HLB Shares Rise 8% on FDA Approval Hopes for Cholangiocarcinoma Drug HLB is experiencing strong gains in early trading due to expectations surrounding FDA approval for its cholangiocarcinoma treatment. As of 9:30 a.m. on July 24, HLB shares were trading at 32,650 won, up 2,650 won (8.83%) from the previous trading day. The company announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Elevate Therapeutics, successfully completed a late-cycle meeting with the FDA regarding the approval review of the FGFR2-targeted cancer drug, liraglutide, without any significant issues. This me July 24, 2026

U.S. Maintains South Korea on Currency Monitoring List Amid Weak Won The U.S. government has kept South Korea on its currency monitoring list. According to a semiannual currency report submitted to Congress by the U.S. Treasury on July 23, South Korea is included in the list alongside China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. A total of 10 countries were listed, the same as in the January report. The Treasury evaluates major trading partners based on their trade surpluses with the U.S., the balance of payments from international transactions, and gov July 24, 2026

Dongkuk Pharmaceutical Launches Dermatology Advisory Group for Madecassol Labs Dongkuk Pharmaceutical is accelerating the development of its science-based dermatological brand, Madecassol Labs, in collaboration with a dermatology advisory group. The company aims to expand its existing dermatological business, centered around its Centellian24 line, into high-performance skincare products for hospitals and clinics.According to Dongkuk Pharmaceutical, the Madecassol Labs brand is being developed in partnership with a dermatology advisory group and is set to launch in the firs July 24, 2026

Xiaomi Launches Smart Band, Watch, and AIoT Products in South Korea Xiaomi is expanding its artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) product lineup in South Korea with the launch of smart bands, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and home cameras. The company is focusing on building an ecosystem that connects wearables, audio devices, and smart home products rather than just selling individual devices.Starting July 24, Xiaomi Korea announced that it will sell the 'Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro,' 'Redmi Buds 8,' 'Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm,' 'Xiaomi Smart Camera C500,' and 'Xi July 24, 2026

Min Hong-cheol, Kang Min-guk, and Lee Gi-heon to Attend Peru Presidential Inauguration President Lee Jae-myung will send a special envoy delegation to attend the inauguration of Peru's new president, Keiko Fujimori, on July 28.According to the Blue House on July 24, the delegation, consisting of Min Hong-cheol, chairman of the Korea-Peru Parliamentary Friendship Association, along with lawmakers Kang Min-guk and Lee Gi-heon, will explain the South Korean government's national philosophy and foreign policy to their Peruvian counterparts.The delegation plans to deliver a message fro July 24, 2026

Exchange Rate Fluctuates Around 1,470 Won Amid Middle East Tensions and Rising Oil Prices The won-dollar exchange rate is fluctuating around 1,470 won.As of 9:30 a.m. on July 24 in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stands at 1,471.7 won per U.S. dollar. The rate opened at 1,475.5 won, up 8.7 won from the previous session as of 6 a.m.The rate had dropped to 1,461.5 won the previous day but rose again during overnight trading. This increase is attributed to heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have led to rising international oil prices and a stronger dollar July 24, 2026

Daewoo Engineering Partners with KINX for Data Center Development Daewoo Engineering & Construction is collaborating with KINX, a specialist in data center operations, to engage in a comprehensive partnership for the development, construction, and operation of data centers.On July 23, Daewoo announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KINX at KINX's headquarters in Gwacheon.Attendees at the signing ceremony included Jeon Yong-soo, head of Daewoo's Architectural Division, Lee Sang-won, executive director, members of the Data Center Task Fo July 24, 2026

Yuhan Corporation to Enhance Shareholder Value by Retiring 425.3 Billion Won in Shares Yuhan Corporation has announced plans to retire over 400 billion won worth of its own shares to enhance shareholder value.The company disclosed on July 23 that its board of directors approved the retirement of shares valued at 425.3 billion won, with the retirement scheduled for July 31.A total of 6,064,420 shares will be retired, representing 7.5% of the company's total shares.Yuhan Corporation stated that the purpose of the share retirement is to improve shareholder value.Additionally, Yuhan C July 24, 2026

South Korea's Foreign Minister Meets EU and UK Counterparts to Address Global Issues South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin met with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the new UK Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, to discuss collaborative responses to global challenges.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Park held separate bilateral meetings on July 23 in Manila, Philippines, with Borrell and Miliband.During the Korea-EU Foreign Ministers' meeting, both sides evaluated the progress made in security, defense, July 24, 2026

Heavy Rain and Heat Wave Expected in Seoul and Gangwon Most regions are expected to experience hot weather. In Seoul and Gangwon, monsoon rains are forecasted, particularly in the northern areas.According to Yonhap News and the Korea Meteorological Administration, a stationary front has formed along the northern border, bringing rain to Seoul and Gangwon.Expected rainfall amounts are 10 to 60 mm in northern Gyeonggi, Incheon, the five western islands, northern inland Gangwon, and northern mountainous areas of Gangwon (with some places in northern in July 24, 2026