Samsung announced a ₩2,655 trillion domestic investment plan on June 29, while foreign investors sold off over ₩8 trillion in KOSPI on the same day, pushing the won/dollar rate past 1,530 for the first time in 17 years.
Samsung Announces ₩2,655T Domestic Investment Plan
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Samsung Group announced on June 29 at a national briefing at Cheong Wa Dae that it would invest a total of ₩2,655 trillion in domestic futuristic industries. Samsung Electronics will invest approximately ₩2,450 trillion from 2026 to 2040, allocating ₩2,100 trillion to semiconductors alone. The plan includes ₩2,030 trillion for the Pyeongtaek-Yongin cluster, ₩425 trillion for a new Gwangju semiconductor fab, and ₩625 trillion for AI chips, robotics, and batteries in Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions, according to Financial News.
Foreign ₩8T Sell-off Pushes KOSPI Down, Won Hits 17-Year High
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On June 29, KOSPI dropped to as low as 8,100 intraday amid a record ₩8 trillion net sell-off by foreign investors, but recovered to close down 16.56 points (0.20%) at 8,394.65 on domestic buying. The won/dollar rate breached 1,530 intraday and closed at 1,529.70 — the highest since the 2009 financial crisis, about 17 years ago, according to Businesskorea.
Statistics Korea's May 2026 employment data showed the number of employed persons fell 40,000 year-on-year, the first decline since December 2024. The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 2.9%. Manufacturing employment fell 140,000 for a 23rd consecutive monthly decline, and youth employment (ages 15-29) dropped 255,000 — the largest decline since January 2021, according to Seoul Sinmun.
Bitcoin dropped below the ₩90 million mark on June 29 and fell under $60,000, according to Newsis. Amid heightened U.S. interest rate risk, the cryptocurrency market was mixed. Bitcoin has recorded a double-digit percentage decline from its peak this month, with investor sentiment weakened.
Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Korea's Resource Security Alert Eased
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Following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire MOU, the Strait of Hormuz reopened. Korea's government announced it would lift the public institution vehicle two-day rotation starting July 1. Approximately 95% of Korea's imported crude oil passes through the strait, according to Etoday.
Kiwoom Securities is reviewing options to invest in Bithumb, including a third-party allotment of new shares, according to Financial News on June 29. The report describes it as an early-stage discussion to secure a foothold in the digital asset business, reflecting intensifying competition among securities firms for Korean won market access.
K-Beauty Exports Up 24% in May, Government Pledges ₩50B Support
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Korea's cosmetics export value rose 24% year-on-year in May 2026. Growth was broad-based across skincare, haircare, body care, and home beauty devices. The government designated two regional K-beauty export hubs and announced 20 support programs totaling approximately ₩50 billion, according to Shinhan Group Insights.
Samsung Group announced on June 29 at a national briefing at Cheong Wa Dae that it would invest ₩2,655 trillion domestically. Samsung Electronics will invest approximately ₩2,450 trillion from 2026 to 2040, allocating ₩2,100 trillion to semiconductors alone.
Foreign ₩8T Sell-off Sends KOSPI to 8,100 Before Recovery▾
On June 29, KOSPI dropped to as low as 8,100 intraday amid a record ₩8T foreign net sell-off, but recovered to close down 16.56 points (0.20%) at 8,394.65 on domestic buying. The won closed at 1,529.70 — a 17-year high.
Bitcoin fell below ₩90 million and $60,000 on June 29, according to Newsis. Amid U.S. interest rate risk, the crypto market was mixed, with Bitcoin recording a double-digit decline from its monthly high.
A summer heat wave and vacation season triggered a surge in AC repair delays and accommodation refund disputes; Seoul issued a consumer advisory.
AC Repair Delays and Extra Charges Spike in Heat Wave▾
Seoul issued a consumer advisory for cooling equipment. Key complaint types include delayed repairs, defective installation, and refusal to compensate for defects. Cooling equipment accounts for 68.1% of summer consumer consultations.
Accommodation Refund Disputes Account for 65% of Summer Complaints▾
Excessive penalty charges or outright refusal of refunds when canceling online platform bookings account for 65.5% of disputes. The Korea Consumer Agency warned of the risks of non-refundable booking terms.
Arbitrary Deletion of Online Shopping Reviews Regulated from July▾
Following accumulated consumer complaints about unexplained review deletions, shopping malls will be required to disclose their review deletion criteria starting July, according to Financial News reporting on second-half policy changes.
Hormuz reopening eases energy risk; Korea-Vietnam summit seals rail export deal and infrastructure cooperation.
Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Korea's Energy Security Alert Eased▾
Following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire MOU, the Strait of Hormuz reopened. Korea announced it would lift the public institution two-day vehicle rotation starting July 1. About 95% of Korea's imported crude passes through the strait.
Korea-Vietnam Summit Confirms Ho Chi Minh Rail Vehicle Export▾
President Lee Jae-myung and Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam agreed to strengthen energy, infrastructure, and supply chain cooperation. A contract for Ho Chi Minh metro rail vehicles was confirmed, according to Korea.net News.
Yeoju Firms' Southeast Asia Trade Mission Nets $1.69M in Deals▾
Yeoju City sent a trade mission to Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta, conducting 86 business consultations and securing approximately $1.693 million in contract negotiations, according to OhmyNews.
Samsung's ₩2,655T and Samsung Electronics plus SK Hynix's combined ₩3,200T filings signal a mega push for domestic advanced industry.
Samsung Unveils ₩2,655T Domestic Investment for Future Industries▾
Samsung Group unveiled a ₩2,655 trillion domestic investment plan at the Cheong Wa Dae national briefing on June 29. Samsung Electronics will invest approximately ₩2,450 trillion from 2026 to 2040, with ₩2,100 trillion earmarked for semiconductors, according to Financial News.
Samsung Electronics + SK Hynix File Combined ₩3,200T Plans▾
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both filed future business and management plans with DART on June 29. The combined figure is approximately ₩3,200 trillion, linked to the national advanced industry push, according to Newspim.
A record ₩8T foreign sell-off dragged KOSPI to 8,100 intraday before a domestic-buying recovery; the won hit its highest in 17 years.
KOSPI Closes at 8,394.65 After ₩8T Foreign Sell-off▾
KOSPI dropped to as low as 8,100 intraday on June 29 amid a record ₩8 trillion foreign net sell-off, but recovered on domestic buying to close down 16.56 points (0.20%) at 8,394.65.
The won/dollar rate broke through 1,530 intraday on June 29 and closed at 1,529.70, the highest since the 2009 financial crisis — approximately 17 years ago. The exchange rate pressure compounded the sell-off's impact on the market.
Samsung's ₩2,655T investment spreads ₩425T to Honam and ₩625T to Chungcheong-Yeongnam, signaling a national semiconductor belt beyond the Seoul metro area.
Samsung Allocates ₩425T to Gwangju Fab Hub in Honam▾
Samsung Group's June 29 investment plan allocates ₩425 trillion to Honam for a new Gwangju semiconductor fab and digital twin innovation hub, plus ₩625 trillion to the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions for AI chips, robotics, and batteries, according to Financial News.
Samsung Electronics earmarked ₩2,100T for semiconductors, centering the Pyeongtaek-Yongin cluster as the core of its AI chip ecosystem expansion.
Samsung Electronics Focuses ₩2,100T on AI Semiconductor Ecosystem▾
Samsung Electronics allocated ₩2,100 trillion of its ₩2,450 trillion filing to semiconductors on June 29. The Pyeongtaek-Yongin cluster receives ₩2,030 trillion to strengthen AI chip and advanced packaging capabilities, according to Newspim.
CNT Tech invested in TireFly, an AI-authenticated used-tire distribution and mobile fitting platform targeting the mobility aftermarket.
CNT Tech Invests in AI Used-Tire Platform TireFly▾
On June 29, CNT Tech's 22nd investment fund invested in TireFly, an AI-based authenticated used-tire distribution and mobile fitting platform. The model combines AI tire condition authentication with at-home installation, according to Platum.
Bitcoin fell below ₩90M and $60K while Kiwoom Securities explored a Bithumb stake, intensifying the race for Korean won crypto market access.
Bitcoin Falls Below ₩90M and $60K▾
Bitcoin dropped below ₩90 million and $60,000 on June 29, according to Newsis. U.S. interest rate concerns weighed on a mixed crypto market, with Bitcoin recording a double-digit monthly decline.
Kiwoom Securities Reviews Bithumb Stake via Third-Party Allotment▾
Kiwoom Securities is reviewing options including a third-party allotment of new Bithumb shares, according to Financial News on June 29. The report describes it as an early-stage discussion to build a digital asset business base.
SK Biopharmaceuticals' AI drug deal, Yuhan's Lazertinib coverage retention, and the MFDS-EMA joint review completion mark K-bio milestones.
SK Biopharmaceuticals Signs AI CNS Drug Development Deal with Insilico▾
SK Biopharmaceuticals signed a joint research agreement with generative AI drug developer Insilico Medicine to expand its central nervous system (CNS) pipeline, according to Innobiolab.
Yuhan's Lazertinib Retains Insurance Coverage via RSA Re-contract▾
Yuhan Corporation's non-small cell lung cancer drug Lazertinib (Rybrevant) retained National Health Insurance coverage through a risk-sharing agreement re-contract at approximately 35.3% below the current list price, according to Innobiolab.
MFDS and EMA Complete First Joint Bio-Drug Review▾
Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the European Medicines Agency completed their first joint review of a domestic biopharmaceutical product, conducted via simultaneous submission, according to Innobiolab.
TVXQ's U-Know Yunho's new single announcement signals a busy summer K-pop comeback season.
TVXQ's U-Know Yunho to Release First Single in 8 Months▾
SM Entertainment announced that TVXQ's U-Know Yunho will release a new single 'Time' on July 20. It is his first release in eight months since his debut full-length album last November, according to The Korea Times.
K-Beauty exports rose 24% in May; the government named two regional export hubs and opened ₩50B in support across 20 programs.
Government Names Two Regional K-Beauty Export Hubs▾
The government selected two regional locations as K-Beauty export hubs to support small and indie brands in going global, building an integrated support system, the government announced.
Four Public Agencies Unveil ₩50B K-Beauty Export Support Programs▾
A joint briefing by four public agencies unveiled 20 support programs worth approximately ₩50 billion, including overseas joint logistics, K-Beauty loans, and pop-up and flagship store programs, according to Logistics News.
Korea's cosmetics exports grew 24% year-on-year in May 2026. Growth was broad-based across skincare, haircare, body care, and home beauty devices, according to Shinhan Group Insights.
Ahead of the August 17 party convention, President Lee's centrist outreach drew backlash from core supporters, surfacing Democratic Party factional tensions.
Democratic Party Factions Surface Ahead of August Convention▾
Ahead of the August 17 party leadership convention, some progressive commentators criticized President Lee Jae-myung's centrist outreach as alienating core supporters. The leadership race is narrowing to a contest between former floor leader Jeong Cheong-rae and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, according to The Korea Herald.
Yeongdeok and Gijang Confirmed as New Nuclear and SMR Sites▾
KHNP's evaluation committee on June 17 selected Yeongdeok in North Gyeongsang as the site for two new large reactors (2.8GW) and Gijang in Busan for an SMR. Yeongdeok won with an 86.18% resident approval rate; total project cost is approximately ₩12 trillion.
Korea's Solar Capacity Surpasses 32GW with Over 200,000 Sites▾
As of June 2026, the number of solar power sites in Korea exceeded 200,000, with cumulative installed capacity entering the 32GW era. Distributed installations across homes, buildings, and rural areas have been expanding.
Q3 Electricity Rates Frozen at +5 Won/kWh Fuel Cost Adjustment▾
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy maintained the Q3 2026 (July-September) fuel cost adjustment unit at +5 won/kWh, keeping electricity rates unchanged despite a formula-based cut signal, citing KEPCO's debt exceeding ₩200 trillion, according to Aju Economy.
May jobs fell 40K — the first decline in 17 months — with manufacturing and youth employment hit hardest simultaneously.
May Jobs Down 40K — First Decline in 17 Months▾
Statistics Korea's May 2026 employment survey showed 40,000 fewer employed persons year-on-year, the first decline since December 2024. The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 2.9%.
Manufacturing Jobs Fall for 23rd Month; Youth Employment Drops 255K▾
Manufacturing employment fell 140,000 year-on-year in May, a 23rd consecutive monthly decline. Youth employment (ages 15-29) dropped 255,000 — the largest decline since January 2021, according to Youth Daily.
Regular Employment Falls for First Time Since 1999▾
The number of regular employees fell 7,000 year-on-year in May 2026, the first decline in approximately 26 years and 5 months since December 1999 — an unusual reversal even through COVID-19, according to Reportera.
Hyundai Motor union launched its strike committee June 30; the government is pushing 200 autonomous vehicles in Gwangju.
Hyundai Motor Union Launches Strike Committee on June 30▾
Hyundai Motor's labor union held the launch ceremony for its central strike committee on June 30, formalizing discussions on wage negotiation tactics and partial strike timing for 2026, according to Money Today.
Transport Ministry Pushes Autonomous Vehicle Pilot with 200 Cars in Gwangju▾
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is advancing a large-scale autonomous vehicle demonstration project deploying 200 vehicles in Gwangju, alongside an AI-based autonomous driving data platform, according to Korea Policy Briefing.
AI deepfake detection accuracy rose from 76% to 92% for local elections; deepfake crimes up 35% year-on-year.
Interior Ministry and NFS AI Deepfake Detector Reaches 92% Accuracy▾
An AI deepfake detection model jointly developed by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Forensic Service improved accuracy from 76% to 92% and was deployed in the June 2026 local elections, according to Economic Mingle.
Deepfake Removal Requests Surged 27-Fold to 10,510 During 2025 Election▾
Deepfake video removal requests jumped from 388 during the 2024 general election to 10,510 during the 2025 presidential election — a roughly 27-fold increase — according to Financial News.
Deepfake Crimes Account for 35.2% of Cyber Sexual Violence Cases▾
From November 2024 to October 2025, deepfake illegal video crimes totaled 1,553 of 4,413 cyber sexual violence cases (35.2%), a 35% increase from the prior year period.