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  • SK Siltron Acquired by Doosan Group for 2.3 Trillion Won
    SK Siltron Acquired by Doosan Group for 2.3 Trillion Won SK Siltron, valued at 5 trillion won, has been acquired by Doosan Group. This acquisition completes the final piece of Doosan Chairman Park Jung-won's strategy for vertical integration in the semiconductor sector, encompassing everything from wafer production to electronic materials and post-processing testing.On July 31, SK held a board meeting and approved the sale of a 70.6% stake in SK Siltron to Doosan for 2.3 trillion won. A stock purchase agreement (SPA) is expected to be signed soon, followed by the necessary regulatory approvals.Investment banks estimate SK Siltron's enterprise value at 5 trillion won. The two parties have agreed to a transaction price of approximately 2.3 trillion won for 70% of the company, excluding 2 trillion won in net debt.The sale includes a 51% stake directly held by SK and an additional 19.6% acquired through a total return swap (TRS) agreement. The remaining 29.4% stake held personally by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is not included in this board decision, but it is likely that Doosan will pursue a separate agreement to acquire it later. If Doosan secures Chey's stake, it will own 100% of SK Siltron, which is valued at approximately 900 billion won.This transaction comes about seven months after Doosan was selected as the preferred bidder for SK Siltron in December 2025. Initially, both parties aimed to finalize the deal in the first half of 2026, but delays occurred as they reassessed SK Siltron's value amid a recovering semiconductor market and increasing demand for AI semiconductors.SK Siltron is the only domestic company specializing in the production of silicon wafers, which serve as the foundation for semiconductor chips. It manufactures 200mm (8-inch) and 300mm (12-inch) silicon wafers, as well as silicon carbide (SiC) wafers used in electric vehicles and renewable energy power semiconductors. Its 300mm silicon wafer single crystal growth technology is designated as a national core technology, and the company ranks among the top three globally.Doosan anticipates that the Siltron wafer business can achieve an average annual growth rate of around 7%, setting a revenue target of approximately 3 trillion won by 2031. A Doosan representative stated, "This acquisition contract secures future growth engines for Doosan while establishing a sustainable revenue base. Siltron will not be listed, and we will focus on enhancing shareholder value based on a stable business portfolio."With the acquisition of SK Siltron, Doosan is strengthening its semiconductor business, which it has identified as a new growth pillar. Chairman Park Jung-won has been expanding the group's portfolio beyond its traditional heavy industry focus to include semiconductors and advanced materials.In 2022, Doosan acquired the semiconductor post-processing testing company Tesna for approximately 460 billion won and renamed it Doosan Tesna. Doosan Tesna is responsible for system semiconductor wafer testing and package testing. Doosan's Electronics BG produces copper-clad laminates (CCL) used in semiconductor packaging, AI accelerators, and data center servers.With the addition of SK Siltron's wafer business, Doosan has established a comprehensive structure that includes wafer production, electronic materials for packaging and substrates, and post-processing testing. Future synergies are expected in research and development, customer collaboration, and investment efficiency among SK Siltron, Doosan Electronics BG, and Doosan Tesna.Securing funding for this large-scale acquisition is a challenge for Doosan. The company is expected to combine its own cash, borrowings from financial institutions such as the Korea Development Bank, and asset liquidations from its affiliates to finance the acquisition. Given that the transaction size is among the largest in Doosan Group's history of mergers and acquisitions, managing financial burdens post-acquisition will be crucial.SK plans to use the substantial cash influx from this sale to improve its financial structure and invest in future growth businesses. The SK Group is undertaking a rebalancing effort to streamline non-core assets and focus on key sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and energy.SK Corp. stated in a disclosure that the purpose of the stake transfer is to secure resources for enhancing financial soundness and future growth drivers.Following the signing of the stock purchase agreement, both parties will proceed with the Fair Trade Commission's review of the merger and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's approval related to national core technologies. If the transaction concludes as planned, SK Siltron will transition to a Doosan Group affiliate approximately nine years after being integrated into the SK Group in 2017. 2026-07-31 17:44:00
  • Jung Jeom-sik Urges President Lee to Veto Bill Abolishing Prosecutors Investigative Powers
    Jung Jeom-sik Urges President Lee to Veto Bill Abolishing Prosecutors' Investigative Powers 정점식 국민의힘 원내대표는 31일 국회 본회의에서 검사의 보완수사권 폐지를 골자로 한 형사소송법 개정안이 여당 주도로 통과되자 이재명 대통령을 향해 "'이재명 탈옥법'이라는 오명을 받기 싫다면 재의요구권(거부권)을 행사하라"고 촉구했다. 정 원내대표는 이날 국회에서 기자들과 만나 "법안이 본회의를 통과하고 정부로 이송되면 대통령은 15일 이내에 재의요구권을 행사할지 여부를 결정해야 한다"며 "이제 공은 이 대통령에게 넘어갔다"고 말했다. 정 원내대표는 "현재 법안에는 법원이 공소기각 판결의 요건을 완화할 수 있는 조항이 있다"며 "누가 봐도 재판 중지 상태에 있는 이 대통령을 위한 맞춤형 입법"이라고 주장했다. 이어 "지난 2월 더불어민주당 일부 국회의원들은 공소취소 모임을 출범시켰다"며 "지난 4월에는 공소취소 특검을 시도했다. 노골적인 대통령 재판 삭제 시도가 올해로 벌써 세 번째"라고 강조했다. 그는 "내년 6월이면 조희대 대법원장의 임기가 끝난다. 이 대통령은 재임 중에 대법원장을 비롯해 무려 22명의 대법관을 임명할 수 있다"며 "자신의 사법리스크를 제거할 수 있는 법과 판사 모두를 확보하는 것"이라고 했다. 그러면서 "국민의힘은 이 악법을 철폐하기 위해서 헌법심판 청구 등 모든 수단과 방법을 강구하겠다"고 덧붙였다. 또한 민주당이 자당 몫 청와대 특별감찰관 후보자를 추천한 것에 대해 "국회가 총 3명을 추천해야 한다. 국민의힘은 이미 1명을 추천했으니 나머지 1명은 어떻게 추천할지 조속히 협의에 나서자"고 요구했다. 그는 "지난 1년간 청와대는 국회 추천을 요구하고 민주당이 추천에 응하지 않는 이중플레이로 국민을 기만했다"며 "민주당이 이제야 추천에 나선 것은 만시지탄의 느낌이 있고, 보완수사권 폐지에 대한 분노 여론을 잠재우기 위해 관심을 돌리려는 것 아니냐는 의구심도 든다"고 지적했다. 아울러 "이제라도 특별감찰관 추천에 나선 것은 환영한다"며 "특별감찰관이 신속하게 임명될 수 있도록 노력하겠다"고 했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:36:00
  • Three Candidates for Democratic Party Leadership Celebrate Passage of Criminal Procedure Law Amendment
    Three Candidates for Democratic Party Leadership Celebrate Passage of Criminal Procedure Law Amendment On July 31, the three candidates for leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea welcomed the passage of an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which abolishes supplementary investigative authority. However, candidate Song Young-gil stated that this achievement should not be used as a slogan for the party convention.Candidate Kim Min-seok expressed on Facebook, "We have overcome another major hurdle in prosecutorial reform," adding that the strong will and reformative decision of the Lee Jae-myung administration has led to another historical evaluation. He promised to pursue prosecutorial and judicial reforms that protect the public and the vulnerable with unwavering commitment.Candidate Jung Cheong-rae remarked, "Prosecutorial reform is the banner and symbol of our party's reform efforts," asserting, "We will ensure it remains unblemished. We have achieved prosecutorial reform." He also referenced the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, stating that the passage of the reform bill was guided by the principles of prioritizing the public and party members, ensuring that investigations do not harm victims, and strengthening police oversight.Candidate Song noted, "The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law has passed. With the abolition of supplementary investigative authority, it can no longer be used as a slogan for the party convention," and indicated that he would scrutinize Jung's justification for running for party leader in the next debate.Previously, all three candidates had expressed support for the abolition of supplementary investigative authority. However, Jung and Kim have engaged in a truth battle regarding the internal conflicts surrounding this issue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:36:00
  • NCSOFT Partners with Shengqu Games for Aions Expansion in China
    NCSOFT Partners with Shengqu Games for Aion's Expansion in China NCSOFT is teaming up with Shengqu Games to expand the Aion intellectual property (IP) business in China. The company is pushing for local publishing of the upcoming title Aion 2 while also showcasing two Aion IP games at ChinaJoy 2026. Notably, NCSOFT's strategy is becoming clearer as it collaborates with Tencent Games for Lineage and Shengqu Games for Aion.According to the gaming industry on July 31, NCSOFT CEO Kim Taek-jin attended a strategic cooperation signing ceremony with Shengqu Games in Shanghai on July 30, focusing on Aion 2's entry into the Chinese market as a key growth strategy.Shengqu Games has launched the official website for Aion 2, revealing its Chinese service name, "Eternal Tower 2 (永恒之塔2)." This marks the beginning of preparations for Aion 2's publishing in China, with specific details regarding the release schedule and licensing to be announced in due course.The games based on the Aion IP that NCSOFT is promoting for entry into China include the mobile game Aion Classic (Chinese name: 永恒之塔: 经典) and the PC game Aion 2. Both games are being prepared for the Chinese market in collaboration with Shengqu Games. Aion Classic received its license from Chinese authorities in July.NCSOFT has maintained a partnership with Shengqu Games since 2009, when Shengqu began managing Aion's services in China. The long-standing collaboration has built a wealth of experience in servicing the Aion IP and understanding Chinese users, which is seen as a foundation for the Aion 2 partnership.Meanwhile, the Chinese operations for another major IP, Lineage, are handled by Tencent Games, with whom NCSOFT has collaborated since the early 2000s. The mobile game Lineage 2M, released in China in June, features a local version titled "Heaven 2: Pact," also developed in partnership with Tencent Games. The Chinese operations for the Blade & Soul IP are similarly managed by Tencent Games.As Tencent Games has been a key partner in NCSOFT's Chinese operations, the company is pursuing a strategy of differentiating local partners for each IP, collaborating with Shengqu Games for Aion 2.The selection of partners for each IP is influenced by the understanding and operational experience that Chinese publishers have with the respective IPs. Given that MMORPGs rely heavily on long-term content supply, user management, and monetization systems for success, it is advantageous for publishers with established service histories to manage sequels, according to industry analysis.As MMORPGs continue to be a dominant genre in China, NCSOFT is expanding its business for key IPs like Lineage and Aion by partnering with publishers that have accumulated local service experience. With Aion Classic already established, the successful entry of Aion 2 into the local market could diversify revenue sources in China and lay the groundwork for the long-term success of the Aion IP.NCSOFT is also broadening its engagement with Chinese users. The company is showcasing Aion 2 and Aion Classic at ChinaJoy 2026, which runs until August 3 in Shanghai. The Aion 2 booth is the largest for a single game at the event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:32:00
  • Natl Assembly passes controversial bill stripping prosecutors of investigative powers
    Nat'l Assembly passes controversial bill stripping prosecutors of investigative powers SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - The National Assembly passed a bill on Friday that would completely strip prosecutors of their powers to directly investigate criminal cases, in a move led by the ruling Democratic Party (DP). The revisions to relevant laws were approved by a vote of 175 in favor, two against and one abstention among the 178 lawmakers present. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP), which had launched an unlimited filibuster the previous day in protest of the bill, did not participate in the vote. Under the revised bill, prosecutors will no longer have the authority to directly investigate criminal cases, as investigative and prosecutorial powers are separated. They will also lose their power to conduct supplementary investigations and directly request warrants. The DP also added new grounds for courts to dismiss indictments without determining whether a defendant is guilty or not. Courts can already dismiss indictments in cases with serious procedural flaws, but the revision adds vague new provisions such as "seriously illegal investigations" and "abuse of prosecutorial discretion." The changes have drawn criticism from the PPP, which claims the move was made with President Lee Jae Myung's pending legal cases in mind. Lee faced several legal cases before taking office, but the trials were put on hold until after his term ends. Following the passage of the bill, the PPP urged Lee to exercise his veto power and refer the bill back to parliament for further deliberation. PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig said the bill was less a law than a "political backroom deal" between the president and DP lawmakers aimed at dismantling the prosecution service, vowing that the party would take all available measures to block what he called a "wrongful act." The bill is part of the DP's broader push for judicial reform aimed at separating the roles of investigators and prosecutors, but critics argue that stripping prosecutors of their investigative powers could undermine efforts to uncover corruption and major crimes. 2026-07-31 17:31:07
  • Domestic Fund Assets Reach 1,735 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026
    Domestic Fund Assets Reach 1,735 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, the total net assets of domestic public and private funds reached 1,734.5 trillion won, marking a 26% increase over six months. Public funds, driven by the growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), have now surpassed private funds in net asset size.According to the Financial Investment Association's report on '2026 First Half Fund Market Trends' released on July 31, the total net assets of all funds (public and private) stood at 1,734.5 trillion won as of the end of June, an increase of 358.2 trillion won (26.0%) from the end of last year (1,376.3 trillion won). The growth rate for the first half of this year is more than double that of the second half of last year (11.4%).The net assets of public funds rose to 897.4 trillion won, an increase of 288 trillion won (47.3%) compared to the end of last year, while private funds grew by 70.2 trillion won (9.2%) to 837.1 trillion won. As a result, the share of public funds in the overall fund market increased from 44.3% at the end of last year to 51.7%, surpassing the share of private funds (48.3%).The growth of public funds was primarily driven by ETFs. The net assets of ETFs surged from 297.1 trillion won at the end of last year to 512.4 trillion won by the end of June, an increase of 215.3 trillion won (72.4%). The proportion of ETFs within public fund net assets also grew from 48.8% to 57.1% during the same period. Excluding ETFs, the net assets of public funds still increased by 72.7 trillion won (23.3%) to 385 trillion won.Among ETF types, equity ETFs accounted for the largest share at 63.7%, followed by derivative ETFs (20.5%) and bond ETFs (10.3%).In terms of fund types, all categories except for bond funds saw an increase in net assets. Equity funds experienced the largest growth, increasing by 209.6 trillion won, followed by derivative funds (44.8 trillion won) and money market funds (MMFs) (32 trillion won). In contrast, bond funds saw a decrease of 3.3 trillion won.In the first half of the year, a total of 126.3 trillion won flowed into all funds. Public funds received a net inflow of 96.9 trillion won, while private funds saw a net inflow of 29.3 trillion won.By fund type, equity funds attracted the most capital with 50.9 trillion won, followed by MMFs (28.4 trillion won), derivative funds (12.2 trillion won), and mixed funds (10.6 trillion won). Bond funds experienced a net outflow of 3 trillion won. In public funds, capital inflows were concentrated in equity funds (54.4 trillion won) and MMFs (23.3 trillion won), while private funds primarily attracted capital in bond funds (6.7 trillion won) and mixed asset funds (6.5 trillion won).Regionally, domestic investment funds showed significant growth. The net assets of domestic investment funds reached 1,137.4 trillion won, an increase of 265.2 trillion won (30.4%) from the end of last year, accounting for 65.6% of total funds. Meanwhile, net assets of overseas investment funds rose by 93 trillion won (18.5%) to 597.1 trillion won, but their overall share decreased to 34.4% from 36.6% at the end of last year.Notably, the net assets of domestic equity funds surged from 125.6 trillion won at the end of last year to 282.9 trillion won by the end of June, reflecting a 125.2% increase and indicating a strong inflow of capital into the domestic stock market during the first half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:24:00
  • Musinsa Dominates Fashion App Market Among Young Men
    Musinsa Dominates Fashion App Market Among Young Men Musinsa has effectively captured the male consumer market from teenagers to those in their 30s, solidifying its dominance in the domestic fashion platform sector. The conversion rate from product browsing to actual purchases is the highest among major fashion apps, indicating that repeat purchases have become a key competitive advantage. According to a report titled '2026 MZ Generation Fashion App Trend Report' released on July 30 by Open Survey, 45.7% of respondents aged 15 to 39 reported making a purchase on Musinsa in the last three months, up 7.1 percentage points from 38.6% in 2024. The second-place app, Ably, saw its purchase rate increase from 18.1% to 21.3%, while Zigzag rose from 16.2% to 21.0%. Notably, the gap between Musinsa and Ably has widened to 24.4 percentage points, a significant increase from two years ago. Musinsa has shown growth not only in brand recognition but also in actual usage and purchasing stages. Brand awareness rose from 80.9% in 2024 to 84.3% this year, while the percentage of respondents who reported having used the app increased from 65.6% to 74.7%. The proportion of those who made a purchase in the past year also grew from 49.2% to 57.3%. The concentration of male consumers on Musinsa is particularly pronounced. In a survey asking about the fashion apps currently in use, Musinsa's usage rates were 58.6% among teenage males, 72.7% among those in their 20s, and 67.1% among those in their 30s, making it the top choice across all age groups. The conversion rate from product browsing to actual purchases was also the highest. Among consumers who used fashion apps in the past year, 43.2% identified Musinsa as their primary app for product exploration, with a remarkable 94.4% of those completing a purchase. This was followed by Ably at 90.9%, Zigzag at 88.9%, and 29CM at 73.7%. Additionally, 27.0% of respondents indicated they purchase directly from Musinsa without comparing prices on other platforms, the highest percentage among competitors. Ably followed with 17.5%, Zigzag at 8.0%, and 29CM at 2.5%. This suggests that consumers have developed a 'purchase inertia' due to familiarity with Musinsa's product offerings, user experience, reviews, and membership benefits. In contrast, female consumer behavior differs from that of males. Among teenage females, Ably had the highest usage rate at 76.1%, while Zigzag led among women in their 20s with 30.7%. For women in their 30s, Musinsa and 29CM tied for first place at 24.4%. While the male market is concentrated on Musinsa, the female market shows a more segmented usage pattern based on age and preferences. Having established a strong foothold in the fashion platform market with male customers, Musinsa plans to enhance its offerings for female customers by expanding its range of brands and content. A Musinsa representative stated, "We plan to continuously expand related brands and content to meet the diverse tastes of female customers. Since over 75% of our customers at the Musinsa Store in Seongsu are women, we will also work to increase our engagement with female customers offline." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:20:00
  • National Assembly Passes Bill to Abolish Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights
    National Assembly Passes Bill to Abolish Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights 검찰의 보완수사권 폐지를 골자로 한 형사소송법 개정안이 31일 여당 주도로 국회 본회의를 통과했다. 국민의힘은 전날 해당 법안 처리를 막기 위해 무제한 토론(필리버스터)에 나선 데 이어 곧바로 상정된 국회법 개정안에 대해서도 필리버스터를 진행했다. 국회는 이날 본회의를 열어 형사소송법 개정안을 재석 178인 중 찬성 175인, 반대 2인, 기권 1인으로 가결했다. 국민의힘은 표결에 불참했다. 전날 법안 상정 직후 시작된 필리버스터는 더불어민주당 등 범여권 의원들의 종결 동의에 따라 24시간 만에 종료됐다. 개정안은 올해 10월 2일 시행되는 공소청법·중대범죄수사청(중수청)법의 후속 조치로, 보완수사를 포함해 검사의 직접 수사를 전면 금지하는 내용이 골자다. 검사는 보완수사권 대신 사법경찰관에 대한 보완수사 요구권을 갖고, 경찰은 요구받으면 최장 2개월 안에 수사를 마쳐야 한다. 또한 경찰의 불송치 결정에 대해 고소인·고발인·피해자가 이의를 신청할 수 있고, 수사 자료는 모두 형사사법정보시스템(KICS)에 입력하도록 했다. 아울러 △중대한 위법 수사에 의해 공소가 제기된 경우 △소추 재량권을 현저히 일탈해 공소가 제기된 경우 등이 공소기각 사유로 추가됐다. 국민의힘은 보완수사권이 폐지되면 국민이 경찰의 부실·지연 수사 등으로 고통받을 것이라고 주장했다. 정점식 원내대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 원내대책회의에서 "보완수사권이 사라지면 평범한 국민은 부실·늑장 수사 등으로 고통받을 것"이라며 "반면 대통령을 비롯한 권력자들은 범죄를 저지르고도 온갖 이유로 공소 기각을 주장하며 법원을 압박할 것"이라고 말했다. 국민의힘은 주호영 의원을 시작으로 박형수·나경원·김태규 의원까지 반대 토론을 이어갔다. 그러나 범여권의 토론 종결 동의로 인해 필리버스터 시작 24시간 만에 강제 종료됐다. 정 원내대표는 필리버스터가 강제 종료되자 "누가 봐도 재판 중지 상태에 있는 이재명 대통령을 위한 맞춤형 입법"이라며 "'이재명 탈옥법'이라는 오명을 받기 싫다면 재의요구권을 행사하라. 국민의힘은 악법을 철폐하기 위해 헌법심판 청구 등 모든 수단과 방법을 강구하겠다"고 밝혔다. 민주당은 형사소송법 개정안을 처리한 뒤 신속처리안건(패스트트랙) 심사 기간을 330일에서 90일로 줄이는 '국회법 개정안'을 상정했다. 상임위원회 180일, 법제사법위원회 90일, 본회의 60일 등 최장 330일이 걸리는 현행 패스트트랙 심사 기간을 상임위 60일, 법사위 30일, 본회의 부의 후 첫 본회의 상정으로 줄인다는 내용이 담겼다. 국민의힘은 국회법 개정안이 올라오자 '국회 거수기법'이라고 규정하며 필리버스터로 맞섰다. 다만 이날 임시국회 회기가 종료되는 만큼 필리버스터는 자정이 되면 자동 종결된다. 이에 따라 표결은 8월 임시국회 첫 본회의에서 이뤄질 전망이다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:12:10
  • KOSPI Surges Over 1,000 Points, Setting Record for Largest Daily Gain
    KOSPI Surges Over 1,000 Points, Setting Record for Largest Daily Gain Concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor industry were alleviated as foreign and institutional investors flocked to the market, leading the KOSPI to achieve both the largest daily gain and percentage increase in history. This surge quickly reversed the steep declines seen over the past three days.On July 31, the KOSPI index closed at 6,595.45, up 1,001.89 points (17.91%) from the previous trading day. This marks the first time the index has risen by over 1,000 points in a single day since the domestic stock market opened. During the session, it peaked at 6,630.77, reaching an increase of 18.54% at one point.These figures surpass all previous records. The prior highest percentage increase was 11.95% on October 30, 2008, during the global financial crisis, while the largest point gain was 612.52 points, recorded on June 9 of this year. The KOSDAQ index also surged, closing at 719.76, up 74.98 points (11.63%), reclaiming the 700-point mark.The significant rise in the Korean stock market was driven by strong earnings reports from major tech companies and news of increased AI investments from the previous night’s New York stock market. The U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for June met market expectations, providing reassurance, while Microsoft and Amazon reaffirmed their robust cloud performance and plans for increased capital expenditures (CapEx), dispelling skepticism surrounding AI investments. This led to an 8.19% jump in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, with major U.S. semiconductor stocks like Micron (up 18.4%) and SanDisk (up 26.0%) also soaring.Buoyed by positive news from abroad, the KOSPI opened at 5,657.79, up 64.23 points (1.15%). Shortly after the market opened, a wave of buying pressure emerged. Just six minutes into trading, a buying sidecar was activated, temporarily halting program trading on both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets due to the rapid rise.The surge was led by major semiconductor stocks and top market capitalization companies. Samsung Electronics closed at 262,500 won, up 26.81% (55,500 won), reclaiming a global market capitalization of $1 trillion. SK Hynix surged 29.95% to finish at 1,718,000 won, hitting the upper limit. Among the top five market capitalization stocks, three, including SK Hynix, Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 29.92%), and SK Square (up 29.91%), also reached their price limits.In terms of supply and demand, foreign and institutional investors combined to net purchases of approximately 10 trillion won, driving the market surge. Foreign investors alone net bought 8.6355 trillion won in the KOSPI, setting a record for the largest daily net purchase, while institutions net bought 1.6774 trillion won. In contrast, individual investors, taking advantage of the short-term surge, net sold over 10.5017 trillion won, cashing in on profits. The total trading volume for the day reached 48.9092 trillion won.Analysts suggest that the recent over-leveraging by global hedge funds has subsided, allowing the market to refocus on fundamentals. For instance, Citadel acquired the margin call position of the U.S. hedge fund Situational Awareness Capital, alleviating supply-side concerns.Kang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, stated, "The strong performance of big tech has reaffirmed the trend of increased AI investment, and the perception that the deleveraging of global semiconductor stocks is nearing its end has spread. This has led to a significant influx of foreign capital, particularly in memory and AI-related stocks, which are now seen as undervalued."Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The CapEx expansion plans from Amazon and Microsoft have eased concerns about the AI investment cycle. However, given the more than 17% surge in just one day, investors should be cautious of profit-taking and increased volatility in the near term."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:12:00
  • Trading Volume Drops for Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs on First Day of Increased Deposit Requirement
    Trading Volume Drops for Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs on First Day of Increased Deposit Requirement On the first day of the increased basic deposit requirement, trading volume for single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) plummeted. The basic deposit was raised from 10 million won to 30 million won, which is believed to have reduced accessibility for investors. According to the Korea Exchange, the total trading volume for 14 single-stock leveraged ETFs, including those for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, was recorded at 244.01 million shares. This marks a 73.8% decrease compared to the previous trading day, which saw a volume of 932.98 million shares before the deposit increase. The trading value of the largest fund, 'KODEX SK Hynix Single-Stock Leveraged ETF,' fell to 1.2388 trillion won, down 65.8% from the previous day's 3.6254 trillion won. Similarly, 'KODEX Samsung Electronics Single-Stock Leveraged ETF' saw its trading value drop to 507.7 billion won, a 64.3% decline from 1.4236 trillion won the day before. The trading direction of individual investors also shifted dramatically from net buying to net selling. On this day, individuals sold a net total of 1.0427 trillion won worth of the 14 ETFs. This contrasts sharply with the previous trading day, when individual investors had net bought 523.99 billion won worth of these funds. The significant price increases of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which rose by 26.81% and 29.95% respectively, likely prompted a wave of profit-taking in the single-stock leveraged ETFs. Among the individual stocks, 'KODEX SK Hynix Single-Stock Leveraged ETF' recorded the largest net selling at 591.5 billion won, followed by 'KODEX Samsung Electronics Single-Stock Leveraged ETF' at 200.6 billion won and 'TIGER SK Hynix Single-Stock Leveraged ETF' at 153.6 billion won. The single-stock leveraged ETFs based on SK Hynix closed with gains of 53% to 59%, while those based on Samsung Electronics rose by 48% to 53%. Lee Sang-hyun, a researcher at Meritz Securities, noted, "Since the announcement of the supplementary measures, the growth rate of listed shares for single-stock leveraged ETFs has slowed, and trading turnover has noticeably decreased." Starting from this day, financial authorities have raised the basic deposit for single-stock leveraged products from 10 million won to 30 million won. The basic deposit is recognized only in cash, and cash obtained from selling substitute securities will be acknowledged as a deposit starting from the T+2 day when it is actually deposited. This measure aims to prevent repetitive trading on the same day. There remains a possibility of further regulatory tightening, including additional increases in the deposit requirement. Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-kyung stated during a report to the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on July 29, "The 30 million won deposit requirement will take effect on July 31, and we will consider raising it further if necessary based on market conditions." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 17:12:00