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  • National Pension Fund Faces 200 Trillion Won Loss Amid Market Volatility
    National Pension Fund Faces 200 Trillion Won Loss Amid Market Volatility Recent estimates suggest that the National Pension Service's evaluation gains from domestic stocks have sharply declined amid increasing market volatility.On July 30, related industry sources and online communities reported the spread of these estimates.The disclosed data includes projections of the National Pension's evaluation gains based on fluctuations in the KOSPI index, as well as analyses regarding the extension of the pension depletion period. Notably, the data indicates that while the KOSPI reached approximately 314 trillion won in mid-June, when it was around 9,100 points, it has recently dropped to an estimated 95 trillion won due to falling stock prices. This decline translates to a loss exceeding 200 trillion won on paper.The controversy centers on the issues of insufficient 'rebalancing' and 'equity in disclosures.' During market upswings, unrealized gains were promoted as a means to extend the pension depletion period, but critics argue that there has been a lack of official explanations regarding the substantial unrealized losses and declines in evaluation gains during downturns.According to data from the Korea Exchange, pension funds, including the National Pension, were net buyers in the KOSPI market, purchasing over 100 billion won even during the market downturn in July. On days when the market experienced significant declines, they maintained a net buying trend, acquiring more than 110 billion won, prioritizing purchases over realizing profits through sales.As news of this situation spread, criticism erupted on internet communities and social media. Users expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "When profits were up, they promoted unrealized gains to delay pension depletion, but now they remain silent amid hundreds of trillions in evaluation losses," and "The National Pension has only enriched foreign investors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:48:00
  • Lotte Innovate Shares Surge Over 10% Following Strong Q2 Earnings
    Lotte Innovate Shares Surge Over 10% Following Strong Q2 Earnings Lotte Innovate's shares have surged more than 10% following the announcement of strong second-quarter earnings.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:30 PM, Lotte Innovate's stock was trading at 17,640 won, up 1,610 won (10.04%) from the previous trading day. The company started the day on a weak note but began to gain momentum after announcing its Q2 results at 10:10 AM.Lotte Innovate reported a consolidated operating profit of 12.4 billion won for the second quarter of this year, a 54% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period remained stable at 274.5 billion won, while the operating profit margin rose by 1.7 percentage points to 4.5%.The company attributed its improved performance to selective orders focused on profitability, enhanced project execution efficiency, and the recovery of profits from key subsidiaries.Lotte Innovate is also expanding its medium- to long-term growth initiatives. The company plans to strengthen its business in data center design, construction, and operation (DBO) and artificial intelligence transformation (AX), while actively targeting AX demand from both group companies and external clients using its own AI platform, 'iMember,' and external generative AI.A Lotte Innovate representative stated, "We will continue our profitability-focused management approach while actively commercializing future growth businesses such as data center DBO and AX to solidify our sustainable growth foundation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:48:00
  • South Korea to field about 1,100 athletes at Asian Games in Japan this fall
    South Korea to field about 1,100 athletes at Asian Games in Japan this fall SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea will field about 1,100 athletes in 41 disciplines at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan this fall, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Thursday. According to the ministry, an intra-agency task force formed to prepare for the 20th Asian Games is holding its first meeting ahead of the quadrennial sporting event, slated to take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, which would bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries. The task force, consisting of sports experts, officials and other organizers, is discussing overall preparations as well as detailed administrative and medical support measures to help athletes maintain their performance and ensure their safety. It is also making arrangements to accommodate athletes, as this year's Asian Games will be held across multiple venues in Aichi, with some competitions taking place in other cities such as Shizuoka and Tokyo. Athletes may need to stay at several sites rather than in a single athletes' village. The ministry also plans to hold various events and exchange programs as part of efforts to promote Korean culture and tourism by leveraging strong interest in South Korean popular culture in Japan. During the ensuing Asian Para Games, which run from Oct. 18 to 24, drawing about 4,000 participants from 45 countries including some 300 South Korean athletes competing in 18 disciplines, similar events are also planned. "We will work with relevant agencies to proactively address any potential challenges and issues while providing the necessary support to help national team athletes compete at their best," said Kang Dae-geum, a ministry official. 2026-07-30 14:40:13
  • LG Electronics Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Home Appliances and Automotive Business
    LG Electronics Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Home Appliances and Automotive Business LG Electronics reported record revenue and operating profit for the second quarter of this year, driven by growth in its home appliances and automotive businesses. The expansion of premium product sales and improvements in cost competitiveness boosted profitability. The company is also accelerating growth in new businesses, including robotics and AI data center cooling solutions, alongside its B2B and subscription services.On July 30, LG Electronics announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 23.8265 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.5791 trillion won. This marks a 14.9% increase in revenue and a 147% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year.Despite unfavorable external conditions, such as conflicts in the Middle East, the home appliances division continued to show solid growth. Increased TV sales due to sporting events and growth in the automotive sector also contributed to the overall revenue increase.Operating profit more than doubled from the previous year, thanks to the revenue growth and the expansion of high-value product sales. Improvements in cost structures and supply chains, along with the implementation of an emergency management system to address uncertainties in the business environment, also enhanced profitability. The recognition of a one-time gain from tariff refunds on U.S. exports last year further contributed to this result.The B2B and subscription businesses, key components of the company's structural transformation, continued to grow. In the second quarter, B2B revenue reached 6.5 trillion won, a 5% increase from the same period last year. Excluding LG Innotek, the B2B segment accounted for 36% of total revenue.Revenue from the subscription business, which combines products and services, reached 660 billion won, also a 5% increase year-on-year. The company is expanding its competitive edge in home appliance subscriptions from the domestic market to overseas markets, strengthening its business model to generate continuous service revenue after product sales.The Home Appliance Solutions (HS) division recorded revenue of 7.0757 trillion won and an operating profit of 685.9 billion won. This marks the first time quarterly revenue exceeded 7 trillion won, with an operating profit margin nearing 10% at 9.7%.The two-track strategy targeting both premium products and mid-range volume zones has proven successful. Optimizing cost structures and supply chains, along with the tariff refund effect, contributed to profit growth. In response to potential demand stagnation in the third quarter, LG Electronics plans to focus on the relatively stable demand in the global South market and will also ramp up its robotics actuator business.The Media Solutions (MS) division, responsible for TV and platform businesses, reported revenue of 5.1146 trillion won and an operating profit of 219.4 billion won. Sales of premium TVs, including OLED and QNED models, increased, and the division continued to grow in the global South region. The expansion of the profitable webOS platform business also supported performance improvements.The Vehicle Solutions (VS) division achieved record revenue of 3.0259 trillion won and operating profit of 191.2 billion won for the second quarter. This marks the second consecutive quarter with revenue exceeding 3 trillion won, with an operating profit margin of 6.3%. The division is recognized for its stable revenue growth based on accumulated orders, establishing itself as a B2B cash cow.The Energy Solutions (ES) division reported revenue of 2.7261 trillion won and operating profit of 235.8 billion won. Increased sales of air conditioners overseas contributed to revenue growth, maintaining a solid operating profit margin of 8.6%.Leveraging its cooling and heating capabilities, LG Electronics is also expanding its AI data center (AIDC) cooling solutions business. The company’s independently developed cooling water distribution unit (CDU) is poised to enter the global AIDC supply chain. As the importance of heat management and energy efficiency in data centers grows with the expansion of AI infrastructure, LG plans to cultivate cooling solutions as a next-generation B2B growth driver.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:40:00
  • Lotte Fine Chemical Reports 611.5% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit
    Lotte Fine Chemical Reports 611.5% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit Lotte Fine Chemical announced on July 30 that it recorded sales of 586.3 billion won and an operating profit of 61.9 billion won for the second quarter of 2026. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 38.1%, while operating profit surged by 611.5%.The improvement in performance was influenced by a general market recovery due to rising international prices of major products and increased sales in specialty businesses, including food and pharmaceutical cellulose and semiconductor material TMAC.Sales of food and pharmaceutical cellulose began to ramp up in the second quarter, following production from the newly expanded facility. This cellulose is used in plant-based pharmaceutical capsules and tablet coatings, and the market has been steadily growing due to rising interest in health and wellness.Sales of TMAC, a semiconductor material, also increased in the second quarter, driven by rising demand in the semiconductor market. TMAC (tetramethylammonium chloride) is a key raw material for TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide), which is used in semiconductor and display circuit development processes.On the same day, Lotte Fine Chemical announced it would invest 13 billion won to expand TMAC production in response to increasing semiconductor demand. The company plans to raise its already leading TMAC production capacity from 55,000 tons per year to 64,000 tons by the second quarter of 2028, an increase of 9,000 tons, or about 16%.Lotte Fine Chemical is also expanding its clean ammonia business, including ship fuel supply, based on its infrastructure as Asia's largest ammonia terminal, aiming to become the leading clean ammonia hub in Asia.CEO Jeong Seung-won stated, "In the second quarter, our performance improved due to the overall market recovery of major products and the expansion of sales in specialty businesses like food and pharmaceutical cellulose and semiconductor material TMAC. We decided to invest in TMAC expansion to proactively respond to increasing semiconductor demand, and we will continue to strengthen our competitiveness in the eco-friendly business through the expansion of our ammonia ship fuel business."Meanwhile, Lotte Fine Chemical announced in April that it had commercialized ammonia ship fuel for the first time in the world.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:36:00
  • Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady
    Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady Samsung Electronics has reported its highest-ever earnings for the second quarter of this year, yet its stock has shown only modest gains. Analysts suggest that the market has already priced in much of the expected performance, leading to a cautious outlook on future profitability.As of 2:29 PM on the Korea Exchange, Samsung's stock was trading at 209,500 won, up 0.48% (1,000 won) from the previous trading day.On this day, Samsung announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 89.4924 trillion won, a staggering increase of 1,013.8% compared to the same period last year. Revenue surged to 171.4995 trillion won, up 130%, while net profit soared to 71.6245 trillion won, marking a 1,299.9% increase.This performance marks the third consecutive quarter of record earnings for Samsung. The Device Solutions (DS) division, which oversees the semiconductor business, was the primary driver of this success, reporting sales of 127.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.2 trillion won, both setting new records.In contrast, the Device Experience (DX) division, responsible for smartphones and home appliances, faced challenges due to rising component prices, generating sales of 48 trillion won but incurring an operating loss of 800 billion won.Market sentiment is currently focused more on future growth drivers and shareholder return policies rather than the record earnings themselves. Samsung announced a cash dividend of 374 won per share for both common and preferred stocks. The dividend yield stands at 0.1% for common shares and 0.2% for preferred shares, with a total dividend payout of approximately 24.559 trillion won. The record date for the dividend was June 30, and payments are scheduled for August 28.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:36:00
  • Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations
    Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - Members of Hyundai Motor's labor union who continue working during scheduled strike hours could face disciplinary action, with additional walkouts threatened against entire departments if violations are confirmed, the union said Thursday. The warning came as the union entered its third round of partial strikes this week after wage and collective bargaining talks with the automaker stalled. The union plans four-hour walkouts through Friday, with both production and office workers taking part. Hyundai Motor shares were trading at 345,000 won as of 2:12 p.m. Thursday on the Korea Exchange, down 2.40%, or 8,500 won, from the previous close of 353,500 won. The stock had climbed as high as 369,000 won earlier in the session before falling back. It was not immediately clear whether the decline was tied to the strike or to broader market conditions. Unlike production workers, whose duties stop when assembly lines shut down, office employees often return to accumulated workloads after participating in strikes because many administrative responsibilities must still be completed afterward. Some office workers also handle time-sensitive tasks involving suppliers, financial institutions and other outside parties, making it difficult to suspend work without creating backlogs or missing contractual deadlines. The union said members who work during strike hours at management's request could face disciplinary measures, with additional strike action possible against their departments. It added that employees who voluntarily continue working without management's instruction could also face sanctions for violating strike guidelines. The union's stance has raised questions about the scope of its internal disciplinary authority. In a separate recent case, the Seoul Southern District Court ruled that a labor union could not expel members solely for refusing to participate in industrial action, saying the alleged violations and the union's disciplinary grounds had not been sufficiently established. The current round of walkouts will continue through Friday before the union begins its summer vacation. Its central strike committee is scheduled to meet on Aug. 11 to review the status of negotiations and decide whether to escalate industrial action. The union is seeking a 149,600-won increase in monthly base pay, a bonus equivalent to 30 percent of last year's net profit, a bonus increase from 750 percent to 800 percent of base pay, an extension of the retirement age linked to national pension eligibility, stronger job protections as artificial intelligence and robotics are introduced, and the adoption of a fully fixed monthly wage system. 2026-07-30 14:31:35
  • Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit
    Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit 대한축구협회가 국회 청문회에 섰다. 국가대표팀이 2026 북중미 월드컵 조별리그에서 탈락한 뒤 협회 운영과 감독 선임 과정, 책임 소재를 따져야 한다는 목소리가 커진 데 따른 것이다. 정몽규 전 대한축구협회장과 홍명보 전 국가대표팀 감독도 출석해 성적 부진에 대해 사과했다. The Korean Football Association (KFA) faced a parliamentary hearing following the national team’s exit from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. This scrutiny arose from growing calls to examine the association's operations, the coaching appointment process, and accountability. Former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo attended the hearing and apologized for the team's poor performance. 축구대표팀은 경기에서 질 수 있다. 월드컵 탈락도 스포츠에서 일어날 수 있는 결과다. 그러나 중요한 결정을 내리는 절차가 불투명하고, 문제가 생긴 뒤에도 책임의 주체가 분명하지 않다면 얘기가 달라진다. 최근 국민이 축구협회에 묻는 것도 한 경기의 승패보다 협회가 어떤 기준으로 움직였는지에 가깝다. The national football team can lose matches, and failing to advance in the World Cup is a possible outcome in sports. However, the situation changes when the processes for making critical decisions are opaque, and accountability is unclear after issues arise. Recently, the public has been more concerned about the criteria guiding the KFA's actions than the outcome of a single match. 감독 선임 논란은 이를 잘 보여준다. 감독을 뽑는 과정에서 누가 어떤 권한을 행사했는지, 후보 검증과 면담은 정해진 절차에 따라 이뤄졌는지 충분히 설명되지 않았다. 청문회에서도 감독 결정 권한과 면담 방식 등을 둘러싼 질의가 이어졌고, 홍 전 감독은 특혜를 요구하거나 받은 적이 없다고 반박했다. The controversy surrounding the coaching appointment illustrates this issue well. There has been insufficient explanation regarding who exercised what authority in the selection process and whether candidate evaluations and interviews followed established procedures. During the hearing, questions continued about the authority in coaching decisions and the interview process, with Hong denying any requests for or receipt of special favors. 문제는 특정 인물을 비난하는 데 있지 않다. 같은 논란이 되풀이되지 않도록 절차를 고치는 일이 더 중요하다. 감독 선임 기준과 평가 항목, 의사결정권자의 권한과 책임을 명문화하고 주요 결정 과정은 기록으로 남겨야 한다. 설명할 수 없는 결정은 하지 않는다는 원칙부터 세워야 한다. The issue is not about blaming specific individuals. It is more important to reform the processes to prevent similar controversies from recurring. The criteria for coaching appointments, evaluation metrics, and the authority and responsibilities of decision-makers should be clearly defined, and key decision-making processes must be documented. A principle should be established that no decisions will be made without clear explanations. 최근 불거진 홍 전 감독의 법인카드 사용 논란도 마찬가지다. 협회가 제출한 자료에 따르면 홍 전 감독은 2024년 7월부터 2026년 5월까지 법인카드로 3742만원을 썼고, 이 가운데 1400만원가량이 자택이 있는 경기 성남시 분당구 일대에서 결제된 것으로 전해졌다. 주말과 공휴일 사용 내역도 있었다. 홍 전 감독은 외국인 코치들과의 회의와 경기 관찰 등 업무 목적으로 사용했고 모든 내역을 증빙·정산했다고 해명했다. The recent controversy over Hong's use of a corporate credit card is similar. According to documents submitted by the KFA, Hong spent approximately 37.42 million won on the card from July 2024 to May 2026, with about 14 million won spent in the Bundang area of Seongnam, where his home is located. There were also charges on weekends and holidays. Hong explained that the expenses were for work-related purposes, including meetings with foreign coaches and match observations, and that he provided documentation and reconciled all expenses. 현재 공개된 내용만으로 사적 유용 여부를 단정할 수는 없다. 그러나 협회의 관리 방식은 따져볼 필요가 있다. 자택 인근이나 휴일 사용에 추가 소명이 필요했다면 이를 누가 확인했는지, 회계 부서와 감사 기능은 제대로 작동했는지 밝혀야 한다. 법인카드 사용자가 유명 감독인지 일반 직원인지에 따라 관리 기준이 달라져서도 안 된다. It is not possible to definitively conclude whether there was personal misuse based solely on the information currently available. However, the KFA's management practices warrant scrutiny. If additional clarification was needed regarding expenses near his home or on holidays, it should be determined who verified this, and whether the accounting department and auditing functions were operating effectively. The management standards should not vary based on whether the credit card user is a well-known coach or an ordinary employee. 대한축구협회는 대표팀만 운영하는 조직이 아니다. 유소년과 생활축구, 지도자와 심판 육성, 각급 대표팀과 국내 대회 운영까지 한국 축구 전반을 책임진다. 그만큼 의사결정과 예산 집행에는 높은 투명성이 요구된다. 국민의 관심과 기업 후원, 공공 지원을 바탕으로 운영되는 조직이라면 내부 기준만 지켰다는 설명으로 충분하지 않다. The KFA is not just an organization that manages the national team. It is responsible for all aspects of Korean football, including youth and recreational football, the development of coaches and referees, and the operation of various national teams and domestic competitions. This broad responsibility necessitates a high level of transparency in decision-making and budget execution. For an organization that operates based on public interest, corporate sponsorship, and public support, merely adhering to internal standards is insufficient. 앞으로 축구협회가 해야 할 일은 분명하다. 회장과 집행부에 집중된 권한을 분산하고 이사회와 감사 기능을 강화해야 한다. 감독 선임과 주요 인사, 예산 집행 과정은 외부에서도 납득할 수 있도록 공개해야 한다. 문제가 확인되면 책임자를 바꾸는 데 그치지 말고 같은 일이 반복되지 않도록 규정을 손봐야 한다. The KFA has clear tasks ahead. It must decentralize the concentrated powers of the president and executive board and strengthen the board of directors and auditing functions. The processes for appointing coaches, key personnel, and budget execution should be made transparent to the public. When issues are identified, it is essential not only to change the responsible parties but also to revise regulations to prevent recurrence. 한국 축구에는 여전히 좋은 선수와 지도자, 수많은 팬이 있다. 협회가 이들의 기대를 뒷받침하려면 성적보다 먼저 운영의 기본을 바로잡아야 한다. 공정한 절차, 투명한 회계, 분명한 책임. 한국 축구가 다시 출발하려면 이 세 가지 원칙부터 지켜야 한다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:10
  • Controversial Bill to Abolish Prosecutors Investigative Powers Advances in South Korea
    Controversial Bill to Abolish Prosecutors' Investigative Powers Advances in South Korea 검찰의 보완수사권을 전면 폐지하고 법원의 공소기각 사유를 확대하는 내용을 담은 형사소송법 개정안이 국회 본회의에 상정되어 처리를 앞두고 있다. 여당인 더불어민주당이 상임위원회에서 법안을 단독 의결한 지 하루 만에 본회의 수순을 밟으면서, 정치권은 또다시 극심한 강대강 대치 국면으로 치닫고 있다. 형사사법 체계의 근간을 뒤흔드는 중대 입법이 충분한 사회적 합의나 숙의 과정 없이 정쟁의 한복판에서 일방통행식으로 추진되는 현실에 깊은 우려를 표하지 않을 수 없다. 이번 개정안의 핵심은 검사의 직접수사권과 보완수사권을 묶어 전면 폐지하고 수사는 경찰과 중대범죄수사청 등에 전담시키는 것이다. 더불어 상정 직전 법안에는 ‘중대한 위법수사가 확인되거나 소추재량권을 현저히 일탈해 공소를 제기한 경우’ 판사가 공소기각을 선고할 수 있도록 한 조항이 추가됐다. 민주당은 검찰의 수사권·공소권 남용을 막고 피의자의 인권을 보호하기 위한 장치라고 설명한다. 그러나 야당과 법조계 일각에서는 공소기각 사유의 기준과 범위가 모호해 재판 지연을 유발하고 특정 정치적 사건을 구제하기 위한 수단으로 악용될 수 있다는 비판을 제기한다. 특히 현장의 경찰 수사 능력이 완전히 담보되지 않은 상태에서 보완수사마저 차단될 경우, 억울한 피해자의 구제길이 막히고 민생범죄 대응력이 현저히 약화될 것이라는 우려가 깊다. 여야 지도부의 발언에서도 격한 시각차가 드러난다. 한병도 민주당 대표 직무대행 겸 원내대표는 “경찰 수사를 견제하고 피해자를 보호하는 장치를 강화했다”며 야당을 향해 “토론을 외면하고 필리버스터로 시간을 끄는 것은 반대가 아니라 무책임”이라고 지각 처리를 압박했다. 반면 정점식 국민의힘 원내대표는 “검찰에 대한 증오와 복수심으로 탄생한 악법”이라며 “보완수사권 폐지로 인한 범죄대란의 모든 책임은 여당에 있다”고 강하게 반발했다. 한동훈 무소속 의원 역시 “법원을 압박해 억지로 공소기각 판결을 받아보자는 취지”라고 직격했다. 국민의힘은 법안 처리를 저지하기 위해 무제한 토론(필리버스터)에 돌입한다는 방침이다. 주호영, 나경원 의원 등 법조인 출신 의원들을 대거 배치해 법안의 위헌성과 부작용을 부각하겠다는 전략이다. 하지만 절대다수 의석을 확보한 민주당이 필리버스터 시작 24시간이 지나는 31일 오후 종결 동의안 표결을 실시해 필버를 강제 무력화하고 표결을 강행할 예정이어서, 법안 통과는 기정사실로 받아들여진다. 문제는 31일 표결 이후 펼쳐질 정국 전망이다. 민주당은 형소법 처리에 이어 패스트트랙 기간 단축을 골자로 한 국회법 개정안 등 후속 입법을 속도전으로 이어갈 기세다. 야당의 강렬한 반발 속에 여야 협치의 고리는 사실상 끊어지고, 정국 파행은 장기화될 가능성이 크다. 무엇보다 수사권 조정에 따른 경찰의 업무 과부하와 수사 지연, 공소기각 신설로 인한 법원의 사법적 혼란 등 그 부작용은 온전히 국민의 피해로 돌아가게 된다. 나아가 입법부가 사법부의 판단 영역까지 과도하게 개입한다는 삼권분립 침해 논란마저 불거지며 국가 사법 체계 전체가 거센 흔들림을 겪을 것으로 보인다. 수사·기소 분리라는 명분 뒤에 국민적 불안을 방치해서는 안 된다. 정치권은 강행 처리와 필리버스터라는 대립을 넘어 실질적인 국민 권익 보호를 최우선에 두는 사법개혁의 길을 다시 모색해야 한다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:00
  • Koreas KOSME and Credit Guarantee Fund Sign MOU to Support Mid-Sized Enterprises Global Expansion
    Korea's KOSME and Credit Guarantee Fund Sign MOU to Support Mid-Sized Enterprises' Global Expansion The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Credit Guarantee Fund on July 30 in Daegu to support the global expansion and scale-up of mid-sized enterprises.This agreement aims to combine the policy capabilities of both organizations to establish a multifaceted support system that enables promising domestic mid-sized enterprises to evolve into globally competitive companies.The two organizations will collaborate on initiatives including: supporting companies' entry into overseas markets through market development and investment attraction; fostering global leading companies and scale-up support through the linkage of KOSME's policy funds and Credit Guarantee Fund's guarantees; and enhancing policy support through research on domestic and international financial systems.In particular, they will strengthen policy support throughout the entire process of overseas expansion to ensure that promising domestic mid-sized enterprises successfully establish themselves in global markets and secure international competitiveness.To facilitate this, KOSME will integrate its policy funds with the Credit Guarantee Fund's guarantee support system, enabling mid-sized enterprises to smoothly secure the necessary funding for overseas market entry and market development. This will provide the momentum for stable growth in the global market based on large-scale funding.Additionally, KOSME will systematically support the establishment of promising companies in global markets by linking its overseas infrastructure with the Credit Guarantee Fund's programs.To achieve this, KOSME will utilize its overseas bases, such as the Global Business Center (GBC) and K-Startup Center (KSC), to offer tailored programs from local settlement support to investment attraction and commercialization, while expanding networking opportunities for companies entering foreign markets and relevant organizations.Furthermore, they will provide office and residency space at overseas bases to assist companies in settling locally, and both organizations will strengthen their collaborative framework by jointly utilizing these overseas bases. Moreover, they will offer tailored support at various growth stages by linking the Credit Guarantee Fund's financial and non-financial support to promising companies participating in KOSME's overseas base programs and global projects.Previously, KOSME announced on June 26 that it supported the issuance of corporate bonds worth 204 billion won for 70 promising mid-sized enterprises through its 2026 Scale-Up Finance (P-CBO) initiative.Gang Seok-jin, President of KOSME, stated, "Building a strong ladder for mid-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of our economy, to leap to become leading companies is key to restoring the dynamism of the national economy. Through this agreement, we will combine KOSME's policy funds, overseas infrastructure, and the Credit Guarantee Fund's policy capabilities to support promising domestic mid-sized enterprises in becoming global leaders."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:00