Netmarble Reports 6.8% Increase in Q1 Operating Profit, Eyes Growth with New Releases Netmarble reported increases in both revenue and operating profit for the first quarter of this year, driven by new game releases. The company plans to continue its growth trajectory with five major new titles set to launch in the second half of the year. On May 7, Netmarble announced its consolidated revenue for Q1 reached 651.7 billion won, with an operating profit of 53.1 billion won, marking increases of 4.5% and 6.8%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The growth was attributed to the successful launch of new games like 'Stone Age: Grow' and 'The Seven Deadly Sins: Origins,' although their contributions were limited as they were released at the end of March. Netmarble's net profit also rose due to gains from the sale of its stake in HYBE. The company anticipates that revenue growth will accelerate in Q2 as new game sales begin to reflect more fully. Internationally, Netmarble's Q1 overseas revenue reached 512.2 billion won, accounting for 79% of total sales. North America led with 41%, followed by South Korea at 21%, Europe at 13%, Southeast Asia at 12%, Japan at 7%, and other regions at 6%. Marketing expenses surged to 168.2 billion won, a 47.3% increase year-on-year, reflecting heightened promotional activities for new titles. Conversely, personnel costs decreased due to staff reductions, and commission fees fell as the share of revenue from proprietary intellectual property games increased. Looking ahead, Netmarble expects to see the full impact of new releases starting in Q2. The company will launch the PC version of 'Game of Thrones: King's Road' in Asia on May 14, followed by the mobile version on May 21, and a new MMORPG titled 'Soul: Enchant' in June. In the second half of the year, Netmarble plans to maintain an aggressive release strategy, introducing five new titles sequentially, including 'Solo Leveling: Karma,' 'Shangri-La Frontier: Seven Strongest Species,' 'Project Octopus,' 'Evilbane,' and 'Project Aegis.' Kim Byung-kyu, CEO of Netmarble, stated, "The first quarter saw limited revenue contributions from major new releases due to their late launch, but we achieved growth in both revenue and operating profit compared to last year, indicating stable business fundamentals. With a diversified portfolio where 79% of revenue comes from international markets, we expect significant growth and improved profitability starting in Q2 as new game sales take effect."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 22:00:35

LG HelloVision Reports 1st Quarter Operating Profit of 5.1 Billion Won, Down 28.4% Year-on-Year LG HelloVision reported declines in both revenue and operating profit for the first quarter of this year, impacted by a stagnant pay TV market and a reduction in its educational smart device business. However, the company achieved a return to profitability compared to the previous quarter due to the resolution of one-time costs related to voluntary retirements. In a preliminary earnings report released on May 7, LG HelloVision announced consolidated revenue of 255.4 billion won, operating profit of 5.1 billion won, and net profit of 3 billion won for the first quarter. Revenue fell by 18.5% and operating profit decreased by 28.4% compared to the same period last year. The revenue decline reflects the contraction in the educational smart device sector and a slowdown in the pay TV industry. Adjustments to the portfolio as part of a focused strategy in regional businesses also contributed to the drop. Operating profit improved by 13 billion won from the previous quarter, marking a return to profitability. This was largely due to the elimination of one-time costs associated with voluntary retirements recorded in the fourth quarter of last year. By business segment, broadcasting revenue was 120.2 billion won, internet revenue was 33.8 billion won, and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) revenue was 36.8 billion won. The rental business generated 40.9 billion won, while regional businesses, including media and B2B transactions, accounted for 22.5 billion won. Broadcasting and MVNO revenues fell by 2.1% and 5.4%, respectively, year-on-year. The broadcasting segment saw slight declines due to reduced video-on-demand (VOD) sales, although targeted products like technology-neutral offerings and student-specific plans helped maintain subscriber competitiveness. The MVNO segment faced revenue drops due to intensified competition among telecom companies offering low-cost plans. Conversely, the rental segment experienced a 27.2% increase in revenue to 40.9 billion won, driven by rising demand for popular products among younger consumers, such as robot vacuums and LG's StandbyME. Regional businesses recorded a revenue decline of 45.3% to 22.5 billion won due to portfolio adjustments. Kim Young-jun, CFO and CRO of LG HelloVision, stated, "Despite stagnation in the pay TV market, we focused on operational efficiency and business stabilization. We aim to secure a sustainable growth foundation through improved profitability and solid operations." Last year, LG HelloVision reported consolidated revenue of 1.2657 trillion won and operating profit of 18.7 billion won, marking increases of 5.8% and 39.0%, respectively. However, in the fourth quarter, the company recorded revenue of 299.5 billion won and an operating loss of 7.9 billion won, attributed to one-time costs related to voluntary retirements.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:58:50

KOSPI Hits Record High, Closes Above 7,490 Amid Semiconductor Rally The KOSPI index closed at 7,490.05, marking a new all-time high, driven by strong performances from major semiconductor stocks. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the gains, supported by significant buying from individual and institutional investors. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI rose by 105.49 points (1.43%) to finish at 7,490.05. It opened at 7,499.07, up 114.51 points (1.55%), and later surpassed the previous intraday record of 7,426.60. In the securities market, individuals and institutions purchased a net 5.99 trillion won and 1.05 trillion won, respectively, driving the index higher, while foreign investors sold a net 7.17 trillion won. Most large-cap stocks showed gains, including Samsung Electronics (up 2.82%), SK Hynix (up 4.06%), and Hyundai Motor (up 3.64%). However, LG Energy Solution (-0.10%) and Hanwha Aerospace (-7.40%) closed lower. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The domestic market showed signs of stabilization after a sharp rise over two trading days. Amid expectations for peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, sector rotation is occurring, with large semiconductor stocks leading the upward trend in the afternoon session." Conversely, the KOSDAQ index fell by 10.99 points (0.91%) to close at 1,199.18. It opened at 1,210.83, up 0.66 points (0.05%), but later declined after reaching a high of 1,219.58. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors bought a net 169.4 billion won, while individuals and institutions sold a net 12.3 billion won and 135 billion won, respectively. The performance of large-cap stocks was mixed. EcoPro BM (up 3.28%), Kolon TissueGene (up 10.62%), and LG Chem (up 3.28%) saw gains, while EcoPro (-1.97%), Alteogen (-1.24%), and Rainbow Robotics (-0.43%) declined.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:57:09

Rebidding for Yebyeol Insurance This Month as Heungkuk Fire Insurance Considers Bidding Yebyeol Insurance (formerly MG Insurance) may undergo a rebidding process this month, with Heungkuk Fire Insurance reportedly considering participation. The previous bidding failed due to a lack of competition, as only Korea Investment Holdings submitted a bid. If Heungkuk Fire Insurance enters the bidding, it could alter the dynamics of the sale. As of May 7, financial sources indicate that Heungkuk Fire Insurance is internally evaluating its potential involvement in the rebidding. The Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) has been gauging interest from potential bidders, prompting Heungkuk Fire Insurance to explore its options. Yebyeol Insurance has faced multiple failed sales attempts. After KDIC established it as a bridge insurance company, the initial bidding failed to attract sufficient competition. Preliminary bidders Hana Financial Group and JC Flower did not participate in the main bidding. KDIC plans to confirm interest from potential buyers before making a final decision on the rebidding, which is likely to occur this month. Heungkuk Fire Insurance's interest in acquiring Yebyeol Insurance was previously mentioned earlier this year, but Taekwang Group, its parent company, denied the rumors at that time. However, the current atmosphere suggests a change, with KDIC actively seeking to expand the pool of candidates and Heungkuk Fire Insurance reportedly taking the evaluation process more seriously. Taekwang Group's recent aggressive approach to mergers and acquisitions supports this interpretation. Notably, it participated in the main bidding for Aegis Asset Management last November, demonstrating its intent to grow despite facing competition from private equity firms. The consideration of acquiring Yebyeol Insurance aligns with its strategy to leverage synergies within its financial subsidiaries. If Heungkuk Fire Insurance proceeds with a bid, it would fundamentally change the nature of the sale. While the previous focus was on expanding the non-banking portfolio of financial groups, the entry of an insurance company would highlight market share expansion and the absorption of insurance contracts. For Heungkuk Fire Insurance, acquiring Yebyeol Insurance presents a significant opportunity for rapid growth. As of the end of last year, Heungkuk Fire Insurance's total assets stood at 12.5 trillion won, with a market share of 3.3%. Adding Yebyeol Insurance's assets of around 4 trillion won could elevate its total assets to the high 16 trillion won range and increase its market share to approximately 4.5%. While closing the gap with the top five companies may be challenging, it would enhance its position among mid-sized insurers. However, this transaction differs from typical growth-oriented mergers and acquisitions. The KDIC's support is estimated at around 500 billion won, and the acquiring party may need to inject at least an additional 500 billion won to meet solvency requirements. This indicates that the deal involves more than just expanding size. An industry insider noted, "Considering asset soundness and additional capital burdens, they may withdraw if conditions are not favorable. The extent to which KDIC alleviates the acquirer's burden will be crucial for the success of the rebidding."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:54:53

SK Telecom Shifts Focus to High-Value Subscribers to Regain Market Share SK Telecom (SKT) announced its strategy to focus on acquiring high-value subscribers to recover market share. On May 7, Baek Byung-chan, head of SKT's Mobile Network Operations, stated during a first-quarter earnings conference call, "We will avoid the wasteful competition of simply increasing subscriber numbers and instead concentrate on securing high-LTV subscribers to balance profitability and market share." He added that the company plans to enhance its sales channel competitiveness and implement new target segmentation to drive natural market share growth. According to SKT, the company started the year with approximately 980,000 fewer subscribers compared to the previous year but recorded a net gain of 208,000 subscribers in the first quarter. SKT also expressed its commitment to improving annual performance. Chief Financial Officer Park Jong-seok noted, "We are seeing a recovery in customer trust and a transition to net subscriber growth in the telecommunications sector," emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in internal operations, including call centers. He stated that expanding the AI Data Center (AIDC) business would help elevate annual performance beyond previous levels. In the first quarter, SKT reported consolidated revenue of 4.3923 trillion won and operating profit of 537.6 billion won, marking a 1.4% decrease in revenue and a 5.3% decline in operating profit compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:53:43

May Theatrical Releases Feature Diverse Genre Films May will see a surge of genre films in theaters, ranging from horror comedies to zombie thrillers and sci-fi adventures. Audiences can expect a mix of fear, laughter, survival narratives, and expansions of global franchises. The first notable release is 'Teaching Practicum,' debuting on May 13. This high school horror comedy follows enthusiastic trainee teacher Eun-kyung as she faces a supernatural exam against a ghost. Directed by Kim Min-ha, known for 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' the film has already garnered attention by winning awards at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. The cast includes Han Sun-hwa, Hong Ye-ji, Lee Yeo-reum, Lee Hwa-won, and Yoo Seon-ho, promising a comedic horror ensemble. Another highly anticipated film is 'Goonche,' directed by Yeon Sang-ho. Set to release on May 27, it depicts survivors in a quarantined building battling evolving infected beings amid an unidentified outbreak. Unlike traditional zombies, these creatures communicate and adapt, offering a fresh take on horror. Yeon, known for 'Train to Busan' and 'Hellbound,' is expected to expand his unique narrative style. 'Goonche' has already gained attention as an official selection for the Midnight Screenings at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The film features a strong cast, including Jeon Ji-hyun, returning to the screen after 11 years, alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo. Also releasing on May 27 is 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' a blockbuster sci-fi adventure that follows bounty hunter Din Djarin and Grogu on a life-changing mission. This film expands the universe of the popular Disney+ series, attracting significant attention from fans. Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the script with Dave Filoni, the film maintains the franchise's authenticity. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin, joined by Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, who recently won Golden Globe awards. As 'Teaching Practicum,' 'Goonche,' and 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' hit theaters, it remains to be seen if they can sustain the box office momentum established by previous hits like 'The King and the Man,' 'Salmon Fishing,' and 'Super Mario Galaxy.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:52:15

NIS: North Korea's Constitution Affirms Two States but Reduces Hostility The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on May 7 that North Korea's constitutional amendments clarify the existence of two states but significantly reduce hostility towards South Korea. After a meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, ruling party lawmaker Park Sun-won stated that the NIS provided an assessment of the new constitution. According to Park, the NIS noted that while the new constitution establishes a territorial clause stating that North Korea's territory includes areas adjacent to South Korea, it does not label South Korea as an enemy or mention the need to subdue it during wartime. The NIS also indicated that although there is a clause asserting the inviolability of territory adjacent to South Korea, there are no hostile statements directed at the South. Park added that the NIS interprets the constitutional changes as a clear indication of North Korea's separation from South Korea, emphasizing that this reflects a focus on maintaining the status quo rather than aggressive actions. Additionally, the NIS reported that references to the achievements of former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in state-building and unification have been removed, consolidating Kim Jong-un's leadership authority. The revised constitution, released the previous day, includes a new clause stating that the chairman of the State Affairs Commission has command over North Korea's nuclear forces. Lee Jong-suk, the NIS director, explained that this clause serves as a clear declaration that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear arsenal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:47:13

Daiso Becomes New Hub for 'Phone Number Fishing' Incidents The practice of 'phone number fishing,' previously common in nightlife areas, is reportedly spreading to discount stores like Daiso, sparking controversy. According to a report by Newsis, an online community post described an incident where a woman, referred to as A, was approached by a man asking for her phone number while she was shopping at Daiso. The man commented on her skin and insisted that he liked her style before requesting her number. A expressed her discomfort and declined, but the man persisted, blocking her path and saying, "If you give me your number, I’ll let you go." Following the encounter, A remarked, "It seems that phone fishing has reached Daiso now." After researching the issue, A discovered that Daiso is gaining notoriety as a new hotspot for such incidents, with online discussions suggesting that women shopping for affordable cosmetics are often judged harshly. A noted, "The idea that buying cosmetics means you're trying to look good is troubling," and expressed her frustration at the man's refusal to respect her boundaries. Experts warn that such behavior, which targets individuals in specific locations, can be perceived as a serious threat and may lead to legal issues under minor crime or stalking laws. They advise caution to prevent potential legal repercussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:45:27

KAI Reports Record Sales of 1.09 Trillion Won in Q1, Driven by Aircraft Exports Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) achieved record sales of 1.09 trillion won in the first quarter of 2026, fueled by increased aircraft exports. The growth in domestic system development and overseas aircraft sales is expected to continue. KAI reported on May 6 that its consolidated revenue for Q1 reached 1.09 trillion won, with operating profit at 671 billion won and net profit at 413 billion won. These figures represent increases of 56.3% in revenue, 43.4% in operating profit, and 41.7% in net profit compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is attributed to stable domestic operations, expansion in international markets, and future project developments. The rollout of the KF-21 fighter jet in March, along with ongoing domestic projects like the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter (MCH), contributed significantly to the revenue growth, alongside deliveries of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and FA-50GF. Notably, aircraft exports surged by 79.5% year-on-year, reaching 307.1 billion won, marking the highest growth in sales. Sales from the delivery of two T-50i aircraft to Indonesia, along with contracts for the FA-50M in Malaysia and FA-50PL in Poland, reflected stable growth in international operations. Revenue from aircraft parts also rose by 11.6% to 222.8 billion won, driven by a recovery in the commercial aircraft market. The satellite sector, identified as a future growth area, contributed 10.4 billion won to the overall revenue. KAI's order backlog has also increased, with domestic and international projects like communication equipment upgrades and FA-50PH PBL contracts growing by 29.4% year-on-year to 309.3 billion won. With the KF-21's integration into the Air Force and additional deliveries of the LAH expected in the second half of the year, KAI anticipates achieving record sales. A KAI official stated, "If the additional deliveries of the KF-21 and LAH proceed smoothly, we can expect record sales this year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:43:36

Jung Jin-seok Withdraws Candidacy for By-Election, Vows to Serve Party Jung Jin-seok, a former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, announced on May 7 that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the by-election in Chungnam's Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang districts. He stated, "I will return to being an unnamed party member and serve the party from a humble position."In a Facebook post, he expressed concern that his candidacy could harm party unity or weaken the momentum needed to counter the dominance of major powers. He said, "While I am in pain, the party is suffering greatly as well," and confirmed his commitment to follow the party's decisions, including those of Park Deok-heum, the nomination committee chair.Jung emphasized his dedication to the victory of conservative patriotic forces, stating, "The only alternative to stop the Democratic Party's reckless governance is the People Power Party. I hope the public will look at us once more, even if they dislike us." He urged support for the People Power Party to counter the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Concerns had been raised within the party that Jung's nomination could negatively impact the local elections. Kim Tae-heum, the candidate for Chungnam governor, hinted at the possibility of leaving the party if Jung were nominated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:42:04