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  • KOSPI Rises Over 2% as Bargain Hunters Enter Market; SK Hynix Shares Surge
    KOSPI Rises Over 2% as Bargain Hunters Enter Market; SK Hynix Shares Surge The KOSPI opened with a gain of over 3% on the back of bargain hunting following a more than 5% drop the previous day and a stabilization in U.S. long-term interest rates. Notably, SK Hynix announced a plan to buy back and retire shares worth 40 trillion won, boosting investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector.As of 9:09 a.m. on the 20th, the KOSPI was trading at 6,624.12, up 152.95 points (2.36%) from the previous trading day. The index started at 6,680.34, up 209.17 points (3.23%), before slightly reducing its gains.U.S. stock markets experienced a slight rebound overnight as the rise in long-term interest rates eased. On the 19th, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.20%, while the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq also increased by 0.20% each.The U.S. Treasury Department's expansion of its buyback program for 10- to 30-year bonds helped stabilize long-term interest rates, positively impacting investor sentiment. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.64%, while the 30-year yield decreased to 5.18%.However, semiconductor stocks showed mixed results. Micron fell by 0.4%, and SanDisk dropped by 3.5%. In South Korea, the rebound in semiconductor stocks was driven by bargain hunting following the previous day's sharp decline and SK Hynix's announcement of a significant shareholder return policy.SK Hynix revealed that it would buy back and retire shares worth 40 trillion won over the next three months, equivalent to about 3.3% of its total outstanding shares. The company also decided to increase its shareholder return plan to over 50% of its free cash flow for 2025-2027, up from the previously stated 50% limit.On this day, individual investors in the securities market made net purchases of 751.4 billion won, engaging in bargain hunting. In contrast, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 249.9 billion won and 551.8 billion won, respectively.Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 2.83%), SK Hynix (up 5.87%), SK Square (up 3.49%), LG Energy Solution (up 1.82%), Samsung Biologics (up 2.20%), and Samsung Life Insurance (up 4.17%) saw gains. Conversely, Samsung Electro-Mechanics (down 3.17%), Hyundai Motor (down 0.60%), Hanwha Aerospace (down 1.87%), and KB Financial (down 2.22%) experienced declines.Notably, SK Hynix's announcement of a large-scale share buyback and retirement led to a rise of over 5%, partially recovering from the previous day's losses.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was trading at 845.43, up 20.97 points (2.54%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 843.99, up 19.53 points (2.37%), and continued its upward trend.In the KOSDAQ market, individual and institutional investors made net purchases of 68.9 billion won and 23.4 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 85.2 billion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, Alteogen (up 10.21%), EcoPro (up 3.60%), EcoPro BM (up 4.01%), Rainbow Robotics (up 0.76%), JUSUNG Engineering (up 2.27%), Wonik IPS (up 2.93%), EO Technics (up 3.37%), Rino Technology (up 0.59%), and ABL Bio (up 3.01%) mostly saw increases.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Today, the domestic market is expected to rebound due to the influx of bargain hunting following the previous day's sharp decline, the stabilization of U.S. interest rates, and the positive impact of Moderna's stock surge on growth stock sentiment."He added, "SK Hynix's decision to implement a large-scale shareholder return policy earlier than expected is significant. Considering the momentum of shareholder returns from leading stocks, the easing of the surge in U.S. long-term interest rates, and the reduction in global semiconductor concentration, there is potential for improved recovery momentum for the KOSPI and KOSDAQ, which experienced sharp declines this week." 2026-08-20 09:24:00
  • Wang Yi Refers to North and South Korea as Two Countries During Seoul Meeting
    Wang Yi Refers to North and South Korea as 'Two Countries' During Seoul Meeting "I welcome the peaceful coexistence of South Korea and North Korea as two countries." This statement was made by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister, during the Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting held in Seoul on August 19. This remark was also included in a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.Notably, this is the first time a Chinese foreign minister has referred to South and North Korea as 'two countries.' Previously, Chinese diplomatic language typically referred to the two Koreas as 'both sides' or 'relevant parties.' In a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in Beijing last September, Wang used the term 'Korean Peninsula.' At a trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo in March of last year, he referred to 'each side.'The terms 'both sides' and 'each side' reflect the historical context in which both Koreas aimed for unification. In contrast, the term 'two countries' acknowledges the current reality that they are separate nations. Additionally, this expression resonates with North Korea's assertion of a 'hostile two-country relationship.' Since late 2023, North Korea has defined inter-Korean relations as a 'hostile two-country relationship,' rejecting the notion of a special relationship aimed at unification and recognizing South Korea as a distinct country.However, it cannot be concluded that China has officially adopted North Korea's 'hostile two-country theory.' Wang's statement emphasizes the 'peaceful coexistence of two countries.' Nonetheless, it is clear that some of North Korea's terminology has been integrated into Chinese diplomatic language.Wang's reference to 'two countries' comes just two months after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang. Xi visited the North Korean capital on June 8-9, marking his first trip to North Korea in seven years. During the summit, Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized strategic cooperation between China and North Korea. However, Xi did not mention North Korea's nuclear capabilities or denuclearization. Chinese state media described the summit as a 'new historical starting point' for China-North Korea relations.As China strengthens its strategic cooperation with North Korea, the timing of Wang's 'two countries' remark is significant. Speculation about a potential North Korea-U.S. summit is emerging ahead of the APEC meeting in Shenzhen in November, raising questions about China's role in this process. The fact that Xi did not mention denuclearization during the summit, followed by Wang's formalization of the 'two countries' expression, suggests a shift in China's priorities regarding the Korean Peninsula from 'North Korean denuclearization' to 'managing the peaceful coexistence of two countries.' Observers will be watching to see if Wang or the Chinese Foreign Ministry continues to use the term 'two countries' in future discussions about inter-Korean relations, and whether denuclearization will be mentioned alongside it.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:24:00
  • Moms Touch Opens First Store in Singapore, Achieves Double Initial Sales Target
    Mom's Touch Opens First Store in Singapore, Achieves Double Initial Sales Target South Korean burger and chicken brand Mom's Touch has opened its first local store in Singapore's central business district, marking a significant step in its Southeast Asian market strategy. The store has received a warm reception from local consumers, evidenced by long lines on opening day.On August 14, Mom's Touch officially launched 'MOM'S TOUCH 18 CROSS' on South Bridge Road in Singapore's CBD. This store is the first result of a master franchise agreement with FairPrice Group, Singapore's largest retail company.Recently, Southeast Asia has emerged as a key market for the global food service industry, driven by rapid economic growth and a young population. Singapore, in particular, is a focal point for global brands looking to enter the Southeast Asian market due to its high purchasing power and advanced infrastructure. Mom's Touch aims to expand its global presence through its entry into Singapore and establish a foundation for further expansion into neighboring countries.On the opening day, around 200 customers lined up before the store opened, creating an 'open run' atmosphere. Over the first five days, the average daily sales exceeded the company's internal targets by twofold, demonstrating the store's popularity.Mom's Touch maintains the quality of its signature menu items, such as the 'Cyber Burger' and 'Big Cyber Chicken,' in line with its global standards. After two years of research and development, the company has also established a local operational system that meets halal standards for ingredients, sauces, and supply chains.Additionally, the company has introduced Singapore-exclusive menu items tailored to local tastes, including the 'Super Cyber Burger - Singapore Edition' with black pepper sauce, 'Fish Fillet Burger,' 'Angus Beef Burger,' and 'Banana Milk Coffee,' available for a limited time. To cater to the office district, the store offers five morning menu items, including 'Scrambled Egg and Cheese Toast,' available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with a variety of K-chicken options.Mom's Touch plans to open its second store in a residential shopping mall later this year. By gathering market data from both the commercial and residential locations, the company aims to expand its presence across Singapore starting next year.Denis Quek, General Manager of Mom's Touch Singapore and GM of FairPrice Group Kopitiam, stated, "We will maintain the authenticity of the Mom's Touch brand while delivering the high quality that customers expect, leveraging FairPrice Group's strong execution capabilities and deep understanding of the local market."Meanwhile, Mom's Touch has been expanding its overseas operations since entering Thailand in 2022, with plans to enter six countries, including Japan, Mongolia, and Laos. The company aims to increase its global store count to 220 by 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:10
  • Korean Won Stabilizes in the 1380s Against the Dollar Amid Dollar Weakness
    Korean Won Stabilizes in the 1380s Against the Dollar Amid Dollar Weakness The won-dollar exchange rate has fallen into the 1380s, supported by a weaker dollar and increased dollar selling from exporters.As of 9:05 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate is trading at 1388.0 won against the U.S. dollar.The rate opened at 1389.1 won, down 8.6 won from the previous trading day as of 6 a.m.The previous day, the exchange rate dropped below the 1300 won mark during trading for the first time in about 10 and a half months, and it has continued to decline. This marks the first time the rate has fallen into the 1380s since September 19 of last year, when it hit an intraday low of 1388.4 won.Analysts interpret this decline as a result of significant inflows of dollar selling from exporters seeking to procure won, combined with the weaker dollar. With the ongoing decline in the exchange rate since last month, expectations for high rates have diminished, and the market positioning has shifted from long to short as it fell below the psychological support level of 1400 won.Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The decline in the exchange rate is likely to lead to a self-reinforcing flow of additional dollar selling," adding that "the possibility of offshore short plays chasing the weaker dollar overnight is expected to support this trend."He further noted, "Foreign net selling in the domestic stock market and the influx of bargain-hunting are factors that limit the lower end of the exchange rate," and emphasized that "given the rapid decline in the exchange rate, recurring funds such as payment and currency exchange demand may perceive this range as an attractive buying opportunity and are likely to flow in."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:10
  • Korea Electric Power Corporation Conducts Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities
    Korea Electric Power Corporation Conducts Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) conducted emergency recovery training for power facilities at the Sinyeong Substation, which connects power generation from the East Coast to the main power grid. The training simulated a complex threat scenario involving simultaneous drone attacks and cyberterrorism, assessing the entire process from facility protection to rescue operations and power restoration.On August 19, KEPCO announced that it held the '2026 Eulji Exercise Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities' at the Sinyeong Substation in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.Approximately 160 personnel from various agencies participated in the training, including KEPCO, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Army's 50th Division, Yeongju City, Yeongju Police Station, and Yeongju Fire Station. The agencies collaborated on facility protection and equipment recovery, confirming their roles and coordination in the event of an emergency.The Sinyeong Substation is a critical facility that supplies power to the North Gyeongsang region while linking large-scale power generation from the East Coast to the main power grid. Any disruption at this facility could impact not only local power supply but also the integration of generated power into the grid, making rapid protection and recovery capabilities essential.The training was conducted under the assumption that the substation's equipment was damaged due to attacks from enemy special forces and drones, resulting in casualties and fires. The scenario also incorporated cyberterrorism to evaluate whether physical equipment recovery and normalization of the power grid could occur simultaneously.Participating agencies carried out sequential tasks including rescue operations, emergency treatment for the injured, fire suppression, facility protection, and emergency recovery. As threats to the power grid expand beyond physical attacks to include drones and cyber domains, the importance of real-time information sharing and integrated responses among relevant agencies is increasing.KEPCO plans to continue conducting integrated training exercises that simulate real-world conditions to strengthen the emergency response system for the power grid.Kim Jae-gun, KEPCO's Vice President of Power Systems, stated, "This training was an opportunity to comprehensively assess our integrated protection posture and emergency recovery capabilities in preparation for threats to critical national infrastructure. I urge everyone to establish a perfect state of emergency preparedness even in complex crisis situations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:00
  • Credit Guarantee Foundation Launches Re-Entrepreneurship Training for Small Businesses in Jeju
    Credit Guarantee Foundation Launches Re-Entrepreneurship Training for Small Businesses in Jeju The Credit Guarantee Foundation announced on August 20 that it will conduct the third round of the Hope Return Package re-entrepreneurship training for small business owners in the Jeju region.The training will be held at the Jeju YWCA over six sessions, targeting small business owners preparing for re-entrepreneurship or industry transition after business closure or debt repayment.Each session will provide practical training necessary for re-entrepreneurship, covering finance, marketing, legal and tax issues, and the use of big data over two days. Previous training sessions were held in April and July, with the remaining sessions scheduled monthly from this month through November.Graduates of the program will be eligible for up to 50 million won in special guarantees linked to the Credit Guarantee Foundation's re-entrepreneurship support, as well as access to special funds from the Small Business Market Promotion Corporation for re-entrepreneurship and business commercialization. However, those in restricted industries or with overdue debts or tax delinquencies will not qualify for funding.Additionally, the first 50 graduates will receive one-on-one customized advanced training focused on marketing and establishing a foundation for re-entrepreneurship.Won Young-jun, president of the Credit Guarantee Foundation, stated, "In a challenging business environment for small business owners, this initiative that combines re-entrepreneurship training, consulting, and financial support will provide practical assistance. We will continue to dedicate all our resources to support smooth re-entrepreneurship for small business owners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:00
  • SK Enmove Partners with HF Sinclair for North American Lubricant Supply
    SK Enmove Partners with HF Sinclair for North American Lubricant Supply SK Enmove is teaming up with U.S. oil giant HF Sinclair to expand its distribution in the North American lubricant market.On August 19, SK Enmove held a signing ceremony at the SK Serin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to establish a supply and distribution partnership for Group III lubricants in North America. The two companies had previously signed a long-term supply agreement on August 3.Under this agreement, SK Enmove will supply HF Sinclair with high-quality Group III base oils for its lubricants and specialty products. HF Sinclair plans to produce its own lubricants using SK Enmove's YUBASE products and will also exclusively distribute YUBASE in certain regions of North America.HF Sinclair, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates refineries in Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.The partnership aims to enhance market competitiveness by combining SK Enmove's stable production capabilities of high-quality base oils with HF Sinclair's extensive sales network in North America.Lubricants are essential materials in industries and automotive applications, reducing friction between parts and dissipating heat, with engine oil being a prime example. Base oils are the key raw materials for lubricant production.Base oils are categorized into groups based on their raw materials and refining methods. Group III is classified as a high-quality base oil made from highly refined crude oil. Compared to Group I and II base oils, Group III has fewer impurities and a higher viscosity index, resulting in stable performance across a wide temperature range.Recently, geopolitical risks in the Middle East have disrupted refinery operations, leading to supply shortages, particularly in the Group III base oil market.SK Enmove exports and sells Group III base oils in over 40 countries worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company has established production bases for Group III base oils in Ulsan, Spain, and Indonesia.This agreement is expected to significantly expand SK Enmove's market access for Group III base oils in North America and strengthen its influence in the global market.Kim Won-ki, President of SK Enmove, stated, "This agreement will secure a stable distribution channel in North America, further strengthening SK Enmove's business foundation in the region. By combining SK Enmove's reliable supply capabilities with HF Sinclair's extensive distribution network, we will provide a more stable product supply base to our North American customers."SK Enmove is known for its premium base oils (YUBASE) and engine oil brand (ZIC) and currently operates as a corporate independent company (CIC) and a merged entity under SK On.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:20
  • Park Hong-geun Urges Complete Halt to Subway Protests in Meeting with Disability Rights Leader
    Park Hong-geun Urges Complete Halt to Subway Protests in Meeting with Disability Rights Leader Park Hong-geun, the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, met with Park Kyung-seok, the representative of the National Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), to request a complete cessation of subway protests.According to the Ministry of Planning and Budget on August 20, Minister Park announced on his Facebook page that he had discussed issues related to disability mobility rights and public employment with Park Kyung-seok during their meeting the previous afternoon.Minister Park stated, "I listened carefully to the opinions from the field regarding the policy challenges related to disability mobility rights and public employment," but emphasized, "I clearly request that protests that infringe on the daily lives and rights of non-disabled citizens be completely halted going forward."He added, "Jeonjangyeon will finalize its position on August 24 after an internal meeting, and I will wait with expectations from the perspective of the public."Previously, Jeonjangyeon had announced plans to conduct daily subway protests during rush hour until the Ministry of Planning and Budget included a budget for disability rights in the 2027 government budget proposal.In response, Minister Park urged Jeonjangyeon to refrain from protests that repeatedly cause harm and inconvenience to citizens during their commutes. Following this, Jeonjangyeon temporarily suspended its protests, leading to the meeting between the two parties.Minister Park reiterated, "I listened carefully to the opinions from the field regarding the policy challenges related to disability mobility rights and public employment," and expressed hope for Jeonjangyeon's upcoming announcement on August 24.He also called for an understanding of the government's policies and financial conditions. He noted, "From the perspective of those affected, government policies may still feel insufficient, but it is also necessary to understand and respect the government's position in implementing policies within limited resources."Furthermore, he stated, "Since its inception, the government has established national tasks to enhance the basic rights and quality of life for persons with disabilities and has implemented related policies. In the future, we will continue to keep the door open for dialogue and listening, paying closer attention to the voices of persons with disabilities and those in the field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:20
  • Yuhan Corporation Engages with Investors to Discuss Growth Strategies and Enhance Shareholder Value
    Yuhan Corporation Engages with Investors to Discuss Growth Strategies and Enhance Shareholder Value Yuhan Corporation is holding a corporate presentation (Non-Deal Roadshow) for domestic institutional investors from August 19 to 21, focusing on its performance and new drug pipeline to outline future growth strategies. The company aims to enhance its corporate value by expanding communication with both institutional and individual investors. According to Yuhan Corporation on August 20, the presentation will highlight the growth potential of its existing pharmaceutical business and the global achievements of its new drug initiatives. The company plans to discuss stable performance metrics, including revenue growth and increased demand in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as overseas business opportunities arising from changes in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market supply chain. Investors will also be updated on the prescription expansion of Lazertinib (Lazara), which is currently seeing increased sales in global markets. The growth strategy for its research and development (R&D) in new drugs will also be a key focus. Yuhan Corporation intends to implement tailored business development strategies to enhance the commercialization of its pipeline, while diversifying its business model through collaborative clinical research and Newco approaches. The company is also strengthening its investor engagement activities. Starting this year, it has produced investor relations materials in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese to make company information more accessible to stakeholders, including overseas investors. Following the NDR for institutional investors, Yuhan Corporation plans to visit personal banking centers at securities firms in the metropolitan area and provinces to continue engaging with individual investors. Additionally, Yuhan Corporation is pursuing a shareholder return policy. Last month, the board of directors resolved to retire all of its treasury shares, amounting to 425.3 billion won, including common and preferred stocks. After the retirement, the number of issued shares will decrease from approximately 80.82 million to 74.76 million, a reduction of 7.5%. A Yuhan Corporation representative stated, "Through this NDR, we will transparently communicate the company's growth direction and business strategies to investors. We will continue to expand our communication with the market in various ways to enhance corporate value and trust in our information." Meanwhile, Yuhan Corporation is running a 'Brand Week' promotion on its official online mall, Budal Market, offering concentrated discounts on one selected brand each week until September 6. This promotion features Yuhan Corporation's major consumer brands, ranging from health supplements to household goods and pet products, showcased weekly. Special prices for each brand will open on Mondays and close on Sundays, with new brands and products introduced each week.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:00
  • DB HiTek to Participate in Electronica India 2026 to Target Indian Market
    DB HiTek to Participate in 'Electronica India 2026' to Target Indian Market DB HiTek will participate in 'Electronica India 2026,' taking place in Bengaluru from September 16 to 17, as part of its strategy to penetrate the Indian market.According to DB HiTek, Electronica India is a leading electronics industry exhibition in South Asia, focusing on electronic components, systems, and related solutions.At the event, DB HiTek will showcase its core BCD process and key technologies, including next-generation power semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). The company aims to identify new customers among local fabless firms.India's semiconductor ecosystem is rapidly expanding, bolstered by government policies supporting the industry. Local companies are increasingly shifting from semiconductor design to developing their own products, leading to a sharp rise in foundry demand.In line with this trend, DB HiTek plans to strengthen collaborations with local fabless companies and broaden its engagement with potential customers. The company will share its achievements in expanding high-value applications in sectors such as automotive and industrial, based on its cumulative wafer shipments of 9 million units from its BCD process.DB HiTek will also unveil its production roadmap for the recently validated 1200V SiC MOSFET process and the 650V GaN process, which is expected to be validated by December this year. Additionally, the company will present specialized process technologies, including Specialty CIS and Mixed-Signal/RF.A DB HiTek representative stated, "India is a rapidly growing market with a thriving ecosystem of local fabless companies. Through this participation, we aim to expand our connections with local customers and discover new business opportunities based on our competitiveness in power semiconductors and specialized processes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:00