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  • Coinone Launches New Brand Campaign Focused on Financial Innovation
    Coinone Launches New Brand Campaign Focused on Financial Innovation Coinone announced on July 6 that it will launch its 2026 brand campaign titled "Beyond Coins to Finance" in the second half of the year.The campaign, which will run until the end of the year, consists of a large-scale marketing project divided into three parts. The first project, a video titled "New Moon," visually represents a pivotal moment in the financial ecosystem, inspired by the cryptocurrency industry's catchphrase "To the Moon."The video features a "Financial Innovation Alliance" involving Coinone and its recent shareholders, Korea Investment & Securities and OKX, signaling the dawn of a new investment era. This marks a significant moment as it is the first major marketing initiative following their investment.The campaign video will be broadcast starting in July across major media platforms, including terrestrial and cable TV, YouTube, and Netflix, and will also be displayed on outdoor digital billboards in high-traffic areas such as Yeouido, Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Hongdae.Cha Myung-hoon, CEO of Coinone, stated, "We aim to enhance the public recognition of the Coinone brand and convey a message about leading the new investment era that is approaching the cryptocurrency market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:56:00
  • Lemon Healthcare Surges Over 61% on First Day of KOSDAQ Listing
    Lemon Healthcare Surges Over 61% on First Day of KOSDAQ Listing Lemon Healthcare experienced a remarkable surge of over 61% on its first day of trading on the KOSDAQ. This increase is attributed to strong demand during its initial public offering (IPO) and growing expectations surrounding its medical data platform and artificial intelligence (AI) business expansion, which are based on partnerships with leading hospitals in South Korea. As of 9:24 AM on July 6, Lemon Healthcare's shares were trading at 16,170 won, up 6,160 won (61.60%) from the initial offering price of 10,000 won, according to the Korea Exchange. Founded in 2017, Lemon Healthcare specializes in a real-time interactive medical data relay platform that connects hospitals, patients, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical firms. The company has developed its own platform, the Lemon Digital Bridge (LDB), which standardizes, transforms, and relays diverse medical data from various hospitals in real time. The company operates several services based on this platform, including smart hospital services (LDB-H), medical data relay services (LDB-E), and a medical data processing and analysis platform (LDB-D), thereby building a comprehensive medical data ecosystem. As of March this year, Lemon Healthcare has secured contracts with 38 out of 47 major hospitals in South Korea, including Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital, and Asan Medical Center, achieving a market share of 80.8%. The company is expanding its operations to general hospitals and small to medium-sized clinics and has also launched a smart hospital service called Lemon TalkTalk, based on KakaoTalk. In the insurance sector, its claims service, Claim God, has surpassed 1.9 million subscribers and 10 million claims. The company is also involved in the development of the computerized claims system for real insurance, known as Real Insurance 24, enhancing its medical data relay capabilities. Market analysts are optimistic about the company's growth potential, particularly in expanding its medical AI business following the IPO. Lemon Healthcare currently holds over 100 million medical data records. The company plans to use the funds raised from the IPO to establish infrastructure for distributing and trading AI training medical data and to create a medical AI data marketplace. Additionally, it intends to invest in upgrading its existing platform and developing new digital healthcare services and marketing initiatives. Investor interest was high during the IPO process. In the institutional demand forecast, 2,233 institutions participated, resulting in a competition ratio of 1,238 to 1, and the offering price was set at the upper end of the desired range at 10,000 won. In the general subscription phase, the competition ratio reached 1,511 to 1, with subscription deposits totaling approximately 3.78 trillion won. Hong Byeong-jin, CEO of Lemon Healthcare, stated before the listing, "We will solidify our position as a company that connects the medical AI ecosystem by actively building a marketplace for medical AI training data. We aim to expand high-value-added businesses centered around medical data and grow into a globally competitive medical data platform company."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:52:00
  • ZEEKR 7X Surpasses 1,000 Pre-Orders in One Month, Ultra Trim Leads Sales
    ZEEKR 7X Surpasses 1,000 Pre-Orders in One Month, Ultra Trim Leads Sales The ZEEKR 7X, a mid-size electric SUV from China's Geely Group, has surpassed 1,000 pre-orders in South Korea just one month after its launch. According to ZEEKR Korea, pre-orders for the 7X began on June 5 and have been accepted at nine locations nationwide, including Gangnam, Seocho, and Gangseo in Seoul, as well as in Pangyo, Ilsan, Incheon, Suwon, Daejeon, and Busan. As of now, the number of pre-orders has exceeded 1,000. To cater to local market demand, ZEEKR has segmented the 7X into three trims: Pro (RWD), Max (RWD), and Ultra (AWD), priced at 52.99 million won, 59.99 million won, and 69.99 million won, respectively, garnering significant attention. The most popular model is the top-tier Ultra trim, which meets the preferences of South Korean consumers seeking high-performance luxury SUVs. The Ultra trim features two electric motors that deliver a maximum output of 645 horsepower and 72.4 kg·m of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Equipped with air suspension for optimal ride comfort, the Ultra trim also meets the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment's standards for combined efficiency, allowing for a driving range of 440 km on a single charge with a 100 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery supplied by CATL. The Max trim, known for its efficiency, has also been a popular choice during the pre-order period. It shares the same 100 kWh NCM battery as the Ultra trim and features a rear-wheel electric motor that produces 421 horsepower and 45 kg·m of torque, offering a driving range of 483 km on a single charge. The Pro trim recorded the third-highest selection rate. It is equipped with ZEEKR's self-developed 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 'Golden Battery' and features a single rear motor, making it an attractive option due to its reasonable pricing. In conjunction with the pre-orders for the ZEEKR 7X, ZEEKR Korea plans to offer special benefits for each trim until July 15. For the Pro trim, the ZEEKR Sound Pro audio system and a premium comfort package with front massage and ventilated seats will be offered at a discounted price of 1 million won off the original 2 million won. Pre-orders for the Max and Ultra trims will include a complimentary cooling and heating refrigerator option, along with discounts of up to 1 million won on Stargate lighting or auto door options. A ZEEKR Korea representative stated, "Despite being a newly launched luxury brand in the South Korean market, surpassing 1,000 pre-orders for the ZEEKR 7X demonstrates significant interest from Korean consumers. We will strive to expand our marketing activities in the second half of the year to allow more people to experience the ZEEKR brand and products." Additionally, ZEEKR Korea plans to expand its network from nine major locations, including Seoul, to 14 by the end of the year. The company also aims to establish 11 service centers nationwide, including in Jeju Island.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:52:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Calls New Information and Communications Law a Gag Law
    Jang Dong-hyuk Calls New Information and Communications Law a 'Gag Law' Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, labeled the upcoming amendments to the Information and Communications Law as a "gag law," asserting that it aims to "blind and deafen the public while silencing them completely, leading to the completion of Lee Jae-myung's dictatorship."During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on the morning of July 6, Jang stated, "This is an attempt to silence not only traditional media but also YouTubers ahead of the dismissal of charges." He and other council members wore black masks to symbolize the "gagging" situation.He continued, "Starting tomorrow, the revised Information and Communications Law, or the so-called gag law, will take effect. The government can impose fines of up to 1 billion won simply by labeling something as fake news."Jang criticized the current administration, saying, "Given the behavior of the Lee Jae-myung government so far, it is easy for them to label anything as fake news. Ultimately, this will silence all citizens, and comments opposing Lee Jae-myung will completely disappear online."He added, "This is a law that even international media organizations are concerned about. Yet, the Democratic Party pushed it through, and the president responded with enforcement regulations."Jang drew parallels to the situation in Hong Kong, where anti-government media were shut down and journalists imprisoned, stating, "In the end, President Lee Jae-myung will seek to amend the constitution for re-election, and the current discussions about a one-point constitutional amendment are just a buildup for that purpose."Regarding the special investigation into the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, he emphasized that it should be led by opposition-recommended investigators with unlimited scope. He remarked, "This special investigation was demanded by the public from the start, and ultimately, the public ensured the Democratic Party's acceptance of it. The public desires a special investigation that is led by the opposition and has no limits on its scope."He concluded, "Only then can the public trust the investigation results," warning the Democratic Party that if they continue to resist with a 'bedroom special investigation,' the speed of their downfall will only increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:52:00
  • Record Heat Wave Hits U.S. Following Europe, At Least 25 Dead
    Record Heat Wave Hits U.S. Following Europe, At Least 25 Dead The United States is experiencing a record heat wave, following a similar situation in Europe, resulting in multiple fatalities. After a surge in excess deaths in major European countries like France due to temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. has reported at least 25 heat-related deaths attributed to a heat dome. According to NBC on July 5, heat-related fatalities have been recorded across the Deep South, Midwest, and East Coast, totaling at least 25. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that heat alerts were issued for approximately 156 million people across two-thirds of the eastern U.S. This heat wave is the result of a heat dome that has formed over the Midwest and East Coast, trapping hot air and causing temperatures to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in areas such as Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina. New Jersey has been particularly hard hit, with the state health department reporting an increase in heat-related deaths from 19 to 22. Most of the deceased were between their 30s and 80s, with incidents occurring across 10 counties in New Jersey. Leonard Washington, director of the New Jersey Department of Health, stated at a press conference, "Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning. Some were discovered outside or in parked vehicles." Additionally, one heat-related death has been reported in Cook County, Illinois. In Hinds County, Mississippi, a 74-year-old man died from heat exposure, and an 83-year-old woman was found dead due to the heat in Bolton, Mississippi, on June 27. Independence Day celebrations were also affected. During the "Salute to America 250" event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., emergency responders and the National Guard assisted attendees showing symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The surface temperature of chairs at the event reached approximately 71 degrees Fahrenheit. As the heat wave begins to subside, strong thunderstorms have emerged. Unstable air has formed from the collision of warm and cold air, affecting areas from Missouri to Pennsylvania, with over 72 million people under severe thunderstorm watches. Meteorologists have warned of potential winds exceeding 65 mph and hail the size of quarters in some regions. Power outages have also been reported due to strong winds and thunderstorms. According to the power outage tracking site PowerOutage.us, over 1.3 million customers across several states, from Oklahoma to Connecticut, experienced outages. Michigan had the highest number at over 305,000, followed by New Jersey with more than 124,000 and Missouri with over 100,000. The NWS forecasts that cooler air moving southward will help alleviate extreme heat in the Northeast. However, high temperatures and humidity may continue at night, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses. Europe Also Faces Severe Heat Wave Europe has also been grappling with a record heat wave. Countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany have reported daytime highs exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to fatalities, increased wildfire risks, and heightened power demand. According to Reuters, over 2,000 excess deaths were reported in France due to the record heat wave last month. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated in an interview with local broadcaster TF1, "During the extreme heat period last month, a total of 2,025 excess deaths were recorded. This figure is not final and may increase further." The Guardian reported that Spanish authorities also recorded 1,029 excess deaths during the heat wave last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:48:00
  • Facial recognition now mandatory for mobile phone sign-ups in South Korea
    Facial recognition now mandatory for mobile phone sign-ups in South Korea SEOUL, July 6 (AJP) - Starting Monday, South Korea is rolling out stricter identity verification procedures for signing up for a mobile phone line, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT said. To open a new account, customers must now complete identity verification via facial recognition. The measures aim to curb voice-phishing scams involving illegally obtained mobile phone lines. The country's three major mobile carriers and other operators will apply the strengthened verification procedures to both in-person and online sign-ups. The stricter procedures will apply to new subscriptions and number transfers, while simple device upgrades within the same carrier will be excluded. Customers are required to undergo facial recognition, which compares the photo on their ID with a live image of themselves. Those who do not wish to do so or fail the scan may instead verify their identity through a mobile ID app or by submitting a resident registration record issued the same day by an authorized government agency. The ministry said the new measures are intended to crack down on sign-ups made through identity theft. While mobile phones are widely used for identity verification in financial transactions and online services, those registered under someone else's name can be sold as "ghost phones" and used for voice phishing, illegal loans and smishing. But some inconvenience is expected, as facial recognition can fail depending on lighting conditions or differences between an ID photo and a person's current appearance. Online sign-ups and older users may also find the process more burdensome. The ministry said it will work to minimize disruption by gradually offering more verification options, while also stepping up monitoring of retailers. Inspections and penalties will be strengthened for stores and agencies involved in fraudulent activations. 2026-07-06 09:44:21
  • Law Firm Kwangjang Welcomes Former Financial Leaders Jeong Wan-kyu and Ahn Byeong-nam
    Law Firm Kwangjang Welcomes Former Financial Leaders Jeong Wan-kyu and Ahn Byeong-nam Law Firm Kwangjang, led by Managing Partner Kim Sang-gon, announced on July 6 that it is strengthening its position in the financial legal services market by recruiting top experts in financial regulation and digital finance supervision. The firm has brought on Jeong Wan-kyu, former president of the Credit Finance Association and a senior advisor, as well as Ahn Byeong-nam, a digital finance expert and former team leader at the Financial Supervisory Service, as a senior specialist. This move aims to provide clients with more tailored strategic advice in response to the rapidly changing regulatory environment and the era of digital transformation. Jeong, a policy expert who passed the 34th National Administrative Examination, has held key positions at the Financial Services Commission, including Director of Asset Management, Director of Capital Markets, and Planning and Coordination Officer. He has played a leading role in restructuring the regulatory framework of the domestic financial market and establishing consumer protection policies. After serving as president of Korea Securities Finance, he contributed to financial innovation as president of the Credit Finance Association from 2022, leading advancements in financial payment systems and the growth of the venture capital industry. Jeong expressed his ambition, stating, "I will provide practical solutions in a complex regulatory environment based on Kwangjang's global network." Ahn, who has 25 years of experience at the Financial Supervisory Service, has worked in various departments, including the Banking Supervision Bureau, Banking Inspection Bureau, and Sanctions Review Bureau. Most recently, he served as team leader of the Inspection Planning Team and the Ongoing Monitoring Team, building exceptional expertise in bank inspections. From 2022 to 2024, he led the Digital Asset Research Team and the Virtual Asset Supervision Team, overseeing the establishment of a regulatory framework for virtual assets. With experience at the World Bank (IBRD), he is also well-versed in global regulatory trends. Ahn stated, "I will proactively manage regulatory risks and the challenges of digital transformation." Through these new appointments, Kwangjang plans to maximize its capabilities in responding to financial regulations, handling supervisory investigations, resolving disputes, and providing advisory services related to digital finance and virtual assets. Managing Partner Kim Sang-gon welcomed the new additions, saying, "Jeong Wan-kyu's macro-level policy understanding and Ahn Byeong-nam's practical supervisory expertise in traditional and digital finance perfectly complement each other. Their joining will provide a strong foundation for offering deeper and broader advisory services to our clients."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:44:00
  • Korean Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Fluctuates in 24-Hour Forex Market Launch
    Korean Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Fluctuates in 24-Hour Forex Market Launch As the foreign exchange market transitions to a 24-hour trading system, the won-dollar exchange rate is fluctuating around the 1,530 won mark. According to the Seoul foreign exchange market, as of 9:30 a.m. on July 6, the exchange rate for the Korean won against the U.S. dollar is trading at 1,532.7 won. The rate started at 1,527.60 won at 6 a.m. and has seen a slight upward trend since then. Despite some easing of external uncertainties, the exchange rate, which had remained stubbornly high, dropped nearly 30 won on July 3, raising hopes for a shift in market sentiment. With the dollar's strength somewhat diminishing, there is an increasing likelihood that exporters, who had been concerned about the rate rising to 1,600 won, will begin selling dollars, which could exert downward pressure on the exchange rate. Starting today, the won-dollar foreign exchange market will operate 24 hours a day from 6 a.m. on Monday to 6 a.m. on Saturday, excluding weekends and January 1. Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol emphasized during his visit to the Hana Bank dealing room that the launch of the 24-hour foreign exchange market reflects the fundamentals of the Korean economy, confirmed by strong external soundness, record-high current account surpluses, and inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI), as well as high demand from foreign investors. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, noted that while foreign selling in the domestic stock market and remittance burdens remain, the return of domestic companies' demand for won conversion is likely to prevent a one-sided increase in the exchange rate. However, he added that low-price buying by importers and foreign remittance demand will support the lower end of the exchange rate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:44:00
  • Krepl Expands Loan Comparison Channel to Include Naver Pay and KB Alda
    Krepl Expands Loan Comparison Channel to Include Naver Pay and KB Alda The online finance platform Krepl has expanded its loan comparison services for personal credit refinancing products. PFCT, the company operating Krepl, announced on July 6 that its personal credit refinancing product has been newly added to the loan comparison services of Naver Pay and KB Alda as of July 3. This means that users can now access comparison services through Naver Pay and KB Alda, in addition to Kakao Pay, which was previously available.Krepl's personal credit refinancing product is designed to allow borrowers to switch from high-interest loans to lower-interest options while simultaneously applying for new loans based on their creditworthiness and limits. This service is made possible through the application of its proprietary AI credit risk management solution, AIRPACK.Since its launch, Krepl has provided a total of 10.4 billion won in refinancing loans to 228 borrowers with mid-to-low credit scores over the past five months. The average credit score of these borrowers, based on NICE standards, was 749.6, with a weighted average interest rate of 10.21%. This has resulted in an average monthly interest burden reduction of approximately 234,000 won, or about 2.81 million won annually.CEO Lee Soo-hwan stated, "In a high-interest environment, it is essential not only to offer competitive refinancing products but also to create an environment where financial consumers can easily and conveniently compare and choose their options. With this new addition, we will continue to enhance financial accessibility for more mid-to-low credit borrowers to utilize reasonable refinancing options."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-06 09:44:00
  • Rising Rent Prices Increase Burden for New Lease Agreements in Seoul
    Rising Rent Prices Increase Burden for New Lease Agreements in Seoul As rental prices continue to rise, tenants seeking new leases for the same apartment and size are facing significantly higher deposit burdens. In Seoul, the difference in lease deposits between new contracts and renewals has reached as much as 80 million won for apartments with a standard area of 84 square meters.According to a report from Zigbang on July 6, an analysis of apartment rental transactions in the metropolitan area from January to June this year shows that the gap between new contracts and renewals is widening, particularly in Seoul.This analysis focused on cases where both new contracts and renewals occurred within the same complex and for the same size, comparing the median transaction deposits. The study included apartments of 59 square meters and 84 square meters, excluding monthly rental agreements.In Seoul, the difference in lease deposits between new contracts and renewals has grown the most in the metropolitan area. For 59 square meter apartments, the deposit gap increased from 35 million won in January to 77.5 million won in June, more than doubling. During the same period, the deposit for new contracts rose from 500 million won to 547.5 million won, while the increase for renewals was limited, moving from 465 million won to 470 million won.The gap for 84 square meter apartments was even larger, expanding from 43.75 million won in January to 80 million won in June. The deposit for new contracts increased from 656.25 million won to 700 million won, while renewals remained relatively stable, rising from 612.5 million won to 620 million won.In Gyeonggi Province, the burden of new contracts is also increasing. The deposit difference for 59 square meter apartments grew slightly from 20 million won to 22 million won, while for 84 square meters, it surged from 10.5 million won to 51 million won. The deposit for new contracts rose from 400 million won to 450 million won, whereas renewals increased from 389.5 million won to 399 million won, showing a smaller rise.In contrast, Incheon showed a relatively smaller gap. As of June, the deposit difference for 59 square meter apartments was 9.5 million won, and for 84 square meters, it was 7.12 million won, the lowest in the metropolitan area.As the burden of rental prices increases, existing tenants are increasingly opting for renewals. In Seoul, the proportion of new contracts dropped from 52.6% in January to 45.0% in June, while the share of renewals rose from 47.4% to 55.0%, surpassing new contracts since April. Gyeonggi Province also saw an increase in the renewal share from 38.6% to 45.4% during the same period.Zigbang explained that new contracts reflect current market prices immediately, while renewals are influenced by the terms of existing contracts. In particular, when the right to request a contract renewal is applied, the increase in rent is limited, which can further widen the deposit gap between new contracts and renewals.With a recent shortage of rental listings and rising rental prices, the burden of deposits required for new contracts has increased, along with moving costs and brokerage fees, leading to a higher preference for renewals among existing tenants.As the proportion of renewals continues to rise, particularly in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, it is expected that the gap in deposits between new contracts and renewals will likely continue to widen as rental prices remain strong.Meanwhile, renewal contracts are also on the rise. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the proportion of renewal contracts for apartments in Seoul from January to May this year was 46.0%, an increase from 40.5% during the same period last year. Notably, the share of renewal contracts for leases exceeded half, with 51.3% for leases and 52.8% for the use of the right to request a contract renewal. 2026-07-06 09:44:00