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Why South Korean women are drinking more while men cut back SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) — Grabbing a beer after work, unwinding with a glass of wine while watching Netflix or sharing a highball with friends has become a familiar scene in South Korean dramas. Increasingly, it is reflecting real life. Every evening, Kim Ji-hyun, a 45-year-old office worker in Ilsan, pours herself a glass of wine or mixes a highball before settling in with Netflix. Her husband sometimes joins her. "It's not that I drink because of stress," she said. "It helps me relax, and it feels like a pleasant way to finish the day." Ironically, she now drinks less than she once did at company dinners, where heavy drinking has become less common. Instead, drinking has quietly moved into the home. Kim's routine bears little resemblance to the repeated heavy drinking measured by public health officials. But it illustrates a broader cultural shift: alcohol has become more varied, more accessible and more seamlessly woven into everyday life for many South Korean women. New government data suggest that shift is extending beyond casual drinking. A health behavior analysis released Monday by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), based on the 2025 Community Health Survey of about 230,000 adults aged 19 and older, found that women over 30 are drinking heavily more often than a decade ago even as men steadily cut back. The sharpest increase came among women in their 40s, whose high-risk drinking rate rose from 5.8 percent in 2016 to 7.6 percent in 2025. Women in their 30s also saw the rate climb from 6.8 percent to 8.1 percent, while women in their 50s and 60s posted more modest increases. Women in their 20s were the only exception, with the rate falling from 9.2 percent to 7.5 percent. The KDCA defines high-risk drinking for women as consuming at least five alcoholic drinks on one occasion at least twice a week. For men, the threshold is seven drinks. Men moved in the opposite direction across every age group. High-risk drinking among men in their 20s fell 41.6 percent over the decade, the steepest decline of any male age group, while the rate among men in their 30s dropped 36.1 percent. Men nevertheless continue to drink substantially more in absolute terms. Nearly half of men in their 30s, 40s and 50s reported binge drinking at least once a month in 2025, while more than one in five men in their 40s and 50s qualified as high-risk drinkers. South Korea's overall monthly binge-drinking rate stood at 33.7 percent in 2025. According to the OECD's Health at a Glance 2025, the country ranked fifth among 27 member economies with comparable 2023 data, although survey methods differ across countries. The figures raise a bigger question than who drinks more: why are women's drinking habits changing while men's are becoming more moderate? Beyond workplace stress One popular explanation is straightforward. As more women have entered the workforce, they have also become more exposed to Korea's long-standing drinking culture while balancing careers, child care and household responsibilities. Kim Yoon-tae, a sociology professor at Korea University, argues the answer is more complicated. "It is difficult to attribute the increase solely to stress," Kim said. Instead, he sees several social changes unfolding simultaneously. The first is women's expanding participation in economic and social life. More women now attend company dinners, professional networking events and social gatherings where drinking remains an established way of building relationships. "As women's economic and social participation has expanded, there may be more occasions when they drink at workplaces or social gatherings," Kim said. "In Korea, drinking remains a strong part of social culture and can be used to increase familiarity." The second is a profound shift in how and where people drink. South Korea's growing number of single-person households has normalized honsul—drinking alone—while convenience stores have become major retailers of alcoholic beverages. At the same time, wine, highballs and ready-to-drink cocktails have broadened alcohol's appeal beyond the traditional soju-centered drinking culture. "Drinking no longer simply means soju," Kim said. "Wine and highballs have become popular, and more people drink alone, whether they are feeling good or bad." A third factor may be the double burden many women face as they juggle careers with child care and household responsibilities. Kim acknowledged that stress likely contributes to higher drinking among women in their 30s and 40s, but argued it represents only one part of a broader cultural transition. "Drinking is not an appropriate way to relieve stress," he said. "It does not resolve stress and may ultimately make things worse." Popular culture reflects the same shift. The TVING series Work Later, Drink Now, which became a surprise hit after premiering in 2021, follows three women in their 30s whose friendships revolve around sharing drinks after work. Alcohol is portrayed not as an act of excess but as an ordinary ritual—a way to unwind, console one another and mark the end of another demanding day. The series cannot explain why more women are drinking heavily. It does, however, capture a cultural change in which alcohol has become a familiar part of women's everyday routines rather than a predominantly male social ritual. The KDCA's own findings also complicate a simple workplace-stress narrative. Monthly drinking and binge drinking were most common among office workers. High-risk drinking, however, was highest among people in craft and elementary occupations. Likewise, college graduates recorded the highest rates of monthly drinking, while high-risk drinking was most prevalent among high school graduates. Adults reporting stress were 1.12 times more likely to qualify as high-risk drinkers than those reporting lower stress levels. But the analysis covered adults overall, not women specifically, making it impossible to conclude that stress alone explains the increase among women over 30. The government data cannot fully explain why repeated heavy drinking has become more common among a subset of South Korean women over 30. What they do show is that South Korea's drinking culture is evolving. As after-work drinks migrate from mandatory company dinners to living rooms, wine glasses increasingly replace soju bottles, and women become more visible participants in drinking culture, the country's traditional image of who drinks—and why—is changing alongside society itself. July 28, 2026 17:45 -
Support Small Business Owners, Says In Tae-yeon at New Employee Meeting The Small Business Agency announced that Chairman In Tae-yeon held a Conversation with the Chairman on July 28 at the agencys headquarters in Daejeon with 60 new employees.During the meeting, In explained the agencys vision and core values to the new hires, who were appointed on July 16, and shared the economic, social, cultural, and ecological values of small businesses.A Q&A session followed, focusing on the agencys key projects and the roles expected of the new employees.In provided heartfelt advice based on his experiences in response to questions about public service attitudes and organizational mindset. He also emphasized the importance of field-based work capabilities and a spirit of service to support the sustainable growth of small businesses and traditional markets.In stated, The future of the agency can be strengthened by the creative ideas and passion of its employees, and expressed hope that they would take pride in being part of a specialized institution supporting small businesses and become reliable allies for them.He added, I will continue to listen to the diverse voices of employees and foster a horizontal organizational culture that promotes growth across ranks and generations.Meanwhile, the new employees are set to be assigned to various departments nationwide starting in August to begin their official duties.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 16:25 -
Hite Jinro to Showcase Same-Day Brewed Terra at Jeonju Beer Festival Hite Jinro will present Terra, brewed the same day at its Jeonju factory, at the 2026 Jeonju Beer Festival.On July 28, Hite Jinro announced its special sponsorship of the Jeonju Beer Festival, which will take place from August 6 to 8 at the Jeonbuk National University Sports Complex. The festival will run daily from 6 PM to 11 PM.Now in its 12th year, the Jeonju Beer Festival celebrates the local gamak culture, where residents enjoy simple snacks and beer from neighborhood shops. A key feature of the festival is the sale of beer supplied the same day from the Hite Jinro Jeonju factory. Ten local gamak establishments and ten regular pubs will also participate.This year, the festival will be held at the Jeonbuk National University Sports Complex for the first time, increasing seating capacity from 5,000 to 7,000.Last year, the festival was relocated to Jeonju University Stadium due to the demolition of the previous venue, Jeonju Comprehensive Sports Complex. The move back to Jeonbuk National University aims to expand both the scale of the event and its connection to the surrounding commercial area.At the festival, Hite Jinro will sell same-day brewed Terra and host a tasting event for its new product, Terra Sparkling. The non-alcoholic Terra Zero will also be available.Outside the event venue, a separate sales booth will allow attendees to take home the same-day brewed Terra, which was previously only available for consumption on-site. The festival will also feature experience booths for So-Mak (a mix of soju and beer) certification, tattoo events, fireworks, a gamak concert, and a flash mob.Hite Jinro is strengthening its ties with the local business community. In collaboration with the Jeonbuk National University Merchants Association, the company has designated about 60 cafes and restaurants around the venue as official partner establishments. Festival visitors will receive discounts or additional services at these locations.A Hite Jinro representative stated, “As this is the first festival created in partnership with the Jeonbuk National University area, we have paid special attention to coexistence with the local community. We hope to bring joy to visitors with Terra while also invigorating the local economy.”* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 14:53
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Foreign visitors' plastic spending in South Korea tops 10 trillion won in H1 SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Foreign tourists' credit card spending in South Korea topped 10 trillion won (US$6 billion) in the first half of this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Tuesday. According to the ministry, foreign visitors spent a cumulative 10.39 trillion won on plastic purchases during the first six months of this year, up 50.8 percent from 6.66 trillion won a year earlier, reaching the milestone about three months earlier than last year, when it was not hit until September. Their spending in June alone rose 66.4 percent from a year earlier to 2.05 trillion won, surpassing the 2 trillion-won mark for a second consecutive month as South Korea welcomed 1.99 million foreign visitors, up 23.1 percent from a year earlier, with first-half arrivals totaling 10.71 million. Foreign visitors are also increasingly traveling beyond the capital region. Preliminary data from Korea Culture and Tourism Institute (KCTI) showed the regional visit rate rose to 34.2 percent from 31.4 percent a year earlier. Arrivals through provincial airports also surged. In June, 395,246 foreign visitors entered South Korea through airports including Cheongju, Daegu, Gimhae, and Jeju, up 42.5 percent from 277,454 a year earlier. Over the same period, arrivals through airports in the capital region increased 18.2 percent. "The rise in arrivals through provincial airports and increased tourist spending are encouraging signs," said Kang Jeong-won, a ministry official, adding that the ministry will continue to support efforts to boost tourism across the country. July 28, 2026 14:50 -
Korean Sports Council Appoints Kim Dae-nyeon as New Secretary General The Korean Sports Council has appointed Kim Dae-nyeon, the current chair of the Sports Councils Election Advisory Committee, as its new Secretary General.The council announced on July 28 that Kim will be appointed following consultations with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and approval from the board of directors.This marks the first time a former high-ranking public official has been selected as Secretary General of the Sports Council.Born in Gyeonggi Province in 1959, Kim is an administrative expert with over 30 years of public service experience. He has held key positions at the National Election Commission, including spokesperson, director of the Election Training Institute, head of the Management Bureau, and chief of the Planning and Management Office. He became Secretary General (ministerial level) in November 2016 and retired in September 2018.During his tenure, Kim successfully managed the 19th presidential election and the 7th nationwide local elections, overseeing all aspects of public institution operations, from organizational planning to budgeting, personnel, and external cooperation. He is recognized for his exceptional ability to find balance in complex issues while managing large organizations.Kim is also well-versed in current issues within the sports sector. He has participated in the reform processes of the Sports Council for an extended period, serving as the chair of the election management committee for the 41st and 42nd presidents of the Korean Sports Council and as chair of the election system improvement committee.A council official stated, Despite being an external appointee, Kim has a deep understanding of the Sports Councils organizational structure, decision-making processes, and the realities of member organizations, making him an ideal candidate who can immediately handle practical matters upon taking office.The council believes that Kims proven administrative skills and communication abilities will significantly enhance the transparency and accountability of the organization. Additionally, he is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the sports administration system and leading the councils changes and innovations.Yoo Seung-min, president of the Sports Council, remarked, Kim Dae-nyeon possesses verified administrative capabilities through his long public service career, and he has a profound understanding of the organization and the field from his time working with the Sports Council. I expect him to play a significant role in developing the council into a more transparent and trusted organization, faithfully reflecting the diverse voices from the sports field in policies and administration.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 13:45
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Elegant Youths Seek Reports of Safe and Kind Delivery Riders Elegant Youths, responsible for the logistics services of Baedal Minjok, announced on July 28 that they are conducting a reporting event to find delivery riders who practice road safety or perform acts of kindness.The focus of the reports is on riders who practice pulling a bike (끌바) by walking their motorcycles across crosswalks or help others in their daily lives.Selected videos will be featured in the Warm Black Box shorts series on the Baemin Connect YouTube channel, showcasing the riders good deeds. Reporters of the selected videos will receive a 100,000 won gift certificate for GS Caltex gas. Additionally, those who report on special heroes will receive popular helmet cameras (black boxes) and Bluetooth devices for helmets.As part of this event, Elegant Youths will actively seek out riders practicing pulling a bike on the streets. Riders captured crossing a crosswalk with their motorcycle completely turned off will receive a surprise gift of the PCX125, a highly favored motorcycle model among riders.Earlier, on July 22, Elegant Youths conducted safety training for Baemin Connect riders who had experienced safety incidents.An Elegant Youths representative stated, There are many riders who quietly practice safety and help those around them. We hope that examples of safety and kindness become widely known, leading to a warmer perception of riders and the spread of a safe road culture.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 12:50
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National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik Promises Effective Legislation for Citizens Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, introduced the slogan for the second half of the assembly as A National Assembly Opening the Future with the People on July 28. He stated, I will lead South Koreas economic leap and create a National Assembly where citizens can feel its effectiveness. During his first press conference at the National Assemblys Sarangjae, Cho emphasized, I will quickly put stalled legislation on peoples livelihoods and reform back on track. He added, Bills that pass through the standing committees and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee will be processed within the current session as a principle. I will not forget the peoples mandate to create a working and productive National Assembly for a moment. Cho outlined four major visions for the assembly: national sovereignty, effective governance for citizens, future leap, and national interest diplomacy. Specifically, he announced plans to designate December 3, the day when the constitution and democracy were saved by the peoples dedication, as National Sovereignty Day. He also pledged to activate legislative fairs and petition systems to ensure that citizens voices are effectively conveyed to the National Assembly. Regarding constitutional amendments, he stated, I will soon launch a constitutional amendment advisory committee under my direct supervision to organize the roadmap and agenda for amendments. I will work with both ruling and opposition parties to establish a special committee for constitutional amendments, aiming to initiate discussions next year. He noted that next year is an opportune time for amendments as it is a year without elections, emphasizing that while constitutional amendments require patience, timing is crucial. Additionally, he proposed regularizing plenary sessions to enhance predictability and establishing a Legislation Processing Week to expedite bills directly related to citizens lives and safety. He promised to activate a Citizens Welfare Legislation Council to process welfare-related bills swiftly. To ensure future growth, Cho committed to timely legislation for advanced industries that will drive South Koreas economy, including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and K-culture. He emphasized the launch of a Committee for Economic Leap to foster ongoing cooperation between the National Assembly and the business sector, creating an ecosystem where large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises can grow together. He also mentioned plans for the Sejong Government Complex and the passage of the Special Act on Administrative Capital within the year to promote regional balanced development. Cho highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, stating, To respond to the rapidly changing global situation, I will elevate parliamentary diplomacy as a key component of our national diplomatic strategy. He plans to establish a foreign affairs and security office, a think tank for national interest diplomacy, and a future foreign affairs and security strategy center to develop a strategic framework for parliamentary diplomacy. Regarding the ruling partys unilateral legislative actions and the oppositions repeated filibusters, he remarked, While there are times when filibusters are necessary, their excessive use is not desirable. We should refrain from filibustering agreed-upon welfare and economic bills between the parties. He added that on contentious bills where the parties differ, I will encourage both parties to negotiate and discuss patiently, but I will make bold decisions when necessary. * This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 12:15
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Foreign Tourist Credit Card Spending in South Korea Exceeds 10 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 In the first half of this year, foreign tourists credit card spending in South Korea surpassed 10 trillion won, contributing to the revitalization of the domestic economy. The inbound tourism market is showing significant growth not only in terms of quantity but also in qualitative aspects such as tourism consumption and regional visitation rates.According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 28, the cumulative credit card spending by foreign tourists from January to June reached 10.389 trillion won. This marks a 50.8% increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded 6.6559 trillion won. Notably, this achievement was reached about three months earlier than last year, when the cumulative spending exceeded 10 trillion won in September.In June alone, foreign credit card spending amounted to 2.0544 trillion won, a 66.4% surge compared to the same month last year. This marks the second consecutive month that spending has exceeded 2 trillion won, following May.It is also encouraging to see that the influx of foreign tourists, previously concentrated in the metropolitan area, is now spreading to regional areas. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institutes 2026 Q2 Foreign Tourist Survey (preliminary), the regional visitation rate for foreign tourists reached 34.2%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the same period last year (31.4%).The number of foreign visitors entering through regional airports has also seen a significant rise. In June, 395,246 foreigners arrived at regional airports such as Gimhae, Daegu, Jeju, and Cheongju, marking a 42.5% increase from 277,454 in the same month last year. In contrast, the increase rate for arrivals at metropolitan airports during the same period was 18.2%, indicating a sharp growth trend.Meanwhile, the total number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea in June reached 1.99 million, a 23.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This brings the cumulative number of inbound tourists for the first half of the year to 10.71 million.“The rapid growth of the inbound tourism market in the first half of the year is a result of the irresistible appeal of K-Culture combined with the efforts of the government and the tourism industry,” said Kang Jeong-won, head of the Tourism Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. “The increase in visitors and spending through regional airports is also a promising achievement. The Ministry will continue to provide policy support to ensure that all of South Korea becomes a stage for K-Tourism.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 11:10
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Korea's tourist boom spreads beyond Seoul, Busan rises fast SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) -South Korea's tourism boom is increasingly spreading beyond Seoul, with foreign arrivals through regional airports growing more than twice as fast as those through the capital area as inbound visitors topped 10 million in the first half for the first time since the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Tuesday, 1.99 million foreign travelers visited South Korea in June, up 23.1 percent from a year earlier, lifting first-half arrivals to 10.71 million, a 21.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreign arrivals through regional airports, including Gimhae, Daegu, Jeju and Cheongju, surged 42.5 percent in June to 395,246, far outpacing the 18.2 percent increase recorded at airports serving the Seoul metropolitan area. The figures point to a gradual shift away from Seoul-centric tourism as more overseas visitors travel directly to regional destinations. China remained South Korea's largest source market with 649,582 visitors in June, up 36.2 percent from a year earlier. Japan followed with 348,216 visitors, while Taiwan contributed 223,127 travelers. Arrivals also increased from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia, reflecting continued diversification of South Korea's inbound tourism market. The tourism recovery is also translating into stronger domestic consumption. Foreign visitors spent 2.05 trillion won ($1.5 billion) using credit cards in June, marking the second consecutive month that spending exceeded the 2 trillion won mark. Cumulative foreign card spending reached 10.04 trillion won in the first half, up 50.8 percent from a year earlier. Last year, foreign visitor spending did not surpass 10 trillion won until September. The quality of tourism also improved. South Korea's inbound visitor satisfaction score rose to 90.5 points in the second quarter from 89.8 a year earlier, while the share of tourists visiting destinations outside Seoul increased to 34.2 percent from 31.4 percent. Travel destinations also have diversified beyond the capital reigon. According to Yanolja Research, international arrivals through regional airports in the first quarter rose 40.1 percent from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, compared with a 19 percent increase at airports in the Seoul metropolitan area. The biggest beneficiary of the trend has been Busan's Gimhae International Airport, which has become the country's fastest-growing international gateway outside the capital. International passenger traffic at Gimhae reached about 6.07 million during the first half, up 23.2 percent from a year earlier and nearly one million above the previous first-half record set in 2019 before the pandemic. After surpassing 10 million international passengers for the first time last year, the airport is now on course to exceed 12 million this year. Japan accounted for the largest share of international passengers with 2.59 million travelers, followed by Vietnam with 1.03 million, Taiwan with 946,000 and China with 599,000. Foreign arrivals have been the key growth driver. During the first quarter, the number of overseas visitors entering South Korea through Gimhae Airport jumped 45.5 percent from a year earlier, roughly twice the pace of overall international passenger growth. Demand has remained resilient despite expanding flight capacity. International load factors stayed between 83 percent and 89 percent throughout the first half, indicating airlines have been able to fill additional seats as new routes were introduced. The city has become increasingly popular among travelers from China, Taiwan and Japan, where social media users have coined the phrase "Busan disease" to describe the irresistible urge to revisit the city after a first trip. According to Yanolja Research, analysis of reviews on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu and travel site Ctrip ranked Busan as the highest-rated destination among eight major Asian cities for Chinese visitors, ahead of Tokyo and Singapore. Google Trends also showed worldwide searches for "Busan" in English increased about 50 percent over the past year, while searches from Japan surged nearly 190 percent. July 28, 2026 10:36 -
Hana Bank Expands Senior-Focused Financial Channels Nationwide with First Regional Lounge in Daegu Hana Bank is accelerating its efforts to target the asset management market by expanding its senior-focused financial channels nationwide.On July 24, Hana Bank announced the opening of the Hana the Next Daegu Central Lounge in Namsan-dong, Daegu. This marks the first establishment of a Hana the Next lounge outside of Seoul.The Daegu Central Lounge will offer financial consultations for senior customers, covering areas such as asset management, retirement planning, inheritance and gifting, trusts, and tax services. Additionally, it plans to run non-financial programs related to health management, culture and arts, and senior housing to support quality of life in retirement.The lounge will also host seminars and community programs in collaboration with local cultural and welfare organizations. It aims to serve as a hub that goes beyond simple financial consultations to support all aspects of senior living, reflecting regional characteristics and customer needs.Furthermore, a Dementia Care Financial Center will be established within the lounge to provide financial consultations and fraud prevention services for dementia patients and their families. A Dementia Overcoming Academy will also be conducted to educate on dementia prevention and financial response strategies.Starting in Daegu, Hana Bank plans to sequentially open Hana the Next lounges in Daejeon, Ilsan, Incheon, Gwangju, Bundang, and Busan by the end of the year. Including the existing lounges in Euljiro, Yeongdeungpo, Seolleung, and Seocho in Seoul, the total number of operational hubs nationwide will increase to 11.Kim Jin-woo, Deputy Head of Hana Banks Asset Management Group, stated, We will expand senior-focused channels to major regions across the country, starting with Daegu, and provide services that support not only customers financial assets but also their overall quality of life in retirement.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 08:56
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South Korean President Lee and Brazilian President Lula Discuss 'Better Lives for More People' During a summit in Brasília, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva focused on the theme of better lives for more people. Both leaders share a background as former child laborers, having faced challenges in the workplace and political struggles. President Lula lost his left pinky finger while working in a metal factory at age 19, while President Lee also suffered an arm injury during his youth. On July 27, during his state visit to Brazil, President Lee met with President Lula at the Palácio da Alvorada for both small and expanded meetings. The discussions began at 11:08 a.m. and lasted approximately 140 minutes, followed by a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding and a joint press conference. In the joint press conference, President Lee emphasized their shared life experiences before discussing the summits outcomes. He stated, Just as the President is missing a finger on his left hand, I also injured my left hand while working in a factory as a child. This does not hinder our work for the people of the world but reminds us of our duty to help more people live better lives. He added, I hope that both the President and I can continue to work together for the better lives of more people without losing our identities as workers. I wish for both South Korea and Brazil to become happier nations for all citizens. On July 28, President Lee plans to visit the metalworkers union office in São Paulo, where President Lula was active as a labor leader. He remarked, I will reflect on my presidential dreams in a place that has not forgotten the realities of workers and has worked for a better life for everyone. President Lula noted that both leaders not only share a worker background but also have overcome political crises to protect democracy. They agreed on the need to defend democracy against extremist attacks. This meeting marks the fifth encounter between the two leaders since President Lee took office. They first met at the G7 summit in Canada in June 2022, followed by a meeting at the G20 summit in South Africa later that year. In February 2023, President Lula visited South Korea, elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. After reuniting at the G7 summit in Évian last month, President Lee is now reciprocating with a visit to Brazil. The Brazilian government chose the Palácio da Alvorada, the presidential residence, as the meeting venue instead of the official office, demonstrating special respect. President Lee expressed his gratitude, noting that he is the fourth foreign leader to be welcomed at the residence, following Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former French President Jacques Chirac. To enhance cooperation between the two nations, a new communication system has been established. The Brazilian Vice President and South Koreas Chief Policy Officer, Kim Yong-beom, will lead a high-level channel for direct discussions on bilateral issues. President Lee stated, We will deepen cooperation and exchanges in all areas, including economy, industry, security, and culture between South Korea and Brazil, and ensure rapid progress. In the economic sector, the newly launched Economic and Trade Committee will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, aerospace, critical minerals, and the digital economy. The signed memorandum of understanding on industrial technology will promote joint research and development in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding, batteries, bioeconomy, and industrial decarbonization. Cooperation on critical mineral supply chains will be further developed, combining Brazils resources with South Koreas manufacturing and processing technologies. Both countries will collaborate on mineral exploration, development, processing, and utilization through subsequent discussions. In defense, a joint defense committee will be established in the second half of this year. An agreement on the protection and exchange of military and defense confidential information will also be pursued to create a stable institutional framework for cooperation between defense companies. Brazilian C-390 transport aircraft, set to be introduced into the South Korean Air Force by the end of this year, will include parts produced by South Korean companies. The leaders view this as a case of joint production and industrial cooperation rather than a simple arms purchase, and they plan to expand collaboration into future aviation mobility. In the space sector, procedures for launching private rockets will be streamlined, and satellite data and space exploration technologies will be shared. President Lula invited President Lee to the scheduled rocket launch at Brazils Alcântara launch site in September. President Lee responded that he would confirm the launch process, even if he could not attend in person. Trade expansion was also a key topic during the discussions. The leaders identified the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement, which has seen no progress since 2021, as an urgent issue and agreed to review obstacles to resuming negotiations. Discussions also included the entry of Brazilian beef and pork into the South Korean market. President Lula noted that after 17 years of negotiations, the South Korean quarantine inspection team is set to visit Brazil next month, marking significant progress toward market opening. Five cooperation documents covering space, sports, education, energy, and industrial technology were signed in front of both leaders. Additionally, two memorandums of understanding in the fields of film and cybersecurity were signed, bringing the total agreements made during this state visit to seven. In cultural discussions, the spread of Korean pop culture in Brazil was highlighted. President Lula remarked, Brazilian youth love Korea, noting the growing popularity of Korean music, food, and dramas, as well as the animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters among children. After the joint press conference, the two leaders concluded their meeting by exchanging Brazilian-style greetings and Korean finger hearts. President Lee quoted a Brazilian proverb, saying, Together we are stronger, and expressed hope that connecting the strengths of both nations could create new opportunities across the Pacific. Earlier that day, at around 10:35 a.m., President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung arrived at the Palácio da Alvorada, escorted by six cavalry members. President Lula and First Lady Rosângela da Silva personally welcomed them at the red carpet. After embracing, President Lee and President Lula showed their camaraderie by patting each other on the shoulder and holding hands during the welcome ceremony. The national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a march of the military band, riflemen, and cavalry. The two leaders and their spouses also enjoyed a choral performance prepared by the Brazilian side. As they moved to the residence after the welcome ceremony, President Lula continued to engage in conversation with President Lee, linking arms. President Lee wrote in the guestbook, I wish for the eternal friendship between South Korea and Brazil and a future of shared prosperity, signing it as 2026.7.27 President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung. * This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 05:08
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Hong Moon-pyo, President of aT, Advocates for Agricultural Reform and Climate Change Response Hong Moon-pyo, president of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and a four-term lawmaker, is recognized as an expert in agricultural policy, having spent most of his legislative career on the National Assemblys Committee on Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries.Born in 1947, Hong graduated from Han Young High School, earned a degree in agricultural chemistry from Konkuk University, and completed a graduate program in public administration at Hanyang University. He entered politics in 1985 as a senior secretary to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Lee Jae-hyung. He served as a lawmaker for the 17th, 19th, 20th, and 21st National Assemblies, representing Hongseong and Yesan counties in South Chungcheong Province. He also served as the fifth president of the Korea Rural Community Corporation from 2008 to 2011.Hong stated, I am implementing policies based on my time spent alongside farmers and fishermen, and it is rewarding to always be close to the agricultural field and the people, especially farmers and fishermen.Now in his third year as president, Hong cites a shift in awareness regarding the climate crisis as one of his key achievements. He remarked, We have moved beyond merely trying to prevent or delay climate change. Since my appointment, we have acknowledged that the climate crisis is a present reality and have begun discussions on adaptation.A significant development has been the restructuring of the organization. Shortly after Hongs appointment, aT established a temporary organization to address climate change and has conducted multiple public hearings and field discussions over the past two years. Subsequently, aT became the first public institution to formalize a dedicated climate change response department.Improvements in agricultural distribution structures are also highlighted as major achievements. According to aTs research, distribution costs for agricultural products from production areas to consumers account for 49.2% of consumer prices. Hong noted, During my time as a lawmaker, I proposed legislation to establish a legal framework for online wholesale markets. The transaction volume of the online wholesale market exceeded 1 trillion won within two years of its launch, reducing intermediary distribution costs and allowing the benefits to reach consumers and producers.Additionally, the long-awaited export of Hanwoo beef to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been realized. The UAE is seen as a symbolic gateway for Hanwoo to enter the Middle Eastern market, which is a hub for politics, industry, and culture. This development is viewed as a stepping stone for Hanwoo to access halal markets worldwide, including Indonesia.* This article has been translated by AI. July 28, 2026 05:04
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President Lee Jae-myung: 'I Will Not Lose My Worker Identity' President Lee Jae-myung expressed hope on July 27 that he and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would continue to work together to improve the lives of more people without losing their worker identities.During a joint press conference held after their summit at the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasília, President Lee referenced their shared experiences of working in factories as children, which included sustaining injuries. President Lula lost his pinky finger while working in a metal factory at the age of 19, and President Lee also injured his left arm during his youth.President Lee stated, I hope that both South Korea and Brazil can become happier countries for all their citizens. He promised to visit the São Paulo metalworkers union office where President Lula worked in his youth to reflect on his life and dreams.He declared 2026 as the year for a leap in the strategic partnership between South Korea and Brazil, pledging to expand cooperation in the economy, industry, critical minerals, energy, defense, cultural exchanges, and international collaboration.Below is the full text of President Lees remarks at the Korea-Brazil joint press conference:Dear President Lula,I am truly pleased to discuss the future of South Korea and Brazil here today.As you mentioned, we share unique experiences. Just as you lost a finger on your left hand, I also injured my left hand while working in a factory as a child. Although I have a disability from my injury, it does not hinder my commitment to working for the betterment of others. It constantly reminds me of my duty to think of more people and ensure that a greater number can lead better lives.When I visit São Paulo tomorrow, I plan to visit the metalworkers union office where you worked in your youth. There, I will reflect on your commitment to remembering the realities of workers and your continuous efforts to help everyone lead better lives.I hope that both of us can maintain our worker identities and work together for the betterment of many peoples lives.I wish for both South Korea and Brazil to become happier nations for all their citizens.I sincerely thank you for the warm welcome you and your representatives have extended to me and my delegation at the beautiful Palácio da Alvorada.As you mentioned earlier, I am honored to be the fourth foreign leader welcomed here, following President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi, and President Chirac.Following your historic state visit to South Korea in February, I am now making a state visit to Brazil for the first time in 11 years as the President of South Korea. I would like to express my gratitude once again to you and the Brazilian people for your warm hospitality.Brazil is the worlds 11th largest economy and plays a crucial role in the global supply chain and food security, holding significant strategic value in the international community.Through our discussions today, President Lula and I declared 2026 as the year for a leap in the Korea-Brazil Strategic Partnership and adopted a joint statement following the Four-Year Action Plan established in February, further clarifying our vision for future cooperation.We achieved meaningful results in five areas during todays summit:We agreed to strengthen the economic cooperation foundation, which is a key driving force for the development of our bilateral relations.We decided to enhance strategic cooperation in the resource and energy sectors to diversify supply chains.We agreed to expand cooperation in advanced and future industries to create new growth engines.We will further enhance cultural and human exchanges to bring our peoples closer together.We agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the international community.We will work to deepen cooperation and exchanges in all areas, including economy, industry, security, and culture, at a rapid pace.Thank you once again for your warm hospitality, President Lula, and for the deep affection you have shown towards the people of South Korea.Thank you. July 28, 2026 04:04
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Yoon Suk Yeol Appeals Suspended Sentence for False Information Charges Yoon Suk Yeol appeals suspended sentence for false information charges Yoon Suk Yeol has filed an appeal against a suspended prison sentence for charges of disseminating false information. On July 27, Yoons legal team submitted the appeal to the Seoul Central District Court, which had issued the initial ruling. In a statement, the defense team expressed regret over the ruling, stating, We believe there were significant errors in the recognition of facts and application of law, and cited misinterpretation of facts, legal misunderstandings, and inappropriate sentencing as reasons for the appeal. They also noted their concern that this ruling could impose a significant disadvantage on the People Power Party, which may face a return of election expenses amounting to 40 billion won. Prosecutors seek 7-year sentence for Cho Tae-yong in appeal The special prosecutors team investigating the December 3 martial law situation has requested a seven-year prison sentence for Cho Tae-yong, the former head of the National Intelligence Service, during his appeal hearing. On July 27, during the appeal hearing at the Seoul High Court, the prosecution reiterated its request for a seven-year sentence, the same as in the initial trial, for charges including dereliction of duty, violation of the National Intelligence Service Act, and perjury. The prosecution argued that the defendant attempted to justify the martial law and conceal illegal arrest orders, urging the court to recognize all charges previously deemed not guilty in the first trial as guilty. In his final statement, Cho expressed his distress over being accused of evading responsibility, stating, I regret not being able to prevent the martial law, and while I acknowledge my shortcomings, I have never lived my life evading responsibility. Japanese Prime Minister emphasizes importance of communication with China Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed the importance of maintaining dialogue with China amid strained relations. During a press conference on July 27, following the conclusion of a special session of the National Diet, Takaichi stated, China is an important neighboring country, and emphasized a consistent approach to fostering a constructive and stable relationship since taking office. She highlighted the necessity of communication to address issues between the two nations, saying, Given the concerns and problems in Japan-China relations, it is crucial to engage in dialogue at all levels. I look forward to the upcoming APEC summit in November. This statement is seen as a reference to a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, as tensions between Japan and China have escalated since Takaichis remarks last November regarding intervention in Taiwan. National Assembly Speaker urges transparency in football association National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik met with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young to discuss the upcoming hearing regarding the Korea Football Association on July 30. According to Yonhap News, during their meeting on July 27, Cho urged the ministry to play a responsible role in ensuring transparency and fairness within the football association. The discussion focused on the controversy surrounding the selection process for the national team coach, which has led to a hearing by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. The hearing aims to closely examine the operational status of the football association and the selection process for the national team coach, with both ruling and opposition party members participating to address public concerns. President Lee expresses condolences over wildfires in France and Spain President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences regarding the large wildfires occurring in France and Spain, describing them as an unexpected disaster. On July 27, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, I am deeply saddened to hear about the significant damage caused by the ongoing wildfires in France and Spain. He also paid tribute to the firefighters and responders risking their lives to combat the fires, saying, I commend those dedicated to firefighting and rescue efforts. Lee concluded by wishing for a swift resolution to the wildfires and for those affected to regain stability and return to their normal lives as soon as possible.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 22:00
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National Assembly Speaker Urges Culture Minister to Ensure Transparency in Football Association Chojung-sik, the National Assembly Speaker, met with Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to discuss the upcoming hearing regarding the Korea Football Association scheduled for July 30.According to Yonhap News, during their meeting on July 27 in the Speakers office, they discussed government-wide cooperation in sports and cultural policies.The conversation highlighted the controversy surrounding the selection process for the national team coach, which has led to the upcoming hearing by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.On July 30, the committee will hold a hearing to closely examine the operations of the Korea Football Association and the process of selecting the national team coach. With progress in negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties, all members are expected to participate to clarify public concerns.Chojung-sik emphasized, The issues surrounding the Korea Football Association have captured public attention due to this World Cup. I urge the Ministry to take the lead in ensuring that the association becomes a transparent and fair organization.He also requested thorough preparations for large-scale national sports and religious events. Chojung-sik noted, The 2027 Seoul World Youth Conference is expected to attract 400,000 participants from abroad, making it a significant national event. I ask the Ministry to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure its successful hosting.He added, Please ensure that the upcoming Asian Games in September can provide joy and inspiration to the public through meticulous preparations.They also discussed the ongoing development of the culture and arts sector. Chojung-sik commended the Ministrys staff for their efforts in increasing inbound tourism and the export success of K-content since Chois appointment, stating, Please create an environment where cultural and artistic creators can focus solely on their work while maintaining the competitiveness of K-content globally.In response, Choi Hwi-young remarked, Thanks to the National Assemblys swift processing of related bills to address chronic issues in the cultural industry, such as illegal content reproduction and scalping, we have been able to implement policies boldly. As the Ministrys role and responsibilities continue to grow, I ask for ongoing attention to legislation and budgets.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 20:28