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Trump to Impose Tariffs on Imported Generic Drugs Starting in Two Years President Donald Trump announced that tariffs will be imposed on imported generic drugs starting in two years. This move follows his recent announcement of tariffs on Canadian goods, signaling a ramp-up in his tariff policy.On July 21, Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "Beginning August 1, 2026, all generic drugs entering the United States will continue to be subject to a 0% tariff for the next two years. However, after that, a 100% tariff will be imposed for one year, followed by a 200% tariff thereafter."He added, "This is aimed at reshoring generic drug production to the United States. Companies that do not establish production facilities and equipment within the designated timeframe will face corresponding consequences."Trump emphasized, "Our goal is to protect the American people. Policies regarding patented, branded, and innovative drugs will continue to be successfully implemented as they have in the past. Currently, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities of unprecedented scale are being built across the country."Following his announcement of a 50% tariff on key Canadian products the previous day, Trump is intensifying his tariff actions with the announcement of tariffs on generic drugs. Additionally, a new tariff based on Section 301 of the Trade Act is expected to be announced on July 24, coinciding with the expiration of the global tariff deadline that replaced reciprocal tariffs. 2026-07-22 08:36:00 -
Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain Expected in Central Regions as Major Heat Approaches On July 23, the day designated as major heat (대서), the weather across the country is expected to be mostly cloudy. Rain is forecasted for the central regions and Jeju Island, with some areas in the southern regions experiencing rain from the afternoon to the evening.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the expected precipitation for July 23 is between 30 to 80 millimeters in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and the five islands of the West Sea. The inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon Province are also expected to receive 30 to 80 millimeters, while the eastern coast of Gangwon is forecasted to see 5 to 40 millimeters.In Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk, 30 to 80 millimeters of rain is anticipated. Jeonbuk is expected to receive 5 to 40 millimeters, while northern Jeonnam may see 5 to 20 millimeters. Daegu and Gyeongbuk are forecasted for 10 to 60 millimeters, and the western inland areas of Gyeongnam are expected to receive 5 to 40 millimeters. Jeju Island is projected to see around 5 millimeters of rain.The morning low temperatures are expected to range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum daytime temperatures are forecasted to be between 26 and 37 degrees Celsius.Major heat, which translates to 'great heat,' is the twelfth of the 24 solar terms. It falls between the minor heat of Soseo and the beginning of autumn marked by Ipchu, occurring around July 23 when the sun reaches the 120-degree point in the zodiac. The 24 solar terms divide the year into 24 segments based on the sun's movement, indicating seasonal changes.This period is typically associated with the peak of summer heat, often coinciding with the hottest days of the year. A traditional saying goes, 'Even goat horns melt during major heat,' symbolizing the intense heat of this season.In rural areas, farmers traditionally weed their fields and prepare compost during this time. It is also a period when heavy rains frequently occur due to the influence of the monsoon front, and summer fruits and vegetables, such as melons and watermelons, become abundant.This year, contrary to the name of the season, the weather is expected to be characterized by significant rainfall in the central regions, while the southern regions will experience relatively high temperatures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:36:00
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Heavy Rain Across Most of the Country Amid Heat Wave in the South On Wednesday, heavy rain is expected in most regions of the country, while a heat wave continues in the south.According to Yonhap News, strong rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder is likely in central areas during the morning.Expected rainfall amounts include 5 to 40 mm in Seoul, Incheon, and northern Gyeonggi Province; 20 to 60 mm in southern Gyeonggi (with some areas exceeding 80 mm); 5 to 20 mm in the five islands of the West Sea; and 20 to 60 mm in the central and southern inland and mountainous regions of Gangwon Province (with southern Gangwon expected to exceed 80 mm). Northern Gangwon's inland and mountainous areas are forecasted to receive 5 to 40 mm, while the eastern coast of Gangwon is expected to see 5 to 30 mm.In Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do, rainfall is expected to range from 20 to 80 mm (with northern Chungcheongnam-do and central and northern Chungcheongbuk-do possibly exceeding 100 mm). Western Jeollabuk-do is forecasted to receive 10 to 60 mm, while eastern Jeollabuk-do is expected to see 5 to 40 mm. Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are likely to receive 5 to 30 mm, and central and northern inland areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do are expected to see 20 to 60 mm. Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do (excluding central and northern inland areas) and western inland areas of Gyeongsangnam-do are forecasted to receive 5 to 40 mm, while Jeju Island is expected to see around 5 mm of rain.The heat wave is also expected to persist. Heat advisories are in effect for the eastern coast of Gangwon, the Chungcheong region, the southern provinces, and Jeju Island, with the maximum perceived temperatures in most areas expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius.In particular, areas under heat advisories are expected to see maximum perceived temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius, while the southern coast of Gangwon, parts of Jeolla, Gyeongsang, and Jeju Island are forecasted to reach around 35 degrees Celsius.In the southern provinces and Jeju Island, tropical night warnings have been issued, indicating nighttime temperatures will remain above 25 degrees Celsius.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:36:00
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Lee Byung-chul's Calligraphy 'Gongsuragongsugeo' Sold for 100 Million Won Lee Byung-chul's calligraphy work was sold for 100 million won at an auction.According to K Auction, on July 21, the calligraphy piece 'Gongsuragongsugeo' (空手來空手去), which was owned by the monthly magazine 'Saemteo,' was auctioned off for 100 million won during a premium online auction.The starting bid for the piece was 15 million won, with an estimated value between 19 million and 40 million won. After several bids since the auction began on July 11, it was sold for 100 million won, which is 2.5 times the upper estimate. The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed.This piece was written by Lee in 1981 for Kim Jae-soon (1923-2016), the former Speaker of the National Assembly and founder of 'Saemteo.' Following the magazine's financial difficulties, which led to an indefinite suspension after the January issue, the collection was put up for auction, allowing the artwork to find a new owner.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:32:00
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Shinyoung Securities Lowers JYP Entertainment Target Price Amid TWICE Activity Uncertainty 신영증권이 JYP Ent.에 대해 트와이스의 내년도 활동 불확실성을 반영해 목표주가를 낮췄다. 다만 스트레이키즈의 성장과 중국 MD 사업 확대 가능성을 고려해 투자의견은 ‘매수’를 유지했다. 김지현 신영증권 연구원은 22일 보고서를 통해 “트와이스의 재계약 논의가 길어지면서 장기 IP(지식재산권) 활동 강도에 대한 가시성이 일부 낮아졌다”며 JYP Ent.의 목표주가를 기존 대비 하향한 7만5000원으로 제시했다. 신영증권은 트와이스의 내년도 활동 불확실성을 반영해 12개월 선행 EPS(주당순이익)를 기존 대비 25% 하향 조정했다. 김 연구원은 “동사는 안정적인 매니지먼트 역량과 재계약 경험을 보유하고 있지만, 장수 IP 활동 여부가 밸류에이션의 핵심 변수로 작용할 수 있다”며 “공식적으로 확인될 경우 목표 배수 조정 가능성도 있다”고 설명했다. 단기 실적도 저연차 아티스트 활동 증가로 부담을 받을 것으로 전망했다. JYP Ent.의 2분기 매출액은 전년 동기 대비 5% 감소한 2054억원, 영업이익은 35% 줄어든 329억원으로 예상했다. 2분기에는 트와이스 투어 23회, 스트레이키즈 팬미팅 2회, 데이식스 공연 11회, 원필 솔로 공연 3회 등이 반영된다. 국내 공연 7회도 포함되면서 활동량은 증가했지만 콘텐츠 제작비 확대가 수익성 부담 요인으로 작용할 것으로 분석했다. 음반 부문에서는 킥플립 미니앨범, 엑스디너리히어로즈 미니앨범, 넥스지 싱글, 엔믹스 미니앨범, 있지 미니앨범 등 5개 음반이 발매됐다. 다만 저연차 IP 중심의 활동이 집중되고 스트레이키즈 선공개곡 관련 비용이 반영되면서 영업이익 감소가 불가피할 것으로 봤다. 중국 시장 확대는 긍정적인 요인으로 꼽았다. JYP Ent.는 최근 중국 국영 미디어그룹 후난방송영상그룹 계열 콘텐츠 커머스 플랫폼 샤오망과 소속 아티스트 IP 기반 MD 사업 및 유통 협력을 위한 계약을 체결했다. 김 연구원은 “동사는 MD 판매 채널을 콘서트 현장뿐 아니라 도시형 팝업과 온라인으로 확대하고 있다”며 “중국으로 판매 채널을 넓히면서 MD 사업 성과를 극대화할 수 있을 것”이라고 평가했다. 이어 “8월 컴백 예정인 스트레이키즈가 내년 2분기 이후 북미와 유럽 투어에서 공연 규모 확대를 확인할 경우 이익 기여 확대와 EPS 상향으로 이어질 수 있다”고 덧붙였다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:28:00
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Shinsegae I&C to Distribute AI Glasses Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta in South Korea Shinsegae I&C will distribute AI glasses products in South Korea, following its partnership with Meta on the 'Meta Quest.' The company aims to expand its domestic presence based on its capabilities in discovering and distributing global innovative devices.On July 22, Shinsegae I&C announced that it will distribute 'Ray-Ban Meta' and 'Oakley Meta' in the country.The AI glasses, developed in collaboration with Meta and EssilorLuxottica, a global eyewear company that owns brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, are smart glasses designed to enhance user experience. Shinsegae I&C plans to supply these products through domestic online and offline channels, excluding the brands' own sales channels.Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta are wearable devices that combine camera and audio functions with Meta's interactive AI assistant, 'Meta AI.' Users can activate the AI with voice commands while wearing the glasses to access information, take photos and videos, listen to music, make calls, and utilize real-time translation features.Shinsegae I&C has built its distribution network by serving as the domestic distributor for global companies like Google. The company has managed the distribution of various premium tech and gaming devices, including Google hardware, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Steam Deck, enhancing its IT distribution portfolio.Jung Sang-ho, head of Platform BIZ at Shinsegae I&C, stated, "By expanding our distribution lineup to include Meta's AI glasses following the Meta Quest, we are strengthening our collaboration with Meta in the device business. We will continue to enhance our product discovery and distribution capabilities to quickly introduce innovative devices to the domestic market in partnership with global companies like Meta."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:28:00
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Bank Delinquency Rate Rises for Second Consecutive Month, Increasing Pressure on SMEs The delinquency rate for won-denominated loans at domestic banks has risen for the second consecutive month. Concerns are growing over the soundness of corporate loans, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small corporations.According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) on July 22, the delinquency rate for won loans at domestic banks was 0.67% at the end of May, an increase of 0.06 percentage points from the previous month. This figure is also 0.03 percentage points higher compared to the same month last year.In May, newly delinquent loans amounted to 3.3 trillion won, an increase of 400 billion won from the previous month. Conversely, banks resolved 1.5 trillion won in delinquent loans through write-offs and sales, a decrease of 100 billion won. As a result, the total amount of delinquent loans increased by 1.7 trillion won over the month.The delinquency rate for corporate loans rose to 0.84%, up 0.10 percentage points from the previous month. The delinquency rate for large corporate loans was 0.27%, while the rate for small business loans reached 1.00%. The delinquency rate for small corporations saw the largest increase, rising 0.13 percentage points to 1.11%. The delinquency rate for loans to individual business owners also increased to 0.84%, up 0.06 percentage points.The delinquency rate for household loans rose to 0.45%, an increase of 0.03 percentage points from the previous month. The delinquency rate for mortgage loans was 0.31%, while the rate for household loans excluding mortgage loans, such as credit loans, rose to 0.90%, an increase of 0.07 percentage points over the month. However, the household loan delinquency rate is 0.02 percentage points lower than in the same month last year.The FSS assessed that there is a need to prepare for a potential increase in delinquency rates due to the rise in corporate loans following the expansion of productive finance and rising interest rates. The agency plans to encourage banks to actively pursue write-offs and sales of non-performing loans while ensuring adequate capital and loan loss provisions are maintained. 2026-07-22 08:28:00
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KB Securities: Hyundai Engineering & Construction's Stock Struggles, But Nuclear Power Prospects Remain Strong KB Securities maintained a "buy" rating for Hyundai Engineering & Construction on July 22, forecasting that momentum in the U.S. nuclear power sector will pick up in the second half of this year. The firm lowered its target price from 230,000 won to 170,000 won but still considers Hyundai Engineering & Construction its top pick in the construction sector.Jang Mun-jun, a researcher at KB Securities, noted, "Despite recent poor stock performance, the period from the second half of 2026 to 2027 will be crucial for nuclear power investments. We continue to present Hyundai Engineering & Construction as our preferred stock, as it is a leading nuclear power company in Korea and is poised to become a global player in the field."The company is expected to meet market expectations for its second-quarter results, with consolidated sales projected at 6.8951 trillion won, a 10.7% decrease from the same period last year, and operating profit estimated at 205.1 billion won, down 5.5%. Analysts believe that improved profitability in the housing sector and among consolidated subsidiaries will support these results.Looking ahead, the firm anticipates progress in the U.S. nuclear market, driven by a $17.5 billion supply chain loan program from the U.S. Department of Energy, the IPO of key partner Holtec, the restart of the Palisades nuclear plant, and the commencement of small modular reactor (SMR) projects.Hyundai Engineering & Construction's extensive experience in nuclear construction is also seen as a competitive advantage. The company has been involved in nuclear construction for over 50 years and has experience building ten large nuclear reactors simultaneously in the early 2010s.Jang added, "In the context of increasing demand for AI infrastructure and energy security, the value of construction timelines is rising. Particularly in nuclear power, the value of time is significantly greater than in other infrastructure projects, making Hyundai Engineering & Construction's extensive construction experience and track record in international projects particularly valuable."However, KB Securities adjusted its target price to reflect an increase in the cost of equity due to rising risk-free rates, lowering it from 230,000 won to 170,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:24:00
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Lee Jae-yong, Choi Tae-won, and Lee Hae-jin to Meet Jensen Huang in Silicon Valley Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, and Lee Hae-jin, chairman of Naver, are set to meet with Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, in Silicon Valley. This gathering aims to strengthen collaboration on next-generation semiconductor supply chains and AI business initiatives among leaders in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.According to industry sources, the executives from Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Naver, and NVIDIA will hold a roundtable meeting on July 24 (local time) near Silicon Valley.There is also speculation that key figures in the global generative AI market, such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, may attend the meeting.It is unusual for leaders of South Korea's memory and service companies, which dominate the global AI market, to gather with the head of the world's largest AI semiconductor company. This meeting comes just over a month after Jensen Huang visited South Korea and met with local business leaders, reaffirming strong partnerships with Korean companies.The main agenda for the meeting will focus on securing the supply chain for next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM), foundry collaboration, and building AI infrastructure.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to discuss strategic cooperation regarding the supply of HBM4 for NVIDIA's next-generation AI accelerator, 'Vera Rubin.' Additionally, Samsung is reportedly exploring various collaboration options for AI chip production using advanced 2-nanometer processes with major AI companies like Anthropic.Naver is also planning to further define its partnership with NVIDIA regarding its 'AI Factory' project, which combines GPU servers, data centers, and cloud technology.Industry analysts believe that this series of meetings could alleviate recent concerns about an 'AI peak-out'—the notion that the market may decline after reaching its peak. Given the current adjustments in stock prices of major semiconductor companies, this meeting could send a strong message that investments in AI infrastructure will remain robust over the next two to three years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:24:00
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Bitcoin Surpasses $66,000 Amid Optimism Over U.S. Clarity Act Bitcoin has continued its upward trend, surpassing $66,000 as optimism grows over the potential passage of the U.S. Clarity Act, a legislative proposal aimed at structuring the cryptocurrency market.According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin was trading at $66,262 as of 8 a.m. on July 22, reflecting a 1.78% increase from the previous day. This marks the first time in over a month that Bitcoin has exceeded the $66,000 threshold.Other major altcoins are also experiencing gains. At the same time, Ethereum rose by 1.30% to $1,918.85, while Solana increased by 0.67% to $77.90. Ripple (XRP) was trading at $1.14, up 2.87%.Bloomberg reported that Secretary of State for Digital Assets, Kevin Vesey, stated on July 21, "Congress is on the verge of passing the Clarity Act," adding that they are "at the 1-yard line." Earlier, the White House reportedly reached an agreement on the bill's ethical provisions and shared it with Senate Republicans.The Clarity Act aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets and clearly delineate the supervisory roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Industry experts believe that if the bill passes, it will eliminate regulatory uncertainty and significantly boost investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market.Meanwhile, on the domestic exchange Bithumb, Bitcoin was trading at 96.77 million won ($65,274), reflecting a 1% decrease from the previous day. The so-called "Kimchi premium," which indicates the price difference between domestic and international markets, was at -0.22%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:24:00