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  • SK hynix union rejects stock-heavy wage deal
    SK hynix union rejects stock-heavy wage deal SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) -SK hynix union members on Tuesday narrowly rejected a tentative wage agreement that would have shifted a larger share of profit-sharing bonuses into company stock, sending labor and management back to the bargaining table as the chipmaker tries to spread its AI windfall across employees and shareholders while its shares remain well below earlier highs. The proposed 2026 wage and collective bargaining agreement was defeated with 50.08 percent, or 7,535 members, voting against it, the union said Tuesday. Another 7,510 members, or 49.92 percent, voted in favor. Turnout reached 93.81 percent, with 15,045 of the union's 16,083 members participating in electronic voting between Monday morning and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The razor-thin rejection came five days after SK hynix and the union reached a tentative agreement following two months of negotiations. The deal included a 6.3 percent wage increase but drew particular attention for a major change in how the company's profit-sharing bonus, known as PS, would be paid. Under the proposal, 40 percent of PS would be paid in cash, while the remaining 60 percent would be distributed in SK hynix shares. Of the stock portion, shares equivalent to 40 percent of the total bonus could be sold in the year of payment. The remaining 20 percent would be deferred over two years, with 10 percent distributed each year. For PS covering 2026 and scheduled to be paid early next year, employees would have been allowed to receive the immediately available 40-percent stock portion in cash instead, allowing them to take as much as 80 percent of the bonus in cash during the first year of the new system. The rejection sends both sides back into negotiations, with the structure of PS payments likely to remain the central issue. SK hynix has faced similar setbacks before. Tentative wage agreements were rejected by union members in both 2023 and 2024, forcing labor and management to reopen negotiations. The latest vote carries greater financial significance because the size of employee bonuses has ballooned along with SK hynix's earnings from high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, used in artificial intelligence accelerators. Last year's agreement removed the previous ceiling on PS and established a formula allocating 10 percent of annual operating profit to the bonus pool for 10 years. Under that framework, 80 percent of PS was to be paid in cash in the year of payment and the remaining 20 percent deferred over the following two years. The tentative agreement reached last week would therefore have moved employees much more heavily into SK hynix stock just as the company is seeking to align workers more closely with its long-term earnings and share-price performance. The vote also highlights the tension in that approach. SK hynix shares have been volatile despite booming HBM earnings and remain below their recent peak, making stock-based compensation more sensitive for employees accustomed to receiving most of their profit-sharing bonus in cash. A newly established unified union has separately made preservation of cash-based PS payments one of its priorities. The employee debate is unfolding alongside an equally aggressive effort by SK hynix to increase returns to shareholders. A day before the tentative labor agreement was announced, the company approved a record 40 trillion won ($28.6 billion) share buyback and cancellation program, the largest ever announced by a South Korean listed company. SK hynix plans to buy about 24.07 million shares, equivalent to roughly 3.3 percent of its outstanding stock, between Aug. 20 and Nov. 19 and cancel all of them. The company also raised its shareholder-return commitment, saying it plans to return more than 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow generated between 2025 and 2027 through dividends, buybacks and share cancellations. Its previous policy called for shareholder returns within 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow. Investors initially welcomed the move, sending SK hynix shares 12.67 percent higher to 1.69 million won last Thursday after a 9.75 percent fall in the previous session. Shares are down 5 percent Tuesday morning to 1,584,000 won, nearly halved from their June 25 peak of 2,987,000 won. The sharp swings have underscored how expectations surrounding the AI memory boom have become increasingly demanding even as SK hynix continues to report exceptional earnings. The company is juggling three competing claims on that cash generation: employee compensation, shareholder returns and tens of trillions of won in investment needed to expand HBM and advanced memory capacity. AJP Takeaways SK hynix union members rejected the tentative wage deal by just 25 votes, forcing labor and management back into negotiations. The main sticking point is a proposed shift in profit-sharing bonuses, with 60 percent to be paid in company shares rather than predominantly in cash. The dispute comes as SK hynix tries to distribute its AI-memory windfall among employees and shareholders while continuing heavy investment in HBM capacity. 2026-08-25 10:05:29
  • Lotte Biologics Receives Excellent Green Building Certification for Incheon Facility
    Lotte Biologics Receives 'Excellent' Green Building Certification for Incheon Facility Lotte Biologics has strengthened its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) competitiveness in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market by receiving recognition for the eco-friendly construction of its first plant at the Incheon Bio Campus.On August 25, Lotte Biologics announced that it has obtained an 'Excellent' grade in the national green building certification (G-SEED) from the Korea Institute of Eco-Friendly Architecture for its first plant at the Incheon Bio Campus.The green building certification is a national program jointly operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Environment. It comprehensively evaluates energy and resource savings, as well as pollution reduction, throughout the entire process from material production to design, construction, and maintenance. Lotte Biologics achieved the excellent grade after a comprehensive assessment in seven areas, including land use and transportation, energy and environmental pollution, materials and resources, water circulation management, maintenance, and ecological environment.From the design phase of the first plant at the Incheon Bio Campus, Lotte Biologics incorporated eco-friendly construction elements and established a management system aimed at achieving an excellent grade during the preliminary certification stage. Throughout the construction process, the company continuously checked and improved key evaluation criteria, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and the introduction of energy-efficient facilities.Lotte Biologics plans to expand the application of eco-friendly construction principles to future production facilities, starting with the first plant at the Incheon Bio Campus, to enhance its ESG management. The first plant spans a total area of 99,558 square meters and is equipped with eight 15,000-liter bioreactors, providing a total production capacity of 120,000 liters for antibody drugs.Currently, the first plant is undergoing a qualification evaluation (C&Q) for its equipment and utilities. The company plans to establish a good manufacturing practice (GMP) production system that meets global regulatory standards after conducting trial operations and verifying manufacturing and quality systems in the second half of this year, with commercial production set to begin next year.A representative from Lotte Biologics stated, "The first plant at the Incheon Bio Campus was built considering not only production capacity and quality competitiveness but also a sustainable production environment. With this certification, we will continue to build production infrastructure that considers eco-friendly elements and strengthen our CDMO capabilities to meet the diverse needs of global clients."Meanwhile, Lotte Biologics has recently completed the relocation of all employees to the Incheon Bio Campus. The company aims to consolidate its previously dispersed headquarters and production functions in one location to accelerate preparations for the commercial production of the first plant next year.This relocation has brought together key organizations, including management, production, quality, engineering, and business development, at the production site. Lotte Biologics expects that this will enhance decision-making speed during the commercial production preparation process, including technology transfer, process readiness, and quality review, and allow for quick responses to issues arising on the production floor.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:04:10
  • Han Byeong-do Presses Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on Controversial Nomination Process
    Han Byeong-do Presses Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on Controversial Nomination Process Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, continued to pressure Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and Administrative Office of the Courts Director Noh Kyung-pil on August 25 regarding the controversial written nomination process for Supreme Court justices. He demanded they attend the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee to explain why they proceeded with the nominations without consultation.During a meeting of the Democratic Party's floor leadership, Han criticized Cho for making a unilateral decision on the nominations without following proper procedures. He raised suspicions that the government may have encouraged the rejection of nominations to restructure the candidate pool to better suit its preferences.Han specifically pointed out that under current law, if a nominee is recommended, the recommendation committee is immediately dissolved. However, if the nomination is rejected, the committee must be reconstituted, highlighting a loophole in the law that Cho allegedly exploited. He urged Cho and Noh to appear before the committee on August 31 to clarify their actions.Additionally, Han referenced the recent case of missing person Jang Mi-ran, stating, "Following the Jang Yoon-gi case, another tragic incident has raised doubts about the police's investigative capabilities and organizational discipline. The police must undertake significant reforms to regain public trust."He emphasized that as police powers expand, there must be a corresponding increase in democratic oversight to prevent further public anxiety regarding the new criminal justice system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:04:10
  • Labor Ministry and Woori Financial Group Support 60 Youths in Financial IT Training
    Labor Ministry and Woori Financial Group Support 60 Youths in Financial IT Training Woori Bank and Woori Card, along with eight affiliates of Woori Financial Group, are providing financial information technology (IT) training, mentoring from industry professionals, and hands-on experience for 60 youths.The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that Lim Young-mi, head of the Employment Policy Office, attended the launch ceremony of the 'Woori WON Youth IT Academy' at Woori Bank's headquarters in Seoul on August 25.The Woori WON Youth IT Academy is part of the K-New Deal Academy initiative, which offers specialized vocational training tailored to the needs of large corporations. The program is designed to enhance the skills of young people and facilitate their entry into the labor market by focusing on the specific job requirements of participating companies.The K-New Deal Academy was established this year through a supplementary budget. A total of 107 companies applied to participate, and after a review process, 72 academies from 53 companies were selected. The training areas have expanded to include artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, finance, biotechnology, and cultural content.This year, the top 10 conglomerates, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, and SK, plan to directly train about 6,800 individuals through the K-New Deal Academy. The overall training goal set by the government for the youth New Deal initiative is 10,000 participants. Youths participating in the program will receive training allowances of up to 300,000 won per month in the metropolitan area and up to 500,000 won per month in non-metropolitan areas, based on attendance.As part of the newly launched program, the eight affiliates of Woori Financial Group will provide hands-on training in financial IT, mentoring from current professionals, site visits, and practical experience. Woori Financial plans to continue supporting trainees even after graduation to help them develop into experts in the financial AI field.Park Je-seong, head of the Management Support Division at Woori Financial Group, stated, "This academy will serve as a solid foundation for young people to acquire financial IT skills and advance into society. We will support trainees beyond simple educational assistance, ensuring they can become self-sufficient financial AI experts after graduation."Lim Young-mi, head of the Employment Policy Office at the Labor Ministry, remarked, "The K-New Deal Academy is a policy that combines the efforts of youth with the support of the government and businesses for mutual growth. I hope that the youths participating in the Woori Financial Group K-New Deal Academy will use this opportunity to soar to greater heights, as our slogan suggests, 'Growing Together with Youth.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:04:00
  • LG Electronics Partners with Metropolitan Museum to Showcase Art on Smart TVs
    LG Electronics Partners with Metropolitan Museum to Showcase Art on Smart TVs LG Electronics is enhancing its art content offerings by showcasing works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on its smart TVs. On August 25, LG Electronics announced a partnership with the Metropolitan Museum, providing over 100 masterpieces from the museum through its art content service, LG Gallery Plus. LG Gallery Plus is an art content service based on LG's proprietary smart TV platform, webOS. Users can display artworks and photographs on their TV screens, effectively using them as digital frames. The Metropolitan Museum, the largest art museum in New York, attracts approximately 7 million visitors annually and houses a collection of around 2 million works, including pieces by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. Through LG Gallery Plus, users can enjoy key works from the Metropolitan Museum, including Édouard Manet's "The Monet Family in the Garden at Argenteuil," William Merritt Chase's "At the Beach," and Sébastien Rosen's "Still Life with Flowers and Fruit." LG Electronics is also expanding collaborations with global museums and art platforms. The company has partnered with major institutions such as the National Gallery in London and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, providing access to their artworks, and is collaborating with the art platform Saatchi Art to showcase contemporary art content. The content offerings have expanded beyond fine art to include games and movies. Currently, LG Gallery Plus features over 5,000 art content pieces, including classic artworks, game illustrations, movie posters, and nature photography. LG Electronics is also broadening its lineup of art-focused TVs, including the LG OLED Evo AI G6, the next-generation wallpaper TV LG Signature OLED W, and the LG Gallery TV AI, which is specialized for art viewing. Customers who purchase these art TVs will receive a three-month free subscription to LG Gallery Plus. "We will continue to enhance our art content so that customers can use LG TVs as digital frames to enjoy their favorite content, including art and games, and complete their personal space decor," said Jo Byeong-ha, Vice President of LG Electronics' webOS Platform Business Center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:04:00
  • New Regulations on Funeral Services: No Unauthorized Disposal of Condolence Flowers
    New Regulations on Funeral Services: No Unauthorized Disposal of Condolence Flowers 앞으로 조문객이 유족에게 보낸 근조화환을 장례식장이 임의로 수거해 특정 재사용 업체에 팔아넘기던 관행에 제동이 걸릴 전망이다. 과일과 음료 등 조리되지 않은 음식물은 장례식장에 반입할 수 있고 장례식장 사업자는 계약 전 장례비용을 소비자에게 설명해야 한다.공정거래위원회는 이같은 내용을 골자로 하는 '장례식장 표준약관'을 개정했다고 25일 밝혔다. 그간 일부 장례식장에서 조문객이 유족에게 보낸 화환을 화환 수거·재사용 업체에게 판매하는 사례, 외부 음식물 반입을 제한하는 경우가 있어 소비자의 불만이 있었다. 개정 표준약관은 장례식장에서 사용된 화환의 소유권이 유족에게 있음을 명확히 규정했다. 기존에는 조문객으로부터 받은 화환의 소유권과 처리 방법에 관한 명확한 규정이 없어 국민신문고 등에 민원이 올라왔다. 이번 개정으로 장례식장이 화환을 처리하려는 경우 이용자와 사전에 협의해야만 한다. 외부 음식물 반입 기준도 정비됐다. 식중독 등 위생사고 예방을 위해 밥, 국, 전 등 외부에서 조리된 음식물 반입은 원칙적으로 제한하되 과일이나 포장 음료·주류, 마른안주 등 비조리 가공식품은 반입할 수 있도록 기준을 명확히 했다. 조리된 음식이라도 사업자와 사전 협의를 거치면 예외적으로 반입이 가능하다. 다만 무단 반입 음식으로 위생사고가 발생할 경우 책임은 이용자가 부담한다.장례비용의 사전 설명 의무도 신설됐다. 경황이 없는 유족을 상대로 초기 상담액보다 과도한 금액을 청구하는 피해를 막기 위해서다. 사업자는 계약 체결 전 시설임대료, 염습·예식 수수료, 장례용품비, 관리비 등 항목별 이용료와 장례의식 내용을 유족에게 미리 설명해야 한다.공정위 관계자는 "개정된 표준약관은 장례식장 사업자단체 및 관계부처, 소비자단체 등 유관 기관의 의견을 종합적으로 고려해 마련된 만큼 향후 사업자들이 적극적으로 도입할 것으로 예상된다"며 "사업자와 소비자 간 분쟁이 줄어들고 바람직한 거래질서가 정착돼 소비자 권익이 증진될 것"이라고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:04:00
  • Hyundai Green Food Launches Pilot Project to Promote Consumption of Local Agricultural Products
    Hyundai Green Food Launches Pilot Project to Promote Consumption of Local Agricultural Products Hyundai Green Food, a comprehensive food company under the Hyundai Department Store Group, is spearheading a pilot project aimed at promoting the consumption of local agricultural products in Chungcheongnam-do. The company plans to purchase over 500 tons of agricultural products produced in the region for use in meal service operations and restaurants nationwide.On August 25, Hyundai Green Food announced its collaboration with Chungcheongnam-do to launch the first pilot project of the 'Mutual Growth Project.' This initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance the value of domestic agricultural products and expand their market access through cooperation among businesses, local farmers, and municipal governments.As part of this project, Hyundai Green Food will acquire 280 tons of Seosan onions and 200 tons of Buyeo rice, along with other agricultural products such as chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, jujubes, and glutinous rice, totaling over 500 tons. The purchased products will be utilized across the company's meal service operations and various restaurant brands.The initiative will kick off by serving 'Lotus Leaf Rice' made from Chungcheongnam-do agricultural products to over 1,700 employees at the HD Hyundai Oilbank Daesan plant. By October, specialized menus featuring local agricultural products will be supplied to more than 650 meal service locations nationwide. New menu items developed for this project include 'Caramelized Onion Pork Stir-fry,' 'Onion Curry Rice,' and 'Onion Strips Cream Pasta.'Additionally, around 140 in-house cafes operating within national meal service facilities will introduce 'Chestnut Miso Powder' made with local chestnuts and 'Doraji-Chickweed Tea' using bellflower and schisandra. The premium bakery brand 'VEZZLY' will offer madeleines made from Seosan rice flour.Since last year, Hyundai Green Food has been running its own campaign, the 'Taste-Connection Project,' which focuses on purchasing local agricultural products for use in meal service menus. In 2022, the project resulted in the acquisition of 609 tons of domestic agricultural products. This year, with the addition of the Mutual Growth Project, the company anticipates that its annual purchase of domestic agricultural products will exceed double that of last year.Lee Heon-sang, Vice President and Head of the Product Division at Hyundai Green Food, stated, "Our client companies resonate with the purpose of collaborating with local farmers and have responded positively to menus utilizing local agricultural products, enabling us to proceed with this pilot project. We aim to not only purchase local agricultural products but also engage in various activities that enhance their value, thereby establishing a sustainable ecosystem for mutual growth with farmers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:00:10
  • Hanwha Establishes U.S. LNG Subsidiary to Target Global Energy Market
    Hanwha Establishes U.S. LNG Subsidiary to Target Global Energy Market Hanwha Aerospace is launching a subsidiary in the United States to oversee its liquefied natural gas (LNG) business, aiming to penetrate the global energy market. The strategy involves building a value chain that encompasses LNG procurement, transportation, supply, and power generation, thereby enhancing competitiveness in both energy and defense sectors.On August 25, Hanwha Aerospace announced the establishment of 'Hanwha Horizon USA' to kickstart its global LNG operations.Located in Texas, Hanwha Horizon USA will serve as the control tower for Hanwha Aerospace's LNG business, managing procurement, trading, and logistics optimization. James Sagar, CEO of Hanwha Shipping, who has over 30 years of experience in the marine and energy sectors, will also lead the new subsidiary.Hanwha Aerospace plans to collaborate with Venture Global, which operates LNG production facilities in Louisiana, to establish a global supply chain. Earlier this year, the two companies signed a long-term contract to purchase 1.5 million tons of LNG annually for 20 years starting in 2030.This supply chain will support a comprehensive LNG value chain from transportation to supply and power generation. Hanwha Horizon USA will supply fuel to the Hanwha Energy Yeosu LNG power plant, which is set to begin commercial operations in 2029, and will expand its customer base to domestic and international power companies and energy firms. In the long term, the company also aims to pursue LNG trading in global markets, including Asia.Through its LNG business, Hanwha Aerospace intends to contribute to national energy security while strengthening U.S.-South Korea energy cooperation. The company envisions establishing an integrated security partnership that encompasses energy and defense based on a stable LNG supply chain.In addition to its partnership with Venture Global, Hanwha Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Southern Power to enhance global LNG cooperation and diversify its supply chain.Recently, Hanwha Aerospace received an 'A-' credit rating from global credit rating agency Standard & Poor's, solidifying its financial foundation for expanding its LNG business.A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "The establishment of Hanwha Horizon USA marks a significant turning point in connecting our global LNG procurement capabilities with our shipbuilding and marine business competitiveness. We will build a stable LNG supply chain that can flexibly respond to market changes and continuously expand our differentiated LNG value chain in the global energy market." 2026-08-25 10:00:10
  • Wavve Expands Infinite Challenge and Hello, Francesca IPs with New Originals
    Wavve Expands 'Infinite Challenge' and 'Hello, Francesca' IPs with New Originals Wavve is expanding the popular IPs of 'Infinite Challenge' and 'Hello, Francesca' into new original content.Wavve announced it will release 'Infinite Challenge: Hawaii Never Die,' a reimagining of the beloved series 'Infinite Challenge,' and 'Next to You, Francesca,' an original spinoff drama that connects to the world of 'Hello, Francesca,' later this year.Both projects build on the core settings and emotions of the original works, adding new characters and stories. They aim to provide existing fans with a familiar experience while introducing a reinterpreted IP to new viewers.'Infinite Challenge: Hawaii Never Die' reconfigures the popular series 'Infinite Challenge,' where members of the show appear as employees of a fictional company, 'Infinite Company,' exploring the trials and tribulations of office life. The story revolves around 'Hawaii,' who has become the spirit of the company, and the chaos that ensues among employees who believe there is a curse associated with him.Original cast members Park Myung-soo and Jung Joon-ha will return to connect with the 'Infinite Company' universe. The series will also introduce new characters and stories set against the backdrop of the workplace in 2026.'Next to You, Francesca' is a spinoff drama that expands the universe of the sitcom 'Hello, Francesca,' which aired in 2005. It follows a vampire named Na-young, who transfers from Romania and struggles to adapt to the human world, as she meets class president Woo-joo.The lead role of Na-young will be played by Han Soo-ah, known for her work in 'The Betrayer' and 'Brave New World.' Kim Hyun-jin, from 'Idol: The Rebooting' and 'Cheer Up,' will portray Woo-joo. Original cast members Shim Hye-jin, Park Seul-ki, and Park Hee-jin will also make special appearances.Alongside the new releases, Wavve will offer content that allows viewers to revisit the original works. Wavve plans to present 4K upscaled versions of 'Infinite Challenge' episodes featuring 'Infinite Company.' These episodes will be available in September, ahead of the release of 'Infinite Challenge: Hawaii Never Die.'Previously, Wavve showcased classics like 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon' and 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' in 4K quality through its 'New Classic Project.' The platform has also reintroduced existing content to fit current viewing environments, including a 4K upscaled version of the parenting variety show 'TXT's Parenting Diary' featuring Tomorrow X Together and 'god's Parenting Diary.'Wavve's original series 'Infinite Challenge: Hawaii Never Die' and 'Next to You, Francesca' are set to premiere later this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:00:00
  • Apartment Prices Surge 15% in Seoul, Sparking Outrage Among Young Adults
    Apartment Prices Surge 15% in Seoul, Sparking Outrage Among Young Adults Young adults are expressing outrage on online communities as they compare apartment prices from a decade ago to current rates.On August 25, various online forums featured a post titled '2015 Apartment Transaction Statistics (based on 24 pyeong).' The post included data showing the average transaction prices for 24-pyeong (approximately 55-60 square meters) apartments in Seoul from 2015. Notably, the figures indicated that apartments in Gangnam and Seocho districts were priced at 680 million won, while those in Yongsan were at 510 million won. In contrast, areas like Mapo, Seongdong, and Gwangjin had prices around 420 million won. Outer districts such as Dobong and Nowon were priced in the 260 to 270 million won range, while most areas in Gyeonggi Province, excluding Gwacheon (570 million won) and Seongnam (360 million won), were priced between 100 to 300 million won.However, the current housing market presents a stark reality. According to KB Real Estate and Real Estate R114, apartment prices in Seoul have surged by approximately 14.7% to 15% since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration. This has led to a 'triple increase' in rental prices, with jeonse (long-term lease) prices rising by 6.77% and monthly rents by 8.99%, placing a heavy burden on young adults and low-income households. The phenomenon of 'one good house' has intensified, with demand concentrating on high-end properties, resulting in a record asset gap between high and low-priced homes, with a ratio of 13.4 times.In response, young adults on social media have voiced their frustration over the widening asset gap in real estate and criticized political leaders. Comments in female-dominated communities expressed sentiments like, 'There was hope 10 years ago,' and 'Back then, taking out loans to buy a house was frowned upon,' reflecting regret over not purchasing apartments in Seoul at that time.Some users lamented the significant asset gap between those who were able to buy apartments in areas like Mapo and Gaepo with parental support and those who could not. Others remarked, 'I should have bought a house back then, even if it meant stretching my finances,' while also criticizing the real estate policies of different administrations.In male-dominated communities, criticism of real estate policies, including regulations on multiple homeowners and land transaction permits, continued. Some users argued that as regulations on multiple homeowners tightened, many sold their properties, leading to increased demand for high-end homes in Seoul, which in turn affected the rental market. There were also observations that the price gap between local and Seoul housing has widened significantly compared to the past.The majority of users expressed that 'up until the early 2010s, the gap between local and Seoul housing prices was not as severe, but now it is insurmountable,' indicating that it has become increasingly difficult for young adults to purchase homes in Seoul solely based on their income. Discontent with current real estate and tax policies was evident.Responses in both communities also reflected a common sentiment of holding political leaders accountable for the trends in housing prices. Some users criticized the real estate policies during the Moon Jae-in administration and expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's overall approach to real estate policy, extending their critique to the current Lee Jae-myung administration. 2026-08-25 10:00:00