Constitution Day Reinstated After 18‑Year Hiatus The cabinet approved an amendment to the Public Holidays Act restoring Constitution Day on July 17 as a national holiday, reversing its 2008 downgrade to a commemorative day [2]. The change will become law three months after official promulgation, giving businesses and schools a clear future date for observance [2]. President Lee Jae Myung had directed senior aides in July 2025 to examine the reinstatement, ensuring the holiday aligns with the 77th anniversary of the constitution [2]. Both articles confirm the holiday’s unique status as the only national commemorative day previously lacking holiday designation [1][2].

Cabinet Meeting Highlights Real‑Estate Tax Reform At the same cabinet session, Lee Jae Myung warned against real‑estate speculation and announced the termination of the capital‑gains tax exemption for owners of multiple homes [1]. He framed the move as essential to curb housing‑price inflation, countering criticism that the government favored the stock market while tightening housing controls [1]. This policy shift was presented as part of a broader housing‑policy push, though the second article does not mention it [2].

Equity Market Reacts With Record KOSPI Surge South Korean equities surged 6.84%, with the KOSPI closing at 5,288.08 points—a 338.41‑point gain and the strongest one‑day rise in six years [1]. Investors ignored concerns about the new Federal Reserve chair, instead chasing bargains, while the won appreciated against the dollar [1]. The stock rally is noted only in the first article, not in the holiday‑focused report [2].

Military Orders Removal of Coup‑Linked Presidents’ Photos The defense ministry issued a directive to delete images of former presidents Chun Doo‑hwan and Roh Tae‑woo from unit displays, extending a ban on photos of commanders convicted of insurrection or corruption [1]. The move is linked to President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed 2024 martial‑law attempt [1]. No mention of this directive appears in the second article [2].

Fire Engulfs SPC Samlip Confectionery Plant blaze broke out around 2:30 p.m. at the SPC Samlip factory in Siheung, prompting deployment of roughly 70 firefighters [1]. Only minor injuries have been reported, and the incident was contained without major casualties [1]. The fire is absent from the holiday‑restoration coverage [2].