South Korean small merchants\' sales and profit both fell in the first quarter from the previous quarter, reflecting seasonal effects after year-end demand faded, Korea Credit Data said. Average sales per store rose from a year earlier but dropped sharply quarter on quarter, while profit and profit margin also declined. Delinquent loan amounts for sole proprietors increased again after falling, with relatively high delinquency shares at savings banks and mutual finance lenders.

Kakao Ventures has developed an in-house communication platform for limited partners to improve fund management efficiency and strengthen communications. The firm began a beta service for KV Partners on June 15. The platform lets LPs check fund status and portfolio company information in real time, replacing the need to search lengthy semiannual reports. After operating it for selected LPs during beta testing, Kakao Ventures plans a full release in the third quarter.