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  • Han Dong-hoon Fails to Appear for Special Prosecutors Inquiry
    Han Dong-hoon Fails to Appear for Special Prosecutor's Inquiry Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon did not attend a second inquiry by the special prosecutor's team regarding the ruling party-government meeting held immediately after the lifting of the state of emergency on August 12. The special prosecutor attempted to summon Han at 10 a.m. on the 12th as a witness to discuss the justification for the emergency declaration, but he did not respond. The special prosecutor stated, "He did not submit a reason for his absence," adding, "Considering the limited time left for the investigation, we are not considering a re-summons for him." The investigation period is set to conclude on the 23rd. Previously, the special prosecutor's office had sent a notice through Han's office requesting his appearance as a witness related to the ruling party-government meeting. On August 6, Han expressed on social media, "I have no intention of assisting the political investigation that the Lee Jae-myung administration is trying to conduct, which has kept me under a travel ban for months without reason during the election period and has never called me in until now, only to engage in showy public relations." The special prosecutor suspects that a follow-up meeting took place at the Prime Minister's residence the day after the emergency declaration, where former Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae, former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, former Chief of Civil Affairs Kim Joo-hyun, and former Minister of Legislation Lee Wan-kyu discussed strategies to respond to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and allegations of insurrection. On August 6, the special prosecutor also summoned former Minister of Government Policy Coordination Bang Gi-seon as a witness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:48:00
  • Daegu named first hub for South Koreas AI drug-discovery drive
    Daegu named first hub for South Korea's AI drug-discovery drive SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - South Korea has designated the southeastern city of Daegu as the first innovation hub for artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery under "K-Moonshot," the government's flagship program to embed AI across national science and technology research. The Ministry of Science and ICT said on Wednesday it had held a launch ceremony in Daegu for a pilot project to build an "AIxBio" research base focused on synthetic new drugs, drawing together universities, companies, hospitals and research institutes in an open innovation ecosystem. At the heart of the Daegu project is a so-called "Lab-in-the-Loop" system, in which AI models, autonomous experiments, validation and data feedback continuously reinforce one another. The ministry said the design aims to let laboratories and algorithms advance in tandem, offering a new paradigm for how medicines are found. The pilot will be run by a Daegu consortium comprising Kyungpook National University, its affiliated hospital, and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, working with firms such as HLB Life Science to verify AI-proposed compounds in partly automated labs. "The competitiveness of future drug development hinges on how effectively we connect and apply AI technology and data within real experimental environments," said Oh Dae-hyun, the ministry's director general for future strategic technology policy, adding that next year the government would build on the pilot's results to expand into other areas of AI-bio. AJP Takeaways • Daegu becomes the first regional hub in the K-Moonshot program's AI drug-discovery mission, hosting a "Lab-in-the-Loop" system that links AI prediction, autonomous experiments and validation in a continuous cycle. • The pilot is led by a consortium of Kyungpook National University, its hospital, and the K-MEDI hub foundation, partnering with firms including HLB Life Science to test AI-proposed compounds in partly automated labs. • The ministry framed the effort as a bid to close the gap with the United States and Britain, which have already built dedicated AI-bio bases, and said next year it would extend the model into other AI-bio fields. 2026-08-12 14:47:14
  • Toss Banks Grow It 31-Day Savings Surpasses 100,000 Accounts in Just Four Days
    Toss Bank's 'Grow It 31-Day Savings' Surpasses 100,000 Accounts in Just Four Days Toss Bank's challenge-based savings product is gaining popularity shortly after its launch.The bank announced on August 12 that its 'Grow It 31-Day Savings' surpassed 100,000 accounts just four days after its release on August 6.This product encourages users to save small amounts daily for 31 days while nurturing a squirrel character. A maximum annual interest rate of 10% (before tax) is applied if users successfully save each day without any additional conditions.According to Toss Bank, 94% of all account holders executed their first deposit on the same day they opened their accounts. Additionally, accounts opened by users under 17 years old exceeded 20,000, making up more than 20% of total accounts.On August 10, Toss Bank also introduced a 'Share My Squirrel' feature, allowing users to create and share images of their nurtured squirrels with friends and family.A Toss Bank representative stated, 'The Grow It 31-Day Savings is designed not just as a product to sign up for, but to help cultivate a daily saving habit. We will continue to strive to make it easy for customers to start saving without pressure and to maintain that habit.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:44:10
  • KOSDAQ Companies Call for Eased Delisting Standards Amid Market Turmoil
    KOSDAQ Companies Call for Eased Delisting Standards Amid Market Turmoil The South Korean stock market is facing significant pressure from financial authorities and the Korea Exchange as stricter delisting criteria are enforced. Under the new rules, dozens of companies with stock prices below 1,000 won, known as 'penny stocks,' and those failing to meet the market capitalization requirement of 20 billion won for KOSDAQ are at risk of being designated as management items and facing delisting. As of August 12, 178 out of 1,820 listed KOSDAQ companies, or 9.8%, are in jeopardy due to insufficient market capitalization.Some small and mid-sized listed companies, along with certain market participants, argue that applying these standards during an unprecedented market downturn is excessively harsh, calling for a grace period or relaxation of the rules. However, investor reactions to these complaints have been largely indifferent, with many viewing the situation as a consequence of the companies' own mismanagement and neglect.The plight of some KOSDAQ small-cap firms is dire, with annual revenues barely reaching 3 billion won. These companies often engage in deal roadshows to attract investors when seeking initial public offerings (IPOs) or funding, presenting grand visions for the future. Yet, once they secure investment and complete their listings, they frequently abandon investor relations (IR) activities altogether.In the past year, no analysis reports have been published for 59.9% of KOSDAQ companies, highlighting a severe information gap in the market. This 'IR extinction' phenomenon is particularly pronounced among smaller firms, which tend to disappear from regular investor communications and instead issue excessive convertible bonds and capital increases, undermining shareholder value.Many companies lack even basic press releases or disclosure plans on their websites, and the personnel responsible for disclosures and IR often change frequently, closing off communication channels. While they readily spend company funds on entertainment and leisure, many fail to share even minimal visions or engage with shareholders. This behavior exemplifies a moral hazard, treating company funds as personal assets.Compared to advanced foreign markets, the situation in KOSDAQ is even more disheartening. In the U.S. market, companies can actively engage shareholders through conference calls, even while operating at a loss, to present growth roadmaps. In Japan, shareholders are treated as 'consumers and loyal customers,' with long-term investors receiving coupons for company products or services as part of shareholder benefits, actively promoting stock prices and shareholder returns. In contrast, many lower-tier KOSDAQ companies merely complain about harsh regulations without making genuine efforts to boost their stock prices.The Korea Exchange's consideration of enhancing IR activities and gradually mandating them is part of an effort to address the undervaluation of KOSDAQ and the asymmetry of information. In a climate where analysis reports are scarce and companies remain silent, the distinction between quality and struggling firms blurs, perpetuating a cycle of discounting across the KOSDAQ.The most critical issue is that the burden of delisting falls squarely on retail investors. Some major shareholders and executives, having secured funds through the IPO process, may even find relief in being 'freed from disclosure obligations' if their companies are delisted, a phenomenon that fuels market anger.There are reasons behind the plummeting stock prices and market capitalization. Before blaming the system or expressing grievances, companies should first ask themselves whether they have ever made an effort to present a future vision to shareholders or actively communicate beyond deal roadshows. Have they genuinely worked to support their stock prices?True value enhancement begins not with demands for regulatory relaxation but with a fundamental sense of responsibility toward shareholders and ongoing communication. 2026-08-12 14:44:10
  • Telecom Giants Report Combined Operating Profit of 1.5 Trillion Won
    Telecom Giants Report Combined Operating Profit of 1.5 Trillion Won The combined operating profit of South Korea's three major telecom companies—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—has risen to 1.5 trillion won for the first time in a year. Although KT's real estate development profits led to a year-on-year decline, improvements in profitability at SK Telecom and LG Uplus, along with growth in new businesses such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, supported the overall performance.On August 12, the combined revenue for the second quarter of the three companies was reported at 14.73 trillion won, a decrease of 5.6% compared to the same period last year. The combined operating profit also fell by 6% to 1.56 trillion won during the same timeframe.This marks the first time since the second quarter of last year that the combined operating profit of the three companies has exceeded 1.5 trillion won. The operating profit had previously increased to 1.51 trillion won in the first quarter of last year and 1.66 trillion won in the second quarter. However, due to hacking incidents and one-time costs, the profit dropped to 748.3 billion won in the third quarter, 516.9 billion won in the fourth quarter, and 1.29 trillion won in the first quarter of this year, falling below 1.5 trillion won for three consecutive quarters.The combined operating profit for the second quarter of this year decreased by 988 billion won compared to last year, primarily due to the base effect from KT's real estate development profits. The decline in KT's operating profit outweighed the increases at SK Telecom and LG Uplus, leading to an overall decrease in operating profit year-on-year.Specifically, SK Telecom reported second-quarter revenue of 4.36 trillion won and an operating profit of 566 billion won, marking increases of 0.5% and 67.3%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The improvement was influenced by a base effect from costs related to last year's SIM card hacking incident and a focus on profitability.KT's revenue was 6.68 trillion won, with an operating profit of 648.3 billion won, reflecting decreases of 10.1% and 36.1%, respectively. The decline was attributed to the base effect from last year's real estate development sales and customer compensation programs related to femtocell hacking.LG Uplus achieved revenue of 3.69 trillion won and an operating profit of 344.5 billion won. While revenue decreased by 3.9% year-on-year, operating profit increased by 13.1%. The growth in service revenue, particularly in enterprise infrastructure and smart home services, along with ongoing cost efficiencies, contributed to the improved profitability.Looking ahead, the three telecom companies plan to strengthen investments in AI data centers (AIDC) and AI infrastructure. The combined revenue from data center-related sales reported by SK Telecom, KT Cloud, and LG Uplus this quarter reached 525.7 billion won, a 35.3% increase from the previous year.In response to the growing demand for AI infrastructure, they have announced plans to expand AIDC. SK Telecom established a specialized company, SK Hyper, last month to develop large-scale data center projects, aiming to gradually expand capacity to 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2029, with plans to reach 15 GW thereafter.KT aims to double its AI transformation (AX) revenue by 2028, focusing on AX infrastructure and solutions as key growth drivers. The company plans to add 1 GW of AIDC capacity and 90 terabits per second (Tbps) of submarine cable capacity by 2031, targeting to become a hub for AX in Asia.LG Uplus is expanding its infrastructure centered around the Paju AIDC, which will be built with a power capacity of 200 megawatts (MW). Last month, LG Uplus decided to invest an additional 1.35 trillion won to construct two new data center buildings and enhance facilities to meet the increasing AI demand. 2026-08-12 14:44:10
  • Actress Ha-young Apologizes for Great-Grandfathers Pro-Japanese Controversy
    Actress Ha-young Apologizes for Great-Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Controversy Actress Ha-young has issued a handwritten apology regarding the pro-Japanese controversy surrounding her great-grandfather.On August 12, she opened her Instagram post by saying, "I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and hurt caused by matters related to my great-grandfather."She continued, "Recently, as I learned about the past actions of my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho, I have reflected on my family's history with a heavy heart. Until now, I only had a fragmented understanding of my great-grandfather's life through stories passed down in my family. Regrettably, I have shared these stories in various settings as if they were a source of family pride, despite my ignorance."Ha-young explained that through this incident, she sought out relevant materials and became aware of her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions. "I reflect on how I lightly mentioned my family history without fully understanding the painful history of our country during the Japanese occupation," she stated.Regarding her agency's initial statement, which claimed the allegations were unfounded, she said, "I also did not know the facts accurately, and my agency's statement was released without sufficient verification. I believe it was my shortcoming that a misleading position was communicated, causing further confusion and hurt, for which I sincerely apologize."Ha-young added, "The matter is so serious and regrettable that I struggled with how to express my apology, which delayed my statement. I believe that my lack of knowledge does not excuse me from facing this history or treating it lightly. I accept this mistake seriously and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I feel particularly remorseful for causing controversy due to my shortcomings just before Liberation Day."She concluded, "I will deeply engrave this incident in my heart. I will take a closer look at my family's history and that era, and I will adopt a more cautious attitude toward history in the future. I will also strive to study our history deeply and serve with respect for the independence activists and all those who contributed to our country's liberation and peace. I will put these words into action, not just in words."Once, Ha-young appeared on KBS 2TV's variety show 'Problematic Men' and introduced her family as a 'four-generation medical family,' stating, "My great-grandfather opened the first Western-style clinic in Hanyang and treated Emperor Gojong." However, it was later revealed that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, had pro-Japanese affiliations. He graduated from the Tokyo Jiyu Medical School in 1902, becoming the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license and treated Emperor Gojong. He was also listed as a member of the pro-Japanese organization Daijeong Chinhokhoe, which included figures like Lee Wan-yong. This revelation has intensified criticism of Ha-young's family.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:44:00
  • NH Nonghyup to Expand Chuseok Gift Set Offerings from Budget to Premium Options
    NH Nonghyup to Expand Chuseok Gift Set Offerings from Budget to Premium Options NH Nonghyup is set to introduce a range of special sale products with varying price points, from premium to budget-friendly options, ahead of the upcoming Chuseok holiday.On August 12, NH Nonghyup held its '2026 Chuseok Special Sales Strategy Meeting' to review its sales strategies for holiday gift sets.This year, the company plans to diversify its offerings, focusing on fruits, premium beef, pork, seafood, and health products. It aims to reduce the financial burden on customers by linking new product discounts with credit card promotions.In the livestock category, NH Nonghyup will offer the 'Nonghyup King's Table Gift Set,' which includes premium beef and local ingredients, as well as unique packages like the 'Canned Beef Gift Set' and the 'Hanadak Pork 8 Flavors Gift Set.'For seafood, the company will provide mixed sets featuring dried anchovies and domestic seafood, along with a seaweed gift set priced around 9,900 won. In the agricultural sector, premium mixed fruit sets and traditional fruit and nut sets will include new varieties such as black pearl melons and myth pears.The competition for pre-orders in the Chuseok gift set market is intensifying. Major retailers like Emart, SSG.com, and Lotte Mart began pre-order sales for Chuseok gift sets on August 6, with sales lasting up to 42 days.In 2024, pre-orders accounted for 61.6% of Emart's Chuseok gift set sales, rising to 72.6% last year. Similarly, Lotte Mart saw an increase from 55% in 2023 to 70% last year.NH Nonghyup's strategy to increase both premium and budget-friendly options aligns with industry trends while emphasizing the expansion of domestic agricultural and seafood product sales, which sets it apart.As inflation persists, enhancing the selection of budget-friendly products is a common trend. Lotte Mart has filled more than half of its 900 pre-order gift set offerings with items priced under 50,000 won.Lee Dong-geun, CEO of NH Nonghyup, stated, “We will reduce the holiday burden on customers with a variety of price points and practical benefits, while also working to expand the market for our domestic agricultural and seafood products.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:44:00
  • Naver Proposes Unified Labor Negotiations, Raising Tensions in IT Sector
    Naver Proposes Unified Labor Negotiations, Raising Tensions in IT Sector Naver's labor union is advocating for the consolidation of collective bargaining, currently conducted by individual subsidiaries, into a unified approach for the entire corporate group. This move has raised concerns among competitors, including Kakao and the gaming industry.On August 12, Oh Se-yoon, vice chair of the IT committee of the Korean Chemical and Textile Workers' Union and head of the Naver branch, spoke at a forum held at the National Assembly, stating, "The Naver branch is negotiating collective agreements with 15 companies, including Naver itself. Each year, over 100 negotiators from both labor and management spend more than 1,000 hours on negotiations, totaling 150 sessions annually."He continued, "Conducting separate negotiations on similar issues within the same corporate group incurs significant time and costs. Even with identical working conditions, subtle differences arise between corporations, leading to increased feelings of deprivation among subsidiary workers."Oh argued that the parent company effectively controls its subsidiaries, linking management and operations. He clarified that the goal of unified negotiations is not to standardize wages and benefits across all subsidiaries but to negotiate common labor conditions at the corporate group level while addressing individual company matters separately.Panelist Park Myung-jun, a senior researcher at the Korea Labor Institute, explained, "Reducing repetitive negotiations and adjustment processes at the corporate level can lower overall negotiation costs and establish common principles applicable to subsidiaries, allowing for more stable management of inter-company conflicts."Major IT companies, including Naver, express significant concerns about unified negotiations. The challenge lies in applying different wage compensations for profitable and unprofitable subsidiaries, which could lead to increased labor costs. Conflicts at one subsidiary could potentially trigger joint strikes or work stoppages across all subsidiaries.The key issue is whether the parent company has substantial control over the working conditions of its subsidiaries. Acknowledging this control could undermine the unique management rights of each subsidiary's CEO, raising concerns about management interference.Particularly, Kakao, which has multiple subsidiaries, and the gaming industry, with various development studios and affiliates, share similar corporate structures. If discussions on unified negotiations expand, labor relations could deteriorate rapidly.Meanwhile, the push for unified negotiations originated from Naver's subsidiary, Naver Z. While Naver agreed to a wage increase of 5.3%, Naver Z froze salaries due to market downturns. The union subsequently demanded a raise at the corporate level, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. The Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission attempted mediation, but it ended without significant results.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:40:10
  • Kim Hak-kyun of Shin Young Securities: Reviving the KOSDAQ Market Requires Trust Restoration
    Kim Hak-kyun of Shin Young Securities: Reviving the KOSDAQ Market Requires Trust Restoration Kim Hak-kyun, head of the research center at Shin Young Securities, began his career as an analyst in 1997. He has worked at Shinhan Investment Corp., Korea Investment & Securities, and Mirae Asset Daewoo before leading the research center at Shin Young Securities. He has witnessed significant turning points in the Korean capital market, from the Asian financial crisis to the global financial crisis and the surge in the stock market following the COVID-19 pandemic. While the KOSPI has seen some growth, the KOSDAQ has struggled to escape its prolonged slump. How can the KOSDAQ market be revitalized?Kim emphasized that restoring market trust is essential. He stated, "There are too many stocks in the KOSDAQ, leading to poor management and significant information asymmetry. Successful companies in the KOSDAQ often move to the main board, but fundamentally, nothing changes. They leave due to the market's poor reputation."He pointed out, "In Korea, the KOSDAQ is the only market where venture investors can invest in listed companies and recoup their investments. If the KOSDAQ thrives, initial public offerings (IPOs) will increase, but the presence of too many questionable companies raises doubts about the market's integrity." He added, "The market was launched 30 years ago with an index of 1,000. It is unacceptable that it fluctuates around 800 now."Regarding government policies to revitalize the KOSDAQ, he said, "We need to first separate good companies from poor ones before implementing any revitalization measures. It would be beneficial to isolate stocks that are deemed difficult to remain in the public market. We need to distinguish between the good and the bad."Some have criticized the tightened delisting criteria as overly strict. Kim acknowledged that it is possible to argue that the current policies are excessive, but he stressed, "To revive the KOSDAQ market, we must reflect on the past 30 years of its existence."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:40:10
  • High Volatility is the New Normal, Says Kim Hak-kyun of Shin Young Securities
    High Volatility is the New Normal, Says Kim Hak-kyun of Shin Young Securities Last month, the domestic stock market experienced extreme volatility, with fluctuations of hundreds of points in a single day. Despite Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix reporting record earnings, their stock prices plummeted, only to rebound the next day. Although the volatility has somewhat decreased in August, predicting market direction remains challenging. Some have even likened the stock market to a gambling table.Research centers at securities firms, tasked with analyzing and forecasting the market, find themselves in a difficult position, as the weight of their reports carries significant responsibility. How do seasoned market veterans view the current situation and what predictions do they offer?In a recent interview at the Shin Young Securities headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Hak-kyun, head of the research center, shared his insights on the stock market outlook for the second half of the year. With 30 years of experience in the market, Kim stated, "We are currently in a market unlike any we have experienced before. While similar events have occurred in financial history, the phenomena we are witnessing now are unprecedented."However, he does not consider this extreme volatility to be a market crisis. He explained that the growth expectations generated by the new artificial intelligence (AI) industry, combined with the inherent volatility of memory semiconductors, create a natural process. He diagnosed, "High volatility is the new normal," emphasizing the importance of establishing investment principles that can withstand volatility rather than trying to predict market direction. Ultimately, he stressed that patience is key.Memory Semiconductors Historically Show High Stock Price VolatilityKim predicts that high volatility is likely to continue. He noted, "Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are the most pivotal companies venturing into the uncharted territory of AI, and historically, memory semiconductors have exhibited significant stock price fluctuations. Given that these two companies account for over 50% of the market capitalization, their volatility will inevitably define the KOSPI."Of course, volatility is not always welcomed by investors, as it can lead to impulsive buying or panic selling. However, Kim clarified that volatility should not be viewed solely in a negative light. He remarked, "Prices often deviate from the average during upward movements, which is also a form of volatility in financial markets. It is not inherently good or bad."Concerns have arisen in some market circles that the recent adjustments in semiconductor stocks may signal a downturn in the AI investment cycle. Nevertheless, Kim believes that the structural growth trend in semiconductors remains intact. He pointed out, "SK Hynix's stock price has nearly increased 18 times in the past year, and Samsung Electronics has risen sevenfold. Stocks that have appreciated so much rarely decline gradually during corrections. The current adjustments are a natural process."He also highlighted differences from past memory semiconductor cycles, noting that the expansion of long-term supply contracts (LTAs) and increased AI investments have strengthened companies' profit resilience compared to the past. Kim stated, "While there are various concerns, one notable difference is that the likelihood of profits halving, as seen in the past, is low due to the increase in long-term supply contracts. When companies make significant profits, they can also return value to shareholders, which means the semiconductor sector is more likely to rebound rather than collapse." However, he added that given the heightened expectations in the market, "the rapid surges seen in the first half may not be repeated."Diverging Target Prices Reflect a Healthy Market DynamicRecently, target prices set by securities firms for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have varied significantly. This divergence reflects differing perspectives on performance and valuation amid a rollercoaster market. According to FnGuide, target prices for Samsung Electronics range from a low of 300,000 won to a high of 650,000 won, a gap of 350,000 won. This has led investors to question, "Whose forecast should we trust?"However, Kim views this divergence as a sign of a healthy market. He explained, "The nature of the stock market is that for someone to buy, there must be someone willing to sell. If I believe I can sell at a higher price, why would I sell? Each participant makes decisions for their own benefit, and that interplay is what constitutes the stock market."He continued, "No one knows the future with certainty. The existence of differing forecasts and logic is what shapes the market." He emphasized that if analysts all agreed on a positive outlook, stock prices would not form. In a situation where some recommend buying while others suggest selling, investors can make informed choices, creating a beneficial ecosystem.The differing forecasts from securities firms following the earnings announcements of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix stem from varying perspectives on the future. Kim stressed, "This is a natural situation, and it is not unusual to have differing opinions."There is No Such Thing as a Stable Investment; Endurance is KeyFor investors seeking solutions, Kim advises that they should invest with "money they can afford to endure." He believes it is far more important to establish investment principles that can withstand volatility than to try to predict market direction. He stated, "There is no such thing as investing in a stable manner. Since we cannot predict the future, it is absolutely crucial to invest with money that can withstand volatility."He also clarified the distinction between investing and speculating. He noted, "First, you must buy reasonable stocks. Evaluating the appropriate value you can expect from an asset and believing that it will converge to that value when purchased below that price is investing. However, expecting someone else to buy at a higher price than you is speculation." Ultimately, he explained that investing focuses on the intrinsic value of a company rather than short-term price fluctuations.Kim defined the essence of stocks, stating, "Stocks are not fundamentally about buying low and selling high. They are about partnering with a business." He added, "In the stock market, anything can happen, but fundamentally, those who can endure volatility are the ones who make money."He quoted investment guru Charlie Munger, saying, "The stock market is a place where money moves from the impatient to the patient," emphasizing that those who believe in and can wait for good companies will achieve better long-term results.He also stressed the mindset of investors, saying, "Ironically, we invest to become wealthy, but if we do not invest like the wealthy, it is difficult to become wealthy. Just as a baseball player cannot hit a home run if they are too tense, it is necessary to relax and approach investing with a calm demeanor."Key Events to Watch in the Second Half: Nvidia, U.S. Interest Rates, Shareholder ReturnsLooking ahead to the remaining four months, Kim identified the sustainability of AI investments and U.S. monetary policy as key variables that will influence the stock market in the second half. He stated, "There are general expectations and concerns regarding AI, and it will be important to see what guidance CEO Jensen Huang provides."He added, "The other factor is interest rates. If the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to tighten aggressively, stock prices may face corrections. However, given that inflationary pressures in the U.S. are not excessive and the economy is not overheating, the likelihood of the Fed pursuing aggressive tightening is low."Additionally, he noted, "How Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix utilize their substantial profits for shareholders will also be crucial. The realization of shareholder returns and the extent of those returns will influence stock prices."Finally, regarding the KOSPI outlook for the second half, Kim stated, "I cannot predict a target, but I can assess whether the market is undervalued or overvalued. Currently, it seems to be quite cheap." However, he cautioned that the market dynamics differ from the rapid rise led by semiconductors in the first half, suggesting that the previously proposed '10,000 points' forecast may not unfold at the same pace as before, warranting further observation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 14:40:00