SEOUL — In the recent trading session, KOSPI 200 listed stocks displayed diverse performance, according to the closing prices from the main Korea Stock Exchange. HANALL BIOPHARMA surged by 2,700 points, while Samsung F&M Ins faced a notable decrease of 14,000 points. Other stocks such as Kogas and Hanwha Solutions experienced minor adjustments.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Additionally, KIA CORP showed a positive movement, increasing by 4,000 points. In contrast, significant drops were seen in stocks like Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and HD HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, shedding 4,700 and 1,600 points respectively. This variability underscores the fluctuating sentiment in the market and the impact of various factors on stock valuations.
SEOUL — In a significant move to combat the declining birth rate, the Seoul city government has introduced a 1 million-won (approximately US$753) postpartum care subsidy for all mothers giving birth in the capital this year. City officials on Tuesday revealed that this initiative is a key component of Seoul's broader "birth encouragement" project, designed to address South Korea's alarmingly low total fertility rate, which dropped to a new low of 0.78 in 2022.According to Yonhap News Agency, the eligibility criteria for this subsidy have been expanded by removing the previously required six-month minimum residence period, now allowing all female residents who give birth this year to receive the 1 million-won allowance.
The subsidy, distributed in the form of vouchers, is intended to support health management expenses for both mother and child, including costs related to postpartum medical care and recovery. To qualify, recipients must register their baby's birth within the city, with applications for the subsidy available through the program's dedicated website and at local community centers.