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Venture Industry Raises Concerns Over Capital Market Reform Proposal “While we agree with the direction of the financial authorities' capital market reform, a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach will lead to extreme polarization in the KOSDAQ market,” said industry representatives. They warned that if the government continues its regulatory-heavy policies, a “delisting tragedy” could occur, pushing innovative growth companies out of the market. On June 15, the Venture Business Association, the Korea Venture Capital Association, and the Korea Startup Forum held a joint press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, under the theme “Reviving the Heart of the Innovative Economy through Capital Markets.” During the conference, the industry expressed serious concerns about the recent push by financial authorities to tighten delisting criteria and presented five key policy proposals regarding capital market reform. The proposals include: a postponement and review of the KOSDAQ segmentation, exceptions to the ban on dual listings, a delay in implementing delisting criteria, the establishment of a permanent policy consultative body, and improvements to the technology-based special listing system. Song Byeong-jun, Chairman of the Venture Business Association, pointed out the ongoing “deepening polarization” and “hierarchization” within the KOSDAQ market. He cited the government's plan to split the KOSDAQ into “premium” and “standard” segments as a prime example. Song stated, “The venture and startup sector fears that companies classified in the standard segment will be effectively branded as ‘subpar companies.’” He added, “The ‘KOSDAQ 3000 era’ proposed by the government last year still feels cold on the ground even a year later. Instead of building higher walls of regulation, we need to normalize the KOSDAQ market so that everyone can grow.” Kim Hak-kyun, Chairman of the Korea Venture Capital Association, emphasized that “the key to a healthy venture investment ecosystem is the smooth circulation of funds.” He warned that if the virtuous cycle of venture capital taking risks, investing, and recovering funds in a timely manner is disrupted, the entire ecosystem could collapse. Regarding the financial authorities' push to strengthen delisting criteria, the industry called for a more specific postponement and review of the standards. While they agree with the intention to eliminate underperforming companies to restore market confidence, they argue that the planned delisting criteria set for January 1, 2027, which targets companies with a market capitalization below 30 billion won, should be fully postponed and reassessed. As of late April 2026, 79.5% of the 1,603 companies listed on KOSDAQ have venture backgrounds, accounting for 81.1% of the total market capitalization. Notably, the proportion of venture companies among those listed through the technology-based special listing system is nearly 89.8%. In this context, applying immediate delisting measures based solely on quantitative indicators like market capitalization, stock price, and capital erosion could unjustly target promising companies with future potential. Companies already close to the threshold for delisting have been branded as “delisting risk companies,” leading to further stock price declines and a vicious cycle of funding shortages. Kim Jae-won, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, stated, “If the focus is solely on delisting and regulation, it will stifle innovative startups that desperately need funding. We must clearly distinguish between the split listings of large corporations and the subsidiary listings of startups.” 2026-06-15 15:30:00 -
World Cup 26: Asia stays unbeaten, Africa makes early mark SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - The opening week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered an early message: the gap between traditional soccer powers and emerging nations is narrowing. Teams from the Asia-Pacific region remain unbeaten, while several African sides have shown they can challenge higher-ranked opponents, suggesting the tournament may no longer be dominated exclusively by Europe and South America. Japan produced the biggest statement so far, fighting back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, one of the pre-tournament favorites, in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday local time. Captain Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch an early lead, but Keito Nakamura quickly equalized for Japan. Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands' advantage before Daichi Kamada grabbed a late equalizer after Koki Ogawa's header deflected off him. The result reinforced Japan's growing reputation as Asia's benchmark team. Ranked 18th in the world, Japan entered the tournament after beating Brazil 3-2 and England 1-0 in warm-up matches. Holding the 10th-ranked Netherlands added further evidence that Hajime Moriyasu's side belongs among the tournament's dark horses. Perhaps more importantly, Japan finished the stronger side after spending long stretches defending, validating Moriyasu's pre-tournament pledge that his team would impose its own style rather than simply react to opponents. Australia also delivered a notable result, defeating Turkey 2-0 at BC Place in Vancouver. Despite facing a squad led by Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, the Socceroos remained disciplined before capitalizing on their opportunities. Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the first half before Connor Metcalfe doubled the advantage after the break. The victory marked Australia's first opening-match win at a World Cup since Germany 2006. South Korea had already contributed to Asia's impressive start by overcoming Czechia 2-1 on opening day. After Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead early in the second half, Hwang In-beom sparked the comeback with a composed finish before setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu's winner. Unlike previous generations, the continent's leading teams arrived with legitimate expectations. Japan's starting lineup consisted entirely of Europe-based players, while both South Korea and Australia entered the tournament ranked above their opening opponents. The most unexpected result, however, came from Qatar. The Gulf nation earned the first World Cup point in its history by drawing 1-1 with 19th-ranked Switzerland. Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was adjudged to have fouled Remo Freuler. The decision quickly became one of the tournament's first major controversies, with Qatar arguing Freuler had been offside before chasing Embolo's initial header. Qatar nevertheless found an equalizer deep into stoppage time when captain Boualem Khoukhi's header took a deflection before crossing the line. Asia's performance could improve further, with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Uzbekistan yet to play their opening matches. Africa has produced a more mixed start but has also shown signs of growing competitiveness. Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw after Ismael Saibari's opener before Vinicius Jr. rescued a point for the five-time champions. Ivory Coast then secured Africa's first victory of the tournament, defeating Ecuador 1-0 thanks to Amad Diallo's dramatic 90th-minute winner. There have also been setbacks. South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico after being reduced to nine men, while Tunisia endured a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden. Yet Africa's strongest contenders are still to come. Senegal, Algeria and Ghana have yet to make their tournament debuts, while Egypt will seek its first-ever World Cup victory despite being Africa's most successful nation in Africa Cup of Nations history. If the opening week is any indication, the 2026 World Cup may become a showcase for a broader shift in global football. Europe and South America remain the favorites, but teams from Asia-Pacific and Africa increasingly look capable of turning matches that once seemed predictable into genuine contests. 2026-06-15 15:29:50 -
Special Prosecutor Requests Na Kyung-won to Appear Over Allegations of Obstructing Yoon's Arrest The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, is investigating remaining allegations related to the three major cases: insurrection, Kim Geon-hee, and Chae Sang-byeong. The team has requested Na Kyung-won, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, to appear regarding allegations of obstructing the arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, but received a response indicating she would submit written answers instead. The request for Kim Geon-hee's appearance regarding the Deutsche Motors investigation was also unsuccessful. During a regular briefing on June 15 at the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon, the team announced that they had investigated 12 individuals as suspects and 27 as witnesses last week. In connection with the insurrection case, former National Intelligence Service Director Jo Tae-yong and former Deputy Director Hong Jang-won were questioned as suspects. Evidence was found that a senior official from the NIS convened a departmental meeting to discuss martial law and issued specific instructions to establish communication systems with agencies related to martial law, including the Military Counterintelligence Command. Additionally, three officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport were questioned as witnesses regarding allegations of changes to the Yongin-Pyeongtaek Expressway route. The special prosecutor's team also attempted to summon Na regarding the allegations of obstructing Yoon's arrest. Na held a rally in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong when the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials attempted to arrest Yoon in January of last year, leading to accusations of her involvement in the obstruction. Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi stated, "We notified her of the summons for questioning on Friday, June 19, but her side responded that they would provide written answers." She added, "We will reassess the need for a summons after receiving the written response." The team sought to question Kim Geon-hee regarding allegations of manipulating stock prices related to Deutsche Motors, but the investigation did not proceed as she refused to appear. Special Prosecutor Kim noted, "We did not have sufficient evidence to charge her as a suspect, so we intended to question her as a witness," and stated, "There are currently no plans for additional summons after the failed appearance." On June 13, the special prosecutor's team summoned former President Yoon as a suspect in the military coup case. They confirmed facts regarding the overall martial law declared on December 3, but Yoon reiterated his previous claim of it being a "message-driven martial law." He also reportedly stated that he had not received specific reports regarding foreign exchange crimes, although significant statements were secured from documents provided to former Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok and from Article 1 of Proclamation No. 1.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:27:00 -
Hermann Hesse's Humor: A New Collection Reveals a Different Side Don't Take It Too Seriously = Written by Hermann Hesse, translated by Bae Myung-ja, published by Pika. This collection features previously unpublished works by Hermann Hesse, known for classics such as Demian, Under the Wheel, and Siddhartha. It compiles prose, poetry, and essays that have not been introduced in South Korea until now, showcasing another side of Hesse, often referred to as the 'symbol of solitude.' R.J. Hume, a long-time friend of Hesse, described him as an 'old child and a boyish sage.' He noted that Hesse could be both fatherly and son-like at times. The book includes writings filled with wit, humor, and satire, revealing the vibrant human side of Hesse that was often overshadowed by his solitude. As the first volume in the series The Path to Hermann Hesse's Inner Self, this book illustrates Hesse's ability to maintain his sense of humor even amidst the violence of two world wars. In the included piece 'Meeting with the Author,' Hesse's cheerful acceptance of the gap between expectations and reality is evident. His love for simplicity and ease in life shines through. In 'Literary Everyday Life,' he endures the bleak realities of the war's end through various episodes, maintaining his characteristic humor. He captures human nature sharply yet compassionately through diverse characters, including the elderly in a relief facility and Casanova. At the end of the book, 'Hesse as Seen by Others' contains anecdotes remembered by those around him. One scene depicts a young Hesse responding to his mother’s admonition not to throw stones, saying, 'But Mom, David was loved even after throwing stones?!' This moment reveals his playful and free spirit. "I do not understand evolution at all. I cannot find any merit in youth over childhood, or in middle age over youth. If evolution is correct, then the old should be better than the middle-aged, and ultimately the 'perfect person' should be the one who has died, better than the living." (Page 317, letter to Eduard Engels, January 1908) Shin Kyung-rim's Essay Collection - The Mountain Tells Me to Be a Wildflower = Edited by Do Jong-hwan, published by Changbi. This posthumous essay collection commemorates the second anniversary of the late poet Shin Kyung-rim, known for his poetry collections Farm Labor, Poor Love Songs, and The Camel. The essays reflect the poet's experiences through the tumultuous events of modern Korean history, including liberation, the Korean War, the April 19 Revolution, military dictatorship, and the June Uprising. The collection serves as a literary confession of the poet's pursuit of unity between poetry and life, showcasing his philosophy of embracing people from the lowest positions. Editor Do Jong-hwan writes, "The path that Shin Kyung-rim walked in anguish is the same path our literature has walked in anguish, forming the backbone of Korean literary history. It is a reflection on modern Korean poetry and an honest statement on what poetry should be." The poet warns against literature that merely echoes slogans while ignoring reality. He asserts, "Poetry that does not involve self-reflection, no matter how righteous its words, fails to touch the reader's heart," sharing his poetic theory that strives for literary completeness while embracing the pains of history. The collection also recounts the journey from his debut work Reed to Farm Labor after a decade of wandering. The poet confesses, "My poetry can only be a journey of the soul seeking something new," reflecting on his continuous process of self-renewal. He draws warm insights from nature and daily life, addressing various social issues such as education, the environment, and unification. Particularly, he emphasizes the need to approach the division between North and South Korea with humility and respect for others. Despite revealing his own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, the poet's voice, which ultimately retains a gentle faith in humanity and the world, resonates deeply with today's readers. "However, not many Koreans believe they are living happily. The gap between the rich and poor is widening, the ecology and environment are being destroyed, and the unification of our nation and state remains uncertain, with the threat of war still looming. My poetry cannot escape these issues. Therefore, I must confess my conflicts and struggles in harmonizing the task of bringing forth the beauty within many people's hearts into poetry." (Page 32) * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:27:00 -
Understanding Iran: A Nation Beyond Oil and Military Might Iran is not just a country in the Middle East. It is the land of Cyrus the Great, a nation that stood against Rome for 700 years, and a civilization that connected East and West through the Silk Road. However, history alone cannot fully explain modern Iran. The true forces driving Iran are not merely military power, oil, or nuclear development programs. Instead, they stem from deeper spiritual foundations, religious worldviews, and a collective memory accumulated over thousands of years. In this war, the United States analyzed the Revolutionary Guard's capabilities and the scale of its nuclear facilities, calculating missile ranges and drone production capabilities. Yet, the core driving force behind Iran is far deeper than military bases. It is the flame of Zoroastrianism, the martyrdom spirit of Karbala, and the will for independence left by the Khomeini Revolution. While the U.S. focused on military strength, Iran viewed history; while the U.S. calculated the present, Iran calculated civilization.Today, the world refers to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as Abrahamic religions. However, tracing their spiritual roots deeper leads to the vast civilization of Zoroastrianism. Emerging around 1000 B.C. in the Persian region, Zoroaster viewed the human world as a constant struggle between good and evil. The worldview of the good god Ahura Mazda and the evil force Angra Mainyu later evolved into concepts of heaven and hell, final judgment, salvation, and demons, significantly influencing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although Iran became Islamic after the 7th century, the spiritual traces of Zoroastrianism have not completely disappeared. Today, Iran's society strongly retains a moral worldview of justice versus injustice, good versus evil, resistance versus martyrdom, which has become a crucial pillar of national identity.This Zoroastrian worldview has gained even greater spiritual strength through its intersection with Islam, particularly Shia Islam. While the vast majority of Muslims worldwide are Sunni, Iran is an exception. It is the central nation of the Shia world and can be considered the capital of Shia civilization. This stems from the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. At that time, Persia had to confront the Sunni superpower Ottoman Empire and adopted Shia Islam as the state religion to maintain its unique civilizational identity. As a result, Iran has taken a completely different path from Saudi Arabia, another Islamic nation. The languages, histories, and worldviews differ significantly. While Saudi Arabia is the center of the Arab world, Iran is the heir to Persian civilization. Although they share the name of Islam, it is not an exaggeration to say they belong to fundamentally different civilizational spheres.The core spirit of Shia Islam was born at Karbala. In 680 A.D., Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, fought against the overwhelming forces of the Umayyad dynasty and was martyred. While it was a military defeat, Shia Islam remembers it as a martyrdom for justice. To this day, millions in Iran commemorate Hussein's sacrifice during the annual Ashura observance. This is not merely a religious event; it is a collective ritual reaffirming national identity. In the Shia world, sacrifice is not defeat but a testimony to uphold justice and a historical legacy passed on to future generations. Western strategists who believed they could subdue Iran through economic sanctions and military pressure failed to fully understand this spiritual structure.Over the past half-century, Iran has faced numerous crises. The Iran-Iraq War, which began with the invasion by Saddam Hussein in 1980, lasted for eight years, resulting in an estimated one million casualties in both countries. Even after the war, U.S. economic sanctions continued. Iran was effectively excluded from international financial networks, faced restrictions on advanced technology imports, and struggled to freely export crude oil. Nevertheless, the Iranian regime did not collapse. Instead, these pressures strengthened a collective consciousness among many Iranians that "we do not succumb to foreign powers." While this may seem irrational from a Western perspective, it is a natural phenomenon when one understands Iran's history and religion.The 1979 Islamic Revolution was a pivotal event that translated this spirit into a modern political system. At the time, the Pahlavi dynasty was one of America's most important allies in the Middle East, and Tehran was considered the most modernized city in the region. However, behind the facade of economic growth, anxiety over identity loss was growing. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini capitalized on this sentiment. His revolution was not merely a religious one; it was an independence revolution aimed at breaking free from American influence and a national revolution to restore the pride of Persian civilization. The declaration, "We are not a satellite state of the United States," was not just a political slogan but a revival of the historical memory of Persia, which had resisted foreign powers for thousands of years.The Revolutionary Guard, established after the revolution, is one of the key elements to understanding modern Iran. Western media often describe the Revolutionary Guard as a military organization, but its actual role is much more complex. They serve as a military force, intelligence agency, economic power, and political entity. Their influence extends across construction, energy, finance, and telecommunications. The Revolutionary Guard identifies itself as the guardian of the revolution and is not merely a military force protecting borders but an organization safeguarding the regime itself. In the current conflict, the Revolutionary Guard has played a crucial role in missile operations, drone attacks, information warfare, and managing pro-Iran networks abroad. While the U.S. is accustomed to confronting regular armies, it struggles to engage with the unique structure of the Revolutionary Guard.Iran's nuclear development must also be understood in this context. While the West views it solely as a nuclear weapons issue, Iranians see it differently. Nuclear technology is not just an energy source; it symbolizes national pride and technological sovereignty. Interestingly, Iran's nuclear program began not after the revolution but during the pro-American Pahlavi dynasty, when the U.S. actually supported Iran's nuclear development. However, after the revolution, nuclear development took on new significance. It became a national will to secure independent scientific and technological capabilities despite foreign pressures. As U.S. sanctions intensified, nuclear technology gained even more symbolic meaning within Iranian society. When the nuclear agreement was reached in 2015, Iran viewed it not as a concession of rights but as an acknowledgment of its rights, and the subsequent U.S. withdrawal from the agreement reinforced the perception that "ultimately, we can only rely on ourselves for protection."Ultimately, the biggest difference between the U.S. and Iran lies in their sense of time. The U.S. thinks in four-year election cycles and worries about quarterly economic indicators. Iran, however, remembers the Sassanid dynasty, the Safavid dynasty, Karbala, and the Khomeini Revolution. Events from 680 A.D. influence today's politics, and a dynasty from 500 years ago is part of today's national identity. What the U.S. fails to grasp is this long sense of time. While the U.S. focused on the present, Iran looked to history; while the U.S. calculated military power, Iran calculated civilization.Although the 106-day war has ended, the U.S. now faces the task of studying Iran anew. Iran is not merely an oil state, a theocratic state, or an anti-American state. It is a nation that remembers the flame of Zoroaster, the martyrdom of Karbala, and the will for independence forged by the Khomeini Revolution. While the U.S. saw nuclear facilities, Iran saw civilization. While the U.S. calculated sanctions, Iran calculated generations. While the U.S. trusted military power, Iran trusted history and belief. And that difference was the essence of this war.However, history is not completed by the past alone. For a civilization to survive, it must create a future. Now that the war has ended, Iran faces another monumental challenge: to create prosperity beyond mere survival and to achieve reconstruction beyond resistance. It is at this juncture that the country of South Korea begins to hold new significance. A new narrative is beginning, connecting post-war recovery, the new Silk Road, Tehran Road, the AI revolution, and the spirit of Hongik Ingan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:24:00 -
Construction of Taean-Anseong Expressway Moves Forward with 2031 Groundbreaking Target The construction of the Taean-Anseong expressway, which will connect the western Chungcheong region with the Seoul metropolitan area, is set to move forward. The project has gained momentum after passing a private investment feasibility study. On June 15, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the Taean-Anseong expressway project recently passed the feasibility study for private investment. The government plans to initiate subsequent procedures, including a strategic environmental impact assessment, aiming for a groundbreaking in 2031. The Taean-Anseong expressway will span a total length of 94.6 kilometers, connecting Taean County in South Chungcheong Province with Anseong City in Gyeonggi Province. Once completed, it is expected to establish a new transportation network linking the western Chungcheong region with the Seoul metropolitan area. The project is anticipated to reduce travel times from the Taean area and the western coast of South Chungcheong to the capital region, while also improving logistics efficiency. It is expected to have positive effects on the local economy by enhancing inter-regional exchanges, boosting tourism, and strengthening the logistics competitiveness of businesses. Additionally, the opening of the Taean-Anseong expressway is expected to help alleviate traffic congestion on the Seohae Expressway and Gyeongbu Expressway. The government plans to sequentially carry out procedures such as the strategic environmental impact assessment, public announcement for third-party proposals, selection of preferred bidders, and detailed design. Kim Hyo-jung, director of the Road Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "We will expedite the Taean-Anseong expressway project to expand the transportation network connecting the western Chungcheong region with the Seoul metropolitan area. We will do our best to enhance regional accessibility and strengthen logistics competitiveness to contribute to revitalizing the local economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:24:00 -
Hong Jeong-do, Vice Chairman of JoongAng Group, Apologizes for JTBC Bankruptcy Filing Hong Jeong-do, Vice Chairman of JoongAng Group, expressed regret over the filing for corporate rehabilitation of its subsidiaries and pledged to focus on stabilizing management. On June 15, Hong stated at a press conference held at the JoongAng Ilbo building in Mapo, Seoul, that "some subsidiaries of JoongAng Holdings have entered court rehabilitation procedures," adding, "I apologize for causing such concerns." He explained, "Despite our best efforts to stabilize the company, we were forced to make this choice due to worsening external economic conditions, declining credit ratings, and liquidity constraints," and extended his sincere apologies to stakeholders, including JTBC, Megabox, and Contentree. Hong emphasized that "recovering from this situation is our top priority" and assured that he would do everything possible to achieve it. He also addressed employees, acknowledging that the situation has caused significant shock and anxiety. He stated, "I understand that this incident has greatly unsettled our employees, and we will explore all necessary means for a swift normalization." He added that efforts would be made to ensure job security. Regarding the ongoing coverage of the North and Central America World Cup, he affirmed the company's commitment to continue operations without interruption. "We will ensure that our core business, including the World Cup coverage, runs smoothly," he stressed. Hong concluded by stating, "We will turn today's rehabilitation filing into a new beginning to preserve our national asset of broadcasting and to provide stability for all employees. I will fulfill my responsibilities to the end." 2026-06-15 15:21:00 -
BBQ Donates Over 10,000 Chickens to Local Communities by May 2026 Genesis BBQ Group has donated over 10,000 chickens to local communities through various charitable activities from January to May 2026. On June 15, BBQ announced that it contributed more than 10,000 chickens through programs such as 'Chicken University Good Donation,' 'Family Chicken Relay,' and 'Visiting Chicken Relay' during this period. The Chicken University Good Donation program, which began in 1999, is BBQ's flagship social contribution initiative, now in its 27th year. It involves franchise owners and employees who participate in the Chicken University training program cooking and delivering chicken to vulnerable groups and welfare facilities. By the end of May, BBQ had delivered chicken to vulnerable populations in Icheon, Seongnam, Hanam, and Gwangju through the Gyeonggi Province branch of the Korean Red Cross. Recently, the support has expanded to include children's and disability welfare facilities, with donations made to organizations such as Icheon Seong-ae Won and Eliel Dongsan. In recognition of these efforts, BBQ Chicken University was elevated to the 'Hall of Fame' by the Gyeonggi Province branch of the Korean Red Cross in March. Since signing an agreement in 2024, BBQ has donated approximately 220 million won over two years, with over 100 million won contributed in 2025 alone. The 'Family Chicken Relay,' a collaborative social contribution initiative involving both the headquarters and franchise owners, has also been conducted nationwide. The headquarters provides fresh chicken, which franchise owners prepare and deliver. In May, franchise owners across Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang regions participated, delivering a total of 2,000 chickens to community welfare centers, disability and senior welfare facilities, and local children's centers. BBQ has also continued its 'Visiting Chicken Relay,' which involves reaching out to locations in need based on submitted requests. In celebration of Family Month, BBQ visited Jeongseon Jungsan Elementary School, Icheon Seong-ae Won, the Icheon City branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and the Korean Global Chef High School to deliver chicken. A BBQ representative stated, "Through various social contribution activities such as Chicken University Good Donation, Family Chicken Relay, and Visiting Chicken Relay, we are spreading warmth throughout the community this year. We will continue to monitor areas in need and expand our charitable activities as a company that coexists with the community."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:21:00 -
China Embraces 'Morning World Cup' Culture Amid Time Zone Differences On June 12, at the Nantiemen (South Heaven Gate) on the summit of Taishan in Shandong Province, hikers and soccer fans gathered in front of a large screen to watch the opening match of the North America World Cup between Mexico and South Africa while waiting for the sunrise. This scene was shared on China's social media platform Xiaohongshu. As the World Cup takes place in North America, which is over 10 hours behind China, a new viewing culture known as the "Morning World Cup" has emerged in the country. The installation of the large screen at the summit of Taishan was an initiative by the local tourism management committee. The screen will broadcast major matches live every day from midnight to 6 a.m. until the tournament concludes on July 20. Many Chinese expressed excitement, saying, "It’s special to be able to watch the World Cup while enjoying the sunrise at Taishan," and, "I want to create memories by climbing Taishan on the day of the World Cup final." In southern regions like Guangdong, where the 'zhaocha' (morning tea) culture is well-developed, the World Cup viewing experience is different. According to the Guangzhou Daily, "Watching World Cup broadcasts on large screens while enjoying morning tea has become a new routine in Guangzhou this summer." Local restaurants and tea houses have set up large screens to broadcast the World Cup matches, allowing customers to enjoy their morning tea while watching the games. Some bars have even adjusted their opening hours to accommodate morning viewers. Most of the customers are reportedly middle-aged men. A Guangzhou resident who has been watching the World Cup since 1986 said, "This is my first time watching the World Cup while having morning tea. It feels much more comfortable and healthier than staying up late drinking alcohol to watch the matches." Although the Chinese national team failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, enthusiasm for the tournament remains high among Chinese fans. On the opening day of the North America World Cup, the viewership for the match between South Korea and the Czech Republic, broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV), reached a rating of 1.4%, with a peak of 1.9%, making it the highest-rated program in its time slot. In China, where there are over 40 satellite channels, a viewership rating above 1% is considered successful. Local media noted that this outcome defied expectations that ratings would be low due to the time difference. However, some analysts pointed out that this rating is lower compared to the 3-4% levels recorded during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao noted, "The Qatar World Cup took place as China's COVID-19 lockdowns were nearing an end, and inter-regional travel was still restricted, which likely intensified interest in the tournament at that time." 2026-06-15 15:21:00 -
Seoul Apartment Prices Exceed 60 Million Won per Pyong Amid Supply Shortage The average sale price of private apartments in Seoul has surpassed 60 million won per pyong (approximately 3.3 square meters) for the first time in history. This increase is attributed to the ongoing supply of high-priced units in key areas of the city. According to the Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) on June 15, the average sale price of private apartments in Seoul reached 19.22 million won per square meter as of May. When converted to a per pyong basis, this amounts to 63.55 million won, marking an 8.85% increase from the previous month. This is the highest level recorded since HUG began compiling related statistics. HUG's monthly average sale price reflects not only the prices of units sold in that month but also the average sale price of private development projects that received sale guarantees over the past 12 months. As a result, the prices of some high-priced units have significantly raised the average. HUG noted that the high sale prices of two complexes supplied in the Dongjak District last month contributed to this statistic. Industry experts suggest that if additional projects in the Gangnam area and along the Han River are launched, the average sale price in Seoul could rise further. Nationally, sale prices continued to climb as well. In May, the average sale price of private apartments across the country was 6.475 million won per square meter, a 4.00% increase from the previous month. On a per pyong basis, this reached 21.41 million won, setting a new record. In the metropolitan area, the average sale price was 1.1081 million won per square meter, up 5.35% from the previous month. Conversely, new supply has decreased. In May, the number of private apartments offered for sale nationwide was 4,828 units, a drop of 16,292 units from the previous month. In Seoul, 717 units were offered, an increase of 478 units, but the total for the metropolitan area fell to 2,954 units, down 3,194 units. The supply in regional areas also showed a significant decline. Industry analysts believe that rising construction costs and deteriorating project viability are constraining new supply, while sale prices continue to rise, increasing the burden on homebuyers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-15 15:18:00