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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 -
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 -
Kiwoom Securities Adjusts SM Entertainment Target Price Despite Strong Q2 Performance Kiwoom Securities reported on July 20 that SM Entertainment is expected to exceed market expectations with its second-quarter performance. The firm maintained a 'buy' rating but lowered its target price to 110,000 won, reflecting increased marketing expenses in the second half of the year.Research analyst Lim Soo-jin stated, "Consolidated revenue for the second quarter is projected to reach 349.4 billion won, a 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year, while operating profit is expected to rise by 17.5% to 56 billion won, surpassing market consensus."The strong performance is anticipated to be driven by the merchandise planning (MD) sector. Contributions include the expansion of pop-up stores, the release of pre-ordered items from the first quarter's 'Wish Bakery,' and sales from existing artist intellectual property (IP) merchandise. However, profitability may decline slightly due to a focus on high-year IP activities, such as those from Super Junior and EXO.In the second half of the year, increased marketing expenses related to new artist debuts and aespa's expansion into Western markets are expected to pressure short-term profitability. Lim noted, "aespa's North America and Europe tour is a strategic move aimed at expanding its presence in Western markets rather than securing immediate profitability."She added, "The debut of the new boy group SMTR25 in the fourth quarter and the large-scale world tour cycle planned for the first half of 2027 will serve as catalysts for enhancing future performance visibility. This is a time to focus on the investment recovery phase that will begin in earnest next year rather than short-term results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 07:56:00
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BTS Shines at First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show with 'Dynamite' 그룹 방탄소년단이 월드컵 역사상 처음 도입된 결승전 하프타임 쇼 무대에 올랐다. 방탄소년단은 20일 한국 시각 미국 뉴저지 메트라이프 스타디움에서 열린 '2026 FIFA 북중미 월드컵' 결승전 하프타임 쇼에 공동 헤드라이너로 출연했다. 이날 무대에는 마돈나, 저스틴 비버, 샤키라, 버나 보이 등이 함께했다. 이번 하프타임 쇼는 96년 월드컵 역사상 결승전에 처음 도입된 공연이다. 그동안 미식축구 슈퍼볼의 대표적 문화 이벤트로 여겨졌던 하프타임 쇼가 월드컵 결승전에 결합되면서 전 세계 축구 팬과 음악 팬의 관심을 모았다. 쇼의 포문은 마돈나가 열었다. 마돈나는 히트곡 '뮤직(Music)'으로 무대에 등장했고, 브라질 축구 스타 호나우두와 호나우지뉴가 함께한 연출로 축구와 음악이 어우러지는 장면을 만들었다. 이어 방탄소년단은 '다이너마이트(Dynamite)' 무대로 등장했다. 정국이 먼저 노래를 시작한 뒤 멤버들이 차례로 합류했고, 일곱 멤버는 경기장 중앙에서 퍼포먼스를 펼치며 관중의 환호를 이끌어냈다. '다이너마이트'는 방탄소년단이 미국 빌보드 메인 싱글 차트 '핫 100'에서 처음 1위를 차지한 곡이다. 코로나19 팬데믹 시기 전 세계에 긍정의 에너지를 전하기 위해 발표된 곡이라는 점에서, 희망과 화합을 내세운 이번 하프타임 쇼의 메시지와도 맞닿았다. 방탄소년단의 무대에 외신도 주목했다. 빌보드는 방탄소년단이 '핫 100' 1위 곡으로 폭발적인 에너지를 전했다고 평가했다. 버라이어티 역시 방탄소년단이 역동적인 '다이너마이트' 무대로 하프타임 쇼를 빛냈다고 전했다. 이번 무대는 방탄소년단에게도 의미가 크다. 멤버 정국이 2022 카타르 월드컵 개막식 무대에 오른 데 이어 이번에는 방탄소년단 완전체가 월드컵 결승전이라는 상징적 무대에 함께 섰다. 또 이번 월드컵은 개막과 결승전 모두에서 한국 음악인의 존재감이 두드러졌다. 개막 공연에서는 이재(EJAE)가 공식 주제가를 불렀고, 블랙핑크 리사도 개막 경기 무대에 올랐다. 여기에 방탄소년단이 결승전 하프타임 쇼를 장식하며 K팝은 대회의 시작과 끝을 잇는 주요 장면에 자리했다. 하프타임 쇼는 FIFA와 글로벌 시티즌이 함께 마련했다. 전 세계 아동의 교육과 축구 기회 확대를 위한 'FIFA 글로벌 시티즌 교육기금'을 지원하는 취지다. 공연의 예술 감독은 콜드플레이의 크리스 마틴이 맡았다. 방탄소년단은 소속사 빅히트 뮤직을 통해 "월드컵은 어려서부터 즐겨보던 경기였는데 결승전 첫 하프타임 쇼에 서게 돼 영광이다. 멋진 아티스트, 아이들과 함께 사랑을 외치며 좋은 취지의 공연을 해 기쁘고 마치 꿈을 꾼 기분이다. 전 세계 아미(ARMY.팬덤명)의 영향력 덕분에 이 무대까지 올 수 있었다고 생각한다. 지켜봐주신 모든 분들께 정말 감사하다"고 밝혔다. 2026-07-20 07:52:00
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Putin Meets North Korea's Choe Son-hui, Thanks for Troops in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, who was visiting Russia, and expressed gratitude for the support of North Korean troops deployed in the Ukraine war.According to the TASS news agency on July 19, Putin thanked North Korea for its assistance in Russia's so-called 'special military operation.'Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that Putin stated, "The contributions of the North Korean military in support of the Russian forces will never be forgotten."Putin also conveyed his regards to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un through Choe, emphasizing, "I value the deep mutual understanding we have built with Chairman Kim very much."Choe noted that Kim reaffirmed his commitment to fully develop relations with Russia.Choe has been on an official visit to Russia since July 18 at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This marks Choe's first visit to Russia in about nine months since October of last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 07:44:00
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BTS lights up first World Cup halftime show with "Dynamite" SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) -South Korea failed to reach even the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but K-pop made it all the way to the final stage as BTS headlined the tournament’s first-ever halftime show. BTS brought K-pop to football's biggest stage on Sunday, delivering an energetic performance of their global hit "Dynamite" during the FIFA World Cup final's first-ever halftime show before more than 80,000 spectators at New York New Jersey Stadium. The seven-member group took the stage in coordinated red-and-black outfits as part of an 11-minute spectacle that also featured Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber, marking the first halftime entertainment in the history of a FIFA World Cup final. The show was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. BTS performed "Dynamite," the group's 2020 global smash that became its first No. 1 single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. The choice highlighted the song that helped propel the group into the global mainstream and introduced K-pop to a broader international audience. The performance came as BTS continues its sold-out ARIRANG world tour promoting its latest album. Although fans had speculated the group might debut a newer track, the band instead opted for one of its most recognizable worldwide hits. Madonna opened the halftime show alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho before conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. Justin Bieber and Shakira later joined the lineup, turning the World Cup final into one of the largest global entertainment events of the year. The appearance marked another milestone in BTS' international career, with the group becoming one of the headline acts at the inaugural World Cup final halftime show — a format inspired by the Super Bowl and watched by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. Jungkook became the first Korean artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup when he sang "Dreamers" at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 2026-07-20 07:40:59 -
Retail Investors Make Bold Bets Amid Market Adjustments, Focusing on Semiconductors ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷조정장에 풀베팅 나선 개미…35.8조 쓸어담고 반도체 '집중'- Following a record high in the KOSPI, retail investors have made substantial purchases totaling 35.8 trillion won since June 22, including 27 trillion won in individual stocks and 8.8 trillion won in domestic equity ETFs.- Individual investments have been concentrated in large-cap semiconductor stocks, with SK Hynix seeing a net purchase of 2.33 trillion won and Samsung Electronics 1.32 trillion won. Over 3.65 trillion won has been invested in these two stocks alone, despite SK Hynix's share price dropping 36.9% during the same period.- While aggressive bargain hunting has been observed, the balance of margin trading has decreased by 10.8%, from 38.53 trillion won to 34.37 trillion won, and investor deposits have fallen by 16.9%, from 132.19 trillion won to 109.87 trillion won.- Analysts suggest that the decline in deposits alone does not indicate weakened retail demand, as actual deposits continue to show a net inflow, indicating that retail investors still have significant purchasing power.- However, with retail buying concentrated in the KOSPI range of 7,000 to 8,500, there is a possibility that accumulated retail purchases during the adjustment phase could be released as sell orders during any market rebound.◆주요 리포트▷신흥국 주식형 펀드 순유입 확대 추세 - In the week of July 9-15, global equity funds saw a net inflow of $55.76 billion, continuing a strong trend of capital inflow. While the net inflow into U.S. funds slowed from 0.15% to 0.09%, emerging markets increased from 0.50% to 0.85%, marking four consecutive weeks of growth.- Among emerging markets, the net inflow into South Korean equity funds rose from 1.83% to 3.32%, the highest among major emerging markets, while China's inflow increased from 1.40% to 2.51%, with both countries leading in capital inflows.- Sector-wise, the net inflow into emerging market tech funds surged from 2.06% to 4.02%. Notably, Chinese tech stocks recorded a net inflow of 4.48%, the strongest in the past year, while South Korean and Taiwanese tech stocks showed solid inflows of 3.58% and 2.09%, respectively.- Global emerging market (GEM) investment funds saw an inflow of $1.76 billion, marking a return to net inflow after 11 weeks. In China, a strong inflow of $16.42 billion was observed, attributed to expectations surrounding semiconductor localization and AI value chain reassessment following the listing plans of Chinese DRAM company CXMT.- Despite discussions about peak semiconductor valuations and stock price adjustments in South Korea, foreign investors have been drawn to bargain purchases, as the perception of limited damage to fundamentals like operating profit prevails. However, concerns about the burden of pension funds' domestic stock allocation may limit further buying capacity, which could restrict additional market gains.◆장 마감 후(16일) 주요공시△에이피알, 보통주 1주당 2500원 중간배당 결정..935억 규모△케이씨씨, 보통주 1주당 1000원 분기배당 결정...73억 규모△동아쏘시오홀딩스, 보통주 1주당 700원 분기배당 결정...47억 규모△신세계푸드, 보통주 83만주 자기주식 소각 결정...326억 규모△와이제이링크, 보통주 1주당 50원 중간배당 결정...14억 규모△알테오젠, 1주당 0.3주 무상증자 결정◆펀드 동향(15일 기준, ETF 제외) ▷국내 주식형: -72억원▷해외 주식형: 64억원◆오늘(20일) 주요일정▷독일: 생산자물가지수(6월)▷미국: 경기선행지수(6월)▷은행: 중국 1년, 5년 LPR금리 결정▷휴장: 일본* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 07:32:00
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Spain Wins 2026 North America World Cup, Defeating Argentina Spain has lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy for the first time in 16 years after defeating Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.On July 20, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Spain won the 2026 North America World Cup final 1-0 against Argentina. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the first minute of extra time.This victory marks Spain's second World Cup title, following their triumph in the 2010 South Africa tournament. Additionally, Spain set a record for the longest unbeaten streak in men's soccer with 38 matches (29 wins, 9 draws).Throughout the tournament, Spain showcased solid organization and defense, allowing only one goal in eight matches. In the final, they did not permit Argentina a single shot on target.Argentina, aiming for back-to-back World Cup titles, fell short against Spain's tight defense, finishing as runners-up for the fourth time, tying with Germany for the most second-place finishes.Messi, who had contributed to every match leading up to the final, played the full 120 minutes but could not break through Spain's concentrated defense. He faced disappointment once again, missing out on the trophy after losing in the 2014 Brazil final.From the start, Spain applied strong pressure and executed precise passing to control the game. They did not allow Argentina a single shot in the first half and dominated in passing attempts (363 to 198).Spain continued their offensive in the second half, with defensive midfielder Rodri leading a stable buildup that constantly challenged Argentina's defense. After failing to score, Spain brought in players like Pedri, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino to intensify their attack.In stoppage time, Spain's Pau Cubarci drew a red card from Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, giving Spain a numerical advantage. However, they could not find the net, leading to extra time.In extra time, Spain intensified their attack against a fatigued opponent. The long-awaited breakthrough came in the first minute of the second half of extra time. A cross from Pedro Porro on the right was headed by Williams, and Torres calmly finished with a left-footed shot, marking Spain's 20th attempt (12 on target) with a crucial goal.With the lead, Spain maintained their focus until the end. They successfully thwarted Argentina's attempts to equalize, led by Messi, with their solid defensive organization. Ultimately, Spain held on to their one-goal lead, securing the 2026 North America World Cup title. 2026-07-20 07:24:00
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New York Mayor Considers Arresting Netanyahu During September Visit New York City Mayor Joran Mamdani is exploring the legal possibility of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September.In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mamdani stated, "I am discussing the potential for legal action against Prime Minister Netanyahu with the New York City Law Department."Mamdani cited the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu as a basis for his considerations. He emphasized, "We will act within the limits of New York City law, but I will not create a separate law for this purpose."The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, related to allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from the conflict in Gaza. However, the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction, leaving the feasibility of an actual arrest uncertain.Mamdani had previously expressed a willingness to arrest Netanyahu during his campaign for mayor last year. In a recent interview with U.S. media, Netanyahu dismissed these claims and criticized Mayor Mamdani.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 07:16:00
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Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Continues for Third Day A large fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has continued for a third day, prompting the Seohae District to issue a safety alert.On July 20, the Seohae District warned residents via a safety message, stating, "Due to the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Seongnam-dong, a large amount of smoke is being generated. We advise nearby residents to wear masks and keep windows closed for safety." 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, remained uncontrolled as of 6 a.m. on July 20, over 47 hours later.Fire authorities initially estimated that the fire could be contained by 11 p.m. on July 19, but they have faced challenges due to the complex internal structure of the facility.Fire officials are maintaining a national firefighting mobilization order issued on July 18, deploying 231 pieces of equipment and 812 personnel to combat the blaze.The Seohae District has recommended that 31 nearby daycare centers and local elementary schools close for the day.A fire department official told Yonhap News, "Although it is raining at the scene, the rainwater is unlikely to reach the interior of the logistics center, so it is not significantly aiding the firefighting efforts. We are assessing the situation from multiple angles to ensure safety."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 06:56:00