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  • Chinese Stock Market Rises on Stimulus Hopes Amid Export Surge
    Chinese Stock Market Rises on Stimulus Hopes Amid Export Surge On August 10, the Chinese stock market closed higher, driven by expectations of stimulus measures. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.67% to 3,966.59, while the Shenzhen Component Index increased by 0.04% to 14,316.96. The ChiNext Index, however, fell by 0.73% to 3,537.21.According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for July increased by 3.5% compared to the same month last year. This figure is lower than the 4.1% increase in June and the 3.8% forecasted by Reuters for July. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July rose by 0.5% year-on-year, falling short of the market expectation of 0.8% and the previous month's increase of 1.0%. The CPI also decreased by 0.1% from the previous month.This data signals ongoing weakness in domestic demand and persistent deflationary pressures in China. With prices remaining low, analysts suggest that the Chinese government and the People's Bank of China have more room to implement economic stimulus policies. As expectations for measures such as interest rate cuts, liquidity support, and fiscal expansion grew, stock prices showed strength.Additionally, the U.S. employment report released on August 7 indicated weaker-than-expected job growth, which is seen as a sign of reduced pressure for interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.CITIC Securities noted in a report that the Chinese stock market is currently in a rebound phase due to overselling, stating, "The greater the decline last month, the more resilience we are seeing now." The report highlighted that technology stocks remain key assets, while sectors such as energy, chemicals, and non-ferrous metals are promising.Notably, the food and beverage sector performed well, with companies like Yiming Food, Huangshi Group, and Xiangpiaopiao hitting their daily price limits. The news that snack exports from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, a major snack production hub in China, surged by 22.7% year-on-year in July contributed to this positive trend. Quanzhou is home to 378 snack processing factories, and snack exports to the EU increased by 270% year-on-year in July.Shares in the pig farming sector also rose, with Yisheng Co. reaching its daily limit and Shennong Group seeing significant gains. Reports indicated that wholesale pork prices increased by 0.48% compared to the beginning of the month, prompting movement in related stocks. The Chinese pig farming industry is currently undergoing a supply reduction, with expectations of a significant rise in pork prices next year.Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China set the yuan's central parity rate against the dollar at 6.7884 yuan, a decrease of 0.0020 yuan from the previous trading day, reflecting a 0.03% increase in the value of the yuan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:16:00
  • Hana Bank Partners with the Korean Liberation Association to Support Independence Activists and Their Descendants
    Hana Bank Partners with the Korean Liberation Association to Support Independence Activists and Their Descendants Hana Bank is taking steps to support independence activists and their descendants as South Korea marks the 81st anniversary of its liberation.On August 10, Hana Bank announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Liberation Association to promote support initiatives for independence activists and their descendants.This agreement aims to utilize the profits generated from the 'National Love Public Trust,' which Hana Bank established in 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of liberation. After returning the principal amount to the contributors upon maturity, Hana Bank plans to allocate the remaining trust profits to various support initiatives for independence activists.The two organizations will also collaborate on projects commemorating the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth. They plan to provide scholarships and living expenses to descendants of independence activists, as well as support for field trips to historical sites related to the independence movement, academic research, and initiatives for independence activist organizations.The Korean Liberation Association will identify and recommend descendants of independence activists who require economic and educational support, while Hana Bank will fund related projects based on the profits from the National Love Public Trust.The National Love Public Trust was established in 2015 to support independence activists. Through this initiative, Hana Bank aims to continue its charitable contributions and social responsibility efforts utilizing public trusts.Lee Ho-sung, President of Hana Bank, stated, "It is meaningful to engage in projects that can provide practical assistance to independence activists and their descendants on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of liberation and the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth. We will continue to fulfill our social role in finance by promoting a culture of giving through public trusts."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:16:00
  • Hanmi Group Distributes Healthy Lunchboxes to Local Children
    Hanmi Group Distributes Healthy Lunchboxes to Local Children Hanmi Group has conducted a healthy lunchbox distribution activity for local children as part of its employee participation social contribution campaign.On July 26, Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced that its new employee training participants engaged in a social contribution (CSR) activity to create 'healthy lunchboxes' at the Bloom Vista Hotel in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.This initiative is the second distribution activity of the 'Hanmi Health & Hope' campaign, which was launched in February. It was designed for new employees to experience the meaning of social contribution and learn the value of sharing.On that day, 36 new employees received training from baking experts on low-sugar, high-protein recipes and healthy eating habits. They prepared 42 sets of healthy sandwiches and low-sugar madeleine dessert sets, along with 11 fresh fruit flower cakes. The completed snacks were delivered to the 'Gangdong Dream Village' childcare facility in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.Earlier this year, Hanmi Pharmaceutical also provided 60 sets of healthy lunchboxes made by new employees to the 'Myeongjin Flower Village' child welfare facility. The company plans to continue expanding its social contribution programs for future generations based on voluntary employee participation.A Hanmi Group official stated, 'The 'Hanmi Health & Hope' campaign encourages employees to directly participate in spreading a healthy lifestyle in the community. We will continue to fulfill our corporate social responsibility through various social contribution activities.'Meanwhile, Hanmi Group has maintained its long-standing public welfare campaign, the 'Love Blood Donation Campaign,' for 46 years, continuing its commitment to sharing life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:12:10
  • Koreas FDA to Conduct Training on Drug Approval and Patent Linkage System
    Korea's FDA to Conduct Training on Drug Approval and Patent Linkage System The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) will hold training sessions to enhance understanding of the drug approval and patent linkage system among the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.The KFDA announced on August 10 that it will host the "2026 Second Half Drug Approval and Patent Linkage System Training" for industry representatives from September 2 to 3 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul.The training will be divided into a general course for new personnel and an advanced course for experienced practitioners. The general course will cover an overview of the drug approval and patent linkage system, as well as practical case studies. The advanced course will focus on patent litigation strategies and evergreening tactics, including case studies. Evergreening refers to strategies that extend market exclusivity through formulation changes or combination therapy development.A practical training course, newly established last year, will also be offered in both general and advanced formats. The general course will guide participants on how to search for drug patent information, while the advanced course will provide training on the practical use of domestic and international drug patent information. Participants are required to bring their personal laptops.Registration for the training is available until August 20 via a QR code in the training announcement. A total of 200 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, and companies will be notified individually after confirming the number of attendees.The KFDA stated, "This training will help enhance the understanding of the drug approval and patent linkage system in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and strengthen patent practice capabilities. We plan to continue offering tailored training programs in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:12:00
  • Jung Cheong-rae Rules Out Possibility of Party Split After Convention
    Jung Cheong-rae Rules Out Possibility of Party Split After Convention Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership, stated that there will "absolutely be no split" in the party following the upcoming convention on August 17. He emphasized the need for unity among factions, particularly between the pro-Lee Jae-myung group and others.During a press meeting held on August 10 at the Jeonbuk Provincial Council, Jung remarked, "Do not even ask about a split." He expressed a desire to hold discussions among party members to address misunderstandings and conflicts, suggesting that a process to reveal underlying issues is necessary.He noted, "There will be both winners and losers among the candidates in the convention. The winners should comfort the losers, and the losers should accept the results and cooperate respectfully."Jung also pointed out that without internal unity, expanding the party's base will be impossible. He called for consolidating the party's traditional support base and quickly integrating with the Justice Party to establish a fifth democratic government.Furthermore, he stated, "I believe that anyone aspiring to be party leader should not have a history of leaving the party. Even though I faced setbacks in nominations, it seems that party members appreciate my commitment to the party's interests first."As the second week of the traveling primary concludes, Jung is slightly trailing behind Kim Min-seok. However, with the upcoming primaries in the Honam and Seoul-Gyeonggi regions, there is potential for a turnaround.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:12:00
  • Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Emphasizes Direct Engagement for Problem Solving
    Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Emphasizes Direct Engagement for Problem Solving Park Kwan-yeol, the mayor of Gwangju, emphasized on August 10 that "listening to voices from the field is the starting point for problem-solving." On this day, Mayor Park visited local businesses as part of the 'Direct Field Engagement for 100 Days,' a key initiative of his administration aimed at enhancing communication. He inspected air pollution emission facilities and environmental management practices while addressing the concerns of business owners. During his visit to facilities with air emission systems, Mayor Park reviewed the operational status of pollution control equipment and engaged in focused discussions with facility representatives about challenges in environmental management and strategies for reducing air pollutants. This visit was designed not just as an administrative check but as a hands-on approach to understand the realities businesses face in managing environmental compliance. Mayor Park aimed to hear firsthand the difficulties companies encounter while fulfilling their environmental responsibilities without stifling their operations. The mayor's actions reflect a philosophy of governance that views environmental protection and business activity as complementary rather than opposing forces. Based on the issues and suggestions identified during this visit, Mayor Park plans to explore support measures that can rationally reduce the environmental management burden on businesses while enhancing their compliance levels. He also aims to pursue both air quality improvement and business competitiveness through ongoing communication with local enterprises. Local residents have expressed positive feedback, stating, "Seeing the mayor visit businesses directly to address issues inspires trust," and, "Given that environmental issues directly affect citizens' living conditions, hands-on administration is essential." One resident remarked, "For the local economy to thrive, businesses must operate well, but environmental issues are also crucial for citizens' peace of mind. The mayor's direct engagement with businesses to understand their challenges and environmental management is a commendable approach." Looking ahead, Mayor Park plans to continue the 'Direct Field Engagement for 100 Days' initiative, visiting businesses and community sites to listen to their concerns and actively incorporate the issues identified into policy and administration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:08:10
  • Yantais Zhaisan AI Valley Emerges as a Key Hub for Artificial Intelligence Industry
    Yantai's Zhaisan AI Valley Emerges as a Key Hub for Artificial Intelligence Industry The Zhaisan (磁山) AI Valley in Yantai, Shandong Province, is emerging as a new key hub for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The AI Valley is a leading AI industrial complex covering 232,000 square meters, with a total investment of 1.8 billion yuan (approximately $378.5 million). Major companies in the field, including IBM, DingTalk, and OpenHarmony, have established a presence there, forming an industrial ecosystem. This complex integrates research and development, business incubation, technology transfer, corporate growth support, and practical application functions. It is building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem centered on AI models, algorithms, data corpuses, intelligent software and hardware, and AI security services. Yantai Guofeng Investment Holding Group, in collaboration with specialized investment institutions, has established a '1+3+N' investment fund system to support funding and technology commercialization for AI startups. Yantai is an industrial city with 1.06 million market entities, 86,000 manufacturing companies, and over 3,000 large-scale industrial enterprises. It has a robust industrial base, with leading companies such as Wanhuahua Chemical, Taihua New Materials, and Binglun Environment, enabling the application of AI technology in manufacturing. The Yantai Korea Economic Cooperation Center plans to utilize the Zhaisan AI Valley as a key platform for Korean science and technology startup projects entering Yantai. The center aims to connect Korean industrial robotics, AI algorithms, and intelligent hardware companies with local Yantai firms to expand joint research and development, project promotion, and resource sharing, thereby advancing China-Korea cooperation in AI and smart manufacturing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:08:10
  • Chinas Haiyang Achieves First Successful Sea Launch with Locally Assembled Rocket and Satellites
    China's Haiyang Achieves First Successful Sea Launch with Locally Assembled Rocket and Satellites China's Haiyang in Shandong Province has successfully conducted its first sea launch using a locally assembled rocket and developed satellites, marking a significant step in fostering its commercial space industry. On August 5, at 10:38 a.m., the Jielong 3 Yao 12 carrier rocket was launched from waters near Haiyang, successfully placing the Dongfang Huiyan high-resolution spectral satellites 01 and 02 into their intended orbits. The two satellites, named Jinshanxing and Yingshanxing, were developed by Wuhan University and each weighs approximately 300 kg. They are equipped with 22 spectral channels, a spatial resolution of 5 meters, and a 300 km observation width, which will be utilized for atmospheric analysis, water quality and crop monitoring, and mineral resource exploration. The Jielong 3 rocket, measuring 31.8 meters in length and weighing 140 tons at launch, underwent final assembly and delivery processes in Haiyang. The Haiyang Dongfang Spaceport is ramping up efforts to establish a commercial space ecosystem that integrates satellite, rocket, launch vehicle, and application services, with an annual assembly capacity of up to 50 rockets. On the day of the launch, youth from eight countries observed the event from the Lianlidao viewing area and later participated in various hands-on activities at the Space Science Museum, including rocket assembly and operating an AR Mars rover.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:08:10
  • 14 of 35 Seoul Redevelopment Projects Lack Contractor Guarantees for Relocation Funds
    14 of 35 Seoul Redevelopment Projects Lack Contractor Guarantees for Relocation Funds Fourteen out of 35 redevelopment projects in Seoul have not secured contractor guarantees for additional relocation funds. With the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio capped at 40%, many members of the associations are finding it difficult to secure new housing with only the basic relocation funds. Contractor guarantees are seen as a crucial alternative for obtaining additional financing, but construction companies are hesitant to provide them due to concerns over their own financial obligations and credit ratings, leading to delays in some relocation schedules.According to the Seoul city government, of the 35 redevelopment projects affected by relocation loan regulations, 32 are considering additional relocation loans through contractor guarantees to cover funding shortfalls.Among these, 18 projects have either reviewed or expressed intent to provide additional relocation guarantees, while the remaining 14 have yet to confirm their guarantee status. This uncertainty leaves associations without a key funding source.Particularly in areas with low appraised asset values, the issue of insufficient relocation funds is more pronounced. An industry insider noted, “In northern Seoul, some relocation loans are only around 100 million to 200 million won, making it difficult for a four-person household to find a suitable home.”However, providing additional relocation guarantees increases the financial burden on contractors, affecting their financial health and credit ratings. Given the ongoing risks of project financing and unsold units, small and mid-sized construction firms are understandably cautious about extending further guarantees.In the Myeonmok-dong area of Jungnang-gu, for instance, 296 out of 811 association members are multiple property owners, accounting for over 35%. As demand for additional relocation funds rises, contractors have reportedly communicated to the associations that they find it difficult to provide guarantees due to the increased credit burden.A representative from one construction firm stated, “The burden of providing relocation guarantees is growing for construction companies,” adding that they are working to establish conditions for securing additional relocation funds to facilitate smooth project progress.Delays in securing relocation funds are already impacting project timelines. A redevelopment project in Dongdaemun-gu, which began relocations in February, had initially planned to complete the process by May but has extended the relocation period to November due to difficulties with relocation loans.Interest rate burdens also pose a challenge. Additional relocation funds are often sourced from secondary financial institutions based on contractor guarantees, which can result in higher interest rates than basic relocation loans. Reports indicate that additional relocation loan rates are currently between 5% and 6%, with some conditions reaching as high as 7%. Given the lengthy duration from construction to occupancy, even a 1% increase in interest rates can significantly accumulate financial costs for association members.A Seoul city official remarked, “The credit situation for small construction firms has worsened recently, which could lead to higher interest rates for association members even if contractors provide guarantees,” adding that ongoing delays in negotiations for relocation funds are causing some projects to push back their relocation schedules.Lee Eun-hyung, a researcher at the Korea Construction Industry Institute, stated, “The interest rates for securing relocation funds will inevitably vary depending on the size of the construction firm. As relocations are delayed or construction periods extend, the increasing financial costs will ultimately fall back on the association members.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:08:00
  • Naver and National Institute for Lifelong Education Collaborate on AI Textbook for Seniors
    Naver and National Institute for Lifelong Education Collaborate on AI Textbook for Seniors Naver is partnering with the National Institute for Lifelong Education to create AI and digital lifelong education content. The initiative aims to provide an environment where senior users can easily and conveniently utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and digital services in their daily lives.On August 7, Naver announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Institute for Lifelong Education at Naver 1784. The agreement aims to enhance the AI and digital capabilities of seniors and digitally marginalized groups, addressing the digital divide in a practical manner.Naver and the National Institute for Lifelong Education will jointly develop and distribute AI and digital lifelong education content to expand lifelong learning opportunities.In particular, they will create digital literacy textbooks based on the Naver Whale browser. This will provide easy-to-understand instructions on using Naver services, including how to shop on Naver and utilize Whale features in everyday life.Kim Wol-yong, head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, stated, “By linking Naver’s technological capabilities with the education sector in the era of generative AI, we can innovatively bridge the digital literacy gap in daily life. We will actively work to connect the infrastructures of both institutions to realize universal lifelong education welfare.”Lee Yoon-sook, head of Naver Shopping, remarked, “In line with the era of AI commerce, we will enhance various services and, through this agreement, ensure that Naver Shopping and other AI-based services become easy and convenient tools for everyone.”Meanwhile, Naver is expanding its Whale browser as a platform to support education and AI utilization. Based on the educational experiences accumulated through Whale Space and Whale Book, it has introduced an online digital assessment service called 'Whale UBT.' Additionally, it plans to unveil a Whale browser-specific AI agent that assists with webpage summarization and navigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 16:08:00