KOSPI Surges Over 17% on Strong U.S. Tech Earnings and Semiconductor Stocks The KOSPI index closed up more than 17% on the back of strong earnings from major U.S. tech companies and expectations for increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI). Foreign investors made net purchases exceeding 8 trillion won, focusing on semiconductor stocks, prompting a simultaneous buy-side activation in both the securities and KOSDAQ markets early in the session.On July 31, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI finished at 6,595.45, up 1,001.89 points (17.91%) from the prev July 31, 2026

Hanon Systems Reports 61% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Automotive thermal management solutions provider Hanon Systems has reported improved performance in the second quarter, driven by increased sales of electrification components in Europe.On July 31, Hanon Systems announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 103.7 billion won, a 61.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue rose by 0.6% to 2.8752 trillion won, while net profit turned positive at 86.1 billion won.The performance improvement is attr July 31, 2026

Celltrion Expands Direct Sales in Italy, Targeting Market with Omniclo Celltrion is strengthening its presence in the European market by expanding the sales of its biosimilars in Italy. The company is accelerating its market share growth with key products, including 'Omniclo' (ingredient name: omalizumab), which was launched last year.On July 31, Celltrion announced that the sales of Omniclo, a treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic asthma launched in Italy at the end of last year, are continuing to expand.Celltrion's Italian subsidiary is current July 31, 2026

Kang Dong-won, Park Ji-hyun, and Eom Tae-goo's 'Wild Thing' Released on Netflix Today The film 'Wild Thing' is now available to audiences worldwide through Netflix.Netflix released 'Wild Thing' on July 31. The film is a comedy about a mixed-gender dance group called Triangle, which once dominated the music scene but disbanded overnight due to an unexpected incident. The story follows their reckless challenge to seize a chance at revival 20 years later.'Wild Thing' premiered in theaters in June, featuring a storyline centered around a 2000s mixed-gender dance group, Y2K-inspired m July 31, 2026

Rika AI Selected as Supplier for 2026 AI Voucher Support Program Rika AI, a developer of AI-based recruitment solutions, has been selected as a supplier for the 2026 AI Voucher Support Program, aiming to expand AI human resources (HR) services for businesses.The AI Voucher Support Program assists companies wishing to implement artificial intelligence technologies by enabling them to utilize verified AI solutions for business innovation and digital transformation. With this selection, Rika AI has established a foundation to provide a broader range of AI-driven July 31, 2026

Hanwha Aerospace Surpasses 1 Trillion Won in Quarterly Operating Profit Hanwha Aerospace has entered a new era with quarterly operating profit surpassing 1 trillion won, driven by major export projects in Poland and other countries. The impact of a fire at its Daejeon factory on its performance has been limited.On July 31, Hanwha Aerospace reported consolidated sales of 9.2929 trillion won and operating profit of 1.3655 trillion won for the second quarter of this year. This marks a 47.2% increase in sales and a 58.5% increase in operating profit compared to the same July 31, 2026

Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je Announces Plans for Local Economic Growth Kim Seong-je, the mayor of Uiwang, emphasized on July 31 that the Uiwang Industrial Promotion Agency will serve as a vital hub for driving the growth of local businesses and revitalizing the regional economy. On this day, Mayor Kim announced that from July 31 to August 14, a survey targeting small and venture businesses in the area will be conducted to prepare effective support policies centered on business needs ahead of the agency's planned launch next year. This survey is part of Mayor K July 31, 2026

China Protests U.S. Ban on Robot Imports Amid Trade Tensions China's Vice Premier He Lifeng expressed strong regret during a phone call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen on July 30, following the announcement of a U.S. ban on imports of Chinese-made robots.According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, He and Bessen discussed the progress of recent U.S.-China economic and trade negotiations and addressed key economic issues between the two nations. This call marked the first high-level economic contact since the U.S.-China summit in May.During July 31, 2026

MG Dasum Volunteer Group Improves Living Conditions for Seniors The Saemaul Geumgo Central Association announced that the MG Dasum Volunteer Group visited households of lonely seniors to conduct housing improvement activities on July 31. This initiative was organized to support the enhancement of living conditions for vulnerable populations. The Saemaul Geumgo Central Association previously collaborated with the Hwajujeongwon Village Management Social Cooperative, selected for the 'MG Hope Sharing Social Solidarity Economy Organization Development Project' i July 31, 2026

China's 052D Destroyer Launches Hypersonic Missile, Heightening Threat to US Carriers China's 052D destroyer has demonstrated the capability to launch the hypersonic anti-ship missile YJ-20. Recent footage released by state broadcaster CCTV shows the 052D destroyer firing the YJ-20 from a vertical launch system (VLS). The missile ignited its engine in mid-air after leaving the VLS.The YJ-20, which made its debut during a military parade in Beijing last September, is China's latest hypersonic anti-ship missile. Military experts estimate its range at approximately 1,500 kilometers July 31, 2026