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  • Seonggeumwon Returns Record 205.8 Billion Won in Dormant Deposits in First Half of 2026
    Seonggeumwon Returns Record 205.8 Billion Won in Dormant Deposits in First Half of 2026 Seonggeumwon has returned a record 205.8 billion won in dormant financial assets, including deposits and insurance payouts, to rightful owners in the first half of 2026. This marks the largest amount ever returned in a six-month period. On July 17, Seonggeumwon announced that it had processed a total of 414,000 cases of dormant deposits during this period. The amount returned represents a 25.9% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, with an average payout of approximately 497,000 won per case. Dormant deposits refer to funds such as expired deposits, insurance payouts, and bearer checks. When financial institutions contribute to Seonggeumwon, the agency manages these funds, allowing rightful owners to inquire and retrieve their money. Since Seonggeumwon began its dormant deposit contribution and payout operations in April 2008, it has cumulatively returned a total of 25.4 trillion won by June 2026. This includes 3.38 trillion won in dormant deposits, 7.14 trillion won in dormant insurance payouts, and 14.89 trillion won in dormant bearer checks. Of the total amount returned in the first half of this year, 63.9% was processed through non-face-to-face channels, including Government 24, Account Info, Find My Insurance, financial institutions, and MyData apps. Starting last month, users can check small dormant deposits of 500,000 won or less through the Toss app and convert them into Toss Pay money for immediate use. Within a month of launching this service, 60,000 cases totaling 1.04 billion won in dormant deposits were processed. Seonggeumwon has signed additional agreements with nine savings banks, increasing the number of financial institutions participating in dormant deposit contributions to 125. It has also expanded inquiry and payout channels in collaboration with Toss, Bank Salad, NongHyup Bank, and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. For elderly individuals who may have difficulty using digital services, Seonggeumwon is sending notification letters to their updated addresses. In the second half of the year, the agency plans to expand its outreach to pension recipients in collaboration with the National Pension Service. Dormant deposits can be inquired and applied for 24/7 through the 'Connecting Low-Income Finance' app or the 'Find My Dormant Deposits' website. For those who find online access challenging, assistance is available through the Low-Income Finance Call Center, financial institution branches, or the Integrated Support Center for Low-Income Finance. If you are exposed to illegal loan scams, you can report it to the Financial Supervisory Service for necessary assistance. For those struggling with excessive debt, help is available from Seonggeumwon or the Credit Recovery Commission. Loan contracts with an annual interest rate exceeding 60% are considered null and void for both principal and interest.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:08:00
  • Debate Intensifies Over Education Funding Reform in South Korea
    Debate Intensifies Over Education Funding Reform in South Korea <Education & Perspective> examines the crumbling public education system, declining school-age population, and the shifting college entrance system, while diagnosing issues in primary, secondary, and higher education. It also seeks sustainable alternatives and occasionally offers a cold yet warm perspective on our society.가뭄이 들면 농부는 물길을 새로 내고, 물이 넘치면 둑을 쌓아 수로를 정비한다. 당연한 이치다. 그러나 대한민국 교육재정이라는 논밭에는 50년 넘게 건드리지 못한 기이한 '고정식 수로'가 하나 흐르고 있다. 바로 내국세의 20.79%가 자동으로 흘러 들어가도록 설계된 지방교육재정교부금(교부금)이다.최근 기획예산처와 교육부는 교부금 개편을 두고 엇갈린 입장차를 드러내고 있다. 양 부처는 이재명 대통령의 제안으로 지난 8일엔 정부서울청사에서 교육교부금 개편 공개토론회를 진행하기도 했다. 교육재원 배분 기준을 두고 양측의 주장을 이렇게 비유해보면 어떨까. 한쪽에서는 “아이들이 줄어드는데 언제까지 돈을 쌓아둘 것이냐”며 수로를 좁히자 하고, 다른 쪽에서는 “미래 교육과 돌봄 등 돈 쓸 곳이 천지”라며 댐의 수문을 걸어 잠그고 있다. 양측의 팽팽한 논쟁을 보고 있노라면 어미 새가 물어다 주는 모이를 두고 다투는 새끼 새들의 소란이 떠오른다. 하지만 이 갈등의 본질은 단순히 '돈이 많냐, 적냐'의 싸움이 아니다. 재정을 나누는 칸막이의 경직성과, 미래를 내다보는 장기적 안목의 부재가 만든 예고된 불협화음이다.작금의 상황을 이해하기 위해 한 가정의 가계부를 예로 들어 설명해보겠다. 이 집에는 초등학생과 대학생이 있다. 아버지는 수십 년 전 가문 대대로 내려온 규칙에 따라, 매달 버는 수입의 5분의 1을 무조건 초등학생의 용돈과 학업비로만 쓰도록 통장을 묶어두었다. 세월이 흘러 수입은 늘었고 아이의 통장에는 돈이 넘쳐나 최신형 게임기와 최고급 학용품을 사고도 남는다. 반면, 대학에 진학해 비싼 등록금과 전공 서적 구매비, IT 장비 마련에 허덕이는 대학생은 통장의 잔고가 늘 바닥이다. 아르바이트를 전전해도 전혀 나아질 기미가 보이지 않는다. 아버지가 초등학생 통장의 남는 돈을 대학생에게 주려 하자, 초등학생은 “앞으로 내 미래를 위해 저금해야 하니 절대 손대지 말라”고 울부짖는다. 이것이 바로 유·초·중·고교에만 쓸 수 있도록 '칸막이'가 쳐진 교부금과, 만성적 재정난에 신음하는 고등(대학)·평생교육 재정의 적나라한 현실이다.1인당 국민소득이 328달러에 불과했던 1972년, 의무교육의 기틀을 다지기 위해 이때 도입된 '내국세 연동제'는 당시 가난한 나라에서 공교육을 일으킨 위대한 결단이었다. 하지만 학령인구 절벽을 맞이한 오늘날에도 이 제도가 그대로 작동하면서 배분의 비효율을 극대화하고 있다. 초·중·고교 학생 수는 급감하는데, 내국세와 연동된 교부금은 경기 호황이나 세수 증가에 따라 기계적으로 늘어난다. 쓸 곳을 찾지 못한 일부 교육청이 기금을 수조 원씩 쌓아두거나 태블릿 PC 무상 지급 등 선심성 현금 지원에 돈을 쓰는 사이, 국가 경쟁력의 원천인 대학들은 고사 직전에 몰려 있다.그렇다면 해결책은 단순히 초·중·고 수로의 밸브를 잠그고 그 물을 대학으로 돌리는 것뿐일까. 재정당국의 성급한 일방통행식 밸브 잠그기 역시 위험하긴 마찬가지다. “학생 수가 줄었으니 예산도 기계적으로 줄여야 한다”라는 단순한 산술적 경제 논리는 교육이 가진 미래 가치와 특수성을 간과한 처사다.특히 우리가 발을 내딛고 있는 '인공지능(AI) 시대'라는 문명사적 전환기를 생각하면 더욱 그렇다. 앞으로 교실마다 인공지능(AI) 디지털 교과서 도입을 준비해야 하고, 학생 개개인에게 맞춤형 개별 교육을 제공하는 에듀테크 기반의 교실을 구축하는 일은 결코 돈이 적게 드는 작업이 아니다. 초고속 네트워크망 구축, 주기적인 디바이스 교체 및 유지보수, 그리고 무엇보다 교사들의 AI 교수법 역량 강화를 위한 대대적 투자가 필요하다. 단순히 칠판과 책상만 바꾸던 시절의 예산 감각으로는 미래 교육의 인프라를 감당할 수 없다.지금 당장 학생 수가 줄어든다고 해서 교육 예산의 총량을 성급하게 깎아내린다면, 우리는 눈앞의 효율성을 좇다 미래 세대의 기본 경쟁력을 훼손하는 우(愚)를 범하게 될 것이다. 농부가 가뭄이 올 것을 대비해 미리 저수지를 넓히듯, AI 시대의 교육 재정은 단순한 '비용'이 아닌 국가의 명운을 건 '투자'로 바라봐야 한다.결국 해법은 '재정의 칸막이 허물기'와 '통합적 효율성 제고'에 있다. 초등학생 통장에 묶인 돈의 일부를 대학생 등록금과 온 가계의 공동 생활비로 융통할 수 있도록 가계부 규칙을 개정해야 하듯, 교부금 제도의 경직성을 완화하는 사회적 대타협이 시급하다. 내국세의 일정 비율을 무조건 못 박아두는 현행 방식에서 벗어나, 학령인구 추이와 미래 교육 수요를 종합적으로 반영하는 유연한 산정 방식으로의 점진적 전환을 고민해야 한다.동시에 초·중·고 교육재정의 칸막이를 일부 넓혀, 대학 교육과의 연계를 강화하고 평생교육 및 직업 재교육 재원으로 활용할 수 있는 법적 통로를 넓혀줘야 한다. 교육청 역시 남는 재정을 기금에 쟁여두거나 단발성 소모 사업에 낭비할 것이 아니라, 학교 시설의 친환경·스마트화, 미래형 교육과정 개발 등 질적 혁신에 예산을 집중 투입해 '재정 방만 우려'라는 빌미를 스스로 없애야 한다.'교육은 백년지대계(百年之大計)'라는 식상한 경구를 다시 꺼내 들지 않더라도, 교육 재정은 국가의 미래를 설계하는 가장 강력한 도구다. 마르지 않는 아랫샘(초·중등 재정)의 물을 그대로 흘려보내 버리면서, 정작 물이 말라 타들어 가는 윗밭(고등·평생교육)을 외면하는 우매한 농사가 되어서는 안 된다. 아랫샘의 넘치는 물을 윗밭으로도 골고루 대어줄 수 있는 유연하고 지혜로운 수로의 설계가 필요하다.정부와 교육계는 밥그릇 싸움 식의 소모적 갈등을 멈추고 진지하게 머리를 맞대야 한다. 아이들이 살아갈 미래의 영토를 넓히는 일에 예산이 가장 지혜롭고 효율적으로 쓰일 수 있도록, 물길의 지도를 다시 그려야 할 골든타임이 바로 지금이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:04:00
  • Used Goods Platform Enhances Trust with AI Innovations
    Used Goods Platform Enhances Trust with AI Innovations Used goods platform Joongonara is accelerating efforts to enhance transaction reliability through artificial intelligence (AI). The platform is improving its competitive edge by implementing systems that analyze product conditions, suggest appropriate prices, and detect unusual transactions. This AI-driven innovation has also led to improved financial performance, with Joongonara recording its first quarterly operating profit since its inception in the first quarter of this year.According to industry sources on July 17, Joongonara is focusing on enhancing transaction trust through AI. A notable example is the 'AI Self-Inspection' service, launched in November 2024. When sellers upload product photos, AI analyzes the images to identify scratches, stains, and signs of use, automatically assessing the product's condition.Previously, the subjective nature of product condition descriptions varied by seller, making it difficult for buyers to gauge actual quality. The AI Self-Inspection aims to reduce this subjectivity and provide objective information about product conditions, thereby increasing transaction trust.Recently, Joongonara added a 'Price Suggestion' feature to the self-inspection service. When sellers upload product photos, AI analyzes the condition and suggests a grade along with an appropriate selling price. This allows sellers to set reasonable prices without having to search for market rates, while buyers can more objectively assess whether the price aligns with the product's condition. The company has also secured a patent for this AI technology, enhancing its competitive edge.Last year, Joongonara introduced an AI product registration feature. Sellers can simply upload product images, and AI analyzes the photos to automatically generate necessary information such as product name, category, and detailed description. Sellers can then review and make minor adjustments before completing the product registration. Since implementing this feature, the time required for product registration has been reduced by approximately 15%, improving seller convenience and lowering barriers to entry for transactions.AI utilization is also expanding to build a safety net for transactions. Joongonara recently signed a partnership with Seoul Evaluation Information to develop an AI-based transaction risk prediction model. The goal is for AI to analyze transaction data to detect unusual patterns early and proactively block potentially fraudulent transactions. The company plans to enhance transaction safety by improving seller verification systems and the fraud detection system (FDS).Previously, the response was primarily reactive, addressing reports after they were submitted. Now, the structure is shifting to allow AI to detect warning signs in advance and respond proactively.Joongonara's AI innovations are translating into business success. From January to March this year, the company exceeded the break-even point for three consecutive months, achieving its first quarterly operating profit. Revenue growth was also significant, with first-quarter sales increasing by 42% compared to the same period last year, and payment processing revenue surging by 218%. The improvements in efficiency, transaction activation, and user trust through AI have been credited for this performance boost.Joongonara is accelerating its AI transformation (AX) across the organization to enhance transaction safety and service quality. Last month, the company appointed Kong Ja-yun as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to strengthen its AI capabilities. Kong, an expert who has led large-scale platform development and operations at LG CNS and SK Planet, joined Joongonara last year and has been overseeing the web development team.The company has also established dedicated teams for AX and data within its internal technology organization. These teams are responsible for applying AI technology across services and operations while enhancing data-driven decision-making processes. The strategy aims to integrate AI not just as a functional development but throughout the platform, including product registration, transaction safety, and service operations.Choi In-wook, CEO of Joongonara, stated, "We will continue to expand various technological and institutional foundations to ensure a trustworthy used goods transaction environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:04:00
  • KITZ Unveils July Lineup Featuring Kim Jaejoongs Gentleman and K-Pop Content
    KITZ Unveils July Lineup Featuring Kim Jaejoong's 'Gentleman' and K-Pop Content Global K-Pop short form platform KITZ has announced its lineup for July.The lineup includes a mobile adaptation of the film 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil,' starring Kim Jaejoong, as well as variety content such as 'K-Pop Focus' and 'Dukjilantis,' and original animations 'Kyu Enter' and 'When the Magpie Comes,' all set to premiere this month.'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil ' is a short form series reimagining Kim Jaejoong's occult horror film. The story follows three college students who disappear after visiting an abandoned shrine in Kobe, Japan, prompting a shaman named Myung-jin to investigate and confront strange spirits.KITZ has restructured the feature film into a series designed for mobile viewing, offering a different rhythm and viewing experience from the original. 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil Mobile' will be released on July 23 at 5 PM.The original animation 'Kyu Enter' is a comedic sitcom depicting the daily lives of underdog idol trainees dreaming of success. It humorously portrays the struggles of trainees preparing for their debut in a shabby rooftop room.The characters in 'Kyu Enter' were designed by artist HOZO, known for developing early Kakao Friends characters. The series was previously serialized as a webtoon on KakaoPage and KakaoWebtoon in 2024. The animation will also feature interactive elements such as AI chat with characters, fortune-telling content, and social media feed functions, enhancing the viewing experience. 'Kyu Enter' will premiere on July 15 at 5 PM.KITZ has also prepared a K-Pop variety lineup. 'K-Pop Focus' is an insight show featuring choreographer Bae Yoon-jung and boy group member Jae-jun from InnoMinute. The show analyzes the evolution of K-Pop dance, covering key choreography, synchronized performances, and TikTok challenges. Viewers can enjoy it in short form on KITZ and in horizontal format on the K-Pop variety YouTube channel 'KIRIZ.''Dukjilantis' is a global fandom talk show hosted by Jae-jun from InnoMinute. Fans from Korea, Japan, Turkey, and other countries gather to share their experiences with merchandise consumption and fandom community culture. The show highlights different fandom cultures and the common language of fandom. 'Dukjilantis' will also be available in short form on KITZ and in horizontal format on 'KIRIZ.'An original animation titled 'When the Magpie Comes,' based on the popular BL webtoon by writer Yoo-ppo, will also be released. The story revolves around a romance fantasy of gratitude and revenge surrounding a man's heart. The narrative follows Do-han, a popular web novelist, who lives a peaceful life as the guardian of a magpie spirit, until a snake demon named Sabin, harboring an old grudge, appears in human form. The series consists of 40 episodes and will be fully released on July 16 at 5 PM.Previously, KITZ has showcased various short form content, including 'Wind Up,' 'Jump Boy LIVE,' 'Kill the Romeo,' and 'After School Exorcism Club.' Recently, the feature films 'Wind Up: The Movie' and 'After School Exorcism Club: Girls' Night' were exclusively released in CGV theaters and invited to the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.Looking ahead, KITZ plans to release multi-format content in the second half of the year, including 'Love Wi-Fi Palace' and 'The Grim Reaper's Life Extension Project.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:04:00
  • Government Moves Forward with Public Consultation on Integrated Military Academy
    Government Moves Forward with Public Consultation on Integrated Military Academy The South Korean government is set to hold public consultations regarding the establishment of a four-year integrated military academy that combines the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, with a public hearing planned for early to mid-August.A Defense Ministry official stated on July 16, following the announcement of the basic plan for the military academy, "We will continue to gather various opinions through public hearings and policy briefings after today’s announcement." According to authorities on July 17, the ministry is considering holding the public hearing in the first or second week of next month.Under the Administrative Procedures Act, agencies planning to hold a public hearing must announce it at least 14 days in advance. Public hearings can be conducted for decisions that have widespread impacts and require broad input.If the public hearing takes place, it will provide an opportunity for open discussions on key issues, including the timeline for implementing the integrated entrance exam for the military academy, which has yet to be specified. A Defense Ministry official remarked the previous day, "We will allow sufficient time for future cadets to consider this matter, and we will hold consultations and public hearings in that regard." While the public hearing will focus on gathering opinions from the general public, policy briefings will be aimed at soliciting feedback from military personnel.Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek is reportedly committed to directly meeting with alumni associations from each military academy to gather their insights.As the integration of the military academies has become a political issue amid strong opposition from the opposition parties, there is keen interest in how the subsequent legislative process, including the Military Academy Establishment Act, will unfold.The government aims to expedite the construction of the military academy facilities at the Daejeon Jowon base, with a legislative goal set for this year.Han Byeong-do, acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, stated during a party-government meeting the previous day, "We will swiftly process the Military Academy Establishment Act to lay the institutional groundwork."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:04:00
  • Weather Update: Rain Expected Nationwide This Afternoon with High Humidity
    Weather Update: Rain Expected Nationwide This Afternoon with High Humidity On Constitution Day, July 17, the weather across the country is expected to be mostly cloudy, with rain beginning in various regions this afternoon. Due to the influence of a stationary front, the Chungcheong region, southern areas, and Jeju Island will experience cloudy conditions or rain, with precipitation expected to expand to the capital region and Gangwon Province by night.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the country will be under the influence of a high-pressure system moving eastward from the Bohai Sea near China. Rain is forecasted to continue until July 19 as the stationary front moves northward.Expected rainfall amounts are as follows: 20 to 60 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk; 30 to 80 mm in Jeonbuk, Gwangju, Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam; 20 to 60 mm in Daegu and Gyeongbuk; and 5 to 10 mm in Jeju. On July 18, rain is expected to spread nationwide, with the capital region receiving 50 to 150 mm and southern Gyeonggi Province possibly exceeding 200 mm. Some areas in the central region may experience very heavy rain of 50 to 80 mm per hour.Despite the rain, the perceived temperature is not expected to drop significantly. Most regions will continue to experience high humidity, with maximum perceived temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius.The morning low is expected to range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, while the afternoon high will be between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius. Key regional temperatures include a low of 23 degrees in Seoul, Chuncheon, and Gangneung, and a high of 32 degrees in Seoul and Daegu, 30 degrees in Jeonju, and 31 degrees in Jeju.Fine dust levels are expected to be 'moderate' in the capital region, Gangwon Yeongseo, Sejong, Chungbuk, and Chungnam, while other areas will see 'good' levels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 08:48:00
  • GC Green Cross to Invest 530 Billion Won in Immunoglobulin Production in the U.S.
    GC Green Cross to Invest 530 Billion Won in Immunoglobulin Production in the U.S. GC Green Cross plans to invest 530 billion won to establish production infrastructure targeting the subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) market. The company aims to enhance its global competitiveness in plasma-derived products by expanding its Ochang factory with dedicated SCIG production lines.On July 17, GC Green Cross announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Chungcheong Province and Cheongju City for long-term investments in the region.The company intends to build new production facilities at the Cheongju Ochang factory by 2033, with 140 billion won allocated for SCIG production equipment. The expansion is expected to create 120 new jobs.Through this investment, GC Green Cross plans to accelerate the establishment of SCIG-specific production lines and the commercialization roadmap. The company also committed to ensuring smooth project execution, utilizing local materials, and prioritizing hiring local residents.North Chungcheong Province and Cheongju City will provide administrative support to facilitate the project's progress.According to GC Green Cross, the U.S. immunoglobulin market is the largest in the world, valued at approximately $14.4 billion (about 20 trillion won) annually. Prices in the U.S. are more than six times higher than in South Korea, making the expansion of prescriptions a pathway to improved profitability. While intravenous (IV) formulations currently dominate, there is a shift towards the more convenient subcutaneous (SC) formulations.The company noted that only three high-concentration 20% SCIG products have been launched in the U.S., prompting a strategy to expedite clinical development for early market entry.GC Green Cross plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) next year for its non-clinical product 'GC5136B,' based on an optimized production process. The company has set a long-term goal of achieving a double-digit market share in the U.S. immunoglobulin market post-commercialization.GC Green Cross CEO Heo Eun-cheol stated, "This investment is a decision to continue the success of Aliglo, which has successfully entered the U.S. market. We will work closely with local governments to expand high-value production infrastructure and further enhance our competitiveness in the plasma-derived products sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 08:48:00
  • Foreign Investors Reduce Stakes in Samsung and SK Hynix While Increasing KOSPI Holdings
    Foreign Investors Reduce Stakes in Samsung and SK Hynix While Increasing KOSPI Holdings Foreign investors have been steadily reducing their stakes in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix this year, while increasing their overall holdings in the KOSPI index. This trend appears to be driven by concerns over a peak in the semiconductor market, leading to a decrease in large semiconductor stocks, while lower prices have attracted bargain hunters to the KOSPI.According to the Korea Exchange on July 17, the foreign ownership percentage of Samsung Electronics was recorded at 46.60% based on the closing price on July 16. This figure remains close to the year’s low of 46.55% recorded on July 9.The foreign ownership in Samsung has significantly decreased. The stock price of Samsung Electronics rose 98.1% from 128,500 won on January 2 to 254,500 won on July 16. During the same period, foreign ownership dropped from 52.33% to 46.60%, a decline of 5.73 percentage points.SK Hynix shows a similar trend. As of July 15, the foreign ownership percentage for SK Hynix was 49.88%, marking its lowest level this year after 49.87% on July 13 and 49.77% on July 14.Despite a significant rise in stock prices, foreign investors have reduced their stakes. The stock price of SK Hynix surged 172.1% this year, climbing from 677,000 won on January 2 to 1,842,000 won on July 16. However, foreign ownership decreased from 53.83% to 49.88%.On July 16, SK Hynix's stock fell sharply by 11.53%, prompting a rebound in foreign ownership to 52.44%, recovering to early-year levels.In contrast, foreign investors have consistently increased their holdings in the KOSPI this year. The foreign ownership percentage relative to the KOSPI market capitalization rose from 36.65% on January 2 to 40.22% as of July 16, an increase of 3.57 percentage points. During this period, the KOSPI index climbed 72.86%, from 4,000 to 7,284.41.Notably, during a market downturn last month, foreign ownership increased further. From July 19 to 26, the KOSPI fell by 7.20% over six trading days, with a notable drop of 9.99% in a single day on July 23. Although the index rebounded, it closed at 8,411.21 on July 26, down 5.81%, having briefly dipped below 8,100.As the KOSPI's valuation burden decreased rapidly during this decline, foreign investors began to enter the market for bargain purchases. For six consecutive trading days, foreign ownership relative to the KOSPI market capitalization remained in the 41% range, the highest level this year.Jun-ho Byun, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, noted, "Despite strong semiconductor performance, the continued selling by foreign investors reflects concerns over a peak in the industry rather than fundamentals. Given the significant rise in semiconductor stocks recently, prices may react more sensitively to negative news than to positive developments."Analysts suggest that for a reversal in foreign investment in semiconductor stocks, there needs to be a broader recognition that the current memory cycle represents a phase of structural growth. Yoon Yeosam, a researcher at Meritz Securities, predicted, "If consensus forms that memory demand driven by increased AI investment surpasses the existing economic cycle, the trend of foreign investors reducing their semiconductor stakes may ease."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 08:12:00
  • Kwangjang Law Firm Lawyers Recognized as Top Attorneys by International Evaluation Agencies
    Kwangjang Law Firm Lawyers Recognized as Top Attorneys by International Evaluation Agencies Kwangjang Law Firm (represented by Kim Sang-gon) announced on July 17 that its lawyers have been recognized for their outstanding capabilities by international law firm evaluation agencies. The selected attorneys include Park Geum-nang, Lee Mi-ji, Kim Jin-hoon, and Lee Eun-woo, who have excelled in various fields such as healthcare, fair trade, dispute resolution, and intellectual property.Park Geum-nang, a member of the healthcare group and a graduate of the 31st Judicial Research and Training Institute, was named among the 'Top 100 Women in Litigation 2026' in the Asia-Pacific region by Benchmark Litigation.As a co-leader of Kwangjang's healthcare group, Park has led efforts in patent disputes and regulatory matters related to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. She has successfully represented patent holders of a global cardiovascular blockbuster drug in over 100 patent lawsuits filed by dozens of generic companies, earning recognition for her contributions to patent protection in chronic inflammation and eye disease biopharmaceuticals.Lee Mi-ji, a lawyer in the fair trade sector and a graduate of the 39th Judicial Research and Training Institute, was also named among the 'Top 100 Women in Litigation 2026' by Benchmark Litigation. With extensive experience in fair trade, she has represented domestic and international companies at the Fair Trade Commission and in court, handling numerous cases involving cartels, abuse of dominant market positions, unfair trade practices, and improper support actions.Lee has a broad background in merger filings for both domestic and international companies and has recently represented major shipping and platform companies in multiple lawsuits challenging significant decisions by the Fair Trade Commission. He has been recognized for faithfully representing clients throughout the entire process, from responding to investigations and reviews by the Fair Trade Commission to subsequent litigation.Kim Jin-hoon, a lawyer in the construction and real estate sector and a graduate of the 4th Bar Examination, was selected as one of the 'Top 40 Under 40 2026' in the Asia-Pacific region by Benchmark Litigation. He recently led a successful lawsuit for the Banpo Jugong 1 Reconstruction Project Association against the Korea Land and Housing Corporation, claiming ownership transfer worth approximately 106 billion won, showcasing his expertise in complex litigation and advisory related to reconstruction projects.Kim has numerous successful cases covering the entire process of reconstruction and redevelopment, from injunctions against holding general meetings to administrative lawsuits. A case he represented became the second to be reviewed by the Constitutional Court since the implementation of the system.Lee Eun-woo, a lawyer in the IP & Technology group and a graduate of the 33rd Judicial Research and Training Institute, was named among the 'Top 250 Women in IP 2026' by Managing IP, a leading publication in the field of intellectual property. Since joining Kwangjang in 2004, Lee has achieved victories in complex intellectual property disputes, including trademark infringement lawsuits and landmark Supreme Court cases that established standards for game content infringement and the scope of protection for landscape photography.Managing IP, published by the UK-based Euromoney, conducts surveys among professionals in the intellectual property field worldwide to recognize senior women lawyers who have achieved outstanding results each year.Kim Sang-gon, the representative lawyer of Kwangjang, expressed his delight, stating, "We are very pleased that the expertise and capabilities of Kwangjang lawyers have been recognized by international law firm evaluation agencies. We will continue to strive to provide better legal services to our clients."Kwangjang Law Firm (Lee & Ko), established in 1977, is one of the top-tier law firms in South Korea, with over 750 professionals providing a wide range of legal services, including corporate advisory, litigation, finance, intellectual property, and criminal disputes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 08:04:00
  • New Book Anti-Dark Psychology Offers Insights on Psychological Manipulation
    New Book 'Anti-Dark Psychology' Offers Insights on Psychological Manipulation "Why couldn't I refuse at that moment?""Why did I agree when I didn't fully understand?"When people later regret accepting someone's request, they often blame their own character, thinking they are weak-willed, overly kind, or too trusting. But is personal weakness really the issue?Psychological conversation expert Im Cheol-woong presents methods for protecting one's judgment and choices from psychological pressure in his upcoming book, Anti-Dark Psychology, set to be released on July 24.The book's central argument is that manipulation operates through conditions rather than individual personality traits.In situations where time is pressing, anxiety about damaging relationships, feelings of guilt and responsibility, the authority of the other party, accumulated fatigue, environments without recorded conversations, and having to make decisions alone without consulting anyone can lead even the most cautious individuals to rush their judgments.Im argues that simply identifying easily manipulated personality types or categorizing everyone as a potential threat is insufficient for self-protection. He explains that everyone has conditions under which their judgment weakens, and discovering and changing those conditions should be the priority.In the early chapters, the book distinguishes between manipulation and normal persuasion or pressure, critically examining the concept of 'dark psychology' that is widely circulated. It addresses the exaggeration of various psychological studies, such as the dark triad, persuasion research, cognitive biases, and nudging, as techniques for controlling others. The notion that one can manipulate someone with a specific phrase or that knowing the other person's personality type can help avoid manipulation must be discarded.The middle sections delve into the processes through which human judgment is bypassed. Concepts such as System 1 and System 2, cognitive load, decision fatigue, and time pressure are used to explain how people often act before fully thinking through and agreeing to something.Im categorizes the five key areas that manipulation primarily targets: guilt and responsibility, social norms, identity, and relationships.He illustrates how phrases like, "Everyone does this," "You chose this," "A good person would do this much," and "I thought you would understand" can hasten judgment through various examples.The author proposes a four-step cognitive defense system consisting of 'fact separation, emotion labeling, interpretation deferral, and request redefinition.'First, one distinguishes between verified facts and personal assumptions. Next, they label the emotions felt at the time, such as anxiety, guilt, fear, and impatience. Then, they postpone hastily concluding the other person's intentions and the meaning of the situation.In the final step, vague pressures are transformed into specific requests. This involves clarifying exactly what action the other party wants, the deadline for it, and the extent of one's own responsibility.The latter part of the book applies this method to scenarios where either choice leads to blame, such as double binds, framing that directs information in a specific way, and micro-yes techniques that build small agreements to accept larger demands.The range of examples spans from digital dark patterns that influence consumer choices to romantic and family relationships, workplace dynamics, investment scams, voice phishing, and cults. It emphasizes that these are not secret techniques used only by malicious individuals but that everyday relationships and transactions can gradually narrow one's decision-making power.The book also addresses recovery methods for those who have already been swayed or suffered losses. Im stresses the importance of halting further agreements and losses rather than dwelling on self-blame with thoughts like, "Why didn't I see that?"He suggests recording conversations and transactions, informing a trustworthy third party about the situation, and reflecting on the conditions under which one made judgments at the time. Instead of attributing the cause of harm to personal flaws, one should revisit the conditions that made judgment difficult, such as fatigue, isolation, time pressure, and lack of information, to prevent repeating the same situation.Anti-Dark Psychology also warns against viewing all relationships as psychological warfare or labeling others as manipulators. The ultimate goal is not to become stronger or more cunning than the other party but to create conditions where manipulation is less likely to succeed by delaying decisions, securing time to ask questions, and separating relationships from requests.Im Cheol-woong holds a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and is a psychological conversation expert. He has served as a consulting researcher at Pohang University of Science and Technology's Human Factors Research Lab and taught management at Konkuk University. He has held positions as a professor and director at the IGM Global Management Research Institute and as CEO of Taewoong Infotech, and he founded Psychological Conversation LBC. Since 2012, he has conducted over 1,000 consultations through podcasts and YouTube, currently managing a YouTube channel, 'Psychological Conversation LBC,' with 150,000 subscribers.As a Ph.D. in industrial engineering, he has analyzed and applied statistical data obtained through offline practice and consultations to establish theories on small talk and psychological training techniques, even developing formulas. By creating theories and formulas based on psychology regarding human relationships and validating them through education and case studies, he demonstrates the importance of a scientific approach to interpersonal relationships. He strives to help those who struggle with their emotions or relationships understand practical paths to improvement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 07:04:00