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U.S. Tariffs on Polycrystalline Silicon Boost Expectations for Hanwha Q CELLS and K-Semiconductors The polycrystalline silicon tariffs proposed by the Trump administration are emerging as a key factor for Hanwha Solutions' solar business in the U.S. and its capital increase efforts. Hanwha Q CELLS, which sources polycrystalline silicon from overseas, may experience varying impacts depending on the scope of the tariffs. The semiconductor industry, another major consumer of polycrystalline silicon, is expected to be less affected.According to industry sources, the Trump administration is preparing to impose a 15% tariff on polycrystalline silicon imported into the U.S. This material is essential for producing solar cell wafers and is also used in semiconductor silicon wafer production. The U.S. is reportedly considering this measure to protect its solar industry and to address competition with China over AI and semiconductor supply chains.Industry analysts suggest that if tariffs are focused on Chinese polycrystalline silicon, Hanwha Q CELLS could benefit. The company has established a non-China supply chain by sourcing polycrystalline silicon from Malaysia and processing it into ingots, wafers, cells, and modules at its facility in Cartersville, Georgia. If the price competitiveness of products using Chinese polycrystalline silicon diminishes, Hanwha Q CELLS' position in the U.S. market could strengthen.Improved price competitiveness and profitability for Hanwha Q CELLS could enhance the investment effectiveness of funds raised through its capital increase. Hanwha Solutions aimed to raise 2.4 trillion won for investments in its U.S. solar business and to improve its financial structure, but the actual amount raised was only 1.1713 trillion won, about half of the initial target.However, if the tariffs are not limited to Chinese products and also apply to imports from Malaysia, the situation could change. Since polycrystalline silicon is a key raw material for solar cells, Hanwha Q CELLS would have to bear the increased costs of sourcing materials.An industry insider stated, "If tariffs are imposed only on Chinese products, Hanwha Solutions could expect a windfall. Ultimately, we need to see the specific details regarding the tariff targets and origin criteria to accurately assess the impact."The domestic semiconductor industry, which utilizes polycrystalline silicon as a basic material, appears to be avoiding significant repercussions. This is largely because the share of silicon wafers, a key material, in the manufacturing costs of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is minimal. According to their business reports, Samsung's annual wafer purchasing amount in its semiconductor (DS) division was 2.1625 trillion won, accounting for 12.4% of total raw material purchases last year. SK Hynix spent even less, at 1.0242 trillion won (7%).Additionally, both companies have proactively established local production bases to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs. The confirmed investment scale for Samsung's foundry in Taylor, Texas, and SK Hynix's advanced packaging facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, exceeds $50 billion (approximately 70 trillion won).Professor Lee Jong-hwan of Sangmyung University stated, "While South Korea has a high dependency on overseas sources for wafer materials, the cost share in semiconductor finished product manufacturing is low, and with local production bases secured in the U.S., the tariff risk can be sufficiently mitigated."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 05:04:00 -
Volvo EX90: A Family-Friendly Electric SUV Volvo's EX90 has emerged as an optimal choice for large families during this era of high fuel prices. Launched in April, the EX90 is a fully electric flagship SUV. During a recent test drive, its practicality stood out as the most impressive feature.On August 5, I drove a 60-kilometer route from Seoul to Uijeongbu, taking approximately 120 minutes. The route included sections of the Inner Ring Road, Eastern Expressway, and Northern Expressway.The Volvo EX90, classified as a mid-size SUV, offers a spacious interior. The model tested was the seven-passenger twin-motor performance trim, which includes an additional seat in the second row, allowing for a maximum of seven passengers when the third row is fully occupied.The middle seat in the second row is not a foldable auxiliary seat. To access the third row, passengers must slide the second-row seats forward and recline their backs. The resulting space is somewhat limited, making it a bit cramped for adult males. However, two adults can sit in the third row with some comfort, though stretching their legs may be difficult.For families of five or six, folding down the third row increases trunk space significantly, reaching 324 liters.Driving the mid-size EX90 did not present any significant challenges. I drove a five-passenger configuration (with only the second row occupied) and felt no major differences in handling. Visibility was also adequate. The 9-inch driver display and head-up display provided clear information on speed and navigation, allowing for stable driving.The EX90, as a fully electric vehicle, boasts a maximum driving range of 448 kilometers on a single charge, which is sufficient for a one-way trip from Seoul to Busan.However, the performance of the driving assistance system left something to be desired. The Pilot Assist feature, which reduces the burden of acceleration, braking, and steering, is activated by pulling the right steering wheel lever down. After setting a maximum speed, the system adjusts speed automatically based on the distance to the car ahead and the road's speed limit. Nonetheless, I felt that lane-keeping and vehicle recognition were not very effective. Additionally, the system deactivates when the brake is applied, which means that at a red light with no car in front, the driver must brake manually, causing the feature to turn off.The infotainment system was notably responsive, with a sizable 14.5-inch central display. However, adjusting the side mirrors and opening the glove compartment required navigating through the display menu, which was somewhat inconvenient. Despite these drawbacks, considering its fundamental driving experience and spaciousness, the EX90 appears to be an attractive option for families in search of a new vehicle.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 00:04:00 -
POSCO Air Solution Achieves Global Certification for Aerospace and Defense Gas Materials POSCO Air Solution, a subsidiary of the POSCO Group specializing in industrial gases, has received the AS9100D certification from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), marking the first such certification in Asia for the manufacturing of high-purity rare gases for aerospace and defense applications.The certification ceremony took place on August 6 at the POSCO Center in Seoul, attended by Kim Dae-yeon, CEO of POSCO Air Solution, and Lee Il-hyung, head of LRQA's Korean branch.The AS9100D certification is a global standard based on the ISO 9001 quality management system, reflecting the stringent requirements of the aerospace and defense industries. Given the critical nature of quality in these sectors, where even minor deviations can have severe consequences, this certification is considered essential for entering the rare gas manufacturing industry.With this certification, POSCO Air Solution plans to expand its business from a focus on rare gases for semiconductors and displays to the aerospace and defense sectors. The company aims to establish a stable supply of high-purity rare gases, such as xenon and krypton, which are essential for launch propulsion systems, solidifying its position as a leading producer of rare gases for future industries.Kim Dae-yeon stated, "This AS9100D certification proves that our capabilities in manufacturing high-purity rare gases and our quality management system are at a global top level. We will establish ourselves as a trusted core supplier in the aerospace and defense rare gas market based on the excellent quality demanded by global clients. We will ensure a stable supply of high-quality rare gases, playing a key role in the strategic resource portfolio of the POSCO Group."Meanwhile, POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa announced in July plans to expand the company's operations into resource sectors, following steel and materials, to enhance national industrial security and strengthen supply chains, aiming to become a key resource supplier contributing to these goals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 23:36:00 -
Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho: Presidential Award a Result of Citizen and Official Collaboration Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, expressed on August 6 that the recent Presidential Award is a valuable achievement created through the trust of citizens and the field-oriented administration of public officials. On this day, Mayor Choi announced that Anyang received the Presidential Award in the '2025 Comprehensive Evaluation of Active Administration by Local Governments' conducted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The citizen-centered active administration promoted by Mayor Choi has once again been recognized in a top government evaluation. During the award ceremony held in the city hall reception room, Mayor Choi encouraged the employees who practiced active administration and reaffirmed his commitment to innovative administration centered on citizens. Earlier this year, Anyang received a Presidential Award for its contributions to local regulatory reform, and now it has proven its top-level innovative administrative capabilities by winning the Presidential Award in the active administration category as well. Notably, Mayor Choi achieved the distinction of being selected as an outstanding institution for active administration for six consecutive years among 243 local governments nationwide. This recognition is interpreted as a reflection of Mayor Choi's continuous efforts to promote administrative innovation that citizens can feel. Mayor Choi has established a culture of active administration within the public service through initiatives such as selecting outstanding public officials, operating incentives, conducting citizen votes on active administration, and implementing an active administration mileage system. In this evaluation, the 'one-stop processing of pre-approval for relocation of multi-family housing' was highlighted as a representative success story. The significant improvement in administrative convenience for residents of redevelopment and reconstruction areas during the facility enhancement process before relocation approval, achieved through the establishment of internal approval standards and the introduction of an email-based one-stop processing system, was positively evaluated. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety's comprehensive evaluation of active administration among local governments is a representative government assessment that evaluates efforts for system improvement, best practices, and citizen satisfaction across five areas and 18 indicators among 243 local governments nationwide. Upon hearing the news of the Presidential Award, local citizens expressed their delight. A resident of Pyeongchon stated, "In the past, there was a perception that administrative procedures were complicated, but recently, the speed of processing complaints has improved, and there is a noticeable effort to resolve issues from the citizens' perspective. I believe that receiving the Presidential Award is a recognition of our efforts so far." Positive comments continued in online communities, with remarks such as, "Being recognized as an outstanding institution for active administration for six consecutive years means that the administrative system is firmly established, not a one-time achievement," and, "Receiving the Presidential Award for both regulatory reform and active administration showcases Anyang's competitiveness. I hope active administration continues to expand in areas closely related to citizens' lives." Meanwhile, Mayor Choi Dae-ho added, "Active administration that transcends conventions and frameworks is the driving force that changes citizens' lives, and I will continue to promote innovative administration that allows citizens to feel changes in their daily lives without wavering."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 22:36:00 -
North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missile into East Sea, First Provocation in 42 Days LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo to Meet Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Next Week Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group, is set to visit Nvidia's headquarters in Silicon Valley, California, next week to meet with CEO Jensen Huang. This meeting comes two months after their last encounter on June 8 in Seoul. According to industry sources, Koo's visit to Silicon Valley marks his first trip there in four months since April. The two executives previously met on June 5 at LG Group's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, where they held a private discussion for about an hour. They expressed intentions to expand cooperation in various fields, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous driving. After the meeting, Koo stated, "We didn't have enough time to discuss details today, but we talked about inviting him to California next time. I plan to discuss more collaboration when I go there." Blue House Holds Emergency Security Meeting After North Korea's Missile Launch The National Security Office of the Blue House convened an emergency security situation assessment meeting on August 6 after North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the East Sea from the Wonsan area. During the meeting, attended by the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Office directed military and relevant agencies to maintain an immediate response posture. They analyzed and evaluated the impact of North Korea's launch on national security and reviewed necessary measures, including the potential for further provocations. In a press release, the Blue House stated, "The National Security Office held an emergency security situation assessment meeting with the Ministry of National Defense and other relevant agencies following North Korea's missile launch into the East Sea from the Wonsan area." The meeting reportedly shared information on the missile launch situation and military readiness, while also exploring coordination measures among agencies to respond to North Korea's future actions. However, the National Security Office did not disclose the specific list of attendees or details of the discussed measures. Police Conduct 11-Hour Search of Korea Football Association Over Hong Myung-bo Appointment Police have completed an 11-hour search of the Korea Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into allegations surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crime Investigation Unit concluded the search around 8:20 PM on August 6, having begun the operation at approximately 9 AM. This marks the first time the KFA has been subjected to a search since its establishment. The police confirmed that they secured internal documents from the KFA during the search. The search warrant cited allegations of obstruction of business, among other charges. The police plan to review the materials obtained to determine if there was any improper interference in the coaching appointment process. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Appeals Conviction Over Alleged Polling Payment Scheme The appeal hearing for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who was convicted in the first trial for allegedly having polling costs covered by a supporter, has been scheduled for August 21. He was sentenced to lose his mayoral position in the first trial. According to legal sources on August 6, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, led by Judge Koo Hoe-geun, will hold the first hearing for Oh's appeal at 2 PM on that date. Businessman Kim Han-jeong and former Seoul Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs Kang Cheol-won, who face similar charges, will also appear in court on the same day. Oh was indicted last December for allegedly receiving polling results from political broker Myung-tae Kyun and having Kim cover the costs of 33 million won. The first trial court, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, imposed a fine of 10 million won and ordered the forfeiture of 21 million won on Oh on July 22. Kang received a fine of 3 million won, while Kim was fined 5 million won. The first trial found that Oh had commissioned five of the ten polling instances listed in the indictment (three of which were not disclosed and two were public) and that Kim had covered the costs of 21 million won. The court determined that it could not definitively conclude that Oh had commissioned or that Kim had covered the costs for the remaining five instances. Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan Opposes Profit-Based Bonuses, Seeks Shareholder Approval On August 6, Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan expressed his opposition to incentive structures that base bonuses on operating profit. He announced plans to amend commercial and capital market laws to require shareholder approval for substantial bonuses. Speaking at a forum held at the Press Center in Seoul, Kim highlighted that shareholders and investors are often excluded from the process of distributing a portion of operating profit to employees. He stated, "The owners of the company are the shareholders, and the investors bear the risks. However, in the bonus debate, shareholders and investors are often left out." He added, "If companies ignore the opinions of shareholders and investors, who would want to invest or become shareholders? Ultimately, the consequences will fall on management and employees."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 22:00:20 -
Uiwang Mayor Emphasizes Importance of Managing Vulnerable Groups During Heatwave Kim Sung-je, the mayor of Uiwang, emphasized on August 6 that "careful on-site management of vulnerable groups, such as outdoor workers and mobile laborers, is crucial in the ongoing heatwave situation." On this day, Mayor Kim personally visited key facilities in the area to assess the heatwave response measures and safety management, prioritizing citizen safety. This site inspection was conducted to prevent various safety incidents, including heat-related illnesses, due to the prolonged heatwave and to protect vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers and mobile laborers. Mayor Kim thoroughly checked the heatwave response system by visiting facilities and work sites that citizens actually use. First, he visited the construction site of the Cultural Arts Center, where he carefully examined the operation of worker rest facilities, the provision of adequate break times, and the adherence to heat illness prevention guidelines. He particularly stressed that the safety and lives of workers must be prioritized at construction sites where working in extreme heat is unavoidable, urging strict compliance with safety regulations. Next, at the rest area for mobile workers, he checked the status of air conditioning and other amenities, ensuring that workers exposed to the heat for extended periods can rest safely and comfortably. At the water play facility in Gamakdeul Park, he reviewed the management status and safety protocols to ensure that citizens can enjoy their summer with peace of mind. Citizens present at the sites expressed their appreciation, stating, "I was worried about the ongoing heatwave, but seeing the mayor personally inspecting the sites gives me confidence," and "Administration should happen on the ground, not just from behind a desk; his direct inspections build trust," adding, "I feel reassured knowing that even facilities for children are being carefully monitored." Mayor Kim stated, "We will focus administrative efforts on protecting vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers and mobile laborers, and we will operate the heatwave response system more thoroughly to ensure that all citizens can safely enjoy the summer." Meanwhile, Mayor Kim plans to strengthen on-site inspections and the heatwave response system, prioritizing citizen safety during the heatwave warning period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 21:56:20 -
Minister Kim Jeong-kwan Opposes Profit-Based Bonuses, Seeks Shareholder Approval Kim Jeong-kwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on August 6 that he opposes an incentive structure that bases bonuses on operating profit. He explained that he is working on amending the Commercial Act and the Capital Markets Act to require shareholder approval for large bonuses. During a discussion at the Press Center in Seoul, Minister Kim pointed out that shareholders and investors are excluded from the process of distributing a portion of operating profit to employees. He remarked, "The owners of the company are the shareholders, and the investors who bear the risks are equally important. However, in the debate over bonuses, shareholders and investors are often left out." He added, "If a company ignores the opinions of shareholders and investors, who would want to invest or become a shareholder? Ultimately, the consequences will fall on the management and employees." Minister Kim reiterated his opposition to profit-based bonuses, stating that at a minimum, approval from the board of directors or shareholders should be obtained. He characterized the distribution of bonuses that goes against the interests of shareholders and investors as an overreach of authority. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with relevant departments to amend the Capital Markets Act and the Commercial Act to require shareholder approval for large bonuses. The intent is to prioritize reinvestment for future competitiveness over bonus distribution. Regarding the ongoing "Coupang issue" in U.S.-Korea relations, Minister Kim noted that perspectives vary depending on whom he speaks with in the U.S. He observed, "For instance, when meeting with U.S. politicians, I get the impression that there is a very sensitive reaction to Coupang. In contrast, officials from the Department of Commerce or the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) seem to have a much better understanding of the essence of the Coupang incident." He highlighted that some U.S. lawmakers mistakenly view Coupang as a means to alleviate the trade deficit between the U.S. and Korea. Minister Kim stated, "Many American politicians believe that thanks to Coupang, American agricultural, fishery, and livestock products are being imported into Korea. When I explain that most Koreans understand Coupang as importing cheaper products from nearby China rather than American goods, they are often surprised." He concluded by emphasizing that the core issue of the Coupang situation is that nearly 80% of information about Korean adults was leaked, and that this went unnoticed for several months. He posed a rhetorical question to U.S. politicians: "If 80% of information about American adults were leaked to a foreign entity without proper reporting or legal procedures, how do you think the U.S. would respond?" Most agree with this perspective, he noted.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 21:44:00 -
Gwachon City Expands Citizen Participation for 2026 Gwachon Performing Arts Festival Gwachon City held a briefing on August 5 to review preparations for the '2026 Gwachon Performing Arts Festival,' scheduled for September 18-20. According to the city, the meeting was attended by over 50 participants, including officials from Gwachon City and the Gwachon Cultural Foundation, the festival's artistic director, city council members, citizens, and local artists. Attendees shared details about the festival's programs, spatial arrangements, and operational plans while gathering feedback from citizens. This year's festival will be centered around 'GPAF City 2.0,' an expanded version of the 'GPAF City' concept introduced last year. The theme 'Floating' will transform the Gwachon Citizens' Plaza and the area around the Citizens' Hall into a performing arts space, with a new 'GPAF Village' offering performances, experiences, and relaxation. The festival will also feature an expanded range of performances, increasing the number of official submissions and international acts, and showcasing a variety of genres. Citizen participation programs will be enhanced, with an open call for citizen performers and a parade connecting Jungang-ro and Cheongsa-ro scheduled for September 19. The existing 'Citizen Gathering Festival' will be revamped into the 'Gwachon Showcase' to include more participating performance teams. Additional experience programs for families will be introduced, including a 'GPAF Playground' for children, a GPAF Market, and a Farmers' Market, allowing visitors to enjoy both performances and activities. The city plans to improve the venue's environment by installing palm mats, canopies, and roofs in preparation for rain, while also enhancing safety management plans to ensure visitor comfort and security. Citizens and local artists who attended the briefing expressed optimism about the expanded performance content and citizen participation programs, but emphasized the need for meticulous preparations regarding safety management, traffic, and amenities, as these factors significantly influence festival satisfaction. In particular, the local arts community requested ongoing opportunities for local artists to participate in the festival, aiming to establish it as a collaborative event between citizens and artists. Attendees expressed hope that the festival would grow into a representative performing arts event for Gwachon. Mayor Shin Gye-yong stated, "We are preparing a festival with enhanced quality compared to last year by expanding performance content and citizen participation programs. We will thoroughly check safety and overall operations before the festival opens to ensure that citizens can enjoy it with peace of mind."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 21:24:00 -
Police Conducts 11-Hour Search of Korean Football Association Amid Appointment Controversy Police have completed an 11-hour search of the Korean Football Association (KFA) as part of an investigation into allegations surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crimes Investigation Unit concluded the search around 8:20 p.m. on August 6 at the KFA's office in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and at the Football Center in Jongno, Seoul. The search began at approximately 9 a.m. and lasted over 11 hours.This marks the first time the KFA has been subjected to a search since its establishment. Police have confirmed that they secured internal documents from the association.The search warrant cited allegations of obstruction of business, among other charges. Following the search, police plan to review the KFA's internal materials to determine if there was any improper interference in the coaching appointment process.Recently, police have accelerated their investigation, conducting interviews with related parties and now executing a search. On August 4, they summoned Hong Myung-bo and former Technical Director Lee Im-sang as suspects for questioning regarding obstruction of business.On July 14, police also questioned an individual who served on the KFA's Strengthening Committee during Hong's appointment, as well as a former vice president of the KFA, both as witnesses.Additionally, on July 9, commentator Park Joo-ho, who has publicly criticized the fairness of the appointment process, was also questioned as a witness.Earlier, the civic group Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee filed a complaint on July 2, alleging that there were issues with the KFA's operations and the process of appointing the national team coach, accusing KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo of obstruction of business and breach of trust.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 21:16:00 -
First Soloist Jeon Min-cheol to Star as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake "I want to show my growth on stage."Jeon Min-cheol, first soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet, will perform as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake on the domestic stage. The production, a collaboration between the Seoul Arts Center and the Universal Ballet Company, returns for its second season after a successful debut last summer. Jeon plans to showcase the growth he has achieved during his time at the Mariinsky.At a press conference held on August 6 at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Jeon stated, "I believe I can present the results of my first season at Mariinsky in this performance. I want to show the Korean audience the growth I have experienced while working hard in Russia."In less than a year since joining the Mariinsky, Jeon has taken on leading roles in major works such as Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet. He noted that the most significant change he has experienced in Russia is in his acting."It was truly shocking to feel that every dancer at the Mariinsky tells a story through their character. They continue to express emotions with their bodies until the end of the performance. I have come to understand the importance of emotions and have tried to learn this quickly," he said.Even the same movements convey completely different feelings when performed as Siegfried or Romeo. "In movements that refer to 'you,' the speed and strength alone can sufficiently explain the character," he added.His daily life has also changed. While he spent most of his time in practice rooms in Korea, in St. Petersburg, Russia, he finds inspiration from watching performances and walking through the streets. "I get lost in countless thoughts," he remarked.This transformation is expected to be evident in his performance of Swan Lake, his favorite work. "Every time I see this piece, I hear the words of the swan and the prince. It is also the work I have seen the most at the Mariinsky. I will focus on how to convey the necessary dialogue through movements and gestures in the story, such as the first meeting between the swan and the prince and the acting with the black swan," he said.The audience's applause serves as his motivation. "I feel the love from the audience when they cheer so loudly during the curtain call that my palms hurt. When I leave the stage and Russian audience members tell me, 'I was so moved by your beautiful arms and gestures,' I feel their affection," he shared.The performances will take place from August 14 to 23 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 21:00:00


