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  • U.S. Moves to Impose Tariffs and Minimum Prices on Imported Polysilicon
    U.S. Moves to Impose Tariffs and Minimum Prices on Imported Polysilicon The Trump administration is moving to impose tariffs and minimum import prices on imported polysilicon.On August 5, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the administration could announce these trade measures as early as August 6.Officials have discussed imposing a minimum tariff of 15% on imported polysilicon. They are also considering applying minimum import prices to polysilicon raw materials as well as to wafers, solar cells, and solar modules produced from it. Investment bank Ross Capital Partners has projected that the tariff rate could reach between 25% and 35%.However, the administration was still finalizing the details of the proclamation as of the afternoon of August 6, meaning the final tariff rates and applicable products could change.This action is based on the results of a polysilicon investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act last year. The department has been examining the impact of the U.S. reliance on foreign polysilicon raw materials and related products on national security.The Trump administration also plans to introduce a temporary offset support program to mitigate the impact on U.S. manufacturers that rely on imported raw materials. This support is expected to be linked to the scale of capital investments these companies make in the U.S.Polysilicon is a key material used in both the semiconductor and solar industries. High-purity electronic-grade polysilicon is used as a raw material for semiconductor chips found in smartphones, medical devices, precision-guided munitions, and aircraft control systems. Lower-purity solar-grade polysilicon is used to manufacture crystalline silicon solar panels.Currently, U.S. polysilicon production capacity is limited. If tariffs are implemented, companies like Hemlock Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Corning based in Michigan, and German firm Wacker Chemie, which operates in Tennessee, are expected to benefit.The U.S. polysilicon industry has called for trade relief measures to focus on products linked to Chinese supply chains during the Commerce Department's investigation. They argue that due to China's overproduction and below-cost sales, it is difficult for U.S. solar-grade polysilicon production to achieve profitability, necessitating tariffs that can offset this situation.There have also been calls for policies to restrict the use of Chinese polysilicon in critical U.S. infrastructure and defense equipment while encouraging the purchase of American-made products.On the other hand, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has warned that polysilicon tariffs could increase cost burdens across the semiconductor and electronics supply chains. They noted that once polysilicon is processed into wafers and semiconductors and incorporated into finished products, tracking the origin becomes challenging, complicating actual tariff enforcement.CTA suggested that instead of tariffs, the U.S. should reduce risks associated with foreign dependence through supply agreements with other countries or by utilizing a strategic stockpiling system domestically.Following the news of the tariff proposal, shares of U.S. solar companies fell. First Solar, the largest solar manufacturer in the U.S., dropped as much as 7.3% during trading, while T1 Energy, which operates a solar plant in Texas, saw a decline of up to 13%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:56:00
  • Lawyer Claims Actor Hwang Jung-min Engaged in Affair
    Lawyer Claims Actor Hwang Jung-min Engaged in Affair The controversy surrounding actor Hwang Jung-min continues as a current lawyer has stated that the claims made by a woman identified as A regarding recorded conversations indicate both an affair and stalking.In a video released on August 4 on the YouTube channel 'Knowing Lawyer,' attorney Lee Ji-hoon stated, "In 2023, Hwang Jung-min and woman A can be seen as having an extramarital relationship," adding that "the one-sided stalking by the woman began in 2025, and the timelines do not overlap." Lee commented on the recordings and messages shared by A, saying, "For a married person to say to another person, 'It's our first date,' 'I'm so excited,' 'You're cute,' 'I want to hug you,' and 'I should take you home' is problematic. This is not just a misunderstanding; it is simply an affair." He further explained, "Engaging in sexual relations with another person is not the only way to legally constitute infidelity. If meals, gifts, or expressions exceed the bounds of a typical relationship, it can also be considered infidelity." Regarding A's alleged stalking, Lee stated, "A contacted Hwang Jung-min despite being told not to, which constitutes stalking." He added, "If A had matters to resolve with Hwang Jung-min, she should have pursued legal channels such as sending a formal notice. Approaching his son and sending a will constitutes intimidation, which could lead to charges against A." Lee emphasized, "Although A claims she has filed for a formal trial and is not yet a stalking criminal, the actions are clear." Hwang Jung-min and A reportedly met at a film screening in July 2023 and had four meetings until July 2024.According to the KakaoTalk messages shared by A, Hwang Jung-min said, "It's our first date, so you should take me home," and "I'm so excited." Hwang also reportedly told A, "Your KakaoTalk profile picture is so cute," and expressed, "I want to hug you. If we like each other, we should want to hug, right?" In response, Hwang's agency, Sam Company, stated, "The individual posting malicious content about Hwang Jung-min is a suspect in stalking who has continuously harassed him." The court has issued a temporary restraining order against A, along with a fine of 3 million won, but A has contested this and is currently undergoing a first trial. A has countered the agency's claims, calling them "one-sided assertions," alleging that Hwang used a multi-profile messenger to communicate secretly and that their conversations continued even during the period cited by the agency as harassment, specifically a phone call record from August 20, 2024. A is currently pursuing a lawsuit against Hwang Jung-min for 200 million won in damages, indicating that the legal battle between the two is likely to continue for some time.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:56:00
  • Hanwha to Host 2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival on September 5
    Hanwha to Host 2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival on September 5 Hanwha announced that it will host the '2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival' on September 5 at the Han River Park in Yeouido.This year's festival has been moved up from last year's late September date to early September, taking into account the Chuseok holiday and the expected influx of foreign tourists.Three countries, including South Korea's Hanwha, the United States, and the United Kingdom, will participate, showcasing unique fireworks displays that reflect their respective cultures and technical expertise.Hanwha plans to deploy a record total of 4,700 safety and order maintenance personnel, including 1,200 volunteers from the company, for the event's pre-festival and main day activities.Additionally, in collaboration with telecommunications companies, Hanwha will utilize 'Orange Safety' to measure real-time crowd density, helping to manage crowd dispersal. CCTV cameras installed in areas surrounding Yeouido, including Wonhyo Bridge and the Mapo and Ichon districts, will monitor citizen movement in real-time to enhance on-site response capabilities.A Hanwha representative stated, "This year, we are preparing a diverse event with new fireworks displays and cultural tourism programs, prioritizing safety to create a high-quality festival."The Seoul International Fireworks Festival, which began in 2000, is celebrating its 24th edition this year. Hanwha has consistently invited fireworks teams from around the world, showcasing high-quality fireworks displays and promoting the festival as a key cultural tourism event in Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:56:00
  • Samsung, SK Hynix Struggle in Pre-Market as KOSPI Takes a Breather
    Samsung, SK Hynix Struggle in Pre-Market as KOSPI Takes a Breather The KOSPI is expected to take a breather on August 6. Following a weak performance in U.S. semiconductor stocks and a disappointing earnings outlook from SanDisk, both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are showing declines in pre-market trading. As of 8:29 a.m. on this day, SK Hynix is trading at 1,598,000 won, down 70,000 won (4.20%) from the previous trading day. Samsung Electronics is also down 7,000 won (2.85%), trading at 239,000 won. In the U.S. stock market, semiconductor stocks were weak overnight. On August 5, Micron ended the day down 0.01% on the New York Stock Exchange, while SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) fell by 2.2%. SanDisk and Western Digital also saw declines of 5.4% each ahead of their earnings announcements. Tech stocks also experienced losses. Alphabet, Google's parent company, dropped 4.06% following the news of the departure of key scientist Jeff Dean, while AMD fell 7.04% due to disappointing earnings forecasts. SanDisk, which reported earnings after the market closed, saw its stock drop more than 5% in after-hours trading. The New York market is also taking a breather. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.49%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices fell by 0.17% and 0.83%, respectively. The mixed performance reflects profit-taking after four consecutive days of gains, driven by optimism over U.S.-Iran negotiations. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "The earnings report from SanDisk, released after the market closed, slightly missed market expectations, leading to a decline of over 5% in after-hours trading. It is important to be cautious of potential profit-taking in domestic semiconductor stocks today." As a result, the domestic market is also expected to show a breather. The MSCI Korea ETF and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell by 1.17% and 1.40%, respectively, while KOSPI 200 night futures dropped by 1.63%, indicating a slight dampening of investor sentiment. Analysts believe that the extent of the correction will be limited. One researcher stated, "Recent domestic markets have shown noticeably reduced intraday volatility compared to July. During any rebound, rather than reducing positions, it would be effective to adopt a strategy of partial buying in sectors with strong profit momentum, such as semiconductors, MLCCs, securities, retail, and defense, in the event of further corrections."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:48:00
  • Samsung E&A Celebrates First Anniversary of Official Character Launch
    Samsung E&A Celebrates First Anniversary of Official Character Launch Samsung E&A held a commemorative event on August 6 at the Global Engineering Center in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the first anniversary of its official characters: Addie, Eannie, and Saydi. The event aimed to share successful examples of character utilization over the past year with employees and to enhance practical applications while reemphasizing the values of communication and empathy that the characters represent.The celebration featured various character merchandise displays, a photo wall, and a congratulatory message board. Additionally, a prize draw for employees was conducted, along with charitable events such as a regular donation campaign and contributions to pediatric cancer patients, extending the values of communication and empathy symbolized by the characters into social contribution activities.Last August, Samsung E&A introduced three characters based on its main brands—AHEAD, E&Able, and S.A.Y.—to shift its image from a traditional engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company to a forward-looking energy tech solutions provider and to strengthen communication with the digital-native generation.Inspired by meerkats, Addie and Eannie embody engineers with strong social bonds and teamwork, as well as a keen sense of safety. Addie represents a responsible and calm personality, while Eannie is characterized as creative and cheerful.Saydi, a parrot character born from the safety brand S.A.Y, reflects a vigilant approach to safety and quality on-site, showcasing wide vision and agile movements. Over the past year, Samsung E&A has utilized these characters in internal messenger emoticons, safety campaigns, and family invitation events to invigorate its organizational culture.Looking ahead, Samsung E&A plans to continue using the characters as a communication channel with employees while expanding their application to recruitment and brand communication, positioning them as ambassadors to convey the company's core values.A Samsung E&A representative stated, "This event was an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Addie, Eannie, and Saydi, who have grown alongside our employees over the past year, and to realize the value of sharing. We will continue to promote a culture of communication and empathy through these characters."Meanwhile, Samsung E&A has been maintaining a solid performance. In the second quarter of this year, the company reported consolidated revenues of 2.6093 trillion won and an operating profit of 273.1 billion won. For the first half of the year, cumulative revenues reached 4.8767 trillion won, with an operating profit of 461.3 billion won, signaling a positive outlook for achieving its annual performance goals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:48:00
  • Kakao Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Talk Business and Pay Growth
    Kakao Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Talk Business and Pay Growth Kakao achieved its highest quarterly performance to date in the second quarter of this year. The company's revenue and operating profit reached record levels, driven by balanced growth in advertising, commerce, and its payment business.Kakao announced on August 6 that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter was 2.0985 trillion won, with an operating profit of 277 billion won. This represents a 9% increase in revenue and a 36% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year. Both figures are the highest ever recorded for a quarter.The platform segment generated revenue of 1.2303 trillion won, a 17% increase year-on-year. Within this, revenue from Talk Business, which includes KakaoTalk-based advertising and commerce, rose by 12% to 643.2 billion won.Advertising and subscription revenue reached 399.9 billion won, up 14% from the previous year. The commerce sector continued its growth, particularly in gift-giving and Talk Deals, with transaction volume in the second quarter increasing by 9% year-on-year to approximately 2.7 trillion won. The self-purchase transaction volume for gift-giving surged by 39%.Revenue from other platform services, including mobility and payments, totaled 587 billion won, marking a 22% increase from the same period last year. Mobility growth was driven by existing services and last-mile logistics, while the payment sector achieved record revenue and operating profit for the quarter, supported by expanded financial services and double-digit growth in payment and platform services.The content segment reported revenue of 868.2 billion won, a 1% increase. The music sector grew by 8% to 558.4 billion won, aided by the expansion of major intellectual property performances, while the media sector saw a 5% increase to 99.1 billion won due to an increase in produced works. The story segment generated 210.7 billion won.Profitability also improved, with the operating profit margin rising by approximately 3 percentage points to 13% compared to the same period last year. Operating expenses increased by 6% year-on-year to 1.8214 trillion won.Jeong Shin-a, CEO of Kakao, stated, "The competitiveness in the era of agentic AI lies not just in the excellence of the model itself, but in understanding the user's context and intentions and connecting them to actual actions. We will create an environment where anyone can naturally utilize AI agents based on KakaoTalk and our accumulated service ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:48:00
  • Ministry of Interior and Safety Proposes New Joint Investigation Model Amid Prosecutorial Reforms
    Ministry of Interior and Safety Proposes New Joint Investigation Model Amid Prosecutorial Reforms Discussions within the government to minimize investigative gaps following the separation of investigation and prosecution powers have intensified. Amid differences between departments regarding the operation of the existing joint investigation team, the Ministry of Interior and Safety has proposed a new collaboration model. Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of Interior and Safety, stated on August 5 during a government report meeting at the Blue House, "We need to consider a 'joint investigation team' model involving the Public Prosecution Service, the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, and the police." With the separation of investigative powers, prosecutors will take on a supportive role, focusing on legal reviews and warrant applications rather than direct investigations. President Lee Jae-myung also noted that maintaining the traditional model where prosecutors lead investigations is becoming increasingly difficult and called for a preliminary organization of the joint investigation team's operational methods. Jo Won-cheol, head of the Legislation Office, explained that the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency would take on roles previously held by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Serious Crimes Division, while prosecutors would provide legal advice. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice pointed out limitations within the current legal framework. Minister Jeong Seong-ho remarked, "The basis for operating the joint investigation team is weak," adding that the involvement of prosecutors without investigative powers could lead to issues regarding the admissibility of evidence. Concerns have also been raised within the prosecution about the feasibility of maintaining the existing collaborative structure. President Lee instructed that, alongside preparations for the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the future operational methods of the currently functioning joint investigation team should be organized through inter-departmental consultations. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and Safety has proposed expanding 'citizen-centered administration' as a key focus for national governance in the second half of the year. A pilot program for an 'automatic benefits application service' utilizing AI will be introduced within the year, alongside policies to enhance disaster safety management and local competitiveness. AI administrative services will be gradually expanded, starting with benefits related to pregnancy and childbirth. A 'one-stop service' for handling multiple civil complaints without visiting various agencies will also be implemented. The public sector will see the spread of the AI work management platform 'ON AI,' with plans to train 20,000 AI specialists by 2030. In the disaster safety sector, efforts will be made to enhance response capabilities. AI-based predictive models will be utilized to strengthen responses to natural disasters, and facilities for heatwave responses and water safety personnel will be expanded. The Ministry of Interior and Safety aims to focus on creating policy outcomes that citizens can feel, while simultaneously responding to the restructuring of the investigative system and improving the overall administrative framework. 2026-08-06 08:44:00
  • Gaon Cable Wins First Contract in Singapore, Supplying $600 Million for Urban Rail
    Gaon Cable Wins First Contract in Singapore, Supplying $600 Million for Urban Rail Gaon Cable announced that it will supply approximately 600 billion won worth of distribution cables for the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) urban rail (MRT) power network construction project in Singapore. Having registered as a partner with the LTA last year, Gaon Cable has secured a key reference for expanding its MRT and public distribution projects. The Singapore government plans to expand the MRT lines from the current 240 kilometers to over 360 kilometers by the early 2030s and replace the existing power facilities. Gaon Cable aims to accelerate its entry into Singapore's public infrastructure projects and target the railway and distribution infrastructure markets in major Southeast Asian countries. Recently, Gaon Cable has been actively pursuing overseas markets, moving away from a domestic-focused structure. Following a direct supply contract with a major U.S. tech company's power plant, its subsidiary LSCUS is also increasing orders for AI data center products in collaboration with LS Cable. Thanks to the expansion of exports, Gaon Cable reported provisional sales of 1.633 trillion won and an operating profit of 64 billion won in the first half of this year. This marks a 27.3% increase in sales and a 41.8% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year. Jung Hyun, CEO of Gaon Cable, emphasized, "We will continue to expand our overseas sales proportionally in strategic markets like the U.S. and Singapore to enhance both profitability and growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:44:00
  • Kim Min-seok Expects Victory with First-Choice Votes in Party Leadership Race
    Kim Min-seok Expects Victory with First-Choice Votes in Party Leadership Race Kim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, stated on August 6 that he expects to win with first-choice votes in the upcoming party convention. He believes it is possible to secure a majority without preference voting.During an appearance on the YouTube program 'News Factory' hosted by Kim Eo-jun, Kim said, "I anticipate that I will either approach or exceed a majority in Honam, which will give me an advantage. I also expect to achieve at least a near majority in the capital region."He specifically noted the results from the recent preliminary contests in the Chungcheong region and Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, stating, "Even if I lag by about 7 percentage points, I believe I can win without preference voting."Looking ahead to the upcoming preliminary contests in Jeju, Incheon, Gangwon, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk, he remarked, "A tie is a realistic goal, and anything beyond that would be favorable."Kim emphasized, "I believe there is a 99.9% chance that the final decision will be made without preference voting." However, he acknowledged that if the outcome were determined by preference voting, it could raise fairness concerns, as a candidate finishing second in first-choice votes could win due to preference voting influence.In response, Kim stated, "If the conclusion is reached through preference voting, it is the rule we established." Jung Cheong-rae, another candidate, also expressed his willingness to accept the results during the same broadcast the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:40:10
  • Samsung Electronics Officially Launches Galaxy Z8 Series and New Galaxy Watch in Korea
    Samsung Electronics Officially Launches Galaxy Z8 Series and New Galaxy Watch in Korea Samsung Electronics announced on August 6 that it will officially launch its next-generation foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, along with the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9, in South Korea starting August 7.The eighth-generation Galaxy Z series features significant improvements in design and usability, leveraging seven years of accumulated foldable technology. The new models also enhance differentiation based on user lifestyle preferences.The new products have already seen success in pre-sales. From July 28 to August 3, Samsung sold 1.44 million units of the Galaxy Z8 series during the pre-sale period, setting a record for the highest pre-sales of any Galaxy smartphone. Notably, about 70% of pre-order customers chose the Galaxy Z Fold8, indicating strong interest in the newly introduced form factor and design.There was also a notable influx of younger consumers and women. Among customers who pre-ordered the Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8 on Samsung.com, half were in their 20s and 30s. The proportion of female customers in this age group purchasing the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 doubled compared to the previous model, the Fold7. In terms of color preferences, the Fold8 Ultra's Graphite and Violet Shadow, the Fold8's Cream and Graphite, and the Flip8's Pink and Cream were particularly popular.The usage rate of AI services among customers purchasing unlocked models was also high. One in two customers who pre-ordered the Z8 series unlocked models on Samsung.com joined the 'New Galaxy AI Subscription Club.' Popular features included 'Smart Switch,' which allows data transfer via QR code without a separate app installation, 'Quick Share,' which enhances sharing convenience between iOS and Galaxy devices, and 'Samsung Wallet,' which supports mobile payments as well as transit cards, airline tickets, and identification.The top model, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, focuses on multitasking and productivity with a large 203.1mm display. Weighing just 215 grams and measuring 4.1mm thick when opened, it supports up to 27 hours of video playback with a 5000mAh battery. It also features a 200-megapixel main camera and the first-ever 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera in the Fold series, enhancing its photography capabilities.The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a 193.2mm main screen and a 138.4mm cover screen, enhancing the content consumption experience for video, reading, gaming, and social media. Weighing 201 grams, it is the lightest in the Fold series, equipped with a 4800mAh battery and a 50-megapixel dual camera. The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the thinnest and lightest in the Flip series at 180 grams and 6.1mm thick, featuring a new 'Mirror View' function that allows the cover screen to be used as a hand mirror.The new smartwatches also continued their growth trend. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 recorded double-digit growth in pre-sales compared to the same period for their predecessors. Despite being available in a single 47mm size, the proportion of female buyers for the Ultra2 increased by about 15% compared to the previous model. The Ultra2 is optimized for outdoor environments with an 800mAh battery and a display brightness of up to 5000 nits, while the Watch9 provides personalized health data, including biometric indicators, heart health scores, daily aerobic load, and physical fitness index.Samsung Electronics has also prepared various benefits for customers purchasing in August. These include a 10% discount coupon for watches and a 30% discount coupon for accessories available on the Samsung.com app, as well as content benefits such as a six-month subscription to Google AI Pro and a three-month subscription to Willa. Additionally, they will launch dedicated accessories featuring magnets and kickstands, along with various watch bands and watch faces, and will hold a 'Watch Design Challenge' until September 14, encouraging customers to certify their unique watch designs.Jung Ho-jin, Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, "The eighth-generation Galaxy Z series has achieved true popularization of foldable smartphones by applying the know-how accumulated over seven years. I hope customers experience the Galaxy ecosystem with the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, which provide personalized healthcare guidance as a health companion on their wrist."Meanwhile, the new products will be gradually launched in over 100 major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Japan. 2026-08-06 08:40:00