Lee Jae-myung AI Declaration·Russia-Ukraine Escalation·IMF Inflation Warning

Anthropic launched Claude Opus 5 on July 24. It supports a 1 million token context window and achieved top performance in coding and knowledge work benchmarks such as Frontier-Bench. The price is the same as Opus 4.8 and is set as the default model for Claude Max.

Prentis, which develops computer use AI models, is negotiating to raise $100 million at a $1 billion valuation. It said its Hive-32B model shows advantages in computer use benchmarks at one-tenth the cost of Claude Opus 4.6.

Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 ranked first on Arena.ai's frontend coding leaderboard with an Elo score of 1679. It surpassed Claude Fable 5 (1631) and GPT-5.6 (1618), marking the first time a Chinese AI model has topped this leaderboard.

Oracle announced it will work with OpenAI to build 4.5 gigawatts of Stargate AI data center capacity in the US. Oracle previously cut 30,000 employees to fund AI infrastructure investments.

The IMF released its World Economic Outlook update on July 26, raising its global headline inflation forecast to 4.7%. It assessed that the price stabilization trend from early 2024 has halted, while maintaining global growth rates at 3.0% for 2026 and 3.4% for 2027.

The US Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate target range at 3.50-3.75%. The Fed raised its 2026 inflation outlook while slightly lowering growth forecasts, suggesting possibility of additional tightening if energy shocks persist.

The KOSPI fell 406.27 points (5.72%) to close at 6690.62 on July 24, then rebounded 231.68 points (3.56%) to 6747.95 on July 25. Optimism over President Lee Jae-myung's Silicon Valley big tech meetings was analyzed as the backdrop for the rebound.

The won-dollar exchange rate traded between 1465.76 and 1478.54 won on July 25, with the closing rate around 1471 won. Following the Bank of Korea rate hike, the rate showed a downward stabilization trend, falling below the year's average of 1485 won.

Hyundai Mobis recorded consolidated operating profit of 975.2 billion won in Q2 2026, up 12.1% year-over-year. Growth was driven by expanded supply of high-value automotive components, increased overseas OEM sales, and strong after-sales business.

Samsung Heavy Industries achieved Q2 2026 operating profit of 325 billion won, up 58.7% year-over-year. Expanded LNG carrier orders and reopening of the Geoje shipyard's second dock drove sales growth, though performance pay reflected slightly missed market consensus.

SK initiated a tender offer for EV charger manufacturer SK Signet at 8,200 won per share from July 24 to August 24. SK plans to pursue voluntary delisting and sale to Anchor Equity Partners.

The combined H1 2026 net profit of KB, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori financial groups exceeded 11 trillion won, setting a record high. KB Financial achieved a quarterly record net profit of 1.99 trillion won in Q2, with each group announcing expanded share buybacks and dividend increases.

Samsung Display is projected to take 48% of the large-size OLED market by revenue in Q3, surpassing LG Display (47%) for the first time. The two Korean companies' combined share is expected to stay around 95% through year-end.

Three candidates who passed the Democratic Party's preliminary leadership election—Kim Min-seok, Jung Chung-rae, and Song Young-gil—are now competing for party leadership ahead of the August 17 national convention. Voting was consolidated to August 2 due to heavy rain damage.

Unification Minister Jung Dong-young officially announced on July 23 a new North Korea policy direction that prioritizes peace-building and dialogue over denuclearization as a precondition. Denuclearization remains a long-term goal while resuming dialogue takes priority.

The Democratic Party and People Power Party agreed to process a special counsel bill investigating the June 3 local election ballot shortage during a July extraordinary session. The special counsel candidate will be selected via a public committee of 3 members each from ruling and opposition parties.

The Lee Jae-myung administration announced it will progressively implement lifestyle policies from H2 2026, including free menstrual products in public facilities, 24-hour foreign exchange trading, and expanded parental leave. Housing support for low-income college students will also expand.

As rainy season and intense heat drive indoor consumption, humidifier transactions surged 195% week-over-week, home pool products 154%, and soundbars 120%. The home alcohol culture of enjoying drinks at home is also spreading, intensifying competition in retail marketing.

Seoul Metro's H1 2026 analysis found Dongmyo Station recorded the highest weekend passenger increase at 46.3% over weekdays. The Dongmyo flea market has gained attention as a treasure-hunting spot among young people and foreign tourists.

As running evolves into a lifestyle industry, heat-resistant functional clothing continues to launch. Modetour signed an MOU with a social running platform to introduce an all-inclusive Mount Fuji marathon trip package. The 20-40 age group accounts for 87% of themed travel bookings.

China's Ministry of Water Resources activated Level 4 flood defense emergency response in 7 provinces and autonomous regions including the Zhujiang River basin from July 25 due to Typhoon Noel (No. 12).

According to the 2026 Energy Industry Ecosystem Report by the China Enterprise Reform and Development Research Association, global wind and solar capacity has surpassed fossil fuel power generation capacity for the first time.

Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced revised Renewable Energy Law enforcement ordinances specifying setback distance caps at 200m for solar and 1500m for wind energy set by municipal ordinance, reducing regional regulatory gaps.

Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment tentatively set a 2040 renewable energy deployment target of 220GW in the 12th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand, representing over sixfold expansion from 33.2GW as of end-2025.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts parachuted down in Kazakhstan's Steppe on July 26 aboard Soyuz MS-28. They completed 3,856 orbits and traveled over 106 million miles during the mission.

A Georgia State University team published findings in Nature Microbiology showing oral antiviral candidate GHP-88310 blocked both airborne and contact transmission of a measles-like virus in ferret models.

A Kyushu University research team published findings in Scientific Reports showing the trisulfide compound LASSS enhances the c-Met binding affinity of muscle repair protein HGF over twofold and increases oxidative damage resistance.

The INSPIRE clinical trial at the University of Nottingham reported that knee osteoarthritis patients taking inulin fiber supplements for 6 weeks experienced reduced pain, improved grip strength, and decreased pain sensitivity.

Russian ballistic missiles directly hit a weapons exhibition in Kyiv on July 25, killing at least 10 people and injuring 100. Ukrainian prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the decision to hold the event under martial law.

Iran attacked a US military base in Jordan, killing 4 US troops. The US responded by striking over 80 targets including ports and islands in Iran's Hormozgan Province.

US officials denied a New York Times report that Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal conveyed through the Iraqi prime minister. Neither side has publicly indicated willingness to resume diplomacy.

Bipartisan members at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing discussed imposing China-origin vessel entry fees and state-owned shipbuilder sanctions. Experts warned that sanctions alone have limits in restoring US shipbuilding capacity.

ILLIT released its second Japanese single 'I Got Your Back' digitally on July 26. The single tells the story of growing girls and includes 3 tracks including 'Sunday Morning'. The physical release is scheduled for July 29.

LE SSERAFIM kicked off its PUREFLOW Japan tour with sold-out concerts in Osaka on July 25-26. Both nights sold out and additional limited view and standing tickets were released due to strong demand.

The KM Chart Awards 2026 were held at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul on July 26. Rookie group NEWBEAT won the KM Next Potential Award at the ceremony attended by TOMORROW X TOGETHER, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE and others.

aespa released its first Japanese mini-album 'KISS N TELL' on July 24. The album features 6 original Japanese tracks, and the title track teaser featuring members in a nighttime amusement park setting garnered attention.

LG defeated Hanwha 15-11 in Daejeon on July 25, ending their 8-game losing streak. Park Hae-min, Austin, and Moon Jung-bin combined for 12 RBIs with home runs, while Hanwha starter Ryu Hyun-jin was pulled early.

KT beat Lotte 6-1 at Sajik Stadium on July 25, tying their franchise record with a 9-game winning streak. Starter So Hyung-jun delivered a strong 6-inning, 1-run performance to lead the win.

LG's Austin and KIA's Kim Do-young both hit their 29th home runs of the season on the same day, tying for the KBO home run lead. Austin homered off Hanwha's Ryu Hyun-jin.

Samsung Lions defeated Doosan Bears at Jamsil on July 25 for their third straight win. Starting pitcher Won Tae-in delivered a strong outing to help Samsung maintain sole possession of first place with a record of 56-2-34.

Global VC funding in Q2 2026 reached a record $227.2 billion, the second consecutive quarter above $200 billion, but deal count dropped to a 10-year low of 8,440. AI mega-deal concentration was cited as the cause.

Korean fabless AI chip startup AIO's valuation quadrupled in 6 months, reaching around 1.2 trillion won, driven by surging NAND controller demand.

AI infrastructure and semiconductor startup Etched completed a $300 million Series C round from investors including Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, Jane Street, and SK Hynix.

Top-tier US VCs including Mayfield and Sequoia have been investing in deeptech startups founded by Korean entrepreneurs. Notable examples include AI test scoring (Pensieve), video production AI (Soom), and AI avatars (Pickle).

Seoul apartment purchase and lease prices have risen for 74 consecutive weeks, with purchase prices up 0.27% week-over-week during the week of July 4. Supply shortage is the main cause, with 2026 Seoul apartment completions projected to fall about 46.8% year-over-year to 17,210 units.

Analysis shows 790 confirmed redevelopment projects in Seoul (472) and Gyeonggi (318) can add a total net 232,316 units. However, projects may take up to 20 years from discussion to completion.

Seoul's completed reconstruction and redevelopment projects from 2020-2025 demolished 73,121 units but supplied 128,391 new units, resulting in a net increase of 55,270 units.

Seoul proposed to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport raising relocation loan LTV from 40% to 70% and submitted 10 legislative revision proposals including relaxing floor area ratios and rental housing ratios to boost private redevelopment activity.

The Kakao Bank union declared final breakdown of wage negotiations on July 21 and announced a company-wide strike on July 31. Negotiations from January failed to narrow differences on performance bonuses and salary increase rates after about 7 months.

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union and Korean Federation of Teachers' Unions held a press conference on July 23, demanding a 7.1% teacher salary increase for 2027 and raising the teaching allowance from 250,000 won (frozen since 2000) to 550,000 won.

The Minimum Wage Council on July 14 set the 2027 minimum wage at 10,700 won per hour, a 3.7% increase. The employers' proposal received 15 of 27 votes to pass.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a 10,000-person general strike rally in Gwanghwamun on July 15. KCTU chair Yang Kyung-soo said the union requested negotiations with about 400 primary contractors in the 4 months since the yellow envelope law took effect, but actual negotiations concluded at only 4 sites.

Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery has received approval from EU antitrust authorities. Paramount plans to complete the transaction by end of Q3 in September.

Comcast's streaming service Peacock added 2 million subscribers in Q2. Media and studio segment revenues each surged 25% year-over-year.

Netflix signed short-form content licensing agreements with major US media publishers including Penske Media, Conde Nast, and Hearst. The service launches for subscribers in 6 countries including the US and UK on August 3.

TikTok Shop banned AI-generated voices in live commerce streams. Violations result in account health score deductions due to backlash from creators and brands over proliferation of AI avatars.

Crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX officially announced it will cease all operations on September 23, 2026 at 04:00 UTC. Parent company HDR Global Trading decided to shut down after failed sale attempts, confirming all customer assets remain secure.

The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, banning transactions with 14 crypto platforms in 6 countries including Georgia, Panama, and the UAE. It marks the first time the EU introduced legal measures to block crypto at the country level.

Samsung announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 (July 22) that Samsung Wallet will add native stablecoin support. USDC and others are expected to be supported, with no specific launch date yet announced.

The Digital Chamber filed a constitutional lawsuit against Illinois's cryptocurrency transaction tax law (set to take effect January 2027). The group, representing over 250 blockchain companies, argues that taxing only digital assets violates the state constitution and interstate commerce clause.

Japan's June core consumer prices (excluding fresh food) rose 1.6% year-over-year, accelerating from May's 1.4%, but continue to miss the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the fifth consecutive month.

The Japanese government approved its basic economic and fiscal policy but did not decide on a 2-year temporary cut in the food consumption tax (8%). Prime Minister Takaichi said the decision will be finalized by early August.

US Secretary of State Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi, and Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a trilateral meeting during the Manila ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, discussing Indo-Pacific defense cooperation, maritime security, and energy security.

The US, Japan, and Korea signed a trilateral memorandum of cooperation to promote deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in third countries. Initial cooperation targets are focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

The World Bank's China Economic Update reported China's H1 2026 GDP grew 4.7% year-over-year. High-tech investment and exports supported growth, but the bank projected full-year growth at 4.4%.

President Lee Jae-myung announced an AI declaration on July 25 in San Francisco after meeting consecutively with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, and Broadcom CEO Hock Tan. CEOs of Samsung, SK, Hyundai, and Naver also participated.

Seoul's KOSPI closed up 231.68 points (3.56%) at 6747.95 on July 25. Optimism over President Lee Jae-myung's Silicon Valley big tech meetings was analyzed as the backdrop for the surge.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea hit an all-time high, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. Surging demand for Korean Wave content such as K-beauty and K-food is cited as the main driver.