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  • Bodyfriend Ranks 25th in South Koreas Top 100 Brands for Q2 2026
    Bodyfriend Ranks 25th in South Korea's Top 100 Brands for Q2 2026 Bodyfriend announced that it ranked 25th in the 'Top 100 Brands in South Korea for Q2 2026,' as released by Brandstock on July 20.Since first entering the 'Top 100 Brands in South Korea' in 2016, Bodyfriend has consistently made the list each year. In the second quarter of this year, it was also recognized as the top healthcare brand.The company attributes its success to its unique brand competitiveness, developed through over a decade of consistent research and development in robotics technology.Bodyfriend showcased the pinnacle of healthcare robotics with the launch of its wearable AI healthcare robot, the 733, in March. This model not only features advanced free movement but also introduces AI-driven functionalities. It analyzes users' physical information, such as age and gender, as well as their birth date to suggest personalized massage programs based on their astrological traits.The export of robotics technology embedded in the AI healthcare robot has also shown steady growth. In 2025, overseas performance, including technology exports, more than doubled compared to the previous year, and this growth trend continued into the first quarter, with overall overseas performance increasing by 104% and U.S. sales rising nearly fivefold year-over-year.Earlier, Bodyfriend was also recognized in April as one of the 'Top 100 Brands in South Korea for Q1 2026.'A representative from Bodyfriend stated, "We will continue to establish ourselves as a brand that extends consumers' healthy lifespan by 10 years, based on differentiated robotics technology and AI capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:52:00
  • Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun Return in Killers Shopping Mall 2 with Expanded Universe
    Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun Return in 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' with Expanded Universe 'Killer's Shopping Mall' returns for its second season. Building on the questions left by the first season, 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' introduces new characters and an expanded universe, focusing on a story of counterattack rather than defense.On July 20, a production presentation for the Disney+ original series 'Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2' was held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. Attendees included director Lee Kwon, along with actors Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun, Jo Han-sun, Geum Hae-na, Kim Min, Jeong Yoon-ha, Hyun Ri, and Okada Masaki.'Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2' follows Jian, who has become the new head of the shopping mall after a harsh transfer of power, as she teams up with Jin-man, who has returned from the dead, to launch a full-scale counterattack against the Babylon global organization in this stylish action series.The first season, released in 2024, received acclaim both domestically and internationally, being named one of the 'Best International TV Shows' by The New York Times and one of the 'Top 4 Korean Dramas of the Year' by Time magazine. The interest in the first season led to the production of the second season, which promises even more intense action and an expanded narrative.Director Lee Kwon stated, "I have always liked the phrase, 'Every attack has a counterattack.' Since the first season ended with many questions, I thought about how to resolve those mysteries while expanding the story."He added, "While Season 1 has similarities to the original work, several settings have been adapted. As a result, Season 2 unfolds in a separate flow from the original. The story begins with questions left from Season 1, such as 'What is the Babylon organization?' and 'Why is it targeting Jeong Jin-man?'"Lee Dong-wook returns as Jin-man, who faked his death. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am honored and happy to continue playing Jeong Jin-man. The success of Season 1 made it possible for Season 2 to happen. Thank you to our viewers."He mentioned the changes in Jin-man for Season 2, stating, "If we only defend, it seems like it will end. So, I am determined to take action. The action scenes have increased in volume compared to Season 1, but I filmed them diligently as before."The mysteries surrounding Jin-man's survival revealed at the end of Season 1 will also be addressed in this season. Lee Dong-wook noted, "Season 2 starts with what Jin-man was doing while Jian was protecting the house. I believe we can meet the expectations of many viewers."Kim Hye-jun, who plays Jian, Jin-man's niece and the new head of the shopping mall, will also showcase a stronger character. She stated, "In Season 2, I am not just being attacked; I am taking action to protect my surroundings. While I showed bare-handed action and Muay Thai in Season 1, I will be demonstrating gun action in Season 2."The evolving relationship between Jin-man and Jian is also a key aspect of Season 2. Lee Dong-wook explained, "In Season 1, we showcased a lot of chemistry with the young Jian, but in Season 2, the emotional exchange with Kim Hye-jun will be central. The process of how Jian navigates this world and how they communicate and clash is an important story."Kim Hye-jun added, "In Season 1, there weren't many scenes showing the current Jian and Jin-man together. In Season 2, I think we will be able to show action scenes together. There is also an emotional change where Jian, who couldn't understand her uncle, starts to resemble him and understand him at some point."Jo Han-sun, who left a strong impression as the villain Veil in Season 1, returns with a deeper sense of vengeance. He remarked, "Since the opening of Season 1, many people have told me I was scary. I feel that I have succeeded as much as I have received criticism. I think I will receive a lot of criticism again this time."Geum Hae-na, who played the S-class killer Min-hye, stated, "In Season 1, I fought with nothing to protect, but in Season 2, I have something to protect, so I will fight with my life on the line. I even got a motorcycle license for motorcycle action and learned action by watching YouTube."Kim Min will portray the strongest force of Murder Help, Pashin. He said, "In Season 2, we will perform action in much more diverse settings. There will be a lot more to see as various action styles like Taekwondo, wrestling, and Muay Thai come together."The addition of new characters also showcases the expansion of Season 2. Jeong Yoon-ha will play Kusunagi, the head of the East Asia branch of Babylon, while Hyun Ri will challenge her first action role as Q, the team leader of the East Asia branch.Jeong Yoon-ha described Kusunagi as "a complete results-oriented person," adding, "I felt like an outsider who didn't belong to either Koreans or Japanese, or even within the organization. It seems that my inferiority complex manifested as a competitive spirit."Hyun Ri expressed her excitement, saying, "I enjoyed watching Season 1 and had great respect for the staff and actors involved in this project. I approached it with a sense of responsibility." She continued, "As this is my first action project, I prepared for 3-4 months, going back and forth between Japan and Korea. Experiencing action firsthand was exhilarating, with adrenaline and dopamine rushing through me."Okada Masaki joins the cast as Jay, an ace mercenary, marking his first appearance in a Korean production. He said, "I am happy to join the beloved 'Killer's Shopping Mall' for my first Korean project. This is also my first time filming serious action. It was a valuable opportunity to learn that it's not just about movement, but also about dialogue."As action genre productions continue to succeed, the unique aspects of 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' were highlighted. Lee Dong-wook remarked, "Just as food alleys thrive together, I think it's good for genres to do well together. It seems that many people are looking for catharsis in this era."He added, "'Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2' has been in planning and preparation since two years after Season 1 ended. I hope you see it as a project that has consistently continued rather than one that follows trends."Director Lee Kwon emphasized, "While our work features a lot of action, the most important thread is how the child Jian grows. It is a process of becoming an adult through survival and counterattack. The action is designed to support that process."Finally, Lee Dong-wook acknowledged the pressure, saying, "It is true that I started with the burden of needing to do better and be more entertaining than Season 1. We prepared diligently to the best of our abilities." He concluded, "'Killer's Shopping Mall' showcases many characters presenting unique actions. That will be a differentiating point."'Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2' will premiere on July 22 with the release of the first two episodes, followed by two episodes every Wednesday for a total of eight episodes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:36:00
  • Vietnam Proposes Minimum Wage Increase Amid Rising Living Costs
    Vietnam Proposes Minimum Wage Increase Amid Rising Living Costs The Vietnam National Wage Council has unanimously proposed an average 7.8% increase in regional minimum wages for 2027. This adjustment follows labor demands made in June, which were negotiated in July, citing the rising cost of living for workers. However, this proposal is still in the suggestion phase and must undergo government procedures for final approval. According to local media, including VnExpress, the council proposed the wage increase during a second negotiation session held on July 16. If approved, the new minimum wages, effective January 1, 2027, will range from 570,000 dong (approximately $32.40) in Region 1 to 404,000 dong (about $23) in Region 4. Currently, the minimum wages are 531,000 dong in Region 1, 473,000 dong in Region 2, 414,000 dong in Region 3, and 370,000 dong in Region 4. The increases will be 39,000 dong, 35,000 dong, 31,000 dong, and 34,000 dong, respectively. Vietnam's minimum wage system differs from South Korea's, as it is not a nationwide standard. Instead, it is divided into four regions based on economic conditions and industrial concentration. Region 1 includes major urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Regions 2, 3, and 4 encompass less economically developed areas. Notably, the increase in Region 4, which has the lowest wages, is 34,000 dong, surpassing the 31,000 dong increase in Region 3. This adjustment aims to improve the living conditions of workers in lower-wage areas. Vietnamese Workers Face Marriage Pressures On June 25, a survey revealed the financial burdens faced by workers, highlighting the impact of wages on marriage and childbirth. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor surveyed 2,000 workers from about 200 companies across seven provinces and cities between March and April. The findings indicated that wages significantly affect marriage, childbirth, housing, education, and healthcare costs. Based on this, labor representatives initially proposed a minimum wage increase of 9.8% or 8.5% starting January 1, 2027. The survey found that 55% of single workers cited wage pressure as the main reason for delaying marriage, while 73% of married workers reported that current wages influenced their plans for additional children. Labor unions explained that wages affect not only daily expenses but also the ability to purchase homes, save, and prepare for the future. The survey also highlighted education and healthcare costs. About 55% of workers stated that their wages only partially cover their children's education expenses. Only 40% felt their current income was sufficient for basic medical care, a decrease from 44% in 2025. Housing conditions were also concerning, with approximately 32% of respondents living in private rentals and nearly 1% residing in company dormitories. Many shared small rooms averaging 23 square meters, resulting in less than 8 square meters of space per person. The issue of insufficient income was evident, with 54% of respondents indicating their earnings barely covered basic family expenses. Seventeen percent reported needing to cut back on spending to make ends meet, while 21% supplemented their income through overtime. Only 8% felt they could save, and the number of respondents regularly borrowing money to cover shortfalls doubled from 13% in 2025 to 27% in 2026. Employers have approached the wage increase cautiously since negotiations began last month. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) proposed a 5% increase starting July 1, 2027, citing concerns about companies' financial capacity and competitiveness. Hoang Quang Phong, VCCI's vice president, stated, "If the increase is too high, it will be difficult for businesses." The final proposal of an average 7.8% increase reflects a compromise between labor demands and employer concerns. Ngo Yuy Hieu, vice president of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, noted that while the unions initially sought a higher figure, the 7.8% increase was a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. Employers acknowledged the agreement while emphasizing the need for productivity and resilience in the face of economic challenges. Hoang Quang Phong expressed concern about companies' recovery amid economic difficulties, stating, "Workers also need to continue learning, adhere to work discipline, and enhance productivity in their roles." Rising prices have been a significant factor in these discussions. As of June 25, the consumer price index for the first five months of the year rose by 4.31% compared to the same period last year, with the average increase for the first half of the year recorded at 4.38%. Housing, electricity, water, fuel, and construction materials saw increases of over 6.7% in the first half of the year, with rental prices rising by 6.3%, repair materials by over 14%, and household electricity costs by 5.54%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:32:00
  • Joint Investigation Team Raids Office of Election Commission Chair Amid Travel Allegations
    Joint Investigation Team Raids Office of Election Commission Chair Amid Travel Allegations The joint investigation team formed in response to the ballot shortage crisis during the June 3 local elections has launched a probe into Noh Tae-ak, the chair of the Central Election Commission, over allegations of overseas trips for personal gain.According to legal sources on July 20, the investigation team is currently conducting a search of Noh's office at the Central Election Commission. The search warrant includes allegations of misappropriation related to the overseas trip claims.Noh and unnamed employees of the commission have been identified as suspects. However, it has been reported that Noh's residence was not included in the search targets.During his tenure, Noh is believed to have taken three overseas trips accompanied by his spouse. The commission's reports to the public did not disclose that his spouse joined these trips.In response to these allegations, Noh stated last month during a parliamentary inquiry, "I did not request to travel with my spouse. I have always done it this way, and there have been no objections, so I did not have any significant doubts about it."Noh, who was appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in 2020, also served as the chair of the Central Election Commission until he resigned on July 5, taking responsibility for the ballot shortage crisis.Meanwhile, the investigation team plans to expand its inquiry to include 466 employees who have reportedly traveled abroad to popular tourist destinations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:20:00
  • Danggeun Real Estate Revamps Easy-to-Read Registration Service for $0.99
    Danggeun Real Estate Revamps Easy-to-Read Registration Service for $0.99 Danggeun Real Estate has completely revamped its service that allows users to easily check property registration details.On July 20, Danggeun Real Estate announced the launch of its upgraded 'Easy-to-Read Registration' service, which significantly enhances the previous 'Simple Analysis of Property Registration' service.The usage is straightforward. When users find a property they like, they can click the 'Get Easy-to-Read Registration' button at the bottom of the property detail page to view analysis results instantly without needing to enter an address.For a reasonable fee of 990 won per transaction, users can identify potential risks before signing a contract, reducing financial burdens. Even properties not listed on Danggeun can be accessed through the 'Property Registration Analysis' tab on the home screen if the address is known.The service focuses on three key areas: whether the size of the mortgage affects the protection of the security deposit, whether the landlord has a history of failing to return deposits or has a record of foreclosure due to loan defaults, and whether there are any legal disputes regarding ownership. Additionally, users can receive virtual assessments of the eligibility for security insurance and available lease loan products.Furthermore, the service provides a 'Security Deposit Protection Action Plan' tailored to the characteristics of the property. This includes a checklist of important actions for tenants, such as the timing for moving-in registration, precautions when changing addresses, and how to apply for dividend requests.Earlier, in April, Danggeun Real Estate held an event titled 'Now is the Time to Move for Rent' to offer personalized property recommendations and information on available listings in specific areas.A representative from Danggeun Real Estate stated, 'This service overhaul was conducted to create an environment where users can thoroughly assess safety without information asymmetry from the property search stage.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:16:00
  • Ruling Party Calls for Strong Monitoring of Single-Stock ETF Measures
    Ruling Party Calls for Strong Monitoring of Single-Stock ETF Measures Members of the ruling Democratic Party's Political Committee held a policy meeting with the Financial Services Commission on July 20, urging for "strong monitoring of market conditions" regarding the government's response to single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs).Park Sang-hyuk, the committee's secretary, told reporters at the National Assembly, "We requested that additional measures be considered if necessary, and we asked for close communication with the committee." He added that the committee plans to discuss ETFs with the Financial Supervisory Service later that day. Park stated, "We will assess the situation after the discussions and provide updates." Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Bank of Korea, the Financial Services Commission, and the Financial Supervisory Service announced on July 16 a series of measures to enhance ETFs, including raising the basic deposit requirement from 10 million won to 30 million won and increasing the minimum purchase unit to 20 shares. However, some critics argue that these measures may not sufficiently reduce market volatility.In response, Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, emphasized on KBS's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' the day before that "the government's supplementary measures should alleviate many of the side effects." He expressed concern over calls to delist single-stock leveraged ETFs, stating, "It is hard to imagine that happening, as investors are already involved and the product has a scale exceeding 10 trillion won. If delisting were to occur, it would deliver a tremendous shock to the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:12:00
  • New Regulations Require 14-Day Notice Before Yoga and Pilates Closures
    New Regulations Require 14-Day Notice Before Yoga and Pilates Closures 공정당국이 요가와 필라테스 업계의 불투명한 거래 관행을 없애고 소비자 피해를 줄이기 위해 표준약관을 제정했다. According to the Fair Trade Commission, consumer complaints related to yoga and pilates have risen from 818 in 2021 to 1,211 in 2024. Issues such as refusal of refunds after long-term prepayments and sudden closures leading to financial losses have been persistent. In response, the commission conducted a survey and established standard terms. The key elements of these terms include clear refund policies and a requirement for businesses to notify members 14 days in advance of any closures or suspensions to prevent financial losses. Specifically, the refund calculation for contract cancellations must be based on the actual payment amount rather than the pre-discounted price. The penalty for early termination is set at 10% of the service fee. Additionally, the application process will be divided based on the number of classes and the duration of use, ensuring consumers are fully aware of the refund calculation method at the time of contract signing. Furthermore, businesses are now required to inform members about their obligation to provide notice 14 days prior to any planned closures or suspensions. They must also disclose whether they have insurance and the details of that coverage before contracts are signed, allowing consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. Other provisions in the terms include the guarantee of the right to withdraw from contracts, ensuring fair scheduling practices for class attendance, and stipulations regarding the disposal of items not retrieved after notification. The Fair Trade Commission expects that these new standard terms will enhance transparency in the contracting process and reduce consumer harm. A commission official stated, "We will post the newly established standard terms on our website and provide them to business and consumer organizations to ensure widespread use. We also plan to conduct training for the industry to facilitate a smooth and rapid implementation in the field." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:08:00
  • Ministry of Science and ICT Supports Women Scientists Career Reentry with New Research Positions
    Ministry of Science and ICT Supports Women Scientists' Career Reentry with New Research Positions The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Women Scientists and Engineers Foundation (WISET) are supporting the career reentry of women in science and technology.On July 20, the Ministry announced the establishment of a new 'research support position' type within its existing career reentry support program to create pathways for women scientists with prior experience to return to research environments. The ministry is also recruiting universities and hiring personnel for this initiative.A research support position is defined as a specialized role for individuals with a master's degree in a science or engineering field and at least three years of research experience, who will assist research leaders in their activities while performing various research-related tasks based on their expertise.Eligible institutions include research organizations within universities. The target candidates are women scientists with a master's degree in a science or engineering field and at least three years of research experience. Selected candidates will receive support for up to three years, with continued funding contingent on annual evaluations. Applications can be submitted through the 'W Bridge' platform for supporting women scientists' career stages until August 21.Lee Jun-bae, Director of the Future Talent Policy Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "We will strive to diversify the career paths for women scientists through the research support position system and contribute to enhancing research capabilities in the field."Meanwhile, according to a survey on the utilization of women scientists and engineers released by the Ministry and WISET in March, the proportion of women in research and development roles in the science and technology sector reached 23.7% in 2024, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the previous year. By institution type, the highest percentage was found in science and engineering universities at 30%, followed by public research institutions at 26.5% and private research institutions at 19.5%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:08:00
  • Koreas Climate Ministry Advances Grid Code Discussions Ahead of 100GW Renewable Energy Era
    Korea's Climate Ministry Advances Grid Code Discussions Ahead of 100GW Renewable Energy Era The government is set to discuss technical standards aimed at enhancing the stability of the power system in line with the expansion of renewable energy. As the use of inverter-based power sources such as solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) increases, there is a need to transform the existing centralized power grid into a decentralized and bidirectional structure.The Electric Commission of the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on July 20 that it will hold the '1st Grid Code Expert Committee' on July 21 at the Coal Hall in Jongno, Seoul, to discuss measures for ensuring the stability and reliability of the power system amid the expansion of renewable energy.The grid code encompasses standards for maintaining power system reliability and electrical quality, operating rules for the electricity market, and regulations for the use of transmission and distribution facilities. The Electric Commission has restructured the previous 'Power System and Reliability Expert Committee' into the 'Grid Code Expert Committee' to better respond to the changing power environment. This expert committee will review technical operating standards to enhance the stability and reliability of the domestic power system and propose long-term improvement directions.Earlier, the government revealed its plan to transition to a renewable energy-centered power system through its energy transition promotion plan announced in April. Consequently, the power system is rapidly shifting from a centralized structure centered on large-scale power plants to a decentralized and bidirectional structure that includes solar, wind, ESS, and demand resources from various localities.The expert committee will discuss the current status and improvement directions of the domestic grid code suitable for inverter-based power sources, safety and system interconnection standards for BESS, large-scale blackout prevention and system restoration systems, and long-term improvement directions for future power system operating standards.Discussions on the grid code are crucial as an underlying infrastructure for the expansion of renewable energy. Simply increasing generation capacity does not guarantee the stability of the power grid; it is essential to maintain frequency and voltage, respond to output fluctuations, and ensure system restoration capabilities in the event of an accident to effectively utilize renewable energy as a primary power source.In particular, solar and wind energy are connected to the grid through inverters, which have different characteristics compared to traditional synchronous generators. Without clearly defining standards for fault tolerance, voltage and frequency control, reactive power supply, and output control, the increasing share of renewable energy could lead to greater instability in the power system.Kim Chang-seop, the chair of the Electric Commission, stated, "To respond to the expansion of renewable energy and the structural changes in the power system, continuous and proactive enhancement of operating and technical standards is essential. I expect the Grid Code Expert Committee to play a significant role in improving the stability and reliability of the power system based on the opinions of various technical experts."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:04:00
  • Koreas Fair Trade Commission Fines Daebo Magnetic 32 Million Won for Violating Subcontracting Law
    Korea's Fair Trade Commission Fines Daebo Magnetic 32 Million Won for Violating Subcontracting Law Daebo Magnetic, a manufacturer of equipment for secondary batteries, has been penalized by the Fair Trade Commission for failing to issue written contracts as required by law. On July 20, the Fair Trade Commission announced that it has decided to impose a fine of 32 million won on Daebo Magnetic for not providing formal written contracts to its subcontractors when outsourcing manufacturing. Daebo Magnetic produces de-metalization equipment that uses magnetic fields to remove metal contaminants from raw materials. The company supplies major secondary battery manufacturers, including Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and EcoPro BM. According to the commission's investigation, from November 2021 to July 2022, Daebo Magnetic outsourced the manufacturing of de-metalization equipment bodies, frames, and screens to two subcontractors but failed to issue formal contracts containing required legal details and signatures before work commenced on 51 occasions. Specifically, in 50 transactions, the company only sent emails with partial information such as drawings, product names, order quantities, and delivery dates. In the remaining case, the contract lacked signatures and essential legal details, including inspection methods and payment terms. This constitutes a violation of Article 3 of the Subcontracting Law, which mandates that the primary contractor must issue a written contract detailing payment terms and methods, signed by both parties, before work begins. As a result, the Fair Trade Commission has issued a corrective order to prevent similar violations in the future and imposed a fine of 32 million won on Daebo Magnetic. A commission official stated, "This action aims to clarify transaction conditions and prevent disputes by penalizing violations of the fundamental obligation to issue written contracts in subcontracting transactions. We plan to strictly enforce the law against actions that undermine the order of subcontracting transactions in the future." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 12:04:00