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Sony's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has set multiple box-office records in South Korea, becoming the fastest film of 2026 to reach 1 million and 2 million admissions, and topping the weekend chart with over 3 million attendees in four days. The fourth Spider-Man installment starring Tom Holland also posted the year's biggest opening day, drawing 688,000 moviegoers.
The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with a split vote and dissenting governors favoring a hike. South Korea's central bank and finance ministry expressed concerns over persistent inflation, Middle East tensions, and risks to financial markets.
Samsung Electronics reported a second-quarter net profit of 71.62 trillion won (US$49.6 billion), up 1,299.9% year-on-year, driven by strong AI-related semiconductor demand. Operating income rose 1,813.8% to 89.49 trillion won, while sales increased 130% to 171.49 trillion won, meeting market expectations. The company expects continued robust demand in the second half.
South Korea's business sentiment rebounded in July, driven by improved confidence among manufacturers amid robust semiconductor exports, according to a central bank survey. Consumer sentiment also rose for the third consecutive month, supported by strong exports and investment plans, despite rising inflation and a volatile stock market.
Michelle Steel, the newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, is set to arrive in Seoul on Thursday, filling a post vacant since January last year. In her first major public remarks since confirmation, she called strengthening the alliance her top priority and highlighted U.S.–South Korea shipbuilding cooperation.
A senior US Navy official has described South Korea's command of combined maritime forces during this year's RIMPAC exercise as a 'historic leadership milestone,' underscoring shared responsibility among allies. The South Korean Navy also won top honors in a live-fire gunnery competition, and its participation is seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance its capabilities for combined operations.
The US Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%-3.75% for a fifth consecutive meeting, with a 9-3 vote. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reaffirmed the central bank's commitment to its 2% inflation target, while government borrowing costs climbed to their highest level since 2007.
BTS has announced it will not submit music for next year's Grammy Awards, a decision widely seen as a protest against the Recording Academy's new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group said it hopes music is 'heard and loved for what it is, rather than divided by region or language.' The Recording Academy's CEO has responded, defending the category and expressing sadness at the decision.
President Lee Jae Myung departed Brazil for Chile, where he held a summit with Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast, agreeing to reactivate a joint trade committee and pursue cooperation in critical minerals. The visit is part of a three-nation South America tour that will conclude in Argentina.
The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan wrapped up after adding 25 new sites, including Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological cluster and France's Normandy D-Day beaches. The committee also reviewed 148 properties, placing six on the danger list, and expanded two site boundaries.
Multiple reports from the Jerusalem Post indicate that Iran had planned a ballistic missile response to a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, with one account specifying a seaport target, but canceled it after direct diplomacy. Ukraine denies targeting civilians, Russia accuses Kyiv of 'terrorist attacks', and the official record remains contested.
A severe heat wave gripping South Korea has set multiple temperature records, including an all-time high of 42°C in Yangsan, Busan's highest in 122 years, and Seoul's first readings above 40°C. The Korea Meteorological Administration attributes the prolonged heat to the dual influence of the North Pacific High and Tibetan High pressure systems.
South Korea's defense ministry has issued a public notice of a draft bill to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, explicitly committing to non-nuclear weapons development. The proposed legislation outlines timelines, cooperation with international bodies, and measures to expedite the project.
NASA's Moon Base program executive Carlos Garcia-Galan visited Seoul to discuss plans for a lunar surface base under the Artemis program, highlighting South Korea's industrial capabilities and partnership with the Korea AeroSpace Administration.
Manchester City will travel to Seoul without World Cup stars Rodri and Erling Haaland. Rodri is set to undergo back surgery, while Haaland is resting after the tournament. New coach Enzo Maresca addressed Rodri's future amid speculation.
South Korea's chief financial regulator expressed regret and took responsibility for recent market volatility, partly attributed to single-stock leveraged ETFs. The Financial Services Commission is reviewing additional measures, including raising minimum cash deposits and capping investments, and plans to revise the Capital Markets Act.
President Lee Jae Myung highlighted significant potential for economic cooperation between South Korea and Brazil, citing aircraft, critical minerals, and cosmetics as key areas. He emphasized the importance of accelerating trade negotiations with Mercosur, noting that bilateral trade remains relatively small.
Apple has become the second company ever to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, overtaking Nvidia as the world's most valuable firm. The shift reflects investor sentiment moving away from AI infrastructure spenders toward companies monetizing AI through consumer products and services. CEO Tim Cook is reportedly set to hand over to hardware chief John Ternus in September.
U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan House resolution honoring Korean War veterans and those who served in defense of South Korea since the armistice. The move comes as annual commemorations in Washington highlight the sacrifices of the 'Forgotten War.'
Recent developments, including public calls for peace talks, changes within Frelimo and the insurgents, and a new security ring by TotalEnergies, signal a potential shift in Mozambique's approach to the Cabo Delgado insurgency. Analysts stress the need to address root causes of the conflict while some international actors adjust their involvement.