Capital Group Increases Stake in KT&G from 5.6% to 7.2% The American asset management firm Capital Group has significantly increased its stake in KT&G. The surge in the overseas cigarette business and the anticipated strong shareholder return policy in the second half of the year are believed to have attracted the interest of global investors. According to a disclosure on June 9 from the Financial Supervisory Service, Capital Group now holds over 7.49 million shares of KT&G, raising its ownership stake to 7.21% of the total issued shares June 9, 2026

Fines for Repeat Offenders in Consumer Law Violations Doubled Businesses that repeatedly violate laws related to door-to-door sales, false and exaggerated advertising, and installment sales will face significantly increased fines. The reduction of fines previously granted for consumer compensation and cooperation during investigations will also be minimized.The Fair Trade Commission announced on June 9 that the revised enforcement decree for the so-called 'Consumer Protection Laws'—which include the Door-to-Door Sales Law, Advertising Law, and Installment June 9, 2026

Choi Jong-sik Discusses Voting Paper Shortage and Cooperation with Kang Hoon-sik Choi Jong-sik, elected as the Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly, met with Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff, and Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, on June 9 to discuss recent issues, including the shortage of voting papers and the confirmation hearing for the Prime Minister. Given Choi's affiliation with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction and his previous role as a political advisor to the president, legislative activities for the Lee administration's agenda are expected to g June 9, 2026

Government Supports Steel Industry's Green Transition and Restructuring The South Korean government is establishing a "Special Committee for Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Steel Industry," chaired by the Prime Minister, to support restructuring and the transition to eco-friendly, high-value-added steel production. The committee will set certification standards for low-carbon steel and facilitate business restructuring through exemptions under the Fair Trade Act. On June 9, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the enforcement decre June 9, 2026

Korea and U.S. Approve Special Law for Strategic Investment Cooperation The South Korean government is establishing a regulatory framework to facilitate strategic investment cooperation with the United States, aiming to promote a $200 billion investment project. On June 9, the Ministry of Finance announced that the Cabinet approved the enforcement decree for the Special Act on Strategic Investment between South Korea and the United States. This decree outlines the operational guidelines for the law, which will take effect on June 18, and details the procedur June 9, 2026

France and Germany Abandon Joint Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jet France and Germany have abandoned their joint development project for a next-generation fighter jet. However, they will continue with other projects, including drone systems, and will maintain the existing project name. On June 8, the Élysée Palace announced that the two countries could no longer pursue the joint development of the next-generation fighter jet, a key component of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). According to Reuters, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President June 9, 2026

Alteogen Shares Surge 12% Following ALT-B4 European Patent Grant Alteogen is experiencing a surge of over 12% following the news of the European patent grant for its key platform substance, ALT-B4. As of 11:10 a.m. on June 9, shares of Alteogen were trading at 324,500 won, up 35,000 won (12.09%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange. The improved investor sentiment is attributed to the European Patent Office's decision to grant a patent for the company's recombinant human hyaluronidase, ALT-B4. Alteogen announced that it r June 9, 2026

Surge in Semiconductor Industry Fuels Intense Competition for Specialized Programs As the semiconductor industry continues to thrive, competition for admission to specialized programs linked to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is intensifying. Industry analysts predict that the cutoff scores for these semiconductor contract programs could reach levels comparable to those of medical schools in the upcoming college admissions cycle. According to Yonhap News on June 9, an analysis by Megastudy Education of the June mock exam results suggests that the expected score fo June 9, 2026

DK Asia and Kim & Chang Partner for Royal Park City Development in Incheon DK Asia has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kim & Chang to advance the Royal Park City Phase 2 development project in Incheon’s Geomdan district. On June 8, DK Asia announced that it had entered into an agreement with Kim & Chang for the successful execution of the 2.6 million square meter, 16,800-unit development project. The agreement focuses on establishing a strategic cooperation framework that encompasses the entire project, including permits, municipal cost negotiatio June 9, 2026

SK Bioscience Advances Development of Rotavirus Vaccine with CDC Technology SK Bioscience has begun developing a rotavirus vaccine in collaboration with global health organizations. On June 9, SK Bioscience announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the development of an injectable rotavirus vaccine. This agreement allows the company to utilize the CDC's technology for injectable rotavirus vaccine candidates to enhance production processes. Once the process development is complete, the co June 9, 2026