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People Power Party Calls for Joint Investigation into Alleged Voter Turnout Manipulation 국민의힘은 24일 선거관리위원회의 투표율 임의 조작 의혹에 대해 "국회 국정조사특별위원회를 서둘러 끝낼 것이 아니라 기한을 연장해 특검과 병행해야 한다"고 주장했다. 정희용 사무총장은 이날 국회에서 열린 원내대책회의에서 "특검 도입에 여야가 합의한 만큼 한시라도 빨리 특검을 출범시켜 투표용지 부족 사태는 물론 통계 조작 의혹을 포함한 모든 의혹에 대해 진실을 철저히 규명해야 한다"며 이같이 말했다. 정 사무총장은 "선관위 투표율 허위 입력 정황은 투표용지 부족 사태만큼이나 충격적"이라며 "중앙선관위와 경기도 선관위 관계자들의 조작 정황이 포착됐다는 사실 하나만으로도 사안은 엄중하다"고 지적했다. 이어 "과연 이번 단 한 번뿐이었는지, 과거에도 반복됐던 것은 아닌지, 지금까지 확인된 것이 이번 건에 불과한 것인지 그 어느 것도 단정하기 어려운 상황"이라고 했다. 아울러 "더욱 심각한 것은 조작이 조직적이었다는 의혹"이라며 "선관위 실무자들은 오입력을 은폐하기 위해 투표자 수를 임의로 고치고 보고 절차도 없었다. 오히려 허위 입력 전에 숫자를 맞추자는 취지의 대화를 나눈 것은 공모의 정황으로밖에 볼 수 없다"고 질타했다. 김승수 원내운영수석부대표는 "이번 전산 조작 사태는 현행 선거 관리 시스템에 대한 신뢰를 근본적으로 뒤흔드는 사태"라며 "이번 일로 선관위 특검의 수사 범위를 6·3 지방선거 투표 용지 부족 문제로 한정 지을 수 없다는 것이 분명해졌다"고 강조했다. 김 원내운영수석부대표는 "일체의 전산 조작 시도를 포함한 선관위의 모든 것을 수사 대상에 포함해야 한다"며 "특히 이번 투표 통계 조작에 대해서는 전국 선관위 대상으로 전수 조사가 불가피하다"고 주장했다. 그러면서 "투표 용지 한정 특검이 아니라 선관위 종합 특검을 실시해야 한다"며 "국민의힘은 투표율 등 투개표 데이터 조작을 원천 차단하는 방안을 마련해 당 차원의 선거 관리 시스템 개혁안에 반영하겠다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:20:00 -
Kolon TissueGene extends slide as trial miss guts valuation SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Shares in Kolon TissueGene fell for a sixth consecutive session on Friday, extending a rout that has erased about three-quarters of the biotech firm's market value in a single week after its osteoarthritis gene therapy failed to outperform a placebo in a late-stage U.S. trial. The stock traded at 15,620 won as of 10:04 a.m. on the tech-heavy KOSDAQ, down 5,430 won, or 25.94 percent from the previous close. The shares had already hit the daily limit-down of about 30 percent for three straight sessions from Monday through Wednesday. The company disclosed on Monday that TG-C, a cell and gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis, missed both co-primary endpoints in its U.S. Phase 3 trial. Pain relief and joint function improved among patients who received the drug, but not by a statistically significant margin over placebo. Analysts pinned the miss on the placebo arm rather than the drug itself. "This failure stems not from a lack of efficacy in TG-C but from an unexpectedly strong placebo effect," said Wi Hae-joo, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities, cutting the brokerage's rating to neutral from buy. The firm also lowered its assumptions for trial success probability and U.S. market share. A second U.S. Phase 3 study, coded 12301, is due to report in October, and the company is weighing whether an elevated placebo response skewed the first readout. Wi said the pain reduction seen in the treated arm mirrored earlier Phase 2 results, leaving room for success in the second trial if the placebo effect proves less pronounced. 2026-07-24 10:12:22 -
Cosmax Launches One-Stop Export Support for K-Beauty Brands Cosmetics manufacturer Cosmax is expanding its services to assist clients with export documentation, customs, and duty refunds, moving beyond just manufacturing. To address the challenges faced by small and indie brands due to varying regulations and complex export procedures, Cosmax has established a dedicated portal for handling export and import tasks in one place. On July 24, Cosmax announced the launch of a new 'Export and Import Support' menu within its e-biz system, which serves as a communication channel for clients, providing support throughout the entire export and import process. Clients can access the e-biz portal to register their support needs. They can apply online for assistance with inquiries about export procedures, preparation of shipping documents, issuance of certificates of origin, customs duty refunds, and connections to logistics and customs agencies. Documentation, forms, and Q&A resources are available online, while practical training and consulting for specific issues can be conducted via phone and in-person meetings. The service will be managed by Cosmax's export and import management team. The company directly exports to 43 countries based on finished products, and when including indirect exports through clients, the total reaches over 120 countries. It also operates a supply chain importing raw materials and components from 46 countries. Cosmax holds the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification from the Customs Service for both export and import sectors. The company plans to leverage its nearly 20 years of accumulated expertise in export and import operations, including the status of certified exporter necessary for free trade agreement (FTA) applications and experience in operating bonded warehouses, to support its clients. In 2024, Cosmax became the first company in the domestic cosmetics ODM industry to receive the 'Export Tower of $200 Million.' The company anticipates its export revenue will reach $300 million this year. As a specialized cosmetics ODM company, over 90% of Cosmax's total revenue comes from ODM operations, supplying self-developed products to domestic and international brands. According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the export of cosmetics reached $50.7 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 30.7% increase from the previous year and achieving the highest export performance for the first half of any year. Cosmetics accounted for 7.9% of total small and medium-sized enterprise exports, ranking first among product categories. As the export market expands, the burden of customs regulations, proof of origin, and preparation of shipping documents increases for indie brands. Cosmax aims to support clients not only in product development and manufacturing but also in export and import operations, allowing them to focus on overseas sales and marketing. A Cosmax representative stated, "The role of an ODM partner does not end with product manufacturing. The goal of this service is to share Cosmax's expertise in export and import with clients from the initial stages of their export journey, helping them grow continuously in international markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:08:00
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NH Nonghyup Bank Launches Senior Savings Account with Up to 3.1% Interest NH Nonghyup Bank announced the launch of the 'NH All Wonderful Happiness Companion Account' on July 24, offering a maximum annual interest rate of 3.1% and various fee waivers for pension recipients.This product features preferential interest rates based solely on pension deposit activity, without complex transaction conditions, applicable to daily balances up to 3 million won.The base interest rate is 0.1%, with an additional 2.0 percentage points for customers with pension deposits. New pension recipients at Nonghyup Bank will receive an extra 1.0 percentage point for one year, allowing them to earn up to 3.1% annually.Eligible pensions include public pensions such as the National Pension, Government Employees Pension, Teachers Pension, and Military Pension, as well as veterans' pensions and basic pensions.The account also waives electronic transfer fees, cash withdrawal fees at Nonghyup Bank ATMs, and interbank transfer fees.This product is part of the 'NH All Wonderful' brand launched in November last year to support senior customers in preparing for retirement and managing their assets. It expands the lineup of senior financial products following the introduction of the 'NH All Wonderful Happiness Companion Savings Account' in May.A Nonghyup Bank official stated, "As the aging population rapidly increases, the importance of financial services for senior customers is growing. We aim to establish ourselves as a financial partner that supports not just finance but all aspects of life."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:08:00
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KB Insurance Revamps Travel Insurance to Enhance Coverage for Flight Delays and Medical Expenses KB Insurance announced on July 24 that it has revised its 'KB Travel Insurance' to strengthen coverage for flight and baggage delays as well as overseas medical expenses. The revision features a streamlined plan naming and benefit structure to help customers easily compare coverage levels. The previous plans named 'Assured', 'Value', and 'Essential' have been renamed to 'Premium', 'Standard', and 'Basic'. The Premium plan now offers increased coverage for flight and baggage delay expenses, raising the limit from 300,000 won to 500,000 won. The overseas medical expense coverage has also been increased from 50 million won to 70 million won for both injury and illness. The Standard plan maintains coverage for flight and baggage delay expenses at 300,000 won, with overseas medical expenses capped at 50 million won for both injury and illness. The number of benefits per plan has also been differentiated. Previously, all three plans offered 26 benefits, but under the new structure, the Premium plan includes 26 benefits, the Standard plan has 24, and the Basic plan offers 17. This allows customers to choose coverage and premiums based on their travel purpose and budget. Coverage for climate-related illnesses, such as heat and cold-related diagnosis expenses, has been included in the Premium plan. A representative from KB Insurance stated, “We revised the product to help customers easily select a plan that fits their travel purpose and budget, reducing the financial burden that may arise during overseas travel. We aim to enhance coverage competitiveness and enrollment convenience by reflecting travel trends and customer demands.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:08:00
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LG Supports Ethiopian Veterans' Descendants Choir with Dedicated Practice Space LG is supporting the activities of the Kangnyu Choir, composed of descendants of Ethiopian veterans who served in the Korean War. The initiative goes beyond a one-time donation, providing dedicated practice space and equipment, as well as sponsoring performances in Korea to connect the legacy of the participating nations to future generations.In collaboration with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Warm Day Foundation, LG announced plans to establish a dedicated practice room for the Kangnyu Choir in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.The practice room will be located within the veterans' hall built by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in 2006. It will be equipped with soundproofing and acoustic facilities, along with necessary equipment such as laptops, speakers, and projectors for practice.Founded in 2018, the Kangnyu Choir has lacked a dedicated space, often having to find locations for rehearsals or practicing outdoors when unable to secure a venue. They have also faced shortages of basic equipment for playing audio and accompaniment.On July 23, LG invited the choir members, who were visiting Korea, to the LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul. Each member received a portable speaker from LG Electronics.The Kangnyu Choir is primarily composed of the third generation of veterans from the Kangnyu Unit. They perform Korean songs and traditional music at Ethiopian government events, promoting the historical ties between the two countries.Ethiopia is the only African nation to have deployed ground troops during the Korean War. The Kangnyu Unit, made up of imperial guards, fought on the central front, resulting in 122 fatalities and 536 injuries.Combining the casualties from the Kangnyu Unit, the total number of lives lost or affected by the deployment is significant.The choir visited Korea last month, performing at events commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Korean War. Their 36-day visit will conclude with a ceremony on July 27 marking the day of the United Nations forces' participation. LG fully supported their travel and accommodation expenses.Additionally, LG operates vocational training programs in Ethiopia. Since 2014, the 'LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School' has provided local youth with information technology education and internship opportunities for outstanding graduates.The Ministry of Veterans Affairs presented LG with a plaque of appreciation for its contributions to international veterans' activities, including the operation of the vocational training school and support for the Kangnyu Choir.An LG representative stated, "We will continue to support the descendants of veterans so they can achieve economic independence and realize their cultural potential and dreams."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:04:00
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Hanwha Aerospace Surpasses 1 Million Won Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East Hanwha Aerospace's stock price surged over 6% in early trading, surpassing 1 million won, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a strong performance in U.S. defense stocks.As of 9:38 a.m. on July 24, Hanwha Aerospace was trading at 1,016,000 won, up 58,000 won (6.05%) from the previous trading day. Other defense stocks also showed strength, with LIG Defense and Aerospace rising 6.25% and Hyundai Rotem increasing by 2.52%.Investor sentiment improved following a strong earnings report from Lockheed Martin, a leading U.S. defense contractor, which exceeded market expectations for both second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) and revenue, while also raising its annual guidance. Lockheed Martin's stock jumped 10.54% as a result.RTX also raised its annual outlook based on strong demand for commercial aircraft maintenance and military equipment, seeing a 7.27% increase in its stock. Other major defense companies, including L3 Harris Technologies (up 5.09%), GE (up 2.29%), and Howmet Aerospace (up 2.28%), also experienced gains.The military tensions in the Middle East have further fueled investor interest in defense stocks. The Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and declared a maritime blockade, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a tough response to Iran, heightening geopolitical risks. Additionally, attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov have raised concerns about oil supply disruptions, causing international oil prices to spike by over 7% during trading.Analysts believe that the solid performance of U.S. defense companies will positively impact domestic defense stocks. Both Lockheed Martin and RTX have raised their annual guidance alongside strong second-quarter results, and demand for missile defense systems like the Patriot and THAAD has led to record-high order backlogs. The market anticipates that the ongoing trend of increased global defense spending will continue to support export momentum for domestic defense firms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:04:00
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Hyundai Mobis Reports 12.1% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Driven by Expansion of Automotive Components Hyundai Mobis achieved double-digit operating profit in the second quarter of this year, driven by the expansion of high-value automotive component sales and strong performance in its afterservice (A/S) business.On July 24, Hyundai Mobis announced in a regulatory filing that it recorded sales of 16.3247 trillion won and an operating profit of 975.2 billion won for the second quarter. Sales increased by 2.4% compared to the same period last year, while operating profit rose by 12.1%. Net profit for the period was 1.0602 trillion won, up 13.5% year-on-year.The improvement in performance was attributed to a better product mix and profitability enhancement strategies. Although sales in the electrification sector declined due to reduced production of finished vehicles and ongoing cost pressures from memory semiconductors, Hyundai Mobis explained that the expansion of high-value automotive component supply to overseas automakers helped offset these losses. The A/S business also saw improved profitability due to increased global sales and favorable exchange rates.For the first half of the year, Hyundai Mobis reported cumulative sales of 31.8852 trillion won and an operating profit of 1.7778 trillion won, representing increases of 3.9% and 8%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. During this time, the company secured parts orders worth $740 million from overseas automakers.Hyundai Mobis continues to invest in securing future growth drivers. In the first half of the year, the company invested 950.8 billion won in research and development (R&D), which accounts for about 44% of its annual investment plan of 2.1631 trillion won.A Hyundai Mobis official stated, "In the first half, some orders were delayed due to project schedule adjustments following changes in client strategies and a slowdown in the electrification market. However, we focused on securing initial orders for new products and new clients, achieving positive results. We plan to actively expand additional order opportunities in the second half of the year."Meanwhile, Hyundai Mobis has decided on an interim dividend of 1,500 won per share, with the dividend record date set for next month on the 10th. From May to July, the company repurchased approximately 910,000 shares worth 500 billion won, which will be fully canceled in August.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:04:00
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HLB Shares Rise 8% on FDA Approval Hopes for Cholangiocarcinoma Drug HLB is experiencing strong gains in early trading due to expectations surrounding FDA approval for its cholangiocarcinoma treatment. As of 9:30 a.m. on July 24, HLB shares were trading at 32,650 won, up 2,650 won (8.83%) from the previous trading day. The company announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Elevate Therapeutics, successfully completed a late-cycle meeting with the FDA regarding the approval review of the FGFR2-targeted cancer drug, liraglutide, without any significant issues. This meeting is part of the final stages of the approval process, where remaining concerns are addressed, and labeling and post-marketing plans are coordinated. HLB stated that there have been no significant disagreements with the FDA during the review process, and no new review issues that could affect approval have been raised. The pre-approval inspection status of the manufacturing facilities for both the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the finished product was not specifically mentioned in this meeting. Liraglutide is an oral targeted cancer drug that selectively inhibits FGFR2. It was designated as an orphan drug by the FDA in 2022, received breakthrough therapy designation in 2023, and was selected for priority review this year. The FDA's decision on approval is expected by September 25. Dong-geun Kim, CEO of Elevate, stated, "This meeting confirmed that the approval review for liraglutide is in its final stages. Since there have been no significant disagreements with the FDA so far, we will ensure that subsequent procedures are completed smoothly ahead of the approval decision in September." Recently, HLB's stock price has shown significant volatility due to new drug approval issues. On July 10, the company’s liver cancer drug, ribociclib, received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA, leading to two consecutive days of trading at the lower limit. However, following news that concerns regarding the manufacturing facilities had largely been resolved, the stock rebounded to the upper limit on July 15. Additionally, HLB Group executives have been actively buying back shares, emphasizing their commitment to responsible management. Chairman Jin Yang-gon has purchased over 1.1 million shares of affiliate stocks in 50 transactions this year, and other affiliate representatives have also been buying back shares. HLB stated, "The voluntary share purchases by affiliate executives demonstrate our commitment to strengthening responsible management and enhancing corporate and shareholder value, unaffected by short-term market fluctuations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 10:00:00
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U.S. Maintains South Korea on Currency Monitoring List Amid Weak Won The U.S. government has kept South Korea on its currency monitoring list. According to a semiannual currency report submitted to Congress by the U.S. Treasury on July 23, South Korea is included in the list alongside China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. A total of 10 countries were listed, the same as in the January report. The Treasury evaluates major trading partners based on their trade surpluses with the U.S., the balance of payments from international transactions, and government intervention in currency markets. South Korea met two criteria: a trade surplus with the U.S. and a current account surplus. Last year, South Korea's current account surplus was 6.6% of its gross domestic product (GDP), an increase from 5.3% in 2024, driven by rising exports of technology products, including semiconductors. However, the value of the won has weakened. The Treasury noted, “While dollars flowed into the country from exports, significant overseas stock investments by the National Pension Service and individual investors led to a substantial outflow of dollars.” The increase in overseas stock holdings by the government sector, including the National Pension Service, surged from $8 billion in 2024 to $41 billion last year. The Treasury assessed that “a significant portion of these investments were not hedged against currency fluctuations, increasing downward pressure on the won.” Investments in overseas stocks by financial companies and individuals also more than doubled, rising from $34 billion in 2024 to $73 billion last year. Individual investors alone purchased over $30 billion in overseas stocks last year. To buy overseas stocks, investors must convert won to dollars. An increase in overseas stock investments raises demand for dollars, which can exert downward pressure on the value of the won. South Korea's foreign exchange authorities intervened in the market to prevent a rapid decline in the won's value. The Treasury reported that “Korean authorities net sold $28 billion in the foreign exchange market last year, with $22.5 billion concentrated in the fourth quarter when the exchange rate surged.” The Treasury emphasized that these measures were not intended to artificially lower the value of the won but were responses to reduce sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate. South Korea was removed from the currency monitoring list in November 2023 but was reinstated in November 2024 and has maintained its status since then.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 09:56:00