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  • Iran Launches Missile Attack on U.S. Base After Five-Day Lull
    Iran Launches Missile Attack on U.S. Base After Five-Day Lull Iran fired several ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan, but the U.S. military successfully intercepted all of them, resulting in no casualties.The U.S. Central Command announced on the afternoon of July 28 that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East.Central Command characterized the incident as a surprise attack attempt, stating, "All missiles were successfully intercepted," and added that U.S. forces are maintaining a high level of alert.A U.S. official confirmed that the target was a military base in Jordan, but did not disclose the specific name of the base or the number of missiles launched.This missile launch marks the first attack on a U.S. base since the U.S. halted airstrikes against Iran on July 23. Following 13 consecutive days of strikes on Iranian military facilities, the U.S. ceased further attacks, while Iran also stopped retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in the region, leading to a five-day period of calm.President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing and has mentioned the possibility of reaching an agreement. However, he warned that if negotiations fail, the U.S. could resort to stronger military actions. This latest attack introduces new variables into the ongoing negotiations and efforts to de-escalate tensions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 08:00:00
  • SK Hynix Reports Record Revenue of 100 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026
    SK Hynix Reports Record Revenue of 100 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 SK Hynix has achieved record quarterly results, driven by rising prices of high-performance products for artificial intelligence (AI) servers.The company reported second-quarter revenue of 79.32 trillion won and an operating profit of 60.54 trillion won on July 29. Compared to the same period last year, revenue and operating profit increased by 257% and 557%, respectively, surpassing 100 trillion won in revenue for the first half of the year.SK Hynix stated, "Both DRAM and NAND flash recorded significant price increases compared to the previous quarter. We focused on high-value products such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), DRAM for AI servers, and eSSD, which contributed to our highest profitability." Cash assets rose by 33.6 trillion won from the previous quarter to reach 88 trillion won.Debt decreased by 7 trillion won to 18.6 trillion won, resulting in net cash increasing to 69.4 trillion won.SK Hynix assessed that its record profits and cash generation capabilities have significantly strengthened its financial position.The company aims to maintain its global leadership in AI semiconductors by ensuring stable supply capabilities based on quality and high yield in the HBM sector, along with cost competitiveness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 08:00:00
  • OpenAI and Anthropic Employees Call for International Standards on AI Development
    OpenAI and Anthropic Employees Call for International Standards on AI Development More than 1,100 employees from major artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta, have urged the U.S. government to support the establishment of international standards to regulate the pace of AI development. A joint statement released on July 28, signed by 1,132 employees and researchers from leading AI firms, expressed concerns that AI could reach a stage where it autonomously researches and develops new models, significantly accelerating technological advancement. They warned that this could lead to AI evolving beyond human understanding or control. The signatories called for the creation of international rules and management systems to slow down AI development if risks increase. They urged the U.S. government to facilitate cooperation among nations to address these concerns. However, they are not advocating for an immediate halt to AI development or uniform restrictions across all companies. Instead, they emphasize the need for measures that allow for a controlled pace of development to ensure adequate response time in case of issues. The push for government intervention stems from the competitive nature of the industry. If one company slows its development for safety reasons, it risks falling behind its competitors, making self-regulation challenging. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, have also expressed the need for an independent oversight body to assess the safety of advanced AI models and establish common standards. Google stated that it is committed to developing safe AI that benefits society. OpenAI and Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:55:00
  • U.S. Semiconductor Stocks Plunge, Raising Concerns for Samsung and SK Hynix
    U.S. Semiconductor Stocks Plunge, Raising Concerns for Samsung and SK Hynix The U.S. semiconductor sector experienced a nearly double-digit drop during trading, increasing anxiety among domestic semiconductor investors.According to market data shared online on July 28, major U.S. semiconductor stocks saw significant declines: SanDisk fell by 16.59%, Western Digital by 14.52%, Dell by 14.35%, Micron by 11.65%, Marvell by 10.98%, Lam Research by 10.56%, and AMD by 10.32%.As leading semiconductor stocks plummeted, concerns grew that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix could also be affected on July 29.Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming earnings report from SK Hynix, viewing it as a critical factor. One online commenter expressed concern, stating, "If U.S. semiconductors are collapsing and Hynix's performance fails to meet expectations, the market could be significantly shaken tomorrow."Other commenters shared varied reactions regarding investment failures and market conditions. One noted, "If you lack talent for investing, it’s better to focus on earned income," emphasizing the importance of long-term investment and realistic asset management.However, some market analysts caution that it is still uncertain whether the sharp decline in U.S. semiconductor stocks will directly impact the domestic market. While the U.S. market shock could dampen investor sentiment for domestic semiconductor stocks, factors such as SK Hynix's earnings, future guidance, foreign investment flows, and exchange rates could all play a role.Analysts believe that if SK Hynix's earnings exceed market expectations or if a positive outlook for AI semiconductor demand is presented, it could mitigate some of the initial shock in early trading. 2026-07-29 07:50:00
  • Lotte Hotels Revamps Membership Program to Attract 5 Million Members
    Lotte Hotels Revamps Membership Program to Attract 5 Million Members Lotte Hotels & Resorts is overhauling its free membership program, Lotte Hotel Rewards, to attract more loyal customers. The company plans to ease upgrade requirements and introduce a new top-tier membership level to enhance user convenience.Starting in September, Lotte Hotels & Resorts will implement an expanded membership program that offers enhanced benefits and services. Recently, the company integrated its hotel and resort websites, establishing a member base of approximately 4.7 million, with a goal of reaching 5 million members through this reform. Lotte Hotel Rewards allows members to earn and use points at over 40 hotels and resorts, as well as golf courses and the online store e-SHOP.The key changes include a restructuring of the membership tier system and relaxed upgrade criteria. The previous four-tier structure (Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum) will now include a new top tier, Diamond, expanding the system to five levels (Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond).To qualify for Silver status, the stay requirement has been reduced from five nights to two. For Gold, the requirement has been lowered from 25 nights to 12, and for Platinum, from 50 nights to 30. The newly established Diamond tier will be awarded to members who stay 60 nights or accumulate 110,000 points annually.Benefits for each tier have also been adjusted. Gold members will now receive breakfast vouchers. Diamond members will enjoy benefits such as up to 15% off at dining outlets, a 3 PM late checkout, room upgrades, welcome amenities, and access to the club lounge. The same dining discounts will apply at premium brands like Signiel Seoul and Busan.In conjunction with the membership reform, the company is also revamping its premium brand. In August, the existing Lotte Hotel Seoul will be rebranded as The Grand Lotte Seoul.The Grand Lotte Seoul will be the first establishment to feature Lotte Hotels & Resorts' top luxury brand, The Grand Lotte. Efforts are underway to enhance the identity of services across all aspects, including rooms, uniforms, dining, floral arrangements, and scents.A representative from Lotte Hotels & Resorts stated, "We have completely restructured the benefits system that customers can enjoy during their stays and in their daily lives. We will continue to enhance the service experience across our chain in conjunction with the launch of The Grand Lotte Seoul." 2026-07-29 07:50:00
  • Lee Jae-myung Visits Lulas Union Office in Brazil
    Lee Jae-myung Visits Lula's Union Office in Brazil 이재명 대통령이 28일(현지시간) 루이스 이나시우 룰라 다 시우바 브라질 대통령의 노동운동 근거지인 상파울루 금속노동조합을 찾았다. 노동자 출신이라는 공통점을 지닌 두 정상의 인연을 되새기고 룰라 대통령의 정치적 여정을 직접 살펴보기 위한 일정으로 풀이된다. 이 대통령은 이날 오후 상파울루 금속노동조합 건물에 도착해 웰링턴 다마스세누 노조위원장의 영접을 받았다. 건물 외벽에는 노조의 정식 명칭인 ‘ABC 금속노동조합(Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos do ABC)’이 빨간색 글씨로 적혀 있었다. ‘ABC’는 상파울루주의 대표적인 공업도시인 산투안드레, 상베르나르두두캄푸, 상카에타누두술의 앞 글자를 딴 명칭이다. 자동차를 비롯한 브라질 제조업 노동운동의 중심지로, 룰라 대통령이 노동운동가와 노조위원장으로 활동했던 곳이다. 상파울루주 ABC 산업지대의 금속공장에서 선반공으로 일했던 룰라 대통령은 1975년 금속노조 위원장에 선출됐다. 그는 이를 기반으로 1980년 노동자당(PT) 창당을 주도하며 정계에 입문했다. 건물 로비에는 룰라 대통령을 비롯해 마하트마 간디, 넬슨 만델라 전 남아프리카공화국 대통령, 프리다 칼로, 체 게바라, 로자 룩셈부르크 등의 초상화가 걸려 있었다. 이 대통령은 다마스세누 위원장의 안내를 받아 룰라 대통령이 노조위원장 시절 사용했던 2층 사무실로 이동했다. 계단을 오르며 노조 조합원 수와 주요 직종, 브라질 전역의 노동조합 현황 등을 물었다. 다마스세누 위원장은 “브라질 전역에 노동조합이 1만1000개가량 있고, 이 가운데 약 6000개가 기업 단위 노조”라며 조합원들의 주요 직종은 자동차 업종이라고 설명했다. 룰라 대통령의 옛 집무실에는 집무용 책상과 회의용 탁자를 비롯해 당시 사용했던 전화기와 연필깎기 등이 그대로 보존돼 있었다. 자료집과 노동운동 당시 룰라 대통령의 활동 모습을 담은 사진도 전시돼 있다. 이 대통령은 오래된 전화기와 자료집, 사진 등을 차례로 살펴봤으며 건물이 언제 세워졌는지도 물었다. 다마스세누 위원장은 “1974년 조합원들이 돈을 조금씩 모아 땅을 사고 건물을 올렸다”고 답했다. 노조가 발행하는 일간지는 매일 7만4000부를 찍어 조합원들의 일터에 배포한다고 소개했다. 집무실에는 룰라 대통령이 미국에서 가져온 오래된 촬영 카메라도 전시돼 있었다. 다마스세누 위원장은 “이 카메라로 당시 노동운동과 파업 활동을 모두 기록했다”며 이후 노동자 TV 채널이 출범하는 계기가 됐다고 설명했다. 다마스세누 위원장이 수납장을 열어 술과 술잔을 보여주며 “모두가 에너지를 재충전하던 곳”이라고 소개하자 이 대통령은 크게 웃으며 “아주 재미있다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 다마스세누 위원장의 권유로 룰라 대통령이 사용했던 집무용 의자에 앉아 기념사진도 촬영했다. 이어 룰라 대통령이 과거 전화기를 들고 한 손으로 귀를 막은 채 찍었던 사진과 같은 자세를 취했다. 다마스세누 위원장이 “룰라 대통령이 이 사진을 보면 아주 좋아할 것 같다”고 말하자, 이 대통령은 웃으며 옛 전화기를 들어 올렸다. 사무실의 바닥재와 블라인드, 타일도 룰라 대통령이 근무했던 당시 모습 그대로 보존돼 있다는 설명도 들었다. 이 대통령은 건물 1층으로 이동하면서 과거 어떤 일을 했느냐는 질문을 받고 “나는 시계를 만들었다”고 답했다. 다마스세누 위원장은 자신도 폭스바겐에서 금속공으로 일하면서 공부해 변호사 자격을 취득했다고 말했다. 이 대통령은 로비에서 다마스세누 위원장, 카를루스 카라멜루 부위원장과 기념촬영을 했다. 이들 뒤편에는 룰라 대통령의 사진과 함께 “평화는 비싸다. 그러나 전쟁은 그보다 더 비싸다”는 문구가 포르투갈어로 적힌 깃발이 걸려 있었다. 다마스세누 위원장은 이 대통령을 배웅하며 “모시게 돼 큰 자부심을 느끼며 영광으로 생각한다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 노조 관계자들과 악수한 뒤 약 15분간의 방문을 마치고 이동했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:40:00
  • KOSPI Plummets 10% for Sixth Time This Month
    KOSPI Plummets 10% for Sixth Time This Month ◆Aju Economy Major News▷KOSPI Plummets 10% for Sixth Time This Month- On July 28, the KOSPI closed at 6023.66, down 732.09 points (10.84%) from the previous trading day, marking the sixth drop of over 5% this month, following declines of -7.89% on the 2nd, -5.35% on the 8th, -8.95% on the 13th, -6.37% on the 16th, and -5.72% on the 24th.- In response to the sharp decline, market safety mechanisms were activated. Both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets triggered sell-side circuit breakers and a first-stage circuit breaker. This was the first time since June 8 that both markets activated circuit breakers simultaneously after 35 trading days.- The drop was primarily driven by concerns in the semiconductor sector. Chinese memory semiconductor company Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) surged on its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and news emerged that a Chinese firm had begun developing its own deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment, heightening fears about the competitiveness of China's semiconductor industry.- Compounding the situation were negative developments from the U.S., which hit domestic semiconductor leaders hard. Samsung Electronics closed at 220,000 won, down 13.39%, marking its largest drop this year. SK Hynix also fell over 14%, finishing at 1,555,000 won.- However, some analysts believe the market is overreacting. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The stock market's immunity has weakened significantly during this process of consecutive adjustments."◆Major Reports▷Signs of Volatility Easing Amid Market Decline - Despite the continued decline in stock indices, the KOSPI 200 Volatility Index (VKOSPI) fell from a peak of 97 on June 29 to 83 the previous day.- Typically, a drop in indices is accompanied by increased demand for options to defend against downside risk, leading to rising implied volatility. However, this year, implied volatility, which had expanded during the market's rise, has actually decreased during the recent downturn. This indicates that the market's sensitivity to further declines has diminished compared to before, and concerns about increased volatility have largely been priced in.- The absolute level of VKOSPI remains higher than usual. There are still fundamental uncertainties surrounding the performance outlook and valuations in the semiconductor sector.- Nonetheless, the current high volatility should be distinguished from the inherent uncertainties of the semiconductor sector, as well as the amplified supply-demand volatility due to leverage and short-term concentration. Considering recent capital outflows and decreased trading, the influence of supply-demand volatility is gradually weakening.◆Key Announcements After Market Close (July 28)△Hanwha Systems reports Q2 operating profit of 103.7 billion won, up 218.8% year-on-year.△BNK Investment Securities reports Q2 net profit of 36.3 billion won, up 116% year-on-year.△HYBE reports Q2 operating profit of 170.9 billion won, a 159% increase year-on-year.△SK D&D announces a 140 billion won rights offering for shareholders.△L&F states that the sale of its own shares prior to negative disclosures was not for loss avoidance.◆Fund Trends (as of July 27, excluding ETFs)▷Domestic Equity: 1.1814 trillion won▷Overseas Equity: 32.1 billion won◆Today's Schedule (July 29)▷Korean Earnings: SK Hynix, Samsung C&T, GS Engineering & Construction, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Solutions, Korea Aerospace Industries, LG Household & Health Care, Hyundai AutoEver, Krafton* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:40:00
  • Residents Fearful After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan
    Residents Fearful After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, prompting residents to recall the traumatic events of a decade ago.According to Kyodo News and Yonhap News, the quake shook Uki City and Hikawamachi on July 28, leading residents who experienced a similar disaster in 2016 to express their fear, stating, "I couldn't stand up," and "It was terrifying."A female staff member at a nursing home in Hikawamachi described the chaos, saying, "Even holding onto the desk, I couldn't keep my body steady. Both residents and staff fell and were injured."Additionally, a representative from a ryokan in Kamiamakusa City reported that, "Bottles and dishes fell to the floor, and the possibility of broken pipes has left the floor flooded. We just entered the peak season, but cancellations are already coming in."Meanwhile, NHK and Kyodo News reported that around 4 a.m. on July 29, eight people were rescued from the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Among them, two women in their 20s died, one was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest, and the remaining five injured individuals are not in life-threatening condition.The earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. on July 28 near Uki City, causing approximately 200 visitors at the shopping mall to evacuate before an explosion was reported. Local media suggested that many employees may have returned to the store after guiding customers to safety.In response to the disaster, an emergency safety request was issued for 46,610 households, affecting 92,743 residents in Kumamoto Prefecture. A total of 466 evacuation centers were established across 36 municipalities, with 4,744 individuals seeking refuge, according to Jiji Press.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:35:00
  • 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, Causes Mall Collapse, 2 Dead
    7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, Causes Mall Collapse, 2 Dead A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, leading to an explosion and collapse at a large shopping mall that resulted in two fatalities. The incident also caused a chimney to collapse at a paper factory, leaving nine employees unaccounted for.According to NHK and Kyodo News, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 PM on July 28 near Uki City. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded shaking at the highest level of 7 on the seismic intensity scale in Uki and Hikawamachi.About 90 minutes after the quake, at approximately 6 PM, an explosion was heard at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashimacho, causing parts of the roof and exterior walls to collapse.Rescue teams conducted an overnight search amid fears of further collapses, successfully rescuing eight individuals by around 4 AM. Among them, two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, one was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest, and five others sustained injuries but are not in life-threatening condition.Immediately following the earthquake, around 200 visitors evacuated the mall, although local media reported that some employees may have re-entered the building.The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. A government official suggested that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facilities may have been damaged, leading to a gas leak. Police and fire authorities are looking into the details of the incident.At a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, part of a chimney collapsed, resulting in two individuals being rescued in cardiac arrest, while contact has been lost with nine employees.The Kumamoto Prefectural Police reported 12 cases of residential collapses and four reports of residents unable to exit their homes due to damaged entrances.The earthquake disrupted water supply to approximately 140,000 households and caused power outages for over 40,000 homes. Some hospitals experienced power interruptions, complicating the treatment of injured individuals.An emergency safety order has been issued for around 90,000 residents in Kumamoto Prefecture. A total of 466 evacuation centers have been established across 36 municipalities, with over 4,700 residents seeking refuge.The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "As of now, there have been no reported casualties among South Koreans," and added that they are continuously checking for any potential impacts through local consulates.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:30:00
  • Apple Launches Device Leasing Program in the U.S. Starting at $11.99 per Month
    Apple Launches Device Leasing Program in the U.S. Starting at $11.99 per Month Apple has launched a device leasing program in the United States, allowing customers to rent iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches for a monthly fee. On July 28, Apple announced the introduction of the 'Apple Upgrade' program in partnership with payment provider Klarna. Customers can lease iPhones and Apple Watches for 12 or 24 months, while iPads and Macs can be rented for 24 or 36 months. Monthly rental fees start at $11.99 for Apple Watches and iPads, $17.99 for iPhones, and $24.99 for Macs. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $31.99, the iPad Pro at $24.99, and the MacBook Pro at $38.99. Rental prices vary based on device specifications and contract duration. At the end of the contract, customers can return the device and upgrade to the latest model, or they can choose to end the program. There is also an option to purchase the device for an additional fee. Enrollment requires a soft credit check through Klarna, which does not impact credit scores. AppleCare is not included in the rental fee, and additional charges may apply for device damage or early contract termination. The Apple Upgrade program expands the existing installment and exchange options, which previously focused on iPhones, to include iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. This initiative is seen as a way to reduce consumer purchasing burdens amid rising prices for components like memory, while maintaining demand for device upgrades. Last month, Apple raised prices for key products, including MacBooks and iPads, by $100 to $300, citing increased costs for memory and storage. While iPhone prices remained stable, there are expectations that prices may rise with the launch of new products in September.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:25:00