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Samsung Biologics to buy PolyPeptide in record $2 billion deal SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics announced it has agreed to acquire Switzerland's PolyPeptide Group, a specialist maker of peptide drugs, for about 2.7 trillion won ($1.81 billion), the biggest merger-and-acquisition deal in South Korea's pharmaceutical and biotech industry. The agreement, disclosed in a regulatory filing on Monday, marks the Korean contract manufacturer's formal entry into peptides, the chemical backbone of the fast-growing class of obesity and diabetes treatments that has reshaped global drug markets. Its share fell 1.86 percent to 1,370,000 won as of 10:15 a.m. in Seoul on concerns over the fundraising. Samsung Biologics said it aims to secure a 100 percent stake in PolyPeptide through the purchase of a controlling holding and a subsequent tender offer, with the transaction expected to close by the end of December. The move pushes the company beyond its core in antibody therapies, mRNA and antibody-drug conjugates into a field it has long signaled it would enter, adding manufacturing sites, technology and skilled staff in a single stroke. Spun off from Ferring's peptide unit in 1996 and based in Baar, PolyPeptide runs six production and research sites across five countries in Europe, the United States and India, employing about 1,500 workers and carrying a track record of more than 1,000 peptide programs. "This acquisition reinforces our long-term growth strategy by not only broadening our service portfolio with modality expansion into peptides including GLP-1, but by also boosting our geographic reach and proximity further within the US, Europe, and India," Chief Executive John Rim said, adding the deal would lift both corporate and shareholder value. Samsung Biologics will inherit PolyPeptide's existing contracts, allowing it to sustain order volumes from the moment the deal closes, while weighing further capacity expansion as peptide demand climbs. "After a comprehensive review of strategic options, the Board is convinced that Samsung Biologics’ offer is compelling for our shareholders, delivering an attractive cash price and immediate, certain value today," PolyPeptide Chairman Peter Wilden said. 2026-07-20 08:52:15 -
DB Securities Raises SK Innovation Target Price by 50% Amid Strong Refining and Lubricants Performance DB Securities announced on July 20 that it has raised its target price for SK Innovation from 100,000 won to 150,000 won, a 50% increase, citing improved performance and financial stability due to strong results in the refining and lubricants sectors. The investment rating was also upgraded from 'hold' to 'buy.'Han Seung-jae, a researcher at DB Securities, noted that while the pace of financial improvement may be slow following restructuring in the battery business, the unexpectedly strong performance in refining and lubricants has changed the investment outlook.He stated, "With the surge in refining and lubricants profits, we expect a resumption of debt reduction after the normalization of soaring oil prices and working capital in the second half of the year. SK Innovation possesses the largest refining facility in the country and stands to benefit significantly from the shortage of lubricants, while its existing energy portfolio outside the Middle East will also come into focus."DB Securities forecasts that SK Innovation's consolidated operating profit for the second quarter will reach 1.4 trillion won, a 35% increase from the previous quarter, aligning with market expectations. Although profits related to inventory in the refining sector are expected to decline, refining margins are projected to rise from $16 per barrel in the first quarter to $34 per barrel in the second quarter, leading to an anticipated operating profit of 1.1 trillion won.The lubricants business is expected to achieve record results due to indirect benefits from supply disruptions of Group III base oils in the Middle East, with an estimated operating profit of 569.8 billion won for the second quarter. In contrast, the E&S business is expected to perform poorly due to the off-season and scheduled maintenance, while the chemical sector is projected to turn to a loss.For the third quarter, operating profit is expected to temporarily decline to 635.4 billion won due to falling average oil prices. However, this is seen as a result of inventory valuation losses, and the strong refining margins are expected to continue.Han added, "To resolve the refining supply shortage, normalization of the Strait of Hormuz, comprehensive export permits from China, and domestic price adjustments are necessary, but the likelihood of these occurring in the short term is low. Additionally, the prolonged shortage of Group III supply from the Middle East is expected to mean that the second quarter results will peak without a sharp decline, reflecting the ongoing supply shortage risks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:52:00 -
Jung Cheong-rae Announces Poll for Merger with Justice Party Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the Democratic Party's upcoming convention, announced on July 20 that he will conduct a poll among all party members regarding a merger with the Justice Party. This initiative aims to bring the merger into public discussion.During his appearance on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Jung stated, "This will help us understand how strongly our members desire the merger."He added, "Learning from our previous failure, we will follow procedures this time, including conducting a poll. It would also be beneficial for the Justice Party to conduct a poll."Jung emphasized that while a formal vote among all party members is currently required by law when entering a merger, it is merely a reference for opinions. He believes that conducting a poll among all members would be more meaningful.Addressing criticisms that his previous proposal for a merger with the Justice Party was a unilateral decision, Jung dismissed the claims, stating, "During my time as party leader, everything was coordinated as a team with the government and the Blue House."He also clarified the controversy surrounding his proposal to the Justice Party, which was made without the knowledge of the party's highest committee members, saying, "I did not declare a merger. If someone makes a proposal, we can discuss and combine our opinions. The merger was halted only after facing opposition following the proposal."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:52:00
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Samsung SDS Launches Subscription-Based NPUaaS Powered by FuriosaAI's Renegade Samsung SDS announced on July 20 that it has launched a subscription-based NPU as a Service (NPUaaS) integrated with FuriosaAI's second-generation neural processing unit (NPU) Renegade (RNGD) on the Samsung Cloud Platform (SCP).The second-generation NPU Renegade from FuriosaAI is a domestically developed NPU specialized for artificial intelligence (AI) inference. It is characterized by its high power efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to graphics processing units (GPUs) when applying pre-trained AI models to real-world services, such as generating responses, analyzing documents, and identifying images.As a result, customers using Samsung SDS's NPUaaS can access NPU servers through a subscription model without the need to purchase or set up their own data centers. They can choose to utilize NPUs in increments of one, two, four, or eight, depending on their business needs and data scale, making it suitable for both startups and large enterprises.Additionally, the NPUaaS can be integrated with various SCP offerings, including high-performance storage, computing, and high-speed networking.Notably, Samsung SDS is providing this NPUaaS within a sovereign cloud environment on SCP, ensuring that public sector clients subject to strict security regulations can use the service with confidence.With the launch of NPUaaS, Samsung SDS aims to expand its offerings beyond existing GPUaaS to include NPU-based computational resources, enhancing customer choices for AI infrastructure and marking a significant turning point for the proliferation of domestic NPU-based AI infrastructure and the development of sovereign AI.As the AI industry shifts from model development to applying inference in real services, the importance of NPUs is increasing. The rise in generative AI users leads to greater demand for inference operations, as well as increased power and operational costs for businesses. NPUs, optimized for AI inference, provide high power efficiency and cost competitiveness for specific inference tasks while reducing service response delays.To alleviate the initial infrastructure setup burden for customers and flexibly respond to the growing demand for AI inference, Samsung SDS has introduced NPU as a subscription-based cloud service.Lee Ho-jun, Vice President and Head of the Cloud Services Division at Samsung SDS, stated, “The launch of NPUaaS is significant not just as a new cloud product, but because it allows customers to utilize high-performance AI technology more flexibly and cost-effectively. Samsung SDS will continue to diversify SCP-based products to meet customer needs and lead the cloud AI technology ecosystem.” 2026-07-20 08:48:00
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KB Securities Raises Target Price for LS Electric Amid Growing North American Orders KB Securities reported that LS Electric is expanding its new orders for North American big tech and data centers. As a result, the firm raised its target price from 260,000 won to 280,000 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Jung Hye-jung, a researcher at KB Securities, noted, "In the second quarter, orders from North American big tech and data centers have continued across various product lines, from distribution equipment to high-voltage transformers. The orders secured in the first half for domestic and international data center distribution panels and equipment are being reflected in sales."KB Securities forecasts LS Electric's second-quarter revenue to reach 1.3 trillion won, an 11.9% increase from the same period last year, with operating profit expected to rise 44.5% to 156.9 billion won. The operating profit aligns with market expectations.Jung added, "The effects of the expanded production capacity for high-voltage transformers completed at the end of last year are also contributing. The proportion of high-margin products is increasing, leading to an operating profit margin of 11.8%, up 2.7 percentage points from the previous year."The company is also experiencing smooth progress in new orders. Jung stated, "The major contracts disclosed in the second quarter alone, including distribution equipment, distribution panels, medium and low-voltage transformers, and high-voltage transformers for North American big tech and data centers, amount to approximately 800 billion won. Considering smaller contracts not subject to disclosure, the total new orders for the second quarter are expected to exceed 2 trillion won."She further noted, "The annual new order guidance is likely to be raised from the previous 4.1 trillion won, as orders for North American big tech are likely to lead to repeat contracts, strengthening the foundation for long-term growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:48:00
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Korea Tourism Organization Launches Aggressive Marketing in Southeast Asia to Attract 30 Million Visitors The Korea Tourism Organization is launching an extensive marketing campaign targeting three key Southeast Asian countries—Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam—to achieve its goal of attracting 30 million foreign visitors ahead of schedule.The organization plans to establish diverse partnerships with major local financial institutions, national airlines, and global travel platforms to expand demand for travel to Korea beyond the metropolitan area to regions like Yeongnam.From July 13 to 17, President Park Sung-hyuk led sales activities in Thailand. The organization is collaborating with Thailand's largest financial company, Krungthai Card (KTC), and the national carrier, Thai Airways, to conduct a joint campaign promoting travel to Korea. Utilizing KTC's network of 3.7 million members, they will offer special discounts on flights to Korea and promote differentiated travel packages focused on K-beauty and wellness.To target Thailand's millennial generation, the organization has partnered with fintech company TrueMoney to provide shopping and beauty clinic benefits. Additionally, it has developed a gourmet travel package in collaboration with major travel agency Quality Express, aiming to attract 30,000 visitors over the next three years through Daegu and Gimhae airports.In Singapore, the organization is implementing a diversification strategy aimed at digital platforms and premium demand. It has signed a partnership with global activity platform Klook to co-develop tourism products that link local festivals and cuisine. The Klook creator program will be utilized to promote the appeal of regional tourism in Korea.Furthermore, a partnership has been established with Singapore Airlines for multi-market marketing in Southeast Asia, and discussions with local travel agency Chan Brothers Travel are focused on premium products, Muslim-friendly K-culture offerings, and attracting corporate incentive tourism (MICE) groups.In Vietnam, which has ranked first in intent to visit Korea for four consecutive years, the focus is on expanding the airline supply chain and revitalizing local tourism. VietJet Air, the largest low-cost airline in Vietnam, is running a flight discount promotion until September, while a campaign targeting middle-class family tourists is being conducted with the state-owned Vietnam Airlines.In collaboration with VietTravel, the largest private travel agency in Vietnam, tourism products utilizing the K-Vietnam Valley in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk, and the world heritage sites in the Gyeongsang region are being developed. The organization aims to attract 50,000 Vietnamese tourists to Korea over the next two years, including corporate incentive groups.Park Sung-hyuk, President of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "To accelerate the achievement of 30 million foreign tourists, we are establishing detailed goals for each market and focusing on concrete execution. We will work closely with local partners that are key touchpoints for inbound tourism, including global platforms, airlines, and financial institutions, to expand demand for travel to Korea and contribute to regional economic revitalization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:44:00
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Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' Tops Weekend Box Office with Over 2.1 Million Viewers Na Hong-jin's latest film, 'Hope,' has claimed the top spot at the weekend box office.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, 'Hope' attracted 1,504,013 viewers from July 17 to 19, securing the number one position. The film's total audience has now reached 2,129,720.On its opening day, 'Hope' drew 330,000 viewers, achieving the highest opening score for a film by Na Hong-jin. It surpassed 1 million viewers on its third day and 2 million on its fifth day, setting a new record for the fastest accumulation this year.The film maintained its strong performance throughout its opening week, drawing continued interest from audiences, particularly in special theaters equipped with large screens and sound systems, solidifying its status as a hit Korean film this summer.'Hope' tells the story of Bum-seok, the head of a local office in the Demilitarized Zone, who learns from local youths about a tiger sighting, triggering a state of emergency in the village as he confronts an unbelievable reality. The film features a cast that includes Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton.In second place at the weekend box office was 'Minions & Monsters,' which attracted 308,576 viewers during the same period, bringing its cumulative total to 374,785.Having topped the foreign box office during its opening weekend, 'Minions & Monsters' received a CGV Egg Index score of 94%, resonating well with family audiences. The film follows Minions James, Henry, and Edgar on an adventure to find a monster as they aspire to become directors with 10 million viewers for their debut film.'Moana' followed closely, drawing 173,555 viewers over the weekend, with a total audience of 772,104. The film features Moana, a girl chosen by the ocean, embarking on an ocean adventure with the legendary hero Maui to save a cursed island.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:44:00
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Samsung Art TV Expands Louvre Collaboration with 51 Masterpieces Samsung Electronics is significantly enhancing its "Louvre Collection" for the Samsung TV art subscription service. On July 20, Samsung announced that the Samsung Art Store will introduce 34 new major artworks from the Louvre Museum in France. With this update, the Louvre Collection has expanded from 17 to a total of 51 pieces, allowing users to experience world-renowned masterpieces in their daily lives. The Samsung Art Store is a subscription service that offers over 5,000 works from leading museums and artists worldwide in 4K high definition. It is available on the 2026 lineup of Samsung Art TVs, including the newly released OLED (SH95), The Frame, The Frame Pro, Micro RGB, and Neo QLED. The newly added works represent significant masterpieces from various artistic movements, including the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism. Notable pieces include Dominique Paffetti's "Women of Greece by the Well" and Nicolas Poussin's "Orpheus and Eurydice." Users can now enjoy the expanded lineup alongside existing highlights such as Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People," Paolo Veronese's "The Wedding at Cana," and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' "La Grande Odalisque" without the constraints of time and space. This collaboration strengthens Samsung's portfolio of partnerships with global cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Musée d'Orsay. Guillaume Lo, Vice President of Samsung Electronics France, stated, "It is meaningful to present masterpieces from the Louvre Museum, a symbol of France's top-level art and cultural heritage, to millions of households worldwide through Samsung Art TV." Meanwhile, the Samsung Art Store continues to provide over 5,000 works from leading museums and artists in 4K high definition. The newly added Louvre Collection is available on the 2026 lineup of Samsung Art TVs, including the OLED (SH95), The Frame, The Frame Pro, Micro RGB, and Neo QLED.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:44:00
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Rodri Leads Spain to World Cup Victory, Wins Golden Ball; Mbappe Claims Golden Boot Again Rodri, the captain of Spain, led his team to victory in the FIFA World Cup, earning the prestigious Golden Ball awarded to the tournament's best player.On July 20, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the first minute of extra time, securing Spain's second World Cup title since 2010.With this victory, Spain claimed a prize of $50 million. The team also set a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in men's international soccer, going 38 matches without a loss (29 wins, 9 draws), surpassing Italy's record from 2018 to 2021. Spain's defense was particularly impressive, allowing only one goal throughout the tournament, which came in the quarterfinals against Belgium. In the final, they did not concede a single shot on target to Argentina.Spain not only won the championship but also swept the individual awards. Rodri, the midfield orchestrator, won the Golden Ball, marking the first time a Spanish player has received this honor. Although he did not score or assist in the tournament, he started all eight matches and was instrumental in Spain's success.The Golden Glove, awarded to the best goalkeeper, went to Spain's Unai Simon, who kept seven clean sheets during the tournament. The Young Player Award was given to Pau Cubar, a central defender born in 2007.The Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament's top scorer, was claimed by France's Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists. This marks his second consecutive Golden Boot, making him the first player in history to win it twice.The Fair Play Award was given to the Netherlands.Argentina's Lionel Messi, who recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in the tournament, set a record for the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days. However, he was unable to achieve his dream of a second consecutive title and bid farewell to the World Cup stage.After receiving the Silver Ball and Silver Boot, Messi was seen in tears as he wore his silver medal. He left the stadium early through the tunnel after watching Spain lift the trophy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:36:00
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U.S.-Iran Tensions Drive International Oil Prices Above $90 As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, international oil prices continue to surge.According to Reuters, as of 6:02 PM Eastern Time on July 19, the price of September Brent crude futures rose by 3.12% to $90.85 per barrel. This marks the first time Brent crude has surpassed $90 since June 11.At the same time, August West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also increased by 3.10%, reaching $85.05 per barrel.The rise in oil prices is attributed to concerns over potential disruptions in oil supply due to the intensifying conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes against Iran, while Iran has retaliated with attacks targeting U.S. military forces and allied nations in the Middle East. As a result, a ceasefire agreement reached last month has effectively collapsed.Market analysts warn that if the conflict continues, disruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz could lead to further increases in international oil prices. Rising oil prices may also contribute to higher raw material and transportation costs, potentially exacerbating global inflationary pressures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:36:00