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KG Group to Return Half of Profits to Shareholders Over Next Five Years KG Group announced that it will return half of its net profits to shareholders over the next five years, focusing on a robust shareholder return policy while presenting long-term growth strategies. The company aims to prioritize the normalization of its undervalued corporate worth as a key management task.On June 9, KG Group held a press conference in Yeouido to unveil its long-term management plan.The event featured CEOs from six major listed subsidiaries, including KG Chemical, KG Eco Solutions, KG Mobility (KGM), KG Steel, KG Inicis, and KG Financial, who each shared their future development strategies.The subsidiaries plan to increase their total shareholder return rate to 50% over the next five years. This decision stems from the belief that the market value does not adequately reflect the companies' solid performance and financial health. Chairman Kwak Jae-sun stated, "We have decided to return 50% of our net profits to shareholders, and we promise that all six listed companies and K Car will maintain this commitment for five years."To achieve this, KGM will focus on two tracks: eco-friendly vehicles and the KD (knock-down) assembly business, aiming to sell 200,000 units and generate over 10 trillion won in revenue by 2030. The company plans to sequentially launch seven types of eco-friendly SUVs, including pure electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids (HEVs), and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Additionally, KGM will target the Middle East and Southeast Asia as key markets for its KD business.KGM CEO Hwang Gi-young announced, "We will start operations at our KD factory in Vietnam this September," adding that plans for Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Cambodia are still under consideration. Chairman Kwak also mentioned, "We recently launched the Musso in Chile, and our executive is currently in Brazil and Colombia, working with various partners to begin certification processes for our KD business in Latin America."Furthermore, KG Group is pursuing synergy strategies with K Car, the largest direct-used car platform company in South Korea, which is set to join the group. In April, KG Steel agreed to acquire a 400 billion won stake in K Car from Han & Co Auto Service. K Car will be fully integrated into KG Group as of June 30.This integration will allow KGM to enhance its certified used car business by leveraging K Car's capabilities, expanding its offerings to a wider range of vehicle brands. Additionally, K Car, which absorbed Joy Rent-a-Car in 2020, is expected to incorporate KGM vehicles into its corporate leasing and rental sectors. Chairman Kwak emphasized, "KGM must continue to invest, and in that sense, K Car is a financially stable company, so investing in it will create synergies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 14:03:00 -
Korean markets quickly recoup Black Monday losses, key indexes up over 7% SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - Korea's stock bourses roared back more than 7 percent Tuesday afternoon to retrace most of the circuit-breaker crash that had gutted it a day earlier, as a chip rally quickly resumed after the upgraded first-quarter GDP data confirmed chip-related activities more than fended the economy from external shocks. The KOSPI surged 7.4 percent to climb back above 8,000. while smaller KOSDAQ also jumped 7 percent to 977.57 as of 2:00 p.m. SK hynix led the charge, rising to 2,175,000 won and again outrunning Samsung Electronics, which climbed to 320,0000 won, the same split that has defined the two through the week's turmoil. The KOSDAQ kept pace at 976.4, up more than 7 percent, leaving Seoul's main board on course to recover almost everything it had lost. SK hynix clawed back most of its Monday fall while Samsung, which had been hit harder in the crash, recovered far less, a sign investors were sorting between the names rather than buying the sector wholesale. SK hynix carries a tailwind Samsung lacks, the expectation that its memory partnerships could widen beyond high-bandwidth memory, the stacked chips that feed AI servers, into next-generation products and the data centers being built to house them. Samsung's case rests on the broader memory market, an argument for stronger earnings but without the company-specific catalyst driving its rival. Yet the rally carried a warning beneath it. Foreign investors were heavy net sellers even as the index surged, while domestic institutions did the buying. For SK hynix, the selling marked a 21st straight session of foreign outflows, a streak running alongside growing concern that the memory cycle behind the chipmakers may be near its peak. A recovery this steep, built on domestic money while overseas funds head the other way, rests on a narrower base than the headline number suggests. The bounce reached across the region. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 2.1 percent to 65,396.0, while in China the Shanghai Composite managed a more muted 0.5 percent to 3,979.7. The split tracked exposure to the global chip trade: Korea and Japan, home to the region's largest semiconductor names, rebounded hardest, while China, less tied to the AI memory cycle, moved least. The rebound followed an overnight steadying in global chip shares after the previous week's collapse, which lifted the memory names that anchor both the Korean and Japanese markets. A broader easing in risk sentiment added to the steadier mood, helping the regional indices claw back ground lost in Monday's rout. The won strengthened, slipping toward 1,517 against the U.S. dollar by early afternoon, extending a move that has run counter to the equity panic all week. A firming won would normally signal returning foreign confidence, which makes its divergence from the foreign selling in equities one of the day's harder puzzles. 2026-06-09 14:02:09 -
NICE Credit Rating Agency Receives Top Marks in Evaluation The Financial Investment Association announced on June 9 that NICE Credit Rating Agency received the highest evaluation in its "2026 Credit Rating Agency Capability Assessment" conducted among three domestic credit rating agencies: Korea Corporate Rating, Korea Credit Rating, and NICE Credit Rating. The assessment was divided into two categories: "Accuracy of Credit Ratings," which evaluates the accuracy of credit ratings, and "Stability of Credit Ratings and Usefulness of Predictive Indicators," which assesses the stability of ratings and the usefulness of predictive indicators such as rating outlooks and monitoring. The evaluation combined quantitative assessments (50%) using metrics like default rates and rating maintenance rates with qualitative assessments (50%) based on surveys of market experts. In the accuracy category, NICE Credit Rating received the highest scores in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. According to the Financial Investment Association, there were no defaults among investment-grade companies last year, and NICE Credit Rating recorded the lowest average cumulative default rate and annual default rate. In the qualitative assessment, NICE Credit Rating scored 3.89 out of 5, surpassing Korea Corporate Rating (3.80) and Korea Credit Rating (3.76). NICE Credit Rating also ranked first in the overall evaluation for the stability of credit ratings and the usefulness of predictive indicators. In the stability category, NICE Credit Rating received the highest ratings in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. In the quantitative assessment of usefulness, Korea Corporate Rating and Korea Credit Rating achieved a 100% alignment rate between their rating outlooks and actual credit rating changes over the past three and five years. However, in the overall results, including qualitative assessments, NICE Credit Rating received the highest evaluation. The overall trust in credit rating capabilities among market participants, including credit analysts and bond managers, remained steady at an average score of 3.82 out of 5, the same as last year. However, satisfaction regarding stability slightly decreased compared to the previous year due to increased volatility in rating assessments. In a separate survey regarding investor concerns, NICE Credit Rating was highly rated for the appropriateness and diversity of the information provided, market communication efforts, and overall market contribution. Conversely, Korea Corporate Rating received the highest score for the usefulness of its credit rating reports. Kang Kyung-hoon, the evaluation committee chair, stated, "In the current situation of heightened external uncertainties due to global interest rate fluctuations and conflicts in the Middle East, it is crucial to protect investors through accurate information. I hope credit rating agencies contribute to the stability of the capital market by providing transparent and timely evaluations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 14:00:00 -
Singer Kim Yoon-seol from 'Singer Gain 4' Dies at 28 Singer Kim Yoon-seol, known for her participation in the JTBC audition program 'Singer Gain 4', has passed away at the age of 28. According to the music industry, Kim Yoon-seol died on June 7. Her funeral was held on the morning of June 9 at a funeral home, with her final resting place at Seongnam Youngsaengwon. Kim Jae-guk, the vocalist of the band Tapafee, expressed his condolences on social media the following day, stating, "Kim Yoon-seol, who appeared as singer number 6 on 'Singer Gain 4', has gone to heaven. I offer my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family." The cause of Kim Yoon-seol's death has not been disclosed. Born in 1998, Kim Yoon-seol gained recognition after winning the Mnet children's audition 'Voice Kids' in 2013. She made her debut later that year with Yang Yo-seob in the song 'Man and Woman 2013'. She continued to make a name for herself through appearances on shows such as 'The Voice Korea 2020' and 'Singer Gain 4'.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 14:00:00 -
Aekyung Industry Donates $6 Million Worth of Oral Care Products for Oral Health Day Aekyung Industry launched a large-scale charitable initiative on June 9 in honor of Oral Health Day, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities. The company donated approximately $6 million worth of oral health products from its flagship oral care brand, '2080,' during a ceremony held at the Love Sharing Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. This donation was organized to honor veterans and individuals eligible for benefits during the month of June, which is dedicated to national defense and remembrance, while also supporting the healthy growth and independence of children in group homes and local child centers. The initiative reflects the company's philosophy of 'love and respect,' aiming to foster emotional connections across generations. The donated items included 2,080 tubes of 2080 toothpaste and 2,080 toothbrushes, as well as children's oral health products. These items will be distributed to veterans and children in need through the Love Sharing Foundation, the Korea Disabled Veterans Association's Gyeonggi branch, and the Crumbs of Love Sharing Association. Aekyung Industry has consistently engaged in oral health product support activities on Oral Health Day, leading efforts to enhance community oral health and promote a culture of giving. Last year, the company held a similar donation ceremony in June at the Gumi Fire Station in North Gyeongsang Province, collaborating with the Babo's Sharing Foundation and local volunteer fire brigades to donate $3.4 million worth of oral hygiene products, including portable toothpaste and toothbrush sets and bi-color mouth sprays. An Aekyung Industry representative stated, "We will continue to engage in community-centered social contribution activities to maintain warm connections with those in need."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 13:57:00 -
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical Introduces 'Ethics Day' to Strengthen Compliance Management Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has established an 'Ethics Day' and elevated its Compliance Committee to strengthen its compliance management system. On June 2, Kwangdong announced the appointment of compliance officers and held a ceremony to award the Compliance Committee's charter. The company also conducted training for internal auditors and compliance culture establishment as part of the committee's initiatives. The previous anti-corruption internal audit organization, known as the Anti-Corruption Subcommittee, has been upgraded to the Compliance Committee. The committee plans to enhance internal control functions through compliance monitoring, ISO internal audits, and risk assessment management training. Kwangdong has consistently strengthened its compliance management system by upgrading its Compliance Division to a departmental organization and placing it directly under the CEO. In 2023, the company obtained integrated certification for its Anti-Corruption Management System (ISO 37001) and Compliance Management System (ISO 37301). ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 are standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that are awarded to organizations with systems capable of identifying and controlling corruption and compliance risks in advance. A Kwangdong representative stated, "We will emphasize the importance of responsible work performance and spread a culture of compliance throughout the company." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 13:57:00 -
Ningyang County, Shandong, Enhances Support for AI-Based One-Person Companies Ningyang County in Shandong Province is actively promoting the development of AI-based One-Person Companies (OPC) to create a more entrepreneurial-friendly environment. The county's Administrative Examination and Approval Service Bureau recently announced the implementation of tailored market entry support policies for AI OPCs. AI OPCs represent a new business model where individuals utilize AI technology and digital platforms to operate small-scale enterprises, allowing for legal digital service businesses with minimal capital and space. To facilitate this, Ningyang County has established a "Three Ones" service system. This includes a dedicated guide that organizes the business registration process and required documents, as well as a specialized service window that offers one-on-one consultations from company name approval to electronic signatures and business license issuance. Additionally, a one-stop service has been set up to handle business registration, tax reporting, bank account opening, and policy consultations all at once. Notably, Ningyang County is reforming its group registration system, allowing entrepreneurs to use the address of a registration agency as their business address without needing to rent separate office space. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of initial startup costs and enhance the clustering effect of new industry enterprises. A local official stated, “Many young people and skilled talents have entrepreneurial ideas but often lack knowledge about registration procedures and operational regulations. Relevant departments are collaborating to address the challenges faced in the early stages of entrepreneurship and support stable growth.” Ningyang County plans to continue building a comprehensive support system for the establishment and growth of AI OPCs, contributing to the development of the digital economy and fostering a regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 13:57:00 -
HK Inno.N Claims Eknoglutide Outperforms Semaglutide in Weight Loss HK Inno.N announced on June 9 that its Chinese partner, Saiwind Biosciences, presented the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial comparing the obesity treatment Eknoglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, at the 2026 American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference. Eknoglutide is the world's first cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) biased GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is characterized by enhanced signaling selectivity, ensuring both efficacy and safety. HK Inno.N is currently conducting Phase 3 clinical trials for obesity and diabetes treatments in South Korea, with plans to introduce the drug in 2024. The study directly compared Eknoglutide with Semaglutide, confirming Eknoglutide's clinical superiority in weight loss and key metabolic indicators. The trial involved 163 obese adults across 17 centers in China, with participants randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive both medications at the same dosage (2.4 mg) via subcutaneous injection once a week. Results showed that by week 20, Eknoglutide demonstrated a more significant weight loss effect compared to Semaglutide. The average weight loss rate was 35% higher than that of Semaglutide, and the proportion of patients losing more than 10% of their body weight was twice as high. The least squares mean weight change from baseline was -12.8% for the Eknoglutide group and -9.5% for the Semaglutide group (P 2026-06-09 13:54:00 -
Chinese Toy Manufacturer Captures Overseas Market with Quality Plush Dolls Jabaili, a plush doll manufacturer based in Ningyang County, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, is gaining attention in both domestic and international markets due to its competitive quality and emotional marketing strategies. Established in 2007, Jabaili specializes in mid- to high-end plush dolls, producing hundreds of products including rabbits, teddy bears, and various other figures. The company strictly adheres to China's toy safety standards throughout the entire production process, from raw material procurement to manufacturing, ensuring differentiated quality through the use of premium fabrics and a focus on handcrafted production methods. Recently, in celebration of Children's Day in China, Jabaili launched a variety of new products and promotions, significantly boosting sales. Notably, online marketing campaigns featuring concepts like 'Healing Dolls' and 'Friends Who Listen' have resonated with younger consumers, generating considerable interest. Plush dolls are increasingly recognized as 'healing items' that provide emotional comfort, leading to a steady rise in demand among both children and adult consumers. Currently, Jabaili operates over 300 stores in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and has established an official sales network on major e-commerce platforms. The company is also expanding its exports to international markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, enhancing the brand value of 'Tai'an Manufacturing.' According to the Tai'an Customs, the city's toy exports reached 18 million yuan from January to April this year, demonstrating its competitiveness in the global market. Experts evaluate that the quality innovation and overseas market expansion by local companies are establishing a new growth engine for Tai'an's manufacturing sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 13:54:00 -
Daewoong Pharmaceutical Partners with Indonesian Pharmacists Association to Build Local Network Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia by population and economy, is considered a key market in the regional healthcare sector. Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced on June 9 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI). The agreement aims to establish a collaborative foundation to enhance the expertise of local pharmacists and improve public health. The two parties plan to work together in areas including pharmacist education and professional development, academic and expert collaboration, public health and disease management, and the localization of pharmaceuticals and healthcare model development. Daewoong Pharmaceutical and the Indonesian Pharmacists Association will implement tailored education programs for local pharmacists. They will provide lectures focused on pharmaceutical trends and disease management through online webinars and offline symposiums. Additionally, they will jointly operate a pharmacist expert council to promote product planning and brand consulting that reflects consumer characteristics. This initiative aims to strengthen the localization of key products such as EasyDerm, Impactamin, and EasyN6. Based on this collaboration, Daewoong Pharmaceutical intends to enhance consumer trust in Indonesia and expand its over-the-counter drug market by 2030. Indonesia is a country that global pharmaceutical companies prioritize when considering entry into Southeast Asia, which is expected to strengthen Daewoong Pharmaceutical's regional business expansion. Park Eun-kyung, Head of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's CH Marketing Division, stated, "This will be an important starting point for establishing a long-term partnership for the advancement of public health and the improvement of national health. We will actively cooperate to ensure that the pharmacist communities in both countries can establish a sustainable growth foundation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 13:54:00