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  • Chinese Telecom Firm Zhongji InnoLight Tops Hong Kong Stock Market for Korean Investors
    Chinese Telecom Firm Zhongji InnoLight Tops Hong Kong Stock Market for Korean Investors Chinese telecom giant Zhongji InnoLight (中際旭創) has emerged as the top net purchase among Korean retail investors, known as '중학개미', on the Hong Kong stock market this second half of the year. Since its listing at the end of last month, the stock has attracted significant buying interest from Korean investors despite its price volatility.According to the Korea Securities Depository, from July 8 to August 7, Zhongji InnoLight was the leading net purchase for domestic investors in the Hong Kong market, with a net buying amount reaching $43.39 million (approximately 61.4 billion won).This figure is about 3.9 times larger than the second-ranked stock, Chinese auto parts manufacturer Tianlui, which saw net purchases of $11.02 million.Notably, Zhongji InnoLight was newly listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange on July 30. In just seven trading days post-listing, Korean investors' net purchases exceeded $40 million.Zhongji InnoLight is a global leader in manufacturing optical transceivers essential for AI data center construction, holding a 27% share of the global data transceiver market, with 90% of its revenue generated from overseas.Global institutions and major Chinese tech companies, including Temasek, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Hillhouse Capital, BlackRock, JP Morgan Asset Management, Alibaba, and Tencent, have also invested in Zhongji InnoLight.The company raised up to HK$61.4 billion through its Hong Kong listing, making it the largest IPO in the city this year. The public offering attracted significant investor interest, with total subscriptions reaching HK$719.9 billion, resulting in oversubscription by more than 13 times.However, the stock's performance has not met expectations since its debut. On the first day of trading, the stock price fell about 2% from the offering price of HK$980. Additionally, news earlier this month about the U.S. considering further regulations on Chinese telecom equipment caused significant price fluctuations. Despite this, the buying momentum from Korean investors has persisted.Chinese online media outlet Jiemian noted the influx of bargain-hunting by Korean investors in Zhongji InnoLight. It reported, “Korean retail investors have a high preference for active trading and high-growth tech stocks. Particularly, the sharp decline in the Korean stock market in July has increased market volatility, prompting some investors to diversify their investments overseas.”Furthermore, it stated, “Korean investors possess a strong understanding and research capability in hardware technology sectors such as semiconductors and optical communications, allowing them to actively invest in companies like Zhongji InnoLight despite market volatility.”Not only Korean investors but also global investment banks are actively purchasing shares of Zhongji InnoLight. According to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, JP Morgan Chase increased its stake from 5.6% on July 31 to 13.48% on August 4. Goldman Sachs also saw its stake grow from 5.95% to over 12.19% during the same period. Morgan Stanley raised its stake from 5.92% to 6.23%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:20:00
  • Actor Ha-youngs Family Responds to Controversy Over Pro-Japanese Ancestor
    Actor Ha-young's Family Responds to Controversy Over Pro-Japanese Ancestor As allegations of pro-Japanese sentiment surrounding actor Ha-young's great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho continue to spread, an interview with Ha-young's father, Mr. A, has sparked further controversy.On August 11, Ilgan Sports published an interview with Mr. A regarding the 'great-grandfather pro-Japanese controversy.' In the interview, Mr. A stated, "I have never thought of my great-grandfather's marriage to a Japanese woman as being pro-Japanese." However, online commentators pointed out that the issue was not solely about the marriage itself but rather Ahn Sang-ho's actions during the Japanese colonial period.The crux of the controversy lies in whether Ahn Sang-ho exhibited behaviors that could be deemed pro-Japanese. Therefore, merely discussing his marriage does not adequately address the central issue.Mr. A's choice of words also drew criticism. In the interview, he referred to Japan's forced annexation of Korea as 'Japan-Korea Annexation' rather than 'Gyeongsul Gukchi.' The Ministry of Veterans Affairs defines terms like 'Japan-Korea Annexation' as language used to justify Japan's infringement on Korea's sovereignty.Furthermore, Mr. A explained that he initially dismissed the allegations against his great-grandfather as "groundless" based on family stories about Ahn Sang-ho's relationship with Prince Uichin.As evidence, Mr. A cited the book 'Pioneers of Korean Medicine,' claiming that the author, Jeong Gu-chung, recounted stories he heard directly from Prince Uichin, including theories surrounding the poisoning of Emperor Gojong.However, this point has also become a subject of debate. Jeong Gu-chung is listed in the 'Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Figures' compiled by the National Institute of Korean History, raising questions about the reliability of the book as evidence against Ahn Sang-ho's pro-Japanese status.Ultimately, Mr. A's interview has been criticized for failing to provide a clear factual explanation or specific rebuttal regarding the pro-Japanese allegations against Ahn Sang-ho. Instead, it focused on the notion that viewing his marriage to a Japanese woman as pro-Japanese is unjust, along with anecdotes passed down through the family.Online reactions included comments such as, "This interview is worse than not doing one at all," "It completely misses the point," and "Ha-young should humbly pursue other endeavors for the sake of the independence activists who sacrificed for the country." In particular, critics noted that the issue is not about the marriage itself but rather Ahn Sang-ho's specific pro-Japanese actions, suggesting that the interview has only fueled further debate rather than quelling it.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:16:00
  • Samsung SDI Secures First Standalone Battery Plant in North America, Acquires Full Stake in GM Joint Venture
    Samsung SDI Secures First Standalone Battery Plant in North America, Acquires Full Stake in GM Joint Venture Samsung SDI has agreed to acquire the full 49.99% stake in the joint venture SynergyCells from General Motors (GM), transferring ownership to itself. This move allows Samsung SDI to secure its first standalone battery plant in North America.On August 11, Samsung SDI announced that through the acquisition of SynergyCells, it plans to mass-produce advanced battery products for various applications, including next-generation prismatic batteries developed in collaboration with GM.SynergyCells is a battery production company established by the two firms in 2024, with a total investment of $3.5 billion, located in New Carlisle, Indiana, and is currently under construction with a production capacity of 27GWh.This decision is aimed at responding flexibly to changes in the North American battery market, and both companies have agreed to maintain their strategic partnership following the stake acquisition.Samsung SDI has also signed an agreement with GM for a joint pre-development project for next-generation prismatic batteries. Under this agreement, both companies will collaborate on research and development (R&D) for prismatic batteries utilizing Samsung SDI's high energy density and fast-charging technologies, continuing their strategic cooperation to address the future mobility market.The prismatic battery products developed through this agreement are expected to be used in GM's next-generation electric vehicle models.A company official stated, "Acquiring the stake and operating a standalone plant is significant. This decision reflects market changes while continuing our strategic partnership with GM. We will continue our joint efforts for the future electric vehicle era at this plant while actively responding to the demand for energy storage systems (ESS) in the U.S."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:16:00
  • EnGen Bio Shares Surge Over 18% Following European Certification for Genetic Cancer Test
    EnGen Bio Shares Surge Over 18% Following European Certification for Genetic Cancer Test EnGen Bio shares have surged more than 18% during trading hours. The increase follows news that its genetic cancer diagnostic panel has received certification under the European In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR), boosting expectations for expansion in the European market.As of 2:11 PM on August 11, EnGen Bio's stock was trading at 2,360 won, up 18.18% (363 won) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The rise in stock price appears to be influenced by the announcement of the European regulatory certification for its genetic cancer diagnostic panel, the 'BRCAaccuTest PLUS.' EnGen Bio confirmed that it has obtained quality management system certification in accordance with the European IVDR.Previously, EnGen Bio supplied its BRCA diagnostic panel to countries including Poland, Turkey, and Lithuania based on the existing CE-IVDD certification. Following the transition to the CE-IVDR system, which strengthens clinical evidence, performance evaluation, and quality management, the company has proceeded with the certification process to meet the new standards.With this certification, EnGen Bio plans to expand its existing supply chain in Europe and accelerate its entry into Western European markets, including Germany. The company aims to broaden its portfolio from blood cancer diagnostic products to include hereditary and solid tumor diagnostic products.EnGen Bio is also pursuing collaborations to expand its local operations. The company plans to conduct joint research on biomarkers to evaluate treatment responsiveness with local pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions, thereby strengthening its business foundation in the European market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:16:00
  • South Koreas Leverage Investments Surge Faster Than U.S.
    South Korea's Leverage Investments Surge Faster Than U.S. 국내 개인투자자의 레버리지 투자가 가파르게 증가하고 있다. 신용거래융자 잔고는 10년 만에 5.5배로 불어났고 레버리지 상장지수펀드(ETF) 순자산총액은 13배 이상 급증했다. 미수거래와 차액결제거래(CFD)까지 두 자릿수 증가세를 보이면서 개인투자자의 레버리지 투자 규모가 빠르게 확대되는 모습이다. 11일 이효섭 자본시장연구원 선임연구위원의 보고서에 따르면 지난 6월 말 국내 주식시장의 신용거래융자 잔고는 36조7000억원으로 2016년 말 6조7000억원보다 5.5배 증가했다. 연평균 증가율은 19.6%로, 같은 기간 미국의 마진거래 증가율을 크게 웃돌았다. 미국 주식시장의 마진거래 규모는 같은 기간 5300억달러에서 1조5021억달러로 2.8배 늘었다. 연평균 증가율은 11.6%로 한국 신용융자의 연평균 증가율은 미국의 약 1.7배에 달했다. 신용융자는 코스피 대형주를 중심으로 확대됐다. 6월 말 기준 코스피와 코스닥의 신용융자 잔고는 각각 28조6000억원과 8조1000억원으로 코스피가 전체의 78%를 차지했다. 코로나19 확산기인 2020~2021년 코스닥 비중이 전체의 반쪽가량을 차지했던 것과 달라진 모습이다. 레버리지 ETF의 증가 속도는 더욱 빨랐다. 기초지수의 2배 수익률을 추종하는 국내 레버리지 ETF의 순자산총액은 6월 말 39조4000억원으로 2016년 말 3조원 대비 13.1배 증가했다. 연평균 증가율은 31.1%로 글로벌 레버리지 ETF 시장의 연평균 증가율인 약 15%의 두 배 수준이다. 상품 구성도 변했다. 과거에는 코스피200 등 주가지수를 2배 추종하는 상품이 중심이었지만 올해 상반기 단일종목 레버리지 ETF가 상장되면서 개별 종목을 기초자산으로 하는 상품이 성장을 주도하고 있다. 반면 인버스 레버리지 ETF의 순자산은 1조4000억원으로 전체의 3.5%에 불과했다. 미수거래와 CFD도 증가했다. 6월 말 증권사의 위탁매매 미수거래 규모는 1조4000억원으로 2024년 말 9000억원보다 57% 늘었다. CFD 잔액은 같은 기간 1조2000억원에서 1조9000억원으로 60% 증가했다. 레버리지 확대에 따른 손실 위험도 커지고 있다. 자본시장연구원은 신용융자의 보증금률을 45%로 가정할 경우 실질 레버리지 비율이 2.22배에 달한다고 분석했다. 이 경우 주가가 30% 하락하면 투자자의 실제 손실률은 약 67%까지 확대되고 주가가 45% 하락하면 투자원금을 전부 잃을 수 있다. 레버리지 ETF 역시 변동성이 커질수록 손실이 확대된다. 기초지수가 20% 상승한 뒤 20% 하락하면 누적 수익률은 -4%지만 2배 레버리지 ETF는 40% 상승한 뒤 40% 하락하면서 손실률이 16%까지 커진다. 자본시장연구원은 특히 주가가 급락할 경우 반대매매와 레버리지 ETF의 헤지 거래가 동시에 나타나면서 시장 변동성을 키울 가능성을 경고했다. 미수거래와 CFD, 선물·옵션 등 고배율 레버리지 상품은 손실 확정까지 걸리는 시간이 짧아 위험이 더욱 크다는 지적이다. 이 선임연구위원은 고위험 레버리지 상품에 대한 진입 규제를 강화하고 투자자 보호 장치를 마련할 필요가 있다고 제언했다. 그는 “우선 개인투자자의 무분별한 레버리지 투자를 막기 위해 고위험 상품에 대한 진입 규제를 강화할 필요가 있다”며 “손실 감내 능력이 낮은 투자자에 대한 위험고지를 강화하고, 레버리지 상품에 대한 과도한 마케팅이나 투자권유도 자제하도록 해야 한다”고 말했다. 그는 “궁극적으로는 단기 레버리지 투자에 쏠리는 개인투자자의 자금을 장기 분산투자로 유도할 수 있는 제도적 기반을 마련해야 한다”며 “ISA와 개인연금의 세제 혜택을 확대하고, 장기 보유할수록 혜택이 커지는 구조를 도입하는 한편 퇴직연금의 장기자금이 자본시장으로 안정적으로 유입될 수 있도록 제도를 개선할 필요가 있다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:12:10
  • President Lee: Discrepancies Among Ministries Reflect Democratic Process
    President Lee: Discrepancies Among Ministries Reflect Democratic Process 이재명 대통령은 11일 정부 부처 간 이견을 '엇박자'나 '충돌'로 규정하는 일각의 시각에 대해 "민주적인 정책 결정 과정"이라고 말했다.검찰 보완수사권 폐지 이후 수사 공백 우려와 개인종합자산관리계좌(ISA) 개편 논란 등에 대해서는 후속 대책과 제도 재설계를 주문했다.이 대통령은 이날 정부세종청사에서 주재한 제35회 국무회의에서 "최근 국정 운영과 관련해 '부처 간 엇박자', '부처 간 충돌'이라는 의견들이 있더라"며 "부처 간 의견이 다른 게 드러난다고 마치 그렇게 하면 안 되는 것처럼 보는 것은 바람직하지 않다"고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 반도체 클러스터에 주 52시간제 예외를 적용하는 문제를 대표적인 사례로 들었다. 김정관 산업통상부 장관은 첨단산업 연구개발 인력의 근로시간 유연화가 필요하다는 입장인 반면, 김영훈 고용노동부 장관은 장시간 노동과 예외 확산 가능성을 고려해 신중론을 펴고 있다.이 대통령은 "산업부 장관은 예외가 필요한 것 같다고 의견을 내고 노동부 장관은 신중해야 한다고 의견을 낸다"며 "조율되지 않은 의견이 대외적으로 발표됐다고 엇박자나 충돌이라고 지적하는데, 부처를 따로 두는 이유는 각자의 전문성을 토대로 해당 분야의 입장을 내고 회의를 통해 하나의 의견으로 모아가기 위한 것"이라고 설명했다.이 대통령은 부처 내부에서 모든 이견을 없앤 뒤 확정된 정책만 발표하는 방식은 오히려 밀실 행정으로 흐를 수 있다고 지적했다.이 대통령은 "각 부처의 내부 의견을 모두 조율한 다음 외부에 확정된 의견만 내고 관철하는 것은 과거 지적받았던 밀실 행정"이라며 "초기 논의 단계부터 의견을 자유롭게 내고 국민도 의견을 제시해 일정한 결론에 이르는 과정이 가장 민주적"이라고 강조했다.정책을 수정하거나 기존 방안을 철회하는 것을 일관성 부족으로 봐서는 안 된다는 입장도 전했다.이 대통령은 "반론이 있으면 반론을 받아들이는 것이 바람직하다"며 "한 번 결정했으니 그대로 가겠다고 하는 것이 일관성이 있는 것이냐"고 반문했다.이어 "정책은 이론의 여지가 있고 다른 의견이 있기 때문에 정책"이라며 "이견이 없는 명백한 것은 진리다. 정책은 진리와 다르기 때문에 의견이 다를 수 있다"고 말했다.이 대통령은 최근 논란이 된 ISA와 세제 개편안도 이 같은 정책 조정의 시험대에 올랐다고 진단했다.정부는 국내 투자 활성화를 위해 '생산적 금융 ISA'를 신설하면서 기존 ISA의 납입 한도 이월을 폐지하고 계약 기간을 제한하는 방안을 제시했다. 그러나 청년층과 개인투자자를 중심으로 자산 형성 혜택이 줄어든다는 반발이 커지자 이 대통령은 지난 7일 원점 재검토를 지시했다.기업이 상속·증여세를 줄일 목적으로 주가를 의도적으로 낮추는 행위를 막기 위한 이른바 '주가 누르기 방지법'도 실효성이 부족하다는 지적에 따라 보완 대상으로 분류됐다.이 대통령은 보완수사권 폐지 이후 수사체계를 둘러싼 논란에 대해서는 경찰의 책임을 분명히 했다. 최근 검찰 보완수사권 폐지에 따른 합동수사 체계와 지방교육재정교부금 개편 등을 놓고도 관계 부처 간 이견이 표출되면서 국정 조정 기능에 대한 지적이 제기된 상태다.이 대통령은 유재성 경찰청장 직무대행에게 "최근 국민들이 걱정을 많이 하는 부분이 수사 문제"라며 "경찰의 책임이 많이 커졌다"고 지적했다.이어 "범죄 피해가 확대되지 않을지, 피해 구제와 진상규명, 범인 체포와 처벌이 제대로 이뤄질지 국민들이 걱정한다"며 일반 범죄 피해에 대한 대응책을 마련해 보고하라고 지시했다. 범죄 발생 추이를 확인할 수 있도록 관련 통계를 월별 그래프로 분석하라는 주문도 내놨다.이 대통령은 정책 논의 과정은 개방적으로 운영하되, 제도가 시행된 이후에는 현장의 혼란을 최소화할 수 있는 명확한 기준이 필요하다는 점도 강조했다.김영훈 고용부 장관이 노란봉투법의 노동쟁의 대상에 관한 행정해석을 이미 제시했다고 설명하자 이 대통령은 "해석과 지침은 다르다. 해석은 의견일 뿐"이라며 명확한 규정을 마련하라고 지시했다.공장 신설 등 기업의 경영상 결정을 노동쟁의 대상으로 삼을 수 있는지를 사례로 들면서 "명백한 부분은 기준을 명시해 달라는 요구가 일리가 있으니 적극적으로 검토하라"고 주문했다.범정부 자살예방 대책을 논의하면서는 자살의 원인을 개인의 정신건강 문제에 한정하지 않고 과도한 부채와 생계 위기 등 경제·사회적 문제로 접근해야 한다고 강조했다.이 대통령은 "가족 동반 자살 같은 경우를 보면 빚에 쪼들리고 생계에 문제가 생긴 것"이라며 "갚을 수 없는 부채는 시스템에 따라 청산하고 새로운 출발을 할 수 있게 해야 한다"고 역설했다.이 대통령은 "빚을 못 갚는 것은 기본적으로 채무자의 잘못이지만 상환 능력을 고려하지 않고 과도하게 돈을 빌려준 채권자의 책임도 있다"며 금융기관과 신용회복위원회 등이 회수하기 어려운 채권을 정리해 채무자가 무리한 추심에 시달리지 않도록 하라고 주문했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:12:10
  • Fire at Pyeongtaek Hazardous Materials Warehouse Contained After 9 Hours, No Injuries Reported
    Fire at Pyeongtaek Hazardous Materials Warehouse Contained After 9 Hours, No Injuries Reported A fire at a large hazardous materials storage warehouse in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, was brought under control after approximately nine hours of firefighting efforts. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.According to Yonhap News Agency, the blaze was declared under control at 9:08 a.m. on August 11, following its outbreak at 12:03 a.m. in a one-story warehouse building with a total area of 937 square meters, part of the PJK Pyeongtaek 1 Center.Due to concerns about rapid combustion from chemical substances, the fire department issued a Level 1 response at 1:32 a.m., mobilizing between 31 and 50 fire trucks. This was escalated to a Level 2 response at 2:40 a.m., involving 51 to 80 fire trucks.At around 3:39 a.m., a national firefighting mobilization order was issued, calling for support from four nearby provinces, including Chungnam, Sejong, Chungbuk, and Daejeon.The national mobilization order is issued by the Fire Agency when local firefighting resources are deemed insufficient to handle a disaster.The fire department deployed 102 pieces of equipment and 255 personnel, including 28 support vehicles from other provinces, to combat the blaze. By 6:21 a.m., some of the national mobilization order was lifted, and 21 vehicles were withdrawn, with the response level fully lifted by 8:30 a.m.The warehouse was authorized to store over 191,000 liters of flammable liquids classified as Class 4 hazardous materials (including special flammable substances and petroleum) along with various other chemicals.The fire department plans to investigate the cause of the fire once the extinguishing operations are completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:12:00
  • North Koreas Joint Liaison Office Explosion Lawsuit Delayed Until Next Month
    North Korea's Joint Liaison Office Explosion Lawsuit Delayed Until Next Month The lawsuit filed by South Korea's Ministry of Unification against North Korea for the explosion of the Joint Liaison Office has been postponed until next month.According to legal sources on August 11, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 46 has rescheduled the verdict originally set for August 12 to September 16 at the request of the Ministry of Unification.A Ministry official stated during a press briefing at the Government Seoul Complex, "This is the first case of its kind against the North Korean authorities, and we requested the delay to review necessary actions following the verdict." The official added that there are no plans to withdraw the lawsuit.Previously, the Ministry of Unification filed the lawsuit in June 2023 during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to suspend the statute of limitations (three years) on the claim for damages resulting from the explosion of the liaison office, aiming to preserve state claims against North Korea. This marks the first lawsuit filed by the government against the North Korean regime, with the Republic of Korea listed as the plaintiff and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as the defendant.The Ministry estimates the damages to state property from the explosion at 44.7 billion won, which includes 10.25 billion won for the liaison office building and 34.45 billion won for the adjacent comprehensive support center.While there is a general expectation that the government will win the damages lawsuit, there are currently no means to enforce compensation from North Korea even if a victory is achieved.The liaison office building was completed in December 2007 and served as a venue for inter-Korean exchanges and talks. It was closed again in response to North Korea's backlash against the May 24 measures in 2010. In June 2020, following the failed Hanoi summit between the U.S. and North Korea the previous year, North Korea blew up the liaison office building, citing the distribution of leaflets by some defector groups as the reason.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:12:00
  • Semiconductor Special Law Takes Effect, Industry Seeks Infrastructure Support
    Semiconductor Special Law Takes Effect, Industry Seeks Infrastructure Support The "Special Law on Strengthening and Supporting the Semiconductor Industry" took effect on August 11, establishing a legal framework to support domestic semiconductor investment and infrastructure development. The semiconductor industry believes that the speed of implementing key infrastructure, such as power and water supply, will be crucial for future competitiveness.On the same day, the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association issued a statement welcoming the law's implementation, stating, "We expect it to serve as an important institutional foundation for expanding our companies' investments and innovating the industrial ecosystem." With the rapid increase in demand for advanced semiconductors driven by AI proliferation, the importance of policy support has grown as domestic companies pursue large-scale investment plans.The association particularly emphasized the need for swift execution of follow-up policies. Large semiconductor production facilities require not only factory construction but also a stable supply of power and industrial water. As investments in major semiconductor clusters, such as in Yongin, ramp up, there is a growing demand for infrastructure development schedules to keep pace with production facility investments.The special law allows the national and local governments to prioritize or exempt the costs of infrastructure for semiconductor clusters, including power, water, and road networks, and mandates the establishment of a separate special account for enhancing semiconductor industry competitiveness until the end of 2036.It also includes provisions to prioritize or exempt preliminary feasibility studies for semiconductor cluster infrastructure projects. Additionally, it establishes a system for companies to request regulatory improvements during the cluster project process and provides a basis for supporting research and development for small and medium-sized semiconductor enterprises.Industry insiders believe that the implementation of the special law could broaden the scope of support from individual company investments to the entire ecosystem. They emphasize the importance of creating a foundation for the growth of not only memory but also system semiconductors, advanced packaging, and materials, components, and equipment companies.Moreover, the significance of the special law is heightened by the fact that global semiconductor competition can no longer be determined solely by a company's technological capabilities. As countries enhance subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure support to attract domestic production facilities, the speed of factory construction and investment burdens have become integral to national competitiveness. The special law stipulates that the government must establish a basic plan for competitiveness enhancement every five years and prepare annual implementation plans.The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association stated, "It is crucial that investment support, infrastructure development for power and water, and follow-up support policies are implemented swiftly and consistently so that the special law leads to tangible results in the field. We will act as a bridge between the government and the industry to ensure that the voices from the industrial sector translate into policy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:08:00
  • NCSOFT Reports Q2 Operating Profit of 173.9 Billion Won, Up 1,053% Year-on-Year
    NCSOFT Reports Q2 Operating Profit of 173.9 Billion Won, Up 1,053% Year-on-Year NCSOFT has significantly boosted its second-quarter performance, driven by the success of its PC games based on the 'Lineage' intellectual property (IP) and increased overseas sales.The company reported consolidated revenue of 770.5 billion won and an operating profit of 173.9 billion won on August 11. Revenue increased by 38% compared to the previous quarter, while operating profit rose by 53%. Year-on-year, these figures represent increases of 101% and 1,053%, respectively, with an operating profit margin of 23%.PC game sales reached 343.8 billion won, setting a new quarterly record. The success of 'Lineage Classic,' launched in March, was a key contributor, generating 185.5 billion won in revenue during the second quarter. As of the end of June, the game has accumulated total revenue of 269.1 billion won over its first 140 days.The competitiveness of the existing Lineage IP also remained strong. Despite intensified competition in the mobile gaming market, revenue from 'Lineage M' increased by 4% compared to the previous quarter, showing solid performance.Regionally, the growth of overseas sales was particularly notable. In the second quarter, revenue distribution was 48% from Korea, 25% from Asia, and 27% from North America and Europe. Overseas sales accounted for 52% of total revenue, surpassing domestic sales for the first time. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of growth in overseas sales.Mobile game revenue was 185.3 billion won, showing a slight increase from the previous quarter. Revenue from mobile casual games was 169.7 billion won, making up 22% of total revenue. The global mobile gaming platform 'JustPlay' was included in the consolidated results for the first time this quarter, establishing mobile casual gaming as a new growth area for NCSOFT.NCSOFT plans to continue its growth trajectory in the second half of the year by launching new global titles. The company will participate in the global gaming exhibition 'Gamescom 2026' in Cologne, Germany, starting on August 26, where it will showcase new titles including 'Aion 2,' 'Cinder City,' and 'Project Bonfire.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 14:08:00