Jung Won-oh Concedes Defeat in Seoul Mayoral Race to Oh Se-hoon Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has conceded defeat. His announcement came after a dramatic turnaround in the election results, which shifted just 13 hours after the polls closed. On the morning of June 4, Jung stated at his campaign office, "I will humbly accept the citizens' choice," adding, "I was lacking. Everything is my fault." He expressed gratitude to his fellow candidates and congratulated Oh Se-hoon, his opponent. Jung also thanked his supporters, saying, "I will not forget the warm hearts you showed me, the warm hands you held on the streets, and the unwavering support you provided until the end." Lee Jeong-heon, the chief spokesperson for Jung's campaign, noted, "The Seoul mayoral election was fiercely contested, and the counting is not yet fully complete, but we believe the overall trend has been determined." Following Jung's concession, Oh Se-hoon is expected to make a statement. With his victory appearing increasingly likely, he is on track to become the first mayor of Seoul to serve five terms. Meanwhile, the election was marred by a significant incident where a shortage of ballots temporarily halted voting in districts such as Songpa. This led to discussions within the People Power Party about a possible rerun, but the election commission announced that no rerun would take place.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:51:00

Hanwha Aerospace Halts Production Lines for Safety Checks Following Fatal Explosion Hanwha Aerospace has suspended production across its facilities nationwide and initiated a comprehensive safety inspection following an explosion at its Daejeon plant that resulted in five fatalities. Starting June 4, Hanwha Aerospace announced it would halt operations at all production lines, except for essential processes, to conduct special safety inspections and training. The inspections will take place over two days, concluding on June 5. The affected sites include the Daejeon, Chungbuk Boeun, and Jeonnam Yeosu plants, which produce propellants and detonators, as well as the Changwon plants 1, 2, and 3, which manufacture K9 self-propelled howitzers, armored vehicles, and aircraft engines. The inspections will also cover the Daejeon, Pangyo, and Asan research and development campuses, totaling nine facilities nationwide. This marks the first time since the establishment of the integrated corporation in 2023 that Hanwha Aerospace has simultaneously halted production across all its sites. The company stated that it prioritized ensuring a safe working environment over production continuity to prevent risks similar to those that led to the recent Daejeon incident. Industry insiders interpret this production halt as a response to the safety management controversies that have arisen following the accident. According to Hanwha Aerospace's 2025 Sustainability Management Report, the safety and health investment budget for 2024 was 3.5 billion won, representing only 0.03% of total sales (11.24 trillion won). This figure is a 51.4% decrease from the 7.2 billion won allocated for safety in 2023. Hanwha Aerospace will conduct a comprehensive review of fire and explosion hazards, major accident risks, unsafe conditions and facilities, risk assessment results, and domestic and international accident cases at each facility. The company will reassess machinery, working environments, and structural conditions, as well as verify the implementation of improvement measures and recurrence prevention strategies based on risk assessments conducted over the past three years. Particularly at the Daejeon, Boeun, and Yeosu plants, which handle explosives, the inspections will focus on the use of personal protective equipment, grounding systems, humidity and temperature control, tool management, and the condition of safety equipment. The facilities will also review the management of storage and disposal of explosives and conduct emergency response training based on hypothetical scenarios. Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace is considering expanding automation in the production and handling processes of propellants to achieve zero safety incidents in the long term, even for processes deemed to have lower risk. On June 4 and 5, special safety training will be provided to employees, sharing similar accident cases from both domestic and international contexts, educating on the right to stop work in urgent situations, and revising emergency response plans for each organization. A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "This integrated safety inspection is being conducted to reassess the origins of the accident." Meanwhile, in light of the recent incident, Hanwha Group has decided to conduct thorough environmental and safety inspections at its petrochemical subsidiaries, including Hanwha, Hanwha Solutions, Hanwha TotalEnergies, Hanwha Impact, and YNCC, across domestic and international operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:51:00

KOSPI tumbles at reopen after local elections as US sell-off hits chip stocks SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI fell 2.3 percent to around 8,596 when trading resumed on Thursday, retreating from Tuesday's record close of 8,801 as investors reacted to an overnight Wall Street sell-off and renewed tensions in the Middle East. U.S. stocks had dropped overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 620 points and the Nasdaq 240, as a correction in technology shares and a slump in Broadcom soured sentiment across the chip complex, while the framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appeared to deadlock. The decline, however, was anything but broad. More stocks rose than fell on the main board, the KOSDAQ climbed 2.0 percent to around 1,047, and the large-cap KOSPI 200 fell 2.7 percent, a steeper drop than the broad index, a divergence that located the selling squarely in the mega-cap chip and AI names that had led the rally. Samsung Electronics fell 2.6 percent to 351,000 won ($229.6) and SK Hynix shed 73,000 won to 2,287,000 won, tracking the overnight weakness in US semiconductors, while the recent high-flyers fell hardest: LG Electronics dropped 11.3 percent to 348,000 won, Robostar fell 12.0 percent, LG CNS lost 8.2 percent, and Naver gave back 6.2 percent, a sharp unwind of the physical AI trade. The flip side was a violent rotation into the value names that had stirred earlier in the week. Non-life insurers led, with Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance surging 15.4 percent, while Samsung Heavy Industries gained 8.7 percent as shipbuilders firmed, SKC rose 8.9 percent, and Mirae Asset Life Insurance added 4.9 percent. The pattern was the mirror image of the rally that built the record: money fled the crowded AI and chip trade and flowed into Korea's long-discounted cyclicals and financials, leaving the index lower even as the broader market advanced. Foreign investors resumed selling, net sellers of around 806 billion won in early trade, while domestic retail investors did the bulk of the absorbing with 712.9 billion won in net buying and institutions added a further 85.6 billion won, the same domestic-demand pattern that has cushioned the market through the spring. The South Korean won traded at around 1,528.9 against dollar, weakening from 1,504.5 at the start of the week and reversing Monday's gains. The weaker won kept imported inflation concerns in focus, with the dollar index climbing back toward 99.5 and oil prices supported by renewed uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz. Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 reversed part of Wednesday's record surge, falling about 1.0 percent to around 67,734 in early trade after closing at an all-time high above 68,400 the previous session. Chinese markets had yet to open, with the Shanghai Composite having closed at 4,083.97 on Wednesday. For South Korea, Thursday's market reopen after the local election holiday will provide an immediate test of whether the sell-off is merely a one-day catch-up to external weakness or the beginning of a deeper correction in a rally that had become increasingly narrow. For South Korea, Thursday's market reopening after the local election holiday poses an immediate test of whether the post-election session is merely a one-day catch-up to external weakness or the start of a deeper correction in a rally that had become increasingly narrow. The concentration of the selling tells the more revealing story. With artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chip leaders giving back weeks of gains in a single morning while insurers and shipbuilders rallied, the market is not so much retreating as rotating, away from the names that carried the record and toward the ones left behind by it. 2026-06-04 09:49:56

June 3 Local Elections: People Power Party Dominates Yeongnam and Seoul, While Democrats Sweep Most of Gyeonggi In the June 3 local elections, the Democratic Party secured victories in most regions, extending its control from the central government to local administrations, thereby accelerating the implementation of President Lee Jae-myung's policies. Conversely, the People Power Party's campaign theme of 'checking the government' did not resonate as expected, resulting in the loss of local government power to the Democrats. However, they achieved a satisfactory outcome by winning in Seoul, often referred to as the centerpiece of local elections. In Seoul, the most competitive battleground and the highlight of the local elections, Democratic candidate Jung Won-o was unable to overcome the challenge posed by People Power Party's Oh Se-hoon, ultimately losing the race. Nonetheless, the Democratic Party celebrated victories in key areas such as Gyeonggi, Busan, and Gangwon. Notably, Democratic candidate Lee Jae-myung in Gyeonggi quickly established a lead over the People Power Party's Yang Hyang-ja, securing a decisive win. In addition, Democratic candidates Jeon Jae-soo, Woo Sang-ho, and Park Chan-dae confirmed victories against People Power Party candidates Park Hyung-jun, Kim Jin-tae, and Yoo Jeong-bok in Busan, Gangwon, and Incheon, respectively, reinforcing their strength in the metropolitan area. The Democratic Party also reported victories in the traditionally strong Honam and Jeju regions. In North Jeolla, Democratic candidate Lee Won-taek fended off a challenge from independent candidate Kim Kwan-young to secure a win. In Gwangju and Jeonnam, Democratic candidate Min Hyung-bae achieved a significant victory over People Power Party's Lee Jung-hyun. In Jeju, Democratic candidate Wi Seong-gon also won decisively against People Power Party's Moon Seong-yu. The People Power Party managed to secure victories only in Yeongnam, a region known for its conservative base, excluding Seoul. In North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang, People Power Party candidates Lee Cheol-woo and Park Wan-soo won against Democratic candidates Oh Jung-ki and Kim Kyung-soo, maintaining their reputation. In Daegu, often called the heart of conservatism, People Power Party candidate Choo Kyung-ho narrowly defeated Democratic candidate Kim Boo-kyum. In the by-elections held concurrently with the local elections, the Democratic Party continued its dominance. Out of 14 contested seats, the Democratic Party won in nine regions, excluding those won by People Power Party and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon. However, the Democratic Party faced disappointing losses in areas where they were expected to maintain control, resulting in a bittersweet victory in the by-elections following the local elections. In the highly contested districts of Busan Buk-gu Gap and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, Democratic candidates Ha Jeong-woo and Kim Yong-nam both lost. In Ulsan Nam-gu Gap, Democratic candidate Jeon Tae-jin was defeated by People Power Party's Kim Tae-kyu. Initially, Busan Buk-gu Gap was expected to be a fierce contest with People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and others participating, but the Democratic candidate managed to secure victory in the end. In Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, a tight three-way race emerged between Justice Party's Jo Guk, People Power Party's Yoo Ui-dong, and the Democratic candidate, with Yoo ultimately winning. In Chungnam Gongju, Buyeo, Cheongyang, and Ulsan Nam-gu Gap, People Power Party candidates Yun Yong-geun and Kim Tae-kyu successfully turned the tide against Democratic candidates Kim Young-bin and Jeon Tae-jin, reclaiming their districts. As a result, the Democratic Party secured victories in Incheon Yeonsu Gap (Song Young-gil), Incheon Gyeyang (Kim Nam-jun), Gwangju Gwangsan (Lim Mun-young), Gyeonggi Ansan Gap (Kim Nam-guk), Gyeonggi Hanam Gap (Lee Kwang-jae), Chungnam Asan (Jeon Eun-soo), North Jeolla Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan Gap (Kim Ui-gyeom), North Jeolla Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan (Park Ji-won), and Jeju Seogwipo (Kim Seong-beom), but the promise made by leader Jeong Cheong-rae to secure '13 districts' fell short.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:39:00

Park Wan-soo Wins Gyeongnam Governor Election, Vows to Work for Regional Development Park Wan-soo of the People Power Party has been elected as the governor of Gyeongnam, defeating Kim Kyung-soo of the Democratic Party. This marks Park's successful re-election.According to the National Election Commission, as of 9:20 a.m. on June 4, with 98.31% of the votes counted, Park secured 51.42% of the vote, while Kim received 48.57%.After the results were confirmed, Park stated, "I assure you that I will continue to work diligently for the development of Gyeongnam and the happiness of its residents. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of Kim and express my intention to incorporate his good policies into the administration."In a statement, Kim said, "I humbly accept the election results created by the citizens. I apologize for not meeting the expectations of many who supported me during the campaign." He added, "This is all due to my shortcomings," and congratulated Park, urging him to navigate the difficult realities facing Gyeongnam effectively.Kim further emphasized, "Although we lost the election, we cannot give up on the dream of a country where everyone lives well, regardless of where they are, and balanced regional development. I earnestly ask for your leadership in promoting local-led growth in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:39:00

Karina of Aespa Sparks Debate with Blue Outfit on Election Day Karina, a member of the girl group Aespa, has drawn attention online for sharing a photo of herself in a blue outfit on election day. Some netizens are comparing this to last year's controversy over a red jumper she wore before the presidential election, noting that the reactions this time are markedly different. In May of last year, ahead of the presidential election, Karina posted a photo on social media wearing a red jumper with the number '2' on it. This led to speculation among netizens that she was signaling support for a particular political party or candidate. As the controversy grew, Karina deleted the post. Her agency later issued a statement clarifying that there was no political intent behind the outfit. On June 3, the day of the local elections, Karina shared a photo of herself wearing a blue top on social media. However, some netizens commented, "Last year, there was controversy over the red outfit, but this time there’s no discussion," and questioned, "Is this a social experiment? Why isn’t there a political color controversy this time?" Ultimately, the current debate appears to be about the tendency to attribute political significance to celebrities' clothing and everyday posts. Online discussions reflect a divide, with some asserting that there is a clear difference in reactions compared to last year, while others argue that both situations involved excessive political interpretation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:36:00

Korean Won Surpasses 1530 Against Dollar Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions The exchange rate of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar has surged as tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate. As of 9:09 a.m. on June 4, the exchange rate stood at 1529.6 won per dollar, opening at 1530.0 won, a rise of 13.6 won. This marks the first time since March 31 that the rate has exceeded 1530 won during trading hours. The renewed military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with a lack of progress in peace negotiations, have weakened investor appetite for riskier assets. In the previous trading session, all three major U.S. stock indices fell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 620.72 points (1.21%) at 50,687.07. The S&P 500 index finished 56.10 points (0.74%) lower at 7,553.68, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 239.93 points (0.89%) to close at 26,853.98. International oil prices have continued to rise for three consecutive trading days. The August futures for Brent crude closed at $97.81 per barrel, up 1.9% from the previous session. July futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 2.4% to $96.02 per barrel. On June 3, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced it had attacked U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in response to strikes on an Iranian oil tanker and a communications tower on Qeshm Island. Earlier, U.S. forces had attacked radar facilities on Qeshm Island on June 1 and disabled the Iranian oil tanker with a missile on June 2. In light of the heightened risk aversion, foreign investors are also selling off domestic stocks. Early in the trading session, foreign investors sold a net 1.8634 trillion won in the securities market. Minkyoung Won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The strong dollar and the sharp rise in the non-deliverable forward (NDF) exchange rate to the 1530 won level will support the lower end of the exchange rate. I expect the rate will attempt further increases after the initial gap up today." Meanwhile, during a joint market situation assessment meeting held in the morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Koo Yun-cheol remarked, "In a situation of high external uncertainty, we are closely monitoring to prevent the spread of anxiety. We will take necessary measures immediately against excessive market movements." 2026-06-04 09:36:00

Korean Won Surpasses 1530 Against Dollar as Government Vows Immediate Action The Korean won surpassed 1530 against the U.S. dollar during trading on June 4, reaching its highest level in over two months. In response, the government convened a joint inspection meeting with relevant agencies to strengthen risk management in the financial and foreign exchange markets. Officials cited increasing volatility in the foreign exchange market due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and a rise in foreign stock selling, stating they would respond immediately to excessive market fluctuations. Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy, held a market situation inspection meeting at the Government Seoul Complex with Bank of Korea Governor Lee Hyun-sung, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-won, and Financial Supervisory Service Chairman Lee Chan-jin to discuss recent trends in the financial and foreign exchange markets and potential responses. On this day, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market exceeded 1530 won per dollar for the first time since March 31. Analysts attribute this surge to heightened geopolitical risks stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and increased demand for dollars as foreign investors continue to sell off stocks. Participants in the meeting assessed that despite a record-high current account surplus, the foreign exchange market is experiencing increased volatility due to the ongoing conflict and continued foreign stock selling. They noted that the recent surge in the domestic stock market has led to adjustments in foreign investors' holdings and profit-taking, further exacerbating exchange rate fluctuations. So far this year, foreign investors have sold a total of 127 trillion won in stocks, with a recent streak of 18 consecutive trading days of net selling amounting to 66 trillion won. The government views this capital flow as a potential source of instability in the foreign exchange market and plans to closely monitor related trends. Koo emphasized, "In a situation with high external uncertainties, we are closely watching to prevent the spread of anxiety, and we will take necessary measures immediately in the event of excessive market concentration." The government also decided to enhance its response to volatility in the bond market. Meeting participants noted that fluctuations in government bond yields have increased due to global interest rate trends, inflation concerns, and expectations of domestic interest rate hikes. They agreed to communicate closely with market participants and respond promptly through inter-agency cooperation if excessive volatility arises. Additionally, the rapid increase in margin trading amid a bullish stock market was identified as a potential risk factor. The balance of margin trading loans rose from 27.3 trillion won at the end of last year to 38 trillion won as of June 1. The government plans to continuously monitor the trend of increased stock trading through borrowing and strengthen proactive risk management and investor protection.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:27:00

Gaon Cable Supplies Power Cables to U.S. AI Data Center for First Time Gaon Cable has accelerated its entry into the U.S. market by supplying power cables for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers for the first time. On June 4, the company announced it will provide approximately 35 billion won worth of cables for the power network of an AI data center through a U.S. power infrastructure supplier. This marks Gaon Cable's inaugural entry into the AI data center power network market. Fueled by increased global investment in AI data centers, the company expects its related sales to reach 100 billion won this year. Previously, Gaon Cable supplied around 100 billion won worth of cables annually for the construction of power networks at U.S. solar power plants. With the addition of the AI data center power network orders, Gaon Cable's exports to the U.S. are projected to rise to about 200 billion won this year. The growth of Gaon Cable's U.S. subsidiary, LSCUS, has also been rapid. LSCUS recently secured a long-term supply contract worth approximately 4 trillion won with major global tech companies for busducts. Busducts consist of insulated copper and aluminum conductors housed within a modular metal casing, significantly enhancing space efficiency compared to traditional cables. As a result, Gaon Cable has established a business structure capable of simultaneously supplying external power cables for AI data centers and internal power distribution busducts. Jung Hyun, CEO of Gaon Cable, stated, "We plan to cultivate the AI power infrastructure market in the U.S. as a core growth area, and we expect to achieve our highest-ever performance this year in line with the expansion of the AI data center and renewable energy power network markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 09:27:00

Choi Chang-hoon: Architect of Mirae Asset's Global Investment Empire Financial entrepreneurship is not merely about managing money; it stems from the spirit of challenge that involves reading future capital flows and pioneering new markets. Choi Chang-hoon, Vice Chairman of Mirae Asset Global Investments, is recognized as the most successful alternative investment expert in South Korea and a key architect in building a global asset management platform.He opened the era of real estate funds in South Korea, pioneered overseas real estate and infrastructure investment markets, and recently expanded Mirae Asset's growth pillars to include ETFs, pensions, and global asset allocation.Choi's financial entrepreneurship is based on a larger vision of 'building investment infrastructure that connects Korean capital to the world.' This exemplifies the potential for financial companies to evolve from mere product sellers to institutions that create investment civilizations.Looking back at the history of the South Korean financial industry, Mirae Asset has consistently been the company to open doors to new markets. It was the starting point for numerous innovations, including the first mutual fund, the first overseas fund, the first real estate fund, the first overseas real estate public fund, and the first Target Date Fund (TDF). Choi Chang-hoon's name has been at the center of these developments.Since joining Mirae Asset Maps Asset Management as the head of the real estate investment division in 2005, Choi has played a pivotal role in the growth of Mirae Asset's alternative investments for nearly two decades. He is regarded as a financial entrepreneur not just for generating investment returns, but for choosing paths that others have not.In the mid-2000s, the concept of South Korean financial companies investing in overseas real estate was quite unfamiliar. Most firms focused on domestic stocks and bonds. However, Choi recognized that prime offices, hotels, and logistics centers in major cities across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia would become new investment markets.As a result, Mirae Asset launched the first overseas real estate public fund in South Korea and led the market by investing in U.S. offices, Amazon logistics centers, and global hotels. This was not merely an investment decision but a hallmark of financial entrepreneurship.Entrepreneurs look to the future rather than the present. Instead of remaining in markets deemed safe by others, they discover new opportunities in untested areas. Choi embodies this type of financial entrepreneur. He views the role of financial companies not as product sellers but as discoverers of investment opportunities. His philosophy is that the existence of asset management firms lies in identifying global assets that are difficult for individual investors to access and commercializing them as a means of increasing national wealth.Choi's leadership is notable not only for his expertise in real estate but also for expanding Mirae Asset's investment philosophy into a global asset allocation strategy.Currently, Mirae Asset Global Investments manages over 400 trillion won in assets, with 180 trillion won in overseas assets alone. Among domestic asset management firms, Mirae Asset is essentially the only one to have established such a global network.The growth of its ETF business is particularly noteworthy. Mirae Asset's global ETF assets have surpassed 400 trillion won, positioning it as the 12th largest asset manager in the world. The U.S.-based Global X and South Korea's TIGER ETF serve as the two main growth engines.This achievement signifies more than just a scale competition. In the past, South Korean asset managers primarily imported and sold overseas products. However, Mirae Asset directly manages ETFs in 13 markets, including the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan. This demonstrates the evolution of the South Korean financial industry into an export-oriented sector.Choi is the key figure behind this transformation.He does not view global asset allocation merely as an increase in the proportion of overseas investments. Instead, he understands it as building an investment platform that transcends countries, industries, and asset classes. His strategy connects real estate, infrastructure, ETFs, pensions, stocks, bonds, developed countries, and emerging markets within a single portfolio.This approach holds significant implications in the age of AI. AI reduces information asymmetry, and in the future, asset allocation skills may become more competitive than simple stock selection. The global asset allocation platform that Choi has built is structured to prepare for such an era.The ultimate aim of Choi's financial entrepreneurship is to manage not just individual wealth but also the retirement assets of the nation. He has emphasized in various interviews that he aims to contribute to the successful asset management and peaceful retirement of clients. This statement is not just a management slogan.Mirae Asset introduced the first TDF in South Korea and currently holds the top position in the pension fund market. The scale of pension assets, including ETFs, has reached 60 trillion won. His interest in the pension market is highly strategic. South Korea is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world, and a time is approaching when relying solely on the national pension will not ensure a stable retirement.Ultimately, individuals must invest and manage their own assets. In this process, ETFs, TDFs, and default options will play crucial roles. Choi believes this market will become a key growth driver for the asset management industry over the next 20 to 30 years.Recently, Mirae Asset has aggressively pursued a market expansion strategy by significantly reducing ETF fees, which aligns with this vision. He seeks to democratize finance, making global assets that were previously accessible only to institutional investors or ultra-high-net-worth individuals easier for general investors to access.Examples include the U.S. S&P 500 ETF, Nasdaq ETF, global real estate funds, and infrastructure funds. Recently, the company has also initiated an ETF tokenization project, attempting to convert ETFs into blockchain-based assets to enhance investment accessibility.This signifies a new evolution in the asset management industry beyond the digital transformation of finance. Ultimately, Choi is more of a creator of investment ecosystems than just a product maker. He started with real estate, expanded into ETFs, and then broadened his scope to pensions and global asset allocation.What he is building is not just funds but an investment civilization. As the South Korean asset management industry increases its presence in the global market, Choi's financial entrepreneurship exemplifies how the globalization of South Korean finance has been made possible.: SWOT Analysis :Strengths: The highest level of expertise in alternative investments and global asset allocation is the greatest strength. Mirae Asset has built an investment platform connecting overseas real estate, infrastructure, and ETFs, leading the era of 400 trillion won in global ETF assets and managed assets. A long-term perspective and stable investment philosophy are also differentiating factors.Weaknesses: The high proportion of real estate, which was the foundation of success, remains significant. The value fluctuations of alternative investment assets such as overseas offices and hotels may impact performance. There is also a challenge to strengthen the identity as a strategist for the entire group beyond the 'real estate expert' image.Opportunities: The expansion of the pension market, growth of ETFs, tokenized securities (STO), asset tokenization, and the expansion of AI-based asset management markets provide enormous growth opportunities for Mirae Asset. The competitiveness of its global ETF platform is likely to become a strong barrier to entry for decades to come.Threats: Intensifying competition in ETF fees, volatility in the global real estate market, changes in overseas investment regulations, and increasing risks associated with non-performing loans and alternative investments are major threats. The pursuit of competitors like Samsung Asset Management also poses a burden. 2026-06-04 09:27:00