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Samsung Securities: PUBG and Subnautica 2 Successes Highlight New Game Momentum Samsung Securities evaluated on July 30 that the growth potential of Krafton's Battlegrounds (PUBG) intellectual property (IP) has been confirmed. The firm maintained its target price of 320,000 won and an 'investment' recommendation.Analyst Oh Dong-hwan noted that Krafton recorded strong performance in the second quarter of this year, driven by solid growth in PC PUBG and the success of the new title Subnautica 2. Samsung Securities analyzed that Krafton's second-quarter revenue reached 1.29 trillion won, a 94.9% increase compared to the same period last year, while operating profit rose 67% to 410.9 billion won, exceeding market consensus by 7.5% and 9.6%, respectively.Subnautica 2 has sold approximately 6 million copies combined with its predecessor, generating 234.5 billion won in revenue. The revenue from PC PUBG also increased by 57% year-on-year, attributed to the release of two well-made modes and collaborations with IPs such as Stella Blade and aespa.Oh stated, "PUBG continues to show stable revenue growth through the release of various modes and IP collaborations," adding, "In the second half of the year, we expect continued revenue growth compared to last year with the additional release of two well-made modes, UGC updates, and various IP collaborations including animation, supercars, and idols."The momentum for new titles is also expected to intensify in the second half of the year. Oh mentioned, "Krafton plans to unveil five new titles at Gamescom in Germany this August," explaining that these new titles will be released sequentially from the fourth quarter of this year through 2027, driving further growth.He added, "The shooting game currently in development by PUBG Studio and the Eastern fantasy action RPG 'Tarae' are reported to be of high quality," and noted that anticipation is growing for 'Pale World Mobile,' which is scheduled for release in the first half of next year, based on the success of the PC original.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:16:00 -
Remove Items from Your Car Now: Heatwave Risks As a heatwave continues across the country, the interior of parked cars is becoming increasingly dangerous. Items that are usually left in vehicles can pose risks of fire or explosion when exposed to high temperatures.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures nationwide are expected to remain above average for the time being. In particular, some areas of Busan and parts of Gyeongnam, including Yangsan, Changwon, Gimhae, and Miryang, are forecasted to experience a maximum perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, with actual temperatures exceeding 39 degrees, prompting a heatwave warning.The temperature inside a car rises much faster and higher than the outside temperature. When the outside temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the interior can reach as high as 85 degrees.The first items to remove from your car should be disposable lighters and aerosol products like sprays. When exposed to high temperatures, the pressure inside these containers can increase or deform, leading to gas leaks and potential fires when they come into contact with ignition sources. This also applies to car air fresheners, insecticides, sunscreen sprays, and cooling sprays.Power banks are another significant risk. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat. Excessive temperatures can not only degrade battery performance but also increase the risk of fire in products with internal defects or damage.It is advisable not to leave electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones and tablets, in a sunlit car for extended periods.Canned carbonated beverages also require caution. As temperatures rise, the pressure inside the can increases, which can lead to deformation or, in severe cases, rupture.In contrast, bottled water, often mentioned online, should be viewed differently than lighters or sprays. Water left in a hot car does not immediately turn into a 'toxic substance' or necessarily explode. However, PET bottles can degrade faster when exposed to high temperatures and UV light over time, making it unwise to use a hot car as a storage place.Particularly, if the water bottle has already been opened, it is better to avoid drinking it after it has been left in high temperatures for a long time. Microorganisms can enter during the opening process, and maintaining high temperatures does not provide a hygienic storage environment.Cosmetics and sunglasses are more at risk of 'degradation and damage' than fire. Leaving cosmetics in a hot car for extended periods can cause separation of ingredients or changes in color and scent. Heat-sensitive products like lipsticks or stick-type items may melt or deform. Glasses and sunglasses can also suffer damage to lens coatings or frames with repeated exposure to high temperatures. 2026-07-30 09:16:00
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HL Group Wins Two Awards at Social Eye Awards 2026 for Future Mobility Content HL Group has been recognized for its competitive content on future mobility technologies, including autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), at South Korea's premier social media awards ceremony.On July 30, HL Group announced that its official blog, HL Mobility Labs, won the Integrated Award in the corporate category at the 'Social Eye Awards 2026.'The Social Eye Awards is the largest ceremony in South Korea that selects outstanding branding cases based on social media. This year, 296 companies submitted entries across 338 social media channels.HL Group revamped its official blog in December 2022 to focus on content related to future mobility technologies, including autonomous driving, SDVs, and robotics. Since March, over 30 researchers from the auto sector, including HL Mando's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Bae Hong-yong, have been directly involved in content creation to enhance expertise.Following this overhaul, the blog has recorded approximately 50,000 cumulative visitors, with traffic driven by generative artificial intelligence (AI) increasing by more than 90% compared to the same period last year. HL Group explained that this award reflects its competitiveness not only in search engine optimization (SEO) but also in the generative AI environment.HL Group's official Instagram account, @hl_world, also won the top award in the large enterprise category. The account received praise for its engaging content that presents technical information in an accessible manner and for its campaign featuring the brand advertisement 'Trust Me.' This year, the Instagram account surpassed 1 million cumulative views, with around 5,400 participants in a follower event.By winning both the blog Integrated Award and the Instagram award, HL Group achieved a remarkable feat of two awards in its first entry. This marks the third consecutive year that HL Group has achieved success at the Social Eye Awards, following wins in the previous two years. A representative from HL Group emphasized, 'We have indicated the direction for blogs in the era of generative AI, going beyond simple searches.'Meanwhile, HL Group is expanding its future mobility business, focusing on autonomous driving, SDVs, and robotic actuators, primarily through its automotive parts subsidiary, HL Mando.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:12:00
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Gwangju Mayor Welcomes Designation of Military Airport Site as Semiconductor Industrial Complex The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designated the Gwangju military airport site as a candidate for the Honam region's semiconductor national industrial complex on July 29. Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed his support for the decision.Mayor Min thanked the government and related agencies for their determination and stated that he would concentrate all efforts to ensure the successful implementation of this national project.In a press release, he described the designation of the military airport site as a historic starting point for establishing a new growth axis in South Korea's semiconductor industry.He emphasized that the Gwangju military airport site should be developed into a future-oriented advanced city that integrates production, research, corporate support, and residential functions. He pledged to create a unified team with the government, businesses, and related agencies to cultivate a new growth hub for the semiconductor industry.The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, after deliberation and resolution by the Industrial Location Policy Review Committee, designated the Gwangju military airport site, covering 8,264 square meters (2.5 million square feet), as a candidate for the Honam region's semiconductor national industrial complex.They also stated that they would comprehensively review the necessity of establishing a national industrial complex and corporate investment demand, aiming to develop the site into a corporate-oriented advanced city linked with residential, educational, cultural, and transportation functions.Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to provide full administrative support to align with the investment schedules of companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, targeting the completion of semiconductor production facilities by June 2030.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:12:00
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KakaoBank Provides 17 Billion Won in Loans to Small Businesses in Six Districts 카카오뱅크가 서울신용보증재단 및 마포구·서초구·성북구·송파구·양천구·은평구 등 6개 자치구와 '지역경제 밀착지원을 위한 특별출연 업무협약'을 체결한다고 30일 밝혔다.이번 협약은 지난 5월 카카오뱅크가 서울신용보증재단에 총 100억원을 특별출연한 데 이은 후속조치다. 카카오뱅크는 출연금의 절반인 50억원을 서울 25개 자치구와 연계한 '자치구 지역경제 밀착지원' 사업에 활용하기로 한 바 있다.이번 협업은 비대면 한계를 지역 공공기관과의 협업으로 보완하는 새로운 포용금융 모델로 주목된다. 협약에서는 카카오뱅크의 50억원 특별출연금에 자치구 추가 출연금을 더해 6개 지역 자치구에 약 170억원 규모의 대출을 지원한다. 해당 자치구에 위치한 소상공인이라면 최대 1억원까지 대출할 수 있으며 서울신보 영업점과 앱에서 신청 가능하다.카카오뱅크는 향후 서울 25개 모든 자치구와 협업을 확대한다는 목표다. 카카오뱅크와 서울신보는 '안심통장'·'신속드림' 등 다양한 상품을 통해 협력을 이어왔다. 2024년 이후 보증서대출 공급액은 현재까지 7000억원에 달한다. 카카오뱅크 관계자는 "서울 지역 소상공인에게 맞춤형 밀착 지원을 제공하고 금융 부담을 줄여드리기 위해 각 자치구들과 협약을 맺었다"며 포용금융 실천을 지속 확대하겠다고 밝혔다. 2026-07-30 09:08:00
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Hwang Jung-min Responds to Affair Allegations Amid Ongoing Legal Battle Actor Hwang Jung-min's agency has announced legal action against internet users claiming he had an affair, labeling them as "stalking offenders." A woman who made these allegations has since responded to Hwang's agency's rebuttal.On July 30, Hwang's agency, Sam Company, stated that the individual posting malicious content about Hwang is a "suspected stalking offender" who has persistently harassed him. The agency confirmed that Hwang has filed a criminal complaint against this individual, and the court has issued three temporary restraining orders against the suspect, recognizing the stalking allegations and imposing a fine of 3 million won.Sam Company added that they plan to take further legal action regarding the maliciously edited posts and expressed regret for any distress caused.The controversy surrounding Hwang's personal life began when an internet user, referred to as A, posted what is believed to be a conversation with Hwang from 2024. The post suggested that Hwang sent A a photo of himself and engaged in intimate dialogue.A claimed, "It's ridiculous that he portrays himself as a devoted husband while reading and writing adult novels with women behind the scenes. I can't stand it anymore. Hwang called me when his wife left home, asking me to come back." A also shared recorded phone conversations and demanded a response regarding the civil lawsuit for damages.While the veracity of A's claims has not been confirmed, A told Star News that Hwang's side has no choice but to label him as a "stalking offender" and confirmed that the fine of 3 million won is accurate, stating that they are currently disputing several cases in formal court.According to Star News, A claims to have grown close to Hwang over two years after their first meeting in August 2023, during which he alleges he received sexual remarks and business partnership proposals. However, contact ceased in May of the previous year, and on August 1, A sent emails to overseas production companies detailing his relationship with Hwang, which led to Hwang filing a stalking complaint against him.In February, the court issued a summary order imposing a fine of 3 million won on A, who has since appealed for a formal trial.A is also pursuing a damages lawsuit against Hwang for 200 million won, claiming that Hwang unilaterally terminated business and creative proposals based on their personal relationship.Meanwhile, Hwang has continued to fulfill his scheduled appearances, including attending a promotional event for the film 'Hope' as planned.Currently, Hwang Jung-min is married to producer Kim Mi-hye, with whom he has a son and a daughter. 2026-07-30 09:08:00
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Trump Reviews AI Regulations Amid Competition with China President Donald Trump is reviewing regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) following a hacking incident involving OpenAI's advanced models. However, he has cautioned against excessive regulations that could hinder the U.S. in its technological competition with China.On July 29, during a press briefing at the White House, Trump responded to questions about the hacking incident, stating, "We are reviewing regulatory measures." He added, "At the same time, we are ensuring that the U.S. maintains its lead. The U.S. is significantly ahead of China in the AI sector, where there are virtually no regulations in place."Trump emphasized the need for a balanced approach, saying, "AI development is somewhat unregulated, so we must be cautious on both sides. I do not want to see a situation where we regulate businesses and suddenly find ourselves in second place behind China." This highlights the importance of considering both safety regulations for AI and maintaining industrial competitiveness in the face of technological rivalry with China.He further stated, "The side that wins the AI competition will ultimately be the victor," asserting that AI will bring about changes even greater than those seen with the internet and is more important than any technology that has emerged to date.Trump noted, "I know many people in this field, and I do not want to hinder their ability to achieve great things in the U.S."Last week, OpenAI revealed that two of its advanced models had breached a closed testing environment and infiltrated the system of the AI developer platform Hugging Face. According to an analysis released by Hugging Face on July 28, the models conducted 17,600 hacking attempts online between July 9 and 13.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:08:00
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Bank of Korea Monitors Impact of U.S. Monetary Policy Uncertainty on Financial Markets The Bank of Korea is closely monitoring the impact of ongoing uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve's future monetary policy on domestic financial and foreign exchange markets.On July 30, the Bank held a 'Market Situation Review Meeting' chaired by Deputy Governor Park Jong-woo to assess the trends in international financial markets following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) results and their potential effects on domestic markets.During the FOMC meeting held the previous night, the Fed decided to keep its policy interest rate at a range of 3.50% to 3.75%. However, three regional Fed presidents from Dallas, Cleveland, and Minneapolis advocated for an increase.Fed Chair Kevin Warsh expressed a commitment to price stability but did not provide specific signals regarding future policy direction.As a result, financial markets have reacted with increased uncertainty regarding the Fed's monetary policy and inflation outlook, leading to a significant rise in long-term interest rates.Deputy Governor Park noted, "Recent concerns over a slowdown in AI investment have heightened market anxiety, and uncertainties surrounding U.S. monetary policy and the situation in the Middle East have also increased."He added, "We will continue to closely monitor the developments of domestic and external risk factors and their impacts on the domestic financial and economic landscape with heightened vigilance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:08:00
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Rising Listing Requirements Prompt Concerns Over Increased Delistings The government is pushing for the introduction of an 'anti-stock-price-manipulation law' while the Korea Exchange significantly tightens its listing maintenance requirements, leading to anticipated changes in the survival strategies of listed companies. Some analysts suggest that more companies may intentionally choose to delist by neglecting disqualifying factors for maintaining their listings.According to the Korea Exchange on July 29, as of the previous day's closing price, 521 companies (64.96%) on the KOSPI and 815 companies (47.52%) on the KOSDAQ had a price-to-book ratio (PBR) of less than 0.8. Compared to the beginning of the year, this represents an increase of 4.57 percentage points for the KOSPI and 14.66 percentage points for the KOSDAQ.The government is expected to include the so-called 'anti-stock-price-manipulation law' in its tax reform plan to be announced early next month, revealing the applicable targets and evaluation criteria. President Lee Jae-myung also urged for expedited processing of related legislation during a report on economic ministry tasks on July 15. While the legislation is becoming more visible, the number of low PBR companies subject to it has actually increased.The amendment to the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act, referred to as the anti-stock-price-manipulation law, was proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee So-young in May of last year. The key aspect is to apply fair value based on asset and income metrics similar to those of unlisted companies when calculating inheritance and gift taxes for companies with a PBR of less than 0.8, rather than using market value.Under the current system, listed stocks are evaluated at market value, meaning that lower stock prices reduce the inheritance tax burden. This has led to concerns that companies may intentionally keep their stock prices low by reducing dividends or delaying investments during succession processes.With the exchange's delisting system reform coinciding with these developments, there are expectations of changes in corporate choices. Starting this month, the exchange has raised the market capitalization standards to 30 billion won for KOSPI and 20 billion won for KOSDAQ, with further increases to 50 billion won and 30 billion won, respectively, set for January next year. Falling below these market capitalization thresholds will lead to formal delisting without the possibility of appeal, resulting in liquidation procedures without a separate improvement period or substantive review of listing qualifications.In the past, many companies sought to maintain their listing status through capital increases or business restructuring. However, moving forward, there may be an increase in cases where companies opt to delist, considering the costs and burdens associated with maintaining their listings. In particular, if the inheritance and gift tax reforms are implemented, smaller owner-led companies or those with limited external funding needs may reconsider the necessity of remaining listed.Um Su-jin, a researcher at Hanwha Investment & Securities, stated, "Companies looking to reduce inheritance or gift taxes may have an incentive to either avoid stock price increases or pursue delisting. Unlisted stocks are evaluated based on net profit value and net asset value, applying a lower limit of 80% of net asset value, making the evaluation method relatively flexible compared to listed stocks."Another financial industry source noted, "With recent enhancements to small shareholder protections, the costs of maintaining a listing have increased, and voluntary delisting has become more complicated due to strengthened shareholder protection procedures. Companies that previously sought delisting may naturally exit the market due to the heightened market capitalization standards and newly established penny stock requirements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:04:00
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Samsung Electronics Reports Record 52% Operating Profit Margin in Q2 Samsung Electronics announced on July 30 that it achieved consolidated revenue of 171.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.5 trillion won for the second quarter. The operating profit margin rose by 9.3 percentage points from the previous quarter to 52.18%.Earnings per share for both common and preferred stocks increased by 52% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 10,849 won, marking one of the highest levels among global tech companies.The Device Solutions (DS) division, benefiting from strong market demand, recorded maximum sales in DRAM and NAND products, surpassing its previous quarterly performance.Meanwhile, the Device Experience (DX) division saw revenue growth year-on-year due to increased sales of premium and AI products, although operating profit declined due to rising component costs.The strong dollar positively impacted the overall operating profit by approximately 3.1 trillion won compared to the previous quarter, particularly benefiting the component business.Research and development expenses reached a record high of 16 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 09:04:00