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Power Distribution Market Thrives Amid AI Data Center Boom as Gaon Cable Secures Contracts The power distribution market, which supplies electricity to data centers, is emerging as a new growth sector. As demand for data centers from global big tech companies surges, the number of long-term supply contracts for power-related companies is increasing.According to industry sources, Gaon Cable's U.S. subsidiary LSCUS has secured a series of long-term supply contracts worth trillions of won for bus ducts with global big tech firms.This indicates that LSCUS has entered the core supply chains of these major companies. Typically, big tech firms select two to three key suppliers to establish long-term supply agreements.AI data centers have a significantly higher power density compared to regular data centers, necessitating a stable supply of large amounts of power to thousands of GPU servers. This underscores the growing importance of power distribution systems.Moreover, the capability of internal power distribution within data centers is becoming a critical factor in determining the competitiveness of AI infrastructure.Bus ducts are a key power distribution product, serving as the conduit for delivering electricity to servers and racks within data centers, akin to the circulatory system of an AI data center.They are recognized as essential infrastructure for AI data centers because they can distribute large amounts of power reliably while minimizing energy loss.Bus ducts also offer advantages over traditional cables, such as shorter installation times and easier expansion of power supply lines when adding servers. Their utility is particularly high in facilities with dense power requirements, like AI data centers.The global market has been dominated by a few European companies, including ABB, Siemens, and Schneider Electric. Recently, LSCUS has been rapidly expanding its presence within the supply chains of global big tech firms.Given that power infrastructure for data centers can lead to significant losses in the event of power failures, vendor registration and quality verification are essential for clients. Factors such as years of accumulated supply performance, responsiveness to delivery schedules, and design capabilities are critical evaluation criteria.An industry insider noted, "Bus ducts are not products that can be supplied immediately just because they have received certification. While supply shortages are intensifying, actual benefits are concentrated among companies that have verified quality and supply performance."Meanwhile, Gaon Cable is expanding its supply of cables for U.S. AI data center power networks while also growing its bus duct business through LSCUS. The company has established a business structure that supplies both external power networks and internal power distribution solutions for data centers.A power industry source stated, "The key to AI data centers is not only semiconductors but also stable power supply. Recently, market interest has shifted from semiconductors to power networks and power distribution infrastructure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 09:04:00 -
Woojinsanjon Develops Next-Generation Electric Bus with 420 km Range 국내 철도 제작기업 우진산전이 주행거리 420㎞급 전기 저상좌석버스 개발에 나선다. 국책 연구개발(R&D) 사업을 통해 경북 김천에서 주행거리와 안전성을 높인 차세대 전기버스를 개발하고 핵심 부품을 국산화한다. Woojinsanjon, a domestic railway manufacturing company, is set to develop a low-floor electric bus with a range of 420 kilometers. The company will enhance the bus's range and safety through a national research and development (R&D) project based in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, while also localizing key components. On June 25, Woojinsanjon announced that it has been selected for a national R&D project under the regional innovation cluster development initiative led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korea Industrial Technology Association, and the North Gyeongsang Province Industrial Promotion Agency. The project is valued at 10.1 billion won (approximately $8.5 million) and focuses on developing an eco-friendly low-floor electric bus. The research project aims to create a 420-kilometer range low-floor electric bus equipped with high-safety core components designed for individuals with mobility challenges. It will focus on developing three key technologies: an AI-based battery pack, an 800V silicon carbide (SiC) power module, and a wide low-floor bus platform. The project will run from this year until 2030. Since launching its electric bus production facility in Gimcheon in March 2024, Woojinsanjon has established a lineup of electric buses ranging from 9-meter community buses to 12-meter charter buses. Through this project, the company plans to introduce a proprietary model that enhances passenger convenience and safety, incorporating universal design features for wheelchair accessibility and a cybersecurity system to improve safety for individuals with mobility challenges. Localization of key components is also a primary goal. Currently, domestic eco-friendly buses rely heavily on imported parts such as batteries and power modules. Woojinsanjon aims to localize these components to ensure stability in the future vehicle parts supply chain and enhance technological independence. To facilitate the smooth progress of the project, local automotive parts companies, including Gyeongbuk IT Convergence Industry Technology Institute, Gyeongbuk Automotive Embedded Research Institute, Gyeongbuk Technopark, HS Hae Sung, Phoenix Tech, EcoCap, Future EV, and GKR, will also participate collaboratively. Industry experts expect this initiative to contribute to building an eco-friendly mobility ecosystem by conducting everything from parts development to vehicle testing locally. A Woojinsanjon representative stated, "This project holds significant meaning in ensuring the mobility rights of individuals with disabilities and establishing a model for regional coexistence. We aim to successfully lead this project to pioneer technological innovation in the eco-friendly commercial vehicle sector and present a successful regional standard business model." Meanwhile, Woojinsanjon has entered the eco-friendly public transportation market with the launch of its Apollo series of electric buses. As of last year, the cumulative production of electric buses exceeded 1,200 units.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 09:00:00 -
Korean Air's SKYPASS Wins Best Airline Membership for Fourth Consecutive Year Korean Air's SKYPASS has been recognized as the most beloved airline membership program by consumers. On June 24, Korean Air announced that it received the top award in the airline membership category at the 2026 National Service Awards ceremony. This achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that SKYPASS has won this honor since 2023. Celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year, SKYPASS is Korean Air's loyalty program that allows members to earn miles through flights with Korean Air and its partners, receiving elite status based on their mileage accumulation. In this year's evaluation, SKYPASS received positive feedback for its customer-centric policies, which include distinguished services for elite members, a wide range of mileage redemption options, and reasonable promotions, as well as a mileage hybrid payment service. Korean Air has continuously expanded the options for using miles to enhance customer convenience. Notable offerings include the 'Bonus Hot Pick,' which provides mileage discounts for customers purchasing bonus tickets through the website and mobile app, and the 'Cash & Miles' service that allows customers to pay part of their airfare with miles when purchasing regular tickets. A Korean Air representative stated, "We plan to introduce new products and services to ensure customers can conveniently use their miles and will continue to run various promotions." Meanwhile, Korean Air is accelerating efforts to enhance customer service competitiveness ahead of the launch of its merged airline with Asiana Airlines on December 17 of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 09:00:00 -
Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Venezuela, Causing Building Collapses and Power Outages A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela, centered around the capital city of Caracas, leading to building collapses and power outages. According to Yonhap News, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred on June 24 at 5:56 PM local time near Montalbán in central-northern Venezuela, with an estimated depth of 13 kilometers. Residents in Caracas felt strong tremors and rushed outside for safety. Some apartment buildings sustained cracks in their outer walls, and glass windows at entrances were shattered. Footage from the scene showed firefighters responding to significant damage on the exteriors of several buildings. Reports indicated that power outages and internet disruptions occurred in some areas immediately following the quake. Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of the Interior, stated that tremors were felt in various regions, and concerning situations arose in the Altamira area of Caracas, where homes and buildings collapsed. Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for nearby Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also cautioned that dangerous tsunamis could affect islands near the Venezuelan coast, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the earthquake caused casualties and property damage in Caracas, though the exact extent of the damage has not yet been officially assessed. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:56:00 -
Democratic Party Urges Immediate Assignment of 18 Committee Chairs The Democratic Party has called on National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik to immediately assign 18 committee chairs. The party emphasized that if the People Power Party fails to submit the list of committee members by June 26, it may proceed to hold a plenary session this week to handle the matter under its leadership. During a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly on June 25, Han Byung-do, the acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "The National Assembly Act clearly stipulates that the Speaker can appoint committee members at his discretion." Han further stressed, "We must hold a plenary session this week and complete the election of committee chairs. This is the fastest and clearest path forward." Chun Jun-ho, the party's deputy floor leader, added, "The National Assembly has been in a state of complete paralysis for a month. The People Power Party is violating the National Assembly Act. They must submit the list by tomorrow." He also criticized the People Power Party's demand for the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee, stating, "Such a demand is unreasonable. The Democratic Party will no longer tolerate the paralysis of the National Assembly." Meanwhile, the Democratic Party plans to monopolize the 18 committees if the People Power Party does not submit the list by the deadline. In response, the People Power Party has expressed opposition, claiming that the Speaker's proposal is unilateral. Should the Democratic Party proceed with the committee formation, tensions between the two parties are expected to escalate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:56:00 -
NCSOFT's 'Lineage 2M' Launches in China, Tops App Store Charts NCSOFT's massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) 'Lineage 2M' has quickly risen to the top of the popularity rankings in the Chinese App Store following its launch. NCSOFT announced that 'Lineage 2M' began its service in China at 9 a.m. on June 24 (Korea time). The game is titled 'Heaven 2: Covenant' (天堂2: 盟约) in China, with local publishing handled by Tencent Games. Immediately after its release, 'Lineage 2M' secured the number one spot on the Chinese Apple App Store. Tencent Games initially launched the game with 12 servers but quickly expanded to 24 additional servers due to high user demand, bringing the total to 36 servers currently in operation. Before the launch in China, NCSOFT conducted a closed beta test (CBT) with around 50,000 participants to tailor content to local user preferences and ensure service stability. Industry analysts believe that the extensive localization process for 'Lineage 2M' has successfully attracted users in the early stages of its release, enhancing its potential for success in the competitive Chinese gaming market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:56:00 -
Micron Reports Record Earnings, Stock Surges 12% Amid AI Memory Demand Micron Technology, a U.S. memory semiconductor company, reported record quarterly earnings driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Following the announcement, Micron's stock surged over 12% in after-hours trading, contributing to a broader rally in semiconductor shares. On June 24, according to Investing.com and other sources, Micron reported third-quarter revenue for fiscal year 2026 of $41.46 billion, with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $25.11. These figures exceeded market expectations of $35.69 billion in revenue and $20.49 EPS by 16.2% and 22.6%, respectively. Immediately after the earnings release, Micron's stock rose approximately 12.6% to around $1,180. It closed at $1,047.20 during regular trading hours. The positive results also spurred buying across the semiconductor sector. SanDisk and Western Digital saw their stocks rise by about 10% in after-hours trading, while Qualcomm jumped over 12%. AMD and Intel experienced gains in the 3% range, and NVIDIA also saw a slight increase. This strong performance is attributed to a rapid increase in demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and DRAM, fueled by investments in AI data centers. The ongoing competition to build AI servers has led to a memory supply shortage, driving up prices and boosting Micron's revenue and profitability. Micron also provided an optimistic outlook for the next quarter, projecting revenue between $49 billion and $51 billion, with an adjusted EPS of $30 to $32. Additionally, Micron announced it has secured strategic supply agreements worth $22 billion with its customers. The remaining contractual obligations amount to approximately $100 billion, covering data centers, consumer products, and the automotive market. This indicates a strong push from major clients to secure memory supplies in a tight market. However, volatility in semiconductor stocks remains a concern. Previously, semiconductor shares experienced significant declines due to fears of overheating in AI investments and profit-taking pressures, and Micron faced substantial adjustments before its earnings announcement. The market will likely focus on future trends in HBM pricing, the pace of supply expansion, and the actual profitability of long-term supply contracts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:52:00 -
Daol Investment Securities Raises Target Price for PharmaResearch Amid Strong Sales Outlook Daol Investment Securities announced on June 25 that it expects PharmaResearch to exceed market expectations with strong sales growth, raising its target price to 540,000 won while maintaining a "buy" rating. Park Jong-hyun, a researcher at Daol Investment Securities, stated in a report that "investments in branding and marketing for Rejuran have led to growth in the cosmetics sector." He noted that spending in dermatology for medical tourism reached 140.8 billion won in April and 145.2 billion won in May, marking year-on-year increases of 63% and 86%, respectively, setting new records. Park added that the upward trend in dermatology spending, driven by inbound tourism and domestic asset effects, is expected to continue. Despite concerns about increased competition, Park highlighted that PharmaResearch maintained its market share. He reported that sales growth is expanding, with medical device exports reaching 26.7 billion won, a 10% increase year-on-year and a 26% increase quarter-on-quarter, indicating improved performance due to expansion in European markets. He also pointed out that the increase in business-to-consumer (B2C) sales from inbound tourism and growth in health and beauty (H&B) channel sales contributed to the company's performance. Park anticipates that sales growth will be supported by the expansion into U.S. and Chinese Sephora channels, alongside increasing sales in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. While he expects a slight decline in operating profit margin due to marketing investments, he remains optimistic about recovery through operational leverage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:48:00 -
Dunamu Launches Industry-First Spot ETF Trend Service Dunamu announced on June 25 that it has launched a "Spot Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Trend" service.A spot ETF is an ETF based on underlying assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH). ETFs are financial products traded on stock exchanges like stocks, and spot ETFs are designed to track the price movements of actual underlying assets rather than futures contracts.This is the first time that digital asset spot ETF indicators have been provided in South Korea. Following the approval of BTC and ETH spot ETFs in the United States in 2024, the trend of spot ETFs has become a key indicator for gauging the flow of institutional finance into the digital asset market.Recently, major financial institutions such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs have disclosed their holdings of BTC and ETH spot ETFs, accelerating participation from traditional finance. This has made it a crucial metric for understanding investment demand from large institutions, market sentiment, and supply-demand changes.However, domestic investors have faced barriers to access, as they could only obtain data through overseas platforms. To address this, Dunamu has developed a service that allows domestic investors to compare key ETF supply indicators in a Korean-language environment through Upbit Data Lab.The Upbit Data Lab's spot ETF trend service provides information on △ETF fund inflow △52-week highs and lows △cumulative net inflow of ETF funds △assets under management (AUM) of ETFs △holdings of Bitcoin and Ethereum in ETFs.The service aggregates data on eight types of BTC spot ETFs and seven types of ETH spot ETFs.In the future, Upbit Data Lab plans to expand coverage to include Solana (SOL) and XRP spot ETFs, as well as gradually add unique analytical indicators that combine ETF fund flows with global market data.Kim Dae-hyun, Chief Data Officer (CDO) of Dunamu, stated, "Digital asset spot ETFs have established themselves as a representative indicator of institutional demand, but it has been difficult to access detailed information in South Korea. We expect that this spot ETF trend service will enable domestic users to easily grasp global market trends."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:48:00 -
NH Investment & Securities Maintains Buy Rating on EcoPro BM Amid Expansion Plans NH Investment & Securities maintained its "Buy" rating on EcoPro BM on June 25, reflecting expectations for increased production capacity in Europe and investments in Indonesia's MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precursor). However, the firm lowered its target price from 280,000 won to 240,000 won, a 14% decrease, due to a rise in the risk-free interest rate from 3.0% to 3.6%. Research analyst Jumin Woo from NH Investment & Securities noted that the introduction of the European Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA) is expected to benefit the company. EcoPro BM is projected to supply cathode materials for Samsung SDI's prismatic batteries for Mercedes-Benz and BMW's 46-pipe batteries from its Hungary factory. Production effects from new volume models such as Hyundai's EV2 and Ioniq 3 are anticipated to begin in the second half of the year. The possibility of expanding the second factory in Hungary is also being discussed, depending on collaboration with CATL. Additionally, it is understood that EcoPro BM is considering equity investment in the BNSI MHP plant in Indonesia alongside its parent company. NH Investment & Securities estimates that if this project is reflected in consolidated results, it could generate annual sales of approximately 2 trillion won and an operating profit of around 400 billion won based on current MHP prices. Consequently, the forecast for operating profit in 2028 could increase by more than 100% compared to previous estimates. For the second quarter, EcoPro BM's performance is expected to slightly exceed market expectations. Revenue is projected at 718.8 billion won, an 8% decrease compared to the same period last year but a 19% increase from the previous quarter, while operating profit is expected to remain positive at 24.4 billion won. The lead analyst stated, "Sales of cathode materials for small batteries to Samsung SDI remain robust, and production of NCMA for new electric vehicle models in Europe has begun. In the second half, plans for funding related to the Hungary expansion and MHP investment will be clarified."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 08:48:00