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  • Korean Stock Market Faces Uncertainty Ahead of U.S. Rate Hike
    Korean Stock Market Faces Uncertainty Ahead of U.S. Rate Hike ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷2022년엔 25% 급락…미국 기준금리 인상 앞둔 K-증시 이번엔 어디로?- As the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates this week, tension is rising in the domestic stock market. Analysts indicate that signals regarding future tightening will be a key variable, more so than the rate hike itself.- The market anticipates a 25 basis point increase, which would raise the U.S. benchmark rate from 3.50-3.75% to 3.75-4.00%. Additionally, the yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury bond surpassed 5% on the 14th.- In 2022, during a period of aggressive tightening, the KOSPI index fell by 24.89% for the year. However, analysts suggest that the economic conditions this year differ from those in 2022, potentially leading to a different impact from the rate hike.- Experts believe that if further rate increases are signaled after this hike, long-term interest rates may rise, leading to a flight from risk assets. Conversely, if signs of an end to tightening emerge, the market shock could be limited.- On this day, the KOSPI fell by 0.85% to 6627.26, marking two consecutive days of decline, driven by net selling from foreign and institutional investors amounting to 1.5735 trillion won and 904.4 billion won, respectively.◆주요 리포트▷후공정 산업에 불어오는 훈풍 - The period from 2026 to 2028 is expected to see simultaneous expansions among memory and non-memory semiconductor companies. With an increase in shipments of HBM and AI accelerators, investments in advanced packaging and testing, as well as front-end processes, are anticipated to grow.- TSMC is facing a worsening supply shortage of CoWoS, with demand for advanced packaging outpacing supply capabilities, driven by an increase in hyper-scalers developing their own ASICs in addition to GPUs.- Consequently, TSMC has raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast from an initial range of $52 billion to $56 billion to $60 billion to $64 billion, with advanced packaging and testing now accounting for 10-20% of its long-term capital expenditures, highlighting the growing importance of post-processing investments.- Intel is also expanding its EMIB technology as an alternative for advanced packaging in AI semiconductors, investing in capacity expansions in New Mexico and Penang, Malaysia, while enhancing its capabilities for large packages.- As the deployment of AI accelerators and HBM increases, there is a high likelihood that investments in advanced packaging, including TSMC's CoWoS and Intel's EMIB and EMIB-T, will also expand.◆장 마감 후(15일) 주요공시▷알파칩스 공매도 과열종목 연장(공매도 거래 금지 연장)▷이렘 공매도 과열종목 연장(공매도 거래 금지 연장)▷라온시큐어 단기과열종목 지정예고▷오킨스전자 투자경고종목 지정해제 및 재지정 예고◆펀드 동향(14일 기준, ETF 제외) ▷국내 주식형: +301억원▷해외 주식형: -10억원 ◆오늘(16일) 주요일정▷미국: 8월 소매판매 MoM, 8월 수출·입물가지수 YoY, 9월 뉴욕 연준 서비스업 경기 활동지수, 9월 NAHB 주택시장지수▷일본: 7월 핵심기계수주 YoY, 8월 수출·입 YoY, 8월 무역수지* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:00:20
  • Paradise Receives Minister of Health and Welfare Award for ESG Management Achievements
    Paradise Receives Minister of Health and Welfare Award for ESG Management Achievements Paradise has been recognized for its achievements in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management by receiving the Minister of Health and Welfare Award. The award reflects the company's comprehensive ESG strategy, which includes carbon neutrality and the management of human rights and health and safety, extending to its partners.On September 15, Paradise announced that it received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award at the '2026 National Contribution Awards' ceremony held at the Seoul Garden Hotel Grand Ballroom.The National Contribution Awards select companies based on their social contribution activities and management performance, with support from various ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Climate Change, Energy and Environment, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.Since last year, Paradise has been refining its group-wide ESG management strategy. In its '2025 Paradise Sustainability Management Report' published in June, the company outlined its long-term ESG direction and key tasks to be pursued by 2030.Paradise has linked its core value of 'Happy Memories' with ESG management, broadening its focus to include supply chain management alongside environmental and human rights issues, as well as health and safety.In the environmental sector, Paradise has set a long-term goal of 'carbon neutrality by 2050.' Based on the environmental management policy and climate change policy established in 2025, the company plans to gradually reduce carbon emissions from its hotels, casinos, and integrated resorts.In the social sector, Paradise has established principles for respecting human rights through its 'Human Rights Management Declaration,' which encompasses not only employees but also customers and partners. The company continues its social contribution activities, focusing on the arts, culture, welfare, and education.Safety and health management, as well as supply chain management, have also been strengthened. Paradise operates a safety and health management system across the group and its affiliates based on risk assessments, and has established sustainable supply chain management policies and a code of conduct for partners. This code includes human rights, labor, environmental, and ethical standards that partners must adhere to.Changes have also been reflected in external ESG evaluations. Paradise reported a three-step increase in its overall rating from D to B+ in the Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS) assessment compared to the previous year.A Paradise representative stated, “This award is significant as it recognizes our efforts to enhance sustainability management standards. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable management as a leading company in the integrated resort industry and set new ESG standards in the sector.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 07:52:00
  • Libyas National Oil Corporation Reports Production Halt at Three Oil Fields
    Libya's National Oil Corporation Reports Production Halt at Three Oil Fields Production at several oil fields in Libya has been halted after the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) closed valves on crude oil pipelines.On September 15, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that PFG members had shut valves on a pipeline connecting Hamada and Zawiya, leading to a suspension of production at the Hamada, Tahrir, and NC5 oil fields.The NOC warned that if the valve closures continue or similar shutdowns occur at other oil fields, it may declare force majeure.A declaration of force majeure is a legal notice that relieves a party from fulfilling contractual obligations due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as war or natural disasters.The PFG is reportedly demanding that the Ministry of Defense transfer its organization administratively and financially under the NOC.The PFG has called on the Prime Minister's office and the NOC to expedite the necessary administrative and financial procedures for the transfer and to provide a specific implementation schedule.Additionally, starting from that day, the PFG announced a partial reduction in production at several fields, including Wafa, Al-Kamasa, and El-Feel, warning of a complete production halt if their demands are not met.Oil is a crucial source of revenue for Libya, accounting for about 90% of the national economy. However, since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, political turmoil has led to multiple disruptions in oil field operations.The NOC criticized the closure of oil fields and the suspension of production activities, stating, "At a critical time when global oil prices are rising, shutting down oil fields and halting production is a devastating blow to the national economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 07:40:00
  • Death Toll from Nepal Floods Exceeds 7,000, Only 104 Identified
    Death Toll from Nepal Floods Exceeds 7,000, Only 104 Identified A massive flood in the Himalayan region along the Nepal-China border has resulted in over 7,000 confirmed deaths and missing persons. According to reports from Yonhap News, Nepal Press, and EFE on September 15, the Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority stated that 1,395 people have died due to the flooding that occurred on August 26 in the Bagmati Province of central-northern Nepal.The number of missing persons has risen to 5,649, which includes 5,130 from Nepal and 519 from Tibet. The total number of confirmed deaths and missing persons across both countries stands at 7,087.Among the missing are nine South Koreans, including six employees from Doosan Enerbility who were working on the Upper Trishuli (UT-1) hydropower project and three from Korea South-East Power.The Nepalese government reported that of the 1,395 bodies recovered so far, only 104 (7.4%) have been identified. Officials noted that many bodies were damaged by strong currents or had been submerged for an extended period, making DNA identification challenging.Meanwhile, two members of the Korean Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) dispatched to Nepal are scheduled to conduct drone searches on September 16, with the support of the Nepalese military. They are expected to return home on September 17 after completing their planned week-long mission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 07:32:00
  • Seoul bus strike averted with 3.2% wage deal
    Seoul bus strike averted with 3.2% wage deal SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) -The union and employers of Seoul city bus workers agreed to raise wages by 3.2 percent early Wednesday after nearly 12 hours of marathon talks, averting a major disruption to the morning rush hour ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The Seoul City Bus Labor Union called off a strike scheduled to begin with the first buses at 4 a.m., allowing all routes across the capital to operate normally. The union and the Seoul Bus Transportation Association, representing bus operators, accepted a mediation proposal at around 1:50 a.m. during a second round of talks at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission. Negotiations had begun at 2 p.m. Tuesday and continued for nearly 12 hours before the two sides reached a deal to reach a raise of wages by 3.2 percent for 2026, 0.3 percentage point above last year's 2.9 percent increase. The two sides, however, left their most contentious issue unresolved, including how many monthly working hours should be used to calculate ordinary wages. Ordinary wages serve as a benchmark for calculating overtime and other statutory allowances in South Korea, meaning changes to the calculation can significantly affect workers' overall pay. The union has argued for a 176-hour monthly basis, citing a lower-court ruling last year involving bus operator Dong-A Transportation and the reasoning of a Supreme Court decision in April. It had also sought a separate 7.85 percent increase in hourly wages. Management and the Seoul Metropolitan Government argued that 230 hours should be used based on contracted working hours. Management later proposed 209 hours as an alternative, taking into account court rulings and practices adopted by other local governments. It estimated that applying the 209-hour standard alone would effectively raise wages by about 6 percent to 7 percent and offered a package equivalent to a 10.32 percent increase when an additional wage hike was included. The union did not agree to settle the ordinary-wage issue during the latest negotiations. The two sides instead agreed to revisit the calculation after the Supreme Court hands down a ruling expected later this year in a case involving ordinary wages at a transportation company. The Seoul city government withdrew emergency transportation measures prepared for the planned strike following the agreement. The settlement removes the threat of widespread transport disruption just over a week before Chuseok, Korea's autumn harvest holiday, which falls on Sept. 25 this year. AJP Takeaways: - Seoul bus strike averted: The city bus union called off a strike set to begin with the 4 a.m. first buses Wednesday after nearly 12 hours of negotiations. - Wages to rise 3.2%: Labor and management agreed on a 3.2 percent wage increase for 2026, up from last year’s 2.9 percent increase. - Ordinary-wage dispute left unresolved: The two sides postponed a decision on the monthly hours used to calculate ordinary wages until after an expected Supreme Court ruling later this year. 2026-09-16 07:23:23
  • Seoul City Bus Labor Negotiations Reach Agreement with 3.2% Wage Increase
    Seoul City Bus Labor Negotiations Reach Agreement with 3.2% Wage Increase Negotiations between the Seoul city bus labor union and management reached a resolution early on September 16. According to Yonhap News, the bus union announced it would cancel a planned strike set to begin at 4 a.m. and operate all routes normally.The Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Seoul City Bus Transportation Business Association finalized their agreement during a second mediation meeting at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission around 1:50 a.m.The parties accepted the mediation proposal, agreeing to a 3.2% wage increase for 2026. This marks an increase of 0.3 percentage points from last year's wage hike of 2.9%.Park Jeom-gon, chairman of the Seoul City Bus Labor Union, expressed to reporters after the agreement, "While the outcome is not entirely satisfactory, we made efforts to avoid a strike for the sake of the citizens. I am relieved that we reached a resolution amicably."He added, "There are ongoing lawsuits related to ordinary wage issues, which are similar for 176 hours, but there are other ancillary issues that make it difficult to address them all at once. We discussed that, despite differences in positions, we should let the law decide on these matters."Kim Jeong-hwan, director of the Seoul City Bus Transportation Business Association, stated, "We made significant efforts regarding the ordinary wage issue, but we could not reach an agreement. This will be a considerable burden for both labor and management. We were pressed for time and could not afford to restrict citizens' mobility due to a strike."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 06:04:20
  • South Korea and China Expand Air Travel Options with New International Routes
    South Korea and China Expand Air Travel Options with New International Routes The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has allocated additional international air transport rights, focusing on routes to China, in response to the growing passenger demand between South Korea and China. Direct flights connecting major Chinese cities from regional airports such as Busan, Cheongju, and Daegu are expected to expand.On September 15, the ministry announced that it had distributed air transport rights for 25 international routes to 10 national airlines following a review by the Air Traffic Review Committee.This allocation aims to expand international routes between the two countries in line with the recent increase in passenger demand. The distribution of various Chinese route rights to regional airports is intended to enhance travel convenience for local residents and boost the influx of foreign tourists to these areas.In Busan, new routes to Chengdu (four times a week), Harbin (four times a week), and Hangzhou (twice a week) are anticipated. Cheongju will see three weekly flights to Dalian, while Daegu will receive rights for three weekly flights to both Beijing and Xiamen.Yangyang Airport, which is expected to resume international flights for the first time in nearly four years by the end of this year due to the allocation of rights in April, will also receive additional rights for three weekly flights to Shanghai and three to Hangzhou. Muan Airport has secured rights for three weekly flights each to Beijing and Shanghai, and two weekly flights each to Yanji and Zhangjiajie.At Incheon Airport, air transport rights for major Chinese routes, which have primarily been operated by full-service carriers like Korean Air, will now be expanded to include low-cost carriers and new airlines. This move aims to promote competition among airlines and broaden consumer choices.As a result, the frequency of flights from Incheon to Beijing will increase from 38 to 52 per week, while flights to Shanghai will rise from 56 to 63. Services to Guangzhou and Dalian will expand from 21 to 28 weekly flights each. Nanjing will see an increase from 11 to 14 weekly flights, and flights to Changsha and Hangzhou will grow from 10 to 14 each.The newly secured rights for routes to the Czech Republic will also be allocated to expand operations to Central Europe. Rights connecting to Chinese cargo hub airports such as Tianjin and Ezhou will be distributed to support the supply chain of domestic export and import companies.Jung Chae-kyu, head of the aviation policy office at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, acknowledged that the recent high oil prices due to conflicts in the Middle East have increased operational burdens for the airline industry. However, he emphasized the ministry's commitment to supporting airlines that receive these rights to ensure smooth operations and to meet consumer demand for new routes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 06:04:10
  • Kim Jong-ins Testimony on Oh Se-hoon in Court
    Kim Jong-in's Testimony on Oh Se-hoon in Court In criminal trials, the consistency of a person's actions with their motivations is a crucial factor. This is particularly relevant in the fourth appeal hearing on September 11 regarding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's alleged violation of the Political Fund Law, where Kim Jong-in, former chairman of the People Power Party, provided significant testimony. Kim testified that on March 19, 2021, Oh approached him expressing a desire to withdraw from the mayoral race. He noted that Oh seemed to believe he could be pressured to step down by party members. This observation suggests that Oh was not someone who would go to great lengths to secure the mayoral position. This testimony counters the prosecution's claims regarding Oh's motivations for the alleged crimes. To secretly commission a large, undisclosed opinion poll and allow a third party to cover the costs would typically require a strong desire to win. However, Oh had stated he would not run if Ahn Cheol-soo joined the People Power Party and even considered stepping down amid pressures for a unified candidate. This narrative contradicts the portrayal of him as someone desperate to secure the mayoral office. As a first-term lawmaker, Oh had called for the resignation of party members associated with the 5th and 6th Republics in 2003 and declared he would not run in the following year's general election, taking responsibility himself. He also led reforms in the party's Political Reform Committee, resulting in changes to the Political Fund Law and the Public Official Election Act, which are now referred to as the 'Oh Se-hoon Law.' He applied these demands to himself. Oh returned to politics in 2006 amid concerns that the party could not effectively challenge former Minister of Justice Kang Geum-sil from the Open Uri Party. Although it was an urgent measure, the process involved a primary election among three candidates rather than a strategic nomination. Oh won both the primary and the general election, marking the beginning of his reputation as a 'clean politician.' In August 2011, he staked his mayoral position on a referendum regarding free school meals but resigned due to low voter turnout. This was an act of accountability, putting his position on the line for a principle. The fallout from his decision to withdraw from the free school meal program followed him, and there were speculations about his potential withdrawal from the 2021 by-election. His character of avoiding paths he deems unworthy is not a sudden image. A scene remains in the reporter's memory. During a foot volleyball match at a Seoul city sports event, when our team was struggling, I suggested substituting in a skilled player. Oh replied, "Just play. We can win." He preferred to win with the established team rather than changing players. Oh is not a politician who would take risks by spending large sums on dubious private opinion polls. He is known for being conservative with public and private expenses and is clear in his calculations. The claim that he entrusted a costly opinion poll to Myung Tae-kyun without a contract or reporting structure, allowing someone else to cover the payment, is inconsistent with his usual behavior. Of course, a person's character and history alone cannot declare them innocent. The court must rigorously examine call records, messages, the timing of investigations, reporting channels, and the flow of funds. However, if objective evidence does not point to a single conclusion and undermines the credibility of key testimonies, then the defendant's motivations and behavior can also serve as material for reasonable doubt. Kim denied claims that Myung Tae-kyun connected him with Oh Se-hoon and that he directed the opinion poll. He also stated that Myung had showcased their friendship to politically exploit him. What the court should focus on is not praise for Oh's 'integrity' but whether the prosecution's explanations align with his actions and the objective evidence. A guilty verdict must stand on proof that excludes reasonable doubt, not on mere possibilities. Oh has amended laws to promote transparency in political funding, practiced the demands he made for resignations, and was willing to relinquish his mayoral position for principles, even considering stepping aside for a candidate who approached him. The assertion that Oh sought to gain the mayoralty through a large, covert opinion poll demands strict scrutiny. Knowing a person is not a bias; it is a matter of objectively measuring the gap between the allegations and the trajectory of a politician's life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 06:04:00
  • Workplace Harassment Reporting System Needs Reform After Six Years
    Workplace Harassment Reporting System Needs Reform After Six Years Six years have passed since the introduction of the workplace harassment reporting system following the amendment of the Labor Standards Act in 2019. During this time, the number of reported cases to labor authorities has surged from 5,823 in 2020 to 16,373 last year, nearly tripling. While societal awareness and utilization of the system have increased, the operational framework has not significantly changed since its inception. The numbers have risen, but the system remains the same.The current framework is based on what is known as 'self-investigation.' When a report is made, the company is generally responsible for conducting its own investigation. Although there are instances where external law firms are commissioned, the fundamental structure remains unchanged, as the employer ultimately selects and pays for the investigative entity. Even when a complainant files a complaint with the labor office, it is rare for the office to conduct a direct investigation. Typically, the labor office sends a formal notice to verify whether the employer has carried out the investigation and actions, and it concludes the case based on the report submitted by the workplace. This approach reflects a reluctance to involve public authority in internal workplace issues, compounded by a lack of personnel.The problem becomes more pronounced when the perpetrator is the employer or a powerful figure within the organization. Last year, it was found that one in four reported cases (4,422 cases, or 27%) involved the employer as the perpetrator. When the person directing the investigation is essentially the same as the one being investigated, how can employees trust the results? The demand for 'self-judgment' undermines the premise of fairness.Fortunately, there have been recent moves toward improvement. In April, the Ministry of Employment and Labor revised the 'Guidelines for Handling Workplace Harassment Reports' to mandate that labor inspectors directly investigate cases where the employer is the perpetrator or where there are repeated violations of investigation obligations. In July, the 'Prevention and Response Manual' was updated to exclude the identified perpetrator from the investigation process and to ensure objectivity through external commissions or labor-management councils. However, these changes remain at the level of internal guidelines and manuals, lacking legal binding force, which limits their enforceability and leaves room for regression in operational direction.Of course, applying the same standards to all workplaces is not practical. Small businesses often struggle to secure internal personnel without conflicts of interest, and the costs of hiring external experts can be burdensome. For larger organizations, it would be effective to legally define the composition, qualifications, and grounds for disqualification of investigation committees, while providing support or cost assistance from labor offices or public institutions for smaller businesses.Another approach is to strengthen the supervisory function of labor offices. The government plans to increase the number of labor inspectors from 3,131 in 2024 to 8,000 by 2028. However, there are significant concerns regarding not only the shortage of personnel but also their expertise and authority. This awareness has culminated in the 'Labor Inspector Job Execution Act,' which will take effect on December 8, 2026, consolidating the duties, powers, and investigation standards of labor inspectors into a single law.Recently proposed enforcement regulations and rules specify that special supervision targets include workplaces where multiple victims have occurred or are at risk due to verbal abuse, physical violence, or workplace sexual harassment and bullying, providing grounds for proactive supervision without waiting for individual reports. Additionally, if a victim disagrees with the company's investigation results and re-reports, the labor office will review the case with an external expert committee instead of merely concluding it based on paperwork.There are also legislative efforts aimed at addressing gaps where supervisory agencies lack the authority to mandate follow-up verification or supplementation of formal investigations and actions by employers. A proposed amendment to the Labor Standards Act, led by Representative Lee Seong-gwon, would allow the Minister of Employment and Labor to request documentation from employers in cases of victim requests for confirmation, significant harm, or non-compliance, with labor inspectors verifying the information. If the investigation or actions are deemed inadequate, a re-investigation or re-action would be mandated, with fines imposed for non-compliance.International examples are also worth considering. In Ontario, Canada, labor department inspectors can order employers to designate qualified independent investigators, with the costs borne by the employer. In Australia, workers can directly apply to the Fair Work Commission for orders to stop harassment. Similarly, South Korea should explore a collaborative model that allows external experts, such as lawyers and certified labor consultants, to conduct investigations, with the government covering the costs, in addition to increasing labor office personnel.The next challenge for the workplace harassment system is to ensure it operates fairly in practice. Legal mechanisms to guarantee the fairness of investigations must be established alongside the administrative power to support them. A system that only increases in numbers will lose credibility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 06:04:00
  • How to Use Xiaohongshu in 2026
    How to Use Xiaohongshu in 2026 Chinese Generation Z consumers can accomplish their entire shopping journey on Xiaohongshu (小紅書, RedNote), from searching for restaurants and travel destinations to checking government AI policies and demographic data. Just a few years ago, they would have started their searches on Baidu.The reason is simple: Xiaohongshu is fast and user-friendly. When users input a search term on Baidu, they often receive a long list of government announcements and related articles, requiring them to open multiple pages to find the necessary information. In contrast, Xiaohongshu presents content where someone has already summarized the key points, often in a table format. Users can easily find content that visually represents regional statistics on a single map.Until a few years ago, Xiaohongshu was commonly referred to as the 'Chinese Instagram,' a platform for discovering beautiful cafes, travel spots, and product reviews in cosmetics and fashion. It was more about discovery than search, focusing on personal tastes and aesthetics.However, by 2026, this description no longer suffices. The scope of searches on Xiaohongshu has significantly expanded. Currently, the platform boasts 350 million monthly active users, with about 70% utilizing its search function. A 2025 survey revealed that 55.1% of users cited 'information acquisition' as their primary reason for using Xiaohongshu, surpassing 'shopping and consumption' (41.78%) and 'learning new knowledge' (42.35%). Information acquisition has overtaken shopping as the main purpose.AI has played a role in this transformation. Previously, compiling numerous data into tables or maps required considerable time and expertise. Now, thanks to AI, even non-experts can easily organize information in a professional manner. This year, Xiaohongshu introduced AI content management principles, showcasing visually organized content as a desirable application of AI.However, just because information is visually appealing does not guarantee its accuracy. Unverified statistics presented in convincing tables can be easily accepted as facts. Nevertheless, the reason people turn to Xiaohongshu is clear: they can quickly access answers that someone else has already organized.As a result, users may feel that the boundaries between Instagram and Google are gradually disappearing within a single app. The journey of discovering what to wear or where to go has expanded to include searching for information and verifying others' experiences and knowledge. The range of possibilities within one app has increased significantly.It remains uncertain how much of Baidu's role Xiaohongshu will take on in the future. Internationally, it is even compared to Google. A global marketing firm has described this shift as moving from 'Googling' to 'Xiaohongshu-ing.'In search, the quantity of information is not the only important factor; the speed at which users can find the answers they need is also crucial. While Baidu requires users to sift through materials, Xiaohongshu allows them to encounter answers that someone has already found and organized. The steps to reach an answer are shorter, which is why users are increasingly opening Xiaohongshu before Baidu.- Choi Yeo-jin, CEO of MaxValue Capital, PhD candidate in International Communication at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences 2026-09-16 06:04:00