YG Entertainment shares rise on new album revenue SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) — Shares of YG Entertainment rose Friday after the K-pop agency reported a 31 percent jump in second-quarter operating profit, driven by new releases from its groups TREASURE and BABYMONSTER. As of 1:42 p.m., shares of the company were trading 1.11 percent higher at 41,050 won, after rising as much as 3.20 percent to an intraday high of 41,900 won. Operating profit for the April-June period rose 31.2 percent from a year earlier to 10.97 billion won ($7.3 million), August 7, 2026

Crest, ROBROS to test hot-swappable battery system for humanoid robots SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) - Crest, a South Korean developer of battery systems for industrial robots, has been selected to lead a government-backed project to test domestically developed components for humanoid robots, the company said Friday. Under the 2026 Demonstration Project for Humanoid Robot Components overseen by the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement, Crest will work with AI humanoid developer ROBROS to demonstrate a hot-swappable battery system and charging station for the IG August 7, 2026

Semiconductor parts maker Dongwon Parts seeks KOSDAQ listing SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) — South Korean semiconductor parts maker Dongwon Parts has launched its initial public offering (IPO) process, seeking a KOSDAQ listing after a sharp rise in earnings driven by stronger demand from global chip equipment makers. The company said Friday it submitted a preliminary listing application to the Korea Exchange (KRX), with Samsung Securities serving as the lead underwriter. Revenue rose to 92.3 billion won ($64.7 million) last year from 59.5 billion won a y August 7, 2026

KOSDAQ-listed processed meat producer seeks capital boost SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - KOSDAQ-listed processed meat producer Wing Yip Food said Thursday that its chairman and major shareholders will further increase their stakes by investing 20.8 billion won in newly issued shares to strengthen the company's capital base. According to a disclosure filed with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), its chairman, Wang Xiantao, purchased 18,355 shares the previous day at an average price of 1,148 won per share, spending about 21.1 million won entirely wi August 6, 2026

Kakao Games trims losses, eyes recovery with new lineup SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) — Shares of South Korean game developer Kakao Games fell Wednesday morning trading after the company reported lower second-quarter revenue, although its operating loss narrowed from the previous quarter. According to a filing with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Wednesday, the company posted revenue of 75.0 billion won ($54 million), down 35.2 percent from a year earlier, while its operating loss narrowed to 23.0 billion won from 25.5 billion won in the prev August 5, 2026

NEO Battery Materials to invest $62 million in Gimje battery hub SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - Canadian battery technology company NEO Battery Materials will invest $62 million to expand a production hub for next-generation batteries used in drones, defense systems and other high-performance applications in Gimje, North Jeolla Province. The company’s Korean subsidiary signed an investment agreement Tuesday with Jeonbuk State and the city of Gimje at its first factory in the Gimje Free Trade Zone. Under the agreement, NEO Battery Materials Korea will invest August 4, 2026

AI startup XIIlab's shares soar as new contract fuels earnings hopes SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence (AI) startup XIIlab saw its shares rise on the junior KOSDAQ on Tuesday. The stock closed at 11,020 won (US$7.93), up 17.23 percent from the previous session, after surging as much as 30 percent during the session to hit the daily price limit of 12,220 won. The rise came after the startup announced that it had signed a contract worth 30.7 billion won with BNINC, an AI infrastructure provider, to supply software for the National IT Industry Promoti August 4, 2026

BECUAI hits daily limit on return from capital reduction SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) — Shares of South Korean artificial intelligence (AI) data company BECUAI surged to the daily 30 percent trading limit on Tuesday as trading resumed following a capital reduction, while growing demand for licensed AI training data added to positive sentiment. The stock was trading at 2,990 won ($2.15), up 30 percent from the previous close Tuesday, according to the Korea Exchange. Trading resumed after the company reduced the number of outstanding shares to 6.29 mi August 4, 2026

Korea's 40C heat sends KOSDAQ-listed cooling appliance stocks soaring SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) — Cooling appliance stocks on South Korea's junior KOSDAQ market rallied Monday as record-breaking heat and prolonged tropical nights fueled demand for air conditioners, fans and dehumidifiers. Winix, which manufactures dehumidifiers and other home appliances, jumped 21.45 percent to close at 5,860 won. Paseco and Shinil Electronics, both known for electric fans and seasonal home appliances, gained 10.44 percent and 3.56 percent, respectively. SPG, a motor manuf August 3, 2026

Shift Up defends AI-made music video after gamer backlash SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Shift Up has defended a promotional music video created with generative artificial intelligence after players in Korea and abroad criticized its use of the technology and the quality of the finished product. The studio on July 31 released the song "Wanna be in LOVE" and an accompanying music video on social media, previewing a soundtrack for its forthcoming title "Stellar Blade: Blood Rain." The clip shows the game's August 3, 2026