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Pulmuone's 'Korean Kimchi' Thrives in the U.S. with 12.3% Sales Increase in First Half of 2026 Pulmuone is continuing its growth in the U.S. kimchi market by exporting Korean Kimchi produced in Iksan, North Jeolla Province.According to Pulmuone, the kimchi sales of its U.S. subsidiary increased by 12.3% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to the mention of kimchi in the U.S. governments dietary guidelines announced in January, along with a strategy of diversifying product lines and expanding distribution channels.Pulmuone maintains its strategy of exporting authentic kimchi made at its global kimchi factory in Iksan instead of producing locally. A unique Kimjang Cool System is employed to preserve optimal fermentation during long-distance distribution.The product lineup has also diversified from primarily vegan napa cabbage kimchi to include traditional salted seafood kimchi, food service-specific kimchi, and private label products for major natural markets.Local marketing efforts are ongoing. At the 2026 Natural Products Expo held in March, Pulmuone collaborated with Chef Edward Lee to showcase dishes featuring kimchi. Since 2021, the company has hosted the Korean Heritage Night event twice a year in partnership with the Montgomery Biscuits minor league baseball team to engage with local consumers.Pulmuone plans to expand its presence in major retail chains while also introducing localized sauce products such as kimchi hot sauce and seasonings.Joo Gil-soo, CEO of Pulmuones U.S. subsidiary, stated, Interest in kimchi has increased significantly since the U.S. governments dietary guidelines were announced. We will continue to diversify our product lineup and expand new distribution channels to solidify our position in the U.S. kimchi market.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:52 -
Government to Open Additional Gates at Yeongsan River Dams to Combat Algal Blooms The government will open additional gates at the Seungchon and Juksan dams to address algal blooms and improve water flow in the Yeongsan River.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on July 26 that it will open the gates at the Seungchon and Juksan dams from July 27 to August 23, in line with the algal bloom management period.With the additional gate openings at the two dams located downstream on the Yeongsan River, water flow will be connected from Seungchon Dam to downstream of Juksan Dam. Currently, the Seungchon Dam has limited gate openings for agricultural activities such as water celery cultivation, while the Juksan Dam has restricted openings for the operation of the Hwangpo sailboat in Naju City.The ministry plans to maintain the water level at Seungchon Dam around 5.5 meters above sea level. The current water level at Seungchon Dam is being managed flexibly between 5.5 and 6 meters, depending on water usage. If it is confirmed that there are no issues with the surrounding pumping stations and groundwater usage, the water level may be lowered to a maximum of 5 meters.The water level at Juksan Dam will be reduced from approximately 1.5 meters to 0.75 meters. The government believes that the additional gate openings at both dams will reduce the retention time of water, thereby inhibiting algal blooms and improving water quality and aquatic ecosystems.The ministry will investigate changes in the aquatic ecosystem before and after the gate openings and check for any restrictions on groundwater usage in the surrounding areas. If farmers encounter issues with groundwater usage, alternative wells will be developed as part of water supply support measures.To prevent disruptions in agricultural water intake during the gate opening process, related facilities will also be improved. The ministry is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to lower the intake points of 18 pumping stations located upstream of the two dams, with plans to complete this by 2028. There are 10 pumping stations around Seungchon Dam and 8 around Juksan Dam.Earlier, the ministry held a community meeting in February and conducted public-private consultations on the restoration of the natural environment of the Yeongsan River in April and June, discussing the plan for additional gate openings with the local community.Song Ho-seok, the director of water resource policy at the ministry, stated, It is significant that we are able to open the gates of the two dams in the Yeongsan River basin through communication and cooperation with the local community. We will continue our efforts to improve the water flow to enhance the water quality and aquatic ecosystem of the Yeongsan River.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 12:04
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Hong Kong Reopens Export Routes for K-Chicken and Eggs; 36 Regions Resume Shipments The export of fresh poultry products from South Korea to Hong Kong has resumed after being halted due to the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on July 26 that quarantine negotiations for the resumption of exports of fresh poultry products, including chicken and eggs, were completed on July 20.Exports of poultry products to Hong Kong had been suspended since June of last year due to the outbreak of AI, which affected various regions. Following the lifting of biosecurity measures in some areas in March of this year, the ministry began negotiations with the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to resume exports.With the conclusion of these negotiations, exports of chicken and eggs can now resume from all 36 regions across the country that had previously been affected.Domestic facilities already registered with the Hong Kong government can export immediately after undergoing the quarantine procedures of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. Facilities wishing to enter the Hong Kong market for the first time can also apply for registration with the quarantine agency to begin the process.The government anticipates that this move will expand the export territory of K-foods fresh livestock products. In 2024, when the impact of AI was minimal, exports of chicken and eggs to Hong Kong reached $70,000 and $3.26 million, respectively.Park Sang-ho, the international agricultural cooperation officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, We expect this achievement will normalize the export of our fresh poultry products to Hong Kong, and we will actively pursue quarantine negotiations with promising countries to further expand K-food exports.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 11:04
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LG InstaView Refrigerator Surpasses 5 Million Units Sold in 10 Years LG Electronics premium refrigerator, the LG InstaView, has surpassed global sales of 5 million units, achieving this milestone ten years after its initial launch. According to LG Electronics, as of last month, approximately 5.3 million InstaView refrigerators have been sold since their debut in 2016, averaging about one unit sold every minute over the past decade. Regionally, North America accounts for about 30% of total sales, making it the largest market. This trend reflects a preference for large-capacity refrigerators and a lifestyle centered around home parties. Europe follows closely with nearly 20% of sales, driven by a focus on energy efficiency and food storage performance. Recently, demand has also been increasing in emerging markets such as Asia and Latin America. The LG InstaView features a special coated glass door that lights up with a double knock, allowing users to check the contents without opening the door. The glass appears as a mirror under normal conditions but turns transparent when tapped, reducing cold air loss and enhancing insulation while maintaining a sleek design. International media outlets, including Trusted Reviews in the UK and Les Numériques in France, have praised the refrigerator for its convenience and energy efficiency. Over the past decade, the InstaView has won numerous accolades, including awards from the three major design competitions (Red Dot, IDEA, iF) and the CES Innovation Award, demonstrating its technological and design prowess. Kim Jae-il, head of LG Electronics Kitchen Solutions Division, stated, The knock feature of the LG InstaView refrigerator has transformed how people use refrigerators. We will continue to enhance customer convenience and enjoyment in their food experiences through AI and innovative cooling and storage technologies.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:36
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President Yoon Calls for Stronger Korea-South America Ties in Key Minerals and Manufacturing President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on July 25 that the relationship between South Korea and South America is entering a new phase, emphasizing the need to resume trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur and strengthen cooperation in key minerals for the AI era.During his visit to the United States and three South American countries (Brazil, Chile, and Argentina), Yoon made these remarks in a written interview with Spains EFE news agency, aimed at informing South American citizens about the purpose of his visit. He noted, The cooperation between the two sides should not merely be an exchange of natural resources for manufactured goods, but rather a relationship that creates value together through innovation, investment, technology, and talent.Yoon assessed that Mercosur member countries are global leaders in agriculture, food production, energy, and key minerals, while South Korea excels in advanced manufacturing, digital technology, shipbuilding, batteries, and innovation. He highlighted that South America possesses essential resources for future industries, and South Korea has the advanced technology, industrial know-how, and investment capabilities to match.He explained, By combining these strengths, we can build resilient value chains that benefit both regions, fostering resilient supply chains, nurturing new industries, and creating quality jobs that benefit both areas.Yoon also pointed out that as concerns grow over the spread of protectionism, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and energy security, countries need reliable partners and trade based on clear norms and mutual trust.In this context, he identified modernizing the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement, South Koreas first free trade agreement signed and enacted in 2004, as a key objective of his visit to enhance economic cooperation with South America.Yoon stated, Now, more than 20 years after the agreement was signed, we have the opportunity to modernize it to reflect new areas such as digital trade, environmental cooperation, labor standards, gender equality, and innovation.He concluded, Our goal is clear: to build deep relationships not only in economic success but also in social exchanges and cooperation between future generations between South Korea and South America.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 06:52
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UNESCO expands Korean tidal flats World Heritage listing SEOUL, July 25 (AJP) - The mudflats where the world's rarest sandpiper refuels twice a year got bigger on the map that matters most. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee on Saturday approved a major expansion of Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, adding four coastal wetlands and bringing South Korea's only natural World Heritage property on the mainland to six components stretching along the country's southwestern and southern coasts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The decision, taken at the committee's 48th session in Busan, adds the tidal flats of Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla Province and Seosan in South Chungcheong Province to the property inscribed in 2021. It is a boundary modification rather than a new inscription, so South Korea's World Heritage count stays at 17. According to the announcement, issued jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Korea Heritage Service, the committee found that the expanded property meets criterion (x), the natural heritage standard covering the most important habitats for conserving biological diversity, and cited its value to migratory waterbirds and marine life across the Yellow Sea ecosystem. The approval was expected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the committee's advisory body on natural sites, recommended the expansion on June 5, and properties arriving with a positive recommendation are rarely turned back. The session itself is a first for South Korea, which has never hosted the committee since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. Getbol is the Korean word for tidal flats, the vast plains of mud and sand that the Yellow Sea's tides expose and drown twice daily. The sea's shallow basin and large tidal range have built some of the widest flats on Earth, fed by sediment from rivers on both the Korean and Chinese coasts. What looks like empty mud is among the most productive ecosystems known. UNESCO's records for the property count about 2,150 species, including 857 kinds of macrobenthos, the clams, crabs, worms and snails living in and on the sediment, along with mud octopuses, fiddler crabs and 47 invertebrate species found nowhere else. That buried abundance is what makes the flats matter far beyond South Korea. They sit at the waist of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the migration corridor running from breeding grounds in Siberia and Alaska to wintering grounds as far south as Australia and New Zealand, used by an estimated 50 million waterbirds. For long-distance migrants, the Yellow Sea is the critical refueling stop in both directions, and the food packed into its mud is the fuel. The flyway is considered the most threatened of the world's major bird migration routes, largely because so much of the Yellow Sea coastline has been reclaimed for farmland, ports and industry over the past half century. The property provides habitat for 118 migratory bird species, among them eight globally threatened species found only on this flyway. The spoon-billed sandpiper, a bird small enough to sit in a palm with a bill flattened like a spatula, is the starkest case. It is critically endangered, with the wild population estimated in the hundreds, and it cannot complete its migration without the Yellow Sea flats. The endangered black-faced spoonbill, far eastern curlew, great knot and spotted greenshank depend on the same mud, as do the hooded crane, Saunders's gull and Chinese egret. The expansion also deepens a rare piece of cross-border conservation. China won World Heritage status for its own Yellow Sea coast in 2019, with the migratory bird sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf, and the two listings now protect stopover habitat on both shores of the same sea, used by the same birds in the same weeks of the year. Saturday's result closes a condition attached to the original listing, and the history behind that condition is less tidy than the celebration suggests. When Getbol first came before the committee in 2021, IUCN recommended deferral, judging that the four nominated flats at Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan and Boseong-Suncheon did not cover enough of the habitat to justify inscription. South Korea overcame the recommendation on the committee floor. An amendment tabled by Kyrgyzstan drew the co-signatures of 13 of the 21 member states, and the property was inscribed by consensus, with MOFA describing the outcome at the time as the result of active diplomatic engagement with the World Heritage Centre and committee members. The inscription came with a recommendation to expand the property in a second phase. The government initially aimed higher than what was delivered on Saturday. When the 2021 listing was secured, the heritage authorities announced a Phase 2 plan covering nine additional sites, and the committee's own recommendation named candidates including Incheon, Hwaseong and Gunsan alongside the four that made it. The flats that dropped out along the way include some of the most ecologically prominent and the most contested. Ganghwa's flats near Incheon, a designated natural monument and the best-known breeding ground of the black-faced spoonbill, were left out of the nomination, as were the Incheon, Hwaseong and Gunsan flats, all of them under heavier reclamation and development pressure than the sites that went forward. Environmental groups made the gap explicit while the committee was sitting. On July 20, campaigners including the Incheon and Hwaseong branches of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement held a press conference outside BEXCO, the Busan convention center hosting the session, calling for a third phase covering Incheon, Hwaseong, Gunsan and Busan. Their argument tracks the science: a flyway is a chain of stopovers, and protecting some links while leaving others exposed protects the birds only part of the way. IUCN's approval in June pointed in the same direction, recommending that South Korea continue analyzing additional flats with potential heritage value and keep building local community support, alongside sustaining traditional fishing and gathering practices and strengthening cooperation with other flyway countries. The Korea Heritage Service, led by administrator Heo Min, said the expansion was the joint work of MOFA, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries under Minister Hwang Jong-woo, local governments and the Getbol World Heritage Promotion Team, and confirmed international recognition that the 2021 recommendations had been faithfully carried out. The service said it would continue working with the ministries, local governments and communities to preserve the property's value and build a base for sustainable use. The committee session in Busan runs through July 29. July 25, 2026 12:54 -
U.S. Eases Sunscreen Ingredient Regulations, Boosting K-Beauty Exports The U.S. sunscreen market is set to open up after two decades of strict regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a relaxation of its long-standing rules on sunscreen ingredients, which is expected to benefit the North American expansion of the K-beauty sector, particularly in sun care products. According to industry sources, the FDA recently granted final approval for the ingredient Bemotrizinol as an active component in over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens, with the new regulations taking effect on August 9. Bemotrizinol is the first new active ingredient added to the OTC sunscreen list since the late 1990s. Bemotrizinol blocks both UVA and UVB rays. While it has been used for years in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, it was not previously permitted in the U.S., limiting its application in products. In the U.S., products with sunscreen properties are classified as OTC drugs, unlike in South Korea, where they are considered general cosmetics. This means that manufacturers must comply with FDA regulations regarding permitted ingredients, concentrations, labeling, testing methods, and manufacturing standards. As a result, domestic brands have had to develop separate formulations for global and U.S. markets. If a domestic product contained ingredients not approved in the U.S., it required redesigning the formulation and conducting separate efficacy and safety tests. This led to increased development costs and delayed product launches. With this approval, domestic companies can now utilize their expertise in Bemotrizinol formulations for products intended for the U.S. market. ODM companies like Kolmar Korea and Cosmax are likely to see increased demand for product redesigns and new sun care developments from existing clients. K-beauty brands targeting the U.S. market, such as The Founders (Anua), Gudai Global (Chosun Beauty), and Dalba Global (Dalba), along with local sales channels like Olive Young, will also be able to expand their product lines. Lee Kyo-seok, a researcher at Shin Young Securities, stated, We expect Kolmar Korea to see an increase in sun care orders due to the easing of Bemotrizinol regulations in the U.S., and the company is likely to benefit significantly from its technological competitive edge starting in the second half of this year. The U.S. is the largest export market for K-beauty products. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, South Koreas cosmetic exports to the U.S. reached $1.45 billion in the first half of this year, a 41.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The U.S. accounts for 20.7% of total cosmetic exports, maintaining its position as the largest export destination. Last year, the U.S. surpassed China to become the top export market for cosmetics and has retained that status in the first half of this year. An industry insider noted, Given that domestic companies have accumulated substantial formulation data on Bemotrizinol over the years, they can demonstrate a competitive advantage in product development speed and quality. We expect inquiries and new orders from global clients to gradually increase starting in the second half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. July 25, 2026 10:04
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Illegal Drugs Detected in Wastewater: 31 Substances Found, Including 8 Club Drugs in Yongsan Last year, 31 types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and ketamine, were detected in wastewater across the country. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety expanded its analysis from a maximum of 22 substances to 243, revealing the use of new drugs and so-called club drugs that had previously gone undetected.On July 24, the Ministry announced the results of the 2025 Illegal Drug Usage Survey. The analysis was conducted on wastewater samples collected from 34 sewage treatment plants across 17 cities and provinces, as well as from densely populated areas such as Yongsan in Seoul, Incheon, Gwangju, and Jeonnam. The upper drainage basin refers to an intermediate collection area where wastewater from various regions converges before entering treatment plants.The survey found 31 types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, and 25 types of medical narcotics, such as zolpidem, in the wastewater samples. Among the illegal drugs, 28 were classified as controlled substances under the Narcotics Control Act, while three were temporary narcotics. Notably, synthetic cannabinoids accounted for the largest share, with 21 types detected.A significant aspect of this survey was the expanded scope of analysis. Since last year, the Ministry has increased the number of detectable drugs to 243 and broadened the survey methodology from focusing solely on sewage treatment plants to include upper drainage basins and specific densely populated areas. As a result, the number of detected illegal drugs rose sharply compared to the previous year, which recorded only seven types.Methamphetamine was found at all survey sites. The estimated daily usage per 1,000 residents at sewage treatment plants was 85 mg, which is lower than levels in the United States (2,109 mg), Australia (1,518 mg), and the Czech Republic (1,175 mg). However, when adjusted for population, it suggests that approximately one in every 10,000 people is using methamphetamine, indicating a widespread issue nationwide.By sampling location, 11 types of illegal drugs were confirmed at sewage treatment plants, 18 types in upper drainage basins, and eight types in densely populated areas. Notably, during the Halloween period last October, wastewater collected near entertainment venues in Yongsan revealed multiple club drugs, including cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and ketamine. These substances were not detected in general sewage treatment plants or upper drainage basins.Considering that only four types of drugs, including club drugs, were detected during weekend surveys in the same area, it suggests that drug usage patterns can vary significantly depending on specific times and locations. There is a possibility that drug distribution and usage surged during events attracting foreign visitors and young people.Based on the survey results, the Ministry plans to expand its monitoring scope. Next year, the number of upper drainage basin survey sites will increase from three to six, and the number of densely populated area surveys will rise from one to three. If illegal drugs are detected during the survey process, the Ministry will promptly provide information to law enforcement and local governments for enforcement actions.Additionally, substances suspected to be new drugs will undergo further analysis for rapid classification as temporary narcotics. A Ministry official stated, Wastewater-based epidemiological surveys are a means to quickly identify regional drug usage trends, adding that they aim to enhance the utility of these findings for enforcement and policy development.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 18:04
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Japan to Cut Diabetes Drug Prices, Increasing Cosmetic Prescriptions? Japan will reduce the price of the diabetes medication Mounjaro by 25% starting in August. While this will lessen the financial burden on diabetes patients, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports that prescriptions for Mounjaro for cosmetic and weight loss purposes may increase.Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, is a treatment for type 2 diabetes that was approved in Japan in 2022. It mimics the action of the gut hormone incretin to suppress appetite and lower blood sugar levels. Its weight loss effects have led to increased use among young women for cosmetic purposes, representing an off-label use of a drug approved for diabetes treatment.In Japan, such off-label prescriptions are recognized at the discretion of medical professionals. However, public health insurance does not cover these prescriptions, meaning patients must bear the full cost, similar to non-covered treatments in South Korea. The legal basis for direct regulation of off-label prescriptions by administrative authorities is also limited.Despite the existence of separate obesity treatments with the same active ingredient, Mounjaro is widely prescribed in cosmetic settings. Eli Lilly also sells an obesity treatment called Zepbound, which contains the same active ingredient, but it is subject to specific conditions for prescription by medical institutions under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfares optimal use guidelines. Mounjaro does not have such restrictions, and its wholesale price is lower than that of Zepbound.So, how much of the Mounjaro sold in Japan is prescribed for cosmetic and weight loss purposes? While exact figures are not publicly available, sales statistics provide a rough outline. According to the U.S. research firm IQVIA, Mounjaros sales in Japan from October to December last year amounted to approximately 38.8 billion yen (about $345 million), making it the third highest-selling medical drug. This averages to about 13 billion yen per month. In contrast, estimates based on the National Database (NDB) of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which only accounts for insurance-covered treatments, suggest a monthly sales figure of about 8.3 billion to 12.5 billion yen. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun estimates that the sales for off-label use could reach up to 5 billion yen per month when considering the differences in these statistics.The growth of Mounjaros off-label market can be attributed to Japans online medical consultation structure, which allows patients to complete consultations, prescriptions, and deliveries via smartphone without visiting medical institutions or undergoing in-person examinations. The process is convenient and cost-effective. The online medical service Diet Beauty advertises Mounjaro prescriptions starting at 18,000 yen per month. For medical institutions, it is easier to enter the market by providing online prescriptions without significant capital investment. The beauty medical market in Japan is also rapidly expanding, with the Yano Research Institute reporting that its size has increased by about 1.6 times since 2020, reaching 631 billion yen in 2024.In response to the surge in Mounjaro sales, the Japanese government has decided to cut the drugs price by 25% starting in August. This decision follows the application of a sustainability special price adjustment rule, which reduces prices when the sales of insured drugs exceed expectations. While this aims to alleviate the burden on diabetes patients and health insurance finances, it may have the opposite effect in the cosmetic off-label market.Concerns Over Price Reduction Side EffectsThe issue is that the effects of the price reduction will not be limited to insured treatments. Pharmaceuticals are supplied from manufacturers to wholesalers and then to medical institutions. Wholesalers do not distinguish whether Mounjaro is used for diabetes treatment under insurance or for cosmetic purposes in off-label use. If the price decreases, the purchase price for cosmetic clinics may also drop. Hiroaki Mamiya, an associate professor at Ritsumeikan University, warns that the price reduction intended to lower medical costs could inadvertently encourage the use of Mounjaro for cosmetic purposes in the off-label market. If clinics pass on the price drop to patients, accessibility will increase, and if they maintain existing prices, profitability will improve, incentivizing expanded prescriptions.In practice, there have already been reports of side effects. A gastroenterologist operating a clinic in Tokyo treated three young female patients who complained of bloating and nausea. Endoscopic examinations revealed that all three had food from the previous evening still in their stomachs. Mounjaro has a known effect of slowing gastrointestinal motility. The doctor believes that all three cases are related to Mounjaro use.The side effects are not trivial. Nausea and lethargy can occur, as well as severe side effects like acute pancreatitis. The effects of long-term use in healthy individuals, as opposed to diabetes patients, are still unknown. The doctor cautioned, Suppressing appetite with medication can lead to eating disorders. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued a notice on June 16 requesting medical institutions to ensure appropriate use.While the side effects themselves are concerning, another issue is who will bear the treatment costs. Patients prescribed Mounjaro through off-label use must pay the full price, but treatment for side effects may be covered by health insurance. While the price reduction may increase profits for cosmetic clinics, the costs of treating health complications could fall on public insurance, potentially creating a new burden from a measure intended to reduce medical expenses. The doctor pointed out, It is insufficient for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to merely issue a notice for appropriate use. Without specific sanctions against doctors who prescribe inappropriately, the trend of cosmetic prescriptions will not decrease.South Koreas situation is different. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to include obesity treatments in the list of medications restricted to non-face-to-face prescriptions starting in December 2024, making it unlikely that Japans online structure, which allows consultations, prescriptions, and deliveries to be completed online, will spread. However, the trend of increasing off-label prescriptions for cosmetic purposes is not unique to Japan. The paradox of policies aimed at lowering drug prices encouraging misuse and shifting the costs of side effect treatments to public insurance is not just a Japanese issue.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 17:36
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Nongshim to hike prices for snacks, beverages and cup noodles next month SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Nongshim will raise prices for a range of its products starting next month, raising concerns that other food makers could soon follow suit. The instant-noodle giant said it decided to raise factory prices for 43 brands by an average of 5.8 percent starting Aug. 1, citing soaring costs for raw materials and other ingredients driven by higher oil prices amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Factory prices for cup noodles, snacks and beverages will rise by an average of 6 percent, 5.5 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively. Nongshim's popular Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon cup noodles are expected to see their retail price rise to 1,200 South Korean won (about US$0.80) from 1,100 won, while a 90-gram pack of shrimp-flavored Saeukkang will increase to 1,600 won from 1,500 won. But retail prices may vary across stores and distribution channels. The adjustment marks the company's first price hike for noodle products since March 2025, about one year and five months ago. But Nongshim said those sold in packets, which account for about 63 percent of its instant noodle sales, will be excluded from the price hike in an effort to help stabilize consumer prices and ease the burden on households. The company attributed the price hike to rising costs as soaring oil prices have pushed up the cost of packaging materials and other expenses. "We tried to cover higher costs by cutting expenses and improving internal efficiency, but weaker profits at home and rising supplier prices left us with no choice but to adjust product prices," it said. July 24, 2026 16:21 -
Nongshim, Dunkin', and Tous Les Jours Announce Price Increases Nongshim, B.R. Korea, and CJ Foodville are set to increase prices on key products.According to industry sources on July 24, Nongshim will raise the ex-factory prices of its popular cup noodles, snacks, and beverages by an average of 5.8% starting August 1. The price adjustment will affect a total of 43 brands, including 18 types of cup noodles, 23 snacks, and 2 beverages. The average increase by category is 6.0% for cup noodles, 5.5% for snacks, and 7.7% for beverages.As a result, the recommended retail prices for major products will also rise. The price of the flagship cup noodle Shin Ramyeon Cup is expected to increase from 1,100 won to 1,200 won, while the popular snack Shrimp Chips (90g) will go from 1,500 won to 1,600 won. The actual selling prices of key products such as Shin Ramyeon Cup, Honey Twist Snack, Capri Sun, and Welchs will also be adjusted across various distribution channels. This price adjustment marks the first increase for noodles in 1 year and 5 months since March 2025, and for Shrimp Chips, it follows a price increase in September 2022, a reduction in 2023, and another reduction before 2025. Nongshim explained that this is effectively the first increase in 3 years and 11 months.Nongshim stated that the accumulated cost burden has exceeded its capacity to absorb it. A Nongshim representative said, Due to the impact of high exchange rates and oil prices stemming from international circumstances, the costs of packaging materials and other supplies have surged, significantly deteriorating the profitability of our domestic operations. We have endured this through management efficiency and cost-cutting, but the increase in supplier prices has made this adjustment unavoidable. However, Nongshim has decided to freeze the prices of all items in the bag noodle category, which accounts for 63% of its noodle sales, to minimize the burden on consumers amid rising living costs and to align with the governments price stabilization efforts. Additionally, the company plans to expand discounts and promotional offers at large supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms to reduce the perceived impact of the price increase on consumers. B.R. Korea will raise the prices of 39 varieties of Dunkin donuts by an average of 6.5% starting August 2.Key items seeing price increases include the Famous Glazed and Cocoa Honey Dip donuts, which will rise from 1,700 won to 1,900 won, and the Crème Brûlée donut, which will go from 4,100 won to 4,200 won.Some product prices have been reduced. Since July 22, Dunkin has lowered the prices of three varieties of Dubai Style Chocolate Donuts by 300 to 400 won.A Dunkin representative stated, Due to rising costs across various sectors, we have had to adjust prices. CJ Foodville announced on July 24 that Tous Les Jours will adjust prices on certain products, including bread and cakes, starting July 31. This decision comes in response to soaring international raw material prices, including eggs, wheat, sugar, palm oil, and packaging materials due to recent changes in domestic and international circumstances. CJ Foodville emphasized that rising exchange rates and oil prices have continued to increase overall costs, making this adjustment unavoidable. As a result of this price adjustment, the recommended consumer prices for 76 products, including Tous Les Jours Daily Milk Bread and Egg Toast, will increase by an average of 8.2%, with specific items rising by 200 won and 300 won, respectively. A CJ Foodville representative stated, Considering consumer burden, we have excluded popular items such as Red Bean Bread, Soboro Bread, and Castella from this price adjustment to help stabilize perceived prices. CJ Foodville will continue to strive to provide better quality and service to our customers.Recently, the food industry has seen a series of price adjustments due to rising costs of packaging materials, raw materials, and logistics. Lotte Chilsung Beverage raised the ex-factory prices of 44 items, including Chilsung Cider and Pepsi Cola, by an average of 5.3% in June, and Ottogi increased prices on 29 items, including curry, noodles, ketchup, and pepper products this month. * This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 15:52
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Asia's Gen Z do not wait for permission anymore SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - A canceled exam in New Delhi. A social media ban in Kathmandu. A housing allowance in Jakarta. A job quota in Dhaka. None of these, on its own, reads like the beginning of a national crisis. Yet each one sent hundreds of thousands of young people into the streets, and in two of those countries the government did not survive. Something has shifted in how Asia's youngest adults deal with power. The region's leaders are finding out the hard way. The latest lesson is unfolding in India. For more than three weeks, students have held a protest site near Parliament in New Delhi, and smaller demonstrations have spread to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and dozens of other cities. The spark was the leak of a national medical school entrance exam in May, which forced millions of students to retake their tests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now in his 13th year in office, waited until this week to respond, posting on social media that nothing matters more than the welfare of the youth and promising fast-track tribunals for the leakers. Protesters called it late and lame. Their demands widened the next day. Why does an exam leak shake a government? Look underneath it. India's economy is growing at a healthy pace on paper. Still, nearly 40 percent of young degree holders are unemployed, according to the State of Working India 2026 report from Azim Premji University. Families pour savings and debt into an education system that routinely fails to prepare graduates for work. Then the one gateway that promised fairness, the entrance exam, turns out to be crooked too. The same sequence has been playing out across the region for four years. In Bangladesh in June, 2024, students protested a quota system that reserved a large share of government jobs for descendants of independence war veterans. In a country where a stable public sector job is one of the few reliable paths to a middle-class life, the quota felt like a rigged game. Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina dismissed the protesters with a slur, her security forces opened fire, and the movement stopped being about quotas at all. More than 1,000 people died, according to the interim government's health ministry. In August, Hasina fled to India by helicopter, ending 15 years in power. Nepal came next, in September 2025. The government of K.P. Sharma Oli banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and X, citing registration rules. Young Nepalis read it as censorship, and the tinder was already dry. Videos contrasting the luxury vacations of politicians' children with the grinding poverty of ordinary families had gone viral under hashtags mocking the "nepo kids" of the elite. Within days, parliament was burning and at least 19 protesters were dead. Oli resigned. The ban itself was lifted almost immediately, and it changed nothing. The ban was never the story either. In Indonesia, the fuse was a report in August 2025 that all 580 members of parliament were collecting a monthly housing allowance of about $3,000, roughly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Protests turned into riots after a police armored vehicle ran over and killed Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle delivery driver who was not even demonstrating. He was trying to complete a food order. In a country where the gig economy has become the holding pen for millions of young people the formal economy cannot absorb, his death needed no explanation. President Prabowo Subianto revoked the perks within days. At least eight people had died by then. Sri Lanka started it all in 2022, when an economic collapse sent young protesters into the presidential palace, some swimming in its pool, and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country. What makes this wave remarkable is where it is happening. These are societies where age confers authority, where enduring hardship quietly is treated as a virtue, where the young have long been told their turn would come if they studied and waited. Protest itself is nothing new in Asia. Students drove South Korea's democratization in 1987 and filled Indian streets long before independence. But even those movements had structure the state could recognize. Umbrella coalitions, dissident elders, opposition politicians ready to carry street demands to the negotiating table. The new thing is a generation that skips all of it, organizing itself, naming its own enemies, and bringing down governments run by men twice and three times its age. The waiting is over. Governments keep misreading these movements, and the errors follow a pattern of their own. Leaders respond to the trigger. They cancel the ban, revoke the allowance, promise tribunals for the exam leakers. Each time the concession lands as an insult, because the protesters were never asking for the small thing. They were asking why an entire generation did what it was told, studied harder than any cohort before it, and arrived at adulthood to find the jobs missing, the exams rigged, and the officials' children shopping in Paris. No tribunal answers that. The next instinct is to look for someone to arrest, buy off, or sit across a table from. There is no one. India's protests are fronted by the Cockroach Janta Party, which is not a party at all but a satirical movement named after an insult delivered by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Nepal's protesters organized on Discord, a gaming chat app. Indonesian demonstrators flew a pirate flag from a Japanese comic. To men who came up through party machines, this all looks unserious, and that is exactly the miscalculation. A movement with no head cannot be decapitated. The old strongman playbook was written against opposition parties and union bosses. It has no page for a hashtag. What remains is force, and force is the fastest way to lose. Hasina's men fired on students, and she lost the country. Nepal's crackdown killed 19, and the government fell within five days. In India, the batons and tear gas deployed on Monday turned a protest about exam accountability into something much larger. Watching from Seoul, it is tempting to treat all this as someone else's weather. South Korea's young people do not burn parliaments. But the underlying inventory should sound familiar. Brutal exam competition. Credential inflation. Youth unemployment concentrated among the educated. Housing priced out of reach. A raw, almost forensic sensitivity to fairness. The fury that followed South Korea's own hiring scandals struck the same nerve. Korean youth have so far channeled that anger through ballots and online mobilization rather than street occupations, and they have swung elections doing it. The difference between Seoul and Dhaka is not the grievance. It is whether institutions still offer a believable way out. That is the real warning in this wave. The Gen Z across Asia are not more radical than the generations before them. It is less patient with theater, and it no longer accepts a system's promises as payment. These young people watched their parents defer, and they watched deference go unrewarded. July 24, 2026 14:02 -
Nongshim and B.I. Korea to Raise Prices on Popular Products Next Month Nongshim and B.I. Korea will raise prices on key products next month. According to industry sources on July 24, Nongshim will increase the ex-factory prices of its main cup noodles, snacks, and beverages by an average of 5.8% starting August 1.The price adjustment will affect a total of 43 brands, including 18 cup noodle varieties, 23 snacks, and 2 beverages. The average price increase by category is 6.0% for cup noodles, 5.5% for snacks, and 7.7% for beverages. As a result, the suggested retail prices for major products will also rise. The popular cup noodle Yukgaejang Cup Noodle is expected to increase from 1,100 won to 1,200 won, while the beloved snack Shrimp Chips (90g) will go up from 1,500 won to 1,600 won.The actual selling prices of key products such as Shin Ramyeon Cup, Honey Twist Snack, Capri Sun, and Welchs will also be adjusted across various distribution channels.This price adjustment marks the first increase for noodles in 1 year and 5 months since March 2025, and for Shrimp Chips, it comes after a price increase in September 2022, followed by reductions in 2023 and 2025. Nongshim noted that this is effectively the first increase in 3 years and 11 months. Nongshim stated that the accumulated cost burden has exceeded its capacity to absorb it.A Nongshim representative said, Due to the impact of high exchange rates and oil prices stemming from international circumstances, the costs of packaging materials and other supplies have surged, significantly deteriorating the profitability of our domestic operations. We have endured this through management efficiency and cost-cutting, but the unavoidable increase in supplier prices has led us to make this adjustment.However, Nongshim has decided to freeze the prices of all items in the bag noodle category, which accounts for 63% of its noodle sales, in an effort to minimize the burden on consumers amid rising prices and to support the governments price stabilization efforts.Additionally, the company plans to expand discounts and promotional offers at large supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms to reduce the perceived impact of the price increase on consumers.Recently, the food industry has seen a series of price adjustments due to rising costs of packaging materials, raw ingredients, and logistics. Lotte Chilsung Beverage raised the ex-factory prices of 44 items, including Chilsung Cider and Pepsi Cola, by an average of 5.3% in June, and Ottogi increased prices on 29 items, including curry, noodles, ketchup, and pepper this month. B.I. Korea will raise prices on 39 varieties of Dunkin donuts by an average of 6.5% starting August 2. Key items seeing price increases include the Famous Glazed and Cocoa Honey Dip donuts, which will rise from 1,700 won to 1,900 won, and the Crème Brûlée donut, which will go from 4,100 won to 4,200 won. Some product prices have been reduced. Dunkin lowered the prices of three varieties of Dubai Style Chocolate Donuts by 300 to 400 won starting July 22. A Dunkin representative stated, We have had to adjust prices due to the rise in various costs. July 24, 2026 13:56
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Nongshim to Raise Prices of 43 Brands by 5.8% Nongshim will raise the ex-factory prices of its popular cup noodles, snacks, and beverages by an average of 5.8% starting August 1. The primary reason for the increase is the soaring costs of materials, including packaging, due to prolonged high exchange rates and oil prices. However, all instant noodle products, including Shin Ramyeon, which directly affect consumer prices, are excluded from this price hike. According to Nongshim on July 24, the price adjustment will affect a total of 43 brands, including 18 cup noodles, 23 snacks, and 2 beverages. The average increase by category is 6.0% for cup noodles, 5.5% for snacks, and 7.7% for beverages. As a result, the recommended retail prices for key products will also rise. The price of the flagship cup noodle, Yukgaejang Cup Noodle, is expected to increase from 1,100 won to 1,200 won, while the popular snack Shrimp Chips (90g) will go up from 1,500 won to 1,600 won. The actual selling prices of major products such as Shin Ramyeon Cup, Honey Twist Snack, Capri Sun, and Welchs will also be adjusted across various distribution channels. This price adjustment marks the first increase for noodles in 1 year and 5 months since March 2025, while Shrimp Chips have seen price changes after a decrease in 2023 and a prior increase in September 2022. Nongshim noted that this is effectively the first increase in 3 years and 11 months. Nongshim stated that the accumulated cost burden has exceeded its capacity to absorb it. A Nongshim official said, The surge in material prices, including packaging, due to high exchange rates and oil prices stemming from international circumstances has significantly deteriorated the profitability of our domestic operations. We have managed to endure this through operational efficiency and cost-cutting measures, but the increase in supplier prices has made this adjustment unavoidable. Nevertheless, Nongshim has decided to freeze the prices of all instant noodles, which account for 63% of its noodle sales, to minimize the burden on consumers amid high inflation and to support the governments price stabilization efforts. Additionally, the company plans to expand discounts and promotional offers at large supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms to reduce the perceived impact of the price increase on consumers. Recently, the food industry has seen price adjustments due to rising costs of packaging, raw materials, and logistics. Lotte Chilsung Beverage raised the ex-factory prices of 44 items, including Chilsung Cider and Pepsi Cola, by an average of 5.3% in June, and Ottogi increased prices for 29 items, including curry, noodles, ketchup, and pepper this month. July 24, 2026 10:52
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Government Extends Fuel Tax Cut and Announces Discounts on Agricultural Products The government has decided to extend the fuel tax cut for an additional two months until September and will launch a major discount event for all agricultural and marine products in July and August to stabilize prices. Additionally, it will begin improving supply chain structures for certain economic security items to reduce dependency on specific countries.Koo Yoon-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, held a meeting on July 24 at the Government Seoul Complex with the special task force on managing the cost of living. The meeting was convened amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have increased uncertainties in international oil prices and supply chains. Participants reviewed the progress of price stabilization measures and discussed future initiatives.In light of market conditions, including international oil prices and supply and demand trends, the government will determine the eighth maximum price for petroleum products. Considering the burden on citizens, the fuel tax cut will be extended at the current level until September 30. This extension is expected to result in a reduction of 122 won per liter for gasoline, 145 won for diesel, and 51 won for butane.To compensate for the losses incurred by refiners due to the maximum price system, a financial support guideline will be established, and the support amount will be finalized after review by the maximum price settlement committee based on production costs.Measures to stabilize the cost of living will also be implemented. Starting this month, a large-scale discount event for all agricultural and marine products will be conducted, with the number of participating companies increasing from 75 to 90.Additionally, the government plans to urgently import 200 million fresh eggs and 2,000 tons of mackerel from Norway to increase supply and will enhance on-site inspections. Furthermore, a Chuseok Cost of Living Stabilization Plan will be announced in September to further address public concerns about price stability and burden reduction.For certain key items with high dependency on specific countries, the government will pursue phased responses tailored to the characteristics of each item and improve supply chain structures in the second half of the year.Support for domestic production will be linked to tax incentives and subsidies, and the government will increase stockpiles of essential industrial and consumer goods. It is also considering expanding stockpiles of crude oil, naphtha, and fertilizer-grade urea, as well as piloting new stockpiling models for vehicle urea.For items that are difficult to produce or stockpile domestically, the government will support the establishment of overseas production bases and promote diversification of import sources. Additionally, a supply chain early warning system will be developed to enable coordinated responses across government agencies.Finally, to ensure that tariff quotas lead to actual reductions in consumer prices, joint inspections will be conducted in the second half of the year for pork, chicken, mackerel, and food ingredients.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 10:36