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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 -
Bitcoin Holds Steady at $64,000 Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 비트코인이 6만4000달러선에서 보합권 흐름을 이어갔다. 미국과 이란 간 전면전 가능성이 다시 부각되며 지정학적 긴장이 고조되자 위험자산 투자심리가 위축되면서 추가 상승폭이 제한된 모습이다. 20일 글로벌 가상자산 시황 사이트 코인마켓캡에 따르면 비트코인은 이날 오전 8시 기준 전일 대비 0.25% 하락한 6만4608달러에 거래됐다. 시장에서는 미국과 이란 간 군사적 충돌이 다시 격화될 가능성이 커지면서 투자자들의 위험자산 선호 심리가 약화된 것으로 보고 있다. 여기에 국제 유가까지 급등하면서 투자심리를 더욱 위축시켰다. 미국 서부텍사스산원유(WTI) 선물 가격은 주말 사이 배럴당 85달러선을 넘어섰다. 다만 주요 알트코인은 대체로 소폭 상승했다. 같은 시각 이더리움은 0.32% 상승한 1868.52달러, 리플(XRP)은 0.33% 상승한 1.09달러에 거래되고 있다. 바이낸스코인은 0.05% 올랐다. 한편 같은 시각 국내 원화 거래소 빗썸에서는 비트코인이 전일 대비 0.01% 상승한 약 9498만원(6만3708달러)에 거래됐다. 해외 가격보다 국내 가격이 낮게 형성되는 이른바 ‘김치 프리미엄’은 오히려 -1.153% 수준을 나타냈다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:32:00
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Meritz Securities Raises Target Price for Hankook Tire & Technology Amid BEV Growth Meritz Securities announced on July 20 that it has raised its target price for Hankook Tire & Technology from 90,000 won to 120,000 won, citing the company's strong positioning in the electric vehicle (BEV) tire market, which is expected to lead to structural profitability improvements and a reevaluation of its valuation. The investment recommendation remains a 'buy.'Kim Jun-sung, a researcher at Meritz Securities, stated, "Hankook Tire has been preparing for the expansion of the BEV market with its exclusive electric vehicle tire brand 'iON,' making it the only top brand to do so." He added that a structural upgrade in performance is anticipated due to changes in the product mix.He further noted, "The share of BEV tires in Hankook Tire's original equipment (OE) sales is expected to increase from 5% in 2021 to 33% this year. This growth rate will surpass the overall market growth, which is projected to rise from 6% to 20% in global passenger car sales during the same period."Additionally, he highlighted that the 'iON' brand has ranked first in overall performance evaluations for four consecutive years by the German automotive media outlet Auto Bild, and all products in the lineup recently achieved top performance ratings in TÜV SÜD's electric vehicle tire assessments. This differentiated performance has led to supply agreements with global electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla, BYD, Xiaomi, Huawei (Ceres-AITO), IM Motors (SAIC), and Leaf Motor.Kim also mentioned that with the expansion of vehicle exports from China, contracts for new BEV models have been secured with global automakers like Volkswagen and BMW. He believes that the increased share of BEV OE tires will lead to structural profitability improvements.Looking ahead, he projected that starting in 2026, the demand for replacement tires (RE) for BEVs will significantly increase as the replacement cycle for electric vehicles begins. He noted that BEV RE tires have profit margins more than double those of BEV OE tires, which will further enhance the benefits of the product mix improvement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:32:00
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Samsung Display Launches True Black 1400 Tandem OLED for Laptops Samsung Display is set to begin supplying tandem organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays for laptops, achieving a maximum brightness of 1600 nits. The new displays combine OLED's characteristic black representation with high brightness and long lifespan, targeting the premium laptop market.On July 20, Samsung Display announced that it is supplying tandem OLEDs for laptops that support the new 'DisplayHDR True Black 1400' certification from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) to global PC manufacturers.True Black 1400 is a new certification from VESA that evaluates both screen brightness and black representation. To qualify, displays must achieve a peak brightness of 1400 nits while maintaining black levels below 0.0005 nits with 10% of the screen pixels active. This standard is 40% higher than the previous top rating of True Black 1000.The new product from Samsung Display can achieve a maximum brightness of 1600 nits, exceeding the previous maximum brightness of 1100 nits for single-emission layer laptop OLEDs by more than 40%. Samsung Display claims this is among the highest levels for commercially available laptop OLEDs.The tandem structure, which stacks two organic emission layers, contributes to improved brightness and lifespan. The two layers emit light together, allowing for higher brightness at the same current. When used at the same brightness, the burden on each layer is reduced, extending the panel's lifespan. Under typical laptop brightness conditions, the lifespan is reported to be more than twice that of existing single-emission layer products.New organic emission materials have also been applied, enhancing the efficiency and stability of the organic materials to increase brightness at the same power level and reduce lifespan degradation due to high-brightness operation.As competition in laptop OLEDs expands beyond resolution and refresh rates to include brightness and lifespan, the tandem structure is emerging as a differentiating factor for premium products.Lenovo's 16-inch 'Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition 11th Gen,' equipped with Samsung Display panels, received True Black 1400 certification on July 8. Asus, Dell Technologies, and MSI are also expected to gradually unveil laptops featuring the new panels from the second half of this year through next year.Samsung Display plans to showcase the new products at 'K-Display 2026,' which will be held at COEX in Seoul starting July 22. The company aims to demonstrate high-brightness performance, particularly for creators who require precise image quality for video editing and content review.Jung Yong-wook, executive director of Samsung Display's IT Strategy Marketing Team, stated, "The OLEDs for laptops that meet True Black 1400 standards showcase Samsung Display's material technology. We will continue to expand our high-performance OLED product lineup for premium laptops."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:28:00
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Road Closures in Incheon Due to Fire at Coupang Logistics Center A major fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has led to road closures for the third consecutive day.On July 20, the Seohae District Office issued a safety alert stating, "The fire at the Coupang logistics center is still being extinguished, and all lanes on Gyeongju-ro from 1 to 60 and Bongsudaero from the SK main gate to the entrance of Geobuk-ro are completely blocked. We advise nearby vehicles to take detours." According to Yonhap News and the Incheon Fire Department, the fire, which broke out at the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong at 6:54 a.m. on July 18, had not been extinguished as of 6 a.m. on July 20, lasting over 47 hours.Fire authorities initially estimated that the fire would be under control by 11 p.m. on July 19, but the presence of various flammable materials stored at the center and the complex internal structure have complicated firefighting efforts.Maintaining the national firefighting mobilization order issued on July 18, 231 pieces of equipment and 812 personnel have been deployed to combat the blaze.Additionally, the Seohae District Office issued an evacuation order for residents within a 116-meter radius of the logistics center's ramp area as of 11 p.m. on July 19.The evacuation order includes only the commercial and factory areas south of Coupang and does not affect residential areas. Police and firefighters working on-site are also exempt from the order.The Seohae District Office has recommended that 31 nearby daycare centers and elementary schools close for the day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:28:00
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U.S. Semiconductor Stocks Decline, Samsung and SK Hynix Drop in Pre-Market Trading As selling pressure continues in the semiconductor sector on the U.S. stock market, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are both showing declines of over 4% in pre-market trading. Following last week's sharp drop and the impact of U.S. semiconductor stock declines during the holiday period, increased volatility is expected in the domestic market. As of 8:17 a.m., Samsung Electronics is trading at 240,000 won, down 15,000 won (5.88%) from the previous trading day. At the same time, SK Hynix has fallen 10,700 won (5.81%) to 1,735,000 won. On July 17, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 406.55 points (0.77%) at 52,146.42. The S&P 500 index fell 76.08 points (1.01%) to 7,457.69, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite dropped 361.71 points (1.41%) to 25,520.24. The U.S. stock market has experienced two consecutive days of declines. Following the earnings report from Taiwan's TSMC, profit-taking in semiconductor stocks has emerged, compounded by news of delays in Alphabet's artificial intelligence (AI) development, which has dampened investor sentiment across the tech sector. Additionally, the U.S. airstrikes in Iran have added pressure to the market. The domestic market has also been hit hard by deteriorating sentiment in semiconductor investments. The KOSPI index plummeted 463.81 points (6.37%) on July 16 before closing for the Constitution Day holiday on July 17. During the holiday, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 4.29% on July 16 and 1.63% on July 17, leading to further downward pressure on large-cap semiconductor stocks in Korea. Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated, "Last Thursday, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix alone contributed approximately 333 points to the KOSPI's decline. The significant drop in semiconductor stocks on the U.S. market will act as a short-term burden on the Korean stock market today." However, there are also expectations for a rebound in buying due to the recent sharp decline. Seo noted, "The increase in semiconductor and electronic component production in industrial output indicates that demand related to AI remains robust, and the trend of big tech investing in AI continues, which could lead to a rebound in buying. As major tech companies begin reporting earnings this week, increased intraday volatility in the index is inevitable during the earnings confirmation process." Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, commented, "While increased downward pressure on the KOSPI in the early part of the week is unavoidable, further declines in the KOSPI could be part of a cyclical downturn in global semiconductor and stock markets. However, it is also possible to break this cycle and proactively show signs of a turnaround."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:24:00
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BC Card and Financial Settlement Agency to Build Global QR Payment Hub BC Card is set to expand its cross-border QR payment network, allowing foreign visitors to use the QR payment services they are accustomed to in their home countries while in South Korea. The company announced plans to accelerate the establishment of a global QR payment hub.On July 20, BC Card revealed that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Financial Settlement Agency to enhance and activate cross-border QR payment services.This agreement aims to move away from the previous method of individual country integrations and leverage the cross-border QR payment network being developed by the Financial Settlement Agency to expand services throughout Asia. To achieve this, they will jointly establish service specifications and operational systems based on Customer Presented Mode (CPM), where customers generate QR codes for payments.Building on its experience with QR payments for visitors from Taiwan and Japan, BC Card is looking to broaden its reach in the global market. Analysis of QR payment data from Taiwanese and Japanese visitors in South Korea revealed that the number of transactions increased 7.3 times, and the payment amount surged ninefold over two years.BC Card plans to participate as a key acquirer connecting the Financial Settlement Agency's cross-border QR payment network with its domestic QR merchant infrastructure. This initiative aims to expand QR payment services from various countries, including those in Southeast Asia, into South Korea.Once the service is expanded, international tourists will be able to use the QR payment services they are familiar with at approximately 300,000 Paybook QR merchant locations across the country, including convenience stores and duty-free shops, without needing to install separate apps.Kim Young-woo, President of BC Card, stated, "This is a significant collaboration that connects the cross-border QR payment network being established by the Financial Settlement Agency with BC Card's domestic QR merchant infrastructure. We will continue to expand services so that more foreign visitors can conveniently use QR payments anywhere in the country and provide new payment opportunities for merchants."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:24:00
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Toss Partners with SBI Savings Bank to Offer Mid-Rate Loans Toss, operated by Viva Republica, has teamed up with SBI Savings Bank to introduce a mid-rate loan product aimed at individuals with lower credit scores.The new loan, named 'SBI Inclusive Loan with Toss,' will be launched on July 27, according to an announcement made on July 20.This product targets customers who have struggled to access traditional loans due to low credit scores or insufficient financial history. Interest rates will range from 7.9% to a maximum of 13.5% annually.A key feature of this loan is its use of Toss's alternative credit evaluation model, known as 'Toss Score.' This model assesses creditworthiness by analyzing a wide range of financial activities, including account transactions, card usage, and investment and insurance payment histories, in addition to traditional financial transaction data.This approach allows for a broader evaluation of repayment capabilities, particularly for young professionals and homemakers who may have been disadvantaged by existing credit assessment systems.Toss plans to expand its data-driven financial collaboration with SBI Savings Bank through this partnership. The companies aim to jointly develop various financial products utilizing Toss Score to enhance financial accessibility for individuals with lower credit ratings.Lee Seung-gun, CEO of Toss, expressed hope that this collaboration would provide opportunities for customers who have faced high barriers to loans, allowing them to secure loans at rates that suit their circumstances. He added that Toss will continue to explore various initiatives to ensure more customers can benefit from financial services.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 08:12:00
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Samsung Biologics Acquires PolyPeptide Group for $2.7 Billion in Major M&A Deal Samsung Biologics is acquiring the global peptide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) PolyPeptide Group for approximately 2.7 trillion won (about $2.7 billion). This marks the largest merger and acquisition (M&A) deal in South Korea's pharmaceutical and biotech industry.On July 20, Samsung Biologics announced through a public disclosure that it has signed an acquisition agreement with PolyPeptide Group. The company plans to complete the acquisition of 100% of the shares by the end of December through a combination of purchasing shares from major shareholders and a tender offer.With this acquisition, Samsung Biologics aims to expand its business portfolio, which currently focuses on antibody drugs, mRNA (messenger RNA), and ADC (antibody-drug conjugates), into the rapidly growing peptide sector. ◆ Peptide Drugs Gain Attention in Obesity and Diabetes Treatment Market Peptides are substances made up of chains of 2 to 50 amino acids that constitute proteins. They act as 'messengers' in the body, transmitting hormones or signals between cells, and synthetic versions of these peptides are developed into peptide drugs.A prime example is the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class of drugs, which are gaining significant market traction for obesity and diabetes treatment.According to global investment banks, the global obesity treatment market is projected to grow to as much as $150 billion (approximately 200 trillion won) by 2035. As the most promising single-disease treatment, the demand for peptide-based therapies, which are key raw materials, is expected to surge.PolyPeptide Group is a specialized peptide CDMO that spun off from the peptide production division of global pharmaceutical company Ferring in 1996. It is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.The company boasts over 1,000 development and production achievements related to peptide drugs and is recognized for its top-tier capabilities in developing production processes for peptide drug candidates.Notably, it possesses manufacturing technology that significantly reduces the use of organic solvents, which are liquid raw materials needed for peptide production. This technology allows for cost savings, improved production efficiency, and reduced waste, contributing to environmentally friendly processes.Currently, PolyPeptide Group operates six production sites and research and development (R&D) centers across five countries, including Europe, the United States, and India, employing over 1,500 skilled professionals.Through this agreement, Samsung Biologics will acquire PolyPeptide Group's production facilities, technology, and workforce, strengthening its geographical presence in key locations such as Europe, the United States, and India.Additionally, Samsung Biologics will inherit the CDMO contracts currently held by PolyPeptide Group, ensuring a stable flow of orders immediately following the acquisition.Samsung Biologics plans to maximize synergies by combining its large-scale production facility design and operational expertise with PolyPeptide Group's peptide development and production technologies. The company is also considering expanding production facilities in response to the growing peptide market to meet customer demand promptly.John Lim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, stated, "This acquisition is a strategic decision that encompasses Samsung Biologics' three major growth pillars: production capacity, business portfolio, and global presence. It will contribute to enhancing corporate and shareholder value." 2026-07-20 08:08:00
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Putin greets N. Korean foreign minister amid Kim's return visit rumor SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) -Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea’s leadership and people for helping Moscow in its war against Ukraine and declared that the battlefield exploits of North Korean soldiers would “always be remembered in Russia” during a Kremlin meeting with Pyongyang’s top diplomat. Putin met visiting North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui on Sunday, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov attending on the Russian side, according to a statement released by the Russian presidential office. The Kremlin said Putin “highly praised” relations between Russia and North Korea and again thanked the North Korean leadership and people for assisting what Moscow calls its “special military operation,” its official term for the war in Ukraine. “The combat feats of the Korean servicemen, who helped the Russian military and were decorated with state awards, will always be remembered in Russia,” the statement quoted Putin as saying. Putin also asked Choe to convey his greetings and best wishes to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, emphasizing the personal relationship that has developed between the two leaders as military and political cooperation between their countries has deepened. “I highly value the mutual understanding on all issues and the friendly relations between us,” Putin said, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency. Choe responded that Kim had recently reaffirmed North Korea’s strategic commitment to the comprehensive development of relations with Russia, according to the Kremlin. The meeting has intensified speculation that Choe’s visit may be intended partly to prepare for a possible summit between Kim and Putin, particularly because it came without an announced multilateral conference, anniversary or other major diplomatic occasion. Choe traveled to Russia at Lavrov’s invitation, departing Pyongyang aboard her official aircraft on Saturday with a government delegation, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA disclosed neither the purpose of the trip nor her detailed itinerary. Russia’s Foreign Ministry had announced earlier that Choe would arrive on July 18 for an official visit. It is Choe’s first trip to Russia since October, when she visited Moscow before attending a Eurasian security forum in Belarus. The timing has drawn attention to the possibility that she is conducting advance coordination for Kim’s long-awaited return visit to Russia. Putin invited Kim to Russia during their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024, when the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty containing a mutual defense commitment. Since then, Moscow and Pyongyang have expanded cooperation across the diplomatic, economic and military spheres. North Korea has sent troops and supplied artillery shells, missiles and other weapons to support Russia’s war effort, according to South Korean, U.S. and Ukrainian authorities. Pyongyang and Moscow have acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops, portraying their participation as an expression of the countries’ strategic alliance. Putin’s remarks represented another public tribute to North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces. North Korean leader Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang last month, followed by a series of senior-level exchanges that included North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song’s visit to China and a subsequent trip to Pyongyang by Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The warming relationship with Beijing may have strengthened Pyongyang’s diplomatic leverage by placing it in the position of being courted simultaneously by both China and Russia. 2026-07-20 07:57:51