gckwon's Financial and IT Blog

Recent studies reveal that using standing desks for extended periods may pose significant health risks.  Recent studies reveal that using standing desks for extended periods may pose significant health risks. A large-scale research project conducted by the University of Sydney indicates that standing for more than two hours daily can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. This article delves into the findings of the study and discusses alternative strategies for promoting heart health among office workers. A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Sydney has uncovered alarming insights regarding the health implications of prolonged standing at work. Published on October 16, 2024, by various international media outlets, including the Daily Telegraph and The Guardian , the research involved tracking the movements of over 80,000 adults in the UK over a span of 7 to 8 years using wearable technology. The findings are clear: standing for more than two ...

In Japan, the phenomenon of “old-old inheritance,” where elderly individuals inherit wealth from other elderly individuals, is on the rise. As life expectancy continues to exceed 80 years, In Japan, the phenomenon of “old-old inheritance,” where elderly individuals inherit wealth from other elderly individuals, is on the rise. As life expectancy continues to exceed 80 years, both heirs and testators are increasingly becoming part of the older demographic. This trend raises concerns about the potential economic implications of wealth remaining stagnant within older households. According to an analysis by the Nikkei newspaper, based on the 2024 Economic and Fiscal White Paper released by the Japanese Cabinet Office, as of 2022, 52.1% of those who inherited wealth were aged 60 or older. This statistic reveals that more than half of heirs are receiving assets in their sixties or beyond. In comparison, 27% of heirs are in their fifties, while those under 49 years old make up 20.6%. Furtherm...

In August 2024, the number of marriages in South Korea increased by 20%,  In August 2024, the number of marriages in South Korea increased by 20%, marking the highest growth rate on record. Simultaneously, the number of births also rose by 6%, showing an upward trend for the second consecutive month. Positive perceptions about marriage and childbirth are expanding, particularly among the younger MZ generation, aided by various government support policies. This blog explores the background and outlook of these changes. South Korea, facing a severe low birthrate crisis, has recently seen an increase in both marriage and birth rates, drawing significant attention. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service, the number of marriages in August 2024 rose by 20% compared to the previous year, with 17,527 marriages recorded. This marks the highest growth rate ever for the month of August. The number of births also increased for the second consecutive month, with 20,098 babies b...

The Big Four insurance companies in South Korea (Samsung, DB, Hyundai, KB) are showing signs of slightly increasing car insurance premiums for online channels (CM) next year.  The Big Four insurance companies in South Korea (Samsung, DB, Hyundai, KB) are showing signs of slightly increasing car insurance premiums for online channels (CM) next year. As the government intervenes in pricing to activate the underperforming insurance comparison services among the three major financial platforms (debt refinancing, savings, and insurance), these companies are developing additional countermeasures. The financial authorities have stated that they will take strict action if insurance companies increase the burden on consumers with high insurance premiums, even though they anticipate additional reductions in commission fees. According to financial authorities and the insurance and fintech industries on October 1, discussions between insurance companies and platforms regarding the ‘Car Insuran...

Recently, the spread of solar power plants has raised serious issues regarding coexistence with agriculture.  Recently, the spread of solar power plants has raised serious issues regarding coexistence with agriculture. The installation of solar panels is threatening food security, and while agrivoltaics is proposed as a solution, it is mired in controversy over economic viability and efficiency. This blog post explores the responses from various countries and the potential for agrivoltaic technology. As solar power generation rapidly increases worldwide, the issue of coexistence with agriculture has emerged as a significant concern. There are growing fears that the installation of solar panels on farmland could jeopardize food security, leading several countries to enact regulatory laws. France has established a law that prohibits solar panels from covering more than 40% of agricultural land, and the Italian government has issued an emergency order banning farmers from leasing thei...

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced the detection of 397 cases of suspected illegal transactions from over 2,000 abnormal real estate transactions conducted in the metropolitan area this year.  The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced the detection of 397 cases of suspected illegal transactions from over 2,000 abnormal real estate transactions conducted in the metropolitan area this year. Various cases of gift evasion and loan regulation violations have been confirmed, particularly concentrated in the Gangnam area of Seoul. This post will explore the illegal trading practices in the real estate market and their implications. In 2024, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport reported the detection of 397 suspected illegal transactions in real estate trading, primarily in the metropolitan area. The majority of these cases were related to “gift evasion” and “corporate fund misuse,” totaling 315 cases. One notable case i...

In August 2024, the number of unsold homes, known as “unsellable housing” that remain on the market even after completion, hit a four-year high, indicating a deepening downturn in the housing market. In August 2024, the number of unsold homes, known as “unsellable housing” that remain on the market even after completion, hit a four-year high, indicating a deepening downturn in the housing market. With unsold housing in both metropolitan and regional areas, decreasing transaction volumes, and reduced housing supply, the future of the real estate market is at risk. This post will explore the causes behind the rise in unsellable homes, the current state of the housing market, and discuss future prospects. As of August 2024, the number of unsold homes after completion, commonly referred to as “unsellable housing,” reached 16,461 units. This marks the highest level since September 2020, reflecting the accelerating slowdown of the housing market. While the total number of unsold homes decrea...

Recent findings have revealed that the budget allocated for firefighters’ meals in some regions of South Korea is shockingly low, sometimes as little as 3,000 KRW per meal. Recent findings have revealed that the budget allocated for firefighters’ meals in some regions of South Korea is shockingly low, sometimes as little as 3,000 KRW per meal. This raises concerns about the nutritional value and quality of the food being served to those tasked with saving lives. The disparities in meal budgets across different regions only make the issue more pressing. Immediate action is needed to improve the welfare and health of firefighters. According to data released by the office of Han Byung-do, a Democratic Party lawmaker and a member of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, some fire stations offer meals with budgets as low as 3,112 KRW per meal. For comparison, the budget for meals for at-risk children in Seoul is 9,000 KRW, highlighting the stark contrast in t...