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Heat Wave Continues Tomorrow with Highs Reaching 38 Degrees in Daegu 전국 대부분 지역에 폭염특보가 이어지는 가운데 29일에도 낮 최고기온이 38도까지 오르는 등 무더위와 열대야가 계속될 전망이다. 기상청은 29일 전국이 대체로 맑은 가운데 폭염특보가 발효된 대부분 지역에서 최고 체감온도가 33도 이상, 남부지방을 중심으로는 35도 이상까지 올라 매우 덥겠다고 28일 예보했다. 밤사이에도 기온이 25도 이상 유지되는 지역이 많아 열대야가 나타나는 곳이 많겠다. 29일 아침 최저기온은 22~26도, 낮 최고기온은 32~38도로 예상된다. 대구가 38도로 가장 높겠으며 울산과 창원은 36도, 청주 35도, 부산 35도, 서울과 수원은 33도까지 오를 전망이다. 지역별로는 서울이 오전에는 흐리다가 오후부터 맑아지겠고, 인천과 대구, 부산, 울산 등은 하루 종일 대체로 맑은 날씨를 보이겠다. 춘천은 오전과 오후 모두 구름이 많겠으며, 광주는 오후 한때 강수확률이 10%로 예보됐다. 바다의 물결은 동해와 남해 앞바다에서 0.5~1.0m, 서해 앞바다에서 0.5m로 일겠다. 안쪽 먼바다의 파고는 동해 0.5~2.0m, 서해 0.5~1.0m, 남해 0.5~1.5m로 예상된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:50:00 -
Heat Wave Continues Tomorrow with Highs Reaching 38 Degrees in Daegu 전국 대부분 지역에 폭염특보가 이어지는 가운데 29일에도 낮 최고기온이 38도까지 오르는 등 무더위와 열대야가 계속될 전망이다. 기상청은 29일 전국이 대체로 맑은 가운데 폭염특보가 발효된 대부분 지역에서 최고 체감온도가 33도 이상, 남부지방을 중심으로는 35도 이상까지 올라 매우 덥겠다고 28일 예보했다. 밤사이에도 기온이 25도 이상 유지되는 지역이 많아 열대야가 나타나는 곳이 많겠다. 29일 아침 최저기온은 22~26도, 낮 최고기온은 32~38도로 예상된다. 대구가 38도로 가장 높겠으며 울산과 창원은 36도, 청주 35도, 부산 35도, 서울과 수원은 33도까지 오를 전망이다. 지역별로는 서울이 오전에는 흐리다가 오후부터 맑아지겠고, 인천과 대구, 부산, 울산 등은 하루 종일 대체로 맑은 날씨를 보이겠다. 춘천은 오전과 오후 모두 구름이 많겠으며, 광주는 오후 한때 강수확률이 10%로 예보됐다. 바다의 물결은 동해와 남해 앞바다에서 0.5~1.0m, 서해 앞바다에서 0.5m로 일겠다. 안쪽 먼바다의 파고는 동해 0.5~2.0m, 서해 0.5~1.0m, 남해 0.5~1.5m로 예상된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:50:00
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Mammoth Coffee to Raise Prices on Iced Americano Mammoth Coffee will increase the prices of its iced Americano and iced decaf Americano starting next month. However, the prices for hot Americano and large (L) size Americano will remain unchanged.On July 28, Mammoth Coffee announced that it will raise the prices of iced Americano and iced decaf Americano by 200 won each, effective August 11.As a result, the price for a small (S) iced Americano will rise from 1,200 won to 1,400 won, while the medium (M) size will increase from 1,600 won to 1,800 won. The small size of iced decaf Americano will go up from 1,900 won to 2,100 won, and the medium size will increase from 2,300 won to 2,500 won.In contrast, the prices for the basic hot Americano and large (L) iced and hot Americano will remain frozen.Mammoth Coffee cited rising ingredient costs and various operational expenses as the reasons for the price adjustment. A company representative stated, "Despite the increase in ingredient costs, we have absorbed the price hike internally to minimize the burden on customers. However, due to ongoing international instability and rising costs, we have reluctantly decided to adjust our prices."The ordering process at kiosks will also undergo some changes. Previously, customers selected Americano and then chose between hot and iced options. Going forward, hot Americano and iced Americano will be offered as separate menu items. The existing 'extra shot Americano' option will be discontinued, and customers wishing to add a shot can select it as an additional option after ordering an Americano.Meanwhile, MegaMGC Coffee raised the prices of three items in its 'Halmega Coffee' lineup by 200 won each on June 19, and The Venti increased prices on major menu items, excluding Americano, by 100 to 500 won on May 29. Earlier in March, Banapresso and Brewda Coffee also raised prices on some menu items, including decaf and cold brew.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:50:00
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Mammoth Coffee to Raise Prices on Iced Americano Mammoth Coffee will increase the prices of its iced Americano and iced decaf Americano starting next month. However, the prices for hot Americano and large (L) size Americano will remain unchanged.On July 28, Mammoth Coffee announced that it will raise the prices of iced Americano and iced decaf Americano by 200 won each, effective August 11.As a result, the price for a small (S) iced Americano will rise from 1,200 won to 1,400 won, while the medium (M) size will increase from 1,600 won to 1,800 won. The small size of iced decaf Americano will go up from 1,900 won to 2,100 won, and the medium size will increase from 2,300 won to 2,500 won.In contrast, the prices for the basic hot Americano and large (L) iced and hot Americano will remain frozen.Mammoth Coffee cited rising ingredient costs and various operational expenses as the reasons for the price adjustment. A company representative stated, "Despite the increase in ingredient costs, we have absorbed the price hike internally to minimize the burden on customers. However, due to ongoing international instability and rising costs, we have reluctantly decided to adjust our prices."The ordering process at kiosks will also undergo some changes. Previously, customers selected Americano and then chose between hot and iced options. Going forward, hot Americano and iced Americano will be offered as separate menu items. The existing 'extra shot Americano' option will be discontinued, and customers wishing to add a shot can select the additional option after ordering an Americano.Meanwhile, MegaMGC Coffee raised the prices of three items in its 'Halmega Coffee' lineup by 200 won on June 19, and The Venti increased prices on major menu items, excluding Americano, by 100 to 500 won on May 29. Earlier in March, Banapresso and Brewda Coffee also raised prices on some menu items, including decaf and cold brew.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:50:00
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Why South Korean women are drinking more while men cut back SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) — Grabbing a beer after work, unwinding with a glass of wine while watching Netflix or sharing a highball with friends has become a familiar scene in South Korean dramas. Increasingly, it is reflecting real life. Every evening, Kim Ji-hyun, a 45-year-old office worker in Ilsan, pours herself a glass of wine or mixes a highball before settling in with Netflix. Her husband sometimes joins her. "It's not that I drink because of stress," she said. "It helps me relax, and it feels like a pleasant way to finish the day." Ironically, she now drinks less than she once did at company dinners, where heavy drinking has become less common. Instead, drinking has quietly moved into the home. Kim's routine bears little resemblance to the repeated heavy drinking measured by public health officials. But it illustrates a broader cultural shift: alcohol has become more varied, more accessible and more seamlessly woven into everyday life for many South Korean women. New government data suggest that shift is extending beyond casual drinking. A health behavior analysis released Monday by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), based on the 2025 Community Health Survey of about 230,000 adults aged 19 and older, found that women over 30 are drinking heavily more often than a decade ago even as men steadily cut back. The sharpest increase came among women in their 40s, whose high-risk drinking rate rose from 5.8 percent in 2016 to 7.6 percent in 2025. Women in their 30s also saw the rate climb from 6.8 percent to 8.1 percent, while women in their 50s and 60s posted more modest increases. Women in their 20s were the only exception, with the rate falling from 9.2 percent to 7.5 percent. The KDCA defines high-risk drinking for women as consuming at least five alcoholic drinks on one occasion at least twice a week. For men, the threshold is seven drinks. Men moved in the opposite direction across every age group. High-risk drinking among men in their 20s fell 41.6 percent over the decade, the steepest decline of any male age group, while the rate among men in their 30s dropped 36.1 percent. Men nevertheless continue to drink substantially more in absolute terms. Nearly half of men in their 30s, 40s and 50s reported binge drinking at least once a month in 2025, while more than one in five men in their 40s and 50s qualified as high-risk drinkers. South Korea's overall monthly binge-drinking rate stood at 33.7 percent in 2025. According to the OECD's Health at a Glance 2025, the country ranked fifth among 27 member economies with comparable 2023 data, although survey methods differ across countries. The figures raise a bigger question than who drinks more: why are women's drinking habits changing while men's are becoming more moderate? Beyond workplace stress One popular explanation is straightforward. As more women have entered the workforce, they have also become more exposed to Korea's long-standing drinking culture while balancing careers, child care and household responsibilities. Kim Yoon-tae, a sociology professor at Korea University, argues the answer is more complicated. "It is difficult to attribute the increase solely to stress," Kim said. Instead, he sees several social changes unfolding simultaneously. The first is women's expanding participation in economic and social life. More women now attend company dinners, professional networking events and social gatherings where drinking remains an established way of building relationships. "As women's economic and social participation has expanded, there may be more occasions when they drink at workplaces or social gatherings," Kim said. "In Korea, drinking remains a strong part of social culture and can be used to increase familiarity." The second is a profound shift in how and where people drink. South Korea's growing number of single-person households has normalized honsul—drinking alone—while convenience stores have become major retailers of alcoholic beverages. At the same time, wine, highballs and ready-to-drink cocktails have broadened alcohol's appeal beyond the traditional soju-centered drinking culture. "Drinking no longer simply means soju," Kim said. "Wine and highballs have become popular, and more people drink alone, whether they are feeling good or bad." A third factor may be the double burden many women face as they juggle careers with child care and household responsibilities. Kim acknowledged that stress likely contributes to higher drinking among women in their 30s and 40s, but argued it represents only one part of a broader cultural transition. "Drinking is not an appropriate way to relieve stress," he said. "It does not resolve stress and may ultimately make things worse." Popular culture reflects the same shift. The TVING series Work Later, Drink Now, which became a surprise hit after premiering in 2021, follows three women in their 30s whose friendships revolve around sharing drinks after work. Alcohol is portrayed not as an act of excess but as an ordinary ritual—a way to unwind, console one another and mark the end of another demanding day. The series cannot explain why more women are drinking heavily. It does, however, capture a cultural change in which alcohol has become a familiar part of women's everyday routines rather than a predominantly male social ritual. The KDCA's own findings also complicate a simple workplace-stress narrative. Monthly drinking and binge drinking were most common among office workers. High-risk drinking, however, was highest among people in craft and elementary occupations. Likewise, college graduates recorded the highest rates of monthly drinking, while high-risk drinking was most prevalent among high school graduates. Adults reporting stress were 1.12 times more likely to qualify as high-risk drinkers than those reporting lower stress levels. But the analysis covered adults overall, not women specifically, making it impossible to conclude that stress alone explains the increase among women over 30. The government data cannot fully explain why repeated heavy drinking has become more common among a subset of South Korean women over 30. What they do show is that South Korea's drinking culture is evolving. As after-work drinks migrate from mandatory company dinners to living rooms, wine glasses increasingly replace soju bottles, and women become more visible participants in drinking culture, the country's traditional image of who drinks—and why—is changing alongside society itself. 2026-07-28 17:45:14 -
Texas LNG Power Plant Emerges as Top U.S. Investment Project The construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) combined cycle power plant in Texas is being considered as the first major investment project under the recent U.S.-Korea tariff agreement. This project is seen as a viable option due to the increasing electricity demand driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the U.S., which can ensure stable revenue and commercial viability.According to industry sources, the South Korean government is in discussions with U.S. officials regarding a plan to build a 6GW gas combined cycle power plant in Encinada, Texas, with a total project cost of $19.8 billion (approximately 29 trillion won).Previously, South Korea committed to a total investment of $350 billion in the U.S., which includes $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation and $200 billion for strategic investments, as part of tariff negotiations. The government plans to utilize the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Fund to invest in special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for each project, recovering principal and interest through project revenues.Commercial viability, particularly the ability to recover investment, is a key criterion in the project selection process. As a result, energy projects are considered strong candidates for the first U.S. investment. Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on July 23 in Washington, D.C., "From our perspective, projects that can generate stable cash flow are preferable. We believe energy-related projects are advantageous and are focusing discussions on them."Among the candidates for the first U.S. investment were the Louisiana LNG export terminal, gas fields, large nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMRs), and LNG combined cycle power plants. The LNG combined cycle power plant is viewed as the most feasible option due to its relatively quick commercialization in terms of construction time and securing demand.Texas is considered a prime location for AI data center investments by global tech giants due to its robust power grid and ample land. This indicates a long-term demand for purchased power, which can lead to stable revenue. Additionally, the shorter construction time of LNG combined cycle power plants compared to nuclear power plants, along with their more stable output compared to renewable energy sources, is also seen as an advantage.The potential participation of domestic companies is a significant consideration in advancing the project. There is a possibility that not only the design, procurement, and construction of the power plant but also key equipment will be sourced from South Korea. This could result in U.S. investment funds translating into exports for domestic companies.However, the government is taking a cautious approach regarding the decision on the first U.S. investment. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "We are closely consulting with the U.S. regarding the investment project, and the specific details and timing of the announcement for the first project have not yet been determined." 2026-07-28 17:45:00
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National Assembly Speaker Clarifies Comments on Presidential Term Limits The office of National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik clarified on July 28 that his comments regarding the possibility of a constitutional amendment to allow the current president to serve additional terms were not intended to suggest any openness to such a change. The office emphasized that Cho is fully aware of the constitutional provisions related to this issue.Jang Hyun-joo, the chief press secretary, spoke to reporters in the National Assembly, stating, "During today’s press briefing, the Speaker expressed a fundamental position that any restructuring of power must be based on public consensus and political agreement."Jang asserted that Cho is cognizant of the constitutional clause that stipulates any proposed amendments for extending a president's term would not apply to the current president. He added, "Reports suggesting that the Speaker has opened the door to the possibility of a presidential term extension misinterpret his comments."Furthermore, Jang highlighted that Cho believes a roadmap for constitutional amendments should involve public and political consensus, and that a special committee should be established to gather opinions on the matter.Earlier that day, during a press briefing, Cho had commented on the issue of President Lee Jae-myung's potential re-election, stating, "The question of amending the constitution to allow the current president to serve additional terms ultimately depends on the will and opinion of the sovereign people, as well as how various political stakeholders reach an agreement."Following these remarks, some media outlets, including those from the opposition, interpreted Cho's comments as leaving open the possibility for Lee's re-election, prompting the Speaker's office to issue a prompt clarification.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:40:00
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Opposition Criticizes Speaker Cho Jung-sik's Comments on Presidential Term Limits The opposition criticized comments made by National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik on July 28, stating that the issue of re-election for the sitting president ultimately rests with the people's choice. They accused him of revealing hidden motives.Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, saying, "There are discussions about how long the remaining four years of the term will be. How much more suffering do you want to inflict on the people by discussing Lee Jae-myung's re-election?"He pointed out that the Democratic Party has previously mentioned constitutional amendments in relation to the spirit of the May 18 movement and reforms to the National Election Commission, stating, "If the president simply said, 'I will never seek re-election,' it would be much easier to initiate discussions on constitutional amendments. He has never said that, and now he has finally revealed his true intentions."Jang warned, "If the president pursues a constitutional amendment for re-election, going against the will of the people and the spirit of the current constitution, that would be true treason. Will the people tolerate this?"Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also criticized the situation on Facebook, saying, "It is absurd that we are in a situation where such discussions are necessary. I hope the government focuses on proper governance," adding that they would not engage in any discussions regarding constitutional amendments that include the president's re-election plans.Park Chung-kwon, the party's chief spokesperson, issued a statement saying, "To talk about constitutional amendments while ignoring the collapsed separation of powers and a dysfunctional National Assembly is to admit that one is solely focused on political self-interest and accumulating achievements. Discussions on extending terms are a dangerous idea that undermines the principles of democracy."Lee Seong-kwon, a member of the 'Alternatives and Future' group of first- and second-term lawmakers from the People Power Party, stated, "It is abnormal for the head of the legislative branch, which should check the executive branch, to act as a bodyguard for the president. Speaker Cho, who has diminished the authority of the National Assembly, should take responsibility and resign."Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, expressed on his Facebook, "On a day when the stock market is in panic, discussions about the president's re-election are taking place. Are we discussing the re-election of Byun Hak-do?"Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized the situation, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is preparing for a constitutional amendment for re-election in anticipation of difficulties with the cancellation of Lee Jae-myung's indictment. This is an unacceptable path toward dictatorship."In response to the controversy sparked by Cho's remarks, Han Hyun-joo, the spokesperson for the National Assembly Speaker's office, clarified in a briefing that Cho's comments were based on the principle that discussions on constitutional amendments should proceed with public consensus and political agreement. He emphasized that Cho is fully aware of Article 128, Section 2 of the Constitution, which states that any constitutional amendment regarding the extension or change of the president's term does not apply to the sitting president at the time of the proposal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:40:00
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BNK and JB Financial Reject Merger Proposal from Align Partners BNK Financial Group and JB Financial Group have decided to reject the merger feasibility review request from activist fund Align Partners Asset Management. On July 28, both BNK and JB Financial announced through public disclosures that they would not proceed with a review of the merger feasibility after discussions. BNK Financial stated in its disclosure, "After thorough discussions in the board meeting, we have decided not to proceed with the merger feasibility review and will not establish a special committee for this purpose." In the board vote, out of eight attending directors, five opposed the merger with JB Financial, two were in favor, and one abstained. JB Financial also commented, "After careful consideration, we believe it is not appropriate to initiate a review of the merger at this time." Earlier, on July 14, Align Partners sent a public letter to BNK and JB Financial, demanding a review of the merger's feasibility and the establishment of a special committee composed of independent outside directors. Align is the second-largest shareholder of JB Financial, holding 14.83% of its shares, and also owns over 1% of BNK Financial. The proposal from Align Partners has faced backlash from local civic groups and the unions of both companies. The Busan Citizens' Coalition for Balanced Development and other organizations held a press conference at the Busan City Council, urging the activist fund to halt its merger attempts, citing concerns that the essential roles and public nature of local financial institutions could be compromised. Meanwhile, Align Partners expressed disappointment in a statement following the disclosures from both companies, saying, "We are very disappointed that they have refused to even independently and professionally review the strategic and financial feasibility of a merger between local financial groups." They emphasized, "We will immediately request access to the minutes of the boards' meetings to verify what information and discussions led to their decisions and will consider our next steps." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:40:00
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National Assembly Speaker's Office Clarifies Comments on Presidential Term Extension The National Assembly Speaker's Office clarified on July 28 that Speaker Cho Jung-sik's comments regarding the potential for a constitutional amendment to allow the current president to serve additional terms were not intended to suggest that such a possibility is open. The office emphasized that Cho is fully aware of the constitutional provisions related to amendments.Jang Hyun-joo, the chief spokesperson for the Speaker's Office, spoke with reporters in the National Assembly, stating, "During today's press briefing, the Speaker expressed a fundamental position that any restructuring of power must be based on public consensus and political agreement."Jang asserted that Cho is cognizant of the constitutional clause that stipulates any proposed amendment would not apply to the president who suggests it, arguing that reports implying the Speaker has opened the door to the president's term extension misinterpret his comments.Furthermore, Jang highlighted that Cho believes a roadmap for constitutional amendments should involve public and political consensus, and that a special committee should be established to gather opinions on the matter.Earlier that day, during a press briefing, Cho addressed the issue of President Lee Jae-myung's potential term extension, stating, "The question of amending the constitution to allow the current president to serve additional terms ultimately depends on the will and opinion of the sovereign people, as well as how various political stakeholders reach an agreement."In response to interpretations from some media outlets, including those from the opposition, suggesting that Cho had left the door open for Lee's term extension, the Speaker's Office quickly moved to clarify his remarks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:40:00