Latest by
-
Father's Online Harassment of Family Recognized as Domestic Violence in China A father in China has been recognized for committing domestic violence after repeatedly disclosing family conflicts in his son's class group chat and other online forums.The Hong Kong South China Morning Post reported that the People's Court of Pudong New District in Shanghai recently issued a protection order against the father in this case.The Lin family resides in Shanghai, where the father has been estranged from his wife for an extended period, with their son living with his mother. The couple has faced ongoing disputes over child custody and other issues.Since November of last year, the father has posted multiple messages related to family matters in his son's class group chat, parent group chat, and community chat. These messages accused his wife and in-laws of destroying the family and alienating him from his son. The court noted that the father repeatedly used emotional and derogatory language in these communications.The internal family conflict spilled into online spaces involving the school and neighbors, affecting the son significantly. He experienced shame in front of friends and teachers, and the exposure of family issues to neighbors caused him considerable psychological pressure. Ultimately, the son applied to the court for a protection order.He requested that his father be prohibited from committing acts of domestic violence against close family members and from using phone calls, text messages, messaging apps, or online platforms to insult, defame, or threaten them. He also asked for measures to prevent his father from harassing or following him and his family.The People's Court of Pudong New District determined that the father's actions exceeded the bounds of typical family conflict. The court explained that such behavior infringed upon the son's personal dignity and privacy, severely impacting his academic performance, daily life, and physical and mental health. Consequently, the court ruled that this constituted emotional harm and could be classified as domestic violence under the law.The court issued a protection order prohibiting the father from harassing his son and family through phone calls, text messages, messaging apps, or online postings. However, the court did not grant the son's request for a complete ban on contact, as there was no evidence of an ongoing risk of physical violence from the father, and it deemed it inappropriate to prevent all interactions between the parent and child.China's anti-domestic violence law defines domestic violence not only as physical assault and restrictions on personal freedom among family members but also includes emotional harm through repeated insults or threats.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:35:00 -
CCTV Footage Captures Moments of 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan In Kumamoto Prefecture, a key hub for Japan's semiconductor industry, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck, with local CCTV footage capturing the tense moments during the event.According to reports from NHK and other sources, the earthquake occurred at approximately 4:27 PM in the Kumamoto region. The quake's depth is estimated to be around 10 kilometers.The earthquake registered the highest intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale in Uki and Hikawa, while areas including Minami-ku in Kumamoto City, Yatsushiro, Uto, Misato, and Mashiki recorded a strong intensity of 6+. Other locations such as Kamiamakusa, Koshigaya, Ozu, Nishihara, Mihune, and Ashikita also experienced a weaker intensity of 6.Footage from the incident has been circulating online. One video shows items falling from shelves in what appears to be a supermarket warehouse due to the strong tremors. Another clip from an outdoor live CCTV camera vividly illustrates the earthquake's power as it shakes side to side.The earthquake's effects were felt in some regions of South Korea as well.The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that areas including Gyeongnam, Busan, Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeju experienced tremors of up to intensity III, while regions such as Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Chungbuk felt tremors of up to intensity II.Intensity III indicates that several people indoors can feel the shaking, and stationary vehicles may sway slightly, while intensity II means that some individuals in quiet settings or on upper floors of buildings may perceive vibrations.Kumamoto Prefecture is one of Japan's largest semiconductor investment areas, home to TSMC's factory. The extent of damage to semiconductor production facilities from this earthquake has not yet been officially confirmed. 2026-07-28 17:35:00
-
Differing Views on Merger with Innovation Party from Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the upcoming Democratic Party convention in August, expressed contrasting views on the stalled merger with the Innovation Party. Jeong argued that the party should unite with the Innovation Party to strengthen its influence, while Kim emphasized the need for careful discussion before proceeding.During a party member meeting in Sejong City on the 28th, Jeong stated, "We must unite with the Innovation Party to expand the Democratic Party's influence. After winning the general election, we should create a one-on-one contest against the People Power Party in the presidential election."Jeong further stressed the importance of forming a coalition government through a unification process with the Innovation Party, asserting, "We need to establish a fifth Democratic government to prevent the People Power Party from gaining a foothold."In response, Kim questioned the necessity of making a bold declaration regarding the merger with the Innovation Party. Speaking at a party event in Changwon, he remarked, "We need to discuss step by step whether to proceed with the merger and gather opinions first."He added, "A merger should fundamentally reflect the will of both parties, and realistically, it is better to maintain the Democratic Party's name and policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:30:00
-
KFTC Chair Rebuts U.S. Claims on Coupang Investigation Kim Joo-byeong, chair of the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), responded to U.S. claims that the South Korean government's investigation into Coupang constitutes discriminatory action against American companies. He emphasized that the KFTC applies the same standards to all platform operators, including Baemin and Naver, and will continue to do so. During the first full meeting of the 22nd National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 28, Kim stated, "Many of the cases the KFTC is handling regarding Coupang have been under investigation long before the data breach incident last year." He further asserted, "The KFTC enforces the law rigorously and without discrimination, regardless of nationality, and we will continue to do so." In response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Min Byung-deok about why the KFTC has not issued a specific statement regarding the U.S. report on Coupang, Kim explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the response, and the KFTC is collaborating with it to share information related to the investigation and review of Coupang. Kim also apologized for a social media post he made regarding the results of the recent local elections. In the post, he expressed disappointment that the citizens' exercise of rights seemed to align with monetary interests, questioning whether it reflected blind faith or self-deception. Lawmaker Shin Dong-wook from the People Power Party pointed out that this could be seen as a violation of the duty of political neutrality for public officials. In response to Shin's comments, Kim expressed sincere regret for causing concern among the public, clarifying that his remarks were based on a friend's post and that he did not anticipate the controversy it would generate. Regarding the increasing trend of KFTC retirees joining law firms, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Hyun-hee noted this development, to which Kim replied that it is due to the rise in fair trade cases and the demands from companies. When asked if he plans to join a law firm after retirement, Kim stated, "I have no such plans." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
Director Heo Beom-wook of 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease' Dies at 43 Heo Beom-wook, the director of the animated film 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' has died at the age of 43. According to the Korean Independent Film Association and the distributor Indie Story, Heo passed away on the morning of July 28 while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit following a fire accident last week. Born in Seoul in 1983, Heo initially aspired to be a poet and novelist during his teenage years. His interest in animation was sparked by a special screening of short films by the National Film Board of Canada at the Seoul Animation Center. He later studied animation at the Korean Academy of Film Arts and other institutions. Heo gained recognition in 2014 with his first feature animation, 'Pale Faces,' which won the Grand Prize in the feature category at the 30th Holland Animation Film Festival. His second feature, 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' produced in 2024, was invited to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The film tells the story of a pig that survives culling and a young man who wishes to become a beast. 'The Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease' has achieved success at various film festivals, including a special mention from the jury at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Best Feature Animation Award at the Seoul Independent Film Festival. The film was set to be released on August 5. A screening scheduled for July 24 was canceled due to Heo's circumstances. His funeral is being held at the Han River Seongshim Hospital funeral hall, with the burial set for 8 a.m. on July 30 at the Seoul Memorial Park.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
Individual Investors Turn to Covered Call ETFs Amid Market Volatility As volatility in the domestic stock market intensifies, individual investors are increasingly turning to covered call exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Demand for stable dividend-paying domestic products has expanded to include covered call ETFs based on major U.S. indices, reflecting a shift towards overseas assets.According to Koscom ETF Check on July 28, the second most purchased ETF by individual investors in the past week was the 'TIGER Dividend Covered Call Active,' which saw a net inflow of 125.6 billion won. The 'KODEX 200 Covered Call Active' also ranked fifth with an inflow of 71.8 billion won. This trend suggests that investors are opting for covered call ETFs as a more stable alternative amid heightened market volatility.Investment demand is rapidly spreading to products based on U.S. assets. The 'TIGER U.S. Nasdaq 100 Target Daily Covered Call' recorded a net inflow of 34.5 billion won, placing it 11th among individual purchases. Other notable entries include 'KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 Daily Covered Call OTM' (31.3 billion won, 13th), 'SOL 200 Target Weekly Covered Call' (26.6 billion won, 15th), and 'RISE U.S. Tech 100 Daily Fixed Covered Call' (20 billion won, 18th), all making the top 20 in net purchases. This indicates a broadening of investment opportunities beyond domestic dividend-covered call ETFs to include U.S. tech stocks and major indices.Covered call ETFs employ a strategy where investors hold the underlying stocks while simultaneously selling call options on those assets to secure option premiums. Asset management firms use stock dividends and option premiums to provide regular distributions to investors. This strategy offers the advantage of relatively stable cash flow during periods of sideways or declining stock prices, as the income from option sales can offset some losses. However, it is important to note that significant stock price increases may limit upside gains due to the nature of option selling.Market analysts suggest that the current environment of increased volatility highlights the strengths of the covered call strategy. On the same day, the KOSPI index fell by 732.09 points (10.84%), closing at 6023.66, marking the second-largest decline of the year since March 4. The index dropped more than 5% early in the session, further exacerbating the decline and significantly dampening investor sentiment.In the securities industry, experts assess that the covered call ETF market continues to grow, with diversification in investment strategies. Ha Jae-seok, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "The global options strategy ETF market is continuously expanding, centered around covered call ETFs. Recently, the presence of active covered call ETFs has also increased, and the key factor influencing the performance of covered call ETFs is ultimately the price direction of the underlying assets." He added that U.S. index covered call ETFs aim to pursue both growth and stability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
Investors Turn to Covered Call ETFs Amid Market Volatility As volatility in the domestic stock market intensifies, individual investors are increasingly turning to covered call exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Demand for stable dividend-paying domestic products has surged, with covered call ETFs based on major U.S. indices also ranking among the top net purchases, indicating a shift towards overseas assets.According to Koscom ETF Check on July 28, the second most purchased ETF by individual investors in the past week was the 'TIGER Dividend Covered Call Active,' which saw a net inflow of 125.6 billion won. The 'KODEX 200 Covered Call Active' also ranked fifth with an inflow of 71.8 billion won. The recent increase in market volatility has led investors seeking stable cash flow to consider covered call ETFs as an alternative.Investment demand is rapidly expanding to products based on U.S. assets. The 'TIGER U.S. Nasdaq 100 Target Daily Covered Call' recorded a net inflow of 34.5 billion won, ranking 11th among individual net purchases. Following this, the 'KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 Daily Covered Call OTM' (31.3 billion won, 13th), 'SOL 200 Target Weekly Covered Call' (26.6 billion won, 15th), and 'RISE U.S. Tech 100 Daily Fixed Covered Call' (20 billion won, 18th) also made it into the top 20 for net purchases. This trend shows a broadening of investment options beyond domestic dividend-covered call ETFs to products based on U.S. tech stocks and major indices.Covered call ETFs utilize a strategy where they hold the underlying stocks while simultaneously selling call options on those assets to secure option premiums. Asset management firms pay regular distributions to investors using stock dividends and option premiums. This strategy offers the advantage of providing relatively stable cash flow, as option selling profits can offset some losses during periods of stagnant or declining stock prices. However, it is important to note that significant stock price increases may limit upside gains due to the nature of option selling.Market analysts suggest that the current environment of heightened volatility highlights the strengths of the covered call strategy. On the same day, the KOSPI index fell by 732.09 points (10.84%), closing at 6023.66, marking the second-largest decline of the year since March 4. The index dropped more than 5% early in the session and continued to decline, significantly dampening investor sentiment.In the securities industry, experts assess that the covered call ETF market continues to grow, with diversification in investment strategies. Ha Jae-seok, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "The global options strategy ETF market is continuously growing, centered around covered call ETFs. Recently, the presence of active covered call ETFs has also increased, and the key factor influencing the performance of covered call ETFs is ultimately the price direction of the underlying assets." He added, "Covered call ETFs based on major U.S. indices seek to balance growth and stability."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
KOSPI Plummets, Yet YouTuber 'Calm Man' Invests in Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai The KOSPI index fell below the 6,000 mark as the domestic stock market experienced a significant decline. YouTuber Lee Byung-gun, known as 'Calm Man,' shared his investment status in Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor Company.On July 28, Calm Man hosted a live broadcast titled 'A Peaceful Tuesday for Residents of Samsung 27th Floor, Hynix 196th Floor, and Hyundai 57th Floor.' During the broadcast, he stated, 'Samsung Electronics is at the 27th floor, Hynix at the 196th floor, and Hyundai at the 57th floor,' and added, 'This is not panic buying. I actually bought more today. With prices dropping over 10%, isn’t it natural to buy?' He continued, 'It’s not panic buying because Nomura Securities said the stock would rise.' He mentioned that Nomura projected Samsung's stock price would reach 670,000 won, having raised its target from 590,000 won to 670,000 won recently. 'Nomura is a well-known securities firm; they wouldn’t lie,' he joked.Regarding SK Hynix, he noted, 'Nomura said it would rise to 4.7 million won,' emphasizing that he trusted the firm due to its reputation. 'Do you know better than Nomura?' he quipped, eliciting laughter.He also commented on Hyundai, saying, 'Nomura lowered its target price from 670,000 won to 600,000 won, but I bought it in the 500,000 won range, so I still got a good deal.'Coincidentally, on the same day, the domestic stock market saw another sharp decline. Concerns over China's semiconductor industry and weakness in U.S. semiconductor stocks contributed to the downturn, affecting shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices recording significant drops. However, analysts noted that current stock prices have entered an excessively undervalued phase.Online reactions included comments like, 'Nomura probably didn’t consider the semiconductor situation in Honam,' and 'It’s all Nomura’s fault.' Others remarked, 'Nomura is known for setting conservative target prices,' and 'What good is it to achieve results if the policy is the problem?' Some users cautioned, 'Target prices from securities firms are merely forecasts; one shouldn’t rely on them too much,' and 'In long-term investing, ultimately, company performance matters,' emphasizing that investment decisions are a personal responsibility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
KFTC Chair Rebuts U.S. Claims on Coupang Investigation Kim Joo-byeong, chair of the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), responded to U.S. claims that the South Korean government's investigation into Coupang represents discriminatory action against American companies. He emphasized that the KFTC applies the same standards to all platform operators, including Baemin and Naver, and will continue to do so. During the first full meeting of the 22nd National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 28, Kim stated, "Many of the cases the KFTC is handling regarding Coupang have been under investigation long before last year's data breach incident." He further asserted, "The KFTC enforces the law rigorously and without discrimination, regardless of nationality, and we will continue to do so." In response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Min Byung-deok about why the KFTC had not issued a statement regarding the U.S. report on Coupang, Kim explained, "We are responding through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The KFTC is continuously collaborating with the Ministry to share information regarding the investigation and review of Coupang." Kim also apologized for a social media post he made following the results of the recent local elections. In the post, he expressed disappointment that the citizens' exercise of rights seemed to align with monetary interests, questioning whether it reflected blind faith or self-deception. Lawmaker Shin Dong-wook from the People Power Party pointed out that this could be seen as a violation of a public official's duty to remain neutral during elections. In response, Kim acknowledged the concern, stating, "I sincerely regret causing worry to the public. It was a comment made in response to a friend's post, and I did not anticipate it would escalate into a controversy." Regarding the increasing trend of KFTC retirees joining law firms, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Hyun-hee noted this development, to which Kim replied, "This is due to the rise in fair trade cases and the demands from companies." When asked if he had plans to join a law firm after retirement, he stated, "I have no such plans." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:25:00
-
Samsung Prepares Next Galaxy Devices, Including AI Glasses and Rollable Phones Samsung Electronics, a pioneer in the foldable phone market, is accelerating preparations for next-generation devices aimed at the 'post-smartphone' era. The company is focusing on developing new form factors, including AI smart glasses, Galaxy Ring 2, and rollable phones, with a goal to lead in hardware competition in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).Last week, at the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event in London, Samsung showcased its advancements in foldable phone innovation over the past seven years. The company introduced a lineup of three devices: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, claiming it has perfected its foldable mobile device offerings. Alongside this, Samsung unveiled its AI smart glasses, providing a blueprint for future form factors.During a press conference on July 22, Samsung Electronics DX Division President Roh Tae-moon stated, "The foldable market has now entered a mature phase, and more companies will enter the space. However, as competition intensifies, Samsung will continue to present cutting-edge technology to secure a leading position in the global market." He emphasized that while the foldable mobile product lineup is complete, the company is also preparing for ongoing product innovation for future growth.The first product to be revealed was the AI smart glasses. Samsung introduced its first smart glasses, expected to launch later this year. While attendees could see the product, hands-on demonstrations were limited. The design closely resembles regular eyewear, with various styles developed in collaboration with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.As the inaugural product, the focus is on creating 'everyday glasses' rather than emphasizing technology. Choi Jae-in, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Mobile Experience (MX) Division XR Development Team, explained during a briefing on July 23, "Our goal is to create glasses that people want to wear at first sight and can comfortably wear all day long."Samsung's smart glasses are not a one-off product. Choi noted, "This product is just the beginning, and we are preparing more technologies and products in the future," adding that the company has accumulated technology over several years and holds more than 200 patents. The smart glasses being unveiled will only incorporate some of the company's technologies.Future iterations of the smart glasses will gradually integrate additional technologies, such as glasses with built-in displays. While the first generation emphasizes 'wearability,' subsequent generations will enhance AI features and technical experiences based on user feedback.Wearable devices are also evolving. Samsung announced that it is developing a successor to the Galaxy Ring. Since the first product was launched in 2024, no follow-up models have been released, but the company is preparing a next-generation product that reflects consumer demands and new technologies. With the advancement of AI health features, the integration of the Galaxy Watch and Ring into a health management ecosystem is expected to strengthen.Roh stated, "Various companion devices that expand the AI experience will continue to emerge, and the related market will grow. We launched the Galaxy Ring for customers who value health management features while also prioritizing fashion and style, and we will continue to develop this product line."Development of the rollable phone is also underway, aiming for commercialization. The rollable phone features a screen that can be rolled into the body and expanded when needed, representing a different next-generation form factor compared to foldable phones.Samsung has already secured trademarks for 'Galaxy Z Roll' and 'Galaxy Z Slide,' and Samsung Display showcased a slider display mobile prototype at MWC 2026 in Barcelona earlier this year, demonstrating its technological capabilities. While the company has not disclosed a timeline for commercialization, it has stated that it is continuously working to enhance the technology's readiness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:20:00