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South Korea recorded its highest ever July electricity demand of 93.4 gigawatts (GW) on July 7, as unprecedented heatwave conditions drive air conditioning usage to record levels across the nation. Breaking Temperature and Power Records The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that July 7 saw nationwide average temperatures reach 33.2°C (91.8°F), with Seoul hitting 35.1°C (95.2°F) - the highest temperature recorded this year. More extreme readings came from Daegu at 37.8°C (100°F) and Andong at 38.2°C (100.8°F), with heat indices exceeding 40°C (104°F). This extreme weather directly translated into record-breaking electricity consumption. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) confirmed that peak power demand reached 93.4 GW at 2 PM on July 7, surpassing the previous July record of 91.2 GW set in 2024 by 2.2 GW - a 2.4% year-over-year increase. ...

President Lee Jae-myung's administration is set to launch a comprehensive economic stimulus program on July 21, targeting the revival of Korea's struggling traditional markets and local businesses. A Bold Economic Recovery Initiative President Lee Jae-myung took to Facebook on July 12 to emphasize the importance of revitalizing neighborhood commercial districts, stating that "when local markets thrive, the economy thrives." The President strongly advocated for the successful implementation of the People's Recovery Consumption Coupon policy, expressing his commitment to fostering economic virtuous cycles through increased domestic consumption. The government's People's Recovery Consumption Coupons represent a large-scale domestic demand stimulation policy, providing a minimum of 150,000 won (approximately $115 USD) per person to all Korean citizens. This policy is considered a ...

Government Launches Multi-Faceted Safety Inspection Program As Korea experiences prolonged extreme heat and tropical nights, the government has launched a comprehensive safety management inspection program focused on protecting vulnerable populations. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on July 12th that it is conducting direct inspections of temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims and water recreation safety management, prioritizing heat-related illness prevention. Targeted Support for Wildfire Disaster Victims Kim Kwang-yong, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, personally visited temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims in Cheongsong and Yeongyang counties in North Gyeongsang Province. His inspection focused on comprehensive living conditions, particularly meal services and cooling systems during the extr...

The Lee Jae-myung administration has launched a comprehensive campaign to achieve 3% potential growth rate recovery through fundamental economic restructuring, with artificial intelligence innovation at its core. OECD's Shocking Projections Spark Action Following the OECD's downward revision of Korea's potential growth rate to 1.9% and projections of a potential drop to zero percent by 2040, the Lee Jae-myung government has initiated aggressive countermeasures. The National Planning Committee has established a dedicated task force comprising the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of Korea to develop concrete response strategies. The OECD's latest report estimated Korea's 2025 potential growth rate at 1.9%, significantly below the government's 3% target. This figure reveals structural limitations in the Korean economy and represents a wake-up call for policymakers. ...

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety warned on July 11th that smishing (SMS phishing) crimes related to the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupon' are expected to surge as the application and distribution period begins. The ministry particularly emphasized that any consumer coupon notification text containing URL links is "100% fraud." Background of Surging Smishing Crimes As the government's Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupon policy for economic stimulus enters full implementation, fraudsters are exploiting this program for criminal activities. Scammers are impersonating government agencies, card companies, and banks to send fake text messages about eligibility notifications, amount guidance, card usage approval, and applications. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety firmly stated, "If any consumer coupon-related notification text contains URL links, it is 100% fraud." The key point is that the government does not include links in any consu...

Former South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on the afternoon of July 9th for an arrest warrant hearing related to the December 3rd martial law incident. This marks his return to potential detention after being released four months ago following a court's decision to cancel his previous arrest. Arrest Warrant Hearing Process Seoul Central District Court Judge Nam Se-jin, who presides over warrant cases, conducted the pre-detention interrogation (substantive warrant review) for former President Yoon from 2:15 PM on July 9th. The hearing lasted approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes until 9 PM, with an actual duration of 5 hours and 40 minutes excluding a one-hour recess for dinner. Former President Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court building around 2:10 PM but did not respond to reporters' questions and quietly proceeded to the courtroom. Even after completing the hearing, he remained silent to journalists' ques...

President Lee Jae-myung has decided to exclude Broadcasting and Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook from future cabinet meetings, the presidential office announced on July 9th. This decision comes after repeated violations of political neutrality obligations by the appointee from the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Presidential Office Announcement Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated during an afternoon briefing that "starting next week's cabinet meeting, the current Broadcasting and Communications Commission chairperson will not attend cabinet meetings." She explained that this decision was made due to "repeated politically biased statements and personal political activities that make cabinet meeting attendance inappropriate." The decision was made after Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hun-sik directly advised President Lee that Lee Jin-sook's attendance at cabinet meetings was inappropriate, which the president accepted...

South Korea's political landscape has been shaken as the special prosecution team investigating First Lady Kim Gun-hee conducted raids on National Assembly member Yoon Sang-hyun's residence and office. Major Investigation Unfolds On July 7th, the special prosecutor's office led by Prosecutor Min Jung-ki executed search warrants at over 10 locations, including Yoon Sang-hyun's home and parliamentary office. This aggressive move signals the intensification of investigations into multiple corruption allegations surrounding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's wife. The raids are connected to two major scandals: the Sambu Engineering stock manipulation case and the so-called "Myung Tae-kyun Gate" - allegations of election interference and influence peddling involving the former presidential couple. Political Shockwaves The investigation has created deep divisions in South Korean politics. The ruling People Power Party has denounced the raids as "poli...

Divergent Views on New Government Policy Since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, concerns and expectations regarding real estate policy are intersecting. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed concerns about the new government real estate policy, while former lawmaker Park Yong-jin offered positive evaluations. Seoul Mayor Warning Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated concerns about whether real estate prices can be controlled if money supply is increased in the market under the pretext of stimulating the economy. He emphasized the need for a cautious approach based on past experience that house prices rise when money is released even with regulations. Economic Target Concerns Some analysts suggest that the new government is excessively intervening in the real estate market due to the economic goal of KOSPI 5000. There are concerns that expanding money supply for economic sti...

One month has passed since Lee Jae-myung assumed the presidency of South Korea. Following the unexpected impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and subsequent early elections, the Lee administration had to begin governing without a transition committee. Despite these challenging circumstances, both the political sphere and the public are closely watching the new government's initial steps. Gestures of Cooperation and Opposition Resistance President Lee Jae-myung has emphasized cooperation since taking office, showing active engagement in inter-party communication. His recent dinner invitation to Democratic Party standing committee chairs and secretaries at the presidential residence reflects this approach. The presidential compound, once isolated behind barricades during Yoon's martial law declaration, now serves as a venue for political dialogue and communication. However, the opposition, led by the People Power Party, has voiced strong criticism of the Lee admi...

South Korea's government has launched an exciting new rebate program in July 2025 that's creating a buzz among consumers nationwide. The "Top-Efficiency Appliance Purchase Cost Rebate Program" offers up to 300,000 KRW (approximately $225) for individuals and 600,000 KRW ($450) for newlyweds when purchasing energy-efficient appliances. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know about this remarkable opportunity. 🌟 What Makes This Program Special? The Korea Energy Agency's rebate program represents a significant shift in South Korea's approach to energy conservation. Unlike previous initiatives run by KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation), this new program allows double benefits - meaning even if you received rebates from KEPCO in 2024, you can still apply for this new program! Key Program Features: Rebate Rate : 10% of purchase price Maximum Individual Rebate : ...

The Korean government has significantly expanded its support programs in the second half of 2025, presenting unprecedented opportunities for individuals and businesses. With a 23% increase in budget allocation compared to the previous year, these programs focus heavily on youth support, SME assistance, and digital transformation initiatives. Top 7 Government Support Programs 1. Youth Leap Account 2.0 An upgraded savings program for young Koreans aged 19-34, offering up to 50 million won over five years with government interest subsidies of 6% monthly. Korean Context: This program reflects Korea's commitment to addressing youth unemployment and helping young people build financial stability in an increasingly expensive housing market. 2. K-Digital Training Expansion Free training programs in AI, big data, and cloud technologies, with full tuition support up to 5 million won plus monthly living allowances. 3. Small Business Fresh Start Support Comprehensive support...

President Lee Jae-myung's pragmatic talent recruitment policy is achieving visible results, significantly enhancing the professionalism and efficiency of government operations. The recent appointments of Lim Eun-jung as Dongbu District Prosecutor and Jeong Eun-kyeong as Minister of Health and Welfare nominee exemplify this policy philosophy and represent landmark achievements in public administration reform. New Paradigm for Expertise-Based Appointments The Lee administration's personnel policy has shifted away from traditional political considerations and regionalism toward prioritizing pure expertise and practical capabilities. Prosecutor Lim Eun-jung's appointment as the first female district prosecutor chief has garnered attention, but more significantly, her outstanding investigative capabilities and fair law enforcement record demonstrate the merit-based selection process. Significance of Healthcare Expert Selection ...

Investigation Framework Takes Shape As the Lee Jae-myung administration marks one month since its inauguration, the special prosecutor investigation into Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, is gaining momentum. The investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok for the martial law case is set to begin its first investigation on the morning of July 5, while the Kim Keon-hee special prosecution team is finalizing its office setup at the KT Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The Kim Keon-hee special prosecutor team is currently in the final stages of office selection and is expected to launch full-scale investigations soon. The team plans to conduct comprehensive investigations into allegations surrounding Kim's receipt of luxury bags, suspected involvement in Deutsch Motors stock manipulation, and various other allegations that have surfaced. Public Attention on Summons Timing Recent footage of Kim Keon-hee leaving the hosp...

President Lee Jae-myung nominated Jung Eun-kyung, former director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), as the new Minister of Health and Welfare on June 29. The appointment of Jung, who spearheaded South Korea's COVID-19 response, has been welcomed by the medical community as a potential solution to ongoing conflicts between the government and healthcare professionals. Recognition of COVID-19 Leadership and Expertise The presidential office explained that Jung's nomination was based on her demonstrated policy execution capabilities and communication skills during the COVID-19 crisis. As a medical doctor with extensive public health experience, Jung became the first director of the KDCA when it was elevated from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020. During the pandemic's early stages, Jung became a familiar face to the Korean public through daily briefings where she explained complex medical concepts in accessible langu...