Meritz Securities Raises Target Price for Hyundai Mobis Amid Atlas Production Gains Meritz Securities announced on June 2 that it has raised its target price for Hyundai Mobis to 900,000 won, citing the anticipated benefits from the mass production of the humanoid robot Atlas. The firm maintained its investment rating of "buy." In a report released on the same day, analyst Kim Jun-sung stated, "With the clarification of supply volumes post-2028 and the expansion of business areas beyond actuators to include sensors and controllers, we expect further corporate value growth." Kim noted that the mass-produced fifth-generation Atlas, unveiled at CES 2026, will feature a total of 31 body actuators. He explained that the actuator technology, independently developed by Boston Dynamics, was transferred to Hyundai Mobis free of charge in May. He added, "Hyundai Mobis plans to establish a large-scale production base in the U.S., with revenue recognition starting in 2027 and a first production target of 350,000 units (including 11,000 Atlas units) by 2028." Furthermore, he mentioned that the transfer of hand actuator technology will soon take place, and ultimately, Hyundai Mobis will play a role in the integrated supply of actuators, sensors, and controllers. Additionally, Kim pointed out that Boston Dynamics and the Hyundai Motor Group will kick off a sales roadshow in the U.S. in the second half of this year, aiming to secure potential customers across various industries, including Google DeepMind, the first customer for Atlas. He concluded, "The independent production of proprietary technology without external reliance signifies high margins. We anticipate that the expected revenue from 350,000 actuators in 2028 will reach 525 billion won, with an expected EBITDA of 157.5 billion won."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:45:00

Nvidia's 6% Surge Pushes New York Stock Market to Record Highs Amid Semiconductor Rally On June 2, as all three major indices on the New York Stock Exchange reached record highs, South Korea's stock market is expected to open strong, driven by the semiconductor and information technology sectors. Nvidia's official entry into the artificial intelligence (AI) PC market has improved investor sentiment in the semiconductor and hardware sectors, while uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the U.S. and Iran has eased somewhat. On June 1 (local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 46.42 points (0.09%) at 51,078.88. The S&P 500 rose by 19.90 points (0.26%) to finish at 7,599.96, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite gained 114.19 points (0.42%), closing at 27,086.81. Early in the trading session, concerns about a potential halt in U.S.-Iran negotiations led to rising international oil prices and interest rates. However, President Donald Trump denied the rumors of a negotiation breakdown, helping to restore investor confidence. Additionally, the U.S. Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for May exceeded market expectations, allowing the market to recover from early losses and turn positive. Market attention was focused on Nvidia, which announced its collaboration with Microsoft on the AI PC chip 'N1 X' at the 'GTC Taipei' event in Taiwan, marking its entry into the PC market. As a result, Nvidia's stock surged by 6.26%. Expectations for AI PC benefits also boosted shares of Dell Technologies and HP, which rose by 10.70% and 9.20%, respectively. In contrast, established PC CPU market leaders Intel and Qualcomm saw declines of 4.67% and 8.78%, respectively. Expectations for increased investment in AI infrastructure continued to grow. After the market closed, server and storage company HPE reported earnings and guidance that exceeded market expectations, leading to a surge in after-hours trading. International oil prices rose, with Brent crude futures closing at $94.98 per barrel, up 4.2%, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures finishing at $92.16 per barrel, a 5.5% increase. However, the earlier gains in oil prices were partially reversed following President Trump's comments regarding negotiations. The South Korean stock market is expected to continue its upward trend, led by semiconductor stocks. As of 8:30 a.m. on June 2, shares of Samsung Electronics were trading at 373,500 won, up 7.02%. Hyundai Motor rose by 4.13%, SK Hynix increased by 1.18%, and LG Electronics showed a strong gain of 20.89%. Analysts believe that expectations for increased AI investment remain a key driver for the market, but they caution about the potential for increased volatility due to concentration in certain sectors. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "While confusion surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations continues, the impact of war risks on the stock market is becoming limited over time. Nvidia's AI PC announcement and the growing demand for AI infrastructure are driving strength in the semiconductor and hardware sectors." She added, "The South Korean stock market is expected to open higher, supported by strong semiconductor stocks, but recent trading has concentrated on a few leading stocks, increasing volatility. A strategy that includes leading stocks in semiconductors and IT hardware, along with sectors like securities, power equipment, and shipbuilding that have been overlooked relative to their earnings, is effective."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:42:00

Samsung Display Partners with NVIDIA to Showcase OLED Gaming Experience Samsung Display is collaborating with NVIDIA to showcase OLED gaming quality optimized for the latest graphics processing units (GPUs). The demonstration allows attendees to directly compare how accurately OLED and QD-OLED panels can reproduce light, shadow, and color as rendered by high-performance GPUs. According to industry sources, Samsung Display is operating a quality experience zone with NVIDIA at the Computex 2026 event in Taipei, Taiwan. The zone features the ASUS laptop 'ROG Zephyrus G16' and the MSI monitor 'MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24,' both equipped with Samsung Display panels. These products support a gaming environment based on NVIDIA's latest GPU, the 'GeForce RTX 5080.' Samsung Display plans to showcase differences in display performance by allowing comparisons of the same game visuals on OLED and LCD screens in a high-spec graphics environment. The experience features Capcom's action-adventure game 'Pragmata,' set against the backdrop of a lunar base and outer space, highlighting reflective surfaces, contrasts in dark areas, and rapid scene transitions. The NVIDIA RTX 50 series supports advanced ray tracing and AI-based image enhancement technology known as DLSS 4.5. Samsung Display emphasizes that OLED and QD-OLED panels can effectively showcase these graphic effects while minimizing ghosting and loss of contrast. OLED and QD-OLED technology utilizes self-emissive pixels that do not require a separate backlight. This allows for a contrast ratio of up to 1,000,000:1 and deep black representation, resulting in less ghosting compared to LCDs during fast scene transitions. As GPU performance rapidly increases, industry analysts suggest that display performance, including refresh rates, black level representation, response times, and HDR capabilities, is becoming a key criterion in selecting gaming devices. Samsung Display aims to highlight that the combination of high-performance GPUs and premium displays significantly enhances gaming immersion. They believe the advantages of OLED panels become particularly evident in fast-moving scenes, dark backgrounds, and games with strong lighting effects. Kim Young-seok, Senior Vice President of IT Sales at Samsung Display, stated, "In environments based on the latest GPUs, real-time light reflection, shadow representation, and HDR effects become more refined, making display performance differences more pronounced. Samsung OLED and QD-OLED are displays that faithfully reproduce GPU performance, and we will expand our collaborations with big tech companies to prove our value in the premium IT market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:39:00

Korea Investment & Securities Raises Hanmi Pharmaceutical Target Price by 12% Korea Investment & Securities announced on June 2 that it has raised its target price for Hanmi Pharmaceutical from 660,000 won to 740,000 won, a 12% increase, following a significant technology transfer agreement with Eli Lilly. The firm maintained its "buy" rating on the stock. Analyst Weh Joo noted, "While there has been anticipation in the market regarding technology transfers, the fact that the asset involved is sonepaglutide and the counterparty is Eli Lilly is a surprise." Hanmi Pharmaceutical disclosed on June 1 that it had signed a technology transfer agreement with Eli Lilly valued at $1.26 billion (approximately 1.8973 trillion won). The upfront payment, which does not require repayment, amounts to 112.9 billion won. The agreement centers on the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) agonist sonepaglutide. This pipeline utilizes Hanmi's half-life extension platform, Labscovory. A global Phase 2 clinical trial is currently underway for patients with short bowel syndrome, and preclinical animal models have shown potential for expanding indications to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The potential for additional indications for sonepaglutide is also noteworthy. Weh Joo stated, "Eli Lilly is likely to develop sonepaglutide as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, as it is the only GLP-2R agonist with a once-monthly formulation that can provide sufficient activity for mucosal regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects." The possibility of further technology transfers for other pipelines was also mentioned. Weh Joo indicated that "HM17321 (a UCN2 agonist) is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, with nonclinical results set to be presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting on June 5. If safety is confirmed after the conclusion of clinical trials later this year, visibility for additional technology transfers could increase." 2026-06-02 08:39:00

Korea Insurance Development Institute and Toyota Korea Sign MOU to Simplify Insurance Discount Process On June 2, the Korea Insurance Development Institute (KIDI) announced a partnership with Toyota Korea to streamline the process for consumers to enroll in insurance discounts for advanced safety features.The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed at Toyota Korea's headquarters in Seoul. This agreement aims to link Toyota and Lexus vehicle information to a shared insurance industry database, making it easier for consumers to access discounts for advanced safety features.The auto insurance sector currently offers premium discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. However, consumers have previously faced cumbersome verification processes, including the need to submit photos of the features when they are installed as options on new cars.With this new agreement, consumers will be able to confirm their eligibility for the advanced safety feature discount without needing to provide additional documentation, thus simplifying the enrollment process. KIDI expects that standardizing the names of advanced safety features across different manufacturers will also reduce consumer confusion.KIDI President Heo Chang-eon stated, "This is a collaborative effort with automobile manufacturers to enhance consumer convenience. We will continue to expand our partnerships to improve consumer accessibility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:33:00

Hancom Partners with AirCode to Enhance AI Security Environment Hancom is collaborating with AirCode, a web isolation security firm, to enhance the security reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) work environments. On June 2, Hancom announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AirCode for the distribution of the remote web isolation security solution, AirRBI. Through this agreement, Hancom plans to accelerate its AI security business, focusing on markets with high security demands, such as public and financial sectors. The two companies will work together to reduce the risk of data leaks that can occur when businesses and government agencies utilize generative AI. As the adoption of generative AI expands, concerns have arisen about sensitive information being exposed when employees access external AI services and the web. Hancom aims to integrate its proven web isolation technology into its AI environment to establish a secure system that allows users to confidently utilize AI. AirRBI is a remote web isolation solution that executes web browsing on a remote server rather than the user's PC, effectively blocking the entry of malware and ransomware. It combines content disarm and reconstruction (CDR) technology, which eliminates threats from files accessed via the web, with data loss prevention (DLP) features to prevent the leakage of personal and sensitive data, providing a multi-layered security system. Notably, AirRBI employs a proprietary hybrid streaming technology that combines static and real-time screen methods. This approach reduces server resource and network traffic usage compared to traditional video streaming-based virtualization environments, thereby enhancing infrastructure operational efficiency. This collaboration is a continuation of Hancom's strategy announced in May regarding its Sovereign Agentic OS. Hancom is working to build an AI ecosystem that ensures data sovereignty and security by integrating security technologies into its AI operating environment. A Hancom representative stated, "For AI to be trusted, it must be predicated on the safe control of data. We will implement a reliable AI work environment by combining proven security technologies with Hancom's AI environment and realize our Sovereign Agentic OS strategy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:30:00

Middle East Conflict Drives Inflation to 26-Month High The impact of rising oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant increase in consumer prices, reaching their highest level in 26 months. The surge in oil prices has spread to transportation and travel services, raising the cost of living for consumers. According to the National Data Agency's report on consumer price trends for May 2026, the consumer price index rose to 119.92 (2020=100), marking a 3.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This is the first time since March 2024 that the inflation rate has surpassed 3%. Inflation has steadily increased from 2.0% in February, 2.2% in March, and 2.6% in April, reaching 3.1% in May. Analysts suggest that the rise above 3% indicates the beginning of the domestic impact from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent increase in international oil prices. In May, oil prices soared by 24.2% compared to the same month last year, contributing 0.92 percentage points to the overall inflation rate. This marks the highest increase since July 2022, when oil prices rose by 35.2%. Gasoline prices increased by 23.1%, while diesel prices surged by 33.3%, both recording their largest increases since July 2022. The rise in oil prices has also pushed up costs in transportation and travel-related services. Transportation prices rose by 11.6%, and international airfares skyrocketed by 33.5%, the highest increase since records began in 1995. Prices for group travel abroad, domestic airfares, car rentals, and hotel accommodations also rose, intensifying inflationary pressures. A representative from the National Data Agency stated, "The increase in oil prices due to the war has been significant, and the rise in travel-related service prices coincided with the May holidays and increased travel demand. This inflation reflects the impact of supply-side shocks." The living cost index, which reflects the cost of living, rose by 3.3% compared to the same month last year, the highest level since April 2024 (3.6%). Excluding food, the living cost index increased by 4.2%, adding to consumer burdens. Conversely, the prices of vegetables and fruits stabilized, leading to a 1.4% decline in the fresh food index. Agricultural products fell by 0.8%, but prices for livestock and seafood rose by 5.8% and 5.0%, respectively, resulting in an overall increase of 2.2% for agricultural and marine products. However, the National Data Agency emphasized that the impact of high oil prices has not yet spread to dining out or processed foods. A representative noted, "Unlike during the Russia-Ukraine war, we are currently experiencing supply shocks amid weakened demand. We need to monitor whether the rise in oil prices in the second half of the year will affect other items."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:24:00

Bitcoin Price Drops to $71,000 Amid Middle East Tensions Bitcoin's price fell to around $71,000 as U.S.-Iran peace negotiations faced significant challenges. According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin was trading at $71,265, down 3.60% from the previous day as of 8 a.m. The decline is attributed to Iran's announcement of a halt in dialogue with the U.S. in protest against Israel's military actions in Lebanon, which has stalled peace talks. Yonhap News reported that Iranian news outlet Tasnim stated on June 1 that Iran's negotiating team stopped exchanging messages with the U.S. regarding a peace agreement due to Israel's aggression. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement blaming the U.S. for Israel's ceasefire violations, suggesting the possibility of retaliation. Additionally, the recent sale of approximately $2.5 million worth of Bitcoin by the world's largest Bitcoin holder, 'Strategic,' has added downward pressure on prices. This marked the first sale by Strategic in over three years, since December 2022. Major altcoins also experienced declines. Ethereum, the second-largest by market capitalization, fell 0.53% to $2,000, while Ripple (XRP) dropped 2.80% to $1.29. Solana (SOL) was down 1.45% at $81.22. The cryptocurrency market sentiment, as indicated by the Fear and Greed Index, showed a fear level of 31. This index ranges from 0, indicating extreme fear, to 100, indicating extreme optimism. At the same time, on the domestic exchange Bithumb, Bitcoin was trading at approximately 1,004,000 won ($68,907), down 1.13% from the previous day. The 'Kimchi Premium' was recorded at -3.19%, indicating that Bitcoin prices in South Korea are lower than those abroad.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:21:00

LG Uplus Supports MVNO Partnerships for Veterans Discount App LG Uplus announced on June 2 that it is facilitating partnerships between small mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and the "Veterans Market" discount app, aimed at providing benefits for national veterans and discharged soldiers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to offer practical options for reducing communication costs for veterans while supporting the operational environment for small MVNOs. While LG Uplus will not directly sell plans or participate in contracts, it will play a connecting role to ensure smooth collaboration between the small MVNOs and the app's operators. Through this memorandum of understanding (MOU), new MVNO plans will be introduced in the "Veterans Market" app by mid-June. The participating companies include Eyes Vision, Ins Korea, and Chance Mobile, which will collectively offer 24 MVNO plans, with eight plans from each provider. Discounts on these plans will range from approximately 20% to 30%, and promotional offers will be available for about three months. Park Dae-yong, LG Uplus MVNO Business Manager, stated, "This collaboration provides veterans with valuable options for communication costs while also supporting small MVNOs in reaching customers reliably. We will continue to explore partnerships that consider both social value and the support of the industry ecosystem." The "Veterans Market" is a discount service exclusively for veterans' families, operated jointly by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Association. Launched in November last year, it is available to veterans, their families, and discharged soldiers under the age of 39.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:21:00

President Lee: Deliberate Spread of False Information Must Be Punished President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 2 that those who deliberately spread false information that causes social chaos and economic harm must be identified and punished. The president made these remarks while sharing an article about the police's investigation into the dissemination of false claims regarding a supposed government mandate to sell dollars. "Spreading false information that harms the public is not a matter of free speech, nor is it something to be tolerated," President Lee said. He added, "Even if it is done as a joke or for fun, actions that kill people and destroy the order and values of the community must be treated as serious crimes and punished accordingly." He also expressed his appreciation for the diligent police investigation team, saying, "I should send them some pizza." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 08:18:00