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  • Universities to Expand Autonomy and Hire Non-Tenured Faculty in Advanced Fields
    Universities to Expand Autonomy and Hire Non-Tenured Faculty in Advanced Fields Regulations that have constrained educational and research innovation at universities are set to be significantly relaxed. Notably, exceptional talents who have made outstanding achievements in advanced fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) will have the opportunity to continue mentoring students at national and public universities beyond the retirement age.On July 15, the Ministry of Education held the 26th University Regulation Rationalization Committee meeting in a conference room near Seoul Station, where they discussed three key regulatory improvements aimed at enhancing university autonomy and competitiveness.The main proposals presented at the committee included: 1) appointing non-tenured faculty at national and public universities for outstanding talents in advanced fields beyond retirement age, 2) expanding the scope of land and building leasing, and 3) exempting national university industry-academia cooperation foundations from bid deposits.The most notable aspect is the plan to relax the retirement age limit for non-tenured faculty at national and public universities, which is currently set at 65, specifically for exceptional talents in advanced fields and those who meet the academic achievement criteria established by university regulations. There has been a consistent call from the field for securing world-class faculty and researchers to strengthen the domestic education and research ecosystem, particularly for advanced technology research and future talent development.In response, the Ministry of Education plans to actively pursue amendments to the Higher Education Act, allowing national and public universities to appoint outstanding talents who meet the academic achievement criteria set by university regulations as non-tenured faculty for up to five years after retirement, with the consent of the university personnel committee.If this measure is implemented, it is expected that the expertise of scholars in advanced fields will be directly integrated into university research environments.Additionally, outdated regulations that limited universities' physical educational space will be lifted. Under the current University Establishment and Operation Regulations, universities can only lease land or buildings within 20 kilometers of their campus boundary and within the same basic local government (city, county, or district).However, this regulation has faced criticism for being overly rigid, considering actual traffic conditions and students' living areas. Therefore, the Ministry of Education plans to expand the leasing range to within 20 kilometers of the campus boundary but within the broader metropolitan area (city or province) to enhance the operational efficiency of university facilities.Furthermore, the contracting process for national university industry-academia cooperation foundations will also be simplified. Currently, under the National Contract Act, corporations that receive more than 50% of their funding from the state are exempt from bid deposits, but national university industry-academia cooperation foundations have been excluded from this exemption, facing burdensome deposit requirements and repetitive administrative tasks.The Ministry of Education plans to improve this situation by preparing measures to exempt industry-academia cooperation foundations from bid deposits and streamline the contracting process.Minister of Education Kim Kyo-jin stated, "The matters discussed today will be gradually improved through consultations with relevant ministries and legislative amendments. We will continue to actively reflect the voices from the university field to improve unreasonable regulations and support university autonomy and innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:08:00
  • Lotte Retail Group Provides Relief Supplies and Nutritional Support to 1,400 Vulnerable Residents Amid Heatwave
    Lotte Retail Group Provides Relief Supplies and Nutritional Support to 1,400 Vulnerable Residents Amid Heatwave Lotte's retail affiliates are collaborating with the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to support vulnerable populations during the ongoing heatwave.On July 15, Lotte announced that it will deliver relief supplies, including fans and essential food items, to approximately 600 low-income individuals and elderly residents living alone in goshiwons, or small boarding houses. Additionally, the company plans to provide nutritional meals for about 800 people in conjunction with the start of the summer heat.This initiative is based on a tripartite agreement signed in 2018 between Lotte's retail affiliates, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Hope Bridge for a public-private partnership in disaster relief.From 2018 to 2022, Lotte's retail affiliates contributed a total of 3 billion won (approximately $2.5 million) over five years, providing relief supplies and psychological counseling through services like the Healing Bus during disasters such as wildfires and floods. Even after the agreement's conclusion, they continue to operate an emergency relief system.Lee Seong-hyun, head of communications at Lotte Department Store, stated, "We will care for our marginalized neighbors and realize shared values through cooperation among our retail affiliates."Meanwhile, on the same day, Lotte held its second-half VCM (formerly known as the executive meeting) at Lotte World Tower in Seoul, attended by Chairman Shin Dong-bin and representatives from various affiliates, to discuss management strategies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:04:00
  • Securities Stocks Rise Amid Market Surge
    Securities Stocks Rise Amid Market Surge Securities stocks are experiencing a strong rally, buoyed by significant gains in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices. The surge in the domestic stock market has led to increased expectations for trading volume.As of 2:34 PM on July 15, Samsung Securities was trading at 110,700 won, up 8,800 won (8.64%) from the previous trading day.At the same time, Korea Financial Group rose by 16,500 won (7.62%) to 233,000 won, while Kiwoom Securities increased by 22,000 won (7.14%) to 330,000 won.Mirae Asset Securities saw a rise of 2,750 won (7.10%) to 41,500 won, and NH Investment & Securities gained 1,050 won (3.52%) to reach 30,800 won, reflecting a broad upward trend among major securities stocks.This rally is interpreted as a result of improved investor sentiment in the domestic market, influenced by strong performance in the U.S. stock market. Overnight, the New York Stock Exchange rallied, driven by relief over the June Consumer Price Index (CPI), particularly in semiconductor stocks. Notable gains were seen in Nvidia (up 4.06%), Micron (up 4.92%), SanDisk (up 5.01%), and Intel (up 4.50%), while SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) surged by 27.29%, boosting investor confidence in domestic semiconductor stocks.Consequently, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw significant intraday increases, prompting a buying sidecar shortly after the market opened for both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ. Typically, when the stock market is strong, expectations for increased brokerage revenue due to rising trading volumes also grow, leading to a concurrent rise in securities stocks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:04:00
  • DDP Hosts Urban Summer Vacation with Music Festival
    DDP Hosts Urban Summer Vacation with Music Festival In the heart of Seoul, an urban summer vacation featuring music and delicious food is set to take place.The Seoul Design Foundation announced that the 'DDP Vacation: DDP Music Festival' will be held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) from July 31 to August 2.This event, themed 'Summer Vacation at DDP,' is a summer festival where attendees can enjoy music, gourmet food, and relaxation. The evening program will run from 4 PM to 11 PM, allowing everyone to experience Seoul's summer nights.The festival will feature live stages, relaxation zones, and market areas. The live performances will take place from 9 PM to 11 PM, with the first day dedicated to 'Jazz Night,' the second to 'Classical Night,' and the third to 'Folk Night,' offering a different atmosphere each evening.In the relaxation zone, attendees can enjoy performances while lounging on bean bags. This area will be available for pre-registered guests, who will receive a vacation package for a special summer experience. Additionally, on-site participation will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.The market zone will offer a variety of food and refreshing drinks, including DDP beer, premium spirits, and pairing pies, as well as non-alcoholic options and potato chips in rose flavor. Twenty small businesses will also provide a range of snacks, such as ice cream, pesto, and chips, enhancing the festival atmosphere.Various spaces for relaxation and experiences will be available throughout the venue. The healing zone will feature over 500 Helinox camping chairs, reminiscent of the Louvre Pyramid Square in France, providing comfort to DDP visitors. A photo zone inspired by the beach will allow guests to capture summer memories.The festival will operate through pre-registration via Naver and on-site participation. Performance schedules and programs can be checked on the DDP website and official social media channels.The foundation has extended the operating hours of the 'DDP Vacation' to 11 PM as part of Seoul's initiative to boost the nighttime economy.Cha Kang-hee, the CEO, stated, 'This DDP Vacation is an urban summer festival where music, gourmet food, relaxation, and lifestyle are interconnected as a single experience. We aim to expand this into a nighttime cultural festival that encourages visitors to enjoy the DDP space and design content until late at night every year.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 14:56:00
  • Baemin Launches Discount Event Featuring Traditional Market Products
    Baemin Launches Discount Event Featuring Traditional Market Products Baemin, operated by Woowa Brothers, is hosting a discount event in collaboration with traditional markets.On July 15, Baemin announced that it is conducting a "National Special Price Traditional Market Exhibition" in partnership with the National Merchants Association to help expand online sales for traditional markets.This exhibition features a total of 36 products from participants including the Bucheon Jungdong Love Market Cooperative, the Chungnam branch of the National Merchants Association, and the Ulsan Suam Shopping Market. The traditional market exhibition is available on the Baemin app under "National Special Price." National Special Price is Baemin's commerce service where sellers deliver products via courier.The Bucheon Jungdong Love Market Cooperative is offering 18 products, including meal kits for tteokbokki, stir-fried pork, mackerel stew, and spicy fish soup, at discounts of up to 60%.The Chungnam branch of the National Merchants Association is selling four processed products made from local specialties, such as apple juice from Yesan and bellflower syrup from Nonsan, at discounts of up to 11%. The Ulsan Suam Shopping Market is offering 14 products, including puffed rice and nostalgic snacks.Baemin has been consistently collaborating with traditional markets and merchant associations. In a previous exhibition at the Bucheon Jungdong Love Market last December, sales increased by approximately 600% compared to the previous month, while an exhibition of Chungnam specialties in October recorded an average daily sales figure 29 times higher than usual.Last month, Baemin, in partnership with Home & Shopping, provided mobile gift certificates as prizes as part of a "Traditional Market Revitalization Project" at the Yeonggwang Terminal Market in Jeollanam-do.During the event, which runs until July 27, Baemin is offering coupons for discounts of 3,000 won on purchases over 10,000 won and 15,000 won on purchases over 25,000 won, available on a first-come, first-served basis.Kim Joong-hyun, head of the Sustainable Management Office at Woowa Brothers, stated, "We hope this opportunity allows customers to enjoy the warm foods of traditional markets comfortably at home while providing practical support to market merchants. We will continue to pursue various collaborations that benefit small business owners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 14:56:00
  • BK Holdings Faces Delisting as Market Value Plummets 61% in a Year
    BK Holdings Faces Delisting as Market Value Plummets 61% in a Year BK Holdings, a subsidiary of the Bokwang Group, was once listed on the KOSDAQ as a semiconductor materials company, Phoenix Materials. The company changed its name in 2022 and exited the semiconductor business, shifting its focus to advertising. However, continued poor performance has seen its market capitalization shrink to below 10 billion won. The stock price is also on a downward trend, with the company increasingly leaning toward delisting.According to the Korea Exchange, BK Holdings issued a warning on June 16 regarding its designation as a management issue due to its market capitalization falling below 15 billion won. As of July 14, the company's stock price was 383 won, with a market capitalization of approximately 9 billion won. Over the past year, the stock price has dropped by 60.7%, significantly diminishing the company's value.BK Holdings originated as Phoenix Materials, which was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2004 and produced solder balls and metal pastes used in semiconductor packaging processes. After undergoing business restructuring, the company now primarily focuses on advertising production and media agency services. However, the results of this restructuring have been disappointing. Last year, the consolidated revenue was 7.4 billion won, a 41.4% decrease from the previous year, with an operating loss of 3.6 billion won and a net loss of 3.9 billion won. The return on equity (ROE) was recorded at -29.35%, and total assets decreased from 28.9 billion won in 2022 to 14.4 billion won last year. The ongoing poor performance has led to a decline in stock prices, with BK Holdings seeing a drop of over 60% in the past year.During this period, the largest shareholder has attempted to stabilize the company, but efforts have been insufficient. In May, BK Holdings conducted a third-party allocation of new shares to raise operating funds, with the largest shareholder, Korea Culture Promotion, investing about 3 billion won to acquire 3.75 million new shares at 800 won each. As a result, Korea Culture Promotion's stake increased from 25.13% to 37.06%. However, the market's response has been cold, with the stock price falling to around 300 won, less than half of the issuance price (800 won).Investors are expressing frustration, as there seems to be no clear path forward despite the largest shareholder's capital increase. A securities industry official noted, "The concerns about designation as a management issue due to market capitalization shortfall have materialized, and the delay in performance improvement following the business transition is evident. Whether there are additional measures to recover corporate value will be a key factor in maintaining the listing in the future." 2026-07-15 14:56:00
  • Rumors of Breakup Surround I Am Solo Couple Youngja and Youngcheol
    Rumors of Breakup Surround 'I Am Solo' Couple Youngja and Youngcheol SBS Plus and ENA's 'I Am Solo' couple Youngja and Youngcheol are facing breakup rumors.On July 15, posts circulated on online communities stating that "all photos of husband Youngcheol have disappeared from Youngja's Instagram feed."Currently, Youngja's Instagram account shows that all photos with Youngcheol have been deleted, and the comments section is closed, leading to speculation about their divorce. However, Youngcheol's account still contains photos of Youngja.In response, netizens commented, "After appearing on Lee Ho-sun's counseling show, did they ultimately break up?" and "They reportedly went through cycles of breaking up and getting back together; perhaps they couldn't overcome that even after marriage."Previously, Youngja and Youngcheol appeared together on the special episode of 'I Am Solo' for single parents, where they developed a romantic relationship that led to marriage.After their wedding, Youngja expressed on social media, "Looking back, there were many difficult times, and moments when I was afraid to start over, but my meeting with Youngcheol on 'I Am Solo' quietly but clearly taught me that 'love can come again.' Thank you for holding my hand until now and showing your love through actions rather than words and attitudes."However, their recent situation was revealed unexpectedly through a program. The couple appeared on tvN STORY's 'Lee Ho-sun's Counseling Center' in March, where they candidly discussed conflicts arising from rumors of infidelity, pregnancy, and miscarriage.On that day, Youngcheol mentioned regarding the infidelity rumors, "My wife wanted to check the 'divorce adjustment document,' but at that time, I was hurt."Regarding the circumstances that led to their quick marriage, Youngja stated, "We got married due to pregnancy while still unable to resolve our anxieties," and Youngcheol added, "If my wife hadn't been pregnant, we wouldn't have rushed into marriage like this."Youngja also revealed that when she learned about the pregnancy before marriage, she considered breaking up based on Youngcheol's reaction. She said, "When I took the pregnancy test, I hoped I was pregnant. I wished he would say, 'That's great. Let's raise the child,' but his response was ambiguous." Due to her uncertainty, Youngja had informed Youngcheol of her decision to break up.Youngcheol explained, "When I heard she was pregnant, I felt really good, but I couldn't show it. I thought it might be a burden, so I said, 'I'm really happy, but I respect your thoughts and decisions.' However, she said, 'I can't have it,' which hurt me, but I couldn't show it. She cried a lot, saying she felt anxious because I didn't give her certainty."The couple also faced financial conflicts. Youngja noted, "Youngcheol participates in a band hobby, but the costs of performing as a pianist are much higher than his hobby. It costs about 2 million won each time, and I don't know his monthly income details."In response, Lee Ho-sun advised, "Money and trust are everything in marriage. To reduce anxiety, you should not just consider each other but ask questions. You should open your bank accounts and hold a monthly financial meeting to reach an agreement." 2026-07-15 14:56:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Strengthens Response to Unauthorized Payments Following ChatGPT Incident
    Financial Supervisory Service Strengthens Response to Unauthorized Payments Following ChatGPT Incident The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is enhancing its online fraud prevention and response system for electronic payment service providers (PG companies) in light of the unauthorized payment incidents involving ChatGPT. Following the activation of a joint response hotline with credit card companies, the FSS is now expanding its collaborative efforts to include PG companies that facilitate online transactions.On July 15, the FSS and the Korea Fintech Industry Association announced the establishment of an 'Online Fraud Response Committee' involving major PG companies, the Financial Security Institute, and experts from academia and security fields.The formation of this committee is a follow-up to a report by this outlet on June 24, which highlighted a series of suspected unauthorized payment cases related to ChatGPT. In response, the FSS decided to activate a joint hotline with the Korea Credit Finance Association and credit card companies.At that time, the FSS aimed to consolidate complaints, approval records, and status of damage recovery related to unauthorized payments across different card companies to determine if the same fraudulent methods were spreading throughout the industry. The dispute resolution departments and fraud detection system (FDS) teams of the card companies were instructed to quickly share similar cases with the Korea Credit Finance Association and the FSS.Now, the response scope has been broadened to include PG companies. The FSS identified a structural vulnerability where transactions flagged by financial companies' FDS were not being blocked by PG companies, leading to actual fraudulent payments. It noted that individual responses from card companies and PG companies made it difficult to detect recurring patterns of suspicious transactions across various payment channels.The committee includes major PG companies such as Naver Financial, Kakao Pay, Viva Republica, Danggeun Pay, Hectopay, and Kukon. The committee plans to divide into FDS and anti-money laundering (AML) subcommittees to share experiences and response cases related to suspicious transactions and establish common response standards for the industry.The FSS and the Fintech Industry Association aim to analyze the current status and issues of fraud response based on industry cases by October, drafting a preliminary version of the 'Standard Practical Guidelines for Fraud Prevention and Response.' After gathering feedback, the final guidelines are expected to be confirmed in November, followed by a seminar to announce the results. 2026-07-15 14:52:00
  • ASML Reports Strong Q2 Earnings Driven by AI Semiconductor Demand
    ASML Reports Strong Q2 Earnings Driven by AI Semiconductor Demand The world's largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer, ASML, reported second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations, driven by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors.According to Reuters, ASML's revenue for the second quarter of this year was €9.33 billion (approximately $16 billion), surpassing the median market forecast of €8.8 billion compiled by financial information provider LSEG. The company's net income also reached €2.92 billion, exceeding the market estimate of €2.62 billion.ASML CEO Christoph Hocke stated in a press release, "Customers are continuing to accelerate their plans to expand production capacity, which is increasing visibility for long-term demand."ASML is the only company in the world that produces extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment necessary for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Major clients include TSMC, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron, all of which are expanding their advanced semiconductor production capabilities in response to rising AI semiconductor demand. Reuters noted that these AI-related investments have offset uncertainties in the Chinese market.CEO Hocke also mentioned that Intel plans to use ASML's High-NA EUV equipment for some production of its next-generation semiconductors, known as 'Panther Lake.' The application of High-NA equipment in Intel's Panther Lake production is expected to mark the first instance of this technology being used in actual advanced semiconductor manufacturing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 14:52:00
  • Protinah Shares Surge 11% on News of Collaboration with Onconic Therapeutics
    Protinah Shares Surge 11% on News of Collaboration with Onconic Therapeutics Protinah is experiencing a surge in its stock price following the announcement of a joint research initiative with Onconic Therapeutics focused on next-generation cancer drugs.As of 2:36 PM on July 15, Protinah shares were trading at 25,000 won, up 2,550 won (11.36%) from the previous trading day.The increase in investor sentiment is attributed to Protinah's announcement that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Onconic Therapeutics to collaborate on the research and development of next-generation cancer therapies.Under this agreement, the two companies will work together on a new drug based on molecular glue technology, which is a form of targeted protein degradation (TPD). They also plan to collaborate in the area of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADC).Protinah aims to enhance the efficiency and success rate of candidate drug discovery by combining its antibody design technology with Onconic Therapeutics' expertise in cancer drug development. This partnership is expected to expand Protinah's platform beyond its existing drug pipeline and artificial intelligence (AI) antibody design business into the realm of next-generation modality drug development.Yoon Tae-young, CEO of Protinah, stated, "The success of molecular glue and next-generation ADCs depends on how accurately we can interpret interactions. I hope that the combination of Protinah's platform and Onconic Therapeutics' experience in cancer drug development will lead to tangible candidate substances."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 14:52:00