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  • Incruit Reports 7 Out of 10 Major Companies Plan Hiring in Second Half of Year
    Incruit Reports 7 Out of 10 Major Companies Plan Hiring in Second Half of Year Incruit announced that seven out of ten major companies in South Korea plan to hire new employees in the second half of the year. A survey conducted by Incruit from July 1 to August 3, covering 600 companies including 74 large firms, 119 mid-sized companies, and 407 small businesses, revealed that 74.3% of large companies have hiring plans for the second half of the year. This marks a 14.6 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year. The hiring intentions among mid-sized and small businesses also rose. Mid-sized companies reported a 15.8 percentage point increase to 58.8%, while small businesses saw a 4.3 percentage point rise to 53.3%. However, the scale of hiring has somewhat decreased. The proportion of large companies planning to hire in the triple digits dropped to 14.5%, a decrease of 6.4 percentage points from the previous year, while mid-sized companies reported a slight decline to 1.4%. There were no plans for triple-digit hiring among small businesses. In terms of hiring methods (multiple responses allowed), 69.3% of companies indicated they would use ongoing recruitment, while 30.7% planned to conduct regular public recruitment, and 17.3% would offer internship programs that could lead to employment. Seo Mi-young, CEO of Incruit, stated, "The hiring market in the second half of this year is recovering, particularly among large companies, but there is a trend toward more practical hiring, leading to a reduction in scale. Given the prevalence of ongoing recruitment, job seekers need to refine their skills and clearly communicate their readiness to contribute immediately." Meanwhile, Incruit will hold the '24th Incruit Job Fair 2026' at Korea University on the 27th, where it will share insights on the hiring market for the second half of the year. Major companies such as SK Hynix, CJ Olive Young, and Korea Electric Power Corporation will also participate in this job fair.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:40:20
  • Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han Discusses Investigation Cooperation with Justice Ministry
    Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han Discusses Investigation Cooperation with Justice Ministry 6.3 local elections special prosecutor Lee Tae-han, appointed to investigate allegations including a shortage of ballots, is visiting various investigative agencies to discuss personnel dispatch and other matters related to the investigation. According to legal sources on the 20th, the special prosecutor plans to meet with Justice Ministry Vice Minister Lee Jin-soo and Prosecutor General Lee Eung-cheol at the Government Complex in Gwacheon at 5 PM today. Additionally, on the 21st, he will visit the Supreme Prosecutor's Office at 11 AM to meet with Planning and Coordination Bureau Chief Park Kyu-hyung, and at 1 PM the same day, he will visit the National Police Agency to meet with the acting police chief and the head of the National Investigation Agency. The special prosecutor aims to exchange opinions on cooperation regarding personnel dispatch and other necessary matters for the investigation, marking the beginning of formal preparations for the probe. Previously, in his first public engagement after his appointment, the special prosecutor met with Kim Tae-hoon, the head of the joint investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, on the 19th to discuss the handover of the case and personnel dispatch. After the meeting with Kim, the special prosecutor told reporters, "The internal personnel situation at the prosecution is not good, so it seems difficult to receive full support," but added, "I have requested cooperation to the maximum extent possible." He also noted, "To verify altered, deleted, or restored content, we need to utilize personnel from the Supreme Prosecutor's Office's database forensics center." The special prosecutor will investigate the allegations specified in the Special Prosecutor Act for a maximum of 170 days, including the preparation period. Initially, he plans to secure the necessary facilities for the investigation within 20 days and request the appointment of special prosecutors. Even during the preparation period, if rapid evidence collection is necessary, related investigations can proceed, and he can file charges and maintain prosecutions for the cases received. During the preparation period, the special prosecutor will select 10 candidates for special prosecutors and request their appointment from President Yoon Suk-yeol, who will appoint five of them within five days. The special prosecutor can request personnel dispatch from the Supreme Prosecutor's Office, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, and the National Police Agency, aiming to form an investigation team of up to 20 dispatched prosecutors and 70 special investigators. From the day after the preparation period ends, the special prosecutor must complete investigations into each case and decide whether to file charges within 90 days. If the investigation cannot be completed or if it is difficult to decide on charges within this period, the president's approval can be sought to extend the investigation period twice, each by 30 days. The targets of the special prosecutor's investigation include allegations of infringement on voting rights due to ballot shortages, manipulation of election statistics such as voter turnout, mismanagement of important election materials like ballot storage boxes, and corruption related to overseas trips and preferential contracts involving current and former members and staff of the Election Commission, among other identified cases during the investigation process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:40:00
  • Government Raises 2040 Power Demand Forecast by 20% Due to Mega Projects
    Government Raises 2040 Power Demand Forecast by 20% Due to Mega Projects The government has increased its forecast for peak power demand in 2040 by approximately 20% to account for large-scale new investments in semiconductor clusters and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This increase is equivalent to the capacity of 19 large nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1.4 GW. ◆ Peak Power Demand Projected at 165 GW, Consumption at 885.1 TWh The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment and the 12th Basic Power Supply Plan (Electricity Basic Plan) Committee revealed the revised power demand forecast during the fifth public policy forum held at the National Assembly on August 20. The forecast indicates a target peak power demand of 158.4 GW under the baseline scenario and 165.0 GW under the upward scenario. This represents an increase of 26.6 to 26.8 GW compared to the previous estimate of 131.8 to 138.2 GW presented in April. The growth rates are 20.2% for the baseline scenario and 19.4% for the upward scenario. According to Professor Choi Yong-ok, who leads the demand planning subcommittee, the target electricity consumption for 2040 is projected at 847.3 TWh under the baseline scenario and 885.1 TWh under the upward scenario, which assumes higher economic growth and electrification rates. “The key point of this revision is not that we have increased the demand by assuming a higher economic growth rate,” Professor Choi stated. “Most of the increase can be explained by the large-scale new investment plans for semiconductors and AI data centers that have been solidified since the end of June.” ◆ Additional Power Demand from Semiconductors Expected to Increase Sixfold; AI Data Centers Threefold The demand planning subcommittee has accounted for only the new incremental demand arising from investments in semiconductors and data centers, excluding the growth trends already included in the model demand based on economic growth rates. The additional electricity consumption from advanced industries, including semiconductors, is projected at 170.5 TWh under the baseline scenario and 168.5 TWh under the upward scenario for 2040. The additional peak power demand is expected to be 24.6 GW and 24.3 GW, respectively. This marks a significant increase from the previous forecast of 27.4 to 29.3 TWh in additional electricity consumption and 3.7 to 4.0 GW in additional peak power. This increase reflects the recent solidified corporate investment plans, including the early completion of the Yongin semiconductor cluster, the establishment of a new cluster in the Honam region, and expansions of fabs in Pyeongtaek and Cheongju. Of the approximately 40 GW of potential demand based on contract power proposed by companies for 2040, 36.8 GW has been prioritized in this forecast. The additional electricity consumption from data centers is projected at 84.9 TWh, with a peak power demand of 11.9 GW for 2040. This is approximately three times larger than the previous estimates of 26.5 TWh and 4.0 GW made in April. This increase reflects the expansion of mid- to long-term graphics processing unit (GPU) distribution and the solidified corporate investment plans following mega projects. However, the investment plans for data centers have been gradually incorporated due to market uncertainties. Of the 20.8 GW of contract power proposed by companies, only the first phase of 10.8 GW, which is more concrete, has been included in this electricity basic plan, while the second phase of 10 GW will be reviewed in the next electricity basic plan based on project progress. ◆ Even with a 21.3 GW Reduction in Peak Power, Expansion of Generation and Transmission Networks Remains a Challenge The combined baseline demand for 2040, including model demand, additional demand from semiconductors and data centers, and electrification demand, is expected to reach 986.3 to 1026.6 TWh. The peak power baseline demand is projected at 179.2 to 186.4 GW. The demand planning subcommittee has estimated the final target demand at 847.3 to 885.1 TWh, assuming a reduction in electricity consumption of 139.0 to 141.5 TWh through demand management measures such as the Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS). The peak power demand is also projected to be reduced by up to 21.3 GW through demand management and load shifting, resulting in a forecast of 158.4 to 165.0 GW. Professor Choi emphasized, “If the power infrastructure is not prepared, investments in semiconductors and AI data centers may face disruptions. We need to identify the likely demand in advance to prepare the generation and transmission infrastructure.” This forecast is provisional, and the committee plans to refine the estimates based on feedback from the forum. This will help to specify the composition of power sources, power grids, and energy storage systems (ESS) needed by 2040. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:40:00
  • NCT 127 to open pop-up store in Seoul to promote new album
    NCT 127 to open pop-up store in Seoul to promote new album SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - K-pop boy group NCT 127 will open a pop-up store in Seoul next week to promote the release of their seventh full-length album, their agency SM Entertainment said on Thursday. NCT 127's upcoming album "BLINGY" is set for release on Aug. 24 with nine tracks, including the title song of the same name. The pop-up store, called "NEO LOST&FOUND CENTER," will open the following day and run through Sept. 1 in Seoul's hip district of Seongsu. The store is inspired by the album's storyline, in which the group members appear as "fixers" operating in Seoul. Their agency said the venue will be designed as a lost-and-found office and the fixers' hideout, allowing visitors to experience the album's concept. Visitors who fill out a request form at the store will be matched with one of the members through a "fixer ID card." Everyone entering the venue will also receive a poster featuring the group in character, while albums and special merchandise will be available for purchase. Similar pop-up stores will later open in Bangkok, Shanghai and Tokyo. AJP Takeaways · NCT 127 will open a Seoul pop-up store for their seventh full-length album. · "NEO LOST&FOUND CENTER" will run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1 at Musinsa Empty Seongsu. · The pop-up is based on the group's "fixers in Seoul" album concept. 2026-08-20 15:34:42
  • Kim Min-seok Calls for Disciplinary Action Against Lawmaker Over 5·18 Controversy
    Kim Min-seok Calls for Disciplinary Action Against Lawmaker Over 5·18 Controversy Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, met with Jo Jeong-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, to discuss the controversy surrounding lawmaker Lee Jin-sook's remarks about the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Kim stated that Lee's comments, which he described as a direct violation of constitutional principles, warrant expulsion from the National Assembly and called for discussions on suspending her membership.During the meeting on August 20, Kim emphasized, "If expulsion is difficult, there is a bill that can be submitted to suspend her membership through a plenary session." He urged the National Assembly to exercise principled leadership to uphold its democratic integrity.Lee sparked controversy on August 13 during a forum co-hosted by the civic group New History National Movement, where she referred to the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a "disturbance." In response, the Democratic Party submitted a resolution to the National Assembly on August 14 calling for her expulsion.Kim also addressed the situation regarding Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae, who has faced pressure to resign due to controversies surrounding his appointment of Supreme Court justices. He stated, "If the Chief Justice's erroneous actions do not lead to internal reform within the judiciary, the National Assembly must take decisive action with a sense of responsibility."He expressed a commitment to continue communication with the opposition to aid in economic recovery, stating, "We need to create institutional improvements that allow for more constructive competition between the ruling and opposition parties in this National Assembly," and requested Jo's guidance in this effort.In response, Jo noted that South Korea is facing two significant challenges: a global complex crisis and the need for economic stability. He stressed the importance of demonstrating the ruling party's competence to the public at this time. Jo encouraged the development of rational and effective alternatives while addressing various economic issues, echoing the sentiments of late former President Kim Dae-jung regarding the need for awareness and practical solutions.Jo also mentioned that a recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act has passed in the National Assembly, marking a significant change in the criminal justice system that has been in place for 78 years. He urged careful attention to prevent confusion and ensure that no victims arise from these changes.Meanwhile, Kim is scheduled to meet with Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party. Park Seong-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, stated that they are planning to arrange meetings with social elders, advisors, and opposition leaders, including Jang, in the coming week. 2026-08-20 15:32:10
  • AI Streamlines Job Centers, Boosts Counseling Time Fourfold in Major Overhaul
    AI Streamlines Job Centers, Boosts Counseling Time Fourfold in Major Overhaul Nationwide, 102 employment centers are transforming from administrative-focused institutions into 'lifetime job total care' organizations that support job seekers in employment and career development. Routine tasks such as salary payments and document reviews will be handled by artificial intelligence (AI), allowing counseling staff to focus on in-depth consultations for those in need.The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced this plan on August 20 during a meeting of the Employment Policy Council. Although over 2 million job seekers visit these centers annually, staff members responsible for unemployment benefits have been criticized for being overwhelmed with administrative tasks, averaging over 70 cases of unemployment verification each day, making meaningful consultations difficult.To address this, the ministry plans to utilize AI technology to take over repetitive administrative duties. A key component is the 'My AI Employment Center' based on Employment 24. The AI will analyze job seekers' survey responses, work history, and employment insurance and training records to classify them as either 'self-directed' or 'intensive support' types. Self-directed individuals, who possess adequate employment skills, will be able to manage everything from job support recommendations to service applications and employment history checks online without visiting the center.For those needing more assistance, dedicated case managers will be assigned. These managers will use an AI-based diagnostic tool called Job Care to assess job seekers' capabilities and design their employment pathways. They will provide one-on-one support through in-depth consultations, job training, job placement, and even career development after employment.A ministry official stated, 'The goal is to change the roles of the existing workforce of about 4,900 at employment centers without increasing staff numbers. The focus is on reallocating time spent on administrative tasks to job seeker consultations.'The ministry will also introduce a job activity mileage system that awards points based on the difficulty of job-seeking activities. Unemployment benefit recipients or participants in the National Employment Support Program will accumulate points for activities such as consultations, interviews, and job training, with automatic payments triggered upon achieving goals. AI will filter out cases suspected of fraudulent or superficial job-seeking activities.Support for businesses will shift from merely providing subsidies to assisting throughout the entire hiring process. The ministry will proactively identify companies facing hiring challenges by analyzing job postings and employment administration data. Using the Employment 24 Firm Care AI, it will automatically draft job postings based on the company's industry and required positions, suggesting suitable candidates and the available subsidies. After hiring, support will continue to help new employees adapt to the workplace and ensure long-term retention.Additionally, the autonomy of regional employment policies will be expanded. Local employment centers will be empowered to assess regional industrial transitions and employment situations based on administrative data such as employment insurance, allowing them to adjust project requirements and support periods according to local characteristics. Frontline employment centers will focus on services for job seekers and businesses, while administrative tasks like salary payments and fraud investigations will be centralized at regional offices.A pilot program conducted since May at the Daejeon Employment Center for participants in the National Employment Support Program found that 72.4% were classified as self-directed and 27.6% as intensive support. Overall, 86.8% of participants provided positive feedback, and the average face-to-face consultation time for intensive support individuals increased from 18 minutes to 73.8 minutes, more than quadrupling.The ministry plans to expand pilot operations for unemployment benefits and case management in the second half of this year and will operate an integrated pilot center starting in 2027, consolidating innovative projects. This will be gradually expanded nationwide while minimizing disruption on the ground.Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, 'Employment centers should delegate simple and repetitive administrative tasks to AI and fill that space with services that connect people to jobs. We aim to be a partner in the job journey of all citizens, from graduation to retirement.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:32:00
  • Ansan City Council to Discuss Key Issues from Citizen Support to Health City
    Ansan City Council to Discuss Key Issues from Citizen Support to Health City The Ansan City Council will hold its 305th extraordinary session from August 24 to September 10, during which council members will review proposed ordinances and resolutions. According to the council on August 20, a total of 47 items have been submitted for this session, including three ordinances and one resolution proposed by council members. The "Partial Amendment to the Ansan City Saemaul Undong Organization Support Ordinance," led by Council Member Kim Jae-guk, aims to support the activities of Saemaul organizations involved in community service. Key provisions include allowing the mayor or district heads to provide meeting allowances to the heads of local Saemaul leader councils and women's associations within budget limits when convening meetings for municipal work. Council Member Hyun Ok-soon’s "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on the Honor and Support of National Veterans" focuses on restructuring the support system in line with changes in national veterans' policies. This amendment integrates the existing welfare allowance for spouses of deceased veterans into a veterans' honor allowance, as spouses of deceased veterans are now included as national veterans. It also establishes a basis for promoting projects that honor national veterans and their contributions. The "Basic Ordinance for Health City in Ansan," proposed by Council Member Seol Ho-young, aims to lay the groundwork for policies that enhance citizen health and improve quality of life. This ordinance defines the basic principles of a health city and the responsibilities of the mayor, requiring the establishment and implementation of a basic plan for health city projects every five years, along with provisions for citizen participation and the establishment of an operating committee. Council Member Lee Jin-bun proposed a resolution urging the renaming of Shihwa Lake to establish regional identity. The resolution points out that while Shihwa Lake encompasses a major waterway in Ansan, its current name does not adequately reflect the region's identity. It advocates for a name change to better capture the area's historical and future value. In particular, the resolution views the renaming of Shihwa Lake as an opportunity to move beyond the environmental pollution of the past towards ecological restoration and a future of coexistence, urging collaboration among the cities of Ansan, Siheung, and Hwaseong, as well as the initiation of review procedures by relevant agencies. Citizens are showing significant interest in the proposed items from council members. The support for Saemaul organizations and the restructuring of the national veterans' support system are seen as meaningful steps to enhance practical support and honor for community members. Additionally, the health city ordinance is viewed as a foundational framework for comprehensively improving citizen health and living environments, raising expectations for the implementation of specific policies in the future. Meanwhile, among the items proposed by council members, the resolution urging the renaming of Shihwa Lake is scheduled to be voted on during the first plenary session on August 24, while the three ordinances will be voted on during the fourth plenary session on September 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:28:00
  • Seoul Archdiocese Expands Sign Language Masses to Local Parishes
    Seoul Archdiocese Expands Sign Language Masses to Local Parishes The Seoul Archdiocese is expanding its sign language Masses to make it easier for deaf parishioners to attend services at local churches. This initiative aims to reduce the inconvenience of long travel for deaf individuals and foster a community where both disabled and able-bodied members can practice their faith together.Starting August 23, the archdiocese will provide sign language interpretation during the Sunday Mass at Eungchon 1-dong Church in Gangseo District at 11 a.m. Each week, two volunteers from the Epata Church, which serves the deaf community, will be assigned to provide interpretation.The selection of Eungchon 1-dong Church as the new site for sign language interpretation was made with the accessibility needs of deaf parishioners in the Gangseo area in mind. The archdiocese currently offers sign language Masses at the Gaebong-dong and Haengun-dong churches as well.Father Nao Jin, the archdiocese's special priest for ministry to the disabled, explained, "We are starting sign language Masses at Eungchon 1-dong Church to allow deaf parishioners living in the Gangseo area to practice their faith closer to home."Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek emphasized that providing sign language interpretation goes beyond mere convenience; it is a practice that ensures the religious access rights of disabled individuals. He stated, "The reason deaf individuals struggle to participate in Mass is not solely due to their hearing impairment, but because of the lack of sign language interpretation. Assigning interpreters to parishes is a crucial step in helping deaf parishioners fully engage in their faith community."He added, "We must understand disability not as an individual issue but as a societal challenge that we must address together. I appreciate Eungchon 1-dong Church for taking a significant step toward creating an inclusive community where disabled and able-bodied individuals can worship without discrimination."The archdiocese's ministry for the deaf has been centered around Epata Church, which assists deaf parishioners in participating in Mass and religious education in their native sign language. Deaf priests Park Min-seo and Kim Dong-jun actively share language and culture with deaf parishioners.The sign language Mass at Eungchon 1-dong Church is significant as it broadens the outreach of the ministry for the deaf, allowing them to attend Mass with able-bodied parishioners at a nearby church without needing to travel to a specialized parish.On August 23, during the first sign language Mass at Eungchon 1-dong Church, Father Nao Jin will present certificates of appointment as "parish Mass sign language interpreters" to nine volunteers from Epata Church, including Kim Mi-hyun Agnes, on behalf of the archbishop.The archdiocese plans to assess any improvements needed during the operation of the Eungchon 1-dong Church program before considering expansion to other parishes. However, due to a current shortage of sign language interpreters, securing additional volunteers remains a priority for future expansion.An archdiocese official stated, "We will develop various pastoral measures to ensure that deaf parishioners are not excluded from their faith lives due to their disabilities and can fully participate in the Mass and community life in their local parishes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:28:00
  • People Power Party Confirms Im Yi-ja as New Policy Committee Chair
    People Power Party Confirms Im Yi-ja as New Policy Committee Chair On August 20, the People Power Party confirmed Im Yi-ja, a three-term lawmaker, as the new chair of its policy committee. The position had been vacant for over two months following the election of Jeong Jeom-sik as the party's floor leader. Choi Soo-jin, the party's chief spokesperson, announced the decision to reporters after a party meeting held at the National Assembly. Im, a former vice chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has a background in labor activism and has served on the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee. In the first half of the 22nd National Assembly, she was the chair of the Finance and Economy Planning Committee. Within the party, she has held various positions, including deputy floor leader, member of the emergency response committee, chair of the special committee on labor reform, and chair of the special committee on climate crisis response. The term for the policy committee chair is one year, and the chair is classified as a natural member of the Supreme Council, holding voting rights in the party's decision-making body. Park Soo-young (second term, Busan Nam-gu), Kim Mi-ae (second term, Busan Haeundae-gu), and Kim Eun-hye (second term, Seongnam Bundang-gu) were appointed as deputy chairs of the policy committee. The new deputy floor leaders are Lee Sang-hwi (North Gyeongsang Province Pohang Nam-gu and Ulleung-gun) and Kwak Gyu-taek (Busan Seo-gu and Dong-gu). Meanwhile, the People Power Party has decided to pursue election nullification lawsuits following the National Election Commission's dismissal of complaints regarding the Seoul mayoral election and other elections. Choi stated, "We will file objections regarding the elections for the heads of local governments and proportional representation in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. Additionally, we plan to file lawsuits to nullify the elections in four districts in Songpa, including the Songpa District Mayor, local Seoul councilors, and proportional representatives for Songpa." She added, "The areas for the election lawsuits were chosen due to serious allegations of insufficient ballots and electronic manipulation, particularly in regions where party leader Jang Dong-hyuk personally argued the case." The People Power Party aims to submit the lawsuits to the court by the deadline of August 28. Previously, on August 12, the National Election Commission rejected the People Power Party's complaints regarding the Seoul mayoral election, stating that the issues of insufficient ballots and voting interruptions did not significantly affect the election results. Additionally, the commission dismissed complaints filed by the People Power Party regarding proportional representation elections for the Seoul City Council, the Incheon mayoral election and its proportional representation councilors, the Gyeonggi governor election and its proportional representation councilors, as well as the Chungbuk governor and its proportional representation councilors. 2026-08-20 15:24:00
  • Hot Stock: SK hynix surges over 10% on 40 trillion won buyback plan
    Hot Stock: SK hynix surges over 10% on 40 trillion won buyback plan SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - Shares of SK hynix surged more than 10 percent Thursday afternoon after the chipmaker announced a 40 trillion won ($28 billion) share buyback plan the previous day. Its shares traded at 1,676,000 won around 3 p.m., up 11.73 percent or 176,000 won from the previous session. The stock climbed as high as 1,720,000 won during intraday trading. The sharp rebound came a day after the shares tumbled 9.75 percent to 1,500,000 won amid a broader selloff in semiconductor stocks. After the market closed the previous day, the chipmaker said it would buy back 40 trillion won worth of its own shares over the next three months and cancel all of them to boost shareholder returns. It also plans to return at least 50 percent of the free cash flow (FCF) it generates from 2025 to 2027 to shareholders, up from the previous plan of up to 50 percent. The money will be returned through share buybacks, cancellations and cash dividends. FCF is the cash left after a company pays for its operating and investment expenses. Simon Coles, an analyst at global investment bank Barclays, called the buyback plan a "strong signal" and said SK hynix shares remained undervalued. He estimated that the planned shareholder returns would equal about 15 percent of the chipmaker's market value. The investment bank maintained its positive outlook on the stock and a $300 price target for SK hynix's American depositary receipts (ADRs), implying about 93 percent upside from Tuesday's closing price of $155.62. Barclays said SK hynix could make the large shareholder payouts while still having enough money to expand production and make new investment. The bank expects the buyback to support SK hynix's share price. It also raised its 2027 dividend forecast to 2,500 won per share for quarterly dividends and 10,000 won for the year-end dividend. But how SK hynix distributes those returns remains a key question. Coles said putting more money into dividends could signal confidence in its ability to generate steady cash, while share buybacks may be a more practical option. AJP Takeaways • SK hynix shares jumped 12.47 percent to 1,687,000 won as of 2:43 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2026, after the chipmaker announced a 40 trillion won ($28 billion) share buyback and cancellation plan. • Barclays analyst Simon Coles called the buyback a "strong signal" and said SK hynix remained undervalued, estimating the planned shareholder returns at about 15 percent of its market capitalization. • Barclays maintained a $300 price target for SK hynix's American depositary receipts, implying about 93 percent upside from the $155.62 price on Aug. 18, 2026. 2026-08-20 15:23:34