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  • LG Electronics Launches Subscription Service for Premium Appliances
    LG Electronics Launches Subscription Service for Premium Appliances Located in the furniture district of Nonhyeon, SKS Seoul showcases a luxurious living space adorned with high-end materials resembling marble. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a touch-operated built-in refrigerator, a wine cellar installed along the wall, and a softly closing refrigerator door paired with an island kitchen. The showroom, spanning from the basement to the fifth floor, is designed not just to sell and display products like refrigerators and ovens, but to evoke a desire to live in such a home.LG Electronics' SKS Seoul functions more as a consulting space where customers can plan their living environments. Experts participate in the interior design phase, offering suggestions for the layout of built-in appliances and furniture, and customizing combinations of refrigerators, wine cellars, and ovens to match customer preferences. An LG Electronics representative stated, "We are not just selling a single product like a refrigerator; we help design the entire kitchen," adding that they collaborate with construction companies from the design phase to propose seamlessly integrated built-in spaces.The launch of LG Electronics' subscription service for its super premium built-in brand SKS in May aligns with this philosophy. The company aims to expand its reach beyond product sales to encompass installation, management, and replacement, offering a 'service-type premium appliance.' Notably, top-tier specialists handle delivery, installation, care, and removal, and during the subscription period, they also provide free replacements for refrigerator door panels and induction cooktops.The super premium subscription service is set to be implemented in the country's most upscale residential complexes. In the redevelopment of Apgujeong, which includes over 7,000 units being constructed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, penthouses in zones 3 and 5 will feature SKS and LG Signature appliances on a subscription basis. This marks the first instance of SKS applying a B2B subscription model. General units will include LG's Object Collection subscription appliances, while the penthouses will showcase the super premium lineup to enhance the quality of high-end living spaces.Park Jae-sung, head of LG Electronics' Korean B2B group, remarked, "If subscriptions have established themselves as a consumer culture in the B2C market, the construction B2B market will follow the same trend. We are currently discussing collaborations with various construction companies for major redevelopment projects in areas like Yeouido and Mokdong, starting with Apgujeong."Construction companies are increasingly adopting subscription models to enhance their competitive edge in securing contracts. As competition intensifies in the bidding for redevelopment and reconstruction projects, differentiating solely through branding, landscaping, and community facilities has become challenging. Offering a subscription service that includes specialized care for five years post-move-in has emerged as a new differentiating factor that can boost resident satisfaction. For manufacturers like LG Electronics, this approach allows them to create a sustainable revenue model beyond simple product sales, ensuring ongoing service revenue and customer engagement.LG Electronics' appliance subscription business continues to experience rapid growth. Subscription revenue expanded from 110 billion won in 2016 to 2.48 trillion won last year, achieving an average annual growth rate of 38.8% over the past decade. In the first quarter of this year, the company reported 640 billion won in revenue, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, and it is projected to surpass 3 trillion won in annual revenue for the first time this year. Currently, approximately 4,000 specialized care managers nationwide are responsible for the subscription services.The plan is to extend the validated B2C subscription model into the B2B market, creating a new growth avenue. Park stated, "B2B appliance subscriptions will not merely be about supplying appliances but will establish a new paradigm for managing the overall living experience post-move-in. Based on successful domestic cases, there is ample potential for expansion into the overseas luxury housing market in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 06:04:00
  • New York Mayor Considers Arresting Netanyahu During UN General Assembly
    New York Mayor Considers Arresting Netanyahu During UN General Assembly New York City Mayor Joran Mamdani's statement about potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September has sparked outrage among Israeli and American Jewish communities.In an interview with The New York Times on July 18, Mamdani revealed that he is actively discussing the authority of the New York City Law Department regarding Netanyahu's arrest. He stated, "I believe Netanyahu should be in The Hague (where the International Criminal Court is located) as he is a war criminal indicted by the ICC." However, he acknowledged uncertainty about whether he has the legal authority to order the New York Police Department to arrest Netanyahu, adding, "I will do whatever is allowed by New York City law to facilitate the arrest, but I will not create laws for that purpose."Previously, during his campaign last year, Mamdani had indicated he would instruct the police to arrest Netanyahu, reaffirming that promise with his recent comments.Legal experts have raised questions about the legality of a mayor ordering the arrest of a head of state, according to the NYT. Furthermore, the United States is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its authority. The Trump administration has been actively working to dismantle the ICC.Harold Koh, a Yale Law School professor and expert in the field, analyzed the situation, stating, "If Netanyahu is inside the UN headquarters, he is exempt from arrest due to diplomatic immunity, but if he is driving around New York City, he could be at risk." He added, "The real question is whether Netanyahu is prepared to face such a situation, and the same goes for the mayor."Immediately following Mamdani's remarks, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz responded, calling the mayor's comments "pure political theater" and asserting that Netanyahu would not be arrested during the UN General Assembly. He emphasized that the U.S. is not a party to the Rome Statute, which underpins the ICC, and that the UN headquarters agreement guarantees diplomatic protection for heads of state, meaning that immunity applies and federal authority supersedes local mayoral wishes.Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon added, "If someone should be arrested, it should be Mayor Joran Mamdani," criticizing him for focusing on attacking Israel to gain media attention instead of addressing the rising anti-Semitism in the city.Netanyahu recently expressed that he is not concerned about Mamdani's threats and accused the mayor of supporting Hamas, a claim that Mamdani has denied, according to The Hill. Netanyahu is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes, including the killing of thousands of residents in the Gaza Strip.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 05:04:00
  • Democratic Party Avoids Debate with Han Dong-hoon: What Are They Afraid Of?
    Democratic Party Avoids Debate with Han Dong-hoon: What Are They Afraid Of? Politics is fundamentally about dialogue. More precisely, it is a process of having one’s logic and philosophy scrutinized in front of the public. Therefore, public debate is not merely an option in a democracy; it is almost an obligation. The recent controversy surrounding the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights brings this point back into focus. The supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors are not just a matter of authority; they serve as a final safeguard for verifying and supplementing police investigations that may be inadequate or flawed. For victims, this can represent another opportunity to rectify injustices. Conversely, there are arguments advocating for its abolition, suggesting that prosecutorial powers should be curtailed and that investigations and prosecutions should be separated. If both sides have their own arguments, what would be the most desirable solution? Engaging in public debate before the citizens. Representative Han Dong-hoon proposed just that. He suggested that if the Democratic Party is advocating for the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights, they should compete on the merits of their arguments in front of the public. Given that this is a stance often expressed by the Democratic Party leadership and its hardliners, there seemed to be no reason to decline. However, for several days, no one responded. Ultimately, Lee Geon-tae, a former prosecutor and attorney for President Lee Jae-myung in the Daejang-dong case, expressed his willingness to participate in the debate. The venue was practically arranged, and even broadcasting schedules were mentioned. Yet, within a day, the situation changed. Lee stated, “I will not participate in the debate, taking the opinions of party members seriously.” This raises a question: Was it truly due to the opinions of party members, or did they find the debate politically burdensome? Public debates can lead to victories or losses. However, the decision to forgo a debate is a different matter altogether. The public tends to remember the attitude toward the debate more than the outcome itself. Within the Democratic Party, there were analyses suggesting concerns that participating in the debate could inadvertently elevate Han Dong-hoon’s political profile. In other words, it was thought that it might merely boost his stature. But is that really the case? We believe it is not. However, if such a judgment is indeed accurate, it becomes even more paradoxical. Whether it is the Democratic Party or Representative Lee, if they are confident in their arguments, the debate would be an excellent opportunity to communicate their positions to the public. Conversely, avoiding the debate could imply not that the opponent’s logic is correct, but rather that they lack confidence in their own. Ultimately, politics is about the art of persuasion. This is especially true for issues like prosecutorial reform, which directly affect citizens' rights. Allowing the public to make judgments through open debate is a principle of democracy. What remains from this controversy is not just the fate of prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights, but the attitude of the Democratic Party. Initially, they accepted the debate, only to retract that acceptance later. They cited “the opinions of party members” as the reason, but this leaves many questions in the minds of the public. Lee may be more of an expert in this field than any other member, yet the reasons for avoiding the debate remain unclear. In politics, refusing to debate often hands victory to the opponent. Even if a debate does not take place, political impressions are already formed. The public tends to remember not who won, but who avoided the debate. Politics is about being validated in the public square. If one believes their argument is correct, they must stand before the public. This is democracy, and it is the minimum responsibility that a public party owes to its citizens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 04:04:00
  • Koreas Content Agency Pledges Support for Global Expansion of Content Companies
    Korea's Content Agency Pledges Support for Global Expansion of Content Companies Kim Yoon-ji, head of the Korea Creative Content Agency, stated on July 16 that the agency will be a strong partner for content companies and creators seeking to grow on a broader stage and enter the global market.Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Character Licensing Fair held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Kim emphasized that domestic content IP is creating new value by connecting across various fields, including characters, games, animation, broadcasting, music, food, and beauty.The economic impact of content IP is increasingly significant. According to a study titled 'Kokapocus No. 214, Economic Effects of Korean Wave Industry Exports,' which Kim participated in, a $100 million increase in exports of Korean Wave content leads to a $220 million increase in exports of related industries such as cosmetics, food, and tourism. The domestic production inducement effect is also estimated to reach approximately $570 million. This indicates that content is establishing itself as a new growth engine that drives the growth of both manufacturing and service industries.In particular, characters are expanding into new experiences and content by merging with various businesses, including animation, games, performances, space, distribution, and tourism. This transformation was reflected in this year's Character Licensing Fair, which was themed 'Expanding: Content IP.' The event showcased collaborations across various content IPs, including characters, games, broadcasting, animation, and music.Kim noted, 'This fair will be a meaningful opportunity to confirm the scalability and future potential of content IP and to create new collaborations and business opportunities.' She added, 'This year, it is also being held alongside the Board Game Con, Korea's representative board game event, allowing us to see the synergy between characters and board games. We promise to provide visitors with abundant entertainment and opportunities for collaboration in the industry.'In fact, the Character Licensing Fair has established itself as a leading character business platform in Korea, consistently generating business results over the past three years. Last year, it recorded approximately 1178 business meetings, with a consultation amount of about 66 billion won and an expected contract amount of around 37 billion won. This represents increases of approximately 44% and 79%, respectively, compared to the previous year. It is being recognized as a business platform that leads to actual contracts and investments beyond simple exhibitions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 00:04:00
  • K-Character Industry Thrives at Licensing Fair
    K-Character Industry Thrives at Licensing Fair A pink rabbit has captured the hearts of Japan's Generation Z. The character 'Esther Bunny' topped the list of 'most favorite characters' in a 2025 survey of Japanese high school students, surpassing the beloved national character Hello Kitty. It also ranked highly in major trend surveys, including Shibuya trends.At the 'Character Licensing Fair and Board Game Con 2026' held on July 16, Kim Hyun-kyung, CEO of KB Vision, stated, "Korean characters can compete effectively in Japan." Esther Bunny currently has licensing agreements with over 300 companies worldwide, including 130 in Japan. Approximately 80% of KB Vision's royalty revenue comes from overseas.KB Vision operates similarly to a character planning agency, discovering promising character IPs and collaborating with various sectors, including food, fashion, cosmetics, convenience stores, banks, cinemas, and hotels, much like K-pop agencies do with idols.This year's 25th 'Character Licensing Fair' highlighted the saying, "One well-developed character is worth ten companies." The event featured 186 companies with 443 booths, showcasing the potential of content intellectual property (IP) across diverse industries such as gaming, animation, broadcasting, food, and beauty. Characters have evolved from mere content to core assets that create new business value.At the center of this IP expansion is the Korean Content Agency (KCA), which facilitated business consulting, licensing, distribution, and international expansion for participating companies and buyers. KCA supported small content companies and creators lacking distribution networks and business experience, demonstrating its role in enhancing the competitiveness of K-content throughout the event.K-Character Industry Thrives as Targeted Strategies PrevailOne of the standout booths at the fair was from global character IP producer Olabowex, which attracted long lines of young men, unlike other booths dominated by female visitors. They were there to purchase goods featuring 'Remini,' an animal character inspired by members of the girl group Lissenne. A 26-year-old male attendee remarked, "It's great to collect the goods and keep memories of Lissenne."As Lissenne's popularity has surged, so has the appeal of Remini. Chae Hee-sang, an executive at Olabowex, noted, "The popularity has exceeded our expectations, creating a very positive atmosphere within the company. Nowadays, most famous idols use characters as sub-characters."KB Vision's booth, featuring over 20 character IPs including Esther Bunny, Heungnam Brothers, Shuya, and Momolei, also drew attention. Kim Hyun-kyung emphasized, "In an era where preferences are increasingly fragmented, it's essential to initially target a specific audience before broadening the base." Esther Bunny has expanded collaborations with Japanese beauty brands based on its fanbase of young women, leading to partnerships with professional baseball teams like the Hanshin Tigers, aligning with teams' strategies to attract young female fans to the stadium.Building a fanbase is crucial for international expansion. Kim stated, "You need at least 10,000 Instagram followers to develop a targeted strategy, and without validation in Korea, it's challenging to enter overseas markets." The character 'Kim Ham-jji,' which reflects the struggles of office workers, recorded sales of 100 million won on its first day at a popup in Shinsegae Gangnam, a result of resonating with the office environment.As competition in the character market intensifies, emerging creators are also focusing on differentiation. Designer Kim Ji-hyun, participating in the 'Rookie Project' booth, showcased 'Little Sandwick,' aimed at preschool children. He explained, "I created a video with a math country concept to align with the edutainment trend."“In the AI Era, We Seek More Human Connection” – Board Games Embrace CharactersThe Board Game Con, held alongside the Character Licensing Fair, attracted family audiences. This joint event featured 28 companies showcasing over 600 types of board games, aiming to create synergy between characters and board games.Korea Board Games, one of the participants, recorded its highest performance last year with 60 billion won in domestic sales and 2.2 billion won in exports. Over 50 types of games, including 'Coffee Rush,' were exported to 50 countries.They are particularly expanding collaborations with various IPs such as Kakao Friends, Tiny Ping, Jadoo, Kart Rider, Everyone's Marble, and Fireworks Baseball. Oh Han-woong, head of marketing at Korea Board Games, stated, "The Cookie Box collaboration with Tiny Ping attracted both existing board game fans and Tiny Ping fans simultaneously." Recently, they have also been pursuing partnerships with overseas online streaming services.Oh added, "The board game market has been growing every year for over a decade, and in the AI era, the trend of seeking human connection will only strengthen." 2026-07-20 00:04:00
  • Yoon Suk Yeol Will Not Appeal 7-Year Sentence for Obstructing Arrest Warrant
    Yoon Suk Yeol Will Not Appeal 7-Year Sentence for Obstructing Arrest Warrant Yoon Suk Yeol has decided not to file a constitutional appeal regarding his confirmed seven-year prison sentence for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant.According to the Chosun Ilbo on July 19, Yoon and his legal team have resolved to accept the Supreme Court's ruling on charges of obstructing special public duties and abuse of power, opting not to pursue a separate constitutional appeal.The Supreme Court's third division upheld the appellate court's seven-year sentence on July 9. Immediately after the ruling, Yoon's team expressed regret, stating that the Supreme Court did not adequately address the legal errors in the appellate decision and indicated they would consider filing a constitutional appeal. Yoon was also reportedly in favor of pursuing an appeal initially.However, after internal discussions among his legal team, they concluded that it would be best not to file an appeal. Yoon is said to have communicated his preference against pursuing the appeal to his lawyers.Legal analysts suggest that considering the nature of the case and the current constitutional appeal system, the Constitutional Court is unlikely to overturn the Supreme Court's ruling. There are also concerns that pursuing an appeal could be perceived as a refusal to accept the judiciary's final decision.This case marks the first instance in which the Supreme Court has confirmed a ruling related to criminal charges against Yoon in connection with the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3, 2024.Yoon was charged with obstructing the exercise of deliberative rights of other cabinet members by convening only select ministers before the emergency declaration and with systematically preventing the execution of arrest and search warrants by mobilizing the Presidential Security Service last January.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 21:32:00
  • Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Continues; Excavators Deployed for Demolition
    Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Continues; Excavators Deployed for Demolition Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Lasts Over 37 Hours; Demolition UnderwayA fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has been burning for over 37 hours, prompting firefighting authorities to conduct overnight operations for two consecutive days.According to Yonhap News, the fire broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18 at Coupang's 32nd logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon, and as of 8 p.m. on July 19, it has not been fully extinguished.Fire authorities have maintained a national firefighting mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from eight nearby provinces. A total of 228 pieces of equipment, including aerial ladders, cranes, and helicopters, along with 721 firefighters and police officers, are on site.On the afternoon of July 19, two excavators and 18 firefighters were assigned to the ramp area connected to the sixth floor of the building to carry out demolition work. This 'destruction operation' aims to clear smoke from the building and create space for water to be sprayed inside.As the Bank of Korea shifts to a tightening monetary policy for the first time in three and a half years, the era of a 3% benchmark interest rate is becoming imminent. Market attention is now focused on the possibility and frequency of further rate hikes rather than the current increase itself. Amid ongoing inflation concerns due to high oil prices and exchange rates, major countries, including the United States, are also leaning towards tightening monetary policies, suggesting that South Korea's rate hike actions may accelerate. The Bank of Korea has indicated that this increase is not a one-time adjustment but the beginning of further tightening.Market speculation includes a 3.00% benchmark interest rate by the end of the year and a potential rise to 3.25% to 3.50% next year. As the interest rate hike cycle intensifies, households, businesses, and the government are expected to face increased interest burdens.The aftermath of the benchmark interest rate hike is likely to ripple through the South Korean economy. Homeowners with mortgage loans will see their burdens increase immediately. As of July 16, the mixed-rate mortgage interest rates from the five major banks ranged from 4.77% to 7.49%. If further rate hikes materialize, mortgage rates could exceed 8%.With rising interest burdens, the so-called 'debt investment' risk is also expanding. For businesses, increased financial costs may dampen capital investment and research and development (R&D) spending, while marginal firms with low profitability are expected to face heightened restructuring pressures.Choi Tae-won: Semiconductor Demand Expected to Rise by at Least 50% Next YearChoi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has diagnosed that the global semiconductor supply shortage, exacerbated by the spread of artificial intelligence (AI), will worsen next year. He explained that while supply is expected to remain nearly unchanged, demand for semiconductors is projected to double across all industries due to the surge in AI applications. He emphasized that expanding large-scale production capacity is a critical task for South Korea's semiconductor industry.At a recent forum in Jeju, Choi likened the surge in global semiconductor demand to chaos, stating, "Even if we limit it to AI, there are predictions that demand will increase by at least 60% to 100% next year compared to this year. Since the increase in supply next year will be minimal, overall semiconductor demand is expected to rise by at least 50% to 60%."Kim Yong-beom: Difficult to Delist Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs; Market Shock PossibleKim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, stated regarding the single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have been identified as a major cause of recent stock price volatility, that "delisting is hard to imagine" and warned that such a move would cause significant shock to the market.Speaking on KBS's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' on July 19, he noted, "Investors are already involved, and the product has a scale exceeding 10 trillion won."As significant investments have flowed into single-stock leveraged ETFs, including those of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, analysts have observed a substantial increase in stock price volatility, leading some to argue for their delisting or a halt to new listings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 21:28:00
  • Kim Sung-yeol Appointed as Economic Security Secretary at the Blue House
    Kim Sung-yeol Appointed as Economic Security Secretary at the Blue House President Yoon Suk Yeol has appointed Kim Sung-yeol, the head of the Industrial Growth Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as the new Economic Security Secretary at the Blue House. Kim will oversee key economic and trade issues between South Korea and the United States, including the 'first investment project' outlined in the Korea-U.S. joint fact sheet.According to the Dong-A Ilbo on July 19, sources from the Blue House and the ruling party confirmed that Kim began his official duties by attending a weekly work meeting chaired by Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. This appointment comes about a month after Song Ki-ho, the former Economic Security Secretary, was promoted to the second deputy director of the National Security Office.Born in 1970, Kim graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in business administration and later earned a master's degree from the same institution. He entered public service in 1997 after passing the civil service exam. His career includes roles as the director of the Industrial Economic Policy Division at the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the administrative officer in the Blue House's Knowledge Economy Secretary's Office, and the head of the Power Industry Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.Kim also has practical experience in U.S. trade matters, having served as a commercial attaché at the South Korean Consulate General in New York and as a minister-counselor at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. He is regarded as a suitable candidate to coordinate trade and investment issues, including the 'first investment project' with the U.S.President Yoon has been accelerating his administration's agenda in the second year of his term, recently appointing Kim Tae-won as the Youth Future Secretary on July 16, followed by Kim's official start.The Blue House is also reportedly in the process of filling several other secretary-level positions, including the Digital Communication Secretary, which has been vacant for over six months since the resignation of lawmaker Kim Nam-kook, and the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Secretary, following the appointment of Lee Sung-hoon as president of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 21:28:00
  • Foreign Ministry Advises Citizens in the Middle East to Depart Promptly
    Foreign Ministry Advises Citizens in the Middle East to Depart Promptly The Foreign Ministry has urged South Koreans in the Middle East to leave the region promptly unless they have urgent business, as armed conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate.On July 19, the ministry held a joint situation assessment meeting with 17 overseas diplomatic missions in the Middle East, led by Second Vice Minister Kim Jin-ah, to review safety measures for South Koreans and vessels in the area.Vice Minister Kim stated, “The armed conflict between the U.S. and Iran, reignited over issues in the Strait of Hormuz, has persisted for over a week. Attacks on civilian facilities have resulted in numerous casualties, raising concerns for the safety of our citizens in the region.”He instructed each diplomatic mission to update emergency contact networks and disseminate safety notices regularly. He emphasized that since a travel advisory level 3, recommending departure, has been in effect for most Middle Eastern countries since March 8, short-term travelers should be advised to leave unless absolutely necessary.Travelers heading to or transiting through the Middle East were also advised to check flight information in advance, as cancellations and airspace closures could disrupt their plans.Vice Minister Kim reviewed the safety of two South Korean vessels remaining in the Strait of Hormuz and instructed vigilance regarding the safety of vessels navigating the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, where blockade concerns have been raised.The Foreign Ministry plans to continue monitoring the situation in the Middle East and implement necessary measures to protect its citizens abroad.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 20:56:00
  • Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Continues; Demolition Equipment Deployed
    Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Continues; Demolition Equipment Deployed The fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has continued for over 37 hours, prompting firefighting authorities to conduct overnight operations for two consecutive days.According to Yonhap News, the fire, which broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18 at the Coupang No. 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon, had not been fully extinguished as of 8 p.m. on July 19.Fire authorities have maintained a national firefighting mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from eight nearby provinces. A total of 228 pieces of equipment and 721 firefighters and police officers are currently on site.On the afternoon of July 19, two excavators and 18 firefighters were assigned to the ramp area connected to the sixth floor of the building to carry out demolition work. This 'destruction operation' aims to create space for smoke to escape and allow water to be sprayed inside the building.Firefighters also used aerial ladders and articulated vehicles to demolish parts of the exterior walls. Before sunset, helicopters were deployed to spray water from above. Fire authorities plan to assess the internal temperature and smoke conditions through the newly created openings before deciding whether to send in personnel.The logistics center, which has a total floor area of approximately 299,000 square meters, consists of one basement level and eight above-ground levels. The facility contains a large amount of combustible materials, including cardboard boxes filled with household goods and plastic pallets, and its complex internal rack structure has complicated firefighting efforts.Initially, fire authorities estimated that the fire could be brought under control by around 11 p.m. on July 19, but they noted that numerous variables at the scene make it difficult to predict an exact timeline.A fire at the Coupang logistics center in Icheon in June 2021 took three days to control initially and six days for complete extinguishment. The Incheon center is more than twice the size of the Icheon center, raising the possibility of prolonged firefighting efforts.As smoke from the fire spreads to surrounding areas, residents are experiencing inconveniences. The Seohae District has recommended that 31 nearby daycare centers close for the day on July 20. An elementary school in the vicinity has also decided to suspend classes, although emergency care services at daycare centers will continue.In Bucheon, where a large amount of smoke has entered the area, officials have sent safety text messages advising residents to close their windows and refrain from outdoor activities. 2026-07-19 20:44:00