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  • Homeplus Receives Lifeline as MBK and Meritz Agree on $200 Million Support
    Homeplus Receives Lifeline as MBK and Meritz Agree on $200 Million Support Homeplus Receives Lifeline as MBK and Meritz Agree on $200 Million SupportNegotiations between MBK Partners and Meritz Financial Group regarding a $200 million emergency operating fund for the financially troubled Homeplus have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement. According to the retail industry and the Homeplus labor union on July 15, MBK Partners and Meritz Financial have found common ground, contingent on MBK Chairman Kim Byung-joo providing personal guarantees for the full amount. In this scenario, Meritz Financial will offer the emergency operating fund loan. The union stated, "The funding issue has been resolved," adding that Meritz Financial is expected to confirm the support at a board meeting on July 16, paving the way for the total $200 million recovery fund. This agreement allows Homeplus to continue its recovery process through an immediate appeal to the court. However, the actual disbursement of funds will be finalized following the Meritz Financial board's decision and the court's ruling.President Lee Jae-myung: We Must Remember the Osong Tragedy and Shift to PreventionPresident Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need to transition the disaster response system from a focus on recovery to one centered on prevention, marking the third anniversary of the Osong underpass tragedy. During a memorial service held on July 15 at the Chungbuk Provincial Office, President Lee stated, "We must shift from responding to accidents after they occur to a preventive approach that stops them before they happen." The remarks were delivered by Jeon Seong-hwan, the Chief of the Integrated Communication Office. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, saying, "I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and victims who carry the unimaginable pain of that day in their hearts." President Lee noted, "The Osong underpass tragedy left a painful lesson for our society," pointing out that there were multiple warnings of danger and ample time to prepare. Jensen Huang: SK Hynix's ADR Listing is Incredibly SuccessfulJensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, praised SK Hynix's listing of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the Nasdaq as "incredibly successful" on July 15. According to Yonhap News, Huang made the remarks after attending a 30th-anniversary event for NVIDIA's partnership with Japanese gaming company Sega in Akihabara, Tokyo. He expressed his happiness regarding the ADR listing when asked for his thoughts. SK Hynix is a key partner supplying high-performance HBM (high-bandwidth memory), a crucial component for AI semiconductors, to NVIDIA. Huang's comments suggest that the influx of investment from SK Hynix's ADR listing is a positive sign for the expansion of NVIDIA's AI ecosystem. LS Securities Settles CERCG ABCP Lawsuit with Hyundai, KB, BNK, and Busan BankLS Securities has effectively concluded its compensation dispute with investors over the default of asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) related to China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CERCG). The Seoul High Court issued a recommendation for settlement in the lawsuit with investors, and LS Securities is set to pay the determined compensation. On July 15, LS Securities announced that the Seoul High Court's recommendation for settlement regarding the unjust enrichment claims filed by investors, including Hyundai Securities, BNK Investment & Securities, KB Securities, and Busan Bank, has been finalized. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling on the lawsuit filed by investors against Hanwha Investment & Securities and the then-Ebest Investment Securities (now LS Securities) after the CERCG-related ABCP default. The Seoul High Court ruled that LS Securities and Hanwha Investment & Securities must jointly pay 24.564 billion won, along with interest at 5% from November 9, 2018, to January 13, 2023, and 12% thereafter until full payment. Hyundai Securities agreed to drop all other claims and bear its own legal costs. MBK Hosts 'Project Crucible' Event Amid Management Dispute with Korea ZincMBK Partners and Youngpoong, currently in conflict with Korea Zinc's management, held an event in the U.S. related to Korea Zinc's 'Project Crucible.' This event comes after MBK and Youngpoong had previously raised concerns about the project's implementation. On July 15, industry sources reported that MBK and Youngpoong hosted a reception in Nashville, Tennessee, inviting local figures. The event was attended by MBK Vice Chairman Yoon Jong-ha and representatives from Youngpoong. During the event, MBK and Youngpoong introduced themselves as the largest shareholder group of Korea Zinc and expressed their support for Project Crucible. Project Crucible involves the construction of an integrated smelter in Tennessee, a project promoted by the current management led by Chairman Choi Yoon-bum, emphasizing U.S.-Korea economic cooperation and the stabilization of critical mineral supply chains.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 22:04:00
  • Financial Services Commission Imposes $21.5 Million in Fines on Youngpoong and Korea Zinc for Accounting Violations
    Financial Services Commission Imposes $21.5 Million in Fines on Youngpoong and Korea Zinc for Accounting Violations The Financial Services Commission has imposed a total of 28.9 billion won (approximately $21.5 million) in fines on Youngpoong and Korea Zinc for violating accounting standards. This decision concludes the regulatory process that began last month with the designation of auditors and recommendations for the dismissal of executives.During its 13th regular meeting on July 15, the Financial Services Commission announced the fines against Youngpoong, Korea Zinc, Hankyul LS, Myungga Dairy, and related company officials and external auditors for violations in preparing and disclosing financial statements.The fines for each company are as follows: Youngpoong received the largest fine of 20.47 billion won, followed by Korea Zinc at 8.43 billion won, Myungga Dairy at 319 million won, and Hankyul LS at 208 million won.Fines were also levied against company officials. Four former executives of Youngpoong were fined a total of 1.51 billion won, while two executives from Korea Zinc were fined 763 million won. Two former executives from Hankyul LS received fines totaling 41.6 million won, and two executives from Myungga Dairy were fined 31.9 million won.Sanctions were also confirmed for auditors. Daewoo Accounting Corporation, which audited Youngpoong, was fined 1.068 billion won. The auditors for Myungga Dairy, Jeongmyeong Accounting Corporation, and the Hyun-do and Sonang Accounting Firms were fined 3.6 million won, 10.2 million won, and 2.7 million won, respectively.Investigations revealed that Youngpoong had significantly underreported provisions related to soil and groundwater purification obligations and failed to properly reflect impairment losses on its smelting plant's tangible assets. Korea Zinc was found to have inadequately recognized investment asset impairment losses and goodwill impairment from subsidiaries, omitted disclosures on related party transactions, and obstructed external audits.Hankyul LS was found to have manipulated inventory records, falsely inflating inventory assets and minimizing inventory asset impairment losses. Myungga Dairy was also included in the sanctions for violations of accounting standards.Previously, the Securities and Futures Commission had approved administrative actions against Youngpoong, Korea Zinc, and Hankyul LS on June 10, including auditor designation, recommendations for executive dismissals, and corrective measures. Sanctions against Myungga Dairy were finalized on June 24.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 21:40:00
  • MBK and Youngpoong Host Crucible Event in the U.S. Amid Management Dispute
    MBK and Youngpoong Host Crucible Event in the U.S. Amid Management Dispute MBK Partners and Youngpoong, embroiled in a conflict with Korea Zinc's management, held an event in the U.S. related to Korea Zinc's 'Project Crucible.' This event took place despite previous concerns raised by MBK and Youngpoong regarding the project's execution.According to industry sources, MBK and Youngpoong hosted a reception on July 9 in Nashville, Tennessee, inviting local figures. Attendees included MBK Vice Chairman Yoon Jong-ha and representatives from Youngpoong.During the event, MBK and Youngpoong introduced themselves as the largest shareholder group of Korea Zinc, stating their support for Project Crucible.Project Crucible involves the construction of an integrated smelter in Tennessee. The current management, led by Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yoon-bum, has been promoting the project as part of U.S.-Korea economic cooperation and the stabilization of critical mineral supply chains.However, MBK and Youngpoong previously opposed a capital increase through a third-party allocation during the establishment of a joint venture with the U.S. government, leading them to file for an injunction.MBK stated, 'We have never denied or opposed the strategic value of the U.S. smelter project. The injunction was filed due to the opaque decision-making process and the aggressive push for a third-party allocation that excluded major shareholders.'In contrast, a Korea Zinc representative remarked, 'It is difficult to understand that hostile M&A opponents held a related event without prior consultation with the company regarding a project that the current management, including Chairman Choi Yoon-bum, has been promoting for U.S.-Korea economic cooperation and supply chain stabilization. They should reflect on their previous opposition to capital increases for the Crucible project.'As the U.S.-Korea cooperation project surrounding critical mineral supply chains escalates into a management dispute, tensions regarding project leadership and decision-making processes are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 21:32:00
  • Jensen Huang Calls SK Hynixs Nasdaq Listing Incredibly Successful
    Jensen Huang Calls SK Hynix's Nasdaq Listing 'Incredibly Successful' Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, praised SK Hynix's listing of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on Nasdaq as "incredibly successful" on July 15.According to Yonhap News, Huang made the remarks after attending a 30th anniversary event for the partnership between NVIDIA and Japanese gaming company Sega in Akihabara, Tokyo. He expressed his happiness regarding the listing when asked for his thoughts on SK Hynix's ADR debut.SK Hynix is a key partner supplying high-performance HBM (high bandwidth memory), a core component for NVIDIA's AI semiconductors. Huang's comments suggest that the influx of investment following SK Hynix's Nasdaq listing could signal positive developments for NVIDIA's AI ecosystem.Following its listing, SK Hynix's ADR surged 27.29% on July 14, the third trading day, as perceptions of undervaluation spread.Huang also announced plans to unveil a large-scale AI collaboration with the Japanese government on July 16. He stated, "Tomorrow can be seen as the starting point for AI in Japan," and indicated that he would announce various collaborations in AI and robotics with major Japanese companies.Despite visiting South Korea twice recently, Huang faced controversy for not visiting Japan. However, he appears to have been preparing for AI collaborations with the cabinet of Sanae Takaichi and major Japanese manufacturers.During the Sega anniversary event, Huang met with Sega CEO Haruki Satomi, former president Shoichiro Irimajiri, and Yu Suzuki, the developer of 'Virtua Fighter.' He acknowledged that without the pioneering 3D graphics of the Japanese gaming industry, NVIDIA and its current AI technology would not exist.Huang remarked, "Japan has always been special to me, and the same goes for Sega. You should be proud that NVIDIA and Sega continue to collaborate today." He recounted how, during NVIDIA's early days, the company faced challenges with its first graphics chip, the NV1, which had issues. Irimajiri's support allowed the project to continue, leading to NVIDIA's eventual success.He requested that Irimajiri, then vice president, convert a planned $5 million investment into private equity to allow for a redesign of the chip, a proposal that was accepted, resulting in the successful development of a new chip.Reflecting on NVIDIA's near bankruptcy in 1995 and the poor technology choices made at the time, Huang stated, "It is unimaginable that we are here today, having become the world's largest company by market capitalization."He emphasized the importance of friendship, partnership, and mutual support, stating, "Even though NVIDIA chose the wrong technology at that time, Irimajiri recognized that we had the right talent. Your friendship, support, and belief in us mean a lot to me."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 21:20:00
  • LS Securities Settles CERCG ABCP Lawsuit with Hyundai, KB, BNK, and Busan Bank
    LS Securities Settles CERCG ABCP Lawsuit with Hyundai, KB, BNK, and Busan Bank LS Securities has effectively concluded its compensation dispute with investors over the asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) default involving China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CERCG). The Seoul High Court issued a recommendation for settlement in the lawsuit with investors, and LS Securities is set to pay the determined compensation.On July 15, LS Securities announced through a public disclosure that the settlement recommendation from the Seoul High Court regarding the unjust enrichment claims filed by ABCP investors Hyundai Motor Securities, BNK Investment Securities, KB Securities, and Busan Bank has been finalized.This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit filed by investors against Hanwha Investment & Securities and then eBest Investment Securities (now LS Securities) after the default of the CERCG-related ABCP.The Seoul High Court ruled that in the case involving Hyundai Motor Securities, LS Securities and Hanwha Investment & Securities are jointly liable to pay 24.564 billion won, along with delayed damages at an annual rate of 5% from November 9, 2018, until January 13, 2023, and 12% thereafter until payment is completed. Hyundai Motor Securities agreed to waive all other claims and to bear its own litigation costs.In addition, the joint payment amount was set at 9.825 billion won for BNK Investment Securities and 9.828 billion won for KB Securities. For the Busan Bank case, the court decided that LS Securities must pay 9.833 billion won related to delayed damages, excluding the principal amount confirmed before the remand.LS Securities stated that it plans to pay the compensation to the plaintiffs in accordance with legal procedures, and once the payments are completed, the cases will be considered resolved.However, the disclosed payment amounts are based on the principal shared between LS Securities and Hanwha Investment & Securities, and the actual amount LS Securities will bear will be a portion determined by an agreed-upon sharing ratio between the two companies.The CERCG ABCP incident is a large-scale financial dispute that arose in 2018 due to the default of CERCG, a state-owned enterprise in China, which led to the deterioration of the underlying assets. Investment institutions have filed lawsuits against LS Securities and Hanwha Investment & Securities, claiming unjust enrichment during the issuance and sale of the ABCP. With the confirmation of this settlement recommendation, the civil disputes with major institutional investors are effectively nearing resolution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 21:00:00
  • Homeplus Receives Green Light for Restructuring with 200 Billion Won Support
    Homeplus Receives Green Light for Restructuring with 200 Billion Won Support MBK Partners and Meritz Financial Group have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement on a 200 billion won emergency operating fund (DIP) to support Homeplus, which is facing bankruptcy.According to the retail industry and the Homeplus labor union on July 15, the agreement stipulates that if Kim Byung-joo, chairman of MBK Partners, personally guarantees the full amount, Meritz Financial Group will provide the emergency operating fund loan.The union stated, "The funding issue has been resolved," adding that Meritz Financial is expected to confirm the support at a board meeting on July 16, paving the way for the 200 billion won restructuring fund.Min Byung-deok, chairman of the Democratic Party's Euljiro Committee, also mentioned the funding agreement during a rally for Homeplus workers and merchants held in Seoul on the same day.Min said, "The 200 billion won issue will be resolved by July 16, allowing us to prevent Homeplus's bankruptcy and continue the restructuring process."This agreement provides Homeplus with a foundation to continue its restructuring process through an immediate appeal to the court. However, the actual disbursement of funds will ultimately depend on the approval of Meritz Financial's board and the court's judgment.Previously, the Seoul Bankruptcy Court decided to terminate Homeplus's restructuring process but left open the possibility of reconsideration if the 200 billion won in operating funds is secured by the appeal deadline of July 20.MBK Partners, the major shareholder of Homeplus, and Meritz Financial, the largest creditor, had previously shown differences regarding the funding method and guarantee scope. The Homeplus union has been urging the presidential office, the National Assembly, and the MBK Partners headquarters to maintain the restructuring process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 20:28:00
  • No Major Gains After 50 Days of Single-Stock Leverage and Inverse ETFs
    No Major Gains After 50 Days of Single-Stock Leverage and Inverse ETFs 국내 첫 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 ETF(상장지수펀드)가 상장 50일이 됐지만 투자자들이 기대했던 '대박'은 없었다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스를 기초자산으로 한 레버리지 상품은 물론 하락장에서 수익을 노린 인버스 상품까지 모두 기준가를 밑돌며 '양방향 손실'을 본 것으로 파악됐다. 레버리지·인버스 상품 모두 50일간 40% 안팎의 손실률을 기록했다. 투자자 피해가 커지자 이재명 대통령은 "보완대책을 신속히 강구하라"고 지시했다. <관련기사 3면>15일 한국거래소에 따르면 지난 5월 27일 상장한 삼성전자·SK하이닉스 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 12종과 인버스 ETF 2종은 지난 14일까지 전 종목이 상장 당시 기준가를 밑돌았다. 레버리지 ETF는 기초자산 일일 수익률의 2배를 추종하는 구조인 만큼 손실 폭도 확대됐다. SK하이닉스를 추종하는 상품은 -31.90~-36.89%, 삼성전자 상품은 -33.44~-36.02%의 수익률을 기록했다. 같은 기간 본주인 SK하이닉스와 삼성전자 주가가 각각 6.77%, 12.04% 하락한 걸 감안하면 레버리지 상품 손실이 3배가량 높았다. 하락에 베팅한 인버스 ETF도 부진했다. SOL SK하이닉스선물단일종목인버스2X는 44.16%, PLUS 삼성전자선물단일종목인버스2X는 15.83% 하락했다. 투자자 손실이 확대되면서 정부도 제도개선에 나선 상태다. 이재명 대통령은 이날 청와대 영빈관에서 열린 하반기 부처 업무보고에서 이찬진 금감원장에게 "최근 삼성·하이닉스 ETF 때문에 많이 당하고 있는 것 같다"며 "보완 대책을 신속하게 잘 마련하도록 해달라"고 지시했다.이 대통령의 지시로 정부는 조만간 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 보완대책을 내놓을 방침이다. 현재 1000만원인 기본예탁금 상향, 투자 한도 제한 등이 검토되고 있는 것으로 알려졌다. 최종 방안은 이르면 16일 열리는 거시경제·금융현안 간담회(F4 회의)에서 나올 예정이다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:44:00
  • Leverage and Inverse ETFs Suffer Major Losses Amid Market Volatility
    Leverage and Inverse ETFs Suffer Major Losses Amid Market Volatility 국내 첫 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 상장지수펀드(ETF)의 50일 성적표는 처참했다. 역대급 변동성과 함께 하락장이 이어지면서 모든 종목이 큰 폭의 손실을 기록했다. 상승과 하락에 베팅하는 양방향 모두 30~44%의 손실률을 기록했다. 물론 이 손실률은 5월 27일 상품 출시 후 계속 보유하고 있을 때를 가정한 숫자다. 개별 투자자의 수익률은 천양지차일 것으로 추정된다. 이 상품 일일 회전율이 수천%로, 하루에도 수십번씩 사고파는 '단타 매매'가 대부분이기 때문이다. 다만 증권가에선 요즘 같은 예측 불가의 급등락 장세에선 레버리지 ETF와 인버스 ETF까지 모두 마이너스 수익률이 불가피할 것이란 분석이 나온다. 15일 한국거래소에 따르면 지난 5월 27일 상장한 단일종목 인버스 ETF 2종은 지난 14일 기준 모두 상장 당시 기준가를 크게 밑돌았다. SOL SK하이닉스선물단일종목인버스2X는 기준가 2만5원에서 1만1170원으로 내려 44.16% 하락했다. 거래대금은 55조6089억원으로 나타났다. PLUS 삼성전자선물단일종목인버스2X도 2만원에서 1만6835원으로 떨어져 15.83%의 손실을 기록했다. 거래대금은 8조2633억원이었다. 기초자산인 삼성전자, SK하이닉스 주가가 하락한 것과는 상반된 결과다. 같은 기간 SK하이닉스는 205만2000원에서 191만3000원으로 6.77%, 삼성전자는 29만9000원에서 26만3000원으로 12.04% 각각 내렸다. 일반적으로 하락장에서 인버스 상품은 수익이 발생할 것으로 기대되지만 실제 성과는 정반대로 나타났다. 신한자산운용은 단일종목 인버스 ETF의 구조적 특성이 이 같은 결과를 낳았다고 설명했다. 단일종목 인버스 ETF는 특정 기간의 누적 수익률이 아니라 하루 단위 등락률의 -2배를 추종한다. 예를 들어 주가가 하루 10% 하락한 뒤 다음 날 11.1% 상승하면 원주가는 제자리로 돌아오지만 인버스 ETF는 첫날 20% 상승한 뒤 다음 날 22.2% 하락하면서 최종적으로 손실이 발생한다. 이러한 과정이 반복될수록 복리 효과로 손실은 더욱 커질 수 있다. 신한자산운용 관계자는 "선물가격과 현물가격 간의 차이와 매일 수익률을 재설정하는 일별 추종 방식의 복리 효과가 누적되면서 투자자가 기대하는 누적 수익률과 실제 성과가 달라질 수 있다"고 말했다. 상승에 투자하는 레버리지 ETF도 마찬가지다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스를 추종하는 12개 레버리지 ETF는 모두 30% 이상 하락했다. SK하이닉스 레버리지 상품은 1Q SK하이닉스선물단일종목레버리지(-36.89%)가 가장 큰 손실을 기록했고, 삼성전자 레버리지 상품은 1Q 삼성전자선물단일종목레버리지(-36.02%), KIWOOM 삼성전자선물단일종목레버리지(-35.58%) 등이 뒤를 이었다. 레버리지 ETF의 누적 거래량은 약 140억6196만주, 거래대금은 약 338조6616억원에 달했다. 이 가운데 KODEX SK하이닉스단일종목레버리지가 거래량 53억4029만주, 거래대금 145조7075억원으로 가장 활발하게 거래됐다. 이어 TIGER SK하이닉스단일종목레버리지(75조751억원), KODEX 삼성전자단일종목레버리지(69조7732억원), TIGER 삼성전자단일종목레버리지(40조1139억원) 순으로 거래대금이 많았다. 시장에서는 이번 상장 50거래일 성적표가 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 ETF의 구조적 한계를 보여준 사례라는 평가가 나온다. 기초자산의 방향성만 맞춘다고 수익이 보장되는 상품이 아니라 일일 수익률 추종과 복리 효과로 인해 변동성이 커질수록 성과 왜곡이 확대될 수 있어 장기 보유에는 적합하지 않다는 지적이다. 금융당국도 이 같은 구조적 위험성을 우려해왔다. 이찬진 금융감독원장은 지난달 22일 기자간담회에서 "레버리지 ETF의 회전율이 높다. 자동매매 프로그램을 돌리지 않는 이상 사실상 하루 종일 거래에 매달려야 하는 수준"이라고 말했다. 이어 "이처럼 투자자의 삶에 과도한 부담을 줄 수 있는 상품이 적절한 금융상품인지 개인적으로 의문이 든다"고 지적했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • Single-Stock Leverage ETFs: Experts Advocate for Improvements Over Cancellations
    Single-Stock Leverage ETFs: Experts Advocate for Improvements Over Cancellations The South Korean government has been deliberating for two weeks on measures to improve single-stock leverage ETFs. Despite a public petition calling for their complete cancellation, officials are concerned about the potential backlash from eliminating the products entirely. On July 15, President Yoon Suk Yeol directed the swift development of supplementary measures, indicating that solutions may be forthcoming soon.The securities industry has proposed several alternatives, including raising the minimum deposit requirements, tailored risk warnings, expanding investor education, and distributing rebalancing trades. These proposals were announced following a meeting hosted by the Korea Financial Investment Association on July 14. Hwang Seong-yeop, chairman of the association, expressed hope that enhancing investor protection efforts and making some institutional adjustments would foster a more trustworthy market environment.Financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, have yet to provide specific responses. Reports suggest that the cancellation of the products or restrictions on new listings are not under consideration. However, there are expectations that while industry feedback will be taken into account, additional measures may be introduced.Experts from academia have assessed the industry's proposed measures as a necessary compromise to balance investor demand and market stability. Kim Sang-bong, a professor of economics at Hansung University, stated, "It is not practically feasible to cancel or abolish single-stock leverage ETFs immediately. In the current situation, raising the minimum deposit and strengthening risk warnings are sufficient initial measures." He added that although the size of the ETFs may be small, the volatility of the underlying assets could significantly increase market volatility, suggesting that a more thorough review of market impacts and investor protection should have occurred during the initial approval process.Lee Jeong-hwan, a professor at Hanyang University’s Department of Economics and Finance, noted, "Eliminating the products is realistically difficult, and sudden liquidation could lead to investor losses and market chaos. Pursuing cancellations in a crowded product landscape could also raise compensation issues, creating significant burdens." He concluded that reducing marketing efforts and enhancing investor protection mechanisms are currently the most practical alternatives for the government and the industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • Weather Forecast: Rain Expected in Central and Southern Regions, Heat Continues
    Weather Forecast: Rain Expected in Central and Southern Regions, Heat Continues On Thursday, rain is expected to fall primarily in the southern regions of Chungcheong and Jeju Island. Most areas across the country will continue to experience extreme heat, with perceived temperatures reaching around 31 degrees Celsius, and some regions may experience tropical nights.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain will begin in Jeolla Province and Jeju Island on the morning of the 16th, expanding to southern Chungcheong and northwestern Gyeongsangnam-do by night. On the 17th, rain is forecasted to continue across most of southern Chungcheong, southern regions, and Jeju Island.Expected rainfall from the 16th to the 17th includes: 20-60 mm in Daejeon, southern Chungcheong, and southern Chungbuk; 30-80 mm in Jeonbuk, Gwangju, and Jeonnam; 30-80 mm in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam; 20-60 mm in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (on the 17th); and 5-30 mm in Jeju Island.In areas experiencing rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms may occur. Reduced visibility and slippery roads could pose risks, so drivers are advised to slow down and maintain safe distances.Morning low temperatures are forecasted to range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to reach between 28 and 37 degrees Celsius. Temperatures will be similar to or slightly above average, with perceived highs in most areas around 31 degrees Celsius. In particular, the eastern coastal regions of Gyeongbuk may see perceived temperatures rise to 35 degrees, while Gyeongnam could reach around 33 degrees, resulting in very hot conditions.Tropical nights, where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius, will continue, especially in the Gyeongsang region and Jeju Island.Currently, heat wave warnings are in effect for the mountainous and eastern coastal areas of Gangwon, Gyeongsang region, and Jeju Island. While some warnings may be lifted or eased with the rain, high humidity is expected to keep perceived temperatures elevated.Regional morning low temperatures are forecasted as follows: Seoul 23 degrees, Incheon 23 degrees, Chuncheon 22 degrees, Gangneung 25 degrees, Daejeon 22 degrees, Daegu 26 degrees, Jeonju 23 degrees, Gwangju 23 degrees, Busan 25 degrees, and Jeju 26 degrees.Daytime high temperatures are expected to be: Seoul 32 degrees, Incheon 30 degrees, Chuncheon 31 degrees, Gangneung 33 degrees, Daejeon 30 degrees, Daegu 35 degrees, Jeonju 30 degrees, Gwangju 30 degrees, Busan 32 degrees, and Jeju 31 degrees.In maritime areas, strong winds and high waves are expected, particularly in the far eastern sea where a wind advisory is in effect. There is also a possibility of a storm surge warning being issued for the western coast of Incheon and Gyeonggi, the Jeolla coast, the western coast of Gyeongnam, and the coast of Jeju Island from the night of the 15th to the early morning of the 16th due to the combination of weather conditions and high tides.On the 16th, gusty winds and thunderstorms are anticipated over the Yellow Sea, and on the 17th, similar conditions are expected over most maritime areas, prompting caution for vessels engaged in navigation and fishing.The Korea Meteorological Administration urges the public to stay hydrated, manage indoor temperatures, and limit outdoor activities for health safety.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00