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  • Weekend Weather: Rain in Seoul and Surrounding Areas Amidst Nationwide Heatwave
    Weekend Weather: Rain in Seoul and Surrounding Areas Amidst Nationwide Heatwave On Saturday, parts of Seoul, the metropolitan area, and Gangwon Province are expected to experience rain, while hot weather will persist nationwide.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain is forecasted in areas of the metropolitan region, including Seoul and Incheon, as well as in the inland and mountainous regions of Gangwon. Showers are expected to occur from morning to evening in the Chungcheong region and Jeju Island.Expected rainfall amounts are between 20 to 60 mm in northern Gyeonggi Province and the western coastal areas, and between 5 to 40 mm in southern Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province. In Gangwon, the northern inland and mountainous areas may see 10 to 60 mm, while the central and southern inland and mountainous regions could receive 5 to 40 mm of rain.For the showers, expected rainfall amounts are between 5 to 40 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk, and between 5 to 10 mm in Jeju.Temperatures nationwide are expected to remain similar to or slightly above average, with oppressive heat and tropical nights continuing in most areas. Morning lows will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will be between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius.In particular, the southern coastal areas of North Gyeongsang Province, including Gyeongju and Pohang, are forecasted to see daytime highs exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, with the maximum perceived temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius. Due to the extreme heat, which poses a threat to life, special attention to health is advised.Waves in the East, West, and South Seas are expected to be calm, ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 meters. In the offshore waters (about 200 km from the coastline), wave heights are predicted to be 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the East and South Seas, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the West Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 08:16:00
  • Hyundais Chairman Discusses Collaboration with NVIDIAs CEO on Saemangeum AI Valley
    Hyundai's Chairman Discusses Collaboration with NVIDIA's CEO on Saemangeum AI Valley During his visit to the United States, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun met with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to discuss follow-up collaborations related to the Saemangeum Artificial Intelligence (AI) Valley, including autonomous driving, physical AI, and data centers.NVIDIA shared a photo on its X (formerly Twitter) account on July 24, showing Chung at the company's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, alongside Huang, holding a model of the Genesis Magma vehicle.During this visit, Chung and Huang continued discussions on collaboration strategies that were initially addressed during Huang's visit to South Korea in June. They had previously met on July 8 at Hyundai's headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, where they explored cooperation in various fields, including autonomous driving, robotics, manufacturing AI, and data centers.Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest 9 trillion won in phases starting this year to establish a hub for future technological innovation in the 1.124 million square meter Saemangeum area. This initiative will encompass robotics, AI, hydrogen energy, solar power generation, and an AI hydrogen city. 2026-07-25 08:16:00
  • Rising Jeonse Prices in Seoul Ahead of Moving Season, with Gangbuk District Seeing 1.15% Increase
    Rising Jeonse Prices in Seoul Ahead of Moving Season, with Gangbuk District Seeing 1.15% Increase The rise in Seoul's apartment jeonse market is rapidly spreading to the Gangbuk and outlying areas. With increasing demand for housing purchases being postponed due to loan regulations and rising home prices, a shortage of jeonse listings has led to a surge in rental demand in relatively lower-priced regions.In particular, both sales and jeonse prices have significantly increased in the Gangbuk area, including Gangbuk-gu, Jungnang-gu, and Seongbuk-gu. Analysts suggest that while prices continue to rise in the sales market, there is also a backlog of demand from those wishing to remain in the jeonse market.According to a weekly apartment market trend report released by KB Real Estate on July 25, the jeonse prices for Seoul apartments rose by 0.38% in the third week of July, maintaining the same growth rate as the previous week.By district, Gangbuk-gu saw the highest increase in jeonse prices at 1.15% over the week, followed by Dongjak-gu at 0.82%, Jungnang-gu at 0.76%, Gwangjin-gu at 0.73%, and Seongbuk-gu at 0.65%.This week's rise in jeonse prices prominently features districts in the Gangbuk area, indicating that price pressures are now being felt in regions that previously had lower rental costs.A similar trend was observed in the sales market. During the same period, the sales prices of Seoul apartments increased by 0.34%, matching the previous week's growth. Jungnang-gu recorded the highest increase at 1.08%, followed by Nowon-gu at 0.66% and Seongbuk-gu at 0.54%.Notably, there is considerable overlap between the areas experiencing increases in both sales and jeonse prices. In districts like Jungnang-gu and Seongbuk-gu, both sales and rental prices are showing strong upward trends. This suggests that the price increases that began in central Seoul are now extending to relatively affordable areas, boosting both the sales and rental markets.However, despite the rising sales prices, the sentiment among potential homebuyers has softened. The buyer sentiment index for Seoul dropped from 89.2 the previous week to 84.2 this week, a decrease of 5.0 points. A score above 100 indicates more buyers than sellers, while a score below 100 indicates the opposite.Regionally, the buyer sentiment index for the 14 districts in Gangbuk fell by 7.4 points in just one week, more than double the 2.9-point drop in the 11 districts of Gangnam. While sales prices are rising rapidly in the Gangbuk area, the actual demand for purchases has slightly decreased.Meanwhile, the rise in jeonse prices in Seoul is also affecting adjacent Gyeonggi Province. According to KB Real Estate, the jeonse price in Hwaseong's Dongtan area increased by 0.70% this week, while Guri saw a rise of 0.64%, Gwangmyeong 0.52%, and Hanam 0.44%.These areas share the commonality of relatively good accessibility to Seoul or have recently experienced notable increases in sales prices. It appears that the jeonse demand displaced from Seoul, along with the waiting demand for purchases in these regions, is driving up rental prices.In Dongtan, despite a wait-and-see attitude in the sales market following its designation as a regulated area, previous upward trends in price indicators are still being reflected with a lag. Even if sales transactions decline, existing demand for housing remains, meaning that demand waiting to purchase may continue to support the jeonse market, potentially keeping prices strong.Gwangmyeong, Guri, and Hanam are also considered alternative residential areas adjacent to Seoul. Historically, when jeonse prices in Seoul rise, demand has shifted to these relatively lower-priced areas. However, recently, the jeonse prices in Gyeonggi Province have also increased, diminishing the cost-saving effect.Looking ahead, the demand for jeonse during the fall moving season and the volume of new housing units will be key variables. Typically, the second half of the year sees an increase in jeonse demand due to school districts and job relocations. In areas where new apartment supply is insufficient, seasonal demand increases are likely to directly lead to rising jeonse prices.The duration of the wait-and-see attitude in the sales market is also crucial. If loan regulations persist and the burden of home prices does not ease, demand waiting to purchase may remain in the jeonse market for an extended period. The decrease in sales transactions does not necessarily lead to a reduction in jeonse demand; rather, it may accumulate rental demand.If jeonse prices continue to rise, it could also inadvertently stimulate the sales market. As the gap between jeonse and sales prices narrows, some tenants may convert to buyers, and landlords may find themselves with greater investment capacity using jeonse deposits.A real estate industry insider stated, “The recent rise in jeonse prices is not just a localized phenomenon in certain areas of Gangnam but is spreading to Gangbuk and outlying areas of Seoul, as well as adjacent regions in Gyeonggi. As immediate housing needs concentrate in the jeonse market, it could exacerbate instability in the rental market unless the supply of new housing units and jeonse listings becomes visible.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 08:04:00
  • Chinese Film Penghu Sea Battle Delayed Amid Controversy Over Historical Narrative
    Chinese Film 'Penghu Sea Battle' Delayed Amid Controversy Over Historical Narrative "Xi Lang, obey my command! Lead the fleet to Penghu and conquer Taiwan to restore peace!" This narration by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty appears in the trailer for the historical war blockbuster film 'Penghu Sea Battle' (澎湖海戰), which was released on October 25 last year. The trailer concludes with the slogan, 'Unification of Taiwan, an unstoppable trend (統一台灣,勢不可擋).''Penghu Sea Battle' depicts the events of 1683 when the Qing navy, led by Admiral Xi Lang, defeated the Zheng regime (Dongning Kingdom) that ruled Taiwan, claiming to restore the Ming Dynasty. The film's trailer was released on October 25, a date designated by China as 'Taiwan Liberation Day' to commemorate the return of Taiwan's sovereignty to China. The film appears to connect the historical military conquest of Taiwan by the Qing Dynasty with the current issue of unification between mainland China and Taiwan.Produced as a key project by the Central Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party and the National Film Administration, the film was initially set to premiere on July 25, but rumors of a delay have emerged. This marks the second postponement, following a delay from its original release during the Lunar New Year holiday in February.With a production budget of 500 million yuan (approximately $107.9 million), the film has generated significant anticipation as a major domestic war film since 'The Battle at Lake Changjin.'However, the film's historical backdrop of the Qing Dynasty's conquest of Taiwan has sparked controversy as it is promoted in connection with contemporary narratives of national unification and patriotism. Some in Taiwan have labeled it a 'Chinese military unification blockbuster.'The Taiwanese media outlet Fengjianmei noted, "The attempt to forcibly fit complex historical events into a modern political framework is the source of the controversy, leading to serious negative effects in terms of emotional impact, historical perspective, and propaganda effectiveness."In an interview with Fengjianmei, Liu Xingren, an associate professor at the National Development Institute of Chinese Culture University, expressed concern that the film's message could send a misleading signal to the international community that China intends to initiate war. This could also hinder the Chinese authorities' strategy of flexibly balancing 'peaceful unification' and 'gray zone pressure' regarding Taiwan. He pointed out that if the film does not screen, it would signify that it has crossed a politically sensitive red line in terms of censorship.Another reason for the film's controversy is its potential to exacerbate ethnic identity issues, as it clashes with the increasingly prevalent Han-centric '1644 historical perspective' in China.The year 1644 marks the fall of the Ming Dynasty, established by the Han Chinese, and the beginning of Qing rule by the Manchu people. The '1644 historical perspective' views the Ming as the last Han dynasty of ancient China and interprets the Qing's overthrow of the Ming as a historical rupture and humiliation for Han civilization. It centers on denying Qing history and attributing China's decline to the Qing's incompetent rule.From this perspective, the protagonist Xi Lang, who turned against the Ming and surrendered to the Qing, could be interpreted as a 'traitor to the Han.' The film's portrayal of him as a hero leading the victory at the Penghu Sea Battle has drawn criticism from nationalistic netizens.The Chinese authorities promote a historical narrative that includes both Han and Manchu peoples as part of a multi-ethnic unified nation, viewing the Qing as a legitimate dynasty in Chinese history. Consequently, they have been cautious of Han-centric historical narratives like the '1644 historical perspective' that could incite ethnic conflict.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 07:04:00
  • Apartment Construction Drops 25% While Transactions Rise 18% in Seoul Housing Market
    Apartment Construction Drops 25% While Transactions Rise 18% in Seoul Housing Market In the Seoul housing market, indicators predicting future supply have declined, while demand for home purchases is on the rise, creating a notable mismatch. Concerns are growing that the decrease in available housing could lead to long-term supply issues, as current demand for purchases is increasing despite rising home prices.According to housing statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of housing permits in Seoul from January to May this year was 19,052 units, a 1.4% decrease compared to the same period last year. Permits are considered a leading indicator of future supply, occurring before actual construction begins.The number of housing starts has seen a more significant decline. During the same period, housing starts in Seoul totaled 9,630 units, down 10.7% from the previous year. Among these, apartment construction fell to 6,615 units, a 25.3% decrease, more than double the decline of overall housing starts.The number of completed units, which indicates immediate availability, has also sharply decreased. From January to May this year, housing completions in Seoul were 13,111 units, a 41.6% drop compared to the same period last year. Apartment completions were 10,690 units, down 48.4%, effectively halving the previous year's figures.All stages of the supply process—permits, starts, and completions—are simultaneously contracting. A reduction in permits leads to fewer new projects, and a decrease in starts will result in a reduction of completions and available units in the coming years. Given the current sharp decline in completions, a slow recovery in starts could make it difficult to resolve the supply shortage in Seoul in the short term.In contrast, housing transactions have increased. From January to May this year, the volume of housing sales in Seoul reached 56,938 transactions, a 17.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This trend is in stark contrast to the declining supply indicators.Recent months have seen an even stronger buying trend. In May, housing transactions in Seoul totaled 14,145, an 11.0% increase from the previous month. Among these, apartment transactions rose to 8,946, an 18.9% increase in just one month, indicating a recovery centered around apartments.The gap between recovering demand and decreasing supply is also reflected in prices. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's June national housing price trend survey, the average sale price of apartments in Seoul rose by 1.21% compared to the previous month. The price increases have spread beyond the northern districts, such as Seongbuk-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu, to areas with relatively lower-priced housing, including Guro-gu and Gangseo-gu.The increase in rental prices has outpaced that of sale prices. In June, the average rent for apartments in Seoul rose by 1.37% from the previous month, exceeding the sale price increase by 0.16 percentage points. The monthly increase in rental prices rose from 1.15% in May to 1.37% in June.Concerns about supply shortages are likely to first materialize in the rental market. As the number of available units decreases, the supply of rental properties entering the market will also decline. In areas with high demand for new rental properties, such as those undergoing redevelopment or where newlyweds and families with children are concentrated, competition among tenants may intensify. If rental prices continue to rise, some tenants unable to bear the burden of increased deposits may shift to purchasing lower-priced homes, further stimulating demand in the sales market.A real estate industry insider stated, “The uncertainties in the Seoul housing market are not limited to the current price increases. While more people are looking to buy homes now, the number of new homes expected to enter the market in 2 to 3 years is decreasing.” He added, “If the increase in transactions continues alongside a decrease in construction starts, the potential for long-term market instability due to difficulties in moving in, rental shortages, and the scarcity of new apartments is likely to grow.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 07:04:00
  • Trump: Serious Talks with Iran, Ready for Immediate Military Action
    Trump: Serious Talks with Iran, Ready for Immediate Military Action President Donald Trump stated that the United States is engaged in serious discussions with Iran, but warned that if no agreement is reached, he is prepared to take immediate military action. On July 24, during a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump responded to questions about a potential exit strategy from the conflict with Iran, saying there are two paths: a "military exit strategy" and a "more prudent strategy of reaching an agreement." He added, "One option is to continue what we are doing now (airstrikes), and if we want, we can escalate it to a much higher level. We are ready to launch and can act immediately." In an interview with Axios the previous day, Trump mentioned, "I am considering a large-scale attack, one that would be bigger than anything we have done before. I am on the verge of making a decision. We are fully prepared." However, Trump emphasized, "Right now, at this moment, we are talking to them. I have always preferred that alternative (a resolution through dialogue)." He noted, "I will watch to see what results come from the discussions, and I believe this is the most serious they have been so far." Trump acknowledged, "They clearly want an agreement," but expressed skepticism, stating, "I don’t think they are ready to agree yet."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:08:00
  • Phoenix Snow Park Launches Early Bird Season Pass for 2026/27
    Phoenix Snow Park Launches Early Bird Season Pass for 2026/27 Phoenix Snow Park has begun selling its super early bird season passes for the 2026/27 season from July 23. To prepare customers for the winter season ahead of schedule, the park is offering benefits worth approximately 600,000 won, including water park tickets and accommodation vouchers.The super early bird season pass will be available for one week until July 29. This early purchase option is being offered earlier than the usual launch in early September. The basic season pass can be purchased for around 500,000 won, while the premium season pass will be available starting August 27.With the purchase of a basic season pass, customers can register up to two children under the age of 19 for an additional fee. Basic benefits include free equipment rental and complimentary access to the Blue Canyon Water Park for the pass holder and registered children during the season.Phoenix is continuously expanding its family-oriented offerings. Customers who purchase the super early bird pass will receive three Blue Canyon tickets (one adult and two child tickets) valid from September 1 to November 30, before the ski season opens, as well as a weekday accommodation voucher for a standard room valid from the season opening until March 1, 2027. Additional charges will apply for weekend and peak season stays or room type changes.Last year, Phoenix Snow Park was the first ski resort in the country to open. If weather conditions permit, it plans to open on November 27 and operate until March 14, 2027.A representative from Phoenix stated, "For the 2026/27 season, we plan to enhance slope quality and safety management by continuously monitoring snowmaking and grooming conditions to reduce inconveniences for visitors."The 2026/27 super early bird season pass can be purchased on the official website of Phoenix Hotel and Resort, where detailed benefits and terms can also be found.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
  • Dysons FluffyCones: A Fun and Slim Cleaning Experience
    Dyson's FluffyCones: A Fun and Slim Cleaning Experience James Dyson's long-awaited lightweight and ergonomically designed vacuum, the FluffyCones, features a sleek 38mm diameter that fits comfortably in one hand. This unique vacuum makes cleaning an enjoyable task, even for those who typically dislike it.The first impression is its appealing design. Unlike traditional cordless vacuums, the main body is not bulky at the top. Instead, the motor, battery, and dust bin are housed within a slender bar. The product measures 226×38×1160mm and weighs 1.8kg, making it look more like an object of art than a vacuum when stored in a living room.Despite its slim profile, the FluffyCones is not a simple product. Dyson has integrated a 28mm Hyperdimium 140k motor within the 38mm handle, capable of spinning at up to 140,000 RPM. This innovative design required a complete rethinking of the motor and dust separation structure.Once the power button is activated, the vacuum's true capabilities become apparent. The four conical rollers on the FluffyCones head spin energetically, producing a refreshing operational sound. The alternating red and blue rollers also provide aesthetic satisfaction.The vacuum glides smoothly over the floor, with the front and rear rollers rotating in opposite directions to gently push debris along. This offers a distinctly different tactile experience compared to traditional vacuums.It easily fits under low furniture, as the body can lie flat, allowing it to slide under sofas or cabinets effortlessly. Dyson states that the height when laid flat is about 95mm, making it easy to insert the head into low gaps without bending over excessively.One of the most satisfying features is the green light emitted from the front and back of the head, illuminating dust as it disappears, creating a unique sense of catharsis. Watching dust vanish as you clean makes the task enjoyable.The FluffyCones head minimizes hair tangling, a significant advantage of this product. The conical rollers direct hair toward the end, allowing it to be sucked back in without getting stuck. In practice, long hair was effectively captured without tangling or remaining inside the vacuum.Edge cleaning also exceeded expectations. The four soft conical rollers at the head's sides are designed to closely follow walls, reducing the need to twist the head multiple times in areas where dust accumulates, such as kitchen baseboards and corners.Emptying and maintaining the dust bin is surprisingly easy. Despite its slim design, the structure is not overly complicated, and removing and emptying the dust bin is straightforward. Dyson employs a compression system and a syringe-style dust emptying method, allowing dust to fall out easily when the case is pushed down, minimizing the need to scrape dust out by hand.Cleaning and reassembling the vacuum is also hassle-free. The transparent cover can be removed, and the four conical rollers can be rinsed with water. After drying, they can be reattached easily. The process of emptying the dust bin and cleaning it is not cumbersome, contrary to concerns that the slim design might complicate maintenance.However, the small size is both an advantage and a disadvantage. While the bar design is visually appealing and lightweight, the dust bin has a limited capacity of 0.08L. Dyson claims that the compression structure compensates for the actual storage capacity, but it is not designed to hold a large amount of dust at once. In homes with a lot of hair and dust, users may need to empty the dust bin frequently during or after cleaning.The battery life follows a similar pattern. In eco mode, it lasts up to 30 minutes, while medium mode offers about 20 minutes, and boost mode lasts around 5 minutes. According to domestic product specifications, the handheld mode shows 30 minutes in normal and 5.5 minutes in boost. Given that the motor and battery are both housed within the bar, it is not a vacuum designed for prolonged cleaning in high-power modes.Considering its intended use, these drawbacks are somewhat acceptable. The FluffyCones is more suited for quick clean-ups of visible dust rather than deep cleaning an entire large home at once. It is also tailored for hard floor cleaning, aligning well with the typical housing styles in South Korea, which do not favor carpets or plush flooring.Users have reported that they habitually turn on the vacuum upon entering their homes, highlighting its well-crafted design. Some have noted that their routine involves cleaning visible dust with the vacuum before turning on the lights, effectively transforming cleaning into an enjoyable activity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
  • Next Weeks Stock Market Outlook: AI Investment and FOMC Results in Focus
    Next Week's Stock Market Outlook: AI Investment and FOMC Results in Focus Next week, the domestic stock market will focus on the sustainability of AI investments by major U.S. tech companies and the results of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The market experienced a sharp decline due to the emergence of Chinese AI models and geopolitical risks in the Middle East, but sentiment around semiconductor investments partially recovered following Alphabet's announcement of increased capital expenditures (CAPEX). However, ongoing military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with concerns over high oil prices, are expected to keep volatility high in the near term.According to the Korea Exchange, on July 24, the KOSPI closed at 6,690.02, down 406.87 points (5.73%) from the previous trading day, while the KOSDAQ finished at 748.22, down 42.06 points (5.32%). Over the week from July 20 to 24, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ fell by 1.91% and 5.51%, respectively.Last week, the stock market was pressured by concerns over the semiconductor industry and geopolitical instability. The Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI unveiled its high-efficiency AI model 'Kimi K3,' raising fears of declining demand for GPUs and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Additionally, renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran led to rising international oil prices and market interest rates. This prompted profit-taking in the semiconductor sector, but Alphabet's upward revision of its 2026 CAPEX guidance, alongside cloud growth, alleviated some concerns about a slowdown in AI investment.Signs of recovery in supply and demand were also observed. As individual investors continued to liquidate leveraged positions, foreign investors began buying on dips as the KOSPI fell to the 6,400 level, creating a rebound opportunity. Analysts suggest that the recent adjustments are part of a normalization process rather than a reflection of deteriorating semiconductor conditions.Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, stated, "What collapsed in July was the excessively accumulated leveraged positions rather than semiconductor profits. Considering Alphabet's CAPEX expansion and customer demand, there is no confirmed change supporting the peak-out of AI investment and semiconductor highs." He added, "While passing the peak of forced selling does not necessarily indicate a trend reversal, prioritizing large-cap semiconductor stocks and expanding positions in oversold sectors could be a suitable strategy if supply and demand improvements spread."Looking ahead, global monetary policy and the performance of major tech companies are expected to be key variables influencing the stock market. Starting on July 29, the U.S. FOMC and SK Hynix's earnings report will be released, followed by the second-quarter GDP figures for the U.S. and Eurozone, as well as earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Qualcomm on July 30. On July 31, the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting and earnings reports from Apple and Amazon are also scheduled.Economic indicators are likely to significantly impact investor sentiment. The market anticipates that the FOMC will keep interest rates steady, but attention will be on the Fed's messaging regarding future monetary policy direction. The U.S. second-quarter GDP, released on the same day, is expected to confirm robust consumer and investment trends, while South Korea's July exports, set to be announced on August 1, are projected to continue a strong upward trend, particularly in semiconductors. Stronger-than-expected growth and inflation indicators could dampen expectations for interest rate cuts, potentially weighing on the stock market. Conversely, if AI investment expansion and export growth are reaffirmed, investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector could improve significantly.Analysts predict that the market will remain in a range-bound phase as the earnings confirmation process continues. If major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon can simultaneously demonstrate both the expansion of AI investments and profitability, it could further restore investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector. However, there are also forecasts that prolonged geopolitical risks in the Middle East and rising international oil prices could lead to increased market volatility. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
  • Veteran Actors So Ji-sub, Ji Sung, and Namgoong Min Dominate Weekend Dramas
    Veteran Actors So Ji-sub, Ji Sung, and Namgoong Min Dominate Weekend Dramas 역시 '구관이 명관'이고, 관록은 배신하지 않았다. 소지섭, 지성, 남궁민이 각기 다른 매력으로 주말 안방극장을 완벽히 점령했다. 이들은 현재 SBS '김부장', JTBC '아파트', KBS2 '결혼의 완성'을 이끌며 범람하는 신작들 사이에서도 굳건히 시청률 고공행진을 견인 중이다. 액션, 코미디, 스릴러 등 장르는 다르지만, 세 베테랑 배우는 세월로 축적된 연기 장악력을 무기 삼아 '배우의 이름이 곧 작품의 개연성'이 되는 마법을 증명해 내고 있다. 가장 눈에 띄는 작품은 SBS 금토드라마 '김부장'이다. 1회 9.5%에서 시작한 시청률은 4회 21.6%, 6회 22.3%까지 오른 뒤, 지난 18일 방송된 8회에서 전국 기준 23.1%를 기록하며 자체 최고 시청률을 경신했다. 수도권 시청률은 23.6%, 순간 최고 시청률은 26.2%에 달했다. 화제성의 핵심 지표인 2049 시청률 역시 최고 8.59%를 나타냈다. 글로벌 성과도 이어지고 있다. 넷플릭스 공식 사이트 투둠(Tudum)에 따르면 '김부장'은 비영어 TV쇼 부문 3주 연속 1위를 차지했다. 한국을 포함해 19개국에서 1위에 올랐으며, 총 73개국 톱10에 진입했다. 소지섭은 극 중 평범한 은행 직원으로 위장한 공작원 출신 '김부장' 역을 맡았다. 맨몸 격투와 카 체이싱 등 무기 액션이 주를 이루지만, 김부장이 움직이는 동력은 하나뿐인 딸을 되찾겠다는 부성애다. 소지섭은 인물의 과거와 현재, 아버지로서의 절박함을 과한 설명 없이 화면 안에 담아낸다. 이 같은 활약은 한국기업평판연구소가 발표한 7월 배우 브랜드평판 1위(지수 905만 6778) 기록으로도 확인된다. 배우 지성은 JTBC 토일드라마 '아파트'의 전직 조직 보스 '박해강'으로 나섰다. 4%대에서 시작한 시청률은 입소문을 타며 19일 방송된 4회 기준 전국 6.0%, 수도권 분당 최고 6.8%까지 상승했다. '아파트'는 아파트 내 숨겨진 돈을 찾기 위해 입주자대표회의장 선거에 출마한 전직 보스가 주민들과 함께 비리를 타파하는 생활 밀착형 드라마다. 지성은 거친 과거를 지닌 인물이 주민들과 부딪히며 선거판에 뛰어드는 과정을 섬세하게 그려낸다. 카리스마와 능청스러운 코미디 사이를 오가며, 무력 대신 눈빛과 대사의 속도 조절로 인물의 허세와 진심을 동시에 표현해 낸다. KBS2 토일 미니시리즈 '결혼의 완성'에서는 남궁민이 신경외과 전문의 '강태주'를 연기한다. 19일 방송된 6회는 전국 시청률 6%대, 분당 최고 8.8%를 기록해 지상파를 포함한 동시간대 드라마 시청률 1위를 차지했다. 디즈니+에서도 3주 연속 '오늘 한국의 톱10 시리즈' 1위를 유지 중이다. 강태주는 납치된 아내를 구해야 하는 동시에 유력한 용의자로 지목된 인물이다. 남궁민은 이를 단순한 피해자나 영웅으로 그리지 않고, 의사로서의 이성과 남편으로서의 절박함, 용의자의 불안이 한 인물 안에서 충돌하도록 만든다. 훈련된 요원이 아닌 평범한 의사의 생존형 액션을 통해 스릴러의 긴장감을 높이고 있다. 가족을 구하는 아버지, 선거판에 뛰어든 전직 보스, 납치 사건에 휘말린 남편이라는 설정 자체는 대중에게 낯설지 않다. 자칫 기시감을 줄 수 있는 장르적 문법도 베테랑 배우들의 내공과 만나면 단숨에 묵직한 설득력을 입는다. 시청자는 긴 부연 설명 없이도 극 중 인물이 움직이는 동기에 자연스럽게 동화되는 것이다. 빠른 호흡과 강렬한 사건 중심으로 전개되는 최근 드라마 시장에서 이들의 존재감은 더욱 뚜렷해진다. 거친 액션이 이어지는 와중에도 감정선은 흩어지지 않으며, 다소 과감한 설정조차 배우의 얼굴을 거치며 개연성을 획득한다. 소지섭, 지성, 남궁민이 각기 다른 주말극에서 증명해 낸 성과는 축적된 시간과 관록이 극의 완성도를 높이는 가장 견고한 축임을 시사한다. 하재근 문화평론가는 본지에 "과거에는 배우가 청춘의 시기를 지나면 삼촌이나 친척, 어른 역할로 이동하면서 주연을 맡기 어려운 경우가 많았다. 하지만 이제는 국민 연령대가 올라가고 연예인들의 활동 연령도 함께 길어지면서 중년 배우들도 젊은 시절 못지않게 작품의 중심에 설 수 있게 됐다"고 말했다. 이어 "소지섭, 지성, 남궁민 같은 배우들은 오랜 시간 쌓아온 연기력과 카리스마가 있고, 좋은 시나리오를 만났을 때 이를 작품의 힘으로 연결할 수 있는 배우들"이라며 "이들의 활약은 단순한 이름값이 아니라, 인물과 이야기를 설득하는 힘에서 나온다고 볼 수 있다"고 설명했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 05:04:00