AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Korean Stock Market Expected to Rise Amid Surge in U.S. Semiconductor Stocks
    Korean Stock Market Expected to Rise Amid Surge in U.S. Semiconductor Stocks The South Korean stock market is expected to rise, buoyed by a surge in U.S. semiconductor stocks. Major semiconductor companies in New York saw significant gains overnight, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix showing strength even before the regular trading session began. As of 8:04 a.m. on July 22, Samsung Electronics was trading at 273,000 won, up 14,000 won (5.41%) from the previous trading day. At the same time, SK Hynix recorded a rise of 12,400 won (6.75%), reaching 1,960,000 won. The New York stock market ended a three-day decline, driven by a rebound in semiconductor stocks and strong earnings from major companies. On July 21, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 52,224.64, up 0.74%. The S&P 500 rose by 0.89% to 7,509.20, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.29%, finishing at 25,837.21. Investors flocked to semiconductor stocks, which had recently seen significant declines. Micron surged by 12.0%, and SanDisk jumped by 14.2%. SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) also rose by 13.75%. Strong earnings from major companies like General Motors and 3M contributed to a recovery in investor sentiment. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Today, the domestic market is expected to rise despite concerns over rising oil prices due to uncertainties in the Middle East, supported by the surge in U.S. semiconductor stocks, a strong performance in KOSPI 200 futures, and expectations for the second-quarter earnings season in the automotive and banking sectors later this week." However, volatility during trading hours may continue. One researcher noted, "The high level of VKOSPI and the surge in leveraged trading of individual stocks could increase volatility pressure today." The market is also paying close attention to upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies like Alphabet. In particular, Alphabet's capital expenditure (CAPEX) plans and cloud growth are expected to be key indicators of ongoing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) investments and semiconductor needs, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server DRAM. Geopolitical uncertainties from the Middle East and rising international oil prices remain concerns. However, the recent sharp decline in the stock market has increased valuation attractiveness, and improved foreign investor sentiment is seen as a positive factor. One researcher advised, "A strategy of holding or gradually buying semiconductor stocks at least until next week is a better option. It is also important to reflect in strategies that foreign net buying in sectors like retail, automotive, construction, and software can contribute to improving returns."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:16:00
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Pricing and Model Details Leaked Ahead of Unpacked Event
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Pricing and Model Details Leaked Ahead of Unpacked Event With the Galaxy Unpacked event just a day away, details regarding Samsung Electronics' next-generation foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, have surfaced online, drawing significant attention.On July 21, information regarding the model lineup and pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy Z Flip 8 was disseminated across an online community.According to the leaked information, the top-tier model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, is expected to be available in four colors: Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow, and Violet Shadow. The retail price is reported to be 2,577,000 won, an increase of approximately 198,000 won compared to its predecessor.This series will continue the existing Fold lineup with the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra,' while a new model, the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide),' is said to be added, featuring a wider screen ratio. Additionally, there are predictions that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 may be the final model in the Flip series, although this remains unconfirmed by Samsung Electronics and is still considered a rumor within the industry.The base model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide), is expected to launch in Cream, Graphite, Lavender, and Pistachio colors, with a leaked retail price of 2,278,000 won. This model is characterized by its 'Wide' form factor, which offers a wider screen ratio than previous versions.The Galaxy Z Flip 8, which is also expected to be unveiled, is anticipated to come in four colors: Cream, Graphite, Mint, and Pink. Its retail price is reported to be 1,683,000 won, also reflecting an increase of about 198,000 won from the previous model.The leaked documents also highlight key features of the products. Samsung Electronics is promoting the new devices as offering 'the latest foldable technology,' 'top performance,' 'a larger screen,' 'powerful cameras,' and 'enhanced durability.' Notably, the improvements in display size are aimed at enhancing immersion, while the camera performance supports professional-grade photography, and the durability has been significantly upgraded.However, since this information is based on leaks and not officially confirmed by Samsung Electronics, the actual specifications and prices at launch may differ. 2026-07-22 08:16:00
  • BTSs SWIM Remains on Billboard Hot 100 for 17 Weeks
    BTS's 'SWIM' Remains on Billboard Hot 100 for 17 Weeks The group BTS's fifth studio album 'Arirang' continues to perform strongly on major U.S. Billboard charts.According to the latest chart released by Billboard on July 25, BTS's 'Arirang' has reached 26th place on the main album chart 'Billboard 200.'The title track 'SWIM' has entered the main song chart 'Hot 100' at 100th place. This marks the 17th consecutive week 'SWIM' has remained on the 'Hot 100,' matching the record set by BTS's collaboration with Coldplay, 'My Universe,' for 17 weeks on the chart.The song also continues to show strength on global charts. 'SWIM' has held the second position on the 'Global (excluding U.S.)' chart for seven consecutive weeks and has remained in the top five for 17 weeks. It reached number one on the chart dated June 6, marking its eighth time at the top and setting the record for the most number one hits among songs released in 2026.Other tracks from the album are also consistently charting. In addition to 'SWIM,' 'Body to Body' is at 87th, '2.0' at 92nd, 'Hooligan' at 96th, 'FYA' at 154th, 'NORMAL' at 156th, 'Like Animals' at 181st, and 'they don’t know ’bout us' at 182nd, totaling eight tracks that have remained on the 'Global (excluding U.S.)' chart for 17 weeks.Notably, 'NORMAL' has risen eight spots from the previous week. On July 17, BTS released the Korean version and instrumental of this song.The new song 'Come Over' is also continuing to chart globally. 'Come Over' has reached 170th on the 'Global 200' and 94th on the 'Global (excluding U.S.)' chart, marking its fifth consecutive week on the charts.The group has also seen success on detailed charts. 'SWIM' is at 19th on the 'Adult Contemporary' chart, while 'Arirang' ranks 12th on the 'Top Album Sales,' 38th on the 'Top Streaming Albums,' and 19th on the 'Vinyl Albums' chart.Meanwhile, BTS performed as co-headliners at the halftime show of the '2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup' final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, sharing the stage with Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber to perform 'Dynamite.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:08:00
  • Referee Anthony Taylor Retires After 20 Years in Football
    Referee Anthony Taylor Retires After 20 Years in Football Anthony Taylor, a referee from England, has announced his retirement after a 20-year officiating career.According to Yonhap News on July 22, Taylor made his retirement announcement.In a statement, he said, "It has been an incredible privilege to officiate at an elite level. However, the pressure is intense, and the scrutiny and criticism are endless. It is now time to step back."Taylor's last match was the Round of 16 game between Spain and Portugal at the 2026 North America World Cup, which marked his 831st officiated match.Starting his career as a professional referee in 2006, Taylor, a former prison officer, was promoted to the Premier League in 2010, where he officiated 432 matches.He was also listed as a FIFA international referee and officiated 163 international matches over the past 14 years.Taylor participated in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the North America World Cup, Euro 2020, and Euro 2024.He faced challenges during his career, including receiving harsh criticism from AS Roma's manager José Mourinho after officiating the UEFA Europa League final in the 2022-23 season, where Mourinho called the performance "shameful." Mourinho later confronted Taylor in a parking lot and received a four-match ban for his actions.Taylor also has ties to South Korean football, having officiated the group stage match between South Korea and Ghana at the Qatar World Cup. In that match, he controversially issued a red card to South Korea's coach Paulo Bento for protesting a corner kick decision just before the final whistle, with South Korea losing 2-3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:08:00
  • Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Woman Who Blocked Access to Olympic Park Vote Counting Center
    Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Woman Who Blocked Access to Olympic Park Vote Counting Center A woman in her 30s who attempted to block access to the Olympic Park handball venue, used as a vote counting center for the June 3 local elections, has avoided arrest. According to legal sources on July 22, Seo Beom-jun, the chief judge of the Seoul Eastern District Court, dismissed the arrest warrant for the woman, identified as A, after a hearing the previous day, stating, "There is no concern for evidence destruction or flight." The police had applied for a pre-arrest warrant for A on July 16, and the prosecution filed for the same on that day. A is accused of obstructing work by preventing staff from entering the venue for about two hours after an agreement was reached between protest participants and the leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyuk, to enter the handball arena. Despite attempts by Jang and Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, to persuade her, A insisted that procedures to secure the ballots and ballot boxes must be completed first. Ultimately, access to the handball venue was denied. Some have referred to A as the "Joan of Arc of Olympic Park," coining the term "Old Arc." Judge Seo also dismissed the arrest warrant for a man in his 30s accused of illegally searching the junior handball team that entered the venue on July 8, citing no risk of evidence destruction or flight. However, an arrest warrant was issued for one of three men accused of obstructing police by shouting "Chinese police" and blocking the road at the vote counting site on July 6. Judge Seo determined that, unlike the other two, this individual posed a flight risk due to the seriousness of the crime.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 08:08:00
  • Koreas June producer prices plateau as pipeline inflation mounts
    Korea's June producer prices plateau as pipeline inflation mounts SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - South Korea's producer prices plateaued in June after nine consecutive monthly increases, but broader price gauges tracking costs through the domestic supply chain surged at their fastest pace in nearly four years, signaling mounting inflationary pressure still working its way through the economy. The producer price index stood at 130.03 in June, unchanged from May but 8.6 percent higher than a year earlier, according to data released by the Bank of Korea on Wednesday. May's increase was revised up to 1.0 percent from a preliminary 0.8 percent, while the annual gain was raised to 8.6 percent from 8.5 percent. The domestic supply price index, which includes imported and domestically produced goods and services supplied within Korea, rose 0.7 percent from May and 13.2 percent from a year earlier. The annual increase was the steepest since July 2022, when the index rose 14.7 percent. Prices rose across all stages of production, with raw materials gaining 2.1 percent from May and intermediate and final goods each advancing 0.5 percent. Imported raw material prices jumped 45.5 percent from a year earlier, compared with increases of 31.4 percent for imported intermediate goods and 10.9 percent for imported final goods. The widening gap suggested cost pressures remained concentrated at the upstream end of the supply chain and have yet to be fully passed on to consumers. The BOK said the sharp rise in import prices also reflected the weaker won, changes in international oil prices during May and the time lag between import contracts and customs clearance. The headline producer price index remained flat because manufactured goods prices fell 0.3 percent from May as declines in petroleum and chemical products offset higher prices for semiconductors and other electronics. Coal and petroleum products fell 5.3 percent from May and chemical products declined 1.8 percent, with naphtha down 23.5 percent, jet fuel 23.4 percent and ethylene 18.9 percent. Even so, petroleum product prices remained 65.8 percent higher than a year earlier. The total output price index, which covers exports as well as products sold domestically, rose 0.4 percent from May and 17.6 percent from a year earlier. The annual increase was the largest since the BOK began compiling the series in 2010. The record rise was driven overwhelmingly by exports. Export prices climbed 1.3 percent from May and 50.5 percent from a year earlier, while prices for goods sold domestically were unchanged on the month and rose 8.6 percent from a year earlier. Prices for computers, electronic and optical equipment advanced 2.4 percent from May and 24.6 percent from a year earlier, while semiconductor prices rose 3.6 percent on the month and 145.9 percent on the year. DRAM prices soared 476.4 percent from a year earlier, while computer memory devices gained 300.4 percent and computers and peripheral equipment rose 141.7 percent. Price pressures extended beyond chips. Primary metal products rose 16.0 percent from a year earlier, nonferrous metal ingots and primary products climbed 36.9 percent and refined copper products increased 55.3 percent. Service prices rose 0.2 percent from May, led by a 2.5 percent increase in financial and insurance services. Financial and insurance service prices jumped 35.2 percent from a year earlier as stock brokerage commissions surged 143.6 percent, underscoring the retail trading boom. Among prices affecting households and businesses more directly, pork rose 4.3 percent from May, beef prices were up 24.1 percent from a year earlier and industrial city gas climbed 10.6 percent on the month. International passenger airfares and air cargo rates, however, fell 6.5 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. The plateau in producer prices offers little room for comfort as upstream cost pressures have yet to fully feed through to consumer prices, while lingering tensions in the Middle East continue to pose upside risks to energy costs and inflation. 2026-07-22 07:51:20
  • Trump Orders Resumption of Direct Flights to Lebanon After 41 Years
    Trump Orders Resumption of Direct Flights to Lebanon After 41 Years Direct flights from U.S. airlines to Lebanon are set to resume for the first time in 41 years.On July 21, local time, President Donald Trump instructed his administration to lift restrictions allowing U.S. airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.Trump stated, "I will ensure that U.S. airlines can operate direct flights to Lebanon so that all Americans can conveniently visit this beautiful country." However, the timeline for the resumption of flights and the airlines involved have yet to be determined.Direct flights to Lebanon by U.S. airlines have been suspended since 1985, when TWA Flight 847 was hijacked en route from Athens to Rome, resulting in the death of a U.S. Navy diver. This incident prompted the U.S. government to impose restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon.This decision comes during President Aoun's visit to the United States. Trump emphasized his commitment to supporting Lebanon and strengthening bilateral relations during their discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 07:32:00
  • Korean Stock Market Sees Largest Decline Since June, Losing 100 Trillion Won
    Korean Stock Market Sees Largest Decline Since June, Losing 100 Trillion Won ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷KOSPI Falls 28.51% Since June, Leading Global Market Declines- The KOSPI index has dropped 28.51% from its peak on June 22 to July 20, making it the largest decline among major global stock markets. Even with a 3.56% rebound on July 21, the index has fallen approximately 25% over the month, reversing its position as the top performer in the first half of the year.- The sharp decline in the stock market and increased volatility have led to a noticeable outflow of investment funds. Since early June, foreign investors have sold a net 70.9399 trillion won in the securities market, while the total investment deposits have decreased from 139.6948 trillion won on July 4 to 108.818 trillion won by July 16, a drop of over 31 trillion won in just one month.- Experts attribute the market drop to supply factors, including a focus on AI and semiconductors and the liquidation of leveraged funds, rather than a deterioration in fundamentals. Foreign selling has reached extreme oversold levels, and the KOSPI's 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio has fallen to 5.7 times, suggesting a potential for a rebound due to incoming bargain-hunting.◆주요 리포트▷IPO가 다시 불 붙일 AI 랠리 - The recent AI rally has entered a correction phase due to uncertainties around monetization and concerns over the cyclical revenue structure between AI companies and hyperscalers. NH Investment & Securities forecasts that upcoming IPOs of AI model companies will help clarify actual revenue structures and real demand, alleviating doubts about the AI cycle.- The key to these IPOs lies in validating the usage and performance-based billing models of AI companies in the market. Global debt issuance related to AI is expected to reach $400 billion this year, with IPOs expanding funding sources from private equity and corporate bonds to public equity, thereby increasing transparency in circular investments and leverage structures.- If the profitability and real demand of AI models are confirmed, the justification for large-scale AI infrastructure investments will strengthen, leading to increased demand for hardware such as semiconductors, memory, and infrastructure. In particular, the expansion of inference and AI agents is expected to benefit companies related to memory (HBM), server CPUs, and networking.◆장 마감 후(21일) 주요공시△블랙록, KAI 지분 5% 넘겼다…주요 주주 올라△롯데건설 '2026 지속가능경영보고서' 발간, 최신 ESG 공시체계 반영△에이프릴바이오, 큐리진과 기술도입 계약 체결△고려아연, 종속회사 Richmond Valley Energy Reserve Holdings Pty Ltd의 유상증자 결정 공시◆펀드 동향(20일 기준, ETF 제외) ▷국내 주식형: 887억원▷해외 주식형: -414억원◆오늘(22일) 주요일정▷한국: 생산자물가지수(6월)▷채권: 미국 20년물 국채 입찰* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 07:28:00
  • U.S. War Costs with Iran Exceed $37.5 Billion, Additional $87.6 Billion Requested
    U.S. War Costs with Iran Exceed $37.5 Billion, Additional $87.6 Billion Requested The cost of the U.S. war with Iran is projected to reach $37.5 billion (approximately 55.6 trillion won) by the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. On July 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, stating that this figure includes actual expenditures to date as well as anticipated military salaries and operational and maintenance costs through the end of September. The Trump administration has requested an additional budget of $87.6 billion (approximately 129.8 trillion won) from Congress to cover war expenses, with about $67 billion (approximately 99.3 trillion won) allocated for the Department of Defense. However, there is controversy surrounding the need for additional funding, as approximately $75 billion (about 111.1 trillion won) from last year's budget remains unspent. Hegseth explained that these funds are intended for projects aimed at rebuilding military capabilities. When asked whether U.S. forces could destroy the so-called 'Pickaxe Mountain,' believed to be linked to Iran's nuclear program near Natanz, Hegseth declined to comment, stating that military capabilities are classified. He emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a core objective of the war, citing North Korea's enhancement of conventional forces while developing nuclear capabilities. Hegseth argued that operations targeting Iran's missile launch sites, defense industry infrastructure, and navy are part of efforts to deter nuclear armament.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 07:24:00
  • U.S. Stocks Rise on Semiconductor Surge; Nasdaq Up 1.29%
    U.S. Stocks Rise on Semiconductor Surge; Nasdaq Up 1.29% U.S. stock indices rose across the board, driven by a surge in semiconductor stocks. Despite ongoing uncertainties from tensions in the Middle East and U.S. tariffs on Canada, buying pressure increased for semiconductor stocks that had recently seen significant declines ahead of major tech earnings reports.On July 21, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 385.38 points, or 0.74%, at 52,224.64. The S&P 500 gained 65.92 points, or 0.89%, finishing at 7,509.20, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 329.13 points, or 1.29%, to close at 25,837.21.The semiconductor sector led the market's gains, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index soaring 5.2% for a second consecutive day. Following recent concerns over high valuations and investment burdens related to artificial intelligence, buying interest surged in semiconductor stocks. The S&P 500's information technology sector also rose 2.35%, marking the highest increase among the 11 sectors.Notable individual stock performances included SanDisk, which jumped 14.3%, while Western Digital and Micron Technology rose 12.5% and 12.2%, respectively. Investor sentiment for semiconductor stocks improved amid expectations that major tech companies would meet market forecasts.Investor focus is now on upcoming earnings reports from major tech firms this week, including Alphabet, Intel, and Texas Instruments. The ability of these companies to support rising tech stock prices with solid earnings will likely be a key factor for the market moving forward.Stock movements varied based on individual company earnings. 3M raised its annual profit outlook, resulting in a 7.3% increase in its stock price, while toy manufacturer Hasbro also saw an 8.8% rise after upgrading its annual revenue and profit forecasts. Conversely, life sciences company Danaher fell 11% after lowering its annual core revenue growth outlook.Ongoing tensions in the Middle East remain a concern for the stock market. As military clashes continue between the U.S. and Iran, fears of oil supply disruptions have increased due to threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels against commercial shipping.As a result, Brent crude for September delivery settled at $91.01 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at $84.91. Despite inflation concerns stemming from rising oil prices, U.S. 10-year Treasury yields briefly rose to 4.64%. However, on this day, expectations for corporate earnings outweighed geopolitical risks, leading to increased buying in tech stocks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 07:12:00