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Hanwha Aerospace Secures 15% Stake in KAI, No Plans for Additional Purchases Hanwha Aerospace announced during its second-quarter earnings conference call on July 31 that it has secured approximately a 15% stake in Hanwha Systems and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The investment aims to establish a collaborative framework in key defense and aerospace sectors.Regarding the possibility of acquiring additional shares, the company stated, "There are no ongoing discussions with other shareholders, such as the Export-Import Bank, on this matter," adding, "No additional share purchases have been confirmed to date."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:36:00 -
KOSPI Surges Over 17% Amid Strong Foreign Buying and Semiconductor Stocks Rally The KOSPI index has surged over 17% during trading, buoyed by strong earnings from major U.S. tech companies and a recovery in semiconductor investment sentiment. With foreign buying exceeding 9 trillion won, the market has seen a concentrated buying spree in semiconductor stocks, prompting a bullish trend in both the main and KOSDAQ markets after a buying sidecar was activated.As of 2:22 PM on July 31, the KOSPI was trading at 6,550.71, up 957.15 points (17.11%) from the previous trading day. At its peak, the index rose by 960.78 points (17.18%) to reach 6,554.34. The KOSDAQ index also recorded a gain of 73.11 points (11.34%), reaching 717.89.In the main market, foreign and institutional investors made net purchases of 9.1754 trillion won and 535.1 billion won, respectively, driving the index higher. In contrast, individual investors sold a net 9.8613 trillion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 26.33%), SK Hynix (up 29.88%), SK Square (up 29.91%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 29.92%), Hyundai Motor (up 8.97%), LG Energy Solution (up 0.78%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 16.29%), Samsung C&T (up 18.37%), and Kia (up 6.79%) all showed strong gains.In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors made net purchases of 238.2 billion won and 200.1 billion won, while individuals sold a net 440 billion won.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (up 11.09%), EcoPro (up 11.61%), EcoPro BM (up 5.60%), Rainbow Robotics (up 17.16%), JUSUNG Engineering (up 27.57%), Rino Technology (up 15.76%), and Wonik IPS (up 27.65%) mostly experienced upward trends.Jang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, stated, "The strong performance of U.S. big tech has reaffirmed the trend of increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI), and expectations for the end of deleveraging in the global semiconductor sector are spreading, quickly restoring risk appetite. The recent sharp decline has significantly eased valuation pressures, which is also a factor stimulating foreign buying." He added, "In the short term, volatility may arise due to the rapid increase, but the trend of improving investment sentiment, particularly in the AI and semiconductor sectors, is likely to continue."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:32:00
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EcoProBM Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 18 Billion Won, Down 63.2% Year-on-Year EcoProBM announced on July 31 that it recorded a consolidated revenue of 576.7 billion won and an operating profit of 18 billion won for the second quarter of this year. Both revenue and operating profit decreased by 26% and 63.2%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.With the recent increase in AI-related semiconductor production facilities and rising demand for electric bicycles in Southeast Asia, shipments for power applications, including electric tools and bicycles, rose by 28% compared to the previous quarter, driving performance.EcoProBM plans to actively respond to local demand and the expansion of AI-related semiconductor and data center construction in Europe during the second half of the year, utilizing its factory in Hungary to comply with regional regulations.The company aims to enhance its resilience to external market volatility by increasing the domestic production rate of key minerals, such as nickel, through its investment in the BNSI smelter in Indonesia.By investing in nickel intermediate materials, EcoProBM seeks to maximize cost competitiveness for ternary cathode materials, thereby strengthening its order competitiveness and laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.Kim Jang-woo, CEO of EcoProBM, stated, "Despite the temporary slowdown in demand in the electric vehicle market and ongoing uncertainties in the external environment, we have maintained profitability through the expansion of new demand sources, such as AI data centers, and improvements focused on profitability. We will lead the successful mass production at our Hungarian plant and the investment in the Indonesian BNSI smelter to build strong fundamentals that are resilient to market volatility from a long-term perspective."Meanwhile, EcoProBM is currently pursuing a capital increase of 1.2 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:32:00
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SK Hynix Proposes Wage Adjustments Amid Union Opposition SK Hynix and its labor union are at an impasse in their fourth round of negotiations over wages and collective agreements. The company has proposed a plan to pay part of the performance bonuses in stock and to temporarily adjust wages in the event of losses, prompting significant backlash from the union.According to the minutes from the fourth round of negotiations released by the SK Hynix union, the company presented a revised wage structure that includes changes to the performance bonus payment method and the possibility of wage adjustments during periods of deficit. The two sides have held four intensive negotiations over the past two weeks but have failed to narrow their differences.The union stated, "The company has maintained its proposal to pay more than half of the performance bonuses in stock, with restrictions on selling for a certain period. Additionally, they continue to insist on the ability to temporarily adjust wages in the event of losses."The union argues that this proposal undermines the spirit of last year's agreement regarding performance bonuses and that it is unacceptable for members to bear the risks associated with stock price fluctuations.SK Hynix is experiencing record performance, having reported nearly 100 trillion won in operating profit in the first half of the year. Analysts predict that the company's annual operating profit could reach around 250 trillion won.In last year's negotiations, the two sides agreed to eliminate the cap on excess profit distribution, which was set at 10% of operating profit, and to maintain this agreement for ten years. Based on this agreement, the estimated average distribution for each of the approximately 35,000 employees this year is projected to be around 70 million won (pre-tax). Eighty percent of the performance bonus will be paid in cash, with the remaining 20% deferred over two years.Conversely, the company is concerned about the volatility of the memory semiconductor market. In 2023, SK Hynix recorded an operating loss of 7.7 trillion won during a downturn in the semiconductor industry, suggesting that the company's proposal is a precautionary measure against future business uncertainties.The two sides are scheduled to continue their fifth round of negotiations on August 4, but with significant disagreements remaining over the performance bonus payment method and wage adjustments during losses, further challenges are anticipated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:28:00
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Hanwha Aerospace: Daejeon Incident's Impact on Q2 Results Limited Hanwha Aerospace stated during its second-quarter earnings conference call on July 31 that the Daejeon incident had a limited impact on its Q2 results, although some revenue was deferred due to the suspension of operations. The company emphasized its commitment to normalization efforts.Additionally, the company expressed that it is taking the incident very seriously and has established a Safety Culture Innovation Committee to systematically review and improve safety measures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:28:00
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Jangsu County Launches Self-Check Window for Acquisition Tax Reductions Jangsu County in North Jeolla Province announced on July 31 that it will operate a 'self-check window for acquisition tax reductions' at the county office to help taxpayers avoid missing out on potential benefits during the acquisition tax reporting process.The acquisition tax reduction program covers various areas, including first-time home purchases and support for childbirth and child-rearing. However, the complexity of related laws and the variety of reduction types often leave taxpayers unaware of their eligibility for these benefits.To address this, the county will provide a self-check window during the acquisition tax reporting phase, along with informational materials and a self-check list to prevent taxpayers from overlooking available reductions.The self-check list is divided into categories for real estate acquisition reductions and vehicle acquisition reductions, allowing taxpayers to easily verify their eligibility by checking each item.If a taxpayer qualifies for a reduction based on the checklist, a county official will review the relevant laws and required documents to provide detailed guidance on the actual application of the reduction and necessary procedures.However, the self-check list is intended as a reference tool for preliminary verification of eligibility, and the final determination of reductions will be made after reviewing related laws, such as the 'Local Tax Special Cases Restriction Act,' and submitted documents.County Mayor Choi Hoon-sik stated, "We established this service to ensure that taxpayers who qualify for acquisition tax reductions do not miss out on benefits due to a lack of awareness of the relevant systems. We will continue to expand taxpayer-centered tax services from the perspective of our residents."The acquisition tax is a local tax imposed on individuals acquiring taxable items such as real estate, vehicles, and machinery.Completion of Water and Sewage Pipeline Maintenance Project in Cheoncheon Josin District...57 Households to Receive Water SupplyJangsu County announced on July 31 that it has completed the 'Cheoncheon Josin District Water and Sewage Pipeline Maintenance Project' and will begin supplying water to a total of 57 households, including 44 households in Josin Village and 13 households in Sinchon Village, starting August 3.This project was initiated to improve the water supply environment for local residents who have experienced difficulties in accessing water, enhance water and sewage infrastructure, and create a pleasant and stable living environment.A total of 2.5 billion won was invested in this project, which began in 2023 and involved the installation of 5.5 kilometers of water pipelines and 2.9 kilometers of sewage pipelines in the Cheoncheon area, as well as the establishment of one pumping station.Most importantly, the installation of the pumping station and the expansion of water pipelines will provide residents of Josin and Sinchon villages with a stable water pressure and a continuous supply of clean drinking water.According to the National Water Resources Management Comprehensive Information System, there are 18 pumping stations within Jangsu County.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:20:10
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Hanwha Aerospace to Deliver K9 Howitzers and Chunmoo Rockets to Poland Hanwha Aerospace announced during its second-quarter earnings conference call on July 31 that it plans to deliver 30 K9 self-propelled howitzers and over 40 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland this year. The company expressed optimism about maintaining strong performance, noting that it will also supply Chunmoo systems to Egypt and Australia in the second half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:20:00
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LG Chem Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 599.6 Billion Won, Up 25.8% Year-on-Year LG Chem announced on July 31 that it recorded a consolidated revenue of 14.1759 trillion won and an operating profit of 599.6 billion won for the second quarter of this year. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 19.0%, and operating profit rose by 25.8%, marking a return to profitability compared to the previous quarter.The petrochemicals division reported revenue of 5.3289 trillion won and an operating profit of 426.5 billion won. Despite a decrease in sales volume due to the shutdown of the No. 2 naphtha cracking center in Yeosu, profitability improved thanks to positive inventory lag effects from rising raw material costs and expanded spreads (refining margins). The third quarter is expected to face ongoing management uncertainties due to negative lag effects from declining raw material prices and rising logistics costs.In the advanced materials division, revenue reached 999 billion won, with an operating profit of 19.9 billion won. Increased sales in battery materials due to rising prices of cathode materials and expanded shipments of separators contributed to the revenue growth, and the division returned to profitability. The third quarter is anticipated to see further growth in battery materials sales, driven by new product launches from clients and strong performance in high-value products.The life sciences division reported revenue of 369 billion won and an operating profit of 60 billion won. Increased export shipments compared to the previous quarter led to higher revenue and profitability. However, sales in the third quarter are expected to decline slightly as some product exports, including vaccines, are anticipated to concentrate in the fourth quarter, along with a projected decrease in profitability due to rising R&D costs.Subsidiary Energy Solutions recorded revenue of 7.5602 trillion won and an operating profit of 113.3 billion won, while subsidiary Farm Hanong reported revenue of 274.1 billion won and an operating profit of 25.4 billion won.Cha Dong-seok, CFO of LG Chem, stated, "Despite the heightened volatility in raw material prices, we achieved solid results driven by improved spreads for key products in the petrochemicals division due to positive inventory lag effects, as well as expanded sales of key products in the advanced materials and life sciences divisions. We will continue to push for high-value transitions in our existing businesses and foster future growth sectors such as semiconductors and mobility materials to establish a stable profit generation foundation."Additionally, LG Chem announced last month that it would utilize government subsidies for naphtha to support small and medium-sized customers and strengthen cooperative relationships.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:20:00
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SK Group's Chey Tae-won Gains Over $10 Million in Value from SK Hynix Stock Purchase Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, realized a valuation gain of over 14 billion won (approximately $10.7 million) just one day after purchasing shares of SK Hynix.According to the Korea Exchange on July 31, SK Hynix's stock price surged by 29.95% to reach the upper limit of 1,718,000 won.On the previous day, Chey disclosed that he acquired 3,620 common shares through on-market purchases. Based on the previous closing price of 1,322,000 won per share, the total purchase amounted to 4,785,564,000 won.As of the closing price on July 31, the estimated value of Chey's SK Hynix shares increased to 6,219,916,000 won. This represents a valuation gain of 14,335,200 won in just one day compared to the previous closing price.The per-share valuation gain stands at 396,000 won, reflecting an approximate return of 30%. However, the actual valuation gain may vary based on Chey's exact purchase price per share and transaction costs.Chey's stock purchase is seen as a demonstration of confidence in SK Hynix's artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor business and a commitment to responsible management. 2026-07-31 14:20:00
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Doosan Shares Surge 28% on SK Siltron Acquisition Hopes and Strong Electronics Performance Doosan's shares have surged, driven by expectations of acquiring SK Siltron and strong performance in its electronics division.As of 2:09 PM on July 31, Doosan's stock was trading at 1,154,000 won, up 255,000 won (28.33%) from the previous trading day. The company even hit the upper limit early in the session.Investor sentiment was boosted by reports that SK would hold a board meeting to discuss the potential sale of its stake in SK Siltron, a company that produces silicon wafers for semiconductors.Doosan was selected as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of SK Siltron in December 2022 and has been negotiating the purchase price and transaction terms with SK. The sale involves a total of 70.6% of shares, which includes SK's 51% stake and a 19.6% stake from a total return swap (TRS) agreement. However, the board's approval and the finalization of the sales contract have yet to be confirmed.The company's strong second-quarter performance also contributed to the stock price increase. Doosan reported a consolidated revenue of 5.6 trillion won for the second quarter, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, while operating profit rose 38% to 488.4 billion won. Revenue and operating profit from its core business reached record highs of 765.2 billion won and 212.1 billion won, respectively.Notably, the electronics division's revenue grew by 42% year-on-year to 676 billion won, driving the overall performance growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 14:16:10