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  • Celltrion Shares Rise on Upgraded Price Targets Amid North American Growth Expectations
    Celltrion Shares Rise on Upgraded Price Targets Amid North American Growth Expectations Celltrion is showing strong performance in early trading, buoyed by a series of upgraded price targets from securities firms. The optimism surrounding the expansion of its North American biosimilar business and improved profitability is believed to have enhanced investor sentiment.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:07 a.m., Celltrion's shares were trading at 182,100 won, up 3,400 won (1.90%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 178,000 won and briefly rose to 186,400 won during the session. Although it later gave back some gains, it continues to show strength.The rise in stock price is attributed to the recent upward adjustments in price targets by analysts. They have raised their targets in light of Celltrion's potential for expanding its North American biosimilar business and improving profitability.Shinhan Investment Corp. raised its target price for Celltrion to 290,000 won, citing the company's entry into a profitability phase driven by high-margin new product sales in North America.Lee Ho-cheol, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Corp., stated in a report, "The U.S. launch of Omiclon in the second half of the year, the growth of U.S. sales based on the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Uplima, and the expansion of intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) prescriptions through collaboration with Pfizer for Jimpenetra will all gain momentum."He added, "With rapid market penetration of new products, we expect to exceed annual guidance. By 2030, we anticipate sustained profit growth with a portfolio of 18 biosimilars, and there are plans to disclose top-line results for two antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in global Phase 1 trials early next year." He concluded that the profitability from biosimilars will support the development of new drugs, initiating a virtuous cycle.Meritz Securities also reassessed Celltrion's corporate value, raising its target price to 290,000 won. Kim Jun-young, an analyst at Meritz Securities, noted, "Unlike in the past when merger-related costs were burdensome, the current increase in the proportion of high-margin new products, the establishment of a direct sales system, and improvements in operating profit margins (OPM) are enhancing visibility for profit growth." He emphasized the importance of new product growth, including Omiclon, and the normalization of Jimpenetra's sales.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:40:00
  • U.S. Trade Representative: New Section 301 Tariffs Will Not Affect Feds Rate Decisions
    U.S. Trade Representative: New Section 301 Tariffs Will Not Affect Fed's Rate Decisions U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the newly implemented Section 301 tariffs will not influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. In an appearance on Fox News on July 27, Greer responded to a question about whether the new tariffs could complicate the Fed's ability to maintain interest rates, saying, "I do not believe it will have any impact at all." He explained that unlike the previous 10% global tariffs that applied broadly, the new tariffs are limited to specific countries and products. "The tariff rates are similar to what they were before, so they will not have a different impact on the U.S. economy," he added. On July 24, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on 60 trading partners, citing failures to adequately prevent products made with forced labor from entering the U.S. market. The new tariffs were introduced following the expiration of the 10% global tariffs that had been in place for 150 days, based on Section 301 of the trade law. For non-exempt products from South Korea, additional tariffs will be applied to ensure that the combined rate of the most favored nation tariff and the new Section 301 tariff reaches 12.5%. Products already subject to tariffs exceeding 12.5% will not incur additional Section 301 tariffs. The USTR is also conducting a separate Section 301 investigation into structural overproduction in manufacturing among certain trading partners, including South Korea. Greer indicated that the investigation will be concluded soon, with potential responses that could lead to additional tariffs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:40:00
  • Koreas tourist boom spreads beyond Seoul, Busan rises fast
    Korea's tourist boom spreads beyond Seoul, Busan rises fast SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) -South Korea's tourism boom is increasingly spreading beyond Seoul, with foreign arrivals through regional airports growing more than twice as fast as those through the capital area as inbound visitors topped 10 million in the first half for the first time since the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Tuesday, 1.99 million foreign travelers visited South Korea in June, up 23.1 percent from a year earlier, lifting first-half arrivals to 10.71 million, a 21.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreign arrivals through regional airports, including Gimhae, Daegu, Jeju and Cheongju, surged 42.5 percent in June to 395,246, far outpacing the 18.2 percent increase recorded at airports serving the Seoul metropolitan area. The figures point to a gradual shift away from Seoul-centric tourism as more overseas visitors travel directly to regional destinations. China remained South Korea's largest source market with 649,582 visitors in June, up 36.2 percent from a year earlier. Japan followed with 348,216 visitors, while Taiwan contributed 223,127 travelers. Arrivals also increased from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia, reflecting continued diversification of South Korea's inbound tourism market. The tourism recovery is also translating into stronger domestic consumption. Foreign visitors spent 2.05 trillion won ($1.5 billion) using credit cards in June, marking the second consecutive month that spending exceeded the 2 trillion won mark. Cumulative foreign card spending reached 10.04 trillion won in the first half, up 50.8 percent from a year earlier. Last year, foreign visitor spending did not surpass 10 trillion won until September. The quality of tourism also improved. South Korea's inbound visitor satisfaction score rose to 90.5 points in the second quarter from 89.8 a year earlier, while the share of tourists visiting destinations outside Seoul increased to 34.2 percent from 31.4 percent. Travel destinations also have diversified beyond the capital reigon. According to Yanolja Research, international arrivals through regional airports in the first quarter rose 40.1 percent from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, compared with a 19 percent increase at airports in the Seoul metropolitan area. The biggest beneficiary of the trend has been Busan's Gimhae International Airport, which has become the country's fastest-growing international gateway outside the capital. International passenger traffic at Gimhae reached about 6.07 million during the first half, up 23.2 percent from a year earlier and nearly one million above the previous first-half record set in 2019 before the pandemic. After surpassing 10 million international passengers for the first time last year, the airport is now on course to exceed 12 million this year. Japan accounted for the largest share of international passengers with 2.59 million travelers, followed by Vietnam with 1.03 million, Taiwan with 946,000 and China with 599,000. Foreign arrivals have been the key growth driver. During the first quarter, the number of overseas visitors entering South Korea through Gimhae Airport jumped 45.5 percent from a year earlier, roughly twice the pace of overall international passenger growth. Demand has remained resilient despite expanding flight capacity. International load factors stayed between 83 percent and 89 percent throughout the first half, indicating airlines have been able to fill additional seats as new routes were introduced. The city has become increasingly popular among travelers from China, Taiwan and Japan, where social media users have coined the phrase "Busan disease" to describe the irresistible urge to revisit the city after a first trip. According to Yanolja Research, analysis of reviews on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu and travel site Ctrip ranked Busan as the highest-rated destination among eight major Asian cities for Chinese visitors, ahead of Tokyo and Singapore. Google Trends also showed worldwide searches for "Busan" in English increased about 50 percent over the past year, while searches from Japan surged nearly 190 percent. 2026-07-28 10:36:22
  • Ruling Party Questions Oppositions Commitment to Election Commission Special Investigation Bill
    Ruling Party Questions Opposition's Commitment to Election Commission Special Investigation Bill The Democratic Party expressed doubts on July 28 about the People Power Party's commitment to swiftly passing the Election Commission Special Investigation Bill, stating, "We will strive for it to be addressed in the National Assembly on the 30th."Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, made the remarks after a policy meeting with reporters, saying, "If they recognize the need for a prompt investigation, there should be no reason to delay through excessive demands related to the special investigation."She further pointed out, "Once the special investigation is established, many allegations arising from the recent local elections will become subjects of investigation. I suspect they are stalling the agreement by raising various issues."Lee also noted, "It is quite frustrating for us. Is there any reason not to conduct an immediate recount now that the Election Commission has accepted it?"Meanwhile, the National Assembly's Legal Affairs Committee is set to discuss the Election Commission Special Investigation Bill today. While both parties have agreed on the method for recommending candidates for the special investigation, they remain divided on the scope and targets of the investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:35:00
  • BBQ Party Center Expands Lunch Routine for Quality Lunches Without Cafeterias
    BBQ Party Center Expands 'Lunch Routine' for Quality Lunches Without Cafeterias Genesis BBQ Group's subsidiary, Party Center, has launched a lunch catering service aimed at companies without cafeterias. This move expands its business into the corporate welfare market, following its food service for residential complexes.On July 28, BBQ announced that Party Center's food brand, 'I Can Reboot,' has begun operating the 'Lunch Routine' service for companies, starting with DS Auto, which runs the used car brand 'Car President.'Lunch Routine is a regular catering service designed for companies lacking in-house dining facilities or cooking capabilities. The service is tailored to provide lunch based on the size of the company, work environment, and number of employees.With this new service, employees at DS Auto can now enjoy a lunch menu centered on Korean cuisine provided by Party Center during their lunch breaks. The service is supported by Party Center's HACCP-certified production facilities located in Namyangju, Gangdong, and Dongtan. This allows for a self-operated supply chain from production to delivery, ensuring regular meal provision for companies that cannot manage their own employee cafeterias.Party Center has recently been expanding its food service business, focusing on premium residential and commercial facilities. Earlier this year, it began operating a cafeteria exclusively for residents of Banpo One Pentas, and it offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner services at high-end residential dining lounges.Andae-seop, CEO of DS Auto, stated, "Creating an environment where employees can conveniently dine within the company is also an important aspect of welfare."Yoon Ji-hyun, CEO of Party Center, noted, "Many companies are increasingly interested in enhancing employee satisfaction through meals, but the reality is that the costs associated with space and personnel for direct operation are significant. Lunch Routine will serve as a practical alternative to provide stable lunch options without a separate employee cafeteria."Founded in 1999, Party Center is a specialized food service company. Genesis BBQ Group has been expanding its food service business since incorporating Party Center as a subsidiary in April of last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:35:00
  • President Lee Jae-myung Arrives in São Paulo for Business Roundtable
    President Lee Jae-myung Arrives in São Paulo for Business Roundtable 브라질을 국빈 방문 중인 이재명 대통령이 27일(현지시간) 브라질 최대 경제도시인 상파울루에 도착했다. 수도 브라질리아에서 정상외교를 마친 이 대통령은 상파울루에서 양국 기업인을 만나 경제·산업 협력을 구체화하는 경제 세일즈 외교를 이어간다. 이 대통령과 김혜경 여사를 태운 공군 1호기는 이날 오후 9시 34분께 상파울루 과룰류스 국제공항에 도착했다. 이 대통령은 오후 9시 49분께 공군 1호기 밖으로 나와 오른손을 들어 환영 인사들에게 인사했다. 김 여사는 이 대통령의 팔짱을 끼고 함께 트랩을 내려왔다. 공항에는 네우손 안토니우 타바자라 브라질 외교부 상파울루 대표부 대사와 엠마누엘 보스체티 과룰류스 공항 연방세관장, 이보 시우바 연방경찰청 상파울루주지청 부지청장 등이 나와 이 대통령 부부를 맞았다. 우리 측에서는 채진원 주상파울루 총영사 내외와 김정수 민주평화통일자문회의 브라질협의회장이 영접했다. 환영 인사들과 차례로 악수를 나눈 이 대통령 부부는 오후 9시 50분께 의전 차량에 탑승해 공항을 떠났다. 이 대통령은 상파울루에서 한·브라질 비즈니스 라운드테이블에 참석해 양국 기업인들과 무역·투자 확대 방안을 논의한다. 핵심광물과 방산, 항공우주, 에너지, 반도체 등 정상회담에서 합의한 산업 협력을 기업 차원의 구체적인 사업으로 연결하는 데 주력할 전망이다. 행사에는 류진 한국경제인협회장, 정의선 현대차그룹 회장, 장인화 포스코 회장, 조원태 대한항공 회장, 박승희 삼성전자 사장, 류재철 LG전자 대표, 이동훈 SK바이오팜 대표, 정인섭 한화오션 사장, 문재영 HD건설기계 대표, 최수연 네이버 대표, 이상목 아모레퍼시픽 사장, 김병훈 에이피알 대표 등이 참석할 예정이다. 이 대통령은 루이스 이나시우 룰라 다 시우바 대통령이 노동운동을 시작한 금속노조 사무실도 방문한다. 이 대통령은 앞서 공동 언론발표에서 “노동자의 현실을 잊지 않고 모든 사람이 더 나은 삶을 살 수 있도록 노력해 온 룰라 대통령의 꿈을 한 번 더 생각해 볼 것”이라고 방문 의미를 설명했다. 이 대통령은 중남미 최대 규모인 브라질 한인사회의 동포들과 오찬 간담회를 갖고 현지 정착 과정의 어려움과 한·브라질 관계 발전을 위한 동포사회의 역할에 대해서도 의견을 나눌 예정이다. 2026-07-28 10:35:00
  • If You Wash Raw Chicken for Samgyetang, Clean Your Sink First
    If You Wash Raw Chicken for Samgyetang, Clean Your Sink First When preparing samgyetang or baeksuk, it is essential to check your sink and countertops after washing raw chicken. Pathogens from the chicken can splash onto other ingredients and utensils.The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety identified Campylobacter jejuni as a foodborne pathogen to watch for this month in its "July 2026 Monthly Food Poisoning Alert" released on June 29. The ministry analyzed food poisoning incidents from July over the past five years and emphasized the need for caution regarding this pathogen.Campylobacter is commonly found in the intestines of poultry, including chickens and ducks. Infection can occur when individuals consume undercooked chicken or handle raw chicken and then touch other foods with contaminated hands, knives, or cutting boards.Washing raw chicken can inadvertently increase the risk of contamination in the kitchen. During the washing process, contaminated water droplets can splash onto the sink, countertops, dishes, and vegetables, leading to cross-contamination. Food safety authorities explain that even a small amount of splashing water can transfer pathogens to other surfaces.If you need to wash raw chicken, it is safer to wash vegetables or other ingredients that will be consumed raw or not further cooked first, and handle the chicken last. Take care to prevent splashing water and thoroughly clean and disinfect the sink and surrounding areas after finishing.Avoid touching refrigerator handles, seasoning containers, or faucets with hands that have touched raw chicken. After handling chicken, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before touching anything else.It is also advisable to use separate cutting boards and knives for vegetables and meat. If it is difficult to keep them separate, prepare raw vegetables first and handle the raw chicken last. Knives, cutting boards, and containers used for raw chicken should be cleaned with hot water and detergent before reuse.When storing raw chicken in the refrigerator, be cautious. Placing raw chicken on top of other foods can cause juices to leak from the packaging and contaminate the items below. It is safest to store raw chicken in a sealed container or plastic bag, separated from other ingredients, and on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.Cooking chicken thoroughly is also crucial. Chicken may appear cooked on the outside, but there can still be undercooked areas near the bones or in thicker parts. The ministry recommends cooking meat to an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius for at least one minute. If the meat near the bones is still red or shows signs of blood, it should be cooked longer.Infection with Campylobacter can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. The incubation period is typically 2 to 5 days, and infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.Campylobacter infections are classified as a type of gastrointestinal infection under the fourth category of legally reportable infectious diseases managed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. If severe symptoms such as bloody stools or intense fever, diarrhea, or vomiting occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:30:00
  • Korean Ministry of Veterans Affairs Selects First Semi-Veterans Hospitals
    Korean Ministry of Veterans Affairs Selects First Semi-Veterans Hospitals The Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced on July 28 that it has designated Kangwon National University Hospital and Jeju National University Hospital as semi-veterans hospitals to enhance medical access in the Gangwon and Jeju regions, where there are no veterans hospitals.The two hospitals will begin providing semi-veterans hospital services starting December 1, following a necessary preparation period that includes system establishment.A semi-veterans hospital is a public hospital that offers medical services equivalent to those of veterans hospitals, aimed at improving medical access in regions without veterans hospitals and establishing a veterans medical system capable of treating severe illnesses. This initiative is part of the veterans medical policy first promoted by the Lee Jae-myung administration.To select the semi-veterans hospitals, the Ministry conducted a public recruitment process targeting national university hospitals and local medical centers in the Gangwon and Jeju regions, ultimately choosing the two hospitals with the highest scores.Kangwon National University Hospital has been operating as a veterans consignment hospital since 1999, while Jeju National University Hospital has been doing so since 2002. With the designation as semi-veterans hospitals, the scope of eligible users and medical expense support for veterans has been expanded.The semi-veterans hospitals will now include support for special duty veterans and their families, victims of the May 18 incident and their families, and long-serving veterans who were previously ineligible for services at consignment hospitals. Additionally, support for non-covered medical expenses, which were not funded at consignment hospitals, will now be available.Furthermore, when using the semi-veterans hospitals, disabled veterans will receive full national funding for non-covered services equivalent to those supported at veterans hospitals. Non-disabled veterans and families of priority national veterans will be eligible for reduced medical expenses for specific non-covered services, such as MRI, ultrasound, and digestive aids, based on a reduction rate of 30% to 90% depending on the individual.The Ministry plans to operate the semi-veterans hospitals as a pilot program for two years, after which it will analyze their effectiveness and consider formal operation.With the designation of semi-veterans hospitals in the Gangwon and Jeju regions, over 65,000 veterans in Gangwon and more than 26,000 veterans in Jeju will directly benefit, and all national veterans across the country will also have access, significantly increasing the program's impact.Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Veterans Affairs, stated, “The selection of these semi-veterans hospitals is meaningful as it allows us to provide better veterans medical services to families in the Gangwon and Jeju regions who have faced inconveniences due to the lack of veterans hospitals. The government will do its utmost to create a closer and higher level of veterans medical service environment so that all national veterans can enjoy a healthy and honorable retirement.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:30:00
  • Hana Bank Issues $300 Million Formosa Bond with Record Low Spread
    Hana Bank Issues $300 Million Formosa Bond with Record Low Spread Hana Bank has successfully returned to the Formosa bond market after nearly seven years, issuing $300 million in foreign currency funding.On July 27, Hana Bank announced the issuance of $300 million in five-year floating rate notes (FRNs) in the Formosa bond market. This marks the bank's first issuance since June 2019, when it issued $400 million.The final issuance rate was set at 68 basis points above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), which is 27 basis points lower than the initially proposed spread of 95 basis points. The bank explained that the issuance occurred below the psychological resistance level of 70 basis points in the Taiwan Formosa bond market.Formosa bonds are issued by foreign financial institutions or companies in Taiwan's capital market in currencies other than the New Taiwan Dollar. They are utilized as a means to diversify foreign currency funding, securing stable investment demand from a small number of key institutional investors.Prior to the issuance, Hana Bank conducted investor briefings for major investors in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Despite increased volatility in the global financial markets due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, the bank received valid orders exceeding three times the planned amount, totaling $980 million.A Hana Bank official stated, "Despite the expanded market volatility, we secured foreign currency funding under competitive conditions based on strong investor interest. We will continue to diversify our foreign currency funding sources through enhanced communication with investors and issuance strategies tailored to market conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:25:00
  • Pacific Law Firm, KB Insurance, and Small Ticket Collaborate on AI-Driven Safety Management in Logistics
    Pacific Law Firm, KB Insurance, and Small Ticket Collaborate on AI-Driven Safety Management in Logistics Pacific Law Firm (BKL) announced on July 28 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KB Insurance and Small Ticket on July 27 at its headquarters in Jongno, Seoul, to collaborate on AI and data-driven industrial safety and serious accident prevention.Since the implementation of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, establishing safety and health management systems has become a core management task for companies. This collaboration is significant as it aims to create a prevention-focused safety management system that integrates law, technology, and insurance.BKL plans to leverage its accumulated consulting experience and expertise in industrial safety and health law and the Serious Accident Punishment Act to support companies in effectively responding to the changing regulatory environment and establishing practical safety management systems on-site.Under the agreement, the three parties will build an integrated support system for industrial safety based on their respective expertise. BKL will handle the establishment of safety and health management systems and provide legal and regulatory consulting. KB Insurance will develop incentive-linked insurance products for businesses with excellent safety management. Small Ticket will provide a technical foundation for analyzing and preventing on-site risk factors using its AI-based safety management platform, RMS (Risk Management Solution), and OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) vehicle operation data analysis technology.In the future, the three companies plan to gradually implement various collaborative projects, including joint consulting, training, seminars, and the development of services that link industrial safety-related legal content with AI platforms, as well as enhancing insurance products based on risk management data. This initiative aims to create a virtuous cycle where improving safety management levels reduces legal risks and insurance burdens for companies.Jung Soo-bong, the representative attorney of BKL, stated, "Since the implementation of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, establishing safety management systems in the delivery and logistics sectors has become a necessity, not an option. We will support the establishment of effective safety management systems on-site based on our legal expertise."Park Sang-kyu, a division head at KB Insurance, emphasized, "The core of this agreement is to create an insurance product structure that provides tangible benefits to businesses with high safety management levels. We aim to lower loss ratios through data-driven risk management, creating a virtuous cycle that leads back to on-site safety improvements."Kim Jung-eun, the representative of Small Ticket, remarked, "The capabilities of our AI and data-driven safety management platform RMS can now be combined with the expertise of law and insurance, allowing us to develop a safety management model applicable on-site. We aim to contribute to creating a safe working environment that delivery and logistics workers can truly feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:20:00