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  • Nationwide Apartment Subscription Market Faces Decline with Single-Digit Competition Rates for 13 Months
    Nationwide Apartment Subscription Market Faces Decline with Single-Digit Competition Rates for 13 Months The nationwide first-choice subscription competition rate for apartments has remained in single digits for 13 consecutive months, indicating a continued slump in the subscription market.According to an analysis by Realhouse on August 21, the average first-choice competition rate for nationwide apartment subscriptions in July was recorded at 5.86 to 1, a decrease of 0.05 points from the previous month based on a 12-month moving average.The nationwide first-choice competition rate has been in single digits since recording 9.08 to 1 in July of last year. In the metropolitan area, competition rates in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi all fell compared to the previous month. Seoul's rate decreased from 112.01 to 110.87 to 1, Incheon from 4.59 to 4.23 to 1, and Gyeonggi from 2.59 to 2.57 to 1.In non-metropolitan areas, Busan saw a significant drop, with its first-choice competition rate falling to 2.14 to 1, a decrease of 1.56 points, marking the largest decline nationwide. Jeju's rate was just 0.16 to 1, remaining below the average for 12 consecutive months.Performance in individual complexes was also poor. Among the 24 complexes that announced recruitment in July, 13 failed to fill their first-choice quotas. Notably, three out of four large complexes with over 1,000 units did not meet their first-choice subscription targets.Conversely, subscription demand has been concentrated in a few complexes in Seoul. In July, only two complexes were offered for sale in Seoul, with a total of just 96 first-choice units available, yet the number of subscription applications reached 6,927. This accounted for 26.5% of the total 26,111 subscription applications nationwide during the same period.Analysts suggest that rather than a complete disappearance of subscription demand, there is a growing polarization, with demand increasingly focused on verified complexes with desirable locations and product appeal.Meanwhile, according to Real Estate 114 on August 20, the average sale price of apartments in Busan has more than doubled in four years, increasing the housing cost burden for new homes. Last year, the average sale price of apartments in Busan was 30.24 million won per 3.3 square meters, a 102% increase from 14.98 million won in 2021.Kim Seon-a, head of the subscription analysis team at Realhouse, stated, "The subscription demand itself has not disappeared; rather, it is moving toward a few verified complexes, leading to poorer performance in others. Especially in large complexes, initial poor performance can lead to unsold units, making the timing and pricing of sales critical to the success of the project."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:56:00
  • Kwon Jin-mi of Home & Shopping Joins Campaign Against Youth Illegal Gambling
    Kwon Jin-mi of Home & Shopping Joins Campaign Against Youth Illegal Gambling Kwon Jin-mi, CEO of Home & Shopping, has joined the 'Relay Campaign to Eradicate Youth Illegal Gambling.'According to Home & Shopping, the campaign aims to raise awareness among students about the dangers of illegal online gambling and to prevent its spread. Participants post certification photos conveying messages against illegal gambling and nominate the next participant.Kwon was invited to participate by Lee Il-yong, CEO of Public Home Shopping. She has named Park Jung-min, CEO of KT Alpha, as the next participant.Kwon was appointed CEO of Home & Shopping in March 2026. She joined the company in 2011 as a product team leader at its founding and has since led the sales division.Kwon Jin-mi stated, "It is the responsibility of our entire society to protect youth from falling into illegal gambling. Home & Shopping will take the lead in creating a healthy society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:56:00
  • Genesis Surpasses 450,000 Sales in the U.S. After 10 Years, Expands SUV Lineup
    Genesis Surpasses 450,000 Sales in the U.S. After 10 Years, Expands SUV Lineup Genesis has launched the GV90, a large flagship sports utility vehicle (SUV), completing its full lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) from compact to full-size. This fall, Genesis will also introduce its first hybrid models, the GV80 and G80, as part of its strategy to strengthen its growing portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles.According to Hyundai Motor, Genesis has sold a total of 450,049 vehicles in the U.S. since its official entry into the market in 2016, as of July this year. Last year, the brand exceeded annual sales of 80,000 units for the first time, setting a record for the highest annual sales in the U.S. for five consecutive years since 2021. This year, it also achieved the highest sales for the first half of the year, with 39,088 units sold. In July alone, sales reached 6,947 units, marking 22 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth.Analysts attribute Genesis's growth in the U.S. market to its well-rounded SUV lineup, which excels in product quality, design, and safety. Starting with a sedan-focused lineup, Genesis has expanded to include various segments and electrified models, steadily increasing its sales in a market that traditionally favors utility vehicles.Since introducing the G80 and G90 in 2016, Genesis has responded to diverse consumer demands by launching models such as the G70 in 2018, GV80 in 2020, GV70 in 2021, GV60 in 2022, and the electrified GV70 in 2023, with the GV80 Coupe set to debut in 2024. As a result, SUVs now account for approximately 61.5% of all Genesis sales in the U.S. as of July.Notably, the GV70 (including the electrified model) and GV80 (including the coupe) have recorded the highest and second-highest sales figures in the U.S., with combined sales exceeding 268,724 units, driving local sales.Genesis plans to establish a full SUV lineup that encompasses both electrified and hybrid models with the upcoming launches of the GV90 and GV60 Magma.The GV90 is Genesis's first ultra-large flagship electrified SUV, developed on the dedicated 'eMP platform.' It features the world's first independent opening hidden B-pillar coach door, the 'Neolun Arch Gate,' which provides exceptional openness and spacious entry and exit, as well as a 'roof airbag' that covers the entire roof glass to protect against rollover accidents.The GV60 Magma boasts impressive performance, achieving 0-200 km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 264 km/h, making it the most powerful electrified model from Genesis. It is equipped with dual motors that deliver a combined output of 448 kW (609 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 740 Nm. When using boost mode, it can reach a peak output of 478 kW (650 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 790 Nm for about 15 seconds.To provide exceptional product quality and a differentiated luxury brand experience, Genesis is expanding its network of dedicated showrooms across the U.S.On August 20, Genesis officially opened its 85th dedicated showroom, 'Genesis of San Bruno,' in San Bruno, California.This showroom serves as a key hub targeting customers in Northern California, conveniently located near downtown San Francisco, the airport, and Silicon Valley. Genesis aims to build a solid foundation for long-term sales growth through its network of dedicated brand locations, including the San Bruno showroom.A Genesis representative stated, 'Since entering the U.S. market in 2016, which is a key market driving the brand's global growth, Genesis has continued to grow. We will further strengthen our position as a luxury brand by expanding our dedicated showrooms and meeting the diverse demands of customers with our new lineup.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:52:00
  • Comico Shares Surge 27% on First Day of Trading After Stock Split
    Comico Shares Surge 27% on First Day of Trading After Stock Split Comico, a company specializing in cleaning and coating semiconductor equipment parts, saw its shares soar by over 27% on the first day of trading following a stock split.As of 1:37 PM on August 21, Comico's stock was trading at 27,700 won, up 5,900 won (27.06%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The company had suspended trading since July 29 to facilitate electronic registration changes related to the stock split, which was implemented to increase the number of shares in circulation and enhance trading activity.Comico decided to lower the par value of its shares from 500 won to 200 won, increasing the total number of issued shares from 20,545,310 to 51,363,275.The stock split is expected to improve trading accessibility for investors and enhance liquidity, which likely contributed to the rise in share price.Comico has also been experiencing growth in its financial performance. Last year, the company reported consolidated revenues of 604.1 billion won and an operating profit of 110.9 billion won, both of which showed increases compared to the previous year.In the first half of this year, Comico recorded revenues of 333.0 billion won, an operating profit of 47.5 billion won, and a net profit of 26.1 billion won.The company focuses on precision cleaning and special coating of equipment parts used in semiconductor manufacturing processes, aiming to remove contaminants and enhance the lifespan and yield of these components. Additionally, Comico is expanding its manufacturing business for semiconductor equipment parts based on its cleaning and coating operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:44:00
  • Koreas Drug Agency Shortens New Drug Approval Process to 10 Days
    Korea's Drug Agency Shortens New Drug Approval Process to 10 Days The Korea Drug Agency (KFDA) is set to ease administrative burdens on the pharmaceutical industry by changing the approval process for minor modifications to a reporting system. The approval processing time for clinical trial plans that pass preliminary review will also be reduced by up to one-third.On August 21, the KFDA announced a legislative notice for amendments to the 'Regulations on the Safety of Medicines and Related Products,' inviting public comments until October 21.The key focus of the amendments is to streamline the handling of minor changes due to administrative district reorganizations. Previously, if the location of a drug manufacturing, import, or contract manufacturing company changed due to such reorganizations, a modification approval or notification was required. Under the new rules, companies will only need to report these changes within a year. Similarly, changes in the location of clinical trial plans due to administrative district changes will now be handled as reports instead of requiring modification approval. Changes in the locations and representatives of clinical trial specimen analysis institutions and non-clinical trial conducting institutions will also shift from modification designation to reporting.A significant change that the pharmaceutical industry will notice is the reduction in the approval time for clinical trial plans. Currently, the approval process for clinical trial plans and modifications takes 30 days, regardless of the preliminary review results. After the amendments, if the preliminary review confirms suitability, the processing time will be cut to 10 days. This change is part of the KFDA's '60 Key Tasks for Food and Drug Safety,' aimed at accelerating the clinical entry of new drug development companies.While simplifying procedures, the KFDA plans to strengthen drug safety management. In cases where safety or efficacy issues arise with domestically distributed medicines, the deadline for the responsible party to submit a recall plan will be shortened from the current five days to three days. Additionally, actions that mislead consumers into thinking they are being directly advertised by professionals, such as doctors, using artificial intelligence (AI) will be prohibited. The manufacturing and quality management standards for clinical trial medicines will be aligned with international standards by reflecting the revised guidelines of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).The KFDA expects that these amendments will alleviate unnecessary regulations and administrative burdens on the pharmaceutical industry while enhancing the quality and safety management of medicines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:36:00
  • Japanese Households and Businesses Accelerate Shift from Yen to Foreign Currency
    Japanese Households and Businesses Accelerate Shift from Yen to Foreign Currency Amid chronic yen depreciation, Japanese households and businesses are increasingly diversifying their yen assets into foreign currencies due to concerns that the yen's value may decline further. The increase in foreign currency deposits from April to June this year marked the largest since the full liberalization of foreign currency deposits in 1998.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on August 21, the average balance of foreign currency deposits at domestic banks in Japan for the April to June period was approximately 26.1 trillion yen, an 18% increase from the same period last year. Even excluding the impact of the strong dollar, the inflow was significant. The increase of 3.9772 trillion yen exceeds Japan's trade deficit for the fiscal year 2025, which is projected at 1.7 trillion yen. The government and the Bank of Japan intervened in the market to purchase yen on seven occasions from 2022 to 2024, averaging 3.5 trillion yen per day. In terms of the increase in foreign currency deposits alone, this amount surpasses the average daily yen purchase intervention by authorities.Individuals' foreign currency deposits reached approximately 6.7 trillion yen, an 8% increase. Sony Bank reported that its foreign currency deposit balance reached 800 billion yen in May, surpassing 700 billion yen for the first time in 15 months since February 2025. While foreign currency trading has traditionally been dominated by low-cost FX margin trading, Nikkei noted that the investor base is expanding, particularly among older individuals with surplus retirement funds. Funds are flowing not only into foreign currency deposits but also into overseas stocks. According to the Bank of Japan, the balance of household investments in foreign securities was 46.4618 trillion yen at the end of March, a 23% increase over the past year.Nikkei highlighted that despite the yen already being at a historically low level, the demand for foreign currency continues. In the past, Japanese individual investors often engaged in 'buying on dips' when the yen appreciated, purchasing foreign currencies like the dollar at relatively lower prices. However, the current trend is different. Investors are buying foreign currencies at high prices without waiting for a rebound in the yen. Nikkei assessed that the expectation of further declines in the yen's value is driving this demand for foreign currency. The currencies being purchased are also diversifying beyond just the dollar. Urata Takafumi, a senior economist at SMBC Trust Bank, noted, "Since the Trump administration, there has been an increase in depositors diversifying into various currencies, including the euro."Businesses are also increasing their foreign currency holdings, anticipating continued yen depreciation. From April to June, corporate foreign currency deposits rose to approximately 19.3 trillion yen, a 22% increase from the previous year. Ueno Tsuyoshi, a senior economist at the NLI Research Institute, told Nikkei, "The deep-rooted expectation that the yen will weaken further is causing export companies to delay converting the dollars they earn into yen." He also noted that companies considering overseas expansion are securing the necessary dollars in advance. Japanese firms are also increasing the issuance of foreign currency-denominated corporate bonds.The yen's value fell to as low as 163 yen per dollar in July, the lowest level in 39 years. Although the government and the Bank of Japan intervened to purchase yen at the end of July, the value remains significantly below the pre-2011 peak of around 75 yen per dollar following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Despite the short-term interest rate swap market reflecting an 80% probability of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan in September, yen purchases have not gained traction. This is due to the structural supply and demand dynamics where households and businesses are buying foreign currency, which in turn puts pressure on the yen. The cycle of yen depreciation concerns leading to foreign currency purchases, which then further fuels yen depreciation, poses a challenge. The issue is that the consequences of this cycle do not remain confined to the financial markets.On August 20, the Japanese Ministry of Finance announced that imports in July totaled 12.1462 trillion yen, a 27.8% increase from the same month last year, marking a record high for the second consecutive month. Notably, oil imports surged to 1.4089 trillion yen, an 87.8% increase. While the import volume increased by only 5.5%, the yen-denominated price of oil rose by 78.0%. This increase is attributed to rising oil prices due to instability in the Middle East, compounded by yen depreciation.The increased import costs from yen depreciation and rising oil prices indicate that Japan's income is flowing out to foreign markets. The Japanese government is continuing electricity and gas price subsidies from July to September, but once these subsidies end, rising energy prices could translate into inflationary pressures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:32:00
  • KOSPI Rises 0.4% Despite Foreign and Institutional Selling; KOSDAQ Plummets Over 4%
    KOSPI Rises 0.4% Despite Foreign and Institutional Selling; KOSDAQ Plummets Over 4% The KOSPI index reversed its early losses to rise 0.4% on August 21, despite selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors. Following a more than 5% surge the previous day, profit-taking and concerns over rising U.S. long-term interest rates weighed on the market. However, strong performances from major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, along with financial shares, helped lift the index.As of 1:21 p.m. KST, the KOSPI was trading at 6,884.31, up 31.73 points (0.46%) from the previous trading day.The index opened at 6,759.95, down 92.63 points (1.35%), but managed to reduce its losses and turn positive during the session.In the securities market, individual investors sold a net 472.6 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors sold 72.1 billion won and 273.1 billion won, respectively. Following the previous day's surge, profit-taking by individuals continued to exert downward pressure.Nonetheless, the gains in major semiconductor stocks and financial shares were instrumental in the KOSPI's recovery. Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 2.95%, SK Hynix increased by 3.02%, Hyundai Motor gained 0.24%, Samsung C&T climbed 4.55%, Samsung Life surged 6.40%, and KB Financial rose 1.88%. In contrast, SK Square fell 0.36%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics dropped 5.59%, LG Energy Solution declined 3.07%, Samsung Biologics decreased 1.65%, and Hanwha Aerospace plummeted 7.28%.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix benefited from improved investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector following Micron's announcement of a significant investment in artificial intelligence. However, some tech stocks, including Samsung Electro-Mechanics, faced declines due to weakened investor sentiment for growth stocks amid rising U.S. long-term interest rates and profit-taking after the previous day's gains.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was trading at 801.43, down 39.46 points (4.69%) from the previous day. The KOSDAQ opened at 824.05, down 16.84 points (2.00%), and continued to widen its losses.In the KOSDAQ market, individual investors were net buyers, purchasing 638 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors sold 347.7 billion won and 292.2 billion won, respectively.Among the top market capitalization stocks, most were in decline, including Alteogen (-6.33%), EcoPro (-6.13%), EcoPro BM (-7.36%), Rainbow Robotics (-3.39%), JUSUNG Engineering (-6.09%), HLB (-2.63%), Wonik IPS (-7.46%), Rino Technology (-6.19%), EoTechnics (-3.73%), and Peptron (-2.96%).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:28:20
  • Megazone Cloud Builds AX System for Nongshim Group
    Megazone Cloud Builds AX System for Nongshim Group Megazone Cloud announced that its affiliate, Megazone Soft, has established an AX (AI Transformation) system based on Google Workspace (GWS) for the Nongshim Group.The two companies held a GWS launch ceremony at Nongshim's headquarters on the 20th. Key attendees included Nongshim CEO Cho Yong-cheol, Megazone Cloud CEO Yeom Dong-hoon, and Shannon Tong, head of Google Workspace sales for North Asia.Nongshim Group plans to enhance communication and collaboration across geographical and organizational boundaries using the smart collaboration platform GWS, aiming to boost productivity and innovate work processes.Megazone Soft has completed the GWS system implementation for Nongshim Group's 14 domestic subsidiaries and 7 overseas entities. This project includes the migration of existing data to Google Drive, integration of legacy systems and third-party solutions with GWS, and a large-scale AI transformation initiative that redefines work processes across the group.Through this project, Megazone Soft focused on delivering three core values to Nongshim Group: 'real-time collaboration' that simplifies reporting through simultaneous editing and instant feedback, 'assetization of information' that systematically accumulates group knowledge and enhances search efficiency through cloud-based document management, and the elimination of spatial and temporal constraints on work.Additionally, the migration of approximately 26 million documents from Nongshim Group's existing centralized document server to Google Drive has been completed. The integration of Google Gemini across various business areas, including marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, and R&D, has also laid the groundwork for maximizing productivity and profitability through AI.Megazone Soft has established a governance system optimized for global enterprises by implementing a 'single tenant (dedicated infrastructure) and multi-domain (independent data storage for subsidiaries)' architecture. This allows Nongshim Group companies to communicate and collaborate seamlessly within a single GWS tenant while maintaining independent operations regarding data access and security through their respective domains. New subsidiaries can be established, and mergers and acquisitions can be integrated into the same work environment within 24 hours without the need for separate infrastructure.Megazone Soft also provided change management consulting and training to support AI-based work innovation. Customized training programs were designed considering job levels, roles, and languages to effectively disseminate changes across the large organization, incorporating AI systems into real work scenarios.Jin Geon, CEO of Megazone Soft, stated, "We will continue to support Nongshim Group not only in successfully transitioning to an AI-native company but also in maximizing efficiency and productivity by continuously experiencing new AI technologies."Recently, Megazone Soft has expanded its Google Workspace implementation business into an enterprise AX initiative utilizing generative AI. In April, it signed a strategic partnership agreement with Google Cloud, identifying AI, data, security, and Google Workspace as four key areas of collaboration. The two companies plan to jointly explore industry-specific AX cases that combine Google’s generative AI Gemini and cloud services tailored to individual business environments. In June, Megazone Soft also unveiled governance strategies for applying Gemini-based AI agents in real work scenarios to corporate executives, further broadening its business scope from simple collaboration tool implementation to AI-driven work innovation.The company explained, "As a Google Premier Partner, we have established a dedicated GWS operation team and provide various services based on GWS and integrated technical services for GCP (Google Cloud Platform), particularly excelling in enterprise GWS implementation projects among domestic Google partners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:12:00
  • Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin: Japans Advanced Care Models Will Inform Future Policies
    Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin: Japan's Advanced Care Models Will Inform Future Policies Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, expressed on August 21 that “visiting Japan to observe advanced care practices in healthcare and nursing will provide meaningful insights for future policy design.” The mayor announced that he will visit Nagoya from August 23 to 25 to explore advanced cases for responding to an aging society and to expand cooperation with the city of Nagoya. The main goal of this visit is to refine the policy direction of the 'Seongnam-style Home End-of-Life Care' initiative that Mayor Shin is promoting. On August 24, Mayor Shin and his delegation plan to visit home healthcare institutions and long-term care facilities in Nagoya to examine the medical, nursing, and care linkage systems that support elderly individuals in continuing to live in their communities. In particular, the mayor aims to focus on Japan's community-based care system and explore how to apply successful cases observed on-site to Seongnam's community care policies. Citizens have voiced their support for this initiative, stating, “It is important to implement policies that allow the elderly to live healthily and with dignity in familiar homes and communities rather than in hospitals or facilities. We hope that Japan's examples can be effectively adapted to Seongnam's realities to create tangible benefits for citizens.” On August 25, Mayor Shin will meet with Ichiro Hirokawa, the mayor of Nagoya, to discuss policies addressing the aging society and ways to enhance industrial and economic exchanges between the two cities. Following this, he will visit the Vantelin Dome Nagoya, home of the Chunichi Dragons, to benchmark facility operations and management practices for the baseball stadium being developed in Seongnam. Additionally, the delegation plans to visit the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) based in Nagoya to discuss key agendas and programs for the 17th Asia High-Level Forum on Sustainable Transport (EST) scheduled to be held in Seongnam in 2027, as well as participation from overseas cities and experts. Mayor Shin Sang-jin emphasized, “We will adapt successful cases to Seongnam's conditions to establish a care system that allows citizens to enjoy healthy and dignified aging in their communities.” He added, “We will also strengthen our cooperation with Nagoya to ensure the successful advancement of key issues in Seongnam, including the construction of the baseball stadium and the sustainable transport forum.” This visit to Nagoya is expected to serve as an opportunity to examine Seongnam's key issues, from care policies for an aging society to urban exchanges and sports and transportation sectors, and to seek solutions for future policies. 2026-08-21 13:12:00
  • Kim Yong-pil to Launch U.S. Career with NOM.NOM.NOM SHOW After Concert in Busan
    Kim Yong-pil to Launch U.S. Career with 'NOM.NOM.NOM SHOW' After Concert in Busan 가수 김용필이 활기 넘치는 9월을 예고했다. 오는 12~13일 부산 단독콘서트를 마치자마자 미국으로 출국, 25~26일 로스앤젤레스에서 열리는 ‘놈놈놈 쇼(NOM.NOM.NOM SHOW)’ 무대에 선다.먼저 김용필은 9월 12일과 13일 오후 4시 부산 소향씨어터 우리은행홀에서 ‘2026 김용필 콘서트 뷰티풀 라이프 - 부산’을 개최한다. 지난 4월 서울 이화여대 삼성홀에서 열린 첫 단독콘서트에서 시도한 국내 최초의 뮤직드라마 형식의 콘서트가 호평을 얻은 결과다.당시 김용필은 장기 공연 중인 연극 ‘뷰티풀 라이프’를 음악 무대에 접목시켜 새로운 형식의 콘서트를 선보였다. 발로 뛰어 연극 관계자들을 만나고 직접 콘서트 전체를 기획, 실행하면서 공연 프로듀서로서의 면모를 인정받았다.앞서 2023년 3월에 종료한 TV조선 ‘미스터 트롯2’에서 김용필은 선배 가수 최백호의 노래 ‘낭만에 대하여’를 자신만의 해석으로 불러 주목받았다. 팬들의 뜨거운 성원 속에 본업을 아나운서에서 가수로 바꾼 김용필은 3년간 소속 가수로서 다양한 예능에서 활약했고, 이후 홀로서기에 나섰다.새로운 소속사에 둥지를 틀기 전, 늦깎이 가수인 만큼 아티스트로서의 역량을 탄탄히 다지고자 김용필은 알찬 시간을 보냈다. 한 곡 한 곡 작사, 작곡가를 찾아다니며 완성한 1집 정규 앨범 ‘사계’를 발매했고, 인생의 사계절을 담은 노래들을 잘 담아낼 첫 번째 단독콘서트를 고심하다가 연극과의 콜라보레이션을 구상해 무대를 완성했다.이러한 가수 김용필의 ‘음악에 진심’이 서울 공연 이후 5개월 만에 다시 부산에서의 첫 번째 앵콜쇼로 이어진 것이다. 김용필은 ‘러브콜’에 대한 보답으로 ‘포도밭에서’ ‘귀소본능’ ‘나와 같이 늙어가 주오’ 등 자신의 대표곡에 더해 부산을 주제로 한 다양한 레퍼토리를 준비했다. 호소력 짙은 감성 가창력으로 관객들에게 진한 감동을 선사했던 지난 서울 공연에서 김용필의 코믹 연기력과 일취월장 성장한 댄스 무대 역시 화제가 됐던 만큼 부산 관객들의 반응에도 귀추가 주목된다.‘낭만에 대하여’에 이어 자신의 노래 ‘낭만연가’까지 팬들의 큰 사랑을 받으며 ‘낭만가객’이라는 수식어를 갖게 된 김용필은 9월 말 미국 공연에 ‘젠틀한 놈’으로 초청됐다. 호랑이 심사위원이자 실력파 프로듀서인 박선주가 총괄 기획한 ‘놈놈놈쇼’에는 ‘낭만 있게 젠틀한 놈’ 김용필 외에 ‘멋지고 잘생긴 놈’ 장민호, ‘뭐든지 잘하는 놈’ 천록담, ‘뛰는 놈 위에 나는 놈’ 나태주가 함께한다.현지 시간으로 9월 25일과 26일 로스앤젤레스 공연장에서 열리는 ‘놈놈놈쇼’에 대한 미국 현지의 관심도 뜨겁다. K-트롯을 대표하는 4명의 스타가 미국에서 공연한다는 소식이 지난 13일 뉴욕 한복판 타임스퀘어 대형 전광판에 등장했다. 한국의 대표적 대중음악 장르인 트로트가 세계적 문화·관광의 중심지인 뉴욕에서 소개됐고, 김용필 장민호 천록담 나태주의 빛나는 얼굴이 대문짝만한 영상으로 상영됐다. K-트롯 장르의 글로벌 확장 가능성을 보여주는 상징적 시도다.미국에서 펼쳐질 프리미엄 디너쇼 ‘놈놈놈쇼’는 9월 한가위 LA 축제의 일환으로 총 3회 진행된다. 현지 공연 관계자는 “벌써 현지 교민뿐 아니라 K-컬처에 관심이 많은 글로벌 팬들 사이에서 화제가 되고 있다”면서 “이번 ‘놈놈놈쇼’는 단순한 콘서트가 아니라 라이브 K-트롯 퍼포먼스와 파인 다이닝, 럭셔리한 분위기가 완벽하게 조화된 공연으로 기획됐다”고 설명했다.이어 “주로 카지노 중심으로 이뤄지던 한국 가수 공연의 기존 흐름을 넘어, 5성급 호텔 그랜드볼룸에서 품격 높은 디너쇼 문화를 새롭게 제시하고자 한다. 다양한 세대가 함께 즐길 수 있는 프리미엄 사교·문화 플랫폼으로 자리 잡을 것”이라고 전망했다.미국을 시작으로 K-트롯의 매력을 알릴 4명의 ‘트롯 전도사’들은 화보 같은 포스터도 공개했다. 1970년대 뉴욕을 배경으로 한 뮤지컬 같은 분위기 속에서 명품 턱시도를 착장한 채 4인 4색의 매력을 발산했다. 촬영은 유네스코 지정 작가 지영빈 감독이 맡아 예술적 완성도를 높였다.버라이어티 지를 비롯해 현지 언론에 ‘낭만 있게 젠틀한 놈’이자 ‘훤칠하고 매력적인 놈’으로 소개된 김용필은 “이번 공연은 단순한 무대가 아니라, 트롯의 본질인 ‘한(恨)’과 ‘흥(興)’을 미국 프리미엄 관객들과 함께 나누는 자리입니다. 최고의 보이스와 퍼포먼스로 LA의 밤을 뜨겁게 달구겠습니다. 함께 웃고, 울고, 흥을 즐기셨으면 좋겠습니다”라고 포부를 밝혔다.다양한 장르의 노래를 소화하기로 정평이 난 김용필은 트로트 곡뿐만 아니라 현지 팬들을 위해 팝송과 재즈, 라틴 음악까지 맹연습 중이다.방송기자로 시작해 리포터, 아나운서까지 20년 방송인 활동에도 감춰지지 않았던 가수 김용필만의 젠틀한 흥과 감성적 끼가 부산에 이어 미국 LA까지 뒤흔들 9월이 다가오고 있다. 2026-08-21 12:44:00