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  • President Lees Approval Rating Drops to 48.4%
    President Lee's Approval Rating Drops to 48.4% President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has slightly decreased to 48.4%, according to a public opinion poll released on July 20. The survey, conducted by Realmeter from July 13 to 16 among 2,007 eligible voters aged 18 and older, indicated that the positive evaluation of President Lee's performance fell by 0.5 percentage points from the previous week.Negative evaluations rose to 48.0%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points. The gap between positive and negative evaluations was within the margin of error at 0.4 percentage points, while 3.6% of respondents indicated they did not know.Realmeter attributed the slight decline in approval ratings to economic challenges such as interest rate hikes and stock market declines, as well as internal conflicts over investigative authority within the ruling party and author Yoo Si-min's comments on 'inevitable failure,' which have led to a loss of support among key demographics, particularly those in their 40s and progressive voters.In a separate survey conducted on July 15-16 regarding party support, the Democratic Party received 43.1%, while the People Power Party garnered 40.0%. The gap between the two parties was reported at 3.1 percentage points. The Justice Party received 3.1%, the Reform Party 2.7%, and the Progressive Party 1.3%. Other parties accounted for 1.2%, with 8.5% of respondents identifying as undecided.This survey utilized a 100% random sampling method with automated response (ARS) technology. The response rate for the presidential approval rating survey was 4.0%, with a margin of error of ±2.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The party support survey had a response rate of 2.8% and a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at the same confidence level.For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:28:00
  • Russian Missile Strike on Turkish Cargo Ship in Black Sea Kills 6
    Russian Missile Strike on Turkish Cargo Ship in Black Sea Kills 6 A Turkish-owned cargo ship sailing in the Black Sea was struck by a Russian missile, resulting in at least six deaths and four missing persons.According to the Ukrainian Navy, the Turkish-owned cargo ship 'Golden Leo,' registered in Guinea-Bissau, was hit by a Russian cruise missile on July 19. The vessel was carrying grain and was attacked shortly after departing from the port of Odesa, leading to a fire on board.Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Mykola Kolesnyk reported that six people have died and four are missing. Eight crew members were rescued, two of whom sustained injuries.Among the deceased is a Ukrainian pilot, and the crew included nationals from India and Syria.This attack comes amid escalating maritime confrontations between Russia and Ukraine, targeting each other's maritime logistics in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Russia has been intensifying strikes on Black Sea port areas, including Odesa, a key grain export hub for Ukraine. In response, Ukraine continues its attacks on supply lines in Russian-occupied territories.As the maritime conflict intensifies, concerns are growing over the safety of civilian vessels traversing the Black Sea and potential disruptions to grain exports.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:28:00
  • The Burden of Homeownership in Todays Society
    The Burden of Homeownership in Today's Society The Bank of Korea raised the base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.75%, marking a shift to a tightening policy for the first time in three and a half years. This decision aims to stabilize prices and curb soaring household debt. The central bank adjusts the base rate to influence the decision-making of economic agents regarding consumption, investment, and savings. While economic textbooks explain that higher interest rates lead to reduced borrowing and increased savings, real life cannot be explained by interest rates alone.As news of the rate hike broke, some immediately calculated their loan interest, while others opened real estate apps to revisit properties they had been eyeing. Despite the increase in rates, the anxiety of thinking, 'If I don't buy now, I may never be able to' grew stronger. Concerns about rising home prices, the need to get married, the desire to have children, the instability of rental housing, and the inability to quit jobs all contribute to this anxiety.Often, 'leverage' is labeled as reckless investment by young people. However, the current situation cannot be solely explained by greed. There is a reality that makes it difficult to leave Seoul, overshadowing the desire to live there. The fear of missing out on this last opportunity, which could result in a lifetime of being excluded from the asset ladder, drives panic buying more than the expectation of making money from rising home prices.Of course, excessive borrowing increases risks for both individuals and the entire financial system. Given its vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations and income reductions, leveraging is not a recommended choice. Yet, young people who do not leverage feel they must give up on homeownership, leave Seoul, or postpone marriage. This raises the question: is leveraging truly a free choice or a contradiction of the system?For previous generations, owning a home was a goal that could be achieved through hard work and saving. Life continued after purchasing a home. However, for today's youth, acquiring a home has become a project that requires risking their entire lives. They plan marriages, have children, and prepare for retirement based on the assumption of repaying loans over 30 to 40 years. A home, which should be the foundation of life, has become the ultimate goal.Even those who have successfully leveraged their investments find their lives far from peaceful. They anxiously watch the news of rising interest rates while paying about half of their monthly salary toward principal and interest. Although they finally own a home, the life they should enjoy within that home is gradually diminishing. They cut back on spending, forgo new challenges, and even postpone small daily joys in anticipation of unforeseen expenses. This paradox sees their current lives held hostage for the sake of future housing stability.The problem lies in the fact that all responsibility falls solely on the individual. As young people are pushed into the market by anxiety, the housing safety net has failed to absorb the market's instability adequately. When they choose to leverage in this created anxiety, they are labeled as 'speculators,' and when interest rates rise or home prices fluctuate, they are told it is 'self-inflicted.' Blaming individual failures for choices created by the system is an overly simplistic conclusion.The central bank cannot resolve this issue solely through macroeconomic numbers by raising or lowering interest rates. More important than the direction of a 0.25 percentage point interest rate is understanding why young people feel they cannot maintain their daily lives without being tied to a lifetime of debt. As long as a home exists as a massive sum that requires a lifetime commitment to obtain, the tragic choice of 'leveraging' will inevitably recur, regardless of interest rate fluctuations.Society must respond. Why do young people feel they cannot start their lives without buying a home? Is it truly impossible to create a society where individuals are not anxious without homeownership, where housing is not the goal of life but rather a starting point? If homes remain a qualification for life, we will continue to push more young people into debt and call it a choice. 2026-07-20 10:28:00
  • Padu Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 16.3 Billion Won
    Padu Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 16.3 Billion Won Data center semiconductor company Padu has continued its profitable trend by increasing both revenue and operating profit in the second quarter. The company expects even stronger growth in the second half of the year, driven by an expanded supply of enterprise solid-state drive (SSD) controllers and the acquisition of new clients.Padu announced on July 20 that it recorded second-quarter revenue of 73.2 billion won and an operating profit of 16.3 billion won.Revenue rose approximately 23% from 59.5 billion won in the first quarter and more than tripled compared to the same period last year. Operating profit increased by 111% from 7.7 billion won in the previous quarter.The cumulative revenue for the first half of the year stands at 132.7 billion won, nearing the total annual revenue of 139.5 billion won for 2024 and 2025. The cumulative operating profit for the first half is reported at 24 billion won.Padu has secured over 340 billion won in new orders this year, according to public disclosures. The company is expanding its supply of fifth-generation enterprise SSD controllers to existing clients while also acquiring global server manufacturers as new customers, broadening its client base.The operating profit margin for the first half is approximately 18%, highlighting improved profitability alongside revenue growth.Padu is also preparing to develop and mass-produce next-generation sixth-generation SSD controllers in line with market readiness. Enterprise SSD controllers are considered advantageous for revenue stability due to their higher proportion of long-term supply contracts compared to consumer products.Nam Ihyun, CEO of Padu, stated, "Following our transition to profitability in the first quarter, we have established a stable profit structure in the second quarter. Considering customer diversification and the growing demand for AI data center storage, we anticipate greater growth in the second half compared to the first half."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:24:00
  • People Power Party Criticizes Proposed Abolition of Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights
    People Power Party Criticizes Proposed Abolition of Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights 국민의힘은 20일 여당이 추진하는 검찰의 보완수사권 폐지에 대해 "형사사법 체계 파괴이자 오직 극성 지지층인 '개딸'에게 바치는 헌정 입법"이라고 비판했다. 박성훈 수석대변인은 이날 논평을 통해 "대책도 명분도 없는 입법 폭주의 목적은 정권을 향한 방탄과 맹목적인 검찰 보복뿐"이라며 이같이 말했다. 박 수석대변인은 "최근 여론조사에 따르면 국민의 61%가 부실 수사 방지와 경찰 견제를 위해 '보완수사권 유지'를 압도적으로 지지했다"며 "심지어 더불어민주당 지지층 내에서조차 존치 의견(46%)이 폐지(39%)를 앞질렀다"고 지적했다. 이어 "여야를 막론하고 검찰 보완수사권이 사회적 약자를 지키는 최후의 보루임을 국민 모두가 인정하고 있는 것"이라며 "더욱이 최근 발생한 '장윤기 사건'은 경찰 수사에 대한 외부 견제와 사후 검증이 왜 필요한지 적나라하게 증명했다"고 주장했다. 그는 "그런데도 민주당이 발의한 형사소송법 개정안은 검찰의 견제 기능은 대폭 축소하면서 피의자의 권리 보호 규정만 확대하고 있다"며 "범죄 피해자들이 '피해자는 없고 피의자만 보인다'고 절규하는 이유"라고 강조했다. 아울러 "보완수사권을 무작정 폐지하겠다면 경찰 수사의 부실을 대체 누가 확인하고 반복되는 수사 지연을 어디서 끝낼 것인지 민주당은 그 어떤 답도 내놓지 못하고 있다"며 "민주당 당권 주자들은 강성 지지층의 표심만 의식한 채 여전히 보완수사권 폐지를 앵무새처럼 외치고 있다"고 질타했다. 최수진 원내수석대변인도 논평을 내고 보완수사권 폐지를 주장하는 민주당 당권 주자들을 향해 "8·17 전당대회를 앞두고 오직 강성 당원의 표만 얻으면 그만이라는 심산"이라며 "공천권이라는 떡고물에 눈이 멀어 국민 안전을 제물로 바치는 무책임의 극치"라고 꼬집었다. 최 원내수석대변인은 "약자 범죄의 보완수사권을 남기자는 자당의 소신파 의원 11명에게 극단적 지지층이 '검개 11적'이라는 멸칭을 붙여 문자 테러와 팩스 폭탄을 퍼붓고 있다"며 "조폭과 다름없는 팬덤 정치에 가로막혀 최소한의 이성과 토론마저 질식당하는 것이 지금 민주당의 참담한 민낯"이라고 목소리 높였다. 이어 "민주당 지지층마저 범죄자와 대형 로펌만 웃게 할 사법 개악을 멈추라 명령하고 있다"며 "민주당 당권 주자들은 안방의 경고를 무겁게 받아들여 무모한 표 계산을 당장 멈추라"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:20:00
  • Na Hong-jins sci-fi thriller attracts over 2 million moviegoers in less than a week
    Na Hong-jin's sci-fi thriller attracts over 2 million moviegoers in less than a week SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) - Director Na Hong-jin's latest film "Hope" has attracted over 2 million moviegoers less than a week after its release. According to ticket sales data released by the Korean Film Council on Monday, the sci-fi film drew 1.50 million moviegoers over the weekend to top the domestic box office chart, bringing its cumulative attendance to 2.13 million. The impressive start came after the film drew about 330,000 moviegoers last Wednesday, marking the strongest opening among South Korean films released this year. It surpassed 1 million viewers on its third day and 2 million on its fifth, making it the fastest film to reach those milestones. The 160-minute film starring veteran actor Hwang Jung-min along with Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon revolves around a story set in a demilitarized border village where unidentified objects suddenly appear. The film also features Hollywood stars such as Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender and Taylor Russell. Hollywood animated film "Minions & Monsters" drew 308,576 moviegoers during the same period to rank No. 2, followed by Disney's musical adventure film "Moana," which attracted 173,555 viewers. 2026-07-20 10:16:57
  • Audit of Presidential Residence Relocation Under Scrutiny as Yoo Byung-ho Appears in Court
    Audit of Presidential Residence Relocation Under Scrutiny as Yoo Byung-ho Appears in Court Yoo Byung-ho, an auditor at the Board of Audit and Inspection, appeared in court on July 20 for a warrant review related to allegations of a flawed audit concerning the relocation of the presidential residence. Judge Lee Jong-rok of the Seoul Central District Court began the hearing at 10 a.m. on charges of abuse of authority against Yoo. The court is expected to announce its decision later in the evening. Yoo arrived at the court around 9:40 a.m. He did not respond to reporters' questions about what he planned to clarify or whether there was any favoritism in the audit as he made his way into the courtroom. The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, filed for a warrant for Yoo's arrest on July 14. Yoo is accused of improperly abusing his authority to downplay and conceal the results of an audit related to the relocation of the presidential residence during his tenure as the Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection under President Yoon Suk Yeol. After taking office, President Yoon moved the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan and the residence to the former minister of foreign affairs' residence. This process raised various suspicions regarding the selection of construction companies and costs, prompting civic groups to request a public audit. In September 2024, the Board of Audit and Inspection released a report on "illegal suspicions regarding the relocation of the presidential office and residence and the use of funds." The report indicated that the presidential office requested a qualified contractor for expansion work from 21Gram, which then sought participation from WonDam Construction, a company with a general construction license. However, the special prosecutor's office suspects that the appearance of legality was created using WonDam Construction, while 21Gram, which lacked a construction license, actually handled all the work. They believe the Board of Audit and Inspection was aware of this during the audit process but intentionally concealed it, misrepresenting that 21Gram was only responsible for interior work. Earlier, the special prosecutor's office conducted searches and seizures at the Board of Audit and Inspection and Yoo's office in May to secure relevant documents. They subsequently summoned officials from the Board of Audit and Inspection to investigate the circumstances surrounding the report's preparation and directives. On July 14, they called Yoo in as a suspect for questioning. Yoo Byung-ho stated at the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon that "the audit of the residence relocation was carried out with the utmost diligence by all involved, adhering to the law and principles," firmly denying the allegations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:16:00
  • Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association Launches GMP Regulation Consultation Hotline
    Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association Launches GMP Regulation Consultation Hotline The Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association and the Korea Food and Drug Administration have launched a "GMP Regulation Harmonization Consultation Hotline" to support domestic pharmaceutical and bio companies in complying with global manufacturing and quality management standards (GMP). This initiative serves as a public-private partnership to quickly identify and address challenges arising from changes in global GMP standards.On July 20, the Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association announced the establishment and full operation of the GMP Regulation Harmonization Consultation Hotline.Domestic companies have faced difficulties in preparing documentation due to varying requirements from regulatory agencies in different countries. The GMP regulation harmonization consultation aims to swiftly identify industry inquiries and challenges arising from changes in global GMP standards and to develop practical responses.Pharmaceutical and bio companies can submit inquiries and suggestions related to the GMP compliance process through the consultation channel on the Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association's website. Submitted issues will be reviewed by experts, and matters requiring technical review and support will be discussed in collaboration with the "Global GMP Implementation Technical Support Council," which includes representatives from the Korea Food and Drug Administration, the association, and industry experts.The association plans to enhance accessibility for the industry by revamping the consultation channel on its website and actively promoting the GMP regulation harmonization consultation hotline. This initiative aims to systematically gather feedback from the field regarding changes in global GMP regulations and to strengthen communication between the industry and regulatory agencies.The GMP regulation harmonization consultation was established as part of the "Global GMP Implementation Technical Support Council," formed in March to assist the industry in complying with global GMP standards.The council operates in three subcommittees focusing on the application of PUPSIT (Pre-Use Post-Sterilization Integrity Testing), freeze-drying barrier technology, and current GMP issues, with industry experts participating to discuss stable implementation and practical application of global GMP standards.An association official stated, "To respond to changes in the global GMP regulatory environment, continuous communication and field-oriented technical support between regulatory agencies and the industry are essential. Through the GMP regulation harmonization consultation, we will actively support the establishment of manufacturing and quality systems that meet global standards by gathering diverse opinions from the industry."The GMP regulation harmonization consultation can be accessed through the "GMP Regulation Harmonization Consultation (Hotline)" menu on the Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Association's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:16:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceutical Supplies AI-Based Monitoring System to Samsung Medical Center
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical Supplies AI-Based Monitoring System to Samsung Medical Center Daewoong Pharmaceutical has supplied the AI-based bed monitoring system 'thynC' to Samsung Medical Center's smart hospital and has begun pilot operations. This future-oriented smart hospital model integrates the ring-type continuous blood pressure monitor 'Carton' to monitor key vital signs, including electrocardiograms and blood pressure, 24 hours a day.On July 20, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that it has partnered with Searus and Skylabs to provide the AI-based bed monitoring system 'thynC' with added blood pressure monitoring capabilities for Samsung Medical Center's smart hospital pilot.This implementation is part of Samsung Medical Center's initiative to establish a 'smart hospital.' The center is currently operating two patient rooms within its main building as a digital transformation testbed, aiming to gradually enhance the patient experience through advanced ward monitoring.'thynC' is responsible for monitoring key vital signs such as electrocardiograms, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. The newly introduced system combines the existing smart bed monitoring system with the ring-type continuous blood pressure monitor 'Carton' to create an integrated digital healthcare platform.When patients wear a compact wearable device, vital signs such as electrocardiograms, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are collected in real time. The collected data is linked to a central monitor, allowing medical staff to continuously check patient conditions around the clock.The AI analyzes the collected vital signs and promptly alerts medical personnel to warning signs of serious arrhythmias that may occur before cardiac arrest or death. It is also expected to reduce the burden of repeated vital sign measurements during nighttime, improving the sleep environment for patients and enhancing nursing staff efficiency.Earlier this year, Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a contract to introduce 'thynC' in the cardiology ward of Samsung Medical Center. By the third quarter of 2026, the installation of the monitoring system focusing on electrocardiogram and oxygen saturation measurements will be completed in 39 beds. The company has previously announced plans to expand the supply of 'thynC' to over 100,000 beds and aims to achieve annual sales of 300 billion won in the digital healthcare sector.A Daewoong Pharmaceutical official stated, "We will continue to develop a smart hospital model that provides precise clinical judgment for medical staff and a safe hospitalization environment for patients."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:16:00
  • Visa Launches Integrated Stablecoin Platform to Support Financial Institutions and Fintechs
    Visa Launches Integrated Stablecoin Platform to Support Financial Institutions and Fintechs Global payment technology company Visa has unveiled an integrated stablecoin platform aimed at financial institutions, fintech companies, and virtual asset firms, expanding its presence in the digital asset payment market.On July 20, Visa announced the launch of its new enterprise platform, the Visa Stablecoin Platform (VSP).VSP supports financial institutions, fintech companies, and virtual asset firms in issuing, storing, remitting, and redeeming stablecoins within a managed environment provided by Visa.The platform's first supported stablecoin is OpenUSD, recently launched by Open Standard. Clients will be able to utilize features for issuing, burning, remitting, and managing OpenUSD, along with an on-chain wallet infrastructure provided through a service-based wallet.Visa designed VSP to integrate stablecoins with its existing network. As a result, financial institutions can enhance their current operations, including settlement, cash management, and foreign exchange solutions, by incorporating stablecoin functionalities.Jack Forestell, Visa's Global Head of Product and Strategy, stated, "Stablecoins open up new possibilities as programmable money, but many institutions face challenges in actual operations. VSP will enable clients to manage the issuance, remittance, and administration of stablecoins in a single environment, based on the security and control features they expect from Visa."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 10:16:00