KB Financial Group analysed the competitiveness and growth structure of 10 major local commercial districts nationwide using about 25 data points including financial assets, sales and rents. The group examined sustainability, profitability and surrounding demand beyond simple sales or foot traffic to gauge regional growth potential. KB Financial said on Aug. 10 it published the 2026 KB Local Commercial District Revitalisation Insights report based on the KB Kookmin index jointly developed with KB Kookmin Bank, KB Kookmin Card and Korea Data Bank.

Lotte Chemical posted second-quarter operating profit of 110.1 billion won on revenue of 5.69 trillion won, returning to profit from a year earlier. Revenue rose 39.2 percent and operating margin improved to 1.9 percent. The company cited production optimisation and profitability-focused operations amid supply chain uncertainty. Advanced materials posted 132.5 billion won operating profit. The firm is pursuing restructuring centred on its Daesan and Yeosu plants and advancing a Yulchon compounding plant.