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Homeplus Aims to Resume Operations After Securing Emergency Funding Homeplus has confirmed that it aims to resume operations by August 1 after securing 200 billion won (approximately $150 million) in emergency operating funds. The company is expediting product orders and store layout adjustments to reopen its 67 stores nationwide.According to industry sources on July 22, Homeplus management held an emergency meeting on July 20, the same day they filed an immediate appeal against the Seoul Bankruptcy Court's decision to terminate its rehabilitation process. Previously, on July 13, Homeplus temporarily suspended operations at all 67 of its large stores due to a depletion of operating funds.Initially, Homeplus plans to focus on high-demand food and essential goods. The initial inventory for fresh produce, processed foods, and essential items will be only about half of what it would be during normal operations, but the company remains committed to resuming business.Homeplus intends to optimize store efficiency by converting its two-story stores into single-story layouts, focusing on food, private label (PB) products, and essential goods. A company representative stated, "This business model is similar to that of Trader Joe's, a leading U.S. retailer, where over 80% of the products sold are private label, and the stores are optimized for food and essential goods sales."The day before the court's decision to terminate the rehabilitation process, Homeplus further detailed its plans for normalizing operations, setting the reopening target for August 1. However, adjustments to this date may occur depending on when the emergency funding is executed, potentially shifting the reopening to July 30 or August 3.In the online sector, Homeplus plans to start operations immediately at 16 stores in the metropolitan area and gradually expand its delivery range in coordination with delivery companies. An industry insider noted, "Homeplus is likely to operate its stores initially with a focus on core products like fresh food and essentials, and the specific product order volume will be determined once the store layout plans are finalized."The company is also addressing unpaid wages and severance payments. Homeplus plans to pay 60% of the unpaid June salaries to employees on this day and settle severance pay for June. Previously, the company had paid 40% of June salaries on July 13.A Homeplus representative stated, "We will complete the structural reform work within the given timeframe and begin the sale process in earnest. We also plan to close the remaining 37 underperforming stores during the remaining rehabilitation period." The representative added that they will minimize headquarters and store personnel to reduce costs, and those not working will remain on leave for the time being.Meanwhile, the court has extended the deadline for Homeplus to finalize its rehabilitation plan until September 4. Considering that the company entered the rehabilitation process on March 4 of last year, this is effectively the last extension. 2026-07-22 09:24:00 -
Apple to Launch Device Leasing Program for iPhones and iPads Apple is preparing to launch a leasing program that will allow customers to rent major devices such as iPhones, Macs, and iPads for a set period, with options to return or purchase the devices at the end of the contract.Bloomberg reported on July 21, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Apple plans to introduce its new device leasing service, called 'Apple Upgrade,' on July 28.The Apple Upgrade program will cover most of Apple's products, including iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. The service will initially be available in the United States through both Apple’s physical stores and online.Apple is expected to partner with Klarna Group to manage the program, with Klarna providing the necessary financial support for leasing.The new service is anticipated to operate similarly to a subscription model. Users will have the option to pay off the device early during the contract period or switch to a new model before the contract expires. At the end of the leasing period, customers can either purchase the device or return it, similar to a car lease. However, early upgrades or buyouts may incur additional fees.The leasing period is set at 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 36 months for Macs and iPads. Participants will need to undergo a soft credit check that does not affect their credit score to gain approval for the program.Apple plans to highlight that the new service will lower monthly payments compared to existing installment plans. It is also reported that the current 'iPhone Upgrade Program' and standard installment plans will be discontinued in conjunction with the launch of Apple Upgrade.Unlike the previous iPhone Upgrade Program, the new service will not include AppleCare, and certain products such as the Apple Watch SE, budget iPads, iPhone 16, and MacBook Neo will also be excluded. Purchases made by businesses and educational institutions will not be eligible for the program.This initiative comes just weeks after Apple raised prices on some products, including Macs and iPads, in response to a widespread memory supply shortage. The company is also expected to increase iPhone prices when it unveils new models in September. The leasing program appears to be a strategy to counter anticipated demand decline due to these price hikes.Previously, Apple had considered offering iPhones and other hardware on a subscription basis but abandoned that plan in 2024. Bloomberg noted that this time, by collaborating with Klarna, Apple can expand its leasing sales while avoiding direct financial burdens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:24:00
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Kolon TissueGene Shares Plummet After TG-C Phase 3 Trial Failure Kolon TissueGene's shares fell to the daily limit for the second consecutive day after the company announced it failed to achieve statistical significance in its Phase 3 clinical trial for the osteoarthritis gene therapy, TG-C, in the United States.As of 9:10 a.m. on July 22, Kolon TissueGene's stock was trading at 30,050 won, down 12,850 won (29.95%) from the previous trading day. The stock has hit the price limit for two days in a row, marking a new 52-week low.The decline in investor sentiment is attributed to the top-line results of the TG-C Phase 3 trial, which were disclosed on July 20.In the trial conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving 531 patients with knee osteoarthritis, Kolon TissueGene reported that while the TG-C treatment group showed improvements in pain relief and joint function, it did not demonstrate statistical significance compared to the placebo group for both primary endpoints: pain (VAS) and joint function (WOMAC).According to the announcement, the reduction in VAS pain scores at the 12-month mark was 38.7 points for the TG-C group and 39.2 points for the placebo group, with a difference of 0.5 points (p=0.8322). The total WOMAC score also showed a decrease of 27.61 points for the TG-C group and 26.54 points for the placebo group, resulting in a difference of -1.07 points (p=0.5701).However, the company stated that no new safety concerns were identified. The 104-week follow-up indicated that TG-C was generally safe and well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety signals reported.Kolon TissueGene is considering the possibility that a higher-than-expected placebo response may have influenced the results. The company plans to review the ongoing Phase 3 trial results in the U.S. alongside this data to discuss future FDA approval strategies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:20:00
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KOSPI Surges Over 5%, Reclaims 7100 Mark Driven by Semiconductor Stocks The KOSPI index surged more than 5% in early trading, reclaiming the 7100 mark. This increase is attributed to a strong rebound in semiconductor stocks on the U.S. market, leading to increased buying of major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.As of 9:05 a.m. on July 22, the KOSPI was up 390.83 points (5.79%) at 7138.78 compared to the previous trading day.Foreign investors led the index's rise with a net purchase of 476.9 billion won, while individual and institutional investors sold a net 287.8 billion won and 188.9 billion won, respectively.Most of the top market capitalization stocks are performing well. Samsung Electronics is trading at 274,500 won, up 5.98%, while SK Hynix has surged 8.71% to 1,996,000 won. Other gainers include Samsung Electro-Mechanics (11.53%), SK Square (11.09%), Samsung Life Insurance (7.75%), and Hyundai Motor (6.14%).The KOSPI's rapid rise triggered a temporary halt in program buying orders, known as a 'buy sidecar.' According to the Korea Exchange, the buy sidecar was activated at 9:06 a.m. when the KOSPI200 futures price rose more than 5% above the reference price for one minute. This marks the 20th activation of the buy sidecar this year.Market analysts are focusing on the rebound in semiconductor stocks and foreign investment. Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated, "It is important to pay attention to the rebound buying in semiconductor companies and foreign investment flows." He noted that the MSCI Korea Index ETF rose 6.16% overnight, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index increased by 5.21%, positively impacting the domestic market.The KOSDAQ index is also rising, showing an increase of 29.55 points (3.92%) to 782.89 at the same time. Individual investors have net purchased 17.1 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors have net sold 8.2 billion won and 8.6 billion won, respectively.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Rainbow Robotics has surged 19.08%, and Wonik IPS is up 11.11%. Other strong performers include EcoPro (5.98%), EcoPro BM (4.72%), JUSUNG Engineering (5.85%), and Rino Industry (5.14%).The strength of the domestic stock market today is attributed to the rebound in U.S. semiconductor stocks. In the New York market, Micron rose 12.0%, and SanDisk increased by 14.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 0.74%, the S&P 500 rose 0.89%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.29%.Recent assessments from global investment banks indicate that the domestic market, which has seen significant declines, is nearing a bottom. Morgan Stanley's recent 'Korea Market Strategy' report stated that while the recent correction has been deep, it does not indicate a technical bear market, maintaining a KOSPI target of 9000.However, reflecting the potential for slowing profit growth, the bear market scenario target has been lowered from 6500 to 6000. The expected trading range for the next 3 to 6 months is projected to be between 6000 and 9000. Morgan Stanley noted that while the KOSPI and semiconductor stocks' 12-month forward valuations are approaching historical lows, uncertainties surrounding AI investments, hyperscaler capital expenditures, and semiconductor supply conditions may continue to drive volatility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:20:00
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NewJeans Releases Special Film to Celebrate 4th Anniversary 그룹 뉴진스가 데뷔 4주년을 맞아 스페셜 필름을 공개했다.뉴진스는 22일 0시 공식 유튜브 채널을 통해 데뷔 4주년 기념 스페셜 필름을 공개했다. 영상에는 민지, 하니, 해린, 혜인 등 4인 멤버가 등장했다.뉴진스가 팀 단위 새 콘텐츠를 선보인 것은 약 1년 4개월 만이다. 지난 2024년 여름 발매된 일본 데뷔 싱글 ‘슈퍼내추럴(Supernatural)’ 이후 오랜만에 멤버들이 함께한 콘텐츠라는 점에서 팬들의 관심이 모였다.어도어는 “오랜 시간 기다려주고 계신 팬분들과 데뷔일을 함께 축하하고 싶은 멤버들의 마음을 모았다”며 “버니즈 여러분이 반가운 마음으로 즐겨주시길 바란다”고 밝혔다.뉴진스는 2022년 7월 22일 데뷔곡 ‘어텐션(Attention)’ 뮤직비디오를 공개하며 가요계에 등장했다. 이후 ‘하이프 보이(Hype Boy)’, ‘디토(Ditto)’, ‘OMG’, ‘슈퍼 샤이(Super Shy)’ 등을 연이어 히트시키며 국내외 주요 차트에서 성과를 냈다.뉴진스는 2023년 두 번째 미니앨범 ‘겟 업(Get Up)’으로 미국 빌보드 메인 앨범 차트 ‘빌보드 200’ 1위에 올랐다. 2024년 6월 일본 싱글 ‘슈퍼내추럴’ 이후에는 신보를 발표하지 않았다.앞서 뉴진스는 소속사 어도어와 갈등을 겪으며 활동을 중단했다. 이후 해린과 혜인, 하니가 순차적으로 어도어에 복귀했고, 어도어는 민지에 대해서도 긍정적인 방향으로 협의 중이라고 밝힌 바 있다.가요계에서는 이번 스페셜 필름 공개를 두고 뉴진스 활동 재개 가능성에도 관심을 보이고 있다. 다만 어도어는 “뉴진스의 구체적인 활동 계획과 방식은 논의가 완전히 마무리된 뒤 발표할 계획”이라고 전했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:20:00
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LS Electric and LG Uplus Collaborate on Next-Gen AI Data Center Power Infrastructure LS Electric and LG Uplus are collaborating to develop power infrastructure for next-generation AI data centers. As power consumption for AI servers surges, the competition among data centers is shifting from computing equipment to power supply networks.According to industry sources, LS Electric and LG Uplus signed a memorandum of understanding on July 21 at LS Yongsan Tower in Seoul to jointly develop AI data center power infrastructure and enhance competitiveness.The core of this collaboration is the 800V direct current (DC) power infrastructure. The two companies plan to jointly demonstrate and standardize 800V DC distribution technology aimed at NVIDIA's next-generation AI platform, Vera Rubin.The 800V DC power infrastructure supplies high-voltage direct current power close to server racks, reducing current flow and power loss. This approach also minimizes the size of conversion equipment and wiring, making it suitable for high-density AI data centers.Traditional data centers convert alternating current (AC) power through multiple stages before supplying it to servers. As GPU density increases in AI servers, power consumption per rack rises. Power conversion losses and heat management significantly impact data center operating costs.LG Uplus will provide power data accumulated during data center operations and support a technical verification environment for the DC power solution. Based on this, LS Electric will develop DC power solutions and power data analysis and diagnostic solutions.Additional reports indicate that this collaboration aligns with LG Uplus's plans for an 800V DC distribution demonstration at its AI data center in Paju.LS Electric is a power infrastructure company equipped with ultra-high voltage transformers, high and low voltage switchgear, and power management systems. It emphasizes its ability to supply packaged power systems necessary for AI data centers.In North America, LS Electric's performance is also growing. The company's orders related to big tech data centers in North America increased from approximately 800 billion won last year to about 1.2 trillion won in the first half of this year.LS Electric has also established a DC distribution manufacturing plant, known as the 'DC Factory,' at its Cheonan facility. This plant is gaining experience in operating DC-specific devices, including semiconductor transformers, semiconductor circuit breakers, and energy storage systems.Chae Dae-seok, CEO of LS Electric, stated, "This MOU with LG Uplus is a starting point to lead the global AI data center market by seizing next-generation innovative DC distribution technology."Kwon Yong-hyun, head of LG Uplus's enterprise division, remarked, "The key to AI data center competitiveness lies in how reliably and efficiently power can be supplied."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:20:00
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Korean Won Rises to 1480s Amid Middle East Tensions and Strong Dollar The won-dollar exchange rate has climbed into the 1480s as geopolitical risks in the Middle East and rising international oil prices continue to bolster the strength of the dollar.As of 9 a.m. on July 22, the exchange rate stood at 1481.0 won against the U.S. dollar, according to the Seoul foreign exchange market.The rate opened at 1482.0 won, an increase of 8.6 won from the previous day's closing price as of 6 a.m. With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East showing little sign of easing, U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of immediate negotiations with Iran, raising concerns over logistical disruptions and oil supply instability. This has contributed to a continued rise in international oil prices, further supporting the dollar's strength.On July 21, Brent crude futures for September delivery closed at $91.01 per barrel, up 2.01% from the previous session at the Intercontinental Exchange in London. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude futures for August delivery also rose by 2.02%, closing at $84.91 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Analysts suggest that an influx of offshore buying following the dollar's strength could exert greater downward pressure on the won, which is sensitive to external conditions. Although expectations for increased dollar supply from exporters and expanded currency hedging by heavy industry have grown, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices may limit any significant downward trend in the exchange rate.Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "Expectations for increased dollar supply and concerns over intervention by Japanese authorities are factors that may cap the upper limit of the exchange rate. The recent hedging activities by exporters and heavy industry have contributed to lowering the exchange rate, and with relatively clear signals for increased dollar supply, the burden of a weaker won is unlikely to become excessive."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:12:00
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NH Nonghyup Bank Signs 383 Billion Won Agreement with Credit Guarantee Fund NH Nonghyup Bank announced on July 22 that it has signed two agreements with the Credit Guarantee Fund to expand productive finance and support economic recovery. The agreements focus on enhancing financial support for regional companies and businesses outside the capital area by separately managing general productive finance support and region-specific agreements. Under the 'Agreement for Expanding Productive Finance and Supporting Economic Recovery,' Nonghyup Bank will contribute a total of 5 billion won, including a special contribution of 3.5 billion won and a guarantee fee support of 1.5 billion won, while providing a guarantee of 220 billion won. The Credit Guarantee Fund will offer preferential benefits, including a 100% guarantee rate for three years, a 0.2 percentage point reduction in guarantee fees for three years, and a 0.5 percentage point support for two years. Eligible businesses include those in new growth industries, promising startups, exporters, job-creating companies, and venture firms. In the 'Agreement for Expanding Region-Specific Productive Finance and Supporting Economic Recovery,' a total of 5 billion won will be contributed, including a special contribution of 4 billion won and a guarantee fee support of 1 billion won, along with a guarantee of 163 billion won. The guarantee fees will be reduced by up to 0.3 percentage points for three years and supported by 0.6 percentage points for two years. In addition to the general agreement targets, businesses in regional industries, small businesses relocating to provinces, and local investment companies will also be included in the support. A representative from NH Nonghyup Bank stated, "We will actively participate in the government's productive finance policy and continue to expand financial support for companies with high growth potential and local businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:08:00
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Labor Department to Extend Employment Insurance to Cross-Recruitment Insurance Agents and After-School Instructors Starting next year, cross-recruitment insurance agents and after-school instructors at kindergartens and daycare centers will be eligible for employment insurance benefits. This change comes as the government aims to reduce gaps in coverage for certain labor provider occupations, which have had narrower employment insurance coverage compared to industrial accident insurance.The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on July 22 that it will begin a 40-day legislative notice period for a partial amendment to the Employment Insurance Act to expand coverage for labor providers in four occupations.Employment insurance for labor providers was first applied to 12 occupations on July 2021 and has since expanded to 19. However, some occupations had narrower coverage under employment insurance compared to industrial accident insurance, leading to cases where individuals performing similar work were not receiving employment insurance benefits. To address this, the Labor Ministry is working to unify the coverage of employment and industrial accident insurance.The amendment will broaden the scope of coverage for four occupations. The insurance agent category will now include 'cross-recruitment agents' who can solicit both life and non-life insurance products, as well as 'cooperative and credit union agents.' The after-school instructor category will include 'specialized after-school instructors for kindergartens' and 'instructors for special activity programs at daycare centers.'Additionally, the delivery driver category will include 'delivery drivers involved in household installation services under the Living Logistics Service Act,' and the credit card member recruitment category will add 'affiliated recruiters.' The Labor Ministry estimates that approximately 17,000 individuals will newly enroll in employment insurance as a result of this expansion.Previously, after-school instructors at elementary schools were covered by both employment and industrial accident insurance, while after-school instructors at kindergartens and daycare centers were only covered by industrial accident insurance. This discrepancy in social insurance coverage for similar jobs will be addressed with the new amendment.Support will also be provided to reduce the burden of employment insurance premiums. Employers of small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and labor providers earning less than 2.7 million won per month will receive 80% of their employment insurance premiums covered through the Durunuri social insurance premium support program.Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "The expansion of employment insurance coverage will strengthen the safety net for certain occupations that have been in the blind spot of employment insurance. As new forms of jobs rapidly increase and the distinctions between labor provider occupations become increasingly blurred, we will work to expand the coverage of employment insurance to encompass all individuals classified as labor service income earners under the National Tax Act."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:04:00
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Government Requests Increased Dollar Supply from Major Exporters to Stabilize Currency The South Korean government has requested major exporters, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, to expand their foreign currency deposits and export proceeds as part of efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange market.On July 21, the Ministry of Economy and Finance held a meeting at the Government Seoul Complex with key exporters such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, Kia, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries.During the meeting, Deputy Minister Heo Jang stated, "The won-dollar exchange rate, which had risen to the 1550 won range just before last month’s exporters' meeting, has recently dropped to the upper 1400s, indicating a partial easing of the foreign exchange market's supply-demand imbalance."He explained that the decline in the exchange rate was influenced by an increase in export companies' negotiation volumes, shipbuilders' forward foreign exchange sales, and capital inflows from SK Hynix's issuance of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). He also noted that the dollar-buying trend among offshore investors, which had expanded due to a bet on the won's depreciation, is also easing.Heo emphasized, "The foreign currency supply and demand in the second half of the year is expected to improve further, supported by the robust fundamentals of our economy, including favorable semiconductor market conditions. While external uncertainties persist due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the government's commitment to stabilizing market expectations is firm."He added, "We have sufficient capacity to respond to market stability needs and urge major exporters to actively participate in the exchange of export proceeds and foreign currency deposits, as well as the repatriation of overseas retained earnings in light of the changing foreign exchange market conditions."Attendees at the meeting agreed that stabilizing the foreign exchange market is essential for reducing management uncertainties and establishing a stable investment and operational foundation. They also committed to supporting the government's efforts to stabilize supply and demand, which could lead to improved conditions in the foreign exchange market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 09:04:00