Kakao delivered improved results in Q3, powered by strong performance in advertising and commerce platforms. Kakao announced on the 5th that its consolidated third-quarter operating profit rose 7% year-on-year to 240.3 billion won, according to preliminary figures. During the same period, revenue increased by 6% to 2.0867 trillion won. The Q3 operating margin was 12%, and operating expenses grew 6% to 1.8464 trillion won over the same period. By business segment, platform revenue increased 17% to 1.235 trillion won. Of this, revenue from KakaoTalk ads and commerce-related Talk Biz jumped 13% to 632.9 billion won

Competition among food delivery app companies over promotions has heated up again, with monthly active users (MAU) across all platforms increasing last month. Although autumn is typically an off-season due to outdoor activities, the effect of promotional discounts offset the usual drop in orders. As regulatory uncertainty around food delivery apps has grown, companies are stepping up efforts to acquire and retain users, anticipating fierce competition through year-end. According to mobile index platform IGAWorks on the 5th, Baemin, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo recorded MAUs of 24.29 million, 14.47 million, and 3.9

A high-strength and ductile metal alloy has been developed that maintains its properties from -196°C up to 600°C. By utilizing the microstructure formed inside metals during 3D printing, researchers achieved a tough and stretchable material without additional post-heat treatment. The new alloy is expected to be used in cryogenic storage facilities and for structural metal components in aerospace. According to the National Research Foundation, a research team led by Professor Kim Hyungseop at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) developed an alloy that maintains high strength and ductility over a wide temperature range by leveraging precipitate network structures and interface characteristics created during the 3D printing process.

The liquor industry is making desperate efforts to rebound from sluggish alcohol consumption. The current strategy is focused more on stability than adventurousness. Companies are reintroducing discontinued nostalgic products and commercializing already popular items to capitalize on consumer familiarity and boost attention. According to industry sources on the 5th, HiteJinro plans to release a canned version of its famed Korean bomb shot, "Somaek" (soju+beer), within this month, and is discussing details with key retail channels such as convenience stores and major supermarkets. The new product will mix HiteJinro’s soju brand "Chamisul" and the beer "Terra" in a so-called "Tesla" blend,

CJ ENM announced on the 5th that its consolidated sales for Q3 reached KRW 1.19 trillion, with an operating profit of KRW 22.1 billion. Although sales fell 4.4% year-on-year, operating profit increased by 25.5%. The company posted a net loss of KRW 25 billion, turning to a deficit. Revenue from the media platform segment was KRW 351.8 billion, up 10% from a year earlier. Operating profit was KRW 5.9 billion, reversing from a KRW 3.3 billion loss in the previous year. The online video service (OTT) Tving improved performance due to increased subscriber numbers and higher advertising revenue. Q3 ad sales rose 42.1% year-on-year. Overseas, H

At 8 a.m. on the 3rd, the auction floor at Jukbyeon Port in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, was buzzing with freshly caught fish. Silver-colored fish filled crates lined up on the floor. It is here that fish, which swam in the East Sea just hours earlier, receive names, weights, and prices. For travelers, it is a place for fresh food; for locals, it is where a new day of work begins. There is a good reason to start a Uljin trip at Jukbyeon Port. In Uljin, freshly caught seafood and ancient relics often coexist in strange proximity. There are fish caught that morning at the port, and up the hill, a lighthouse that has been shining for 116 years. Head sou

It was belatedly revealed that the man in his 30s who broke into singer and actress Nana's home and threatened Nana and her mother with a weapon was also indicted for stealing wine worth 23 million won. According to News1 on the 4th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (acting chief Lee Juhee) indicted Mr. A, a man in his 30s, twice, on charges of theft in August and October. He is accused of stealing approximately 23 million won worth of wine from a large supermarket in Seocho-gu, Seoul, over about 10 different occasions last November. On November 15 last year, Mr. A also broke into Nana's home in Acheo-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi Province, and committed a robbery.

"We want to find a unique sound that gives us the confidence to make music for a lifetime." That is the goal revealed by Kanghun Ko, drummer of the band Dragon Pony. Dragon Pony, newly reorganized from a quartet to a trio, revisited each member's musical tastes while preparing a new album. It wasn't an easy change, but the process of completing songs together strengthened their trust in one another. Guitarist Kwonsae Hyeok, whom we met on the 2nd at the Asia Economy headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "Internally, it wasn't an easy time." He continued, "We discussed what kind of music we want to pursue in the future, utilizing each member's color and strengths to find something truly ours."