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Galaxy Z8 Pre-Orders Begin as Carriers Promote Foldable Phones The three major South Korean carriers—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—announced the start of pre-activation for Samsung's Galaxy Z8 series on August 4, following the completion of pre-orders. They have set the maximum subsidy at 500,000 won and are competing to attract customers with various purchasing benefits, including plans, partnership cards, and trade-in offers.According to industry sources, all three carriers have established the maximum subsidy for the Galaxy Z8 series at 500,000 won. However, the plans eligible for the highest subsidy vary. SK Telecom offers the maximum subsidy to customers who subscribe to plans costing 109,000 won or more per month. KT requires a minimum monthly plan of 90,000 won, while LG Uplus applies it to plans starting at 85,000 won.Pre-order interest has also surged. SK Telecom reported an increase in pre-orders for the Galaxy Z8 series compared to the previous model. Notably, customers aged 20 to 40 accounted for 65% of pre-orders, a rise of about 10 percentage points from the last model. The proportion of customers switching from traditional smartphones to foldable phones also increased to 62%, up 10 percentage points from the previous model. More than half of all pre-order customers chose the Galaxy Z Fold8.KT also noted a significant increase in pre-order numbers compared to the last model, with over half of its customers selecting the Galaxy Z Fold8. LG Uplus reported that 67.4% of its pre-order customers opted for the Galaxy Z Fold8, followed by 17.1% for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and 15.5% for the Galaxy Z Flip8.Color preferences varied by model. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra was most popular in Violet Shadow among SK Telecom and KT customers, while LG Uplus customers favored the Cream color for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pink for the Galaxy Z Flip8.The carriers plan to enhance customer benefits with differentiated promotions during the general sales period. SK Telecom will collaborate with Netflix to offer experiential prizes, including a trip to Jeju and invitations to the 'Infinite Challenge Run in Gyeongju' event, along with a trade-in program that offers up to 1 million won for old phones. KT will revamp its 'Choice Double' plan, combining OTT and device benefits, and provide discounts of up to 1,422,000 won for using partnership cards. LG Uplus will focus on attracting customers with online-only discount coupons, long-term interest-free installments, and additional trade-in rewards.The Galaxy Z8 series will be sequentially activated for pre-order customers starting today, with general sales set to begin on August 7.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:52:10 -
Shinhan Securities Lowers CMTX Target Price by 40% Amid Market Weakness Shinhan Investment Corp. announced on August 4 that it has reduced its target price for CMTX from 200,000 won to 120,000 won, a 40% decrease, reflecting the weak KOSDAQ market and declining investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector. However, the firm maintained a 'buy' rating, anticipating continued growth in the second half of the year.Choi Seung-hwan, a researcher at Shinhan Investment, stated, "The company continues to grow each quarter as previously projected, but market valuation expectations have diminished. While the target price has been lowered, the current stock price is about 30% discounted compared to peer companies, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 9 times, which supports our buy perspective."CMTX reported second-quarter revenues of 47.9 billion won and an operating profit of 15.6 billion won, marking increases of 18.6% and 13.8%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The operating profit margin stood at 32.5%, aligning closely with Shinhan Investment's previous estimates.The slight decline in operating profit margin year-on-year is attributed to increased costs from equipment investments and hiring before and after the company's listing. However, it is expected that these cost burdens will gradually be offset by revenue growth, leading to improved operating profit margins in the second half of the year and for the full year.Shinhan Investment forecasts that growth will accelerate in the latter half of the year, as production items for major clients in Taiwan increase and new client registrations continue, projecting quarterly revenue growth to persist into next year.As semiconductor production facilities expand their capacity, the overall growth in the semiconductor materials sector is expected to continue. CMTX is uniquely positioned as the only supplier to all ten major semiconductor production facilities worldwide, including those in South Korea and abroad, indicating a differentiated growth trajectory.Choi emphasized, "Our outlook remains unchanged that operating profit will exceed 100 billion won in 2027, highlighting the need to focus on mid- to long-term performance growth rather than short-term market conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:52:10
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Meritz Securities Lowers Pine M-Tech Target Price Amid Rising Memory Costs Meritz Securities has lowered its target price for Pine M-Tech from 14,000 won to 12,000 won, reflecting a downturn in the smartphone market due to rising memory prices. However, the firm anticipates benefits from the upcoming launch of new foldable smartphones by domestic and North American clients, deeming the current stock price a good opportunity for increased investment.Yang Seung-soo, a researcher at Meritz Securities, stated, "In light of the smartphone market's decline due to rising memory prices, we have revised our forecasts for foldable panel shipments down by 18.2% and 30.0% for this year and next, respectively. Reflecting these adjustments, the fair stock price is set at 12,000 won, while we maintain a 'buy' rating."Despite the adjustments, Yang believes the growth potential in the foldable market remains strong.He noted, "The initial market response to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, released this year, has been very positive. We expect Samsung's foldable pre-order sales to reach an all-time high, leading to an upward revision of annual foldable shipment forecasts centered around the Fold 8."Yang added, "This year, a North American smartphone company is set to unveil its first foldable smartphone at a September Unpacked event, which could lead to a differentiated stock price trend compared to the past. The entry of North American companies into the market will broaden the demand for foldables beyond Android users to include non-Android users and tablet demand."He further stated, "Pine M-Tech is the only company that can benefit from the launch of new foldable products for both domestic and North American clients this year. For domestic clients, the recovery of market share and an increase in average selling price (ASP) are key due to the expanded application of laser etching on metal plates. For North American clients, successful initial yield rates are expected to lead to a significant market share."Yang concluded, "The upward trend in performance through expanded deliveries for foldables starting in the second quarter remains valid. Given that Pine M-Tech is the only company with a high proportion of foldable sales benefiting both domestic and North American clients, we view the current stock price as an opportune time for increased investment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:52:00
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Ellis Group Builds Korea's First AI Data Center Using Hot Water Cooling Ellis Group, an artificial intelligence (AI) full-stack company, is set to establish Korea's first AI data center utilizing a 'hot water cooling' method that employs cooling water above 40 degrees Celsius. The facility will be based on 2,560 state-of-the-art B300 graphics processing units (GPUs), aiming to create an eco-friendly and high-efficiency AI computing infrastructure.On August 4, Ellis Group announced that it has been selected as a participating company in the 'AI Computing Resource Utilization Enhancement Project' led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA). The company will build and operate a modular AI data center based on the B300.A total of 2,560 B300 GPUs will be distributed across four modular data centers, with 640 GPUs in each facility. The design has been optimized for the B300 environment, focusing on cluster structure, cooling systems, networks, and energy efficiency to meet the demands of ultra-high power and high-density environments.The data center will implement direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology and a high-speed network suitable for large-scale GPU clusters. Notably, it will introduce the hot water cooling method, utilizing cooling water above 40 degrees Celsius, along with outdoor cooling technology. This approach aims to reduce power consumption for cooling and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to the establishment of an eco-friendly data center.Through this initiative, Ellis Group plans to expand Korea's AI computing infrastructure and establish a foundation to meet the growing demand for high-performance GPU-based AI services.Kim Jae-won, CEO of Ellis Group, stated, "We will provide a stable and efficient AI computing infrastructure by building a modular AI data center optimized for high-performance GPU environments. We aim to strengthen Korea's AI computing competitiveness through an optimized AI infrastructure, from GPUs to networks and storage, based on domestic technology with K-PMDC."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:52:00
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SK Hynix Unveils First HBF Standard and World’s First 375-Layer NAND SK Hynix announced on August 4 that it has unveiled the first standard specification for its next-generation storage technology, HBF, in collaboration with SanDisk.At the 'FMS 2026' event held at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California, SK Hynix introduced HBF as a key technology to alleviate memory bottlenecks in the AI era.HBF represents a new memory tier positioned between high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and solid-state drives (SSD). It maintains fast data processing speeds similar to HBM while significantly increasing capacity based on NAND flash, making it a crucial technology to address the slowdown caused by the surge in AI data.This announcement marks the first achievement since the consortium's launch six months ago in February. The disclosed specification allows for NAND chips to be stacked in 8-layer and 16-layer configurations, achieving a maximum capacity of 512 gigabytes (GB). The bandwidth can reach up to 3.0 terabytes per second (TB/s).By adopting the next-generation connection standard UCIe, HBF is designed to integrate flexibly with various semiconductors, including graphics processing units (GPUs) and central processing units (CPUs).The specification was revealed through the Open Compute Project (OCP), the world's largest open data center collaboration, and is expected to serve as an industry-wide standard. Currently, companies like Google and Tenstorrent are participating in the consortium.At FMS 2026, SK Hynix will also showcase a range of next-generation technologies. Kim Cheon-seong, head of solution development, and Kang Wook-seong, in charge of next-generation product planning, will jointly deliver a keynote address on 'tiered memory' for optimizing AI infrastructure.Notably, SK Hynix will present the world’s first 10th generation (V10) 375-layer 4D NAND wafer and products that improve power efficiency by 2.5 times. The company plans to begin mass production of enterprise SSDs (eSSD) based on this NAND technology early next year, aiming to strengthen its leadership in the AI memory market.Kim Cheon-seong emphasized, "As the use of AI rapidly expands, there is a need to redesign the entire data processing structure. Through HBF, we will extend the boundaries between memory and storage and propose a new architecture that enhances overall system efficiency."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:48:00
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Autonomous A2G Signs $8.2 Million Self-Driving Vehicle Deal in UAE Autonomous A2G has signed a contract worth 279.1 million dirhams (approximately $8.2 million) with UAE-based AI company Space42 for the supply of self-driving vehicles.A2G announced on August 4 that it will provide vehicles and autonomous driving technology for the TXAI autonomous driving service operating in the UAE as part of a 'Smart Mobility Convergence Project' with Space42.This supply contract marks a significant instance of a domestic autonomous driving company providing large-scale vehicles and technology for overseas commercial services. Under the agreement, Space42 will deploy eight driverless Level 4 Robo Shuttle ROii vehicles, developed by A2G, along with various modified vehicles developed using domestic technology for local services.A2G will not only supply vehicles but also provide a full-stack autonomous driving technology that includes autonomous driving software, an integrated control system, remote control, and call services. Pilot operations of the Robo Shuttle will begin in the second half of this year on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand services to demand-responsive transport (DRT) and tourist shuttles in the future.A2G has conducted autonomous driving demonstration projects in 13 cities and provinces across South Korea, securing 91 temporary operation permits and accumulating a driving distance of 1.02 million kilometers. The company plans to accelerate its entry into the global autonomous driving market, particularly in the Middle East, following this contract.Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2G, stated, "This export contract is a significant achievement for domestic technology in the Middle East, where countries are competing for the future of mobility. It demonstrates the potential for our autonomous driving technology, developed through domestic R&D and various demonstrations, to expand into overseas exports and local services." 2026-08-04 08:48:00
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Iran Warns Against Unauthorized Shipping Routes in Hormuz Strait Iran's military advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that the country will not allow any unauthorized shipping routes in the Hormuz Strait, stating that U.S. naval vessels could be attacked if they attempt to pass through routes not approved by Iran. According to the Indian news agency ANI, Rezaei made these comments on August 3, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that discussions are underway for the complete reopening of the Hormuz Strait. Rezaei emphasized, "No routes other than those designated by Iran will be permitted in the Hormuz Strait," adding that if U.S. warships try to navigate through unapproved paths, they could face military action. He accused the U.S. of violating agreements made under the so-called 'Islamabad Memorandum' regarding the navigation protocols established by Iran. Rezaei also claimed that the U.S. attacked Iran without following the agreed-upon consultation procedures, asserting that Iran has demonstrated its missile capabilities and ability to defend itself. This statement reaffirms Iran's longstanding position of rejecting any alternative shipping routes imposed by the U.S. in the Hormuz Strait. Earlier, President Trump told reporters at the White House that in the first phase of negotiations with Iran, the goal is to fully reopen the Hormuz Strait, with discussions on Iran's denuclearization to follow in the second phase. He suggested that the timeline for reopening the strait could be known soon, stating, "We will know today or tomorrow," and claimed that the Hormuz Strait could be fully reopened as early as August 4. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei countered that Iran is not currently negotiating with the U.S., clarifying that ongoing discussions pertain to navigation negotiations with Oman.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:44:00
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Roborock Opens Smart Home Product Pop-Up Store at Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo Roborock announced on August 4 that it is operating a pop-up store on the 7th floor of the Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo from August 3 to 16, showcasing popular smart home products for consumers.The pop-up store allows customers to experience Roborock's best-selling smart home products firsthand and compare features and suitability for different environments.Visitors can see the 2026 flagship robot vacuum, the S10 MaxV series, the wireless vacuum cleaner, the H60 Hub series, and the vacuum mop, the F25 series.The premium all-in-one washer-dryer, the JeoX, launched in July, is also on display, providing a comprehensive look at Roborock's main smart home lineup.In the robot vacuum experience zone, customers can test various cleaning functions, including threshold crossing, obstacle avoidance, and carpet cleaning, in a simulated home environment. Demonstrations comparing the mopping capabilities of the robot vacuum and the features of the wireless vacuum cleaner and vacuum mop are also available for intuitive product comparisons.During the event, special promotions exclusive to the Hyundai Department Store pop-up will be offered. The flagship robot vacuum S10 MaxV series, the all-in-one washer-dryer JeoX, and the wireless vacuum cleaner H60 Hub series will be available at limited-time prices, allowing visitors to experience, consult, and purchase products all in one place.Expert staff will provide product explanations and consultations, and a space will be set up to introduce official after-sales service and privacy protection policies, allowing customers to experience Roborock's differentiated customer service and brand trust firsthand.A Roborock representative stated, "As the most chosen robot vacuum brand among Korean consumers, we believe that providing a differentiated customer experience is as important as product competitiveness. Through this pop-up store, we aim to offer a unique brand experience from product trials to expert consultations and purchases."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:44:00
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Hana Securities Raises S-Oil Target Price Amid Record Profit Expectations Hana Securities has raised its target price for S-Oil from 200,000 won to 220,000 won, citing the company's potential to achieve record operating profits this year. The investment recommendation remains a 'buy.'In a report released on August 4, analyst Yoon Jae-sung stated, "This is still a conservative level compared to the peak price-to-book ratio (PBR) of 2.5 times during the previous boom in 2018."Yoon identified three key factors contributing to the positive momentum for the second half of the year: an increase in lubricant oil profits, the continuation of negative official selling prices (OSP), and stabilization of oil prices. He explained, "The momentum for the second half is driven by three factors. First, the additional profit increase from lubricant oils. The Qatar Shell Pearl GTL Train 2 is expected to be fully operational by the end of the first quarter of 2027, making strong lubricant oil prices inevitable until then."He also noted, "The confirmation of the negative OSP phase indicates that the OSP for September is expected to remain in negative territory, similar to August." Furthermore, he analyzed that stabilization of oil prices could serve as a good trigger for generating higher profits through the lifting of domestic price caps.The forecast for third-quarter earnings has also been significantly raised. Yoon estimated that S-Oil's operating profit for the third quarter will reach 1.08 trillion won, an increase from the initial estimate of 490 billion won and 71% higher than the current consensus of 630 billion won.Additionally, he projected that lubricant oil operating profits would improve significantly to 680 billion won, reflecting a 17% increase in the export price of lubricant oils in July compared to the previous month, along with a 29% rise in export margins.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:40:20
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U.S. Market Gains and Easing Tensions in the Middle East Raise Hopes for KOSPI Recovery On August 4, the KOSPI is expected to rebound, buoyed by the previous day's gains in the U.S. stock market and easing tensions in the Middle East.On August 3, all three major U.S. stock indices closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 693.38 points (1.32%) to finish at 53,178.41, marking a record closing high. The S&P 500 increased by 110.78 points (1.48%) to close at 7,600.50, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 540.04 points (2.13%) to end at 25,913.90.Investor sentiment was lifted by expectations of reduced military tensions in the Middle East after President Donald Trump announced a postponement of additional airstrikes against Iran.Notably, technology stocks, particularly in the semiconductor sector, led the market rally. Meta surged by 6.02%, Alphabet rose by 4.88%, and Microsoft increased by 4.93%. Amazon jumped 4.58%, reaching a new all-time high, following a strong second-quarter earnings report that exceeded market expectations, driven by growth in its cloud business (AWS) and increased demand for AI.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The validation of AI monetization through software will serve as a positive factor for the domestic market." This has raised expectations for a rebound in semiconductor stocks in the domestic market.According to the Korea Exchange, on August 3, the KOSPI closed at 6,257.45, down 338.00 points (5.12%) from the previous trading day. In the stock market, individual investors made a record net purchase of 4.6531 trillion won, but foreign and institutional investors sold a net 2.8429 trillion won and 1.9477 trillion won, respectively, pulling the index down.One analyst noted, "There is a persistent perception of overselling following the sharp declines in July and the previous day." He added, "With the easing of oil prices and interest rates due to Trump's TACO policy, along with a rebound in U.S. semiconductor stocks, we expect a bullish trend to emerge." He also remarked, "While daily return volatility remains high, it is positive that we are moving away from a phase of declining profit momentum."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 08:40:00