Shinhan Asset Management's Kim Jung-hyun: Semiconductor Leadership Continues in H2 Kim Jung-hyun, head of the ETF business group at Shinhan Asset Management, predicts that the leadership of artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors in the stock market will continue in the second half of the year. However, he advises that due to expected increased volatility, investors should consider balanced investments using income-generating assets such as high-dividend and financial stocks. In an interview with Aju Economy on July 22, Kim stated, "The leadership of semiconductors will p July 23, 2026

Samsung Semiconductor Division to Implement ChatGPT Enterprise for Enhanced AI Use Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division is set to introduce the enterprise version of the generative artificial intelligence (AI) service, ChatGPT Enterprise, by the end of this month. Following an internal data leak incident in 2023, Samsung's semiconductor division had maintained a cautious approach toward the use of external generative AI. The decision to apply enterprise AI in actual operations marks a significant shift. Instead of completely blocking generative AI, the divisio July 23, 2026

Samsung E&A Reports 51% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Samsung E&A announced on July 23 that it recorded sales of 2.6093 trillion won, an operating profit of 273.1 billion won, and a net profit of 182.5 billion won for the second quarter of 2026. Compared to the same period last year, sales, operating profit, and net profit increased by 19.8%, 51.0%, and 28.8%, respectively. New orders for the second quarter reached 3 trillion won.For the first half of the year, Samsung E&A reported sales of 4.8767 trillion won, an operating profit of 461.3 billion July 23, 2026

Debate Erupts Over Sungsimdang's 'Priority Pass' for Pregnant Customers Daejeon's renowned bakery, Sungsimdang, is facing an online debate over its 'priority pass' system for pregnant customers.Recently, a post titled 'I'm Angry About Sungsimdang's Priority Pass for Pregnant Women' appeared on an online community. The author, identified as A, expressed frustration, stating, 'I waited in line for 80 minutes, but pregnant women were allowed to enter immediately. They already receive many benefits, and I don't like that they carry documents showing their due dates to t July 23, 2026

Lee Jae-Yong and Chung Eui-Sun Join Global AI Forum Led by Jensen Huang Lee Jae-Yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chung Eui-Sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, have been appointed as advisory members of a global artificial intelligence forum led by Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA.According to U.S. digital media outlet Semafor on July 23, the two leaders have been nominated to the advisory board of the Global CEO Forum 'Silicon Valley & the World,' which will take place in Silicon Valley this November.The forum aims to connect business leaders developing A July 23, 2026

Korean Growth Fund Provides $1.3 Billion Low-Interest Loan to LG Display The government is launching a significant policy financing initiative to revitalize the display industry amid intense technological competition. According to industry sources on July 23, the National Growth Fund's proposal for a 1.3 trillion won low-interest loan to LG Display has recently passed its first investment review committee. This project will combine the National Growth Fund loan with LG Display's own capital of 1.5 trillion won and a private syndicate loan of 200 billion won, to July 23, 2026

U.S. Tariff Policy Faces New Challenges Amid Trade Agreement Concerns The U.S. tariff policy has reached another turning point. Following a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that halted country-specific tariffs, the Trump administration has invoked Trade Law 301 as a new tool for tariffs. An additional 12.5% tariff has been announced for South Korea, citing insufficient measures to block imports of products made with forced labor. With the potential for further tariffs due to structural overproduction, it is difficult to rule out exceeding the agreed 15% between So July 23, 2026

South Korea's Economy Grows 0.6% in Second Quarter, Driven by Semiconductor Sector In the second quarter of this year, South Korea's economy grew by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter. This figure is three times higher than the Bank of Korea's initial forecast of 0.2%. Following a 1.8% growth in the first quarter, this marks two consecutive quarters of growth, showcasing the resilience of the South Korean economy amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising international oil prices, and U.S. tariff pressures.However, it would be a mistake to assume that the economy July 23, 2026

Trade Commission Recommends Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Butyl Acrylate The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Commission has recommended that the Ministry of Economy and Finance impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate. This comes as investigations into dumping of cold-rolled steel sheets and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspension resin have also begun, indicating an expansion of trade remedy measures concerning Chinese materials and chemical products.During its 475th meeting on July 23, the Trade Commission reviewed and approved six cases, inc July 23, 2026

Lotte Chilsung's Soonhari Jin Surpasses Last Year's Sales in Just Six Months Lotte Chilsung Beverage's ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol brand, Soonhari Jin, has surpassed last year's total sales in just the first half of this year.On July 23, Lotte Chilsung Beverage announced that Soonhari Jin recorded sales of 17 billion won in the first half of the year, exceeding last year's annual sales of 16.2 billion won within just six months.If the current trend continues, the company anticipates that Soonhari Jin's annual sales will more than double compared to the previous year. Si July 23, 2026