Weekly news: 12th-18th August

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1 - Seoul records 26 consecutive tropical nights, most on record

Seoul has recorded 26 consecutive tropical nights, tying the previous record set in 2018. This streak, from July 21 to August 15, is the longest since weather monitoring began in 1907. Other cities like Busan and Jeju Island are also experiencing record-breaking tropical nights. The Korea Meteorological Administration predicts the hot nights will continue, potentially extending into late August.

2 - Yoon unveils unification vision in split celebration of Liberation Day

President Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled a unification vision at the 79th Liberation Day ceremony, stressing the need for a unified Korea. The event was overshadowed by a boycott from opposition parties and activist groups protesting Yoon's controversial appointment of a conservative professor. This led to a rare split in Liberation Day celebrations. Yoon called for inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing denuclearization as essential for progress.

3 - Korean investors seek new brokers amid disruptions during US daytime trading halt 

Korean investors are seeking new brokers after disruptions during a U.S. daytime trading halt caused financial losses. The incident, linked to an issue with the Blue Ocean trading system, led to the cancellation of 90,000 transactions, prompting investors to move their assets. This has intensified competition among brokerage firms to attract new clients, with many offering promotions and fee waivers. The situation is expected to escalate once daytime trading resumes, as firms vie for a growing market of overseas investors.

4- Badminton star An Se-young urges for more flexibility in support practices

Olympic badminton champion An Se-young urged for more flexibility in support practices after criticizing the national badminton federation for mishandling her injury and outdated operations. An expressed disappointment with the lack of tailored injury management and called for proactive action from the Badminton Korea Association (BKA). She apologized for any controversy caused but emphasized the need for better communication between athletes and officials. Her comments have prompted investigations by sports authorities.

5 - Seoul, Busan make Forbes list b '100 best cities to live, work and visit'

Seoul and Busan made Forbes's list of the "100 best cities to live, work, and visit," with Seoul ranking 10th and Busan 67th. This is Busan's first time on the list, praised for its beaches and emerging status as a "bleisure" destination. The rankings were based on factors like livability, prosperity, and cultural impact, with Seoul noted as a global pop culture hub and Busan compared to Miami.

6 - SoftBank, Korean conglomerates to join $130 million investment fund for AI startups

SoftBank, along with Korean conglomerates like SK Networks, LG Electronics, and Hanwha Financial, will join a $130 million fund to invest in AI startups. The Alpha Intelligence Fund, set up by SBVA and now part of The Edgeof, aims to expand to $200 million by year-end. SK Networks confirmed a $30 million investment, marking the second-largest contribution. The fund targets AI startups in sectors like healthcare, fintech, and robotics, focusing on companies in Asia and Silicon Valley looking to enter the Asian market.