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  • Korea Investment Securities Raises Samsung Electronics Target Price to 650,000 Won
    Korea Investment Securities Raises Samsung Electronics Target Price to 650,000 Won Korea Investment Securities announced on July 31 that it has raised its target price for Samsung Electronics from 590,000 won to 650,000 won, reflecting structural changes in the memory business and the company's shareholder return policy. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Chae Min-sook, a researcher at Korea Investment Securities, stated, "While it is difficult to predict when market concerns will ease, the current valuation does not fully reflect the strong performance, cash generation ability, and clear shareholder return policy of the company. It is essential to focus on the long-term corporate value rather than short-term market sentiment."Korea Investment Securities has adjusted its operating profit forecasts for Samsung Electronics upward by 3% and 7% for 2026 and 2027, respectively, considering the expansion of multi-year supply contracts and the potential rise in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) prices in 2027. The company is expected to enhance its market share and profitability based on its production capacity advantage in the general DRAM and NAND flash markets while strengthening its technological competitiveness centered on HBM4. The firm also highlighted the attractiveness of Samsung's policy to return 50% of the free cash flow generated from record-high performance to shareholders.In the second quarter, Samsung Electronics reported sales of 171.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.5 trillion won, marking increases of 130% and 1,814%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The operating profit exceeded market consensus by 5.5%. The semiconductor division accounted for 99.7% of the total operating profit, with operating profit reaching 89.2 trillion won. The average selling prices (ASP) of DRAM and NAND flash increased by mid-40% and high-60%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter, and the foundry business is estimated to have turned profitable, excluding employee performance-related provisions.The shift in the memory business structure towards long-term supply contracts was also viewed positively. Samsung Electronics has signed multi-year contracts of at least five years with five major global hyperscalers and is reportedly in the final stages of contract negotiations with five large AI-related clients.Chae noted, "Multi-year contracts enhance the stability and visibility of the memory business while enabling investment execution based on customer demand, reducing the likelihood of oversupply as seen in the past. The company will focus on balancing production proportions of HBM and general DRAM while prioritizing long-term supply stability and strengthening partnerships with customers over short-term profitability."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:40:20
  • President Yoon Proposes Expanding LS-Codelco Partnership to Advanced Manufacturing and Defense
    President Yoon Proposes Expanding LS-Codelco Partnership to Advanced Manufacturing and Defense President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 30, local time, presented the joint venture between South Korea's LS Group and Chile's state-owned Codelco as a successful model for cooperation in critical minerals, suggesting its expansion into advanced manufacturing and defense industries.Speaking at the Korea-Chile Business Roundtable held at a hotel in Santiago, Yoon expressed hope that "the joint venture model between LS and Codelco can be further expanded in the future." He emphasized that by joining forces, the two countries could create remarkable synergies across various sectors, including securing critical minerals and building value chains.The event was hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chilean Industrial Association co-organizing. About 30 participants, including executives from 22 major companies in minerals, energy, defense, digital, and distribution sectors, attended.Notable attendees from South Korea included Lee Woo-hyun, Chairman of OCI Holdings; Jang In-hwa, Chairman of POSCO Holdings; Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Group; Choi Yoon-bum, Chairman of Korea Zinc; Ryu Jae-cheol, President of LG Electronics; Jung In-seob, President of Hanwha Ocean; Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver; Jang Jae-hoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor; and Lee Dong-hoon, CEO of SK Biopharm.From Chile, Rosario Navarro, President of the Chilean Industrial Association, and Susana Jiménez, President of the Chilean Production and Commerce Confederation, were among the executives present, along with leaders from mining companies AMSA and Molymet, steel company CAP, and pulp and timber companies CMPC and Arauco.Yoon noted that the global economy is undergoing a significant transformation marked by supply chain restructuring and technological competition, urging Korea and Chile to create new growth opportunities based on their complementary industrial structures."Chile is a leading producer of lithium and copper, serving as a key supply base for the global green industry," Yoon said, adding that "Korea possesses world-class competitiveness in advanced manufacturing sectors such as batteries, advanced materials, automobiles, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI)." He stated that Chile, rich in critical minerals, and Korea, a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, are optimal partners for collaboration, especially in the face of a rapidly changing global economic order.According to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, business leaders discussed specific cooperation plans focused on three areas: critical minerals, advanced industries and digital technology, and green energy and trade expansion.The LS-Codelco partnership, cited by Yoon as a successful example, operates a precious metal recovery plant in Mejillones, Chile, established as a joint venture where LS MnM holds a 66% stake and Codelco holds 34%. Completed in 2017, the plant processes anode slime, a byproduct of Codelco's copper refining process, to recover high-value metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. This collaboration is recognized as a prime example of enhancing local value by combining Chilean raw materials with Korean refining technology.LS plans to expand its cooperation with Chile, anticipating increased copper demand due to the expansion of AI data centers and investments in power grids. The company aims to explore joint ventures across the entire supply chain, moving beyond simple mineral imports to include refining and material production.In the defense and shipbuilding sectors, Hanwha Group proposed a collaboration model that positions Chile as a hub for entering the Latin American market. Hanwha suggested joint design and production for Chile's navy submarine and frigate projects, as well as cooperation extending to third-country exports. The two nations' leaders previously welcomed the signing of a contract for the export of Korean military vehicles to Chile and agreed to establish a long-term cooperation foundation in defense and shipbuilding.In the digital sector, Naver proposed building a 'full-stack AI ecosystem' between the two countries, connecting infrastructure such as AI semiconductors and data centers with platforms, large language models (LLMs), and application services.Naver explained that it could combine Chile's experience in developing LLMs based on its native language with Korea's AI technology. The company also highlighted sustainable AI ecosystems, including eco-friendly data centers utilizing Chile's abundant renewable energy.In the green energy sector, OCI Holdings expressed its intention to expand cooperation with Chile based on its experience in solar core materials, generation, and energy storage systems (ESS). The plan includes discovering new investment projects by linking Chile's abundant sunlight and renewable energy resources with Korean companies' technologies.In consumer goods, discussions were held on how small and medium-sized enterprises can enter local distribution networks. The food export company Hosanmulsan announced plans to expand the sales network for Korean food products in collaboration with major local retailers in Chile.The trading company CICD proposed utilizing major drugstores in Chile to supply Korean cosmetics, aiming to use this as a foothold for entering the Latin American market. This initiative seeks to broaden the scope of economic cooperation between the two countries from minerals and manufacturing to consumer goods and culturally linked products.Patricio Torres, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, noted that as of 2025, Korea ranks as Chile's sixth-largest trading partner globally and third-largest in Asia. He pointed out that while trade between the two countries has increased by an average of 6.1% annually since 2020, there remains significant room for additional cooperation in investment, innovation, and supply chains.The Chilean government plans to send a large-scale public-private economic delegation to Korea in September, involving businesses, economic organizations, and relevant agencies. The delegation aims to discover new projects in trade, investment, technological innovation, new industries, and supply chains, continuing the momentum for cooperation established during the recent summit and roundtable.Rosario Navarro emphasized that cooperation between the two countries should not remain limited to Chile providing resources and Korea supplying technology, stating, "Both countries must become partners in creating new value together."Navarro urged the successful completion of negotiations to modernize the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA), reflecting aspects such as the digital economy, trade facilitation, environment, intellectual property rights, and access to agricultural markets. The two countries agreed to reactivate the FTA Free Trade Committee for the first time in ten years during the summit.Lee Woo-hyun, Chairman of OCI Holdings and head of the Korea-Chile Private Economic Cooperation Committee, remarked, "The two countries share a special relationship as each other's first FTA partner," expressing hope that this meeting would lead to new investments, business opportunities, and a lasting partnership.In closing remarks, President Yoon stated, "We have confirmed that the economic cooperation between our two countries, which began with the FTA, is expanding into minerals and advanced future industries." He added that solidarity among nations sharing common values is becoming increasingly important in overcoming uncertainties in the global economy.Yoon expressed hope that the cooperation ideas shared by business leaders would lead to concrete and tangible results that citizens can feel, assuring that both governments would robustly support businesses in their pursuit of new areas of endeavor.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:40:00
  • Nationwide Fire Safety Inspections to Cover 190,000 Factories and Warehouses
    Nationwide Fire Safety Inspections to Cover 190,000 Factories and Warehouses The government will conduct comprehensive inspections of 190,000 factories and warehouses identified as having potential fire hazards by the end of next year. This decision follows a major fire at a Coupang logistics center in Incheon earlier this month and a tragic incident at an auto parts factory in Daejeon in March, prompting a thorough review of structural vulnerabilities and safety management practices.On July 31, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ku Yun-cheol chaired a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters, where a joint plan titled 'Measures to Strengthen Fire Safety in Factories' was announced.The inspections will focus on factories and warehouses with a total floor area of over 500 square meters. Facilities storing hazardous materials and those with a risk of industrial accidents will also be included, even if they are smaller than this threshold.Based on the results of a pilot inspection conducted from June 17 to June 22 on 112 facilities, the government plans to finalize the details of the comprehensive inspections next month.The first phase of inspections will begin in September and run through December, targeting approximately 40,000 high-risk factories and warehouses that handle hazardous materials. In the first half of next year, another 40,000 facilities at risk of industrial accidents will be inspected, followed by the remaining 110,000+ facilities in the second half of the year.Inspections will assess fire vulnerabilities and legal compliance across various sectors, including construction, fire safety, industrial safety, electrical safety, and chemical safety. Any violations, such as illegal expansions or inadequate fire safety measures, will require immediate remediation, and the findings will be compiled into a database.A representative from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, “We have determined how many inspections can be conducted daily and how often we can carry them out weekly based on the pilot inspections of 112 facilities. With the involvement of relevant agencies, local governments, private experts, and youth workers, we will ensure thorough execution by the end of next year.”Currently, fire safety inspections by the fire authorities are conducted on only 5% to 10% of the approximately 2.6 million facilities each year. This year, the inspection rate is about 7%, but the new measures will ensure comprehensive inspections of factories and warehouses based on their risk levels.Fire safety standards will also be strengthened. The exterior material standards for hazardous facilities will be raised from non-combustible to fire-resistant, and the installation of intelligent fire detectors will be mandatory. Factories with a total floor area of over 5,000 square meters will be required to install sprinklers on all floors.However, the enhanced fire resistance and safety standards will not be retroactively applied to existing factories and warehouses; they will only apply to new facilities receiving permits. Existing large facilities, like the Coupang logistics center, will be encouraged to improve their infrastructure through comprehensive inspections and financial support.Starting in 2027 and continuing through 2031, the government will introduce a 200 billion won subsidy program to support the purchase of fire and explosion prevention equipment and the installation and replacement of fire safety facilities. During the same period, a 12.5 trillion won 'Fire Zero Safety Investment Loan Program' will be available for small and medium-sized enterprises.Small businesses will receive long-term, low-interest loans totaling 250 billion won. For medium-sized enterprises borrowing safety investment funds from commercial banks, the government will subsidize interest rates by 2.0 percentage points on loans up to 2 billion won.A total of 30 trillion won in policy financing will be provided, including 15 trillion won from the Industrial Bank, 10 trillion won from the Korea Development Bank, and 5 trillion won from the Credit Guarantee Fund. Investments in fire prevention equipment will receive preferential interest rates and guarantee fees, and factories that install new fire safety devices will be eligible for premium refunds on their insurance contracts.Advanced safety technologies utilizing AI and robotics will be designated as new growth and core technologies, expanding investment tax credits. For safety equipment in small businesses, the standard useful life will be reduced by 50% for accelerated depreciation, and large companies supporting the improvement of fire prevention facilities for their partners will receive a 10% corporate tax deduction on their contributions.The reward for excellent reports to the Safety Reporting Center will increase from the current 200,000 to 1 million won, with a maximum of 2 million won. Plans are also underway to provide up to 30% of fines and penalties collected from internal whistleblowers as rewards, with general citizens eligible for rewards of up to 500 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:36:10
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Series Pre-Sales: Over Half of Buyers in Their 20s and 30s
    Samsung Galaxy Z Series Pre-Sales: Over Half of Buyers in Their 20s and 30s 삼성전자의 신형 폴더블폰 '갤럭시 Z 폴드8 울트라·폴드8·플립8' 사전판매가 다음 달 3일 종료를 앞두고 막바지 흥행에 속도를 내고 있다. 삼성닷컴 사전 예약 고객 가운데 10~30대 비중이 절반을 넘어서면서 젊은 층을 중심으로 폴더블폰 수요가 확대되는 모습이다. 삼성전자는 지난 28일부터 삼성닷컴에서 '갤럭시 Z 폴드8 울트라·폴드8·플립8'을 사전 예약한 고객 중 1030 비중이 50%를 넘었다고 31일 밝혔다. 젊은 고객이 가장 많이 선택한 제품은 '갤럭시 Z 폴드8'이었다. 접었을 때는 여권 크기에 가까운 휴대성을 갖추면서 펼치면 태블릿 수준의 대화면을 제공해 숏폼과 웹툰, 게임 등 콘텐츠 소비가 많은 젊은 층의 관심을 끈 것으로 풀이된다. 색상별로는 폴드8의 크림 색상 선호도가 가장 높았다. 삼성닷컴 전용 색상인 피스타치오와 대표 색상인 라벤더도 인기를 얻었다. 대화면과 멀티태스킹 기능을 강화한 폴드8 울트라는 그라파이트와 삼성닷컴 전용 색상인 그린 쉐도우의 선택 비중이 높았다. 콤팩트한 크기와 디자인을 앞세운 플립8에서는 삼성닷컴 전용 색상인 민트와 크림, 핑크의 선호도가 높게 나타났다. 삼성전자는 폼팩터와 색상 선택지를 다양화해 기능뿐 아니라 개성과 디자인을 중시하는 젊은 고객층을 공략하고 있다. 사전 예약 혜택도 흥행 요인으로 꼽힌다. 삼성전자는 사전판매 기간 256기가바이트(GB) 모델을 구매한 고객에게 512GB 모델로 저장 용량을 무상 업그레이드하는 '더블 스토리지' 혜택을 제공한다. 가격 기준으로 25만3000원 상당이다. 폴드8 울트라와 폴드8 512GB 모델을 사전 구매하면 31만700원을 추가 결제해 1테라바이트(TB) 모델을 받을 수 있다. 통상 512GB와 1TB 모델의 가격 차액 가운데 절반가량만 부담하도록 해 고용량 제품을 선호하는 고객의 구매 부담을 낮췄다. 사진과 동영상 촬영, 게임과 영상 콘텐츠 이용이 많은 젊은 층에게 저장 용량은 주요 구매 기준으로 꼽힌다. 삼성전자는 대용량 저장공간을 강조한 사전 혜택을 통해 10~30대 수요를 적극적으로 끌어들이고 있다. 애플 iOS 기기와의 호환성을 강화한 점도 젊은 고객 유입에 영향을 미친 것으로 분석된다. iOS 사용자는 별도의 앱 설치 없이 QR 코드를 활용해 기존 데이터를 갤럭시 스마트폰으로 무선 전송할 수 있는 '스마트 스위치'를 사용할 수 있다. 갤럭시와 iOS 기기 간 파일 공유 편의성을 높인 '퀵 셰어'도 제공한다. 기존 아이폰 이용자가 갤럭시로 기기를 바꿀 때 겪을 수 있는 데이터 이동과 초기 설정의 번거로움을 줄여 운영체제 전환에 대한 부담을 낮춘 것이다. 통합 디지털 지갑 서비스인 삼성 월렛의 기능 확대도 강조하고 있다. 삼성 월렛은 최근 업데이트를 통해 아멕스 카드 해외 결제와 밀리패스, 여행 관련 서비스 등을 지원하고 있다. 결제와 신분 확인, 여행 서비스를 하나의 앱에서 이용할 수 있도록 기능을 확장했다. 삼성전자는 더블 스토리지 외에도 다양한 사전 예약 혜택을 제공한다. 구글 AI 프로 6개월 구독권과 윌라 3개월 구독권, 갤럭시 스토어 게임 테마 11종을 지원한다. 갤럭시 워치 울트라2와 갤럭시 워치9에 적용할 수 있는 10% 할인 쿠폰과 케이스 등 액세서리 30% 할인 쿠폰도 포함했다. 신제품을 대상으로 'New 갤럭시 AI 구독클럽'도 운영한다. 기기를 반납할 경우 최대 50%의 잔존가를 보상하고 삼성케어플러스와 액세서리 패키지 할인 혜택 등을 제공한다. 10~20대 고객을 겨냥한 '플립 유스 구독'도 새로 도입했다. 삼성전자는 이번 사전판매를 통해 젊은 층의 폴더블폰 수요를 확인했다는 입장이다. 기존 폴더블폰이 프리미엄 제품 위주로 인식됐다면 폴드8과 플립8에서는 휴대성과 콘텐츠 몰입도, 디자인, 기기 간 연결성을 강화해 사용자층을 넓히고 있다는 설명이다. 삼성전자 관계자는 "사전판매 초반부터 10~30대 고객이 빠르게 반응하면서 새로운 폼팩터가 제공하는 몰입감과 모바일 경험에 대한 기대를 확인했다"며 "더블 스토리지를 포함한 사전 혜택이 다음 달 3일 종료되는 만큼 구매를 고려하는 고객은 기간 안에 구매하는 것이 유리하다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:36:00
  • Eugene Investment & Securities Raises SK Innovation Target Price Amid Strong Q2 Results
    Eugene Investment & Securities Raises SK Innovation Target Price Amid Strong Q2 Results Eugene Investment & Securities raised its target price for SK Innovation from 160,000 won to 171,000 won on July 31, citing strong second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Analyst Hwang Seong-hyun noted, "The second-quarter operating profit recorded a significant earnings surprise, surpassing our estimates. While one-time factors will inevitably lead to a decline in future profits, the reduction in fixed costs following the termination of the Blue Oval SK (BOSK) joint venture and the continued strength in lubricant market conditions have set the stage for sustained strong performance."He added, "Second-quarter revenue reached 29.2 trillion won, with operating profit at 3.5 trillion won, driven by improvements across SK On, SK Enmove, SK Trading International, and SK Incheon Petrochemical. However, net profit was weaker due to non-operating losses related to SK On and SKIET, as well as impairment losses at SKIET."Hwang also highlighted that the lubricant business benefited from supply disruptions among competitors in the Middle East, leading to increased margins for high-quality base oils, which contributed to the overall strong performance. He stated, "With the largest global production capacity for Group-III base oils, SK Innovation achieved differentiated results even amid supply disruptions, and the impact of the shutdown of Russian refining facilities suggests that favorable market conditions may persist for an extended period."Regarding the battery sector, Hwang remarked, "SK On returned to profitability for the first time in seven quarters, thanks to increased sales volume, customer compensation, and a rise in AMPC. The transition of the Tennessee plant to a wholly-owned subsidiary of SK On following the end of the BOSK joint venture will allow for cost reductions and a more agile response to local demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS)."Looking ahead, he predicted, "In the third quarter, a lagging effect from raw material input and a base effect from compensation are expected to lead to a decline in profits compared to the previous quarter. However, the entry of SK E&S into its peak season and the continued strength in the lubricant market will help maintain a differentiated performance trend."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:36:00
  • Shin Young Securities: Posco Internationals Energy and Palm Business Growth Accelerates
    Shin Young Securities: Posco International's Energy and Palm Business Growth Accelerates Shin Young Securities reported that Posco International is experiencing significant diversification in its business portfolio, particularly in the energy and materials sectors, maintaining a 'buy' rating and a target price of 110,000 won.Analyst Shin Hong-joo noted that Posco International achieved its highest-ever quarterly performance in the second quarter and is expected to continue stable growth in the second half, driven by its palm business in Indonesia and the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations.Shin stated, "Despite increased macroeconomic volatility due to geopolitical risks, the company continues to generate high profits based on its diversified business portfolio. The current stock price does not fully reflect this performance strength."Shin Young Securities analyzed that Posco International's operating profit for the second quarter rose 37% year-on-year to 429 billion won, marking its highest quarterly performance, which is 17% above market expectations.The energy sector's operating profit increased by 52% year-on-year to 226 billion won, while the materials sector's operating profit also rose 32% to 205 billion won during the same period. Shin explained, "The steel sector recorded a loss of about 30 billion won due to the depreciation of the euro against the dollar, but the other divisions performed solidly, offsetting this loss."Shin added that the performance in the energy sector was driven by the exchange rate increase in Myanmar's gas fields, cost recovery effects, and the stabilization of production in Australia’s Senex. He noted that despite the foreign exchange losses in the steel sector, other divisions performed well, and the Indonesian palm business also benefited from the integration of its subsidiary (PT.PAR) and rising international crude palm oil (CPO) prices.Shin Young Securities forecasts that operating profit for the third quarter will increase by 17% year-on-year to 369 billion won. Shin mentioned, "While the cost recovery effects from Myanmar's gas fields are expected to diminish, improvements in power generation business performance are anticipated due to the peak demand season."He also noted that the integration effects of the Indonesian palm business acquired at the end of last year will begin to be reflected this quarter, and the introduction of dedicated LNG vessels and long-term contracts with Cheniere in the U.S. will commence in the second half. He stated, "If the acquisition of upstream assets in the U.S. is completed within the year, it will contribute to the growth of the energy sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:36:00
  • South Korea to Establish $20 Billion Sovereign Wealth Fund for Strategic Investments
    South Korea to Establish $20 Billion Sovereign Wealth Fund for Strategic Investments The South Korean government plans to create a strategic sovereign wealth fund worth 20 trillion won (approximately $15 billion) by utilizing shares from public institutions such as the Korea Development Bank, Export-Import Bank, and Industrial Bank of Korea. The fund aims to invest directly in national strategic industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, robotics, and defense, while also serving as an 'anchor investor' to attract foreign sovereign funds to invest domestically.On July 31, the government announced the 'Korean-style Strategic Sovereign Fund Implementation Plan' during a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters, which also included discussions on economic relations and special management of living costs. The plan includes the establishment of a strategic investment account within the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC), with investments expected to begin next year.While the existing KIC operates as a 'savings-type sovereign fund' that invests overseas based on foreign exchange reserves, the new account will focus on enhancing the competitiveness and potential growth rates of domestic strategic industries. It will maintain a strict separation from the existing account that manages foreign exchange reserves in terms of funding and investment decision-making.Public Institution Shares to Fund Initial CapitalThe initial capital will be sourced from approximately 16 trillion won in public institution shares held by the government, along with about 4 trillion won in shares received in lieu of inheritance and gift taxes. The government plans to contribute these shares to KIC while retaining management rights over the public institutions, using the dividends generated from these shares as investment resources.However, the sovereign fund will not be able to deploy 20 trillion won in cash immediately upon launch. Min Kyung-seol, head of the Ministry of Economy and Finance's Innovation Growth Office, stated, "We are not planning to sell public institution shares right away for investment purposes. We expect the initial cash resources to be around 600 billion won."Shares received in lieu of inheritance and gift taxes may be sold if necessary. The total fund size is set at 20 trillion won plus additional resources, considering the potential increase in the valuation of public institution shares and future government contributions.Long-term Direct Investments to Share Growth BenefitsThe fund will target investments in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, robotics, defense, biotechnology, energy, materials, components, equipment, nuclear power, aerospace, quantum technology, content, software, and security. It will also include investments in critical industrial infrastructure like AI data centers and energy clusters, as well as foreign supply chain companies that complement domestic industry value chains.The fund will focus on direct equity investments rather than loans or guarantees, with no set maturity or liquidation date. If the invested companies experience long-term growth, the fund will retain its equity to share the benefits of increased corporate value with the government and the public. The fund will exercise voting rights based on its equity stake and may engage in corporate management when necessary.Min stated regarding management participation, "We have not yet established specific criteria, but we are fundamentally considering a stewardship code level of involvement. We will develop a detailed system to fulfill the role of a strategic investor."Filling Gaps in Policy Fund Investments and Attracting Foreign CapitalWhile the sovereign fund may overlap with existing policy funds like the National Growth Fund and the Fund of Funds in terms of investment targets, it differs in investment duration and approach. The National Growth Fund has a strong policy focus and combines loans with indirect investments, whereas the strategic sovereign fund emphasizes profitability through direct equity investments and ultra-long-term holdings.The fund will also pursue 'relay investments' by acquiring shares of high-growth companies when existing policy funds reach maturity, aiming to fill the gap left when promising company shares are sold to foreign capital or when policy financing support is halted.Additionally, the fund will facilitate joint investments with foreign sovereign funds and global asset management firms. With growing interest from foreign investors in the government's semiconductor, physical AI, and AI data center mega-projects, KIC aims to participate as a trusted domestic partner to attract follow-up investments.Min noted, "We continue to receive inquiries about domestic investments, including the three mega-projects, and it is essential to emphasize the role of the strategic sovereign fund in joint investments and network building with foreign sovereign funds."Benchmarking Temasek; Target Returns and Financial Reinvestment Criteria to be DeterminedThe operational model will primarily reference Singapore's Temasek. Similar to Temasek, the fund will invest directly in strategic industry companies without establishing a separate institution, utilizing KIC's existing global investment experience and network.Specific target returns have not yet been set. Ko Kwang-hee, director of strategic economic policy at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, stated, "In overseas cases, typical strategic investments yield around 8-10% annually, while alternative investments can achieve double-digit returns. We will establish target returns as detailed investment principles are developed after the fund is operational."The government has decided to limit the assets and operational profits of the strategic investment account to reinvestment, government dividends, and national treasury recovery. However, the specific allocation ratio between reinvestment and financial recovery will be determined later, and the government plans to pursue tax exemption benefits for operational profits.Individual investment decisions will be made independently by the KIC board and its investment committee. The government will only provide broad strategic direction for industry investments through an operational committee and will not interfere in routine investment decisions. The number of private members on the operational committee will be increased from six to nine, and new executives and staff dedicated to the strategic investment account will be hired.The government plans to propose amendments to the Korea Investment Corporation Act next month, aiming for passage in the National Assembly by the end of the year. Following legal amendments, regulatory adjustments, and the establishment of investment and risk management systems, the strategic sovereign fund is expected to be operational by next year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:32:00
  • China Protests U.S. Ban on Robot Imports Amid Trade Tensions
    China Protests U.S. Ban on Robot Imports Amid Trade Tensions China's Vice Premier He Lifeng expressed strong regret during a phone call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen on July 30, following the announcement of a U.S. ban on imports of Chinese-made robots.According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, He and Bessen discussed the progress of recent U.S.-China economic and trade negotiations and addressed key economic issues between the two nations. This call marked the first high-level economic contact since the U.S.-China summit in May.During the conversation, He voiced serious concerns regarding a series of recent economic and trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. He emphasized the need to faithfully implement the consensus reached during the U.S.-China summit and to resolve economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation.He’s remarks were interpreted as a reference to the U.S. ban on imports of Chinese robots.On July 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on the import and sale of advanced mobile robots, including humanoid and quadrupedal robots from China, citing national security concerns. The U.S. government claims that these Chinese robots could be misused for surveillance, information gathering, and remote control.In response, China has strongly opposed the U.S. actions, arguing that the U.S. is undermining normal trade order under the guise of national security. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. measures on July 30 as a "unilateral act that distorts market principles" and called for their withdrawal, warning that China would take countermeasures if necessary. He Lifeng's protest against the U.S. robot import ban follows this statement from the Ministry of Commerce.Meanwhile, Secretary Bessen stated on social media that he emphasized during the discussion with He that he expects Beijing to fully honor its commitments regarding rare earths and U.S. agricultural products.This phone call between the economic leaders of the U.S. and China is seen as an effort to manage economic and trade tensions ahead of a planned U.S.-China summit expected in September. 2026-07-31 08:32:00
  • Kim Min-ha Selected as Sole Host for 31st Busan International Film Festival Opening Ceremony
    Kim Min-ha Selected as Sole Host for 31st Busan International Film Festival Opening Ceremony 배우 김민하가 제31회 부산국제영화제 개막식 단독 사회자로 나선다. 부산국제영화제는 오는 10월 6일부터 15일까지 열리는 제31회 부산국제영화제 개막식 사회자로 김민하를 선정했다고 밝혔다. 김민하는 2016년 데뷔 이후 스크린과 TV를 오가며 필모그래피를 쌓아왔다. 특히 애플TV 시리즈 ‘파친코’에서 젊은 선자 역을 맡아 시대의 격랑 속에서도 강인하게 살아가는 인물을 섬세하게 그려내며 주목받았다. 이 작품으로 김민하는 2022 아시안아메리칸어워즈 TV부문 신인상을 받으며 해외 무대에서도 존재감을 알렸다. 이후 드라마 ‘조명가게’, ‘내가 죽기 일주일 전’, ‘태풍상사’, 영화 ‘하나 코리아’ 등 다양한 작품에 출연하며 활동을 이어왔다. 2025 서울드라마어워즈 국제경쟁부문 여자연기자상, 2025 청룡시리즈어워즈 신인여우상, 2026 대한민국 퍼스트브랜드 대상 여자배우상 라이징스타 부문 등을 수상했다. 부산국제영화제 측은 작품마다 인물의 내면을 깊이 있게 표현해온 김민하의 행보에 주목해 개막식 사회자로 선정했다고 설명했다. 부산국제영화제는 지난해 경쟁부문을 도입한 뒤 올해 새로운 도약을 이어간다. 김민하는 제31회 부산국제영화제의 시작을 알리는 개막식에서 단독 사회를 맡아 국내외 영화인과 관객을 만날 예정이다. 제31회 부산국제영화제는 오는 10월 6일부터 15일까지 영화의전당 일대에서 열린다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:24:00
  • June Industrial Production Rises 2.3% with Triple Increases in Consumption and Investment
    June Industrial Production Rises 2.3% with Triple Increases in Consumption and Investment Last month, industrial production increased by 2.3% compared to the previous month, driven by growth in both mining and service sectors, along with rising retail sales and facility investment, marking a 'triple increase' for the first time in three months.According to the National Data Agency's 'June Industrial Activity Trends' report released on July 31, the overall industrial production index reached 120.1 (2020=100), with mining (6.4%) and services (0.7%) both showing increases, resulting in a 2.3% rise from the previous month.Mining production was bolstered by increases in automobile (15.4%) and semiconductor (4.5%) manufacturing. The service sector saw growth primarily in finance and insurance (2.8%) and transportation and warehousing (2.0%).Retail sales, reflecting consumer sentiment, were also driven by automobiles. Durable goods, including passenger cars, rose by 12.6%, leading to an overall retail sales increase of 2.7% compared to the previous month.Facility investment improved by 5.8% from the previous month, with transportation equipment, particularly precision machinery and automobiles, increasing by 3.4%.Construction performance also saw a 4.1% increase from the previous month, with growth in both non-residential and residential building projects, including semiconductor factories.The coincident composite index, which indicates the current economic trend, rose by 0.5 points from the previous month, while the leading composite index, which forecasts future economic conditions, increased by 0.9 points.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:24:00