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Labofe's Phenelagen Mask Offers Emergency Hydration for Dull Skin With the weather fluctuating, skin conditions can also become unpredictable. Exposure to strong sunlight and sudden rain outdoors, combined with constant air conditioning indoors, has led to an increase in skin concerns.A go-to product for skin worries these days is Labofe's 'Phenelagen Lifting Hold Cream Mask.' Developed by the domestic startup Starstech, which focuses on eco-friendly technology using starfish, this product contains starfish collagen to provide both hydration and elasticity.While starfish are often considered invasive species in marine ecosystems, they possess remarkable regenerative abilities. Even if part of their body, like a limb, is damaged, they can regenerate. Starstech has developed 'Phenelagen,' which incorporates nano-delivery technology to deeply penetrate the skin with collagen extracted from starfish, and this product includes that innovation.The development story of this product is intriguing. Upon opening the package, it captures attention. Unlike typical thin sheet masks, it uses a urethane-coated fabric that adheres closely to the face and stays in place once applied. The sheet is divided into upper and lower sections, with the lower part designed to lift the jawline.The mask is filled with a rich, concentrated cream ampoule that does not run, which is an added benefit. The inside of the sheet remains moist, while the outside is not sticky, preventing hair from sticking to it. This allows for comfortable use while doing household chores or using a phone.After wearing it for about 20 minutes, I immediately felt my skin was more hydrated. It wasn't just surface-level moisture; it felt like my skin was deeply replenished. True to its collagen content, my skin appeared firmer, and my jawline looked slightly more defined.According to the product description, Phenelagen achieves a skin absorption rate up to 2,392 times higher than regular collagen. It has also been certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its dual functionality in whitening and wrinkle improvement. Perhaps that's why I noticed a more significant effect on days when I had extensive external engagements or late-night work that left my skin particularly dull.During the summer, when extreme heat and heavy rain are common, skin can easily become fatigued. If you're looking for a hassle-free way to address both hydration and elasticity, this product is worth trying.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 09:04:00 -
Samsung Fire & Marine and Gangbuk Samsung Hospital Collaborate on Chronic Disease Prevention Model Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance is partnering with Gangbuk Samsung Hospital to develop a healthcare model aimed at predicting and managing the risks of chronic diseases.On July 18, the financial institution announced the establishment of the 'Life Care Innovation Center' in collaboration with Gangbuk Samsung Hospital during an opening ceremony held at its headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Key officials from both sides, including Samsung Fire & Marine President Lee Mun-hwa and Gangbuk Samsung Hospital Director Shin Hyun-cheol, attended the event.This center's establishment follows a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties in March. The goal is to create healthcare services that not only provide post-treatment coverage but also prevent chronic diseases and manage them continuously.Both organizations plan to jointly develop chronic disease management solutions centered around the center, utilizing Gangbuk Samsung Hospital's medical infrastructure for service validation and commercialization.In particular, the center will combine Gangbuk Samsung Hospital's over 40 years of accumulated clinical data from health checkups and cohort research capabilities with Samsung Fire & Marine's experience in healthcare service operations. They aim to comprehensively analyze customers' health conditions and lifestyles to detect disease risks early and provide personalized health management services.Lee Mun-hwa, President of Samsung Fire & Marine, stated, “We will evolve into a total life care platform that goes beyond economic protection after accidents to prevent and manage health risks for our customers.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 09:04:00
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Seoul Issues Flood Warnings Amid Heavy Rainfall Severe rain overnight has prompted flood warnings in the Gangseo, Eunpyeong, and Mapo districts of Seoul. Rising water levels in the Jungnangcheon River have led to the closure of several roads and river access points, including the Dongbu Expressway.As of 7:30 a.m. on July 18, the city reported flood warnings in Gangseo, Eunpyeong, and Mapo. Flood advisories are also in effect for Mapo and Yangcheon.Flood warnings are issued when rainfall exceeds 50 mm per hour or accumulates to more than 90 mm over three hours. Flood advisories are issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 55 mm per hour or 20 mm within 15 minutes.Heavy rain overnight caused rapid increases in river levels. The Han River Flood Control Center issued a flood alert at 4:50 a.m. for the Mokgamcheon River at the Neobudaegyo Bridge, advising residents in low-lying areas to prepare for potential flooding.The Korea Forest Service has raised the landslide alert level to 'caution' across the metropolitan area, while Eunpyeong District issued a landslide warning and Dobong District issued a preliminary landslide alert. Mapo District has restricted access to forested areas and urged residents to be vigilant for signs of landslides.Road closures followed as well. At 5:37 a.m., the Dongbu Expressway was fully closed in both directions between the Surak Underpass and Seongsu Junction due to rising water levels in the Jungnangcheon River. Additionally, a vehicle fire inside the Yongma Tunnel in Jungnang District at 6:53 a.m. further blocked traffic.As of now, a total of 120 reports of damage related to the rain have been received. The majority of these, 89, were requests for drainage assistance, followed by 27 for safety measures on facilities and 4 for fallen trees.As of 7:30 a.m., access to 29 rivers in the city has been restricted. Vehicle traffic is limited on four roads, including the area under the Jeungsan Bridge and the Hangju Bridge, as well as the Dongbu Expressway and Garam-gil. Twenty rainwater pumping stations are partially operational.Since the heavy rain warning was issued at 3:40 a.m., the Seoul Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters has activated its second stage of emergency response. This has mobilized 6,642 city and district officials to monitor vulnerable areas such as rivers, low-lying regions, and drainage systems, as well as to enhance monitoring of at-risk individuals.The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy rain advisory for all of Seoul at 1 a.m. and upgraded it to a warning focused on the southwestern and northwestern areas at 3:40 a.m. The heavy rain warning was lifted at 7:30 a.m. Forecasts indicate that Seoul could receive between 100 to 200 mm of rain over three days, with some areas potentially exceeding 300 mm.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 09:00:00
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Severe Rainfall Expected in Capital Region, Over 200mm Possible On Saturday, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is expected across the country. Due to the advancing monsoon front, strong rain clouds are developing, which will bring significant rainfall to most areas nationwide.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 7 a.m., heavy rain warnings have been issued for the capital region, Gangwon Province, and South Chungcheong Province. Areas in southern Gyeonggi, the capital region, central and southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, northern South Chungcheong, and central and northern North Chungcheong are forecasted to receive between 50 to 80 mm of rain per hour from late night to morning.In the capital region, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, rainfall is expected to reach between 80 to 150 mm, with some areas potentially exceeding 200 mm. Gangwon Province is forecasted to receive 100 to 150 mm, while inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon may see over 250 mm of rain.In the Chungcheong region, Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, and North Chungcheong are expected to receive 50 to 100 mm, with northern Sejong and northern North Chungcheong likely to exceed 200 mm. Southern Daejeon, southern South Chungcheong, and southern North Chungcheong are forecasted to receive over 150 mm.In North Jeolla Province, rainfall is expected to be between 30 to 100 mm (with over 120 mm in some areas along the western coast), while Gwangju and South Jeolla are forecasted to receive 30 to 80 mm. In North Gyeongsang Province, rainfall is expected to be between 50 to 100 mm (with over 150 mm in some northern areas), while Daegu, southern Gyeongsang, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang are expected to receive 30 to 100 mm, 20 to 60 mm, and Jeju is forecasted to receive 5 to 30 mm.In areas experiencing rain, strong winds and thunderstorms may occur, raising concerns about flooding, landslides, and river overflow due to the heavy downpours.Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius. Heat advisories are in effect for South Jeolla and Jeju, with the perceived temperature in most regions expected to rise around 31 degrees Celsius, making it feel hot.The highest daytime temperatures are forecasted to be 27 degrees in Seoul, 28 degrees in Incheon, 26 degrees in Chuncheon, 24 degrees in Gangneung, 28 degrees in Daejeon, 30 degrees in Daegu, 30 degrees in Jeonju, 31 degrees in Gwangju, 29 degrees in Busan, and 31 degrees in Jeju.Fine dust levels are expected to be 'good to moderate' across all regions due to favorable atmospheric dispersion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 08:28:00
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Korea's Justice Protection Agency and Green Umbrella Sign MOU to Support At-Risk Youth The Korea Justice Protection Agency (Chairman Choi Young-seung) announced on July 18 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Green Umbrella (Chairman Hwang Young-ki) on July 15 at the agency's headquarters in Gimcheon Innovation City. The agreement aims to support the stable growth of at-risk children and youth and strengthen the social safety net.The signing ceremony was attended by 13 officials from both organizations, including Chairman Choi and Chairman Hwang.This MOU is designed to identify at-risk children and youth, including those under protection, and to establish a systematic support framework by linking the specialized resources and welfare networks of both organizations.Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on: identifying at-risk children and youth and their families, providing tailored case management, developing and operating educational, cultural experience, and mentoring programs for emotional stability and social adaptation, and promoting awareness and social contribution campaigns for children and youth in protective gaps.Chairman Choi stated, "Through this agreement, we hope to establish a foundation for connecting appropriate support to children and youth in need and their families. We will utilize the expertise and resources of both organizations to support the stability of families under protection and the healthy growth of children and youth."Chairman Hwang remarked, "We will faithfully fulfill our role as a bridge to support at-risk families through this agreement. Based on the resources of both organizations, we will provide practical help to children in distress and strengthen the social safety net for their healthy growth."The Korea Justice Protection Agency is a public institution under the Ministry of Justice that supports individuals who have received criminal or protective measures to reintegrate into society and prevent recidivism. It primarily conducts various rehabilitation and protection projects for released individuals and those under probation, including providing accommodation, vocational training, job placement, and housing support.The agency operates a headquarters, an educational institute, and 26 branches nationwide, with approximately 8,000 justice protection committee members active across the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 08:04:00
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KOSPI Falls Below 6800 Amid Foreign and Institutional Selling; Big Tech Earnings to Influence Market On July 16, the KOSPI index plummeted over 6% due to massive selling by foreign and institutional investors, falling below the 6800 mark. This week, the domestic stock market is expected to experience high volatility as it reacts to earnings reports from major U.S. tech companies, guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) investments, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6820.60, down 463.81 points (6.37%) from the previous trading day. In the securities market, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 2.1 trillion won and 3.08 trillion won, respectively, while individual investors bought a net 4.89 trillion won.The KOSDAQ index also fell, closing at 791.84, down 37.59 points (4.53%). For the week, the KOSPI dropped 8.77%, and the KOSDAQ fell 5.44%.Last week, the domestic stock market faced high volatility due to concerns over geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the sustainability of AI investments. Shinhan Investment Corp. noted that skepticism regarding AI investment companies has amplified its impact on the domestic product market. The KOSPI 200 volatility index (VKOSPI) remained above 80, with daily fluctuations around 5%.The biggest variable for the market this week is the earnings announcements from major U.S. tech companies. Starting on July 23 (Korean time) with Alphabet, key hyperscalers will reveal their earnings and AI investment guidance. Market analysts view these companies' investment plans as crucial for the semiconductor sector's direction.Labor Gil, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., stated, "The current adjustment is characterized by skepticism regarding AI investment companies, which has amplified its effects on the domestic product market. Until we confirm the earnings and AI investment guidance from U.S. tech companies, the market is likely to react more sensitively to negative news than to positive developments."Despite the recent sharp decline, assessments indicate that corporate fundamentals have not been significantly damaged. The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) for June both fell below market expectations, easing inflation concerns. TSMC reported record sales for the second quarter, and ASML raised its earnings and annual guidance, reaffirming demand for AI logic and memory expansion and addressing equipment bottlenecks.Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, commented, "The demand and supply dynamics, as well as profit directions in the semiconductor sector, have not changed enough to justify this sharp decline. This adjustment is more a result of technical and supply-demand shocks rather than fundamental issues."Exchange rates are also seen as a positive factor for the stock market. Shinhan Investment Corp. forecasts that the won-dollar exchange rate will fluctuate in the upper 1400s, supported by declining U.S. inflation, net foreign purchases of domestic stocks, and the successful listing of SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Additionally, the upcoming decision by the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee on interest rates and strong export performance from July 1 to 20 are expected to help control the upper limit of the won-dollar exchange rate.Market experts advise that while high volatility is inevitable in the near term, excessive pessimism should be avoided, considering past instances of sharp declines. Lee Sang-yeon, a researcher at Shin Young Securities, stated, "Unless we are at the beginning of a bubble collapse or systemic crisis, selling during a sharp decline often leads to missing out on rebounds. Individual investor sentiment has not yet collapsed, and as long as the bullish trend remains, the impact of recent volatility will be limited."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 07:04:00
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U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Ceasefire Negotiations The military tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, plunging the Middle East into further chaos, even after the signing of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU). Analysts suggest that both sides are employing pressure tactics to gain leverage in negotiations, raising concerns that this could lead to full-scale war. According to Yonhap News on July 18, despite a 60-day additional ceasefire period following the MOU, both the U.S. and Iran have intensified military operations, heightening tensions. The two sides resumed armed clashes after negotiations for a peace settlement collapsed on July 12, just before reaching an agreement. The U.S. Central Command reported that it has been conducting nighttime airstrikes targeting Iran for a week. The U.S. is focusing on military supply infrastructure, including bridges, railways, and roads near the Strait of Hormuz, and has deployed approximately 2,000 troops from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to waters near Iran. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is reinforcing its military presence in the region by redeploying fighter jets from European bases. Iran is also ramping up its retaliatory actions. Following attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as power plants and desalination facilities, Iran has expanded its range of attacks to include U.S. allies such as Qatar, Oman, Iraq, and Jordan. Experts believe that the military actions from both sides are more about positioning for future negotiations rather than an immediate intention for full-scale war. The U.S. aims to weaken Iran's military influence in the Strait of Hormuz to enhance its negotiating power, while Iran seeks to escalate tensions in the Gulf region to drive up international oil prices and prepare for a prolonged conflict. Both sides appear to be cautious about completely dismantling the ceasefire framework. The Wall Street Journal noted that the potential shock of soaring global oil prices, along with the costs of post-war reconstruction and domestic economic discontent, weigh heavily on Iran. Similarly, the U.S. must consider the political and economic costs associated with a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. However, experts warn that the current limited clashes could spiral out of control at any moment. Iranian security expert Sayyed Golkar from Tennessee told the Wall Street Journal, "This escalation is rapidly intensifying and is slipping out of control. There is a risk that both sides could inadvertently return to full-scale war, even if they do not desire it." Ultimately, the key variable remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport. Iran is determined to maintain its influence over the strait at any cost, while the U.S. aims to achieve its strategic goal of compelling Iran to abandon its nuclear development through normalized navigation. Hamid Reza Azizi, a visiting researcher at the German Institute for International Security Affairs, told the Wall Street Journal, "Both sides are likely to engage in a long-term battle of patience, accepting domestic political and economic burdens to extract concessions from each other."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 06:24:00
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Korean Navy and Research Institute Discuss Maritime Trade Route Security The 최종현학술원 (Choi Jong-hyun Academic Institute) and the Republic of Korea Navy examined the economic and security impacts of maritime trade route crises and discussed South Korea's response strategies. On July 14, the two organizations held a joint forum titled 'When the Sea Shakes, the Nation Shakes' at the Korea Higher Education Foundation conference hall in Gangnam, Seoul. Attendees included Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations; Jeong Hyeong-gon, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy; Colonel Yoo Jae-jun of the Navy; Kwon Bo-ram, Research Fellow at the Korea Defense Research Institute; Kim In-hyun, Emeritus Professor at Korea University Law School; and Kim Tae-yu, Emeritus Professor at Seoul National University’s Department of Industrial Engineering. Participants discussed the impact of instability in key maritime trade routes on energy supply, supply chains, and manufacturing production, as well as strategies encompassing naval power, shipping and shipbuilding industries, and international law. Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul stated, "As a maritime nation that has grown through the sea, instability in maritime trade routes directly affects our economy and security. The government, industry, academia, and military must work together to develop response strategies." Jeong Hyeong-gon explained that South Korea's economy heavily relies on maritime transport for most imports and energy supplies. Approximately 99.9% of import volumes and 97.9% of export volumes are transported by sea, with about 96% of energy imports also relying on maritime routes. He noted, "While some high-value products like semiconductors can be transported by air, most energy, raw materials, and components come by sea. Disruptions in maritime routes affect logistics and the competitiveness of manufacturing and exports." Recent instability in the Middle East has led to simultaneous price increases and reduced imports of key raw materials such as crude oil, propane, butane, and naphtha, impacting sectors like petrochemicals, semiconductors, and batteries. Jeong suggested moving away from a cost-cutting supply chain strategy to one that enhances risk management and resilience, advocating for a system that allows real-time analysis of supply chain risks by the government and businesses. Colonel Yoo Jae-jun assessed that the U.S. is shifting its strategy from maintaining maritime order unilaterally to sharing roles with allied nations. He argued that South Korea should strengthen its shipbuilding, defense, and advanced technology capabilities based on the Korea-U.S. alliance to enhance strategic response capabilities. He also emphasized the need for a Korean maritime domain awareness system that connects surveillance assets such as ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, satellites, and radars, along with an AI-based command and control system. Kwon Bo-ram analyzed that the U.S. is likely to move away from a system that fully guarantees the safety of all major maritime chokepoints, requiring allies and regional countries to share responsibilities. Kwon stated, "South Korea should consider ways to contribute to maintaining maritime trade routes, rather than merely benefiting from the maritime order." Emeritus Professor Kim In-hyun proposed expanding a national control fleet centered on national flag vessels capable of transporting strategic materials during crises. The idea is to secure vessels that can operate commercially during peacetime but be utilized for government transport in emergencies. He explained that a system should be established to maintain the transport of strategic materials even in wartime or conflict situations by linking the essential vessel system with naval escort systems. Emeritus Professor Kim Tae-yu predicted that if the Arctic route is fully utilized, diversifying energy import routes and protecting transport vessels could emerge as new maritime security challenges. Participants concluded that the stability of maritime trade routes is not just a military issue but also an economic security matter affecting energy, supply chains, and manufacturing competitiveness, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response system that includes diplomacy, defense, shipping and shipbuilding, and legal frameworks. Meanwhile, the ongoing war in the Middle East, which began on February 28, continues to heighten uncertainties in international oil prices and global supply chains.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 06:04:00
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CXMT Aims for Global Memory Market Leadership with $14.7 Billion IPO China's largest DRAM manufacturer, CXMT (Changxin Memory Technologies), is accelerating its entry into the global "Big 3" memory market with a planned initial public offering (IPO) that could raise up to 66.6 billion yuan (approximately $9.3 billion). The company aims to challenge the dominance of Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron by aggressively investing in next-generation processes and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) development.According to industry sources, CXMT has set a goal to double its production capacity by 2030 and triple it by 2035, funded by the proceeds from its IPO, which began on July 16 on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's STAR Market.For the IPO, CXMT is offering 6.7 billion shares at a price of 8.66 yuan each. The initial fundraising amount is 57.9 billion yuan (about $8.1 billion), which could increase to 66.6 billion yuan (approximately $9.3 billion) if the overallotment option is fully exercised. The actual listing is expected to take place on July 27.The funds raised will be directed towards the development of the next-generation G5 process, HBM3 production, and the expansion of manufacturing facilities. In the short term, CXMT plans to increase its monthly wafer production capacity from the current 320,000 to 420,000 by 2027, focusing on new fabs in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as a production cluster in Hefei. Long-term, the company aims to achieve a production capacity three times its current level by 2035.CXMT is also working to expand its market share. According to Counterpoint Research, CXMT's global DRAM market share is currently around 9%. It is projected to grow to 11% by 2028, but analysts suggest that a minimum market share of 15% is necessary to secure stable competitiveness in the global memory market."A 15% market share is the minimum benchmark for sustaining investment in next-generation fabs and technology development," said Hwang Min-seong, a research director at Counterpoint Research. He noted that Taiwanese DRAM companies lost their investment capacity and became niche players when their market shares fell below 15%.Beyond merely increasing production volume, CXMT is also focusing on enhancing product competitiveness. The company aims to raise the proportion of LPDDR5 and DDR5 in its total production to 75% and expand its supply of DRAM for PCs and servers. Additionally, CXMT is targeting entry into the high-value memory market through HBM3 mass production and supplying Chinese AI semiconductor companies.However, the tightening of U.S. semiconductor regulations could complicate the acquisition of advanced equipment and the expansion of global clientele. Nevertheless, some analysts believe that these regulations could spur the development of new memory architectures.Neil Shah, vice president at Counterpoint Research, stated, "CXMT is pursuing the development of new technologies such as vertical channel transistors (VCT) and wafer-on-wafer bonding. As existing leaders delay innovation due to concerns over recouping investments in current facilities, CXMT may unexpectedly gain a competitive edge in next-generation memory technology."Counterpoint Research identified four key variables that will determine CXMT's corporate value in the future: HBM3 mass production and yield assurance, securing global customers outside of China, U.S.-China regulatory risks, and market share expansion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 06:04:00
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Pearl Abyss to Host Global Screening of User-Created Fan Movie 'MadiGirls' Pearl Abyss is set to showcase a feature-length fan movie created by players of 'Black Desert' to global audiences, following its domestic premiere.On July 18, Pearl Abyss announced the global screening of the fan movie 'MadiGirls: The Idol Who Saves the World' (hereafter referred to as MadiGirls).MadiGirls is a 70-minute feature film produced by 'PoppinSoul,' a player who utilized in-game content. The story follows the protagonist, 'Bard Ponyu,' as she meets an entertainment representative in the world of Black Desert and embarks on her journey to become an idol.PoppinSoul has been active in the adventurer community, creating various video content based on gameplay. In this project, scenes filmed at the in-game 'Gyeonghoeru' featured participation from other Black Desert creators and adventurers, enhancing the film's quality.Pearl Abyss held the first screening for domestic users on July 10. Attendees remarked, 'They created an immersive long narrative using only game assets,' and 'The adventures in Black Desert do not end within the game.'Through this global screening, Pearl Abyss aims to share user-generated content with Black Desert players worldwide and further promote the culture of creation within the game. In Black Desert, players engage in various creative activities, such as hosting weddings, concerts, and fashion shows, and producing videos based on the game.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 06:04:00