TSMC Chairman Hints at Potential Semiconductor Price Increases Amid AI Demand The chairman and CEO of TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry, expressed confidence in future growth driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and hinted at the possibility of raising semiconductor prices. During TSMC's annual shareholder meeting held at its headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on June 4, Chairman Wei Zhejia noted that customers remain optimistic about AI prospects, stating, "I am confident in our growth over the next few years." He highlighted the rising adoption rates of AI models across consumer, enterprise, and sovereign applications, saying, "This trend is driving demand for stronger computing capabilities and supporting robust demand for advanced semiconductor chips." Wei projected that AI will expand beyond data centers into personal computers, smartphones, automobiles, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. He emphasized that TSMC's leading technology and exceptional manufacturing capabilities will continue to grow in value as a result. Regarding the potential for price increases, Wei responded to a question about whether TSMC would ask customers for higher prices, saying, "I really want to do that; we also need to make a profit in the end." However, he drew a line at abrupt price hikes, stating, "We do not want to raise prices suddenly like memory companies; that is not sustainable. TSMC focuses on long-term and sustainable operations. We are not that kind of company." Wei indicated that significant capital investments to meet rising AI demand would continue for the foreseeable future. When asked during the Q&A session about when TSMC's capital expenditures might peak and when they could be reduced, he candidly replied, "Honestly, I don't know." He added that he does not currently see any signals indicating a need to cut capital expenditures. TSMC expects its capital expenditures for the year to range between $52 billion and $56 billion, which he explained reflects the company's strong confidence in future growth. The company is also accelerating its production expansion in the United States. Wei stated that while TSMC is doing everything possible to meet customer demand, it will take a "considerably long time" to fully satisfy U.S. customer needs solely through domestic production, without providing a specific timeline. Wei expressed gratitude for shareholder support, noting that TSMC's stock price has risen from NT$950 (approximately $31) at last year's shareholder meeting to NT$2,425 (approximately $80) as of the previous day, marking an impressive increase of over 150% in the past year. He shared that the company plans to increase this year's dividend to at least NT$24, a rise of over 30% compared to the previous year, asserting, "I am confident that TSMC's performance will continue to outperform the industry." Additionally, he projected that TSMC's revenue for 2025 would reach NT$3.8 trillion, a 31.8% increase from the previous year, and that the company expects to maintain over 30% revenue growth in dollar terms this year. Wei also expressed a commitment to enhancing employee compensation. In response to a shareholder's request for increased performance bonuses, he stated, "TSMC will definitely strive to improve employee welfare," noting that the average annual increase in employee bonuses over the past three years has exceeded 30% and expressing hope that this trend will continue. He concluded by stating, "We are continuously expanding our production capacity to support customer growth while ensuring that shareholders receive stable and sustainable investment returns," and emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable corporate responsibility and sound governance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:21:00

Bukwang Pharmaceutical Receives IND Approval for Lurasidone in Major Depressive Disorder Bukwang Pharmaceutical announced on June 4 that it has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for a Phase 3 clinical trial plan (IND) to expand the treatment indications for its schizophrenia and bipolar disorder medication, Lurasidone, to include major depressive disorder (MDD). The clinical trial will focus on adult patients with MDD who have not shown sufficient response to existing antidepressant monotherapy. A total of 364 participants will be involved in the study. The primary objective of the trial is to compare the change in scores on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale after administering Lurasidone (20, 40, 60 mg/day) as an adjunct therapy for eight weeks against a placebo. The secondary objective will assess the safety and tolerability of the treatment in the same patient group. Bukwang Pharmaceutical believes this trial will expand treatment options for patients with limited responses to current therapies. The company continues to expand its central nervous system (CNS) product line, focusing on Lurasidone and Aripiprazole. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Lurasidone surpassed 10 billion won in sales last year. Sales increased significantly from 200 million won in 2024 to 10.9 billion won last year, with 3.3 billion won recorded in the first quarter of this year. A representative from Bukwang Pharmaceutical stated, "After the completion of the clinical trial, we plan to seek approval to add efficacy and effectiveness indications, which we expect will benefit patients with limited treatment options."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:21:00

Defense Ministry Focuses on Restoring Wartime Operational Control and Building a 'People's Army' The Defense Ministry announced that it has consistently pursued the restoration of wartime operational control to establish a defense system led by the South Korean military, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The ministry emphasized its commitment to implementing a democratic and institutional control system to realize a 'people's army.' On June 4, the Defense Ministry provided a report detailing the government's achievements over the past year, stating, "We are working to visualize the prompt restoration of wartime operational control by verifying the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the Future Combined Forces Command this year." Additionally, the ministry introduced a roadmap for accelerating the transition of wartime operational control, which is being developed this year. The government is working to finalize a roadmap that will serve as the 'standard' for the transition preparations before the upcoming South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) this fall. Furthermore, the Defense Ministry has completed revisions to the Martial Law Act to strengthen the legislative oversight function to prevent a recurrence of the illegal martial law imposed on December 3. It has also institutionalized education on upholding constitutional values for all service members to enhance democratic awareness within the military. In a significant move, the ministry appointed a civilian as the Minister of Defense for the first time in 64 years since 1961 and expanded the appointment of civil servants to key positions, thereby achieving substantial civilian control. The Defense Ministry explained, "The Military Counterintelligence Command is also undergoing a major organizational restructuring to separate counterintelligence, security, and investigative functions, thereby dispersing concentrated authority and establishing a system of checks and balances." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:21:00

Korea Technology Guarantee Fund Partners with IBK to Support SMEs with 750 Billion Won The Korea Technology Guarantee Fund (TGIF) has initiated financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in future strategic industries and those facing policy financing gaps. On June 4, TGIF announced that it has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK): one for productive financial support for future strategic industries and another for financial support for companies in policy gaps. These agreements aim to facilitate funding for SMEs in future strategic industries, enhancing their financial accessibility and supporting their growth and advancement. Under the productive financial support agreement, TGIF will provide a total of 492.5 billion won in guarantee agreements, based on a special contribution of 9 billion won from IBK and a guarantee fee support of 5 billion won. Eligible companies include new technology businesses that meet TGIF's technology guarantee criteria and operate in six advanced strategic industries: artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, cultural content, defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, under the policy gap financial support agreement, TGIF will supply a total of 250 billion won in guarantee agreements, based on a special contribution of 5 billion won from IBK and a guarantee fee support of 2.55 billion won. Eligible companies for this support include new technology businesses in the materials, parts, and equipment sectors, root industries, small enterprises, startup graduates (those in business for more than 7 years but less than 12), companies undergoing restructuring or transitioning to new industries, and other firms recommended by IBK. Both agreements will provide benefits such as an increase in the guarantee ratio (from 85% to 100% for three years) and a reduction in guarantee fees (by 0.2% to 0.3% for three years). IBK will also offer guarantee fee support (from 0.5% to 1.5% for two years). Previously, TGIF signed an MOU with the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives to provide a total of 84 billion won in guarantee agreements to support SMEs in future strategic industries. Kim Jong-ho, the chairman of TGIF, stated, "This agreement strengthens the growth foundation for SMEs that will lead future industries and represents meaningful cooperation to address the gaps in policy financing. TGIF will continue to expand collaboration with financial institutions to enhance productive and inclusive finance, actively supporting the leap of innovative companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:18:00

Hong Myung-bo's Team Secures 1-0 Victory Over El Salvador in Final World Cup Tune-Up Hong Myung-bo's team achieved a victory in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA North Central America World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national football team defeated El Salvador 1-0 in a friendly match held on June 4 (Korean time) at Brigham Young University's South Field in Provo, Utah. The decisive goal came from Lee Dong-kyung (Ulsan) via a free kick in the 57th minute. Following a 5-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago at the same venue on May 31, Hong's team concluded their final two warm-up matches before the World Cup with clean-sheet victories. Ranked 25th by FIFA, South Korea selected the 100th-ranked El Salvador as a sparring partner to adapt to the high-altitude conditions of their upcoming matches. This encounter took place at an elevation of 1,460 meters above sea level. Coach Hong made changes to the starting lineup, leaving Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Oh Hyun-kyu (Beşiktaş) on the bench. The attack was led by Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland), and Lee Dong-kyung. The midfield featured Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), while the wing-backs were Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien) and Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda). The three-man defense consisted of Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), with Kim Seung-kyu (FC Tokyo) in goal. South Korea struggled against El Salvador's pressure in the first half, creating several attacking opportunities but failing to convert. At the start of the second half, Coach Hong utilized his first substitutions, bringing on Jo Wi-je (Jeonbuk Hyundai) for Lee Han-beom and Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk) for goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu. The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Lee Dong-kyung drew a foul in the penalty area and took the free kick himself, striking the ball with his left foot into the near side of the net. After the opening goal, Coach Hong made eight substitutions in the 63rd minute, introducing Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City), Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Oh Hyun-kyu, Son Heung-min, and Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), while bringing Lee Jae-sung, Hwang In-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-hyeok, Lee Dong-kyung, Cho Gue-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, and Seol Young-woo to the bench. Despite continued pressure from South Korea, the match ended with a score of 1-0. Having completed their pre-camp training schedule, Hong Myung-bo's team will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 6 for their group stage matches and base camp.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:18:00

Meta Delays Launch of 'Muse Spark' API, Impacting AI Monetization Meta has reportedly postponed the launch of its latest artificial intelligence (AI) model's API multiple times. As the company continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure, the delays are increasing pressure on its monetization efforts. According to the Wall Street Journal on June 3, Meta has repeatedly delayed the release of the API for its latest AI model, 'Muse Spark.' Alexandre Wang, Meta's Chief AI Officer, had indicated to developers in April that the launch was imminent, but no confirmed release date has been established. The API serves as a gateway for developers to integrate Meta's AI model into their applications or services. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have generated revenue by selling access to their APIs. For Meta, launching the developer API is crucial to recouping its investments in its AI model. Meta initially planned to release the API in April alongside the unveiling of Muse Spark. However, the schedule was pushed to May due to identified bugs during testing and the need for additional infrastructure. The release date has since been further delayed to June. In response to inquiries from the Wall Street Journal, Meta stated, "We are testing the API with partners and plan to launch it within this month." A company spokesperson added, "We know that people want the API, and we look forward to providing it." This delay is intertwined with Meta's financial burden from its AI investments. The company plans to invest up to $145 billion in AI infrastructure this year. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has outlined a goal to create AI agents for both individuals and businesses. Meta is also seeking ways to generate revenue from its investments. The company has announced plans to test a Meta AI subscription service and is considering a cloud computing business utilizing its surplus AI infrastructure capacity. However, the delayed API release means that a key monetization pathway remains unopened. Muse Spark is the model that powers Meta's AI chatbot and related features. Previous AI models released by Meta were available for developers to download and use as open-source. In contrast, Muse Spark is the first model for which the design and software files have not been made publicly available. Internal evaluations at Meta indicate that Muse Spark performs comparably to models from OpenAI and Anthropic. However, with the API release delayed, general developers still have limited access to utilize the model in their services.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:18:00

Won weakens to lowest level since global financial crisis SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korea's financial markets suffered a sharp sell-off on Thursday as the won fell to a 17-year low past 1,530 per dollar and sovereign bond yields spiked, driven by heavy foreign capital outflows and a trio of external shocks: escalating Middle East tensions, a hawkish Federal Reserve and a surprise monetary tightening signal from Japan. In Seoul's currency market, the won opened at 1,530 per dollar, down 13.6 won from the previous session's close. This marks the first time in 17 years and three months that the exchange rate has kicked off below the 1,530 won threshold since March 10, 2009, during the height of the global financial crisis. Immediately after the opening bell, the rate tumbled to 1,530.8 won before paring some gains to trade in the mid-1,520 won range. However, the high-flying trend persists, with the currency hovering in the 1,500 won range for 12 consecutive sessions on a closing basis. Market analysts attribute the unyielding weakness of the won, despite growing possibilities of a rate hike by the Bank of Korea (BOK), to a compounding stack of external headwinds, chiefly triggered by a hawkish surprise from neighboring Japan that amplified fears of a broader liquidity squeeze across Asia. Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor Kazuo Ueda hinted on Wednesday at a potential interest rate hike at the upcoming June 15–16 policy meeting, citing secondary inflation risks driven by soaring energy costs. "Even amid uncertainty in the Middle East, there is a clear need to discuss the appropriateness of raising interest rates," Ueda said during a lecture in Tokyo, warning that delaying necessary monetary normalization could "inflict a heavy burden on the economy, markets, and the financial system." This regional monetary tightening pressure closely aligns with stubborn inflationary pressures in the U.S., where growing concerns that the Fed might lurch back into a hawkish stance are providing solid, ongoing support for both the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields. Adding to the compounding pressure, renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran have stoked global inflation worries and driven up international crude prices, further exacerbating depreciation pressures on the local currency. South Korea relies on the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 70 percent of its total crude oil imports. Consequently, soaring oil prices trigger an increased demand for the greenback to settle import bills while stoking anxieties over a deteriorating trade balance. Continued profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing by foreign investors in the domestic stock market have further strained won supply and demand. According to the Korea Exchange (KRX), foreign investors net sold 4.8 trillion won worth of shares on the main KOSPI bourse as of noon. The bond market also exhibited a turbulent trend. In the morning session of the Seoul debt market, the benchmark three-year government bond yield closed up 6.6 basis points at 3.839 percent - reaching its highest level since November 2023, when fears of prolonged high interest rates in the U.S. hammered global debt markets. The 10-year government bond yield also rose 7.1 basis points to 4.209 percent - bouncing back to the 4.2 percent range for the first time since mid-May, highlighting renewed weakness in long-term debt. This slump effectively erased the bullish sentiment from Tuesday, when net purchases of 10-year bonds by foreign investors hit the second-highest volume in history. The prospect of a BOJ rate hike raised immediate concerns over a regional liquidity squeeze, triggering heavy offloading of local fixed-income assets. Adding to this was the anxiety of market participants already bracing for the possibility that the Gulf crisis could drive oil prices higher, rekindle domestic consumer inflation, and strengthen the BOK's justification for rate hikes. 2026-06-04 14:13:55

Major Universities in South Korea Criticize Election Mismanagement Criticism is growing among university students regarding the "shortage of ballots" that occurred during the 9th nationwide local elections held on June 3. On June 4, anonymous posts from students at major universities, including Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University, Chung-Ang University, Hongik University, Inha University, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), were shared on the student community platform Everytime. Students characterized the incident not as a mere administrative error but as a serious violation of democratic principles and voting rights, calling for responsible explanations and reforms from the Election Commission. Korea University students stated in their posters, "Due to a failure in demand forecasting and a shortage of ballots, voters had to wait for extended periods in the heat. This is a significant flaw that effectively infringes upon the voting rights guaranteed by the Constitution." At Chung-Ang University, students referenced George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm," questioning, "Are some voters' votes more equal than others?" They argued that limiting voting opportunities for certain voters due to administrative reasons contradicts the principle of equal elections. Hongik University also criticized the Election Commission, stating, "An unprecedented situation occurred in the heart of the capital, where voting was halted due to a shortage of ballots." Voices emphasizing the historical significance of democracy followed. Students at Yonsei University mentioned the late Lee Han-yeol, who sacrificed his life during the 1987 democratization movement, asserting, "Every citizen has the right to fully exercise their vote, and the state must guarantee this right." Inha University students referred to the history of the April 19 Revolution and the democratization movement, stating, "Today's citizens must reconsider what they need to protect for democracy." Hanyang University students echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Korean democracy was built on countless sacrifices. Given the controversy over voting rights infringement, thorough investigations and responsible actions are necessary." Calls for restoring procedural legitimacy transcended political affiliations. Students at Seoul National University emphasized, "If voting is only valued when it benefits me, then that is not a principle but a preference," urging the need to restore trust in the electoral process itself, regardless of political outcomes. Sungkyunkwan University stated, "This is a matter of upholding the basic principles of democracy, regardless of left or right," demanding a review and improvement of the entire electoral process. KAIST students noted, "In some areas, voting continued even after exit poll results were announced, creating an unprecedented situation," calling for clear identification of causes and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Across university campuses, voices emphasizing the fairness of electoral procedures and the guarantee of voting rights are growing. Students collectively stated that the ballot shortage should not be dismissed as a simple mistake but should serve as an opportunity for accurate cause identification and institutional reform. Currently, the Election Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage at some polling stations, and no evidence of organized electoral fraud has been confirmed. 2026-06-04 14:12:00

Lotte Duty Free Opens Gentle Monster Store at Kansai International Airport Lotte Duty Free has opened a Gentle Monster store, marking the first of its kind in Japan's duty-free sector. The store was launched on June 2 in the International Departure Area of Kansai International Airport's Terminal 1, as announced on June 4. This location is designed as a sensory space that goes beyond mere product sales, themed around the exploration of the human inner self. Large artistic objects are strategically placed throughout the store to capture the attention of travelers. A star-shaped installation at the entrance creates an ambiance reminiscent of morning sunlight, symbolizing the shining hearts and individuality of humanity. Notably, three giant head kinetic sculptures inside the store feature expressions of deep contemplation and moving eyes, artistically representing human thoughts and emotions, providing visitors with visual inspiration and a unique shopping experience. The opening of Gentle Monster is expected to create strategic synergy with the recent major expansion of Kansai International Airport, which served approximately 25.72 million passengers last year, making it the largest international airport in the Kansai region. Following a recent four-phase renovation, the airport's annual international capacity has been expanded to 40 million passengers. Lotte Duty Free first entered the Japanese duty-free market in 2014 and currently operates high-end jewelry brands such as Bulgari and Chaumet. As travel demand continues to recover, interest in eyewear is also on the rise. From January to May of this year, Lotte Duty Free's eyewear category sales increased by approximately 26% compared to the same period last year. The opening of Gentle Monster comes amid a clear trend of increasing demand for sunglasses and glasses during travel. A representative from Lotte Duty Free stated, "We will continue to attract differentiated brands and engage in space marketing to provide the best shopping experience for travelers worldwide, further solidifying our position in the global duty-free market." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:09:00

CJ ENM Shares Drop Over 3% Following TVING Data Breach Shares of CJ ENM fell more than 3% during trading on June 4 due to the fallout from a data breach involving its subsidiary, TVING. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2 p.m. on June 4, CJ ENM's stock was trading at 39,500 won, down 1,250 won (3.07%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 39,850 won and has continued to decline, hovering around the 39,000 won mark. The drop in share price is attributed to weakened investor sentiment following the data breach incident at the online video service (OTT) platform TVING. On June 2, TVING confirmed that an unidentified hacker had gained unauthorized access to its database and leaked files. The breach reportedly exposed some personal information, including member IDs, names, birth dates, phone numbers, and email addresses. TVING stated, "Upon detection, we immediately blocked the attack IP and modified cloud access controls. We have also enhanced database access monitoring and implemented additional security measures to prevent further damage." Additionally, the company announced plans to establish a dedicated customer service center to assist affected users and urged them to be cautious of any suspicious calls, emails, or messages. TVING also recommended changing passwords for accounts that share the same credentials.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 14:09:00