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  • Actress Kim Min-ha to host this falls Busan film fest
    Actress Kim Min-ha to host this fall's Busan film fest SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - Actress Kim Min-ha will host the opening ceremony of this year's Busan International Film Festival, to be held this fall in the southern port city. Organizers of the annual festival, now in its 31st year, said Friday that the rising actress has been chosen as the sole host of the ceremony. Since making her acting debut in 2016, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Apple TV+'s drama series "Pachinko" in 2022 and has since appeared in various projects, building a solid career across both film and television. She has recently generated buzz on social media for her noticeably slimmer physique, having reportedly lost about 17 kilograms. The festival runs from Oct. 6 to 15. 2026-07-31 08:55:02
  • Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Surge in Pre-Market Trading Amid U.S. Semiconductor Rally
    Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Surge in Pre-Market Trading Amid U.S. Semiconductor Rally Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix experienced significant gains in pre-market trading on July 31.According to NextTrade, as of 8:37 a.m., SK Hynix shares rose by 207,000 won (15.66%) to 1,529,000 won. Samsung Electronics also saw an increase of 27,500 won (13.29%), trading at 234,500 won.The surge in domestic semiconductor stocks follows a rebound in U.S. semiconductor shares, which has improved investor sentiment. Analysts suggest that the recent sharp declines in stock prices have led to a wave of bargain hunting, particularly among heavily sold-off stocks.On July 30, all three major U.S. stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 rose by 121.48 points (1.66%) to close at 7,437.63, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite surged by 679.24 points (2.78%) to finish at 25,122.18. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 613.92 points (1.19%) to end at 52,208.06.Notably, semiconductor stocks saw a remarkable increase, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index soaring by 8.2%. Micron shares jumped 18%, SanDisk surged 26%, and AMD rose by 13%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:52:00
  • U.S. Stocks Surge on Microsoft Earnings and Semiconductor Rally; KOSPI Set for Rebound
    U.S. Stocks Surge on Microsoft Earnings and Semiconductor Rally; KOSPI Set for Rebound The U.S. stock market closed sharply higher, buoyed by strong earnings from Microsoft and a significant rebound in semiconductor stocks. As concerns over a slowdown in the artificial intelligence (AI) investment cycle eased, the South Korean market is expected to attempt a strong rebound, particularly in semiconductor stocks.On July 30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 613.92 points (1.19%) to close at 52,208.06. The S&P 500 gained 121.48 points (1.66%) to finish at 7,437.63, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 679.24 points (2.78%) to end at 25,122.18.The market rally was driven by the strong performance of AI leader Microsoft, which reported earnings that exceeded market expectations, leading to a 15.51% surge in its stock. This positive momentum also lifted semiconductor stocks, with Micron rising 18.36%, SanDisk up 25.99%, AMD increasing by 13.00%, and Intel gaining 11.30%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index saw an 8.19% increase. In contrast, Meta Platforms fell 7.95% due to concerns over profitability amid increased capital expenditures this year.The South Korean stock market is also expected to start strong, led by semiconductor stocks.As of 8:32 a.m., pre-market trading on NextTrade showed Samsung Electronics up 14.25% and SK Hynix rising 17.10%. Other major stocks, including SK Square (16.40%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (16.15%), Samsung Life Insurance (10.80%), Samsung C&T (9.69%), Hyundai Motor (5.70%), LG Energy Solution (3.44%), and KB Financial (1.49%), also showed strong gains.Analysts believe that as concerns over the slowdown in the AI investment cycle and semiconductor de-leveraging ease, the South Korean market is likely to attempt a technical rebound.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The earnings reports from Microsoft and Meta have significantly alleviated concerns about profitability in the AI sector. Coupled with expectations that large hedge funds will end their de-leveraging, U.S. semiconductor stocks have rebounded sharply. The South Korean market is also expected to attempt a rebound, supported by expectations of easing semiconductor de-leveraging and strong performance in KOSPI 200 night futures."He added, "During the recent sharp decline, the market influence of single-stock leveraged products has diminished significantly. The visibility of semiconductor performance is improving through Samsung Electronics' conference call and the capital expenditure expansion trend among global big tech companies. Considering the potential for the end of semiconductor de-leveraging and the perception of excessive declines, the market is transitioning to a phase where upward factors are dominant."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:48:00
  • SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Makes Major Purchase of SK Hynix Shares
    SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Makes Major Purchase of SK Hynix Shares 최태원 SK그룹 회장이 처음으로 SK하이닉스 주식을 직접 매입했다. According to industry sources, Chey purchased 3.62 trillion won worth of SK Hynix shares, equivalent to 4.8 billion won, on July 30. Under the insider trading pre-disclosure system, executives or major shareholders of listed companies must disclose their trading plans 30 days in advance if they intend to buy or sell shares that exceed 1% of the total issued shares or 5 billion won in transaction value over the past six months and the upcoming trading period. The obligation to disclose is waived if the transaction volume is less than 1% of the total issued shares and the transaction value is below 5 billion won. This requirement to aggregate transaction amounts over the past six months is intended to prevent so-called "split trading" to evade disclosure obligations. As a result, the amount Chey can purchase without prior disclosure in the next six months is limited to 5 billion won, excluding the current purchase. To buy more than this amount, he would need to disclose a trading plan if the cumulative transaction value exceeds 5 billion won, and the actual purchase would be possible at least 30 days after the disclosure. This transaction represents the maximum scope that can be executed without separate prior disclosure under the current pre-disclosure system. It is seen as a prompt way to convey his commitment to responsible management while adhering to existing procedures. Chey reportedly decided to make this stock purchase based on his belief in the value of the semiconductor business and his assessment that SK Hynix's stock price is currently undervalued. According to disclosures, SK Square is currently the largest shareholder of SK Hynix, holding a 20% stake. Besides Chey’s 3,620 shares, Kwak Noh-jung, CEO of Hynix, owns 14,312 shares, and Cha Sun-yong, head of the Future Technology Research Institute, holds 6,834 shares.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:48:00
  • Koreas June factory output hits 6-year high, chip lifts domestic front
    Korea's June factory output hits 6-year high, chip lifts domestic front SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - South Korea's factory output soared to a six-year high in June as robust automobile demand complemented chip activity, lifting the broader domestic economy. Mining and manufacturing output climbed 5.8 percent from May and 6.4 percent from a year earlier, the strongest monthly performance since June 2020, according to data released Friday by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The rebound followed a revised 2.9 percent decline in May. Automobile production surged 15.4 percent from the previous month and 12.6 percent from a year earlier, returning to double-digit annual growth after contracting for two consecutive months. Semiconductor production rose 4.5 percent from May and 2.2 percent from a year earlier. While the monthly gain accelerated from May's 1.5 percent increase, annual growth remained far below April's 13.3 percent pace, suggesting chip output is stabilizing after an exceptionally strong run. Reflecting the broader recovery, overall industrial production excluding agriculture, forestry and fisheries increased 2.3 percent from the previous month and 4.2 percent from a year earlier. Domestic demand also showed signs of strengthening. Retail sales rose 2.7 percent from May, marking the strongest increase in five months as household spending improved despite persistent inflation. Facility investment climbed 5.8 percent from the previous month, the fastest increase in four months, and jumped 21.7 percent from a year earlier as semiconductor makers continued expanding production capacity. Construction completed, a gauge of current building activity, also increased 4.1 percent from May. Despite the strong June rebound, manufacturing output grew about 2.0 percent in the April-June quarter from the previous three months, easing from 2.7 percent growth in the first quarter, indicating that industrial momentum moderated on a quarterly basis even as June capped the period on a strong note. Retail sales increased to a five-month high of 2.7 percent amid income increase despite inflationary pressure. Facility investment rose to a four-month high of 5.8 percent and jumped 21.7 percent on year amid active chip expansion. Construction completed gained 4.1 percent from the previous month. The manufacturing output April-June period slowed to on-quarter 2-percent growth, slowing from 2.7 percent in the previous three-month period. 2026-07-31 08:46:18
  • Samsung Expands Supply of Home EHS Heat Pump Boilers to Target High-Efficiency Heating Market
    Samsung Expands Supply of Home EHS Heat Pump Boilers to Target High-Efficiency Heating Market Samsung Electronics is intensifying its efforts in the high-efficiency heating solutions market by installing home EHS heat pump boilers in single-family homes in Jeju Island.On June 25, Samsung installed an EHS heat pump boiler in a home in the Aewol area of Jeju, and on June 30, the company held a ceremony to announce the expansion of its supply at the same residence.The EHS heat pump boiler is an integrated solution that absorbs heat from the outside air and amplifies it using electricity for indoor heating and domestic hot water. Unlike traditional boilers that directly burn fuel, this system utilizes ambient air heat to produce more thermal energy than the electricity consumed.The product's Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) recorded 4.9 under conditions of 35 degrees Celsius, typically used for underfloor heating. This indicates that it can generate nearly five times the heating energy compared to its power consumption. Even under conditions requiring higher hot water temperatures of 55 degrees Celsius, it maintains an SCOP of 3.78.The SCOP is calculated by dividing the total annual heating energy by the power consumption, with higher values indicating greater heating efficiency. Actual efficiency may vary based on external temperatures, installation environments, and usage methods.The system is designed to provide stable heating performance even in low winter temperatures. It employs high-efficiency refrigerant compression technology, allowing it to supply hot water at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius, even when external temperatures drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius.To prevent pipe freezing and outdoor unit icing, the system has been enhanced with features such as an electric heater and anti-freezing valve inside the outdoor unit, as well as a separate heater at the bottom of the product to facilitate smooth drainage. These measures aim to reduce the risk of heating interruptions and product failures due to winter icing.Customers can operate key functions through a touch display on the heat pump's exterior. By using Samsung's SmartThings app, they can monitor indoor and outlet temperatures and control the product remotely.Samsung expects that the home heat pump boiler will meet the dual demands of reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs. As the transition to eco-friendly electricity generation expands, the carbon reduction effects are expected to increase compared to traditional boilers that directly use fossil fuels.The first customer to install the product, Park Jong-yeon, expressed optimism, stating, "I expect to see cost savings when I start using heating this coming winter. I believe it will also provide convenient hot water access."In line with the growing trend of electrification in heating, Samsung is continuously enhancing the competitiveness of its heat pump-based heating solutions based on differentiated technology.Kim Yong-hoon, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, "The EHS heat pump boiler is a solution with high heating efficiency and stable high-temperature water supply performance. We aim to provide customers with a convenient and efficient experience based on proven technology in real living environments and contribute to the expansion of the high-efficiency heating market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 08:44:00
  • 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