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  • Hanmi Pharmaceutical Introduces QR Code-Based e-Label for Digital Drug Information
    Hanmi Pharmaceutical Introduces QR Code-Based e-Label for Digital Drug Information Hanmi Pharmaceutical has launched a QR code-based electronic label (e-label) service, replacing paper inserts and advancing the digital transformation of drug information.On July 21, Hanmi announced that it has initially applied the e-label service to five products, including Yubaktam Injection 750mg, Triaxone Injection 2g Type 1 & Type 2, and Hanmi Cellotaxime Sodium Injection 2g Type 1 & Type 2. Scanning the QR code embedded in the product packaging allows users to access the latest drug information.Drug inserts contain essential information that patients and caregivers must verify before use, but concerns have been raised about the difficulty of finding necessary details due to small print and extensive content. Additionally, the inefficiency of discarding and reprinting existing materials whenever approval details change has been a persistent issue.To address these inconveniences, Hanmi has introduced the QR code-based e-label. This allows users to easily check key information such as efficacy, dosage, and precautions.User convenience has also been enhanced. The text size on the screen can be adjusted in four levels, and a search function enables quick access to desired information. Key categories, including ingredient quantities, characteristics, efficacy, dosage, and precautions, are organized in accessible tabs at the top.For users who may not be familiar with digital environments, the e-label screen includes options to download and save or print a PDF. When printing, unnecessary elements like menus and search bars are automatically excluded, ensuring that only essential information is displayed. Hanmi plans to add an e-label button to the product pages on its website in the future.Hanmi intends to gradually expand the e-label application in consultation with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This initiative is also seen as a contribution to reducing paper usage and carbon emissions, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management principles.Ham Yoon-soo, head of the design group at Hanmi Science Communication, stated, "The e-label is a service that enhances accessibility to drug information, making it easier and more convenient to verify. We will continue to advance our digital information provision system to improve user convenience and information accessibility."Meanwhile, Hanmi is expected to report strong performance for the second quarter of this year, influenced by receiving an upfront payment from Eli Lilly for the technology transfer of the new drug candidate 'Sonepeglutide' for short bowel syndrome.According to consensus estimates compiled by financial information firm FnGuide, Hanmi's projected consolidated revenue for the second quarter is 438 billion won, with an operating profit of 104.2 billion won, representing increases of 21.2% and 72.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:56:00
  • South Koreas Blue House Delays Discussion on Corporate Excess Profit Distribution
    South Korea's Blue House Delays Discussion on Corporate Excess Profit Distribution The Blue House has postponed a meeting of senior advisors that was set to address the distribution of corporate excess profits. This decision appears to stem from backlash from the business community and a recognition that further social discussion is needed. However, the postponement leaves the issue unresolved.Excess profits refer to excessive earnings resulting from temporary monopolies in the market, unexpected fluctuations in supply and demand, or wealth generated by a global boom in specific industries. This concept is typically associated with resource development companies in sectors like oil, gold, and diamonds.The situation in the semiconductor industry is different. The profits generated here are the result of legitimate market competition among global rivals. These earnings are the outcome of significant investments and technological innovations made at considerable risk. Therefore, discussions about sharing excess profits in light of the current semiconductor landscape seem premature.Moreover, it is challenging to justify a discussion about requiring companies to return the results of their legally and ethically sound business activities to society. Companies take on risks and uncertainties with every investment, and when markets cool or businesses fail, the astronomical losses are not covered by the state or society.If losses are borne by private enterprises while profits during boom periods are claimed by the public, no company will be incentivized to invest in innovation. This becomes clearer when looking at other industries.Global luxury brands often generate profits that are hundreds of times their costs, relying on brand value. How should we view real estate development profits, where individuals or companies make billions due to location, regulatory changes, or rising land prices? If a stock I purchased unexpectedly increases tenfold, should that be considered excess profit?If the government's discussion of 'excess profit' refers to 'gains exceeding expectations,' then logically, all cases are similar. However, individuals who sell real estate are recognized for their investment performance after paying capital gains and property taxes. The same applies to stock investments. There is no argument for reclaiming excess profits from those individuals.The same principle applies to companies that pay corporate taxes and earn profits through innovation. While it is possible to encourage investment for the innovation and future of the industry, demanding additional distribution framed in a value-biased manner contradicts fairness.There is also a significant distortion and disregard for the current tax system. Corporate tax is structured progressively, meaning that as a company's profits increase, its tax burden also rises. When a company exceeds performance expectations, the taxable base increases significantly, leading to a substantial rise in 'excess tax revenue' collected by the state.Thus, a considerable portion of corporate profits is already returned to society through the existing tax system. Imposing additional punitive distribution responsibilities on companies that have paid substantial taxes according to established rates constitutes double taxation and severely undermines legal stability.The retained earnings and profits of companies are not idle funds. They serve to build resilience against upcoming recessions and provide the necessary capital for reinvestment in future advanced technologies like AI and semiconductors in a rapidly changing global competitive environment. Encouraging companies to keep their profits for autonomous investment is the most effective way to create a virtuous cycle that leads to job creation and enhanced national competitiveness.Unless there is intentional monopolization or illegal activity, the legitimate achievements gained by companies taking risks should be recognized as theirs. Given that social contributions are already sufficiently made through the tax system, artificially imposed distribution theories riddled with logical contradictions should be avoided.Creating a market-friendly environment that allows companies to invest freely and generate greater value is the true path to benefiting the national economy and society as a whole. 2026-07-21 14:56:00
  • AI Stocks Plummet Amid Global Concerns; Big Tech Earnings on the Horizon
    AI Stocks Plummet Amid Global Concerns; Big Tech Earnings on the Horizon The global AI stock market has taken a hit, exacerbated by the recent unveiling of China's Moonshot AI's ultra-low-cost open model, Kimi K3. This week, the upcoming earnings reports from major U.S. tech companies are expected to determine the future of the AI rally.According to financial industry sources, the release of Kimi K3 on July 17 (local time) was a direct catalyst for the sharp decline in global AI stocks. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 1.63% on that day, marking a 20.2% drop from its peak on June 22. In the New York market, semiconductor stocks like Nvidia (-2.2%), Intel (-2.0%), and AMD (-1.0%) saw declines, along with major tech firms such as Meta (-2.7%) and Alphabet (-3.2%).The domestic stock market was not spared from the fallout. The KOSPI closed on July 20 at 6,516.27, down 304.33 points (4.46%) from the previous trading day. However, on July 21, it rebounded by over 3%, as domestic semiconductor stocks had largely priced in concerns over a slowdown in AI investment, and bargain-hunting activity helped limit the losses, according to market analysts.The first major test for the market will come after the close on July 22, when Alphabet is set to release its second-quarter earnings. As the first among hyperscalers to report, Wall Street's consensus anticipates revenue of $116.84 billion (approximately 172 trillion won), a 21.2% increase from the same period last year, with earnings per share (EPS) projected at $2.89.Alphabet's cloud division saw a significant revenue increase of 63% year-over-year in the first quarter, reaching $20 billion, with a backlog of $462 billion, nearly double from the previous quarter. Observers will be watching to see if this growth trend continues.On the same day, Tesla will also report its earnings, with consensus estimates of $26.4 billion in revenue and an EPS of $0.54. Tesla has already announced a surprise delivery figure of 480,126 units for the second quarter, exceeding market expectations by over 70,000 units, but the focus will be on its ability to maintain margins. The options market reflects an expected volatility of 7.6%.Intel will follow on July 23, with varying estimates from different agencies suggesting an EPS in the range of $0.10 to $0.20 and revenue around $14.4 billion. A turnaround from a loss of $0.10 per share in the same quarter last year is anticipated.The options market indicates a potential stock price fluctuation of about 15% following Intel's earnings report, significantly higher than the average fluctuation of 0.41% over the past four quarters. This suggests that the market views this earnings report as a critical event for assessing the direction of Intel's foundry business.The key issue is whether the capital investment trends among big tech companies, led by Alphabet, will remain stable. With the emergence of low-cost open models from China, concerns about profitability in relation to AI investments have intensified. If hyperscalers signal a reduction in capital investment guidance, it could have repercussions for domestic semiconductor supply chains, including HBM and foundry sectors.Conversely, if capital investment trends are maintained or increased, some argue that this adjustment may only be a short-term supply event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:52:00
  • LG Uplus Partners with Ericsson to Develop Voice AI Network
    LG Uplus Partners with Ericsson to Develop Voice AI Network LG Uplus is collaborating with global telecommunications equipment company Ericsson to develop a network-based Voice AI solution. On July 21, LG Uplus announced its strategic partnership with Ericsson to advance the development of network-based Voice AI solutions, global business initiatives, and the evolution of AI-native networks. The two companies will work together on several initiatives, including the development of technology and system integration for network-based Voice AI, joint promotion of Voice AI solutions globally, design and implementation of AI-native network architecture, and pre-validation for the application of Voice AI solutions in various global cloud environments. LG Uplus plans to combine its experience with the AI call agent 'ixi-O' and Ericsson's global network technology capabilities. The goal is to complete technology validation within the year and implement next-generation communication services where AI operates as a core element of the communication network. According to LG Uplus, user experiences in the AI era are shifting towards 'Zero UI,' where intentions are conveyed solely through voice. The company views Voice AI as an interface connecting people and AI, independent of specific devices or operating systems, and aims to integrate AI into the network as a fundamental component. This will allow AI to handle unnecessary calls and connect only important ones, while also providing support for tasks during calls through an AI assistant. Furthermore, LG Uplus envisions an 'AI agent era' where various AI devices, such as AI glasses and humanoid robots, are interconnected within a single network. The two companies will also expand their collaboration in the field of AI-native networks alongside customer-facing Voice AI services. They aim to utilize AI to enable the network to autonomously recognize operational conditions, optimize performance and energy usage, and automate fault response and service quality management. LG Uplus plans to implement both 'Network for AI' and 'AI for Network' simultaneously to create a global model of network intelligence. This collaboration was discussed during a visit by Hong Beom-sik, CEO of LG Uplus, and other executives to Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 14. The two companies are set to establish a long-term cooperation framework that will lead from technology review to global commercialization. Hong Beom-sik stated, "By combining LG Uplus's accumulated experience in Voice AI services through ixi-O with Ericsson's global network technology capabilities, we will introduce a network-based Voice AI that offers a more intelligent and convenient communication experience to the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:52:00
  • President Lee: Distribution of Operating Profit Should Not Be a Labor Dispute Issue
    President Lee: Distribution of Operating Profit Should Not Be a Labor Dispute Issue President Lee Jae-myung stated that the issue of distributing a portion of operating profits to workers should not be classified as a labor dispute. He expressed this view during a Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House. During the meeting, President Lee remarked, "It seems that the scope of what constitutes a labor dispute is being overly expanded." He emphasized that the government should provide clear criteria regarding the boundaries of labor disputes. He noted, "It is the government's role to provide certain standards regarding labor laws. Not every issue needs to be resolved through legislation; legislation serves as a broad guideline, while the executive branch is responsible for specifying these guidelines in practice." Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, commented on claims from the Samsung Electronics union, stating, "The decision by Samsung Electronics to build a large semiconductor plant in Gwangju should not be considered a labor dispute issue. We have previously issued a statement indicating that it contradicts the intent of labor law amendments." In response, President Lee pointed out, "There are management rights and decisions related to working conditions, but the limits are ambiguous. The question of what percentage of operating profit should be distributed as a labor dispute is being debated across various workplaces, and there are many that are considering strikes over this issue." He further suggested that the government's position should be clearly defined in advance through executive orders, presidential decrees, and labor department guidelines. "Before disputes arise, the labor commission should make determinations, and if necessary, we should clarify these issues through presidential decrees or guidelines to reduce social conflicts," he added. President Lee urged for a swift resolution, stating, "If we continue to expand the definition, will there ever be an end? We need to clarify this quickly within reasonable limits." Regarding military airports, he noted, "If a factory is built in Gwangju, there may be claims that it could lead to relocations, suggesting that management decisions are related to labor disputes. However, if we consider that management rights could potentially worsen working conditions, then issues like inheritance or the sale of management rights could also become endless labor dispute topics." Additionally, President Lee mentioned the need to reassess current laws that could expose the government to potential third-party bribery charges when promoting corporate social contributions. He stated, "Currently, prosecutors seem to believe that if there is any connection to government discussions, even donations to third-party public interest organizations could be deemed guilty under the third-party bribery law." He concluded, "This situation has arisen because we have been operating the penal system for political purposes. We need to find a way to resolve this issue. If we pursue it, we will find ourselves in trouble, even if there are legal grounds for it. This is a matter that needs to be addressed with clear guidelines at some point." 2026-07-21 14:52:00
  • Cement Industry Faces Survival Crisis Amid Rising Energy Costs
    Cement Industry Faces Survival Crisis Amid Rising Energy Costs Global energy prices are under pressure due to the potential reclosure of Iran's Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, raising concerns about the stability of the world oil supply chain. The domestic cement industry is also struggling with manufacturing cost burdens, prompting calls for urgent solutions.On July 21, domestic cement companies, including Sampyo Cement, Ssangyong C&E, Hanil Cement, Asia Cement, Seongshin Yanghwa, and Halla Cement, emphasized the need to reduce their high dependence on imported energy sources such as coal and oil used in cement production.The cement industry has been hit hard by rising energy costs. Harry Murphy Cruz, a global trade analyst from Oxford Economics, who attended the '2026 Cemtech Asia' conference in Bangkok last month, noted that while current oil prices are around $75 per barrel for Dubai crude, they could soar to between $130 and $160 per barrel if conflicts in the Middle East escalate or blockades persist.There are also concerns that exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar could be disrupted. Major Asian countries import significant amounts of Qatari LNG, with South Korea at 15% and Singapore and India at 43%, primarily for power generation. An increase in LNG prices would directly impact electricity costs, thereby affecting cement manufacturing expenses.The cement production process relies heavily on energy usage. Rising energy prices lead not only to increased fuel costs but also to higher logistics and insurance expenses. If global cement prices rise, it will inevitably lead to increased costs in the construction industry, potentially triggering a downturn that could further reduce construction investment and cement demand, creating a vicious cycle, industry experts warn.The cement industry stated, "The surge in international energy prices is not just increasing manufacturing costs but is also pressuring the overall cost structure and the demand base for cement. Only companies that can effectively respond to coal and oil price fluctuations will survive."To reduce dependence on foreign energy, the domestic cement industry is actively expanding the use of recycled resources such as waste plastics and tires, promoting eco-friendly power generation, and utilizing renewable energy.A representative from the Cement Association remarked, "The retreat of domestic cement consumption to levels not seen in over 40 years, coinciding with a downturn in the construction market, is a serious warning. Given the low share of renewable energy, the domestic cement industry, including Sampyo Cement, must learn from the global cement industry's response strategies and expand the use of recycled resources necessary for carbon reduction to increase the fossil fuel substitution rate to 53% by 2035 and minimize dependence on foreign energy through eco-friendly power generation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:48:00
  • Japanese Lawmaker Calls for Korea-Japan Cooperation in AI Era
    Japanese Lawmaker Calls for Korea-Japan Cooperation in AI Era Japanese lawmaker Masaaki Taira stated that in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), countries like South Korea and Japan must collaborate to establish their own countermeasures. Taira, an eight-term member of the House of Representatives and former Minister of Digital Affairs, made these remarks during the 150th 'Good Morning CEO Learning' event hosted by the MainBiz Association at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. He highlighted the U.S. government's ban on foreign access to its AI services as a critical example. He emphasized, 'While the United States is an important ally, we must not fall into a state of relying entirely on them.' Taira underscored the importance of developing the capacity to respond to the AI hegemony and protectionism of major powers. He also advised small businesses to pay special attention to cybersecurity, noting, 'Small enterprises are connected to the major supply chains of large corporations, making them the weakest link targeted by hackers.' He added that Japan is rapidly advancing measures to enhance cybersecurity for small businesses. Taira is the first overseas guest speaker at the Good Morning CEO Learning series. To commemorate his visit, several members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary Alliance, including lawmakers Ko Dong-jin and An Sang-hoon from the People Power Party, Taketoshi Nishimura, Vice Chairman of Tokyo NBC, and Choi Seung-jae, the Small Business Ombudsman, attended the event. Myung-jin Kim, President of the MainBiz Association, remarked, 'Digital technologies, including AI, are redefining industrial competitiveness.' He added, 'Our small businesses must create new growth opportunities in the global market based on digital innovation.' He expressed hope that this lecture would serve as a meaningful opportunity to explore changes in the AI era and the potential for Korea-Japan digital cooperation, as well as to solidify strategies for entering the global market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:48:00
  • China Considers Stricter Export Controls on AI Models and Semiconductor Technology
    China Considers Stricter Export Controls on AI Models and Semiconductor Technology China is reportedly considering strengthening export controls to prevent the overseas leakage of artificial intelligence (AI) models and semiconductor technology.On July 21, local time, Reuters cited the Financial Times (FT) reporting that regulatory authorities, led by the Ministry of Commerce, are discussing measures to restrict the overseas transfer of key AI and semiconductor technologies from major Chinese companies.This move is seen as an effort by China to protect its advanced AI as a core national asset, similar to the United States, and to prevent its technology and promising startups from being acquired by Western entities.The Ministry of Commerce is said to be negotiating restrictions on the overseas transfer of essential data needed for AI model training with companies such as Alibaba, ByteDance, and Zhifubai. Discussions also include preventing foreign users from downloading the weights of Chinese AI models.Model weights are numerical data obtained during the AI training process, which are crucial for determining the model's performance and functionality. Securing these weights allows external parties to modify or operate the model independently.Chinese authorities are also reportedly seeking industry input on measures to prevent overseas companies from producing advanced semiconductors designed by firms like Huawei, Alibaba, and ByteDance.These related regulations may be included in a revision of China's 'Export Ban and Restricted Technology List.' However, the measures are still under review, and authorities are gathering industry opinions before making a final decision, according to FT.Additionally, there are indications that the government is considering restrictions on the acquisition of Chinese companies possessing strategic technologies, such as agent-based AI, by foreign entities.Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Chinese authorities held meetings with major technology companies to discuss limiting foreign access to the country's cutting-edge AI models, including those that have not yet been publicly released.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:44:00
  • SK Telecom Launches Program to Support 15 AI Startups
    SK Telecom Launches Program to Support 15 AI Startups SK Telecom is launching a program to discover and nurture AI startups, featuring its own AI agent in the evaluation process. On July 21, SK Telecom announced the launch of its AI startup discovery and nurturing program, "SKTCH with AI," which will accept applications from startups until August 18. The name "SKTCH" is a combination of SKT and "Tech," representing a platform that SK Telecom has operated to enhance collaboration and discover promising startups. Through this program, SK Telecom aims to connect its AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with startups. Fifteen startups will be selected based on their AI technology competitiveness and potential for collaboration with SK Telecom. Selected startups will receive six months of support, including expert mentoring and seminars, collaboration and business development assistance with SK Telecom, participation in domestic and international exhibitions, access to management infrastructure such as office space, and opportunities to attract investment from venture capital and related organizations. SK Telecom's AI agent, "AI Evaluator," will also participate in the selection process. The company believes this will enhance the speed and consistency of evaluations. In the future, SK Telecom plans to further develop the AI agent to handle preliminary evaluations in areas where clear judgments can be made, allowing human evaluators to focus on aspects requiring detailed review. Previously, in April, SK Telecom launched the "SKTCH for Good" program to discover and nurture ESG startups, which saw a competition rate of over 10 to 1. On August 8, 13 startups were selected, including nine in the digital inclusion and care sectors, three in climate disaster response, and one in digital crime prevention. SK Telecom noted that the use of AI technology has increased among ESG startups, particularly those addressing issues related to an aging population and single-person households. Um Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's Sustainable Management Office, stated, "When SK Telecom's AI technology and capabilities meet innovative ideas from startups, it can create even greater synergy. We will continue to expand our collaborative ecosystem as an AI partner growing alongside startups for the future of our society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:44:00
  • Korean Students Win Medals at International Chemistry and Biology Olympiads
    Korean Students Win Medals at International Chemistry and Biology Olympiads Korean students excelled at the International Chemistry Olympiad and the International Biology Olympiad, winning multiple medals. At the Chemistry Olympiad, all four representatives earned medals, while at the Biology Olympiad, all four secured gold medals. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from July 10 to 19, where all four members of the Korean delegation received medals. In this competition, which saw participation from 368 students across 92 countries, Kim Sang-yeon (Incheon Science High School, 3rd year), Lim Jang-ho (Gwangju Science High School, 3rd year) won gold medals, while Kim Do-hoon (Gwangju Science High School, 3rd year) earned a silver medal, and Lee Eun-sung (Daegu Science High School, 3rd year) took home a bronze medal. Simultaneously, the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, with 302 participants from 78 countries. The Korean delegation, consisting of Kim Min-jae (Seoul Science High School, 3rd year), Bae Jun-soo (Gyeonggi Science High School, 3rd year), Oh Ji-yoon (Seoul Science High School, 2nd year), and Choi Jae-young (Korea Science Academy, 2nd year), all won gold medals. This year marked the highest number of participating countries since Korea first joined the competition in 1998, and it was significant that all members achieved gold medals for the first time in seven years. The International Chemistry Olympiad consisted of a theoretical exam (5 hours) and a practical exam (5 hours), with scores calculated based on 60% theory and 40% practical performance. The theoretical exam included nine questions across four fields: physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. Topics included reaction kinetics using the vibrational behavior of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, qualitative and quantitative analysis using mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and interpreting carbon dioxide reduction reactions using photocatalysts. In organic chemistry, questions focused on determining the structure of natural product-derived compounds, analyzing the aromaticity of carbon nanorings (cyclocarbon), and examining the structural and morphological changes of cardiolipin. Nuclear chemistry problems involved uranium fission and bond energy calculations, along with structural design issues related to covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The practical exam consisted of three tasks: synthesizing coordination compounds with unknown metal cations and ligands and determining their structures through titration in inorganic chemistry; analyzing the components of biological samples through enzyme-substrate reactions in a combined organic chemistry and biochemistry task; and analyzing acid-base titration curves and the color change principles of natural indicators in analytical chemistry. The International Biology Olympiad evaluated scores based on 50% theoretical assessment and 50% practical assessment. The theoretical assessment included 100 questions across seven fields: cell biology, plant morphology and physiology, animal morphology and physiology, animal behavior, genetics and evolution, ecology, and biological systematics, conducted over six hours in two three-hour sessions. Many questions utilized recent research findings. The practical assessment spanned four fields: molecular biology and biochemistry, animal physiology, animal morphology and systematics, and plant computational biology, each lasting 90 minutes for a total of six hours. This assessment evaluated experimental and data interpretation skills across various life science research areas, including morphological observation and dissection, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, bioassays, and bioinformatics. Jung Hyun, head of the Korean Chemistry Olympiad Committee, noted that the experience of competing with the world's top students at the International Chemistry Olympiad would be invaluable in developing creative insights and refined logical skills as future chemists. Kim Jae-geun, head of the Korean Biology Olympiad Committee, expressed confidence that the national representatives' active engagement in discussions and exchanges with peers from other countries would lead to the advancement of Korean life sciences to a global level.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 14:40:00