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  • Democratic Party Candidates Clash Over Allegations in Second Debate
    Democratic Party Candidates Clash Over Allegations in Second Debate Democratic Party candidates Kim Min-seok, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Song Young-gil engaged in a heated debate on August 5 during their second televised forum, addressing recent allegations regarding the timing of judicial reforms, suspicions of party defections, and controversies surrounding membership in the Shincheonji religious group.During the debate held at KBS, the candidates presented their platforms while also confronting various accusations against each other.Jeong opened the discussion by referencing the defection histories of Kim and Song. When asked about his strengths compared to his opponents, Jeong stated, "I did not leave the party when I was cut off 10 years ago and participated in support campaigns. For the identity and legitimacy of the Democratic Party, the party leader should not have a history of leaving the party. I believe I have an advantage over the two candidates who have defected."In response, Song accused Jeong of engaging in negative campaigning, calling him a "liar" for claiming he would not continue such attacks. He asserted, "I am Song Young-gil, who did not focus on personal politics and gave up my district to protect President Lee Jae-myung, and I will stand by him until the end."Kim highlighted his experience as the first Prime Minister under President Lee, emphasizing his relationship with the president. He remarked, "I have criticized President Lee at times, but I have proven my ability to govern as Prime Minister. Supporting the president is a virtue of the ruling party."In a subsequent segment of the debate, Kim and Jeong clashed over the timing of judicial reform legislation. Kim pointed out that Jeong opposed the government's request to abolish supplementary investigative powers back in May when he was the party leader. He questioned, "Why is there still doubt about the president's commitment to judicial reform, especially with writer Yoo Si-min at the center of it?"Jeong countered, asserting, "Everyone knows that I have been the strongest advocate for judicial reform. If the government had the will for reform, why didn’t the task force under the Prime Minister submit any bills?" He added, "We held a debate on May 6, and the local election campaign began on May 20. I regret Kim's evasive comments given that the National Assembly could not convene for two weeks after the debate."The candidates also exchanged barbs over the Shincheonji membership controversy. Kim questioned, "Isn't raising the issue of church-state entanglement a serious matter that warrants disciplinary action?" Jeong dismissed the allegations, calling them "malicious claims aimed at dragging the convention into the mud. A sincere apology and reflection are necessary."When Kim reiterated that concerns about Shincheonji's interference in the primaries were also raised by Jeong's associate, Choi Min-hee, Jeong warned, "Kim's irresponsible allegations have even prompted calls for an investigation from the People Power Party. If I become the party leader, I will have Kim investigated by the ethics committee to resolve this issue."Meanwhile, Song continued to challenge Jeong. Jeong accused Kim of causing a decline in the president's approval ratings due to his unilateral announcement of a single-item leveraged ETF during his tenure as Prime Minister without consulting the party. Song responded, "It is hard to understand why the government and the party could not coordinate on the ETF launch. What does it say about the government's trust in the party if they did not even consult?"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:08:00
  • K-Tourism Aims for 40 Million Visitors with Regional Airport Focus
    K-Tourism Aims for 40 Million Visitors with Regional Airport Focus The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has unveiled a tourism policy blueprint aimed at achieving a 'K-Tourism era of 40 million visitors.' The strategy focuses not only on increasing the number of foreign tourists but also on enhancing regional tourism competitiveness through regional airports and fostering high-value tourism sectors such as medical and beauty tourism, thereby extending tourists' stay and spending.During a report on the second half of the year held at the Blue House, the ministry identified 'establishing the foundation for the K-Tourism era of 40 million visitors' as one of its six key initiatives. The plan aims to expand the growth base of South Korea's tourism industry by enhancing tourism infrastructure, revitalizing regional tourism, and promoting high-value tourism.This report marks a significant step in the ministry's ongoing efforts to promote regional tourism. The government has been expanding tourism policies that connect regional tourism around local international airports, and it is currently promoting a 'tourism zone development project' that integrates regional airports with nearby cities into a single tourism area. The report detailed plans to create a 'Golden Route' for inbound tourism centered on five regional airports, facilitating a natural flow of foreign tourists from Seoul to other regions.To achieve this, the ministry plans to enhance tourism infrastructure, including airports, ports, and accommodations, while improving travel convenience through better transportation and simplified payment systems. Plans also include expanding multiple visas, increasing visa-free group tourism, and improving entry and exit procedures to enhance accessibility for foreign tourists.The ministry is also placing emphasis on the qualitative growth of tourism. By strategically developing medical tourism, beauty tourism, and high-end tourism, it aims to increase per capita spending among tourists and enhance the added value of the tourism industry. This approach focuses on expanding the stay-oriented and high-spending tourism market rather than merely increasing visitor numbers.Regional tourism content will also be significantly strengthened. The ministry plans to develop tourism products that link K-pop performances, drama filming locations, and local attractions, while the '100×100 Project' aims to discover new regional tourist destinations. Additionally, efforts will be made to rejuvenate aging tourist sites and diversify region-specific content, alongside campaigns to support domestic travel and promote tourism.In the first half of this year, the ministry has already expanded its regional tourism activation policies. It has implemented tourism marketing that encompasses not only popular destinations like Seoul but also smaller cities, while enhancing accessibility for foreign tourists through the expansion of multiple visas and the attraction of irregular international routes to regional airports. As a result, inbound tourists in the first half of the year reached 10.71 million, a 21.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The ministry plans to build on this momentum in the second half of the year by strengthening regional tourism competitiveness and expanding tourism infrastructure to lay the groundwork for the 'K-Tourism era of 40 million visitors.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:04:10
  • Government Revises Tax Policies, Eroding Trust in Existing Regulations
    Government Revises Tax Policies, Eroding Trust in Existing Regulations The government is revising the Individual Savings Account (ISA) system to attract funds to the domestic stock market, which will also reduce benefits for existing account holders. This change, along with alterations to real estate tax policies, has led to growing dissatisfaction among taxpayers who invested and disposed of assets based on government announcements.According to the Ministry of Finance, the proposed '2026 Tax Reform Plan' includes the introduction of a 'Productive Finance ISA' that focuses benefits on domestic stock market investments.The Productive Finance ISA will offer tax exemptions on interest and dividend income and long-term management benefits, but it will eliminate the carryover of unused contribution limits from the general ISA and limit the contract period to a maximum of five years.Currently, the general ISA allows for an annual contribution limit of 20 million won, with unused amounts carried over to the following year. This flexibility allows account holders to save up limits for future use when they have available funds. However, under the new plan, any unused limits will expire each year, reducing the operational flexibility previously enjoyed by existing account holders.The policy regarding the capital gains tax on multiple home owners has also been revised. The government had emphasized that there would be no further extensions after the suspension of the tax increase in May, but just three months later, it has decided to lower the tax rate again to increase housing supply.This reform does not completely eliminate the tax increase as in the past. A certain level of additional tax rates will still apply, making it more favorable for those who sold homes before May 9. However, for taxpayers who rushed to sell or decided to hold based on the government's previous termination announcement, the change in policy just months later alters the basis for their decision-making.The capital gains tax affects not only the decision to sell a home but also the timing of the sale, the price, loan repayments, and future financial planning. Even if the tax rates are not identical, the government's reversal on its commitment to not ease the burden has raised concerns about the predictability of its policies.More important than the tax reform itself is how well it protects the choices of existing account holders and taxpayers. Sufficient transitional measures should be established to recognize existing products and asset disposals made under previous government policies to minimize confusion arising from these policy changes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:04:00
  • Preparation is Key: How Prior Planning Can Shape a Companys Fate After a Fire
    Preparation is Key: How Prior Planning Can Shape a Company's Fate After a Fire A fire that broke out on July 18 at a large logistics center in Incheon took 109 hours to extinguish completely. The eight-story building, with a total floor area of 300,000 square meters, prompted a national firefighting mobilization order, and nearby residents were advised to evacuate due to the potential for structural collapse.A key point to note is that, according to firefighting authorities, the fire shutter and sprinklers operated normally. The company had also strengthened its fire detection and response systems, and the center's firefighting equipment met legal standards. Nevertheless, it took 61 hours to bring the blaze under control. This gap highlights the fundamental issues facing the domestic logistics infrastructure today.As e-commerce has grown and competition for efficiency has intensified, warehouses have become larger and taller. To store more products in limited space, stacking structures have become vertical, and automation equipment, packaging materials, and electrical installations have become more densely packed. While operational efficiency has increased, the potential for fire and the pathways for flames to spread have also expanded.In high-stacking warehouses, flames and heat can quickly travel vertically between racks. In environments dense with packaging materials like cardboard, plastic, and film, even a small spark can spread rapidly over a wide area. When the interior of a building is spacious and smoke and heat accumulate, it becomes difficult for firefighters to enter and locate the source of the fire. The extent of damage from a warehouse fire hinges not merely on whether a fire occurs, but on how effectively the flames are suppressed in the early stages.Many companies view the installation of sprinklers as a form of risk management. However, the gap between design standards and actual operating conditions can widen over time. For instance, if the stacking height increases or the types of goods handled change, the fire load may differ from when the facility was completed. When products and packaging boxes are tightly stacked, water may not reach the innermost and lower sections even if it reaches the top of the racks. Meeting legal standards does not guarantee effective fire suppression.Ultimately, warehouse fires are not merely a matter of the performance of specific equipment; they represent a complex system risk intertwined with storage structures, firefighting design, and operational methods. These risks must be assessed from the design stage, and re-evaluated whenever operational methods change. It is essential to verify whether water reaches the innermost sections of racks during actual loading conditions, to separate hazardous items, and to reassess fire compartments and detection systems according to operational realities.There are cases where preparation before an incident has changed the speed of recovery. At a facility of the UK-based waste and recycling company Cori Group, a power supply issue caused a 60-ton turbine to stop within 97 seconds, resulting in losses exceeding £30 million. This incident underscores the impact of major equipment failures on business operations and the importance of prior preparation, which is highly relevant for logistics facilities.Before the incident, Cori Group conducted a workshop with its insurance company to simulate loss scenarios in the event of a turbine failure. When the actual incident occurred, they activated their recovery plan based on the scenarios they had prepared. Within 48 hours of the incident, they confirmed the scope of insurance coverage and response direction, and despite the significant losses, they completed the insurance payout process in about nine months. While they could not prevent the incident itself, having established roles, decision-making structures, and recovery procedures in advance helped reduce uncertainty and operational downtime.Domestic logistics companies should not limit their assessments to the possibility of fire. They must prepare for what functions to transfer when a key hub is halted. Specific scenarios should be validated, including alternative storage facilities, delivery routes, inventory data recovery plans, insurance coverage, and decision-making authority.Logistics centers are no longer just warehouses; they are critical infrastructure supporting a company's supply chain. The important question is not 'how much can be stored?' but 'how can operations continue under any circumstances?' A company's competitiveness is determined not by the volume of inventory but by its ability to maintain operations and recover quickly in times of crisis. Efficiency and safety are not mutually exclusive; they must be designed together from the outset.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:04:00
  • KOSPI Surges Over 3% Amid U.S. Market Rally, KOSDAQ Nears 800
    KOSPI Surges Over 3% Amid U.S. Market Rally, KOSDAQ Nears 800 The South Korean stock market surged on August 5, buoyed by a record-setting performance in the U.S. markets and strong gains in major semiconductor stocks. The KOSPI index closed up more than 3%, while the KOSDAQ approached the 800 mark, continuing its upward trend for four consecutive days.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished at 6,598.26, up 239.30 points (3.76%) from the previous trading day. A program trading halt was triggered at around 9:24 a.m. due to a surge in buy orders, marking the first such occurrence since July 31. The index fluctuated around the 6,600 level before closing in the 6,590 range.Foreign investors led the market's rise, net buying 1.4464 trillion won in the main stock market. In contrast, individual and institutional investors sold off 1.1853 trillion won and 280.2 billion won, respectively.The rally was fueled by strong performances in the U.S. markets the previous night. On August 4, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 both rose by 1.71% and 1.79%, respectively, reaching all-time highs. The Nasdaq also climbed 2.59%. A drop in international oil prices due to progress in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, combined with strong earnings from AI data company Palantir, boosted investor sentiment.The strength of U.S. semiconductor stocks translated into gains for domestic semiconductor shares. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose by 2.50% and 5.77%, respectively, contributing to the index's increase. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The KOSPI, which has a high weighting in semiconductors, showed a stronger upward trend than the KOSDAQ, prompting the buy-side halt. The foreign net buying led to a broadening of buying interest across sectors, particularly in AI infrastructure-related industries."The KOSDAQ market has continued its upward trajectory for four days since the implementation of stricter regulations on single-stock leveraged ETFs on July 31. On this day, the KOSDAQ closed at 799.59, up 18.87 points (2.42%) from the previous day, briefly surpassing 800 at one point during trading.Market analysts suggest that the recovery of the KOSDAQ may continue in light of the new ETF regulations, which have previously sidelined the index. Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, stated, "As the funding efficiency and accessibility of large semiconductor leveraged products decrease, we can expect a normalization of the KOSDAQ, which has experienced excessive declines."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:04:00
  • Why Extreme Heat Causes Drowsiness and Fatigue
    Why Extreme Heat Causes Drowsiness and Fatigue As record-breaking heat continues, many people are feeling unusually drowsy and lethargic. While heat itself does not directly induce sleep, the physical strain from regulating body temperature, dehydration, and sleep deprivation caused by tropical nights can significantly increase daytime fatigue and drowsiness.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the maximum daytime temperatures across the country are expected to range from 31 to 39 degrees Celsius, with similar highs forecasted for August 6 and 7. The agency warns that heat waves and tropical nights will persist in most regions, urging the public to take special care of their health.This year's heat has reached unprecedented levels. On August 2, the temperature in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea's meteorological history. The Korea Meteorological Administration attributes this unusual heat to a combination of high atmospheric pressure, strong sunlight, dry soil, and basin topography.The first reason for increased drowsiness and lethargy in hot weather is the strain on the body during temperature regulation. As temperatures rise, the body increases blood flow to the skin and sweats to release heat. Prolonged exposure to this process can lead to quicker fatigue and both physical and mental exhaustion.In particular, failing to drink enough water while losing fluids and electrolytes through sweat can exacerbate fatigue and reduce concentration. Research indicates that when high temperatures and dehydration occur together, they can affect blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, increasing feelings of fatigue and impairing cognitive function. This drowsiness may not be a genuine desire for sleep but rather a result of decreased alertness and concentration due to the heat.The second reason is the poor quality of sleep caused by tropical nights. The human body prepares for sleep by lowering its core temperature. However, if indoor and outdoor temperatures remain high at night, it becomes difficult to lower body temperature sufficiently, leading to trouble falling asleep and frequent awakenings, preventing deep sleep.Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness. In cases of heat exhaustion, excessive sweating can lead to extreme weakness, fatigue, paleness, nausea, and dizziness.If you experience significant lethargy accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, severe thirst, and cold sweats, it is advisable not to dismiss it as mere daytime drowsiness. Move to a cool location, loosen your clothing, and rest while drinking water.If you are unable to respond properly when called, speak incoherently, or lose your sense of direction, you may be experiencing heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by central nervous system abnormalities, requiring immediate treatment. In such cases, do not hesitate to call emergency services.To reduce fatigue and drowsiness caused by the heat, it is advisable to drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. During the hottest parts of the day, limit outdoor activities and intense exercise, and take regular breaks in cool areas. At night, use air conditioning or fans to lower bedroom temperatures, but avoid prolonged direct exposure to cold air.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also recommends drinking water regularly, regardless of thirst, during heat waves and advises against outdoor work and exercise during the hottest hours. On suddenly hot days, it is important to adjust activity levels according to your physical condition rather than maintaining the usual intensity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20
  • Korea Zinc Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 1.33 Trillion Won
    Korea Zinc Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 1.33 Trillion Won Korea Zinc achieved its highest half-year performance since its establishment this year. The company reported record sales and operating profit, driven by strong sales of key non-ferrous metals, including silver, and improved profitability.On August 5, Korea Zinc announced that its consolidated sales for the first half of the year reached 12.445 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.333 trillion won. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 62.5%, and operating profit rose by 151.5%. The operating profit margin also improved from 6.9% to 10.7%, a rise of 3.8 percentage points.On a separate basis, the company also recorded its highest half-year results. Sales for the first half reached 8.34 trillion won, a 72% increase from 4.85 trillion won in the same period last year. Operating profit surged from 539 billion won to 1.282 trillion won, marking a 137.8% increase. The operating profit margin also rose from 11.1% to 15.4%.For the second quarter, consolidated sales were 6.373 trillion won, with an operating profit of 587 billion won, reflecting increases of 66.6% and 126.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. On a separate basis, sales were 4.046 trillion won, and operating profit was 589 billion won, up 64.4% and 121.0%.Korea Zinc has maintained a streak of 106 consecutive quarters of operating profit since the mandatory disclosure of quarterly results. Silver sales were a key driver of this growth, with first-half silver sales reaching 4.108 trillion won, a 170.4% increase from 1.519 trillion won in the same period last year. Gold sales also rose by 58.5% to 1.225 trillion won.Sales of zinc increased by 22.6% to 1.563 trillion won, while lead sales rose by 9.5% to 717 billion won, and tin sales surged by 51.8% to 334 billion won.Sales of rare metals used in advanced and defense industries also increased. First-half indium sales reached 30 billion won, an 11.1% increase from the previous year, while bismuth sales rose by 81.8% to 40 billion won. Sales of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, used in semiconductor manufacturing processes, slightly increased to 71 billion won compared to the same period last year.Market analysts expect Korea Zinc's performance improvement to continue this year, supported by strong metal prices and expanded sales of rare metals.A company official stated, "Thanks to the technological innovation efforts of our employees and proactive investments, we achieved our highest half-year results despite an unstable market environment. We will continue to enhance productivity and profitability while working to increase corporate value."Meanwhile, Korea Zinc's board of directors approved a cash dividend of 5,000 won per share for the second quarter. The record date for the dividend is set for August 20, with payment scheduled for September 4. The total dividend for the second quarter amounts to approximately 102 billion won. Including the first-quarter dividend, the total dividend for the first half of the year is 10,000 won per share, totaling around 204 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20
  • Korean Agency to Collect and Inspect Home Medical Devices Ahead of Chuseok
    Korean Agency to Collect and Inspect Home Medical Devices Ahead of Chuseok The Food and Drug Administration is set to conduct a focused collection and inspection of home medical devices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to proactively check the quality of medical devices that are expected to see increased use during the holiday period, thereby enhancing safety management.On August 5, the agency announced that it will carry out the third quarter collection and inspection of medical devices in collaboration with six regional food and drug safety offices.This collection and inspection are designed to preemptively assess medical devices that are likely to be used as gifts or for family health management during the holiday, reinforcing quality management for devices frequently used by the public.The inspection will target 43 categories and 173 products, including low-level light therapy devices and limb compression circulation devices, which are expected to be in high demand during the holiday, as well as electronic thermometers, automatic electronic blood pressure monitors, and electric medical suction devices.Additionally, the agency plans to re-inspect adhesive transparent wound dressings and direct drug injection devices, which had previously failed quality standards during last year's collection and inspection, to enhance the effectiveness of quality management for products in circulation.Unapproved medical devices not only lack verified quality but also do not guarantee safety and efficacy, necessitating caution. The agency will conduct comprehensive checks on collected products, including biological safety tests such as sterility tests, as well as electrical and mechanical safety and major performance tests based on the characteristics of each item.Products that do not meet inspection standards will be immediately removed from sale and recalled or disposed of, with administrative actions taken against the respective companies in accordance with relevant laws. The results of these actions will be made available to consumers through the Medical Device Safety Information Center.The agency stated, "We will continue to manage the distribution of safe medical devices through proactive collection and inspections that consider seasonal and usage environments, and we will consistently verify the safety and performance of products, from everyday items to specialized medical devices in healthcare settings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:20
  • Baemin Partners with Seoul to Promote K-Delivery Culture to Foreign Tourists
    Baemin Partners with Seoul to Promote K-Delivery Culture to Foreign Tourists Baemin is launching a campaign to promote delivery culture aimed at foreign tourists.Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin, announced on August 5 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to spread 'K-delivery' culture in light of the anticipated influx of 20 million tourists visiting South Korea.The agreement aims to create an environment where anyone can conveniently experience delivery services, regardless of language or payment methods. The goal is for foreign tourists visiting Korea to enjoy food delivery as a new aspect of their travel experience, thereby invigorating local businesses.As part of the agreement, Baemin plans to continuously enhance its app features to make food delivery more accessible for foreign tourists, while the Seoul city government will handle promotion and on-site guidance for these visitors.Baemin is the only domestic delivery app offering multilingual services in English, Chinese, and Japanese, and it supports various international payment methods. This has positioned Baemin as a partner to facilitate the delivery culture experience for foreign tourists.Additionally, Baemin will conduct a K-delivery culture experience campaign for foreign tourists throughout August, in conjunction with the '2026 Han River Night Camping' initiative, a key project of the Seoul city government aimed at revitalizing the nighttime economy.'Han River Night Camping' is designed to allow citizens and tourists to enjoy the nighttime charm of the Han River during the summer, featuring a range of activities such as swimming, festivals, performances, movies, and delivery services. The city will operate a campsite with 200 tents during the festival, and special areas will be set up around Yeouido and Ttukseom Han River Parks for late-night dining, along with delivery zones to facilitate easy access for riders and smooth food pickup.During this period, Baemin will operate a dedicated promotional page for foreign tourists. Visitors to the Han River Park during the festival can access this page through QR codes on promotional banners placed on-site.The promotional page will provide festival information in various languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese, and offer a coupon for a 3,000 won discount on orders over 20,000 won. Foreign tourists can register using a domestic phone number or a foreign registration number, and can place orders directly on Baemin after a simple SMS verification with an international phone number.Yoon Seok-jun, head of brand communication strategy at Woowa Brothers, stated, "Customers who hesitated to use the app due to language and payment differences will now be able to conveniently experience K-delivery anywhere in Seoul. We will continue to develop related services to help foreign tourists become more familiar with Korea's delicious food through the Baemin app."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:10
  • Kakao Games Aims for Profitability in Q1 2027, Following Weak Q2 Results
    Kakao Games Aims for Profitability in Q1 2027, Following Weak Q2 Results Kakao Games reported disappointing results for the second quarter, following a weak first quarter. Co-CEOs Lee Si-woo and Kim Tae-hwan stated that launching new titles in the second half of the year is their priority to boost revenue in Q4 and achieve profitability in Q1 2027.On August 5, Kakao Games announced that its consolidated revenue for Q2 was 75 billion won, with an operating loss of 23 billion won. This represents a decrease of about 35% compared to the same period last year, continuing the trend of losses. However, the loss narrowed by approximately 10% compared to the previous quarter.The company anticipates that revenue will remain low through Q3 but plans to launch most of its major new titles from Q4 through Q1 2027 to turn the tide. In October, it will launch the 2.5D MMORPG 'World of Goblins.' The online action RPG 'ArcheAge Chronicle' and the strategic adventure RPG 'Dungeon Rise' are also set for release by the end of the year.In Q1 2027, Kakao Games will sequentially release three highly anticipated titles, including 'Odin Q,' 'God Save Birmingham,' and 'Chrono Odyssey.'Notably, 'Odin Q' is a sequel in the 'Odin' series, which shares a universe with Kakao Games' flagship title 'Odin: Valhalla Rising' and is considered a key intellectual property for the company.Lee Si-woo explained, "While 'Odin Q' is a title that inherits the Odin IP, the gameplay and target audience are clearly differentiated. The combat styles and player demographics are very different, so we expect these two games based on the Odin IP to complement each other."Kakao Games plans to prioritize acquiring developers with proven game quality and key metrics as part of its M&A strategy, gradually increasing investment from hundreds of millions of won. Kim Tae-hwan stated, "We will also focus on improving profitability by restructuring non-core and inefficient businesses and expanding global co-development and outsourcing to enhance our cost structure."Kim emphasized that there are no plans for corporate mergers, such as a merger with Line Games, but noted that collaboration within the scope of general partnerships is possible.Kakao Games aims to enhance shareholder value by securing the capacity for share buybacks through a reduction in capital reserves, along with a planned 500 million won share buyback by the new management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 17:00:00