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  • Iran Proposes 10-Day Ceasefire to U.S. Amid Ongoing Airstrikes
    Iran Proposes 10-Day Ceasefire to U.S. Amid Ongoing Airstrikes Iran has reportedly proposed a 10-day ceasefire to the United States amid ongoing airstrikes. However, the U.S. insists that a minimum agreement ensuring the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz must precede any ceasefire, indicating that negotiations may face challenges.The Jerusalem Post reported on July 21, citing two sources familiar with the negotiations, that the 10-day ceasefire proposal conveyed to the U.S. by mediating countries originated from Iran.High-ranking officials from Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan are reportedly shuttling between the U.S. and Iran to negotiate additional conditions based on Iran's proposal.Earlier, Reuters quoted a senior Iranian official stating that Iran is reviewing a 10-day ceasefire proposal received from the mediators. According to the Jerusalem Post, this indicates that the mediators did not independently create the proposal; rather, Iran initiated the ceasefire idea, which was then communicated to the U.S.The ceasefire proposal reportedly calls for both sides to halt attacks for 10 days while discussing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during that period.The mediators have also suggested an 'intermediate route' that would allow commercial vessels to safely transit between the waters of Oman and Iran. This plan aims to avoid clashes between the U.S. and Iran over control of the strait.However, the U.S. believes that a 10-day ceasefire alone is insufficient. According to the Jerusalem Post, the U.S. is demanding a longer ceasefire and insists that a minimum agreement on ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be reached before the ceasefire takes effect.While specific passage conditions can be negotiated during the ceasefire, the U.S. emphasizes the need to establish basic principles that guarantee the safe operation of vessels. The U.S. has long demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels and ensure free and safe passage without additional tolls.Within the Trump administration, there is a strong sentiment against accepting Iran's proposed conditions outright. A U.S. government official stated that President Donald Trump is focused on holding Iran accountable for its violations of agreements and the recent deaths of U.S. troops, suggesting that military operations may continue for the time being.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:04:00
  • Landslide Alerts Issued in Anseong and Pyeongtaek as Heavy Rain Falls
    Landslide Alerts Issued in Anseong and Pyeongtaek as Heavy Rain Falls Authorities issued landslide alerts for Anseong and Pyeongtaek on July 22 around 6 a.m.According to Yonhap News, Anseong received a landslide warning, while Pyeongtaek was placed under a landslide advisory.As of 7 a.m. on the same day, Anseong recorded a cumulative rainfall of 149.5 mm, while Pyeongtaek reported 175.5 mm.In Anseong, 56.0 mm of rain fell between 2:28 a.m. and 3:28 a.m.Meanwhile, as of 5 a.m., forecasts indicated that additional rainfall would range from 20 to 80 mm in Chungcheong, with some areas in northern Chungnam, central Chungbuk, and northern Chungbuk expected to receive over 100 mm. Southern Gyeonggi, inland areas of central and southern Gangwon, and central and northern inland areas of Gyeongbuk were expected to see 20 to 60 mm, with southern inland areas of Gangwon possibly exceeding 80 mm. Western Jeonbuk was forecasted to receive between 10 and 60 mm.In addition to southern Gyeonggi, other regions including northern inland areas of Gangwon, eastern Jeonbuk, Daegu, central coastal areas of Gyeongbuk, northern coastal areas of Gyeongbuk, southern inland areas of Gyeongbuk, southern coastal areas of Gyeongbuk, and western inland areas of Gyeongnam were expected to see 5 to 40 mm of rain. The eastern coast of Gangwon, Gwangju, and Jeonnam were forecasted to receive 5 to 30 mm, while the five islands in the Yellow Sea were expected to see 5 to 20 mm, and Jeju was anticipated to receive around 5 mm.Heatwave warnings are expected to continue, particularly in the southern coast of Gangwon and regions south of Chungcheong, with the perceived temperatures reaching around 33 degrees Celsius. Some areas in these regions may see temperatures soar to around 35 degrees Celsius.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:04:00
  • Can a bigger World Cup keep its luster?
    Can a bigger World Cup keep its luster? SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - The World Cup has never been just about football. It has been a global stage where countries show off their sporting power, shape their national image and increasingly compete for influence and economic gain. That is why FIFA's consideration of expanding the quadrennial tournament to 64 teams in 2030 has sparked a debate that goes far beyond simply adding more matches or making the event bigger. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has argued that a larger World Cup would make the tournament more inclusive by allowing more countries to dream of reaching the biggest stage in the world's most popular sport. After this year's World Cup, which expanded from 32 to 48 teams and wrapped up last week, Infantino called the new format a success, pointing to the stronger performances of teams from regions such as Africa. But critics see a different picture. They worry that another expansion, coming so soon after the latest increase, could erode the prestige of the World Cup, reduce the importance of qualifying matches and transform the competition into something closer to a global festival than a top-level sporting competition. At the center of these debates is a simple question: Is FIFA trying to grow the sport or is it trying to grow its profits? Football is no longer dominated solely by Europe and South America. Countries from Africa, Asia and other regions have invested heavily in nurturing the sport, with more teams now capable of competing on the international stage. A larger World Cup would give these countries more chances to gain experience, attract investment, and inspire young players. For some, just reaching the tournament is enough to reshape the sport at home. But every change often comes with a cost, and the World Cup's appeal has always come from being exclusive. The challenge of qualifying is part of what makes the tournament so exciting and valuable. Critics say that allowing more than a quarter of FIFA's members to reach the tournament stages could make qualifying feel less meaningful. European football powerhouses have been among the fiercest critics of the move. They argue that expanding the tournament would lower the quality of matches and diminish the importance of the qualification process. Meanwhile, players, coaches and fans alike worry that additional fixtures will only lengthen the schedule without enhancing the spectacle. FIFA's latest move appears to be driven in part by financial considerations that it cannot ignore. A larger World Cup means more matches, more broadcasting rights, more sponsorship opportunities and more revenue. FIFA has previously faced similar criticism over ideas such as holding the World Cup every two years, which many saw as commercial attempts to simply increase income. It has also revived speculation about China, one of the world's largest economies and a major potential market for global sports. Despite its vast population and significant investment in football, China has not qualified for the World Cup since its lone appearance in 2002. If the World Cup grows to 64 teams, Asia would likely get more berths, which could improve China's chances of qualifying for the tournament. This has led some observers to wonder whether FIFA's plan is partly aimed at tapping into China's huge commercial market. There is no evidence, however, that FIFA is expanding the tournament specifically to benefit China. In fact, even a larger Asian quota would not guarantee China a place. The Chinese national team remains behind several Asian rivals including Australia, Japan, South Korea and emerging teams from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Still, the suspicion reflects a broader concern that football's governing body is increasingly prioritizing commercial interests over sporting principles. FIFA now faces a fundamental question over whether the tournament's expansion from 24 teams in 1998 to 32, then 48 this year and potentially 64 four years later reflects the natural evolution of a truly global sport or whether it risks undermining the qualities that make the World Cup special. A bigger World Cup may create more opportunities and inspire more dreams, but FIFA must also reckon with the risk of turning it into a tournament in which every match matters just a little less. The challenge is not simply making space for more teams but preserving the qualities that have made the World Cup more than just a football tournament for decades. 2026-07-22 09:00:54
  • NH Nonghyup Card Expands Mobile Card Offerings to 58 Types
    NH Nonghyup Card Expands Mobile Card Offerings to 58 Types NH Nonghyup Card has significantly expanded its mobile card offerings, allowing users to access services without a physical card, as part of its efforts to enhance digital payment services.On July 22, NH Nonghyup Card announced that it will increase its 'virtual mobile card' offerings from three to 58 types. The service will provide a one-stop solution, enabling users to handle everything from application to issuance, app card registration, and payment all through their mobile devices.When obtaining a credit card solely through mobile, the basic annual fee will be waived. However, some benefits exclusive to physical cards will not be available.An NH Nonghyup Card representative stated, "In line with the financial trend of mobile convenience payments becoming mainstream, we have significantly enhanced our mobile-only lineup to broaden customer choices and reduce annual fee burdens. We will continue to introduce services that support valuable consumption through customer-centered digital financial innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:00:00
  • SK Selects Nine Social Ventures for Impact Booster Program
    SK Selects Nine Social Ventures for Impact Booster Program SK has selected nine companies to participate in its social venture development program, the 'SK Impact Booster.'On July 21, SK's social enterprise, Happy Narae, held an orientation at the SK Serin Building in Jongno, Seoul, for the selected companies, announcing the start of business collaboration and growth support.Launched in May, the SK Impact Booster program aims to discover social ventures that address social issues while pursuing profitability, providing opportunities for collaboration with SK member companies and business support funds. It targets social ventures that have moved beyond the startup phase and are in a growth stage.The selected companies will receive 10 million won in business support, up to 60 million won for proof of concept (PoC) funding when collaborating with SK member companies, expert mentoring in various fields, and connections for legal, public relations, and investment support.More than 300 social ventures applied for the program, which closed on June 3. SK evaluated the applicants through a three-stage process, including expert document review, assessments by SK member company departments, and interviews, ultimately selecting nine companies based on their growth potential and synergy with SK member companies.The final selected companies are Deeping Sauce, Starstech, Aim Intelligence, Entz, NT, All Do One, Jaclyn, TerraCl, and First Lab.Representatives from SK Hynix, SK Telecom, SK Innovation, SK Eco Plant, and SK Discovery attended the orientation.During one-on-one meetings, the selected companies and SK member representatives shared technology and business information and discussed the direction of the proof of concept projects.SK plans to connect the business needs of its member companies with the technologies of the selected firms to develop collaborative projects in areas such as AI implementation, carbon reduction, resource recycling, and the removal of harmful substances in industrial settings.Jo Min-young, head of the SV Innovation Division at Happy Narae, stated, "We will connect the selected companies with SK member companies to ensure they receive the business collaboration and funding support they need at this growth stage."Happy Narae, established by SK, is a social enterprise that uses all its profits to create social value. It operates projects to support social venture development, assist children in need, and expand market access for social enterprises.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:56:00
  • Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Hanamaterials Amid Semiconductor Recovery
    Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Hanamaterials Amid Semiconductor Recovery Shinhan Investment Corp. raised its target price for Hanamaterials from 58,000 won to 83,000 won on July 22, citing expectations for increased demand for key components and improved profitability due to a recovery in the semiconductor market. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Analyst Oh Gang-ho stated, "With the semiconductor market improving, demand for key components such as silicon carbide (SiC) and rings is expected to rise, making 2026 a year of performance growth. Given the growth trend demonstrated in the first quarter, we anticipate entering a phase of stair-step growth."He added, "The strength of the semiconductor components is closely tied to the operational rates and capital investments of our clients, and we expect profitability to improve based on the competitiveness of products like silicon (Si) and SiC."Oh noted that first-quarter sales increased by 59% year-on-year, while operating profit surged by 144%. He estimates that second-quarter operating profit will reach 23.4 billion won, a 176% increase compared to the same period last year. "Considering the performance trends, expectations for stair-step growth are expanding," he said.He also mentioned that the operational rate for silicon components rose from 56% in the first quarter of last year to 80% in the first quarter of this year, and is expected to reach 85-90% in the second half of the year. "Given the product upgrades and expanding demand, there are sufficient expectations for capacity expansion," he analyzed.Furthermore, he projected that operating profit for 2026 will reach 94.4 billion won, an 89% increase from the previous year, raising the previous estimate by 32%. He anticipates that increased demand and improved operational rates due to the recovery in NAND and DRAM semiconductor markets will drive performance growth.He added, "The price-to-earnings ratio (PER) based on expected performance in 2026 is 14 times, which is below the historical average of 16.6 times. As the growth potential for 2026 becomes more apparent, we expect an increase in stock price levels."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:52:00
  • Korean Users Exceed 2 Billion Executions of Generative AI Apps, Up 1206% from Two Years Ago
    Korean Users Exceed 2 Billion Executions of Generative AI Apps, Up 1206% from Two Years Ago Last month, the number of times South Koreans executed major generative artificial intelligence (AI) apps surpassed 2 billion.According to WiseApp Retail, a market and competitor analysis solution based on real-time app and payment data, the total executions of key generative AI apps, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, GrokAI, A-dot, and Luton, reached 2.083 billion. This marks a 1206.5% increase compared to 159 million executions in the same month two years ago. Compared to 1.493 billion executions in the same month last year, this represents a 39.5% rise.Last month, the installation rate of major generative AI apps was reported at 89.1%, indicating that nine out of ten smartphone users in Korea have installed at least one of these apps. This is an increase of about 20 percentage points from 69.3% in the same month last year.Meanwhile, ChatGPT was recorded as the fastest-growing mobile app in the first half of this year, with an average of 9.86 million more users per month compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:52:00
  • NewJeans Sparks Mixed Reactions with Latest Comeback Photos
    NewJeans Sparks Mixed Reactions with Latest Comeback Photos The group NewJeans has generated buzz by releasing new group and individual photos through their official channels. However, online reactions have been sharply divided, with many recalling past controversies rather than celebrating the comeback.On July 22, NewJeans shared personal and group photos, along with videos, on their official YouTube and Instagram accounts.The released images feature Hani, Haerin, and Hyein, while notably including Minji, whose status had been uncertain until now.This content was reportedly released to commemorate the group's fourth anniversary, but some interpret it as a signal of their return to activities.Since last year, NewJeans has been embroiled in disputes with their agency, ADOR, over contract issues. Hani, Haerin, and Hyein have confirmed their return to ADOR, while Minji joined the recent content after negotiations. In contrast, Danielle continues to engage in legal disputes with ADOR after leaving the group.Despite the discussions around a potential return, public sentiment has shifted significantly. Notably, Minji's statement during a press conference, "Did you understand?" along with Hani's emotional appearance at a national audit and her criticisms of the K-pop industry in international interviews, have led to backlash. Critics have pointed out, "After all the criticism, are they just coming back to make money in K-pop?"In female online communities, there are relatively more supportive voices for the comeback. Users have commented, "Celebrities who have committed crimes return and thrive, so why be harsh on young female idols?" and "I’m happy to see a group I supported return after a long time... I hope they do well," while others expressed mixed feelings, saying, "I missed NewJeans, but it feels a bit empty."However, negative opinions also surfaced in the same communities. Comments included, "I’ll be hearing 'Did you understand?' forever; they’re just pretty faces making money," and "They’re pretty, but it’s frustrating to think about their past criticisms of K-pop and the national audit. I have mixed feelings," and "I don’t think Hani looks the same anymore..."Conversely, negative sentiment was much stronger in male communities. Comments included, "Finally crawling back with a thick skin," and "At least apologize before coming back. They’ll run into people everywhere," and "They criticized K-pop and are now returning," along with remarks like, "They still haven’t disbanded," and "They’re just reverting to their previous cheerful image, but now all I can think of is their harsh reputation," and "The industry is doing fine without them. There are plenty of alternatives, so why bother?"Nonetheless, some users still see high potential for success. One user noted, "Their fandom is so large that they could easily achieve number one on music charts, but I’m not sure if they’ll be invited to web entertainment or talk shows. Honestly, I think someone will reach out, but I’m curious where they’ll start."NewJeans has once again become the center of attention with the release of their official content after a long hiatus. However, the lingering effects of their disputes have resulted in a mixed public response regarding their future activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:44:00
  • Kiwoom Securities Raises Lotte Rentals Target Price by 9.8% Amid Growth in Used Car Rentals
    Kiwoom Securities Raises Lotte Rental's Target Price by 9.8% Amid Growth in Used Car Rentals Kiwoom Securities announced on July 22 that it has raised its target price for Lotte Rental from 41,000 won to 45,000 won, an increase of 9.8%, citing the growth of the used car long-term rental business as a factor for stable profitability. The investment recommendation remains a 'buy.'Shin Yoon-cheol, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, evaluated that Lotte Rental has been acting as a defensive stock amid market volatility. He noted, "In the past month, the stock price has risen by 27.7%, contrasting sharply with the 26.0% decline in the KOSPI during the same period," and added, "This trend is expected to continue until Lotte Rental prioritizes aggressive growth over profitability improvement." Kiwoom Securities forecasts that Lotte Rental will report second-quarter revenues of 771.6 billion won and operating profit of 86.5 billion won, reflecting year-on-year growth of 3.0% and 12.1%, respectively, in line with market consensus.By business segment, the long-term used car rental is expected to drive performance. The success rate of contracts for long-term used car rentals listed online exceeded 90%, indicating a high inventory turnover rate. Instead of reducing the volume of used cars sold, the company is utilizing them as long-term rental vehicles, which has led to a rapid increase in rental cars. Shin stated, "Lotte Rental has structurally secured an operating profit margin of around 11%." In contrast, the car-sharing service 'G car' has been negatively impacted by rising fuel prices. Due to the business structure where the company bears fuel costs, it has been challenging to reduce losses. To achieve its goal of a 50% reduction in operating losses this year, a system that periodically links fuel costs to rental fees is necessary, according to the analysis.Kiwoom Securities also sees the potential for a new phase in the major shareholder change process. Lotte Group is currently conducting due diligence related to a stake sale with TPG, and given that a previous acquisition by Affinity PE was thwarted by the Fair Trade Commission's prohibition on corporate mergers, it is likely that alternative methods such as a public buyout will be pursued for management control.Shin remarked, "For Lotte Rental's management to pursue more aggressive stock price support and growth, the prolonged major shareholder change needs to be resolved first. Currently, the management is focused on financial soundness and profitability, which highlights its defensive appeal in a downturn, but it may be relatively neglected in a market upturn." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:44:00
  • Kim Min-seok: Predictions of Lee Jae-myungs Government Failure Will Fail
    Kim Min-seok: Predictions of Lee Jae-myung's Government Failure Will Fail Kim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, stated on July 22 that "predictions of the failure of the Lee Jae-myung government will also fail." This comment was a direct criticism of author Yu Si-min's remarks regarding the failure theory.In a Facebook post, Kim asserted, "The Lee Jae-myung government will succeed," adding, "Just like the erroneous predictions about former President Kim Dae-jung's failure." He emphasized, "Words like 'failure' and 'rotten smell' do not exist in the language of comrades or the perspective of affection," and criticized those who distort and manipulate the president's voice and sincerity, stating that such politics has lost restraint and dignity.Additionally, he promised, "We will overcome factionalism, divisive tendencies, and the challenges posed by Shincheonji, and we will desperately revive the nation from Honam to Yeongnam." Regarding allegations of Shincheonji involvement, he stated, "The Democratic Party will resolve issues of dual party membership and eliminate suspicions of ghost party members," and encouraged other parties to conduct their own self-regulation.Kim concluded, "With a sense of responsibility that does not shy away from the mud, we will continue to pave the way for the future of the party, government, and nation," asserting that the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party will ultimately prevail.Meanwhile, Yu Si-min appeared on the YouTube channel 'Choi Wook's Maebul Show' on July 15, where he stated, "President Lee is heading down the path of inevitable failure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:44:00