SBS News

"Minimum Wage Levels, Only Workload Increased"... The Other Side of the 'Semiconductor Boom' While Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have forecasted record-breaking performances and even bonuses, these achievements feel worlds away for subcontracted semiconductor workers. SBS Jul 19, 2026 11:34 PM

Controversy Over ETF Delisting: Kim Yong-beom Says "Unimaginable, Would Cause Massive Market Shock" Regarding the controversy over the potential delisting of single-stock leveraged ETFs, Kim Yong-beom, Chief of Staff for Policy at the Presidential Office, drew a line, stating that delisting is unimaginable given that over 10 trillion won in capital has already flowed into these products. SBS Jul 19, 2026 5:14 PM

"Empty Communication and Excessive Events"... Starbucks Korea Workers Form Labor Union According to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions - Korean Chemical, Textile & Food Workers' Union on the 19th, employees of Starbucks Korea, the Korean subsidiary of the global coffee company, joined the KCTU-affiliated union on the 16th and formed the Starbucks branch. SBS Jul 19, 2026 4:26 PM

9 Out of 10 South Koreans Say Impact of Overseas Leakage of Core Technologies Is Severe, Call for Stronger Penalties According to the Public Perception Survey on Responding to Overseas Leakage of Core Technologies, conducted by the Korea Enterprises Federation on 1,000 people aged 19 and older nationwide and released on July 19, 92.5 percent of respondents said the negative impact of such leaks on the national economy is severe. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:33 PM

Over 30 Cases of Unfair Virtual Asset Trading Referred to Authorities; New Schemes Like 'Cage' and 'Racehorse' Detected The average illicit profit per case reached 1.4 billion won. According to the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service on July 19, financial authorities have recently concluded investigations into a total of approximately 40 cases of unfair virtual asset trading. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:30 PM

Is Leveraged ETF the Culprit Behind Stock Volatility? "Delisting Is Difficult," Says Presidential Policy Chief As calls grow to abolish single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds , which have been blamed for recent extreme stock market volatility, Kim Yong-beom, the presidential policy chief, drew a line by stating, "It is difficult to consider delisting." Appearing on KBS's "Sunday Diagnosis Live" today , Kim addressed the issue of single-stock leveraged products, saying, "There is controversy over the timing of the product's introduction, and it is true that the nature of these stocks can amplify volatility." In response to criticism that this represents a "policy failure," Kim acknowledged that stock market volatility has indeed increased, but countered that the policy was implemented for the national interest. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:28 PM

Chey Tae-won on Bonus Controversy: "There Are Positive Aspects"... "Respect Free Will Regarding 52-Hour Workweek Exceptions" Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry , addressed the controversy over performance bonuses that began at SK Hynix, stating, "If everyone disliked it, it would be a real problem, but I do not see it that way. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:15 PM

Chey Tae-won: "Demand to Rise at Least 50% Next Year; Rapid Expansion is the Lifeline for Semiconductors" Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry , addressed the explosive global demand for memory semiconductors, stating, "I am not sure if I should use the word 'pandemonium,' but I am receiving immense lobbying and pressure." During a press conference held on the sidelines of the KCCI Jeju Forum recently, Chairman Chey stated, "Even if we limit it to artificial intelligence, there are projections that demand will increase by at least 60 to 100 percent next year compared to this year. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:05 PM

FTC Reforms Unfair Terms at Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics Regarding Prepaid Treatment Refunds The Fair Trade Commission announced today that it has reviewed the prepaid treatment terms of 15 dermatology and plastic surgery clinics and corrected six types of unfair contract clauses. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:00 PM

Bank of Korea: 'Semiconductor Effect' Improves Terms of Trade, Expected to Boost Domestic Demand More Than in the Past In its BOK Issue Note titled "Why This Improvement in Terms of Trade Is Different: The Real Economic Impact of the Semiconductor Boom," released today , the central bank stated, "The recent semiconductor boom and the resulting significant improvement in terms of trade will serve as a key driver supporting the growth of domestic demand going forward." According to the report, South Korea's terms of trade have recently improved to an unprecedented degree. SBS Jul 19, 2026 2:00 PM