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  • Lee Calls Real Estate a Major Challenge for South Korea, Warns of Japans Lost Decades
    Lee Calls Real Estate a Major Challenge for South Korea, Warns of Japan's Lost Decades 이재명 대통령은 23일 부동산 시장 안정 문제와 관련해 "대한민국의 최대 과제 중 하나"라며 해법에 대한 사회적 합의를 끌어내는 것이 중요하다고 강조했다.이 대통령은 이날 KBS별관에서 진행된 '부동산정책 국민 대토론회' 모두발언에서 "대한민국 국민의 자산 보유 현황을 보면 부동산이 가장 많다고 한다"며 이같이 말했다.특히 이 대통령은 "일본이 한때 가격이 계속 오르다 한계점에 이르러 풍선처럼 터졌고, '잃어버린 20년', '잃어버린 30년' 얘기도 나왔다"며 "사실은 우리도 그 정점을 향해 달리고 있지 않느냐는 걱정을 하는 분들도 꽤 있다"고 짚었다.이 대통령은 "모든 정권이 문제를 해결하기 위해 애를 써왔다"며 "묘하게도 국민들 사이에는 '어떤 유형의 정권이 들어서면 오르더라'는 인식이 진리처럼 인식되기 시작한 면도 있다"고 말했다.가격 결정 요인마다 정책적 시각이 엇갈리고 있다는 점도 언급했다.이 대통령은 "공급이 매우 중요한데, 문제는 어디서 어떻게 늘릴지가 마땅치 않다"며 "그린벨트를 풀려고 하면 인근 주민들은 왜 좋은 땅을 훼손하느냐며 반대한다"고 말했다.그러면서 "일부는 훼손해서라도 집을 짓자는 입장도 있고, 어쨌든 공급의 한계가 뚜렷하다"고 진단했다.이어 "조세 제도 역시 영향을 미치는데, 특정 영역에서 수요를 억제하거나 공급을 늘리기 위해 조세제도를 활용하는 건 원래 목적에서 벗어난 예외적 상황이긴 하다"며 "그래서 조세 제도를 통해 수요·공급에 관여하는 게 정당하느냐는 논쟁도 있을 수 있다"고 전했다.금융 정책에 대해서도 "금융기관 대출 여력은 국민들의 것이기에 금융은 반쯤 공적인 것"이라며 "누구에게 금융을 활용할 기회를 줄 거냐는 문제도 있다"고 했다.이 대통령은 "돈을 벌기 위해 집을 사는 데 금융을 활용하게 해줘야 한다는 의견도 있지만, 그렇게 되면 주거용이 아닌 투자·투기를 위해 금융을 활용하고 집값이 올라 국민이 피해를 보게 되기도 한다"고 말했다.또한 이 대통령은 준공업 지구 용도 변경을 통한 주택 공급과 관련해 "지금은 공장보다 첨단 연구개발 쪽이 중심이 돼가고 있어서 토지의 배치를 바꿔야 한다"며 "용도 변경을 하되 필요하면 그로 인해 생기는 과도한 이익은 일부를 환수하는, 공공기여를 하는 쪽에서 부담시키고 (용도를) 변경해서 주거로 전환하는 것을 검토해 보겠다"고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 "공공 영역에서 택지를 개발하거나 취득해서 주택을 공급할 때 임대로 할 거냐, 분양을 할 거냐, 임대와 분양을 소위 역세권을 기준으로 한다면 어디에 배치할 거냐, 이런 부분에 대해 사고의 전환이 필요하다는 생각은 하고 있다"고 말했다.이어 "25평, 30평 정도 되는 고품질의, 중산층도 거주할 수 있는, 장기적으로 임대하는 아파트를 역세권 중심으로 먼저 건설하고, 여기에 살다가 집을 사서 나갈 수도 있고, 다른 사람이 이용할 수도 있고, 이 방향으로 비중을 조절할 계획을 내부적으로 가지고 있다"고 전했다.이 대통령은 "본인의 주거를 꼭 취득하는 것도 중요하다. 존중해야 한다. 그러나 모두가 바로 그렇게 가기는 어렵다"라며 "주거 사다리가 필요한데 중산층도 입주할 수 있는 고품질의 공공 임대주택을 장기적으로 제공하는 것도 국가가 해야 할 중요한 역할"이라고 강조했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • Super Yen Weakness Poses Dual Challenges for South Korean Economy
    Super Yen Weakness Poses Dual Challenges for South Korean Economy The exchange rate of the yen against the dollar has surpassed 163 yen, reaching its highest level in 40 years since 1986. This rise in the exchange rate indicates a significant drop in the value of the yen, commonly referred to as a 'super yen weakness.' While this situation exacerbates import prices and household burdens in Japan, it also poses challenges for the South Korean economy. The depreciation of the yen diminishes the export competitiveness of South Korean companies and adds downward pressure on the value of the won.Recently, the won has also weakened against the dollar, but the yen is declining at a faster rate. Despite the lower value of the won, South Korean products are becoming less price-competitive compared to Japanese products. As South Korea imports crude oil, gas, and raw materials at high dollar prices, it must compete with Japanese companies benefiting from the yen's depreciation. This situation results in simultaneous cost burdens and weakened export competitiveness.South Korea and Japan compete in various sectors, including automobiles, steel, machinery, petrochemicals, as well as advanced manufacturing industries such as semiconductor equipment, batteries, robotics, and defense. If the yen's weakness persists, Japanese companies may lower their overseas selling prices or reinvest the increased profits from the exchange rate effects into research and development and facility investments. In contrast, South Korean companies may have to lower prices to maintain market share, sacrificing profitability in the process. Smaller export firms are likely to feel the impact more acutely.Some argue that the quality and technology of South Korean companies have improved, reducing the impact of yen depreciation compared to the past. However, in industries where price competition is crucial, such as automotive parts, machinery, and materials, exchange rate differences directly affect order competitiveness. If Japanese companies offer similar products at lower prices, the incentive for clients to choose South Korean firms diminishes.The yen's weakness also exerts downward pressure on the won. In international financial markets, the won and yen often move together as Asian currencies. If the yen continues to decline, foreign investors may increasingly sell the won, viewing it as a weak currency. In times of global financial market instability, the won's depreciation could worsen.While a further decline in the won could provide some benefits for exports, the losses may outweigh the gains. Rising import prices for crude oil, gas, and grains, along with increased costs for companies to procure foreign currency, could exacerbate the burden on living costs, making it even more challenging to recover from already sluggish consumer spending.The Bank of Korea's monetary policy becomes more complicated. While there may be a need to lower interest rates based on economic conditions and domestic demand, the depreciation of the won and rising import prices make it difficult to act hastily. Conversely, maintaining high interest rates for an extended period to defend the exchange rate increases the interest burden on households, self-employed individuals, and small businesses. The super yen weakness is narrowing South Korea's monetary policy options.The government should not solely focus on defending the exchange rate. Interventions in the foreign exchange market are merely temporary measures to prevent rapid fluctuations and do not address the underlying gaps in industrial competitiveness. It is essential to assess sectors heavily impacted by yen depreciation and expand foreign exchange fluctuation insurance and policy financing. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises with high import ratios of raw materials is also necessary.More importantly, companies must create structures that are less susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations. While Japanese companies invest the profits gained from yen depreciation into technology development and investment, South Korean firms should not be hindered by high interest rates, regulations, and sluggish domestic demand. If South Korean companies fail to enhance core technologies and productivity, the competitiveness gap will persist even after exchange rates normalize.The current exchange rate structure, where the won is weak but the yen is even weaker, presents the most challenging combination for South Korea. Import prices are rising while export competitiveness is declining, and exchange rate instability is constraining monetary policy. The super yen weakness should not be viewed as solely a Japanese issue; it must be recognized as a complex risk factor for the South Korean economy that requires proactive responses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • Hyundai AutoEver Union Gains Majority Membership Within Two Weeks of Formation
    Hyundai AutoEver Union Gains Majority Membership Within Two Weeks of Formation The Hyundai AutoEver labor union, which was established on July 8, has secured a majority of its members within just two weeks. With more than half of the company's employees joining, the union is expected to have increased influence in upcoming negotiations regarding wages and collective agreements.As of July 23, the union reported that its membership has exceeded 3,000. According to Hyundai AutoEver's semi-annual report submitted to the Financial Supervisory Service, the company had approximately 5,760 employees as of the end of March, meaning the union's membership represents more than half of the total workforce.Being recognized as a majority union allows it to secure representation in collective bargaining with the employer, giving it an advantage in negotiations over wages and working conditions.Analysts suggest that the rapid growth of the Hyundai AutoEver union is influenced by accumulated dissatisfaction within the company. At its inception, the union outlined key demands, including transparency in evaluation and compensation criteria, the establishment of objective evaluation standards, the necessity for labor-management agreements during system changes, and guarantees of job security based on trust in personnel management.Internal sources indicate that dissatisfaction among employees has increased due to organizational changes implemented since Ryu Seok-moon took over as CEO. Concerns have been raised about insufficient communication with existing staff during changes in work systems, development methods, and organizational direction. Ryu, who previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Socar, was appointed as CEO of Hyundai AutoEver in January.A Hyundai AutoEver insider stated, "It appears that a combination of factors, including average wage increase rates, changes in remote work policies, executive compensation controversies, and issues regarding the fairness of performance evaluations, have contributed to the situation."Hyundai AutoEver, an IT service company affiliated with the Hyundai Motor Group, has been regarded as having a stable organizational culture. However, there has been a growing interest among employees in performance-based compensation and organizational management practices, leading to a rise in union formation movements.Unionization efforts are also continuing in the system integration (SI) industry. Earlier, the Samsung SDS union gained majority membership shortly after its formation, drawing industry attention. A Hyundai AutoEver representative stated, "The company will comply with relevant laws and maintain communication in labor-management relations." 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • K-Content Captivates the World: A Need for Better Sales Strategies
    K-Content Captivates the World: A Need for Better Sales Strategies Netflix's performance in the first half of this year has reaffirmed the status of K-content. Korean productions such as 'Education Through Love,' 'Mr. Kim,' and 'The Wonderful World' have led global viewing rankings, contributing to an increase in Netflix's viewing hours and improved performance.According to Netflix's recently released '2026 First Half Viewing Report,' global viewing hours reached 97 billion. Non-English content accounted for more than one-third of total viewing, with Korean content representing the largest share.'Education Through Love' climbed to sixth place in the global rankings within a month of its release, while 'Mr. Kim' maintained the number one spot in the non-English TV category for three consecutive weeks, demonstrating the potential for simultaneous success between domestic broadcasters and global OTT platforms.K-content is now establishing itself as a key asset that influences the success of global platforms, moving beyond merely being popular overseas.Interestingly, Netflix's success formula is changing. In the past, follow-up seasons of proven series like 'Squid Game' and 'Stranger Things' drove platform growth, but in the first half of this year, new releases have taken the lead.New works such as 'Education Through Love' and 'Can This Love Be Translated?' are attracting global audiences, highlighting the creativity and planning capabilities of K-content once again.However, there is a growing call for further advancement. With K-content's competitiveness now proven, the future will depend not only on 'creating good content' but also on 'how long and in how many ways that content can be monetized.'In this context, the ownership structure of content is noteworthy. Most of the viewing of Korean content in the first half of the year came from licensed works owned by domestic broadcasters and production companies, rather than Netflix Originals.This indicates that a new ecosystem is forming where Korean production companies retain IP while distributing to the global market, rather than global OTTs absorbing Korean content.In fact, the economic impact of the content industry is also growing. According to the Korea Creative Content Agency, $1 million in content exports generates $5.7 million in domestic production and creates over 3,300 jobs.Content exports have now grown to become one of South Korea's top 12 export items, alongside secondary batteries and home appliances. The export of the broadcasting and video industry has nearly tripled over the past eight years, supporting the industrial status of K-content.Now, the challenge for the Korean content industry is clear. Rather than competing to increase the number of productions, it is becoming increasingly important to connect a single piece of content to various revenue streams. Strategies for IP expansion that lead to global OTT supply, seasonal production, spin-offs, overseas remakes, format sales, and secondary works such as webtoons and games are becoming essential.CJ ENM is securing overseas production capabilities through its global studio Fifth Season, and the number of Korean creators participating in international projects is on the rise, reflecting this trend.In a context of declining advertising markets and a shrinking broadcasting industry, global OTTs are no longer competitors to the domestic broadcasting industry. Instead, they are becoming the most realistic distribution networks for domestic producers to enter the global market and generate additional revenue.With the influence of K-content growing, what is needed now is not just to create more hit works but to establish a sustainable industrial structure that connects production, distribution, and secondary businesses around IP. Moving beyond 'well-made dramas' to create 'long-lasting profitable content' is expected to be a new growth avenue for the Korean broadcasting industry in the K-content era.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:04:00
  • U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Restrict Vehicle Sales from Adversarial Nations
    U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Restrict Vehicle Sales from Adversarial Nations The U.S. Senate is moving to tighten regulations on the entry of Chinese automotive companies into the American market.On July 22, the Senate Commerce Committee passed the "2026 Connected Vehicle Security Act," co-sponsored by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, according to Reuters and other sources.The bill prohibits the import, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles and related software and hardware linked to adversarial nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Specifically, it bans the sale of vehicles produced by companies where entities from adversarial nations hold more than 15% of shares, voting rights, or board seats.If enacted, companies with significant Chinese investment, such as Polestar, an electric vehicle manufacturer owned by Geely Automobile Group, are expected to be the first affected. Polestar may face sales restrictions in the U.S. starting with its 2027 model year.Volvo, which is majority-owned by Geely, has reportedly been granted permission to continue operations in the U.S. but must demonstrate that all its models comply with the new regulations.Concerns have also been raised that Mercedes-Benz, which has about 20% of its shares held by Chinese investors, could fall under these regulations. Although the Chinese investment is largely passive and unrelated to management control, applying the bill's ownership criteria could lead to a ban on vehicle sales in the U.S.Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, warned that if the bill is implemented without amendments, it could result in the unexpected outcome of Mercedes-Benz being forced out of the U.S. market.In response, Senator Moreno explained that Mercedes-Benz would be granted a grace period until 2030 to comply with the regulations and could seek exemptions if necessary.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:00:00
  • Rising Interest Rates Chill Small Business Investment Sentiment
    Rising Interest Rates Chill Small Business Investment Sentiment As high interest rates and economic sluggishness persist, small business investment sentiment is cooling. Companies are increasingly postponing capital investments due to rising funding burdens and declining sales and orders. According to the financial sector on July 23, the balance of asset-backed loans from the five major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) stood at 785.6 billion won at the end of the first quarter of this year, a decrease of 11.2% from 885 billion won in the same period last year. This marks a continuous decline since reaching 1.043 trillion won in the fourth quarter of 2023. In contrast, other types of secured loans, such as those backed by real estate, securities, and deposits, have recently shown an upward trend. Asset-backed loans are financial products that allow businesses to borrow funds using machinery, equipment, raw materials, and inventory as collateral. These loans are primarily utilized by small businesses that lack sufficient real estate to secure funding for production facilities or operational capital. The decline in asset-backed loans is seen by the financial sector as a signal of reduced demand for facility funding among small businesses. Typically, an increase in capital investment leads to a rise in loans secured by machinery and equipment. However, recent economic uncertainties and high financing costs have led more companies to delay their investment plans. Business sentiment remains bleak. According to the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Small Business Health Index (SBHI) for July fell by 1.4 points to 78.2. A reading below the baseline of 100 indicates that more businesses view the economic outlook negatively than positively. Small businesses cite poor sales, rising raw material prices, and intensified competition as their main operational challenges. Additionally, the ongoing monetary tightening has increased funding costs, further diminishing their capacity to invest in new facilities. In fact, the growth rate of small business sales last year was 3.1%, down 1.1 percentage points from the previous year. Although the interest coverage ratio showed slight improvement, it remains in negative territory, indicating that many businesses are unable to cover interest expenses with their operating income. With weakened profitability, struggling companies are forced to prioritize using their cash flow to cover existing loan interest and operating expenses. This reduces their ability to acquire new equipment or expand production capacity, leading to a further decline in demand for asset-backed loans. A banking sector official stated, “In a situation where sales and new orders are sluggish, businesses see little need to expand production facilities. The combination of high interest rates, domestic sluggishness, and exchange rate pressures is causing more small businesses to delay importing equipment from abroad.” 2026-07-23 15:00:00
  • Hyundai Motors Q2 operating profit falls 21% despite record sales
    Hyundai Motor's Q2 operating profit falls 21% despite record sales SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) — Hyundai Motor, South Korea's largest automaker, suffered 20-percent dip in second-quarter operating profit even as quarterly revenue hit a record high, as weaker sales volume, higher costs, and an unfavorable product mix outweighed favorable currency effects. Operating profit for the April-June period came in at 2.851 trillion won, down 20.8 percent from a year earlier and slightly below market consensus, though up 13.4 percent from the first quarter. The operating margin narrowed to 5.8 percent from 7.5 percent a year earlier but improved from 5.5 percent in the first quarter. The year-on-year decline was driven mainly by weaker sales volume, which cut operating profit by 542 billion won, and the combined effect of product mix and incentives, which reduced it by a further 570 billion won. Favorable currency effects partially offset the pressure, adding 238 billion won, while the financial services division contributed an additional 106 billion won. The U.S. dollar rose around 3 percent against a year-ago period to average around 1,500 won in the second quarter. Revenue totaled 49.215 trillion won, a record for a single quarter, up 1.9 percent from a year earlier and 7.1 percent from the previous quarter. Currency effects added 2.571 trillion won to revenue, while lower sales volume and an unfavorable mix subtracted 2.246 trillion won and 1.101 trillion won, respectively. Net income fell 11.1 percent from a year earlier to 2.888 trillion won, though it rose 11.7 percent from the first quarter. Profit before tax declined 16.9 percent on-year to 3.646 trillion won. Global wholesale shipments fell 6.9 percent from a year earlier to 992,000 vehicles, while retail sales dropped 4.2 percent to 999,000 units, as steep declines in China weighed on an otherwise mixed regional performance. In the United States, Hyundai's largest market, wholesale shipments rose 0.9 percent to 265,000 vehicles even as industry-wide demand was nearly flat. Its market share increased 0.2 percentage point from a year earlier, remaining above 6 percent for a fifth consecutive quarter. European wholesale volume fell 10.9 percent to 144,000 vehicles amid intensifying competition, geopolitical risks and major model launches scheduled for the second half, including the Tucson and Ioniq 3. Domestic wholesale sales dropped 16.4 percent to 158,000 vehicles amid a parts-supply disruption. Sales in China tumbled 36.9 percent to 19,000 vehicles, while wholesale volume in India rose 5.4 percent to 139,000 vehicles. Hybrid vehicles accounted for a record 18.9 percent of Hyundai's global wholesale volume during the quarter, with the hybrid share of U.S. sales reaching an all-time high of 26.2 percent. 2026-07-23 14:57:40
  • U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement Signals Shift in Nuclear Policy
    U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement Signals Shift in Nuclear Policy The United States is showing signs of a shift in its nuclear policy. On July 22, the Trump administration signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. While specific details remain undisclosed, reports indicate that the agreement allows for uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel under certain conditions, including participation from U.S. companies. Historically, the U.S. has maintained a conservative stance on allowing uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing, citing the need to uphold the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This marks a departure from principles the U.S. has previously established.The context is clear. As the U.S. struggles to find a breakthrough in its conflict with Iran, it seeks to contain Iran's influence while also countering the growing power of China and Russia. By securing a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, the U.S. aims to solidify its strategic alliance with the kingdom. The decision to proceed with the agreement, despite concerns over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia's pursuit of regional dominance, suggests that the U.S. is prioritizing strategic interests over non-proliferation principles.This development has significant implications for South Korea. If the U.S. can adjust its nuclear policy based on strategic interests, South Korea, which has maintained a strong alliance with the U.S. for over 70 years, should also be able to engage more actively in discussions regarding uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing. Moreover, with China identified as the U.S.'s primary strategic competitor, South Korea, a key ally in the Indo-Pacific strategy, stands at the forefront of efforts to counter China. If the U.S. can enter into a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to contain Iran, there is no reason it cannot advance nuclear cooperation with South Korea.South Korea has faithfully adhered to the NPT and has undergone the most stringent inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It also possesses world-class technology in nuclear power construction and operation. The successful completion of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and recognition of its competitiveness in European markets, such as the Czech Republic, highlight its capabilities. However, the authority over uranium enrichment and reprocessing, which are critical to the nuclear fuel cycle, remains constrained by the U.S.-South Korea nuclear agreement. This limitation on managing nuclear fuel independently while exporting nuclear power plants poses clear challenges to the competitiveness of the nuclear industry and energy security. Most importantly, the issue of spent nuclear fuel is a national challenge that can no longer be postponed. Domestic storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel are nearing capacity, and the problem will only worsen as the nuclear power expansion policy continues.This year, President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron identified nuclear energy as a core area of strategic cooperation during their summit. They agreed to expand collaboration across the nuclear sector, including next-generation reactors and nuclear fuel. Cooperation with France, which possesses some of the world's leading nuclear technology, could enhance the competitiveness of South Korea's nuclear industry. However, if the constraints of the U.S.-South Korea nuclear agreement remain in place, practical applications will inevitably be limited.In this context, President Lee's visit to the U.S. starting July 24 could mark a significant turning point. Notably, President Trump opened the door to new possibilities for nuclear cooperation by allowing South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines last year. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the potential for further development of the U.S.-South Korea nuclear agreement, including rights for uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing, during this visit.The nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia has demonstrated that the U.S. can adjust its existing principles when strategic needs arise. Thus, the same standards should apply to South Korea, a key ally in Asia. It is hoped that this visit to the U.S. will serve as a turning point in enhancing South Korea's nuclear capabilities. 2026-07-23 14:56:00
  • Seoul Land Prices Rose 2.32% in First Half of 2026, Double the National Average
    Seoul Land Prices Rose 2.32% in First Half of 2026, Double the National Average In the first half of 2026, land prices in Seoul saw the largest increase in the country, as the overall national land price growth slightly expanded. The volume of land transactions also increased compared to the second half of last year, indicating a modest recovery in market activity.According to a report released on July 23 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Real Estate Agency, national land prices rose by 1.22% in the first half of this year. This marks an increase of 0.03 percentage points from the 1.19% recorded in the second half of last year and a 0.17 percentage point rise from the 1.05% seen in the first half of last year.In terms of quarterly performance, the national land price change rate for the second quarter of this year was 0.63%, up 0.05 percentage points from 0.58% in the first quarter. Compared to the same period last year, which saw a 0.55% increase, this represents a growth of 0.08 percentage points.Regionally, there remains a disparity between the metropolitan area and other regions. Land prices in the metropolitan area increased from 1.66% in the second half of last year to 1.69% in the first half of this year, while prices in other regions remained stable at 0.38%.By city, Seoul's land prices surged by 2.32%, significantly exceeding the national average and marking the highest increase among the 17 cities and provinces. Following Seoul were Daejeon at 0.80%, Incheon at 0.67%, and Busan at 0.61%.Within Seoul, the Gangnam area and key business and development zones showed particularly strong price increases. Among the districts, Gangnam-gu recorded the highest rise at 2.99%, followed by Yongsan-gu at 2.88% and Seongdong-gu at 2.69%. Out of 255 cities, counties, and districts nationwide, 37 exceeded the national average increase.In terms of land use, commercial areas saw the highest increase at 1.50%. Residential areas rose by 1.44%, industrial areas by 1.07%, and green spaces by 0.74%. For land usage, commercial land increased by 1.42%, while residential land rose by 1.38%.Land transactions also saw an uptick. In the first half of this year, the total number of land transactions, including those for building sites, reached 945,084, covering an area of 574.2 square kilometers. This represents a 2.2% increase from the second half of last year and a 4.2% increase from the first half of last year.Excluding transactions for building sites, the pure land transaction volume was 298,071. This is a 1.5% increase compared to the second half of last year, but a 3.3% decrease from the first half of last year.By city, Sejong saw the largest increase in total land transactions at 42.2%, followed by Jeonbuk at 10.8%. Among the 17 cities and provinces, 10 experienced an increase in transaction volume, while 7 saw a decline. In terms of pure land transactions, Sejong increased by 30.4%, and Seoul by 17.5%, with 6 cities showing growth while 11 experienced declines.By land use, transactions in agricultural and forestry areas increased by 26.9%, the largest growth. In terms of land type, rice paddy transactions rose by 19.9%, while industrial land transactions increased by 5.2%. Conversely, unspecified land types saw a decrease of 21.8%, forest land by 9.4%, and other buildings by 12.1%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 14:52:00
  • Bodyfriend Sees Surge in 2030 Generation Customers with 94% Increase in 20s Contracts
    Bodyfriend Sees Surge in 2030 Generation Customers with 94% Increase in 20s Contracts Bodyfriend has reported a significant increase in customers from the 2030 generation in its first-half sales results.On July 23, Bodyfriend announced that the total number of contracts increased by 16.2% compared to the same period last year. The rise in rental contracts among customers in their 20s (+93.7%) and 30s (+4.3%) has driven overall performance, building on existing demand from middle-aged and older consumers.Notably, both the number of rental contracts and revenue from customers in their 20s surged by 82.8%. A representative from Bodyfriend stated, "This reflects the younger generation's trend of self-investment and their high acceptance of the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics."The best-selling product across all age groups was the medical device 'Medical Pharaoh,' followed by healthcare robots like 'Falcon N,' which together accounted for about 75% of total sales. Among customers in their 20s, the proportion of entry-level models like the 'Falcon' series, which had been dominant until last year, has shifted. In the first half of this year, they contracted the medical device 'Medical Pharaoh' (15%) more than 'Falcon N' (14%), indicating a broader range of product choices.Additionally, Bodyfriend ranked first among healthcare brands in the '2026 Q2 Top 100 Brands in Korea' survey conducted by Brandstock.A Bodyfriend official commented, "The new features of Bodyfriend's AI healthcare robots and medical devices have lowered the age entry barriers for the brand. In the second half of the year, we will focus on expanding our customer base, including the younger demographic, through upgraded new products that actively respond to new technologies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 14:52:00