited by the Washington Post indicated that the expansion of smartphone usage in Pyongyang is part of Kim Jong Un's policy to maintain the satisfaction and loyalty of the elite through urban development and improved living conveniences. Since 2008, mobile phones have been widely distributed in North Korea. Currently, it is estimated that there are over 6.35 million mobile phone subscriptions among a population of approximately 26 million. However, the exact number of smartphone users remains unclear. North Korean smartphones cannot access external internet and can only be used on a government-controlled internal network. To use external internet, individuals must obtain a SIM card from the black market and capture signals from Chinese telecom towers near the North Korean-Chinese border. The Washington Post pointed out that while North Koreans can manage banking, learn makeup techniques, and track their menstrual cycles using smartphones, this digital convenience also serves as a means for increased government surveillance and control.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 16:56:00
  • South Korean Prime Minister: Real Estate Accounts for 71.9% of Household Assets
    South Korean Prime Minister: Real Estate Accounts for 71.9% of Household Assets South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated on July 27 that, according to the 2025 National Balance Sheet, real estate constitutes 71.9% of household net assets. "As the Prime Minister overseeing the executive branch, I feel a significant sense of responsibility and weight regarding how to address your difficulties and concerns about real estate," she said.During her keynote speech at the National Forum on Real Estate Policy held that afternoon, she acknowledged, "It is entirely natural for the public to have a high level of interest, and many people are still struggling to secure stable living spaces, which are fundamental to a stable life."Han emphasized that the real estate issue is one that directly affects all 50 million citizens, stating, "Everyone has a stake in this matter, and we are all experts in our own situations. It is indeed a critical issue." She noted that the concerns of individuals vary widely, including those of young people, newlyweds, renters, and landlords, leading to differing opinions on proposed solutions."It is also true that the conflicting interests make it challenging to find common ground," she added. "We must resolve the real estate issue and listen to the diverse concerns of the public to find a consensus on this difficult task."Regarding the forum held on the 23rd, which was chaired by President Lee Jae-myung, Han explained, "We felt it was necessary to gather more opinions to guide our decision-making on real estate policy. The President also encouraged us to create opportunities for discussion, which is why this forum was organized today."Han noted that since July 14, the real estate forum website has received 7,100 submissions, with over 2,000 diverse opinions related to taxation, finance, and supply. "We are discussing the necessity of reviewing these aspects in our policy considerations. We need to engage in discussions on how to reflect these opinions rather than overlook them," she stated.She concluded, "Today, we will listen to many opinions and aim to share our thoughts on the matter."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 16:56:00
  • Shin Ji-eun Wins LPGA Title After 10-Year Hiatus
    Shin Ji-eun Wins LPGA Title After 10-Year Hiatus “When times are tough, I want to tell everyone to keep pushing forward. The world isn’t over yet.”Shin Ji-eun made this statement during a press conference on July 27 after winning the ISPS Handa Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The tournament featured a total prize pool of $2 million.Shin finished the final round with a total score of 9-under-par 279, securing a two-stroke victory over Kim A-rim, who finished at 7-under-par 281. This win marked a wire-to-wire victory, as she never relinquished the lead throughout the tournament. She earned $300,000 (approximately 440 million won) for her efforts.This victory comes 10 years, 2 months, and 25 days (3,738 days) after her first win at the Texas Shootout in May 2016. Since 1980, Shin is only the third player on the LPGA Tour to have a gap of over 10 years between two victories, a remarkable achievement in three decades.Shin's golf journey has been filled with ups and downs. She picked up a golf club at age 8 and moved to the United States at 9. By 13, she became the youngest champion of the US Girls' Junior in 2006, earning the title of a 'genius girl.' However, after debuting on the LPGA Tour in 2011, it took her 135 tournaments to secure her first win. A particularly painful moment came in 2012 at the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore, where she lost a seemingly secured victory with a double bogey on the final hole, ultimately losing in a playoff.Even after her first win, Shin faced over a decade of challenges. She consistently ranked in the top tier, finishing in the top 10 a total of 47 times, but struggled to achieve a second victory. Compounding her difficulties, she parted ways with her long-time main sponsor, Hanwha Q CELLS, at the end of 2024, as the Hanwha Group decided to reduce its golf team operations and did not renew contracts with LPGA players, including Shin. As a result, she has competed without a sponsor's logo on her cap since last year.The long drought of victories led to burnout, which was ultimately alleviated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of the tour forced her to step back from golf, providing a pivotal moment for self-reflection.“I did drunken live broadcasts on Instagram and spent time doing nothing, reflecting on who I am. I lived like an unemployed person for six months and experienced what life without golf was like. Looking back, it was a time I have no regrets about,” she said. “COVID-19 completely changed my life. I rediscovered my passion for golf and set a goal to win again.”Despite losing her way during that time, her continuous efforts to improve her game finally paid off with this sweet victory. After the tournament, overwhelmed with emotion and showered with champagne by her peers, Shin expressed, “I am proud of myself for enduring until the end, and I am very happy. When I won my first title, I didn’t feel deserving and thought it was a fluke. But this time, it feels completely different. I feel like I earned it through my hard work. This victory is truly the result of my efforts.”With Shin's win, the total number of victories by Korean players on the LPGA Tour this season has increased to six. This follows victories by Im Yeong-hyang at the Blue Bay LPGA in March, Kim Hyo-joo at the Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, and Yoo Hae-ran at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship, each achieving two wins. 2026-07-27 16:56:00
  • Amorepacific Partners with Higher Corporation to Develop Integrated Beauty Solutions
    Amorepacific Partners with Higher Corporation to Develop Integrated Beauty Solutions Amorepacific Holdings has made a strategic investment in Higher Corporation, a company specializing in aesthetic medical devices, to enhance collaboration in the beauty and medical sectors.On July 27, Amorepacific Holdings announced that it has signed an investment agreement with Higher Corporation to strengthen their partnership in the beauty and medical fields. The two companies plan to combine Higher Corporation's expertise in developing aesthetic medical devices with Amorepacific's dermatological research and skincare technology, leveraging a global network of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the medical field.The collaboration will encompass product planning, research and development (R&D), distribution, and marketing. Key areas of focus will include the development and commercialization of skin boosters, cosmeceuticals, and medical devices. They will also work together on developing aftercare products, distribution to hospitals and clinics, and joint research and marketing activities for raw materials and ingredients.In particular, the two companies aim to concentrate on developing integrated beauty solutions that connect professional treatments with everyday skincare. Lee Sang-mok, CEO of Amorepacific Holdings, stated, "We will develop next-generation beauty solutions that combine dermatological science and medical device technology to provide new customer experiences in the global beauty and medical market."Kim In-yong, CEO of Higher Corporation, remarked, "This agreement marks the starting point for combining Higher Corporation's accumulated expertise in medical aesthetics with Amorepacific's research capabilities to create next-generation beauty and medical solutions together."Meanwhile, Lee is scheduled to attend the Korea-Brazil Business Roundtable in São Paulo on the 28th (local time) during President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Brazil.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 16:52:00
  • KOSPI rebounds as AI bets outweigh China memory threat
    KOSPI rebounds as AI bets outweigh China memory threat SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) — South Korean stocks rebounded Monday after investors looked past the blockbuster debut of Chinese memory chipmaker CXMT and instead focused on fresh artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships, allowing chip shares to recover from early declines. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,755.75, up 0.97 percent after reversing an early decline triggered by more than 2 trillion won in foreign selling. The junior KOSDAQ outperformed, rising 2.22 percent to 764.86. The session opened on a cautious note as investors reacted to CXMT's record-breaking Shanghai debut, which briefly made the Chinese DRAM maker the largest company on the mainland by market capitalization. The listing reignited concerns that China's rapid expansion in memory chips could intensify competition for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. CXMT raised nearly 58 billion yuan through its initial public offering (IPO), with the proceeds expected to increase further if an overallotment option is fully exercised. The fresh capital is expected to accelerate investment in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI-related memory technologies, raising fears that the company could narrow the technology gap with global industry leaders over time. The uncertainty initially weighed on semiconductor shares, with the KOSPI briefly falling about 0.7 percent as foreign investors stepped up selling. Sentiment, however, improved through the afternoon as attention shifted from competitive risks to the longer-term outlook for AI infrastructure spending, with weekend announcements from the AI Summit in Silicon Valley further supporting risk appetite. Samsung Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Broadcom covering potential cooperation worth up to $200 billion over five years, while SK hynix secured letters of intent for long-term memory supply agreements totaling $750 billion with customers including Nvidia and Microsoft. The renewed optimism helped chipmakers reverse course by the close. Samsung Electronics climbed 1.8 percent to 254,000 won and SK hynix gained 3.24 percent to 1,816,000 won. Among other large-cap stocks, Samsung Biologics rose 1.78 percent to 1,545,000 won, LG Energy Solution gained 1.06 percent to 333,000 won and KB Financial Group added 0.64 percent to 172,600 won. SK Square fell 1.17 percent despite the broader rebound in chip-related shares. Internet platform operator Naver jumped 8.43 percent to 225,000 won after announcing a roughly $1 billion private placement to Nvidia alongside a plan to cancel about 1 trillion won worth of treasury shares. LG Electronics climbed 1.83 percent to 172,300 won after saying its liquid-cooling solution for AI data centers had obtained Nvidia certification, while LG CNS also advanced more than 3 percent. Defense stocks underperformed after disappointing earnings from Hyundai Rotem heightened concerns over future order momentum. Hanwha Aerospace tumbled 8.17 percent to 899,000 won. The KOSDAQ outperformed as investors also welcomed President Lee Jae Myung's meetings with leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms, raising expectations for greater overseas funding for Korean startups. Robotics developer Rainbow Robotics jumped 6.57 percent to 446,000 won, while semiconductor equipment maker Jusung Engineering climbed 6.31 percent to 149,900 won and chip equipment supplier Wonik IPS gained 5.47 percent to 106,000 won. Biopharmaceutical developer Alteogen rose 3.83 percent to 312,000 won, battery materials makers EcoPro and EcoPro BM advanced 3.20 percent and 2.03 percent to 80,600 won and 110,500 won, respectively, while drug developers HLB and ABL Bio edged up 0.48 percent and 0.28 percent. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar, with the greenback trading at 1,469.80 won as of the market close, up from Friday's close of 1,466.60 won, as foreign investors remained net sellers despite the recovery in equities. Analysts also continued to monitor the impact of tighter regulations on single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which will take effect on Friday. Meritz Securities said higher minimum deposit requirements and the exclusion of substitute securities from deposit calculations are likely to reduce speculative turnover, although trading in Samsung Electronics- and SK hynix-linked leveraged ETFs remains elevated. The brokerage said persistent concentration in the two chipmakers could leave the broader market more vulnerable to liquidity swings. Seoul's recovery was broadly mirrored across the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 added 0.66 percent to 65,038.00, while China's Shanghai Composite rose 1.15 percent to 3,858.25 as investors cheered CXMT's landmark debut. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also gained 1.11 percent to 25,241.00. Investors are now turning their attention to a packed week of corporate earnings and policy decisions. SK hynix is scheduled to report earnings on Wednesday, followed by Samsung Electronics the next day, with investors watching whether management can ease concerns that the memory upcycle is nearing its peak. Earnings from Microsoft, Meta and Amazon, along with the Federal Reserve's July policy meeting, are expected to provide further direction on AI spending and interest rates. 2026-07-27 16:48:05
  • Korean Won Strengthens Despite High Oil Prices and Strong Dollar
    Korean Won Strengthens Despite High Oil Prices and Strong Dollar The won-dollar exchange rate, which soared to the 1560s, has dropped to the 1450s, drawing attention to its future trajectory. Despite factors contributing to the won's weakness, such as rising international oil prices, surging U.S. Treasury yields, and a strong dollar, the value of the won has strengthened due to improved dollar supply conditions.On July 27, the weekly closing exchange rate for the won against the U.S. dollar in the Seoul foreign exchange market was 1468.5 won, up 1.9 won from the previous day. The exchange rate, which started lower, rose due to dollar buying pressure and foreign selling of stocks. Recently, the exchange rate has fluctuated around the 1450 mark after hitting its lowest level in two and a half months on July 24.Geopolitical instability in the Middle East and rising international oil prices pose challenges for South Korea's economy, which is heavily reliant on oil imports, increasing pressure on the won. Recently, military tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, leading to a sharp rise in the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield and a strengthening dollar.The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached 4.71% on July 24, surpassing 4.7% for the first time in a year and a half. Although international oil prices briefly fell to pre-war levels following news of a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, they have since shown volatility, rising above $90 amid renewed conflict.While military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran have eased over the weekend, uncertainty remains. There are concerns that both sides could resume airstrikes, and security threats are increasing not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also in the Red Sea, raising fears of disruptions to energy supply chains. Despite this, the won continues to show strength against major currencies.Market analysts attribute the won's strength more to improvements in domestic foreign exchange supply rather than a weakness in the dollar itself. Kiwoom Securities recently noted that the decline in the won-dollar exchange rate is driven by increased demand for currency exchange from companies, a stabilization in foreign stock selling, and a narrowing interest rate gap between domestic and foreign markets.In particular, the easing of foreign capital outflows from the domestic stock market, improved growth forecasts due to strong semiconductor exports, and the Bank of Korea's interest rate hike have contributed to the narrowing of the interest rate differential between South Korea and the U.S., supporting the won's strength. Additionally, expectations for currency exchange demand related to SK Hynix ADRs and increased forward sales by heavy industry companies have also boosted dollar supply in the foreign exchange market.However, the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve is a key variable that could determine the direction of the exchange rate. If signals indicating the possibility of a rate hike later this year emerge from the FOMC meeting scheduled for July 28-29 (local time), the dollar could strengthen again, leading to a rebound in the won-dollar exchange rate.Conversely, if the Fed signals a reduced likelihood of further tightening, the trend of a stronger won may continue. Park Sang-hyun, a researcher at iM Securities, stated, "The amplification of Middle East risks and heightened expectations for a rate hike after the FOMC meeting could be factors for a rebound in the exchange rate."According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the futures market reflects a 74.9% probability that the Fed will raise the benchmark interest rate by more than 0.25 percentage points in September.There are also assessments that the long-term trend of a stronger won remains to be seen. This is due to the high dependence on the U.S. artificial intelligence investment cycle and the structural demand for dollars resulting from domestic investors expanding overseas investments.Kim Yu-mi, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "For the won-dollar exchange rate to decline further, growth momentum needs to spread beyond the semiconductor sector, and the expected returns on domestic assets must maintain an advantage over overseas assets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 16:48:00
  • Court Convicts Yoon Suk Yeol of Spreading False Information During Election
    Court Convicts Yoon Suk Yeol of Spreading False Information During Election The court found Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of spreading false information during his presidential campaign. The judges particularly noted the severity of his false statements made during interviews, as opposed to debates.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 21, led by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, ruled on July 27 that Yoon was guilty of two charges brought by the special prosecutor's team led by Kim Geon-hee. These charges involved statements regarding his introduction of former Yongsan Tax Office Chief Yoon Woo-jin to lawyer Lee Nam-seok and comments about Jeon Seong-bae, who was accompanied by Kim Geon-hee.The court stated, "From the perspective of the general electorate, introducing a lawyer includes not only the formal submission of a retainer agreement but also facilitating contact between the parties involved in the case and the lawyer." It added that based on recordings with a journalist in 2012 and past testimony at hearings, the defendant had directly facilitated the introduction of this lawyer but denied it entirely before the election.The court further emphasized that this was not a passive mistake or something easily forgotten, but rather a specific experience led by the defendant, indicating clear intent to mislead.Additionally, the court found Yoon guilty of denying his relationship with Jeon during an interview at the launch of the Buddhist Leaders Forum in January 2022, as well as whether Kim Geon-hee was present.The court dismissed Yoon's claim that Jeon was a typical Buddhist monk, clarifying that Jeon had engaged in fortune-telling at his residence's temple, indicating a mystical character. It noted that Yoon had sought personal and political advice from Jeon since around 2013, contradicting his explanation that it was merely a chance meeting through party contacts.The court stated, "Whether a candidate may rely on unofficial and mystical influences is a significant issue directly related to voters' fair judgment." It criticized the severity of false statements made in interviews and exclusive debates, contrasting them with the more open discussions allowed in candidate debates.Following the ruling, the People Power Party may face a financial crisis. If the Supreme Court upholds the sentence, the party will have to return 39.7 billion won in election costs received from the National Election Commission during the presidential campaign.As of February, the People Power Party's total assets were reported to exceed 130 billion won. However, if the full election costs are returned, it could significantly impact the party's finances, potentially threatening its future existence. Most of the party's assets are reportedly tied to real estate, and there are cautious forecasts that the party may have to sell its headquarters building in Yeouido, Seoul, if the reimbursement is confirmed.According to the Public Official Election Act, a presidential candidate who is elected or receives more than 15% of the vote is reimbursed for the full election costs by the election commission. However, if a candidate is sentenced to a disqualification penalty of 1 million won or more, the party must return all funds.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 16:48:00