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Shinhan Card Partners with Home & Shopping to Support Traditional Markets Shinhan Card is utilizing card consumption data to identify traditional markets with high growth potential and support small businesses in expanding their sales channels.On August 10, Shinhan Card announced that it has signed a business agreement with Home & Shopping to revitalize traditional markets nationwide and enhance sales opportunities for local small businesses.The two companies plan to combine their strengths in finance and retail to support the growth of traditional markets and small businesses that have not received much attention.The initiative will utilize Shinhan Card's proprietary 'Market Leap Index,' which quantifies the growth potential of 1,324 traditional markets and approximately 103,000 affiliated stores based on consumption data.Rather than focusing solely on sales volume, the index analyzes various consumer variables, including customer visitation patterns, usage behaviors of affiliated stores, and market locations, to assess future growth potential.Shinhan Card will analyze the commercial districts of each traditional market using this index and share the results with local merchants. The company will also provide training on the characteristics and case studies of high-potential markets, helping small businesses understand their commercial areas and customer characteristics based on data.Home & Shopping will select target markets based on Shinhan Card's analysis and will be responsible for expanding sales channels. The company plans to support the inclusion of high-quality small business products in home shopping broadcasts and mobile applications, as well as provide 'scale-up mentoring' to enhance product competitiveness.A Shinhan Card representative stated, “This agreement is an example of how Shinhan Card's data capabilities can be transformed into tangible value for local economies and small businesses. We will continue to expand our data-driven win-win model.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:20 -
FromBio Hits Upper Limit on First Day of Trading After Stock Consolidation FromBio surged to the upper limit on the first day of trading following its stock consolidation.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:41 a.m. on August 10, FromBio's shares were trading at 3,330 won, up 765 won (29.82%) from the previous trading day.In May, FromBio decided to consolidate its shares at a ratio of 5-to-1, changing the par value from 100 won to 500 won. Consequently, trading was suspended from July 20 to August 9, with trading resuming today.The company aims to enhance its corporate value through this consolidation by restructuring its finances and securing future growth drivers. A representative from FromBio stated, "This strategic decision is aimed at improving financial soundness and ensuring long-term corporate sustainability in response to an uncertain business environment."FromBio is also nurturing its bio business as a future growth pillar. The company’s bio research institute is currently advancing a hair loss treatment pipeline, which is in preclinical stages and has recently begun core safety evaluations.FromBio's subsidiary, FromBio Cosmetic, is maintaining sales at the same level as the previous year while expecting to turn a monthly operating profit. The company is diversifying its distribution channels by expanding into offline stores, moving away from its previous online-centric sales structure.A representative from FromBio expressed confidence in the simultaneous progress of three key areas: financial structure improvement, bio business growth, and subsidiary performance enhancement. They added, "In the second half of the year, we will focus on improving visible results, generating research and development outcomes, and actively engaging in investor relations to enhance shareholder value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:10
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Alteogen Shares Surge Over 13% on Strong Earnings and BlackRock Stake Increase Alteogen's shares have surged over 13% following strong first-half earnings and news of an increased stake by global asset management firm BlackRock, along with upward revisions of target prices by analysts.As of 9:39 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Alteogen's stock was trading at 344,750 won, up 39,750 won (13.03%) from the previous trading day. The stock has risen for seven consecutive trading days since July 31, nearing the 350,000 won mark.On August 7, Alteogen announced its preliminary results, reporting consolidated revenue of 140.5 billion won, operating profit of 73.5 billion won, and net profit of 101.3 billion won for the first half of the year. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 37%, operating profit by 21%, and net profit by 108%.The increase in BlackRock's stake appears to have boosted investor sentiment. BlackRock Fund Advisors disclosed that it now holds 2,694,448 shares of Alteogen, raising its ownership stake to 5.03%. BlackRock stated that the purpose of the holding is for 'simple investment.'Analysts are noting that Alteogen's growth in earnings is transitioning from one-time technology fees to recurring revenue from commercial product sales. Daishin Securities raised its target price for Alteogen by 6.6% to 410,000 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Hong Ga-hye, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "The strong sales of Keytruda and Curex are driving revenue-linked milestones, and the expansion into new modalities such as RNA is expected to create additional contract momentum."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:10
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Trump Considers Ending War with Iran Without Nuclear Deal President Donald Trump is reportedly considering ending the war with Iran without a nuclear agreement, contingent on the reopening of the Hormuz Strait. However, negotiations have hit a snag as Iran demands the withdrawal of U.S. troops, sanctions relief, and war reparations.The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 9th, citing U.S. officials, that Trump has discussed with his aides in recent weeks the possibility of concluding the war if Iran fully reopens the Hormuz Strait, even without a separate agreement on nuclear issues.Since April, the U.S. has prioritized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a key negotiation goal. However, with little progress in nuclear talks, the focus has shifted to reopening the Hormuz Strait, a critical route for global oil transport.Mohammad Bagheri, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has demanded a permanent end to hostilities and the lifting of maritime blockades on Iranian ports as conditions for reopening the Strait.Additionally, Iran has called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East, complete sanctions relief, the return of frozen assets abroad, war reparations, cessation of threats against Iran, and a halt to military actions against pro-Iranian armed groups in the region, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.There are significant differences between the two sides regarding navigation through the Strait. Iran seeks to restrict U.S. naval vessels' passage and impose tolls on commercial ships. The U.S. views any limitations on shipping or tolls as unacceptable.WSJ analyzed that Iran is taking a tougher stance in negotiations, believing that Trump is eager to end the war. Gregory Brew, an Iran expert at Eurasia Group, stated, "Iran believes Trump wants to exit the war and is focusing on reopening the Hormuz Strait, which is why they are pushing hard."Normalizing the Hormuz Strait is a crucial task for Trump ahead of the November midterm elections, especially as Iranian missile and drone attacks have disrupted commercial shipping, leading to rising international oil prices and increased gasoline costs in the U.S.According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gasoline price in the U.S. on the 8th was $4.02 per gallon, up about 27% from $3.16 a year ago. With less than three months until the midterms, Trump faces pressure to lower fuel prices and showcase achievements in ending the war.The White House maintains that the primary objectives of military operations against Iran have already been achieved. WSJ reported that Trump believes it will be difficult for Iran to restore its nuclear program during his term, given that the U.S. destroyed three major Iranian nuclear facilities last year.U.S. officials indicated that if Iran's nuclear program remains constrained while commercial shipping in the Hormuz Strait is normalized, Trump may be inclined to extend the current ceasefire. However, Iran's demands for the release of frozen assets remain a significant obstacle to an agreement. WSJ suggested that reaching a deal without releasing some frozen assets would be challenging.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:00
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Box Office Hits: 'Odyssey' Surpasses 2 Million, 'Spider-Man 4' Nears 6 Million The summer box office is bustling with two major foreign films leading the charge. Christopher Nolan's latest release, 'Odyssey,' has surpassed 2 million viewers just six days after its debut, while 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is on the verge of reaching 6 million viewers. After a period of stagnation, these blockbuster hits are drawing audiences back to theaters, enhancing the summer movie season.According to the integrated ticketing system as of 6:04 a.m. on August 10, 'Odyssey' has accumulated over 2 million viewers. The film crossed the 1 million mark just four days after its release on August 5, and reached 2 million within two days thereafter.The film's success is notable for its rapid pace. 'Odyssey' achieved its 2 million milestone six days faster than this year's top-grossing film, 'The King’s Affection,' and one day quicker than 'Avatar: The Way of Water.' Compared to Nolan's previous film, 'Oppenheimer,' it also surpassed that film's pace by six days. The combination of Nolan's reputation and the demand for large-screen viewing has quickly attracted audiences in the film's early days.'Odyssey' has maintained strong pre-sale rates leading up to its release and has held the top spot at the box office since its debut, solidifying its success. The CGV Golden Egg Index also recorded a favorable 97%, indicating positive audience reactions. The film's strong opening week has established a solid foundation for its box office performance.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is also experiencing a successful run. The integrated ticketing system reports that the film has reached a cumulative audience of 5.91 million as it enters its second weekend. It is on the brink of surpassing 6 million viewers.Released on July 29, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (referred to as 'Spider-Man 4') crossed the 5 million mark just 11 days after its release, indicating a strong box office momentum. The film continues to attract viewers, raising the possibility of breaking the franchise's previous box office records. The earlier films, 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' drew 7.25 million and 7.55 million viewers, respectively.The success of 'Spider-Man 4' can be attributed to a combination of fan engagement and word-of-mouth promotion. Since its release, endorsements from idol groups and celebrities, along with social media challenges, have kept the film in the spotlight. Audience reactions have included mentions of multiple viewings after the initial screening.The success of both films is transforming the atmosphere of the summer box office. 'Odyssey' has quickly emerged as a new blockbuster, while 'Spider-Man 4' continues to gain traction in its second week, increasing its cumulative audience count.This trend is welcomed by theaters, as multiple films, starting with 'Hope' and continuing with 'Spider-Man 4' and 'Odyssey,' have contributed to a growing audience size. The simultaneous draw of major films has created a rare relay effect in the box office.Industry expectations are rising regarding how long this trend will continue. Whether 'Odyssey' can maintain its pre-sale rates and audience satisfaction in its second week, and whether 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' can surpass 6 million and approach franchise records, will likely shape the latter part of the summer box office. The box office momentum created by these two blockbusters may also influence upcoming Korean films like 'Okay Madam 2' and 'Gyeongju Trip,' which are set to release soon, marking the next point of interest in the summer theater landscape.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:00
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NH Nonghyup Card Launches Premium VVIP Credit Card 'the Origins' NH Nonghyup Card has introduced a new premium credit card targeting high-net-worth individuals.On August 10, NH Nonghyup Card announced the launch of 'the Origins,' a top-tier VVIP credit card. This card is the highest-rated product among NH Nonghyup Card's premium offerings.The card features unlimited rewards tailored for customers with high spending. Customers who meet a monthly spending requirement of 500,000 won will earn 1% in NH points for domestic transactions and 2% for international transactions.Travel and transportation services have also been enhanced. Customers who meet the monthly spending requirement can access premium chauffeur services for free up to four times a day, with a maximum of ten times per year. Additional benefits at the Martina Gold Lounge in Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2 include advance room reservations and chef's special menus.A key benefit is the annual 'luxury voucher,' which offers 19 options across five categories: hotels, golf, dining, spa, and culture.In the first year, customers can apply for the voucher upon paying the annual fee. From the second year onward, they must meet a combined spending threshold of 20 million won from the previous and current year to qualify.The card also incorporates the 'Mastercard World Elite' service, the highest tier of Mastercard available in South Korea. This provides 24-hour concierge services and additional perks such as airport and hotel valet parking.An NH Nonghyup Card representative stated, "We will continue to offer differentiated benefits and high-quality services that meet the expectations of South Korea's top VVIP customers." 2026-08-10 09:44:00
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Shinhan Financial Group Hosts 'Shinhan Premier Pathfinder Insight 2026' Forum Shinhan Financial Group is set to hold a joint wealth management forum, bringing together the asset management capabilities of its major subsidiaries, including banking and securities.The event, titled 'Shinhan Premier Pathfinder Insight 2026,' will take place on August 31 at Dragon City in Yongsan, Seoul, the company announced on August 10.This marks the first joint wealth management forum organized by Shinhan Financial, inviting approximately 1,000 clients with financial assets exceeding 1 billion won to present market outlooks and investment strategies, along with tailored consultations in various fields.At the forum, Oh Geon-young, head of the Shinhan Premier Pathfinder asset management expert team, will discuss '2026 Global Macro Insights' to provide market forecasts. The agenda will also cover investment strategies in light of tax law changes, projections for domestic and international stock markets, real estate market trends, and wealth trends in South Korea. Special guest speaker Park Se-ri, a golf coach, will also attend.Additionally, one-on-one customized consulting sessions with experts in tax, real estate, and portfolio management will be available, along with consultation booths from various subsidiaries.Starting today, Shinhan Financial will accept participant applications through its integrated app, 'Shinhan Super SOL,' and will select attendees through a lottery system.A Shinhan Financial representative stated, 'We have mobilized the group's wealth management capabilities to prepare for this forum,' adding, 'In a time of significant market volatility, we will continue to provide tailored asset allocation strategies and solutions for our clients.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:40:20
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Seoul rebounds on Samsung Electronics payout hopes SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Seoul stocks opened sharply higher on Monday as a brokerage note arguing Samsung Electronics is preparing a shareholder return package more than ten times its current size pulled buyers back into chip shares after a week that stripped 5.1 percent off the market. The KOSPI rose 61.76 points to 6,320.53 in early trading, a gain of 1.0 percent. The bounce was stronger on the junior market, where the KOSDAQ climbed 3.1 percent to 823.38, and it extended across the region, with the Nikkei 225 up 1.1 percent in Tokyo. Foreign investors, whose selling drove last week's slide, were still net sellers in Seoul. The main index in Seoul closed Friday at 6,258.77, down 0.6 percent, capping the weekly loss. Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, estimated in a Monday note that Samsung Electronics will set annual shareholder returns at between 100 trillion won and 200 trillion won ($70.8 billion to $141.7 billion), against 9.8 trillion won ($6.9 billion) now. He kept a buy rating and a target price of 600,000 won ($425.00), calling the current level a conviction buying zone. At Friday's close, the note said, a payout above 100 trillion won would push the dividend yield past 7 percent. Samsung Electronics traded at 235,500 won ($166.81), up 1.9 percent. SK hynix rose 3.2 percent to 1,468,000 won ($1,039.81), and Samsung Electro-Mechanics gained 4.1 percent to 1,330,000 won ($942.06). SK hynix declared a quarterly dividend of 375 won ($0.27) per common share on Friday and has signaled further shareholder return steps this quarter. The rally was narrow. Decliners outnumbered advancers on the main board, 471 to 359. Foreign investors sold a net 158.5 billion won ($112.3 million) of KOSPI shares in early trading, while institutions bought 133.2 billion won ($94.3 million) and individuals 13.4 billion won ($9.5 million). Outside chips, nonferrous metals led sector gains at 6.1 percent, followed by biotechnology at 5.6 percent and venture capital at 5.3 percent. The Nikkei 225 stood at 66,303.27, up 696.56 points. The won traded at 1,411.80 per dollar, marginally weaker than Friday. 2026-08-10 09:38:33 -
Hanwha General Insurance Secures Exclusive Rights for Precocious Puberty Testing Coverage Hanwha General Insurance has obtained exclusive rights for a policy that covers testing costs necessary for diagnosing precocious puberty in children. On August 10, Hanwha announced that its 'Precocious Puberty Diagnosis Test Support' coverage has been recognized for its originality and utility by the General Insurance Association, granting it a six-month exclusive usage right. This coverage guarantees the cost of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) stimulation test, which is a reimbursable item, once a year for those diagnosed with precocious puberty. This is the first time in the general insurance industry that testing costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of precocious puberty are covered. With this exclusive right, Hanwha now holds a total of six exclusive coverage options for children's insurance. Hanwha has also launched a new product called 'Hanwha Healthy Growth Children's Insurance,' which includes coverage for testing costs related to precocious puberty, as well as new coverage for treatment costs of pediatric growth hormone deficiency, developmental assessment support for infants, treatment costs for excessive tooth eruption, and hearing diagnosis costs (excluding age-related hearing loss) to address risks that may arise during growth stages. Additionally, a pre-care service is offered to support children's health management. Parents can choose one free test from five options, including growth factor testing, allergy testing, oral bacteria analysis, gut microbiome testing, and AI developmental assessment. A Hanwha representative stated, “We have enhanced the competitiveness of our children's insurance by incorporating new coverage and services that reflect the concerns of parents who always worry about their children. We will continue to introduce customized products that cater to the needs of fetuses, children, and parents.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:36:00
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Vietnam Advances to ASEAN Football Cup Semifinals After Defeating Cambodia Vietnam finished first in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Football Cup, often referred to as the 'World Cup of Southeast Asia,' after defeating Cambodia. Under the leadership of coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam secured a spot in the semifinals and gained the advantage of playing at home. Despite this achievement, the team's lapses in concentration during the match raised concerns ahead of the semifinals.On August 7, Vietnam won 3-1 against Cambodia in the final group match held at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. This victory confirmed their top position in the group and allowed them to host the second legs of both the semifinals and finals.Prior to the final match, Vietnam was already leading the group standings. After drawing with Singapore at home, they regained momentum with a 3-0 victory against Indonesia, finishing with 7 points, equal to Singapore but ahead on goal difference with +10. Indonesia trailed by one point, while Cambodia and Timor-Leste had already been eliminated.The likelihood of Vietnam being eliminated from the group stage was virtually nonexistent. They would have needed to lose to Cambodia by a score of 0-9 while Indonesia defeated Singapore 1-0 to fall short on goal difference. Additionally, Vietnam had a perfect record against Cambodia, winning all 11 encounters since 1995, scoring 48 goals and conceding only 8. Despite pre-match predictions of an upset, Cambodia could not change the outcome. Cambodian coach Koji Yoshida remarked, 'Something unexpected could happen in the 12th match.' However, Vietnam maintained their dominance, extending their winning streak against Cambodia to 12 matches.Vietnam will face Malaysia, the second-place team from Group B, in two semifinal matches on August 16 and 19. The first leg will be in Malaysia, while the second leg will be held in Vietnam. The winner of this matchup will advance to face the winner of the match between Thailand and Vietnam in the finals.Dean Park's Two Goals Lead Vietnam to Group A VictoryVietnam took the lead in the 18th minute with a goal from Dean Park, who skillfully maneuvered between three Cambodian defenders before scoring with a right-footed diagonal shot. This was the first goal for Vietnam at My Dinh National Stadium in this tournament.Coach Kim made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing in Nguyen Suan Son to increase the attacking intensity. In the 56th minute, Dean Park broke down the left flank and delivered a low cross, but Suan Son failed to capitalize on the opportunity, and Tien An's left-footed shot went over the bar.As Vietnam struggled to extend their lead, Cambodia equalized in the 71st minute. Iago Bento received a long pass from his own half, evaded Suan Main, and scored with a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Patrick Le Zhang. The atmosphere at My Dinh National Stadium briefly dampened after the equalizer.Vietnam regained the lead late in the match. In the 84th minute, Suan Son, receiving a pass from Le Pham Thanh Long, faced the Cambodian goalkeeper. His shot appeared to be going wide, but defender Bakim misplayed the clearance, resulting in an own goal.The match was sealed in the 89th minute with Dean Park's second goal. Thanh Long delivered another precise pass, and Dean Park capitalized on a moment of hesitation from goalkeeper Salim Koi to score calmly, completing the 3-1 victory in front of approximately 20,000 fans.After the match, Coach Kim expressed high expectations for Dean Park. He reflected on the decision to substitute Dean Park before halftime in the previous match against Singapore, stating, 'I feel regret and apologize for taking Dean Park out before the end of the first half against Singapore.' He added, 'However, Dean Park understood that he had to sacrifice for the team. Both the team and Dean Park overcame the difficult situation that day and performed well today, scoring two goals.'Coach Kim acknowledged Dean Park's excellent form but emphasized his high standards for all players. 'Dean Park must reach the level of Asia and ultimately the world, and I hope he understands my expectations,' he said.While satisfied with the victory, Coach Kim pointed out the lapses in concentration that led to the goal conceded. He viewed the 3-1 win as a positive outcome, securing Vietnam's top position in Group A and the advantage of hosting the second legs of the semifinals and finals. However, he noted that mistakes and lapses in focus that led to the goal conceded against Cambodia would serve as lessons ahead of the semifinals.With this victory, Vietnam has reached the semifinals of Southeast Asian tournaments for the seventh consecutive time. In the previous six semifinal appearances, they reached the finals three times, winning in 2018 and 2024, and finishing as runners-up in 2022. By finishing first in their group this time, they continue the momentum of being the defending champions.Meanwhile, Coach Kim sees the eight days leading up to the semifinals as crucial for the players to recover physically and mentally. The victory over Cambodia has given Vietnam the top spot in the group and home advantage, but managing concentration and maintaining the condition of key players remain challenges ahead.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:36:00