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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Surpasses 4.4 Million Viewers in Eight Days The film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has surpassed 4.4 million viewers just eight days after its release.According to the integrated ticket sales network on August 6, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' reached a cumulative audience of over 4.4 million as of August 5, its eighth day in theaters.With this achievement, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has secured a spot in the top three of the 2026 box office, following 'The King and the Man' and 'Military Unit'.The film continues to perform well in its second week. It attracted around 680,000 viewers on its opening day, claiming the top spot at the box office, and surpassed 1 million viewers on its second day. During its opening weekend, it drew 2,252,469 viewers, marking the highest weekend performance among films released this year.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is an action blockbuster that follows Peter Parker, who has been forgotten by everyone since 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', as he confronts a mysterious enemy who remembers his identity. The story depicts Peter Parker, who gains uncontrollable powers due to DNA mutation, as he faces new threats to protect his loved ones.Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya Coleman, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramel Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:28:00 -
LS Electric Begins Production of Next-Generation PCS, Strengthens Global ESS Market Position LS Electric has commenced the production of its next-generation energy storage system (ESS) power conversion system (PCS) 'G2,' accelerating its strategy to capture the global market. With a surge in demand for ESS driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and renewable energy, the company aims to enhance its technological and quality competitiveness, particularly targeting the U.S. megacycle market.On August 5, LS Electric held a ceremony for the initial shipment of the G2 at its DC factory in Cheonan, attended by Chairman Koo Ja-kyun and other employees. Chairman Koo personally inspected the production line, focusing on quality control and production planning.The G2 features water-cooling technology and a compact design, improving heat control and durability compared to traditional air-cooled systems while optimizing space utilization. The company describes it as a next-generation solution optimized for battery-integrated ESS.The Cheonan DC factory, the world's first 100% direct current (DC) distribution plant, incorporates key DC-specific devices such as semiconductor transformers (SST), semiconductor circuit breakers (SSCB), and ESS, enhancing the factory's energy efficiency by over 10%.The global ESS market has entered a high-growth phase due to increased power demand from AI data centers and the rise of renewable energy. The U.S. market, in particular, is projected to expand to 600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030.As major countries like the U.S. and Japan tighten regulations on the supply chain of Chinese power equipment, domestic companies with reliable technology and quality are finding opportunities for market expansion.An LS Electric representative stated, "Manufacturing ESS solutions, which are core to DC technology, at the world's first DC distribution plant and exporting them to overseas markets positions LS Electric as a top leader in the global DC industry. We will actively pursue market expansion by leveraging our proven technological reliability and quality competitiveness amid the ongoing megacycle of global power infrastructure expansion and the transition to a DC paradigm."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:20:00
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NH Investment & Securities Maintains Buy Rating for SM Entertainment with Target Price of 109,000 Won NH Investment & Securities announced on August 6 that it is maintaining a "buy" rating and a target price of 109,000 won for SM Entertainment, citing the company's second-quarter performance meeting market expectations and strong sales of albums and merchandise across its artists.Lee Hwa-jung, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "All generations of intellectual property are contributing to revenue, from lower-tier to legacy IP. aespa, RIIZE, and NCT Dream are generating stable income based on solid fan bases, while Hearts to Hearts has also entered the monetization stage."The firm also highlighted the potential for SM Entertainment's expansion in the Chinese market. Lee noted, "SM was included in the economic delegation during the Korea-China summit in January and opened the first offline merchandise store in China in April. If performances in China resume, the company stands to benefit significantly."For the second quarter, SM Entertainment reported consolidated revenues of 349.6 billion won and an operating profit of 52.8 billion won, marking increases of 15.4% and 10.9%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Key album sales included 1.92 million copies for NCT Dream, 1.4 million for RIIZE, 1.06 million for aespa, and 620,000 for Hearts to Hearts. Concerts, including five by aespa and 19 by EXO, also contributed to increased merchandise sales.Lee added, "SMTR25 is proactively securing its fan base through pre-debut activities. Although increased marketing costs have slightly diluted short-term profitability, rapid monetization is expected post-debut."NH Investment & Securities forecasts SM Entertainment's annual revenue and operating profit for this year to be 1.309 trillion won and 193.9 billion won, respectively.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:20:00
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Bitcoin Rises to $64,500 Despite Delays in U.S. Clarity Bill 비트코인이 저가 매수세와 미국 가상자산 규제 체계 정비 기대에 힘입어 반등했다. 6일 글로벌 가상자산 시황 사이트 코인마켓캡에 따르면 비트코인은 이날 오전 8시 기준 전일 대비 0.74% 상승한 6만4546달러에 거래됐다.비트코인은 최근 6만달러 초반까지 밀리며 약세를 보였지만 이날 소폭 반등했다. 시장에서는 최근 하락 과정에서 단기 차익 실현과 레버리지 투자자의 매도 물량이 상당 부분 소화되면서 저가 매수세가 유입된 것으로 보고 있다.또 미국 클래리티 법안이 통과될 것이라는 기대감도 작용한 것으로 보인다. 클래리티 법안은 가상자산을 증권과 상품으로 구분하고 미국 증권거래위원회(SEC)와 상품선물거래위원회(CFTC)의 감독 권한을 정비하는 내용을 담고 있다. 상원 표결 절차가 지연되고 있지만 관련 법안이 통과되면 가상자산 산업의 성장세가 이어질 것이라는 기대가 비트코인 가격을 지지하고 있는 것으로 분석된다. 주요 알트코인도 상승세를 나타내고 있다. 이더리움 가격은 전날보다 1.68% 증가한 1904달러를 기록했다. 솔라나는 0.01% 오른 74달러를 나타냈다. 이날 오전 8시 기준 국내 원화 거래소 빗썸에서는 비트코인은 약 9164만8000원(약 6만4382달러)에 거래됐다. 이는 전날 대비 0.02% 감소한 수치다. '김치 프리미엄'은 -0.15%로 나타났다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:16:00
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Korea's chip windfall swells C/A to record black while foreign equity exit deepens SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - South Korea's semiconductor-driven export boom lifted its current account surplus to a record US$191 billion in the first half, nearly four times a year earlier, even as foreign investors pulled almost $89 billion from Korean stocks over the same period in the largest sustained equity outflow on record, central bank data showed Thursday. The current account surplus widened to $49.73 billion in June from the previous record of $38.61 billion in May and more than tripled from $13.97 billion a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea. The black streak has extended to 38 consecutive month, the country's second-longest run since 2000. For the January-June period, the current account surplus reached a record $191.01 billion, compared with $47.87 billion in the same period last year, underscoring this year's exceptional chip power. The external surplus, however, contrasted sharply with foreign exit from Korean stocks. Foreign investors sold a record $31.61 billion worth of Korean stocks in June, surpassing May's previous record $31.05 billion outflow. Combined with earlier months, foreigners were net sellers of $106.28 billion worth of Korean equities in the first half, underscoring continued profit-taking despite the country's export-led earnings boom. Offsetting part of the outflow, foreign investors purchased $17.53 billion of Korean bonds during the first six months, supported by inflows tied to South Korea's inclusion in the FTSE World Government Bond Index, leaving a net first-half portfolio outflow of $88.76 billion. Korean residents joined the capital flight. They bought $48.56 billion worth of foreign equities during the first half, little changed from a year-ago, while reducing holdings of overseas bonds by $4.43 billion as expectations of further U.S. Federal Reserve tightening weighed on global fixed-income markets. Reflecting those cross-border investment flows, the financial account posted a record net asset increase of $46.71 billion in June, up from $31.08 billion in May. The first-half financial account recorded a cumulative $168.66 billion net asset increase. The goods account remained the principal driver of the current account, posting a record $47.89 billion surplus after exports jumped 84.5 percent from a year earlier to an unprecedented $112.37 billion. Imports rose 38.6 percent to $64.48 billion as purchases of raw materials, capital goods and consumer products all increased. Information technology exports surged 160.4 percent, led by a 196.9 percent jump in semiconductors and a 282.7 percent increase in computer peripherals, including solid-state drives. Non-IT exports also rose 18.6 percent, supported by petroleum products, chemicals, steel and passenger cars. The services account recorded a $1.29 billion deficit, slightly wider than the $1.09 billion shortfall in May. The travel account posted a $440 million surplus, up from $50 million a month earlier, as inbound tourism strengthened while higher fuel surcharges curbed overseas travel by Koreans. The balance on the use of intellectual property swung to a $440 million deficit from a $70 million surplus in May after unusually large royalty settlements in the previous month boosted receipts. The primary income account surplus widened to $3.27 billion from $2.17 billion, supported by higher dividend income from overseas investments and seasonally lower dividend payments to foreign investors. 2026-08-06 08:09:16 -
Current Account Surplus Reaches Record $49.7 Billion in June, Exports Exceed $100 Billion In June, South Korea's current account surplus approached $50 billion, setting a record for the second consecutive month.According to preliminary statistics released by the Bank of Korea on August 6, the current account surplus for June was recorded at $49.73 billion, significantly surpassing the previous record of $38.61 billion set in May.From January to June this year, the cumulative current account surplus reached $191.01 billion, four times higher than the $47.87 billion recorded during the same period last year.By category, the goods account surplus was $47.89 billion, marking a new all-time high. Exports totaled $112.37 billion, surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time. Both IT and non-IT exports contributed to this increase.In terms of specific items, exports of computer peripherals, including SSDs, surged by 282.7%, while semiconductors rose by 196.9%, and wireless communication devices increased by 60.6%. Other categories such as petroleum products (47.5%), chemical products (18.6%), steel products (17.9%), and machinery and precision instruments (8.6%) also saw growth.Imports, amounting to $64.48 billion, increased by 38.6% due to rises in raw materials (30.5%), capital goods (35.3%), and consumer goods (16.4%). The increase in raw materials was driven by coal (63.0%) and crude oil (50.3%), while capital goods included semiconductors (64.1%) and information and communication devices (44.0%).The services account recorded a deficit of $1.29 billion, slightly widening from May. However, compared to the same period last year (-$2.8 billion), the deficit was significantly reduced.Within the services account, the travel balance showed a surplus of $440 million for the second consecutive month, attributed to an increase in inbound travelers and a decrease in outbound travelers due to rising fuel surcharges.Conversely, the income from intellectual property rights turned to a deficit of $440 million, as the previous month’s concentrated settlements of intellectual property rights payments resulted in a significant drop in income.The primary income account surplus expanded from $2.17 billion in May to $3.27 billion in June, with dividend income increasing to $2.56 billion. This growth was due to higher dividend receipts, while the decrease in dividend payments from securities investments was influenced by a base effect from the previous month’s quarterly dividends.The net assets in the financial account rose to $46.71 billion, marking the largest increase on record, surpassing the previous high of $31.08 billion in March.Direct investments saw an increase, with domestic investors investing $8.01 billion overseas and foreign investors investing $4.63 billion in South Korea.In securities investment, domestic investors increased their overseas stock investments by $3.56 billion, while foreign investments in South Korean securities decreased by $26.32 billion, marking the second-largest drop on record following March's $34.04 billion.Overall, securities investment assets increased by $3.56 billion, although this was a decrease from the previous month’s increase of $6.24 billion, primarily due to a larger decline in debt securities. Notably, stock investments saw a record net sell-off of $31.61 billion due to profit-taking sales, while debt securities increased by $5.29 billion, although the growth was limited by the impact of maturing bonds at the end of the quarter.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:00:20
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Trump Prefers Negotiation with Iran Over Military Action President Donald Trump stated that he prefers reaching an agreement with Iran through negotiations rather than pursuing additional military action. However, he reaffirmed his stance that Iran's possession of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.On August 5, local time, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Trump said, "It is better to reach an agreement with Iran because I do not want to kill people."He claimed that the U.S. was prepared for "the largest attack since World War II" against Iran, but did not proceed with it due to Iran's request for negotiations."We were fully prepared for an attack, but Iran called and said, 'Please do not attack, let’s talk,'" Trump said.Trump also mentioned that the U.S. and Iran are currently engaged in discussions. However, he emphasized, "I will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons."In contrast, Iran denied Trump's assertion that negotiations are taking place. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with state media that, "The claim that the U.S. is negotiating with Iran is not true," adding that no negotiations are currently underway.He clarified that discussions related to the Strait of Hormuz with Oman are bilateral talks between Iran and Oman. However, he acknowledged that the U.S. has conveyed a willingness to return to previous agreements. Gharibabadi noted, "It has not yet been decided whether Iran will engage in follow-up negotiations with the U.S."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 08:00:00
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Controversy Grows Over Proposed Tax Reforms to Prevent Stock Price Manipulation ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷모두가 불만인 '주가누르기' 세제개편안 외The government’s proposed tax reforms aimed at preventing stock price manipulation are facing increasing criticism. Members of the ruling party argue that the scope of the proposal has been significantly narrowed compared to the original draft, rendering it ineffective. Listed companies have expressed concerns that the regulations do not take into account industry characteristics and individual company circumstances.The ruling party's proposal, introduced by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee So-young, was a revision of the inheritance and gift tax laws discussed last May. The key point of this proposal is that if the market value of a major shareholder's listed stocks falls below 80% of the net asset value as defined by tax law (PBR 0.8), the valuation method for unlisted stocks would apply.In contrast, the government’s plan targets companies that fall into two categories: those in the bottom 25% of industry PBRs on the KOSPI or the bottom 10% on the KOSDAQ over the past 13 quarters, and those whose stock prices have dropped by more than 30% compared to the average over the past three years due to actions that undermine corporate value, such as dual listings or issuing convertible bonds.Lawmakers have pointed out that the government’s proposal significantly reduces the number of companies subject to regulation compared to Lee's original plan. While Lee's proposal would have affected approximately 1,200 to 1,300 listed companies, the government’s plan only targets about 130 companies.◆주요 리포트▷의사록과 7월 물가로 본 금통위 : 선제적 8월 백투백 인상보다는 10월 인상 전망 In the July meeting minutes, only one committee member advocated for preemptive action. The context has changed significantly with declines in consumer prices, living costs, and adjustments in the stock market.As concerns over back-to-back rate hikes diminish, there is potential for interest rates to continue to decline in the medium term. However, the extent of this decline is expected to be limited due to the need for further confirmation of economic indicators.Notably, no committee members appeared to consider consecutive rate hikes, and the conditions that previously warranted hawkish comments, such as high exchange rates and asset market overheating, have eased. The next rate hike is anticipated in October.◆장 마감 후(5일) 주요공시▷ LG씨엔에스, 약 727억원 규모 중간 현금배당 결정…주당 750원▷ 하나마이크론, 종속회사 하나머티리얼즈 1000억원 규모 교환사채 발행 결정▷ 썸에이지, 관리종목 지정 우려로 주주배정 유상증자 철회 결정▷ 고려아연, 1019억원 규모 분기 현금배당 결정…주당 5000원▷ 빛과전자, 60억원 규모 사모 전환사채(CB) 발행 완료◆펀드 동향(4일 기준, ETF 제외)국내주식형 : 357억원해외주식형 : -10억원◆오늘(목) 주요일정독일: 공장수주(6월)유로존: 소매판매(6월)미국: 단위노동비용, 비농업생산성(2Q) 2026-08-06 07:56:00
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Hana Securities Upgrades Alteogen Target Price Following $365 Million Technology Export Deal Hana Securities evaluated Alteogen's recent $365 million technology export contract as a reaffirmation of its platform's competitiveness. As a result, the firm raised its target price from 440,000 won to 580,000 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Kim Seon-a, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "The stock price has significantly adjusted due to market misunderstandings surrounding the subcutaneous injection platform for biosimilars. This contract demonstrates that demand for Alteogen's platform will persist even with the emergence of competing biosimilars."Alteogen announced that it signed a technology transfer agreement worth $365 million, including upfront payments and milestone fees. The ongoing royalties are separate. Kim projected that the upfront payment would be around $20 million, considering the existing contract structure.He added, "Any product in this category is likely to have an impact comparable to the cancer drug 'Enhertu,' which generates over $5 billion in annual sales."The faster-than-expected expansion of Keytruda's subcutaneous injection sales is also a positive development. Kim explained, "Previously, we anticipated an annual conversion rate of 6-7%, but as of June, the actual conversion rate reached 8.9%. Sales from the subcutaneous injection form have already expanded to about 5.5% of Keytruda's total sales."He continued, "During MSD's earnings announcement on August 4, Keytruda's intravenous sales remained stable compared to the previous quarter, but subcutaneous sales surged by 262% to $463 million. Cumulative sales for the first half of the year have exceeded $590 million, indicating a strong possibility of receiving the first sales milestone in the second quarter of this year."Kim concluded, "If the current sales pace continues, achieving MSD's target of a 30% conversion rate for subcutaneous injections by 2027 and reaching $10 billion in annual sales by 2029 is feasible."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 07:56:00
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Heat-Related Illness Cases in Gyeonggi Province Exceed 500 Amid Ongoing Heat Wave Gyeonggi Province is experiencing its 14th consecutive day of heat warnings, with more than 60 cases of heat-related illness reported daily, pushing the total number of cases above 500.According to Gyeonggi Province and Yonhap News Agency, from May 15, when statistics on heat-related illnesses began, until August 4, there have been a total of 537 cases, including two fatalities.On August 4 alone, 67 individuals sought emergency treatment for heat-related illnesses, marking the highest daily total recorded.The number of heat-related illness cases is compiled based on reports from 93 medical facilities operating emergency rooms across the province.Meanwhile, a heat warning has been in effect for all 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province since July 23, with 18 cities and counties currently under a severe heat warning and 13 under a heat advisory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 07:48:00