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  • Rising Direct Real Estate Transactions Save Buyers Thousands in Fees
    Rising Direct Real Estate Transactions Save Buyers Thousands in Fees Yuri Lee, a 30-something office worker, recently decided to transition from renting to buying a home. While using a licensed real estate agent is considered safer, she opted for a direct transaction recommended by friends. Lee found a suitable listing on a real estate platform: a 13-square-meter, one-bedroom apartment in the outskirts of Seoul. She quickly negotiated the sale price directly with the owner via chat, finalizing the deal at 330 million won. Since it was a direct transaction, there were no so-called 'brokerage fees.' If she had gone through an agent, she would have had to pay up to 1.45 million won (based on a maximum rate of 0.4%, which includes 1.32 million won in commission plus value-added tax), a saving that left her very satisfied.Anyone who has bought or sold real estate knows how challenging the process can be until the final signature is affixed. As a result, most people choose to work with licensed agents. Despite the burden of brokerage fees, buying or selling a home worth millions cannot be treated like a simple grocery purchase.However, trends are changing. Direct transactions in the real estate market are rapidly gaining traction. Listings for apartments frequently appear on the online trading platform Danggeun Market. What are the advantages of direct transactions compared to traditional real estate dealings that involve agents?Rapid Growth of Direct Real Estate TransactionsAccording to statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, there were 72,442 apartment transactions in Seoul from July of last year to June of this year, with 3,404 of those being direct transactions, accounting for 4.7% of the total. For multi-family and multi-unit dwellings, 6,004 out of 38,824 transactions (15.5%) were direct, while 458 out of 4,151 single-family and multi-family transactions (11.0%) were also direct. Although most apartment transactions still involve licensed agents, direct transactions are rapidly expanding, particularly in the multi-family and multi-unit sectors.The demand for direct transactions is also evident on platforms. Data obtained from Danggeun Real Estate shows that the number of direct transaction listings in the first half of this year increased by 8.4% compared to the same period last year. Notably, the growth rate in the second quarter (April to June) reached 17.1%, indicating a significant upward trend.The variety of direct listings is also increasing. Previously, direct transactions primarily involved small-scale deals like studio apartments or villas, but they are now expanding to include apartments and commercial properties. Reports indicate that the method of buyers and sellers directly contacting each other through real estate platforms is becoming more established.The Allure of Zero Brokerage FeesThe most significant advantage of direct real estate transactions is the absence of brokerage fees. According to current regulations from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Seoul city ordinances, the maximum brokerage fee rates for home sales vary based on the transaction amount. For transactions under 50 million won, the rate is 0.6%; for amounts between 50 million and 200 million won, it is 0.5%; and for amounts between 200 million and 900 million won, it is 0.4%. For transactions above 900 million won, the rates are tiered, with a maximum of 0.7% for amounts exceeding 1.5 billion won. For example, a 500 million won lease incurs about 1.5 million won in brokerage fees, while a 1 billion won sale incurs about 5 million won.Thus, the larger the transaction amount, the greater the savings from avoiding brokerage fees. The highest recorded direct transaction on Danggeun Real Estate involved a hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju, sold for 5 billion won. If this transaction had gone through a licensed agent, the brokerage fee would have been approximately 45 million won, but in a direct transaction, the fee is zero.Danggeun Real Estate, a leading platform for direct transactions, has been operating a community-based direct transaction service since establishing its real estate category in 2015. Since February of last year, it has also allowed local licensed agents to register listings, creating a structure that supports both direct and agent-assisted transactions. A representative from Danggeun stated, "Direct transactions are actively utilized by genuine buyers looking to save on brokerage fees and put in the effort themselves. At the same time, local licensed agents are using this as a channel to inform neighborhood residents about listings, leading to growth in both direct and agent-assisted transactions."Which Platform to Use?As the direct transaction market grows, competition among platforms is intensifying. Services are emerging that support the entire transaction process, from contracts to rights analysis, beyond merely providing direct listings.The direct real estate platform 'Bokdeokbang' does not accept listings from brokerage firms and instead offers expert connection services for direct users. Bokdeokbang connects users with experts for various transaction stages, including home visits, rights analysis, contract drafting and review, registration tasks, and final payment processing, allowing users to selectively utilize necessary services. This structure enables direct transaction parties to connect directly with licensed agents, legal professionals, and rights analysis experts, allowing them to receive support for necessary procedures instead of paying brokerage fees.Platforms like Naver Real Estate, Zigbang, and Dabang allow homeowners to register their listings directly. However, Zigbang shares the information of homeowner-registered listings with nearby brokerage offices, and licensed agents connect buyers or tenants, meaning that while homeowners do not need to visit multiple agencies, brokerage fees still apply as contracts are processed through agents.Particularly, during the listing verification stage, experts accompany users to inspect for defects or review rights relationships, and during the contract stage, they assist with contract reviews and registration and final payment processing, focusing on addressing potential information gaps in the direct transaction process.These platforms are also enhancing safety measures to minimize concerns that direct transactions are risky. Danggeun Real Estate mandates owner verification for personal direct listings and marks them as 'owner-verified' after cross-referencing with property registration documents. If someone other than the owner registers a listing, they must go through a verification process or submit a lease contract.Services aimed at reducing risks during the contract process are also expanding. Danggeun Real Estate offers a secure payment service for deposits and a direct transaction checklist, and recently revamped its 'Easy-to-Read Property Registration' service to make property registration documents more understandable. A representative from Danggeun stated, "We plan to continuously enhance features that increase the reliability of listings and the safety of transactions to create a secure trading environment."However, direct transactions require caution, as parties must handle rights verification and contract procedures that licensed agents typically manage. It is essential to thoroughly check property registration documents, building records, priority rights, and special contract clauses, and to manage the final payment process independently. Industry experts advise that even when utilizing the certification services and checklists provided by platforms, it is crucial to carefully review rights relationships and transaction conditions before finalizing contracts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:56:00
  • Kia Drives Growth as Hyundai and Kia See 6.5% Increase in June European Sales
    Kia Drives Growth as Hyundai and Kia See 6.5% Increase in June European Sales Hyundai Motor and Kia sold nearly 100,000 vehicles in the European market last month. While Hyundai struggled, Kia's growth was notable. However, the expansion of the European automotive market slightly impacted their brand market share.According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on July 23, Hyundai and Kia's sales in Europe last month totaled 99,523 units, a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year. By brand, Hyundai sold 46,482 units, a 2.4% decrease, while Kia's sales rose by 15.8% to 53,041 units.Hyundai and Kia's market share in Europe for June was 7.1%, down 0.4 percentage points from the previous year. Hyundai accounted for 3.3%, while Kia held 3.8%. This decline occurred despite the overall European automotive market growing by 13.1% to 1,407,332 units during the same period.For the first half of the year, Hyundai and Kia's cumulative sales in the European market reached 534,525 units, a 0.8% decrease from the previous year. Hyundai's sales fell by 8.7% to 243,828 units, while Kia's sales increased by 6.9% to 290,697 units.Their market share for the first half of the year was 7.4%, down 0.5 percentage points from last year. Hyundai's share decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 3.4%, while Kia maintained its share at 4.0%. The overall European market grew by 6.1% to 7,232,066 units.The best-selling models for Hyundai in Europe were the Tucson and Kona. Last month, Tucson sales reached 11,784 units, while Kona sold 8,387 units, and the i20 had 5,360 units sold. Sales of eco-friendly vehicles also remained strong, with 8,007 units of the Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sold, along with 6,730 units of the Kona hybrid and electric vehicle (EV). The Casper electric model sold 3,170 units.For the first half of the year, the Tucson was the top seller with 67,665 units, followed by the Kona (43,524 units), i20 (29,270 units), and Casper (16,594 units). Meanwhile, Kia's sales performance by model is expected to be released between the end of this month and early next month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:56:00
  • One ordinary workday, one task at a time
    One ordinary workday, one task at a time SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - At 10 a.m., an hour before the first customers arrive, the lights flick on inside a modest Kimchi stew restaurant tucked into Hyehwa neighborhood, southwestern district on Seoul. Three aprons are tied almost simultaneously. One employee wipes tables. Another arranges bowls into neat stacks. In the kitchen, vegetables are trimmed and ingredients portioned for the lunchtime rush. Before opening, everyone gathers around one table to eat together — breakfast and lunch folded into a single quiet meal. There is little conversation. Everyone already knows what comes next. By 11 a.m., silence gives way to routine. "Welcome." The greeting repeats each time the entrance door swings open. One worker patiently guides first-time customers through the self-order kiosk. Another clears dishes before new diners sit down. Behind the counter, Kimchi stew bubbles while bowls of rice disappear almost as quickly as they are prepared. No one waits to be told. Each task naturally leads to another. Nothing about the restaurant immediately sets it apart from thousands of neighborhood eateries across Seoul. Only after spending time here does the difference emerge. The staff are young adults with borderline intellectual functioning, employed through Youth Mungan's "Slow Store" program. People with borderline intellectual functioning generally score between 71 and 84 on IQ tests. Though estimated to make up more than one in ten South Koreans, they fall outside the legal definition of intellectual disability and often receive little structured support after leaving school. Inside this restaurant, however, labels matter less than routines. Every movement has been practiced. Opening the store. Preparing vegetables. Serving customers. Cleaning tables. Closing the register. The work has been broken into small steps, repeated until they become familiar. The manuals remain nearby. Most days, they are no longer needed. Youth Mungan did not begin with employment. Catholic priest Lee Moon-soo opened the restaurant years ago after learning that a young man had died alone from hunger in a tiny rented room. His answer was simple: affordable Kimchi stew for struggling young people. Later came another request. Parents asked whether their children—young adults with borderline intellectual functioning—might simply be given a chance to work. Today there are five Youth Mungan restaurants across Seoul. Four operate as Slow Stores. The lunch rush eventually fades. Steam no longer rises from the kitchen. The dining room grows quiet again. Several kilometers away at another Slow Store in Nakseongdae, 27-year-old Kim Ji-woo begins preparing for closing. Portable gas burners are disinfected one by one. Tables are wiped. The self-service station is cleaned. Nearby, Kim Min-seong washes dishes while Jang Min-gyu organizes ingredients for tomorrow. Ji-woo checks each item on the closing list. Turn off the kiosk. Portion the rice. Clean the coffee machine. The checklist sits beside him, though his hands rarely need to look at it anymore. At 4 p.m., the aprons come off. They are folded carefully. Quiet goodbyes are exchanged. The workers leave for home. Customers stop noticing them long before that moment. Perhaps that is the point. Nothing about the day feels extraordinary. The restaurant simply opens, serves lunch and closes again. The story of Youth Mungan's Slow Stores is not about overcoming disability. It is about what happens when enough time is given to learn. Patience replaces urgency. Repetition becomes confidence. A checklist becomes memory. And another ordinary working day comes to an end—one task, one customer and one shift at a time. 2026-07-23 17:54:52
  • Rising Costs Create Wealth Gap in AI Video Production
    Rising Costs Create Wealth Gap in AI Video Production "These days, we hear people say, 'I want to make something good, but I don't have the money.'"At a meeting on July 23 at the Korea Cultural Information Service in Sangam-dong, Seoul, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, industry experts discussed the challenges facing the AI video sector, which has encountered significant cost barriers this year.The meeting included Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, along with representatives from AI content production companies and the film and video industry, who addressed the difficulties and potential policy support for the AI video industry.Participants expressed concerns over the skyrocketing costs of AI video production, including token fees and electricity expenses.Yang Yoon-ho, director of the Korean Film Artists Association, reported, "To produce a high-quality 15-minute video, the cost was around 3 million won last year, but now it has risen to nearly 15 million won." He added, "The more tokens you use, the better the results, leading to a potential class divide based on subscription fees for production tools."AI content producers are facing similar challenges. Kwon Han-seul, CEO of Studio Freewill, noted, "There was a perception that AI would be cheaper and more efficient than traditional methods, but recently, while the quality of videos has improved, the costs have risen to match traditional methods. We spend 200 million won a month on AI credits, totaling 2 to 3 billion won annually." He lamented that expectations of reduced disparities in creativity due to AI have now resulted in increased inequality.Companies are investing 2 to 3 billion won in research and development to establish their own pipelines using open-source technologies, but small businesses find it challenging to implement such measures.Moreover, to supply AI-generated content to global OTT platforms, companies must overcome existing quality thresholds.Hyun Hae-ri, CEO of Muam, stated, "When trying to deliver AI-generated content to global OTTs, it often fails to meet the quality control standards set for traditional live-action videos." He emphasized the need for new quality standards that reflect the unique characteristics of AI content, noting that even hundreds of cuts may not meet the specifications.The structural limitations of the domestic AI ecosystem were also highlighted. Jegal Seung, head of Dexter Studio, pointed out that most generative AI tools currently in use are services from the U.S. or China, resulting in domestic companies paying substantial fees to foreign firms each year.Hong Seong-ho, CEO of Locus, added, "Token costs must be paid in dollars, while foreign competitors receive tax refunds and cash rebates, putting our companies at a relative disadvantage."Additionally, calls for support in establishing AI hubs, subsidizing token fees and electricity costs, and project-based labor cost assistance were voiced.There were clear differences of opinion regarding AI training data and copyright issues. Some attendees pointed out that the prohibition of AI training on the vast amount of video content accumulated in South Korea has blocked the ability to represent Koreans in AI-generated videos. Conversely, others stressed the need to prevent unauthorized use of videos for AI training through surveys.Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, "As the government promotes AI foundation models and sovereign AI, we need to actively discuss what national projects are necessary in the AI film and video sector." He added, "Infrastructure and hub development are beyond the capacity of individual companies, so we must unite to push for national-level projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:52:00
  • SK Telecom Establishes AI Data Center Subsidiary SK Hyper with $675 Million Investment by 2030
    SK Telecom Establishes AI Data Center Subsidiary 'SK Hyper' with $675 Million Investment by 2030 SK Telecom (SKT) has established a new subsidiary dedicated to its AI Data Center (AIDC) business, marking a significant step towards building an AI infrastructure hub in Asia.On July 23, SKT's board of directors approved the formation of 'SK Hyper,' a company focused on AIDC business development, and committed to investing a total of 750 billion won (approximately $675 million) by 2030 to establish a solid business foundation.SK Hyper will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary responsible for securing sites for AIDC construction, building and operating substations, attracting customers, and commercializing the business. The name reflects the ambition to transcend limitations and rapidly expand hyper-scale AIDC operations.This establishment follows SKT's announcement earlier this month of its 'Asia AI Infrastructure Hub' strategy. The company previously highlighted South Korea's stable power supply and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production capabilities as strengths in its plan to build a 15GW-scale AI data center.SKT has set a first-phase goal of gradually constructing a 5-gigawatt (GW) AIDC by 2029, with plans to expand to a total of 15GW by 2035, depending on market demand. Recently, the company also established an 'AIDC Integration Promotion Team' directly under the CEO to oversee the group-wide AIDC initiative.Infrastructure development will also occur regionally, starting with the creation of a GW-scale AIDC cluster in Ulsan, followed by similar projects in the Chungcheong and southwestern regions to enhance AI infrastructure across different areas.SKT will operate SK Hyper as a 100% subsidiary, gradually investing funds up to the 750 billion won limit based on the progress of the business.Jung Seok-geun, head of the AI CIC, has been appointed as the first CEO of SK Hyper. He will also serve as the head of the AIDC Integration Promotion Team, overseeing the group's AIDC initiatives.SKT described this decision as a strategic response to the global competition in AI infrastructure. AIDC is considered a critical asset that underpins AI model training and inference, influencing national AI competitiveness. Demand for AIDC is expected to more than double by 2030 due to the expansion of AI inference services. Global consulting firm McKinsey has projected that global data center demand will grow at an annual rate of 19% to 22%.Competition is intensifying globally, with major U.S. tech companies ramping up investments in large-scale AI infrastructure, while China is accelerating its national AI infrastructure development through its 'East Data, West Computing' strategy. SKT aims to respond to this global competition by fully launching its AI infrastructure initiatives following the establishment of its dedicated AI data center subsidiary.Jung Seok-geun, CEO of SK Hyper, stated, "SK Hyper will play a crucial role in realizing SK Group's vision of an 'Asia AI Infrastructure Hub.' Through systematic and rapid execution, we will secure essential infrastructure and customers, contributing to South Korea's rise as a leading AI powerhouse." 2026-07-23 17:52:00
  • South Korea Advances Domestic Semiconductor Production for Defense
    South Korea Advances Domestic Semiconductor Production for Defense The South Korean government has outlined a plan to establish a self-sufficient ecosystem for defense semiconductors, which have historically relied heavily on foreign sources.According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the 'Strategy for Domestic Production and Industrial Ecosystem Development of Defense Semiconductors' was discussed at the 11th Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting held on July 23.The strategy includes plans to promote 'demand-oriented' development of defense semiconductors based on an investigation of weapon system supply chains and future weapon system development plans.Considering the complexities of international weapon system supply chains, the government aims to regularly survey and monitor supply structures to identify target defense semiconductors early. Additionally, it plans to assess the items, target performance, and required timing of semiconductors to be integrated with existing weapon system acquisition plans.The strategy also emphasizes the mandatory application of reliability testing and validation for defense semiconductors used in weapon systems, which will be supported by government initiatives. However, the specifics of mandating domestic defense semiconductors for weapon systems will be determined through consultations, as it may impact operational timelines.DAPA stated that it will proactively develop advanced semiconductor technologies that will be crucial in future battlefields to achieve self-sufficiency.Furthermore, the strategy includes establishing public-private collaborative fabs to support research and development (R&D) for the manufacturing and mass production of defense semiconductors, as well as designating and nurturing defense semiconductor businesses to cultivate specialized talent.In addition, the government plans to leverage domestic industry, academia, and research networks, along with international cooperation, to enhance the stability of the defense semiconductor supply chain and gradually improve technological competitiveness. Specifically, it aims to establish defense semiconductor research centers at universities and implement specialized master's and doctoral programs, along with government-to-government (G2G) technology cooperation.Currently, the reliance on foreign sources for defense semiconductors in South Korean weapon systems is reported to be as high as 99%. Concerns have been raised that fluctuations in international circumstances and disruptions in supply chains could hinder timely operational readiness of weapon systems.In response, the government has been operating a 'Defense Semiconductor Development Task Force' since October of last year, involving DAPA, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, to promote the enactment of a defense semiconductor law.The defense semiconductor law was passed by the Cabinet last month and is now being followed up with the establishment of enforcement decrees and regulations by DAPA.Lee Yong-cheol, head of DAPA, stated, “With the announcement of this strategy, we aim to quickly integrate the excellent capabilities of the private sector in advanced semiconductors into defense and create a strong virtuous cycle where defense R&D outcomes drive growth in the private sector.”He added, “We will focus all efforts on building a sustainable defense semiconductor ecosystem that encompasses the entire cycle from design to production, going beyond merely localizing individual components.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:48:00
  • Financial Unions Protest NH Bank Relocation Plans, Large Rally Set for August
    Financial Unions Protest NH Bank Relocation Plans, Large Rally Set for August As discussions intensify regarding the second phase of relocating public institutions, financial unions have initiated collective actions. Concerns are growing within the financial sector about weakened organizational competitiveness and talent loss. On July 23, the NH Nonghyup Financial Group branch of the National Financial Industry Labor Union, along with about 200 union members, held a "Stop the Relocation Rally" in front of the Sejong Government Complex. Speculation has arisen that the government plans to push forward with the second phase of relocating public institutions, prompting financial labor unions to take decisive action. President Lee Jae-myung, during a meeting marking his first anniversary in office, stated, "The first phase of public institution relocations resulted in a loss of concentration due to dispersion," emphasizing the need for further relocations. Financial authorities are expected to release guidelines for the relocation of public institutions as early as August or September. As part of this initiative, discussions are underway about relocating the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation to Naju and other subsidiaries, including NH Bank, to Busan. The union maintains that NH was established as a cooperative funded by farmers, asserting that the government cannot unilaterally decide on its relocation. They argue that the relocation costs, which could reach billions of won, would ultimately deplete resources meant to support farmers. They also noted that approximately 73% of the 70,000 employees across the NH group already work outside the capital region, warning that dispersing subsidiaries would diminish synergies. The NH branch plans to escalate its protests. On July 29, a large-scale rally is scheduled to take place in Gwanghwamun, with over 2,000 members from the central headquarters and IT sector participating to continue their fight against the relocation. Following NH's lead, other financial institutions are expected to join the protests, especially as there are indications that related agencies under the Financial Services Commission may also relocate to Sejong. Critics within the financial sector warn of significant adverse effects, including decreased morale and talent loss. For instance, the Industrial Bank of Korea typically sees an annual turnover of 30 to 40 employees, but this number surged to nearly 100 in 2022 and 2023 after rumors of a move to Busan became official. The financial union has completed the formation of a "Joint Task Force" with 14 branches, including the Industrial Bank of Korea, IBK Industrial Bank, Korea Export-Import Bank, Fisheries Cooperative, Credit Union, Forest Cooperative, and Saemaul Geumgo, and is continuing discussions with the government. Following the rally on July 23, they are considering a large-scale gathering in August that will involve all branches. Individual unions from financial public institutions, such as the Deposit Insurance Corporation, are also preparing for collective actions. A financial sector representative stated, "There may be an increase in turnover among employees who prefer to work in the capital region, and the competitiveness of new hires could weaken. It is essential to conduct thorough studies to determine whether there are actual effects of balanced regional development." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:48:00
  • Constitutional Court Rules Against Ban on Political Activities for Faculty Unions
    Constitutional Court Rules Against Ban on Political Activities for Faculty Unions The Constitutional Court has ruled that a provision in the teacher union law prohibiting political activities by labor unions composed of university professors and staff is unconstitutional.On July 23, the court announced its decision in a constitutional review of Article 3 of the teacher union law, with a 7-2 majority finding it violates the constitution.The National Professors' Union, the Korean Private University Professors' Union, and the A University Professors' Union filed a constitutional complaint in August and September 2020, arguing that the application of Article 3, which bans political activities, infringes on their freedom of political expression, freedom of assembly, general freedom of action, and equality rights, following the amendment of Article 2 of the teacher union law.Article 3 states, "No teacher union shall engage in any political activities." Article 2 was amended on June 9, 2020, to include professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and staff in the definition of teachers under the law.The court stated, "The provision in question treats university faculty unions unfairly compared to university faculty groups, lecturer groups, and general unions without reasonable justification, thus infringing on the claimants' equality rights."It further noted, "Individual university faculty members are already permitted to engage in strong forms of political activities such as joining political parties, running for office, and campaigning, and there is no separate comprehensive prohibition on university faculty groups formed by the same individuals. Therefore, it cannot be immediately concluded that the mere fact of forming a collective of the same university faculty members increases the risk to the political neutrality of education, nor can it be justified that a stronger ban on political activities is warranted simply because the collective is a union rather than a general organization."The court also explained, "General unions are fundamentally organizations that aim to maintain and improve working conditions and enhance the economic and social status of workers, and the law only denies union status in cases where the primary purpose is political activism, not prohibiting political activities from the outset."It emphasized, "The issue at hand concerns university faculty unions, not primary and secondary school teacher unions. University faculty educate adult students and conduct academic research as their essential duties, and the legal framework allows for political party membership and campaigning, unlike primary and secondary school teachers."However, Justices Kim Bok-hyung and Cho Han-chang expressed a dissenting opinion, stating, "The differences in purpose, nature, authority, and political and social influence between university faculty groups and university faculty unions mean that treating them differently under the provision in question cannot be deemed unreasonable discrimination."They added, "University faculty unions, established under the teacher union law to guarantee the rights to solidarity and collective bargaining for university faculty, generally possess much stronger cohesion and organizational power than university faculty groups. Therefore, allowing unrestricted political activities for university faculty unions could have a significantly greater and more serious impact on universities and society than for university faculty groups."They further noted, "Given the differences in the roles and statuses of university faculty unions compared to general unions, university faculty unions may be subject to more restrictions on political activities considering their unique position as educators and researchers in universities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:48:00
  • Weather Forecast: Rain in the Capital Region and Gangwon, Heat Continues in the South
    Weather Forecast: Rain in the Capital Region and Gangwon, Heat Continues in the South Rain is expected to continue in the central region on Friday, July 24.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on July 23, the capital region and Gangwon will be mostly cloudy, with rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms in some areas.Expected rainfall amounts are 30-80mm for the five western islands, 20-60mm for Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi, 20-60mm for inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, and 5-30mm for the eastern coast of Gangwon.In the Chungcheong and southern regions, the heat wave will persist, with showers forecasted in these areas starting in the afternoon.Forecasted rainfall amounts include 5-40mm for Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk, 5-40mm for Jeonbuk, 5-30mm for Gwangju and Jeonnam, and 5-40mm for inland and northeastern mountainous areas of Daegu and Gyeongbuk.Nationwide, morning low temperatures are expected to range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius, while afternoon highs will be between 28 and 38 degrees Celsius.Wave heights in the seas will be 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the East, West, and South Seas.In the offshore waters, wave heights are expected to be 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East and West Seas, and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the South Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:48:00
  • Alphabets Strong Performance Boosts Semiconductor Stocks Amid Anticipation for Tech Giants Earnings
    Alphabet's Strong Performance Boosts Semiconductor Stocks Amid Anticipation for Tech Giants' Earnings Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported better-than-expected earnings and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding artificial intelligence (AI) investments, leading to a rise in domestic semiconductor stocks. Market attention is shifting from AI semiconductor firms like NVIDIA to the earnings of major cloud companies such as Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. On July 23, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 7,096.89, up 299.19 points (4.40%) from the previous trading day. Foreign investors purchased a net 2.15 trillion won, and institutions bought a net 100.6 billion won, driving the index higher, while individual investors sold a net 2.22 trillion won. Samsung Electronics rose 3.65% to 270,000 won, and SK Hynix increased 4.86% to 191,900 won, contributing to the KOSPI's upward trend, influenced by Alphabet's strong performance. Alphabet reported second-quarter revenue of $119.8 billion, surpassing market expectations of $116.9 billion. Google Cloud, which benefits significantly from AI, saw its revenue increase by 82% year-over-year, exceeding market forecasts. Alphabet also confirmed its plans to expand AI investments, raising its capital expenditure (CapEx) forecast for the year from $180 billion to $190 billion to between $195 billion and $205 billion. The second-quarter CapEx reached $44.9 billion, double that of the same period last year. According to Hana Financial Investment, following Alphabet's earnings surprise, the average monthly stock returns for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix were 11% and 17%, respectively. In contrast, when earnings fell short of expectations, returns were only 2% and -3%. This performance is seen as a confirmation that the AI investment cycle is still ongoing, beyond just Alphabet's strong results. Although the recent AI semiconductor rally has slowed, concerns about whether expanded AI investments will translate into actual profits have grown. However, Alphabet's simultaneous presentation of cloud growth and increased AI infrastructure investment has alleviated some of these worries. Investors are closely watching the investment plans of hyperscalers, which are pouring significant funds into AI infrastructure. As these companies expand their investments in data centers and AI servers, demand for NVIDIA's GPUs is expected to continue, benefiting domestic semiconductor firms like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, which supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Attention is now turning to next week, with Microsoft and Meta set to report earnings on July 29, followed by Amazon on July 30. Key points of interest will include Microsoft's Azure growth rate and AI-related capital expenditures, Meta's expansion of AI infrastructure and the impact of AI on its advertising business, and Amazon's AWS growth and data center investment plans. The results from these tech giants are expected to be pivotal for both U.S. big tech and domestic AI semiconductor and data center stocks. KB Securities identified Samsung Electronics as the biggest beneficiary of Google's AI ecosystem, projecting that Google's AI investment will account for more than a quarter of total U.S. big tech investments this year. Samsung is estimated to supply 50% of Google's server memory and about 80% of HBM, indicating direct benefits from Google's expanded AI investments. Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, stated that Samsung Electronics is estimated to account for half of Google's server memory supply and about 80% of HBM supply, calling it the "biggest beneficiary of Google's AI ecosystem." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 17:40:00