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Director Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' Surpasses 2 Million Viewers in Just 5 Days 나홍진 감독의 신작 '호프'가 200만 관객을 돌파했다. 19일 영화진흥위원회 영화관입장권 통합전산망에 따르면 '호프'는 개봉 5일째인 이날 오후 1시께 누적 관객 수 200만명을 넘어섰다. 이는 올해 개봉작 가운데 최단 기록이다. '호프'는 앞서 개봉 3일 만에 100만 관객을 돌파하며 2026년 최단 기록을 세운 데 이어, 개봉 첫 주말 200만 고지도 넘어서며 흥행세를 이어가고 있다. 특히 개봉 5일째 저녁 200만 관객을 돌파한 '군체'보다 빠른 속도로 200만 관객을 달성했다. '호프'는 개봉 전부터 높은 예매량으로 주목받았다. 개봉 당일 예매량 60만장을 넘어섰고, 개봉 이후에도 관객 수를 빠르게 쌓으며 여름 극장가 흥행작으로 자리 잡았다. 관객 반응도 이어지고 있다. 긴장감 있는 전개와 예상 밖의 유머, 액션 장면, 크리처 비주얼, 결말을 둘러싼 다양한 해석 등이 온라인에서 화제를 모으며 관람 열기를 더하고 있다. '호프'는 비무장지대에 위치한 호포항 출장소장 범석이 동네 청년들로부터 호랑이가 출현했다는 소식을 전해 듣고, 온 마을에 비상이 걸린 가운데 믿기 어려운 현실을 마주하며 시작되는 이야기를 그린 영화다. '곡성' 이후 10년 만에 돌아온 나홍진 감독의 신작이자 제79회 칸국제영화제 경쟁 부문 초청작으로 관심을 모았다. 황정민, 조인성, 정호연을 비롯해 마이클 패스벤더, 알리시아 비칸데르, 테일러 러셀, 카메론 브리튼 등이 출연한다. '호프'는 전국 극장에서 상영 중이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 15:16:00 -
Interview: Jo In-sung on Director Na Hong-jin's Ambitious New Film 'Hope' Actor Jo In-sung, known for his strong presence in films like 'The Outlaws,' 'Mogadishu,' and 'Smuggling,' showcases his talents in director Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope.' Utilizing his physicality, Jo delivers impressive action sequences, establishing his unique style in the film. "I didn’t place great significance on the action itself. The script was interesting, and there have been ups and downs in Korean sci-fi films, which motivated me to take on this challenge. As an actor, it’s my responsibility to bring the script to life. Rather than having a grand mindset, I see it as a process of embodying what’s in the script," Jo said. Deciding to participate was not straightforward for Jo, who had undergone knee surgery due to an injury. He grappled with the allure of the project versus his physical condition. "Initially, I was given the script to read. I thought, 'The director is now reaching for the stars.' Considering his previous works, I anticipated a challenging shoot, and the script reinforced that notion. I asked myself many questions: 'Should I do this? Can I take on this challenge? Is my body up for it? Am I willing to throw myself into this project?' I realized that my desire to participate and my physical state could differ. I couldn’t answer immediately and spent a lot of time contemplating on the train back from the countryside. I made my decision on the way back," he explained. In the film, Jo plays a young man who spends his time hunting and fishing. He believes that establishing the relationship between his character and his friends is crucial for conveying the fear and loss his character experiences later. "I wanted my character to appear playful and innocent when he’s with his friends. Among them, he is the most vulnerable. There are brief scenes where he sniffs around and laughs, which I think illustrate our relationship. Later, it becomes like a war zone. When comrades die in battle, it’s said that one loses their mind. The fear and the desire to survive lead to a desperate struggle for life, and I couldn’t overlook that aspect," Jo said. Jo emphasized that in the action scenes, emotion is more important than mere movement. He believes that as the relationships between his character and others deteriorate, the fear manifests in his expressions in the latter part of the film. "Those scenes are actually the most important. The scene where my character first appears is crucial. It needed to convey relationships without providing any information to the audience. Therefore, I spent a lot of time with the group in the film. As relationships developed, it built confidence when brought into the character's internal world. The relationships between my character and his group, as well as with another character, Beom-seok, are intertwined with senior-junior dynamics, reflecting the film's relationship structure. I believe that as those details accumulate and relationships fade, the fear and horror culminate in the final expressions of dread," he said. Director Na Hong-jin's direction was focused on maintaining tension. Even scenes that appeared simple, like walking, required the actors to hold onto that tension throughout. "Action can be instinctive or calculated, but I believe the acting aspect of character building must be mastered. The director constantly directed us via radio to 'maintain tension.' While it may seem easy to walk, we had to keep that tension while doing so," Jo noted. In the latter part of the film, Jo's character faces multiple near-death experiences. He interprets his character's survival not through scientific explanation but as a manifestation of a superhuman desire to live. "There are exaggerated elements, but it raises the question of whether he should have died or been severely injured. I believe it should be viewed as a miraculous human strength. Miracles can happen or not, but often those who have suffered greatly find the strength to rise after prayer. That kind of miracle seems to stem from a desperate desire to survive. There’s also the superhuman strength that emerges when a parent tries to protect their child. I think it’s about running away despite the pain because of the will to live," he explained. One particularly challenging action scene involved riding a horse, which Jo found to be a significant test. There were moments when he thought it would be impossible to execute the scene. "Riding a horse to cross over to the police station felt like perfectionism. Typically, if a scenario seems impossible, one would give up. Compromise is natural. If something can’t be done, it can’t be done. But it worked out. I didn’t think it would be possible. When I asked the stunt team if they had done something like this before, they said they hadn’t. When I asked if they could do it, they said they couldn’t because they hadn’t tried it. I just went for it without knowing if it would work, and what I thought was impossible turned out to be miraculous," he said. The scene of galloping down the road became even more challenging due to weather and safety issues. Snowfall led to icy asphalt, making it difficult for the horse to run. "I remember we planned for a month but ended up taking a month and a half. It snowed in between. When it snows, the asphalt freezes, and the horse can’t run. The shoes are made of metal, so they just slide. Even if we switched to rubber, it wouldn’t work on dry asphalt. We had to wait for it to melt. We couldn’t clear the snow that piled up behind us. We called it 'roll call,' setting everything up in the morning and being ready to shoot whenever the weather allowed. There were many days we set up but couldn’t shoot and had to leave," he said. He described this scene as one where "if an accident happens, it could be fatal." It was a tense environment for both the actors and the crew. "It wasn’t that I disliked it. It was our responsibility to get it right. It was technically difficult, and if an accident happened, it could be deadly. That made it even more tense. It was chaotic. The director wanted the staff to be more tense than anyone else, and we had to be tense. There was no substitute for us, so the director must have felt anxious and burdened," he said. 'Hope' represents a challenge for Jo as he ventures into a new genre. Aware of the ups and downs of the sci-fi and creature genres in Korean cinema, he expressed a desire not to shy away from it. "The challenge lies in the difficulty of this genre. There have been fluctuations in the sci-fi genre in Korean cinema, and it’s inherently prone to ups and downs. Overcoming that is a task we must face. Personally, I had to decide whether to play it safe or take a risk. I don’t want my activities to become boring. I didn’t want to stay stagnant, even if the chances of a negative outcome were high. When we were working on 'Moving,' people looked at the flying scenes with skepticism, but it still left a good memory. That made me want to try again," he said. As Korean cinema navigates a challenging period, expectations for 'Hope' are high. Jo likened it to the hibiscus flower that blooms amid the monsoon and typhoon. "There’s a flower called hibiscus that blooms during the monsoon and typhoon. Despite the challenges, it still blooms. I hope 'Hope' can flourish in the audience's embrace, overcoming the difficulties and challenges faced by our film industry, as well as the hurdles of being a creature, sci-fi, and fantasy film. If those challenges are like the monsoon and typhoon, I hope the film can bloom beautifully in the audience's hearts. That’s my hope," he concluded. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 15:12:00
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Majority of South Koreans Support Stricter Penalties for Key Technology Leaks Nine out of ten South Koreans believe that the country should establish a legal framework to impose severe penalties for the overseas leakage of key technologies, such as semiconductors, from an economic security perspective.The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) revealed this finding on July 19 from a national survey conducted with 1,000 respondents aged 19 and older regarding public awareness of measures against key technology leaks.According to the survey, 92.5% of respondents indicated that the negative impact of key technology leaks on the economy is 'serious.'Specifically, 62.6% rated the severity as 'very serious' (9-10 points), while 29.9% rated it as 'serious' (6-8 points), and 7.5% rated it as 'below average' (0-5 points). The average score was 8.6 out of 10.Furthermore, 91.4% of respondents stated that South Korea should respond by establishing a legal framework for economic security similar to that of the United States and China. Only 7.8% believed the current measures were sufficient.This suggests a demand for more effective penalties for crimes involving the overseas leakage of key technologies, in addition to the existing laws aimed at protecting and fostering technology.Regarding the level of punishment for key technology leaks, 90.7% of respondents said that penalties should be strengthened. Only 5.3% supported maintaining the current level, while 3.2% favored a reduction.Among those who rated the negative impact on the economy as 'very serious,' the demand for stronger penalties reached 97%. The KEF explained that the greater the perceived severity, the higher the demand for increased penalties.Additionally, 90.6% of respondents agreed that the economic disadvantages imposed should exceed the profits gained from the crime through fines and confiscation. Only 5.0% opposed this due to concerns about excessive or double penalties, while 4.4% were unsure.The most concerning potential damage from the overseas leakage of key technologies included 'weakened national competitiveness due to reduced technological gaps with rival countries' (53.0%), 'threats to national security and supply chain stability' (19.5%), 'decreased sales due to a drop in global market share' (16.4%), and 'job losses and tax revenue impacts due to the decline of key industries' (10.0%).According to the KEF, the number of detected cases of overseas leakage of key technologies in South Korea surged from nine in 2021 to 33 in 2025. Since 2020, the estimated economic damage caused by these leaks has reached 23 trillion won.Particularly in South Korea, where the proportion of advanced industries is high compared to major countries, the impact of key technology leaks on national competitiveness is significant. The Inter-American Development Bank reported that in 2024, the share of high-tech manufacturing exports in South Korea's total manufacturing exports is 36.3%, which is 1.8 times higher than the G7 average of 20.2%. This figure surpasses that of the United Kingdom (29.7%), the United States (24.3%), and France (23.1%).The economic damage from the overseas leakage of key technologies from major companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and Hanwha Ocean amounts to tens of trillions of won. Samsung's 18-nanometer DRAM process technology, a national key technology that cost 1.6 trillion won to develop, was leaked to China's Changxin Memory in 2016, allowing China to catch up with South Korea's semiconductor technology. In the case of Hyundai Motor, key hydrogen fuel cell technology was leaked by a former employee to a Chinese automotive company, resulting in significant losses. Hanwha Ocean also suffered substantial damage when former employees leaked key submarine design plans to Taiwan.Despite these damages, the business community points out that penalties remain weak. While countries like the United States and China have legal frameworks focused on deterring key technology leaks, South Korea's laws emphasize technology protection and development.For instance, the U.S. Economic Espionage Act strictly punishes the leakage of technology that benefits foreign entities as economic espionage, while China's Anti-Espionage Law classifies the leakage of technologies related to national security as espionage. In fact, the U.S. has sentenced individuals to 20 years in prison for leaking aircraft engine technology, and China has imposed the death penalty in a case where an engineer sold state secrets to foreign intelligence agencies. In contrast, South Korea's Industrial Technology Protection Act focuses on industrial protection, resulting in a maximum sentence of only 6 years and 4 months for key technology leaks.Ha Sang-woo, a director at the KEF, stated, "A majority of the public views the overseas leakage of key technologies not just as a corporate issue but as a matter that threatens national competitiveness and economic security. Given that South Korea's export-driven economy, based on advanced manufacturing, is more susceptible to the negative ripple effects of key technology leaks than other countries, there is a need for a robust legal framework for penalties as part of economic security measures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 15:08:00
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U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates Following U.S. Military Casualties The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated sharply following the deaths of two U.S. service members. In response to the fatalities, the U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Iran for the eighth consecutive day. Iran has announced it will cease compliance with the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) and has threatened further attacks.On July 18, U.S. Central Command stated, "Under the direction of President Donald Trump, we have initiated new airstrikes against Iran." The command explained that the strikes aim to weaken Iran's military capabilities and swiftly retaliate against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which attacked the U.S. forces stationed in Jordan.Earlier, on July 17, two U.S. service members were killed and one went missing while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. Four other service members were treated at a hospital and later released. With these latest casualties, the total number of U.S. military deaths since the outbreak of hostilities in late February has risen to 16, with over 420 injured.The U.S. retaliatory airstrikes have expanded across southern Iran. On July 19, strikes targeted areas near the Strait of Hormuz, including Sirik, the inland city of Hazavand, and Qeshm Island. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas and near Shadegan in Khuzestan Province.Negotiations for a ceasefire are effectively at a standstill. Kazem Garibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister and representative in ongoing talks with the U.S., stated, "The U.S. has repeatedly violated the agreement," announcing that Iran will halt its obligations under the MOU.Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei also asserted in a written statement broadcast on state television that the U.S. presidential signature holds no value or validity. He referred to the U.S. as the 'Great Satan' and warned that Iran and the so-called 'Resistance Front' would deliver an unforgettable lesson to their adversaries. Khamenei emphasized that the enemy should not detect any signs of weakness from Iran and called for internal unity.During the ceasefire period, Iran has significantly increased its oil exports, securing substantial foreign currency. The Wall Street Journal estimates that following the lifting of a U.S. maritime blockade in mid-June, Iran exported approximately 70 million barrels of oil over the past month, valued between $5 billion and $6 billion. The revenue from these oil sales is expected to assist Iran in sustaining its military efforts amid ongoing economic challenges. 2026-07-19 14:48:00
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Department Stores Attract Summer Shoppers with Character IP Pop-Ups Department stores are leveraging global character intellectual property (IP) to attract customers during the summer vacation and holiday season. Their strategy combines character merchandise sales with photo zones, merchandise creation, and interactive missions to extend customer dwell time. According to industry sources on July 19, Shinsegae Department Store is running a pop-up store titled 'Pingu Creamery' on the B1 level of its Gangnam location until July 28. The pop-up is themed around a summer ice cream shop, featuring merchandise displayed in refrigerator-style showcases, allowing customers to browse goods as if selecting ice cream. A photo zone decorated with the Pingu character is also available. Visitors can create their own phone cases on-site. Customers can choose their desired Pingu images and backgrounds, with the case completed in about three minutes. This pop-up features 15 limited-edition products exclusive to Shinsegae, including seven types of blind keyrings, stress balls, milk glasses, foldable bags, picnic mats, baseball caps, and pajamas. Pingu, a character born from clay animation, has enjoyed global popularity for its humorous expressions and actions. Shinsegae aims to enhance the pop-up destination image of its Gangnam store through character content that appeals to multiple generations. Lotte Department Store is also hosting a pop-up titled 'Tom and Jerry: Hanok Adventure' at the Lotte World Mall's first-floor atrium until July 26. This pop-up features a chase between Tom and Jerry set against the backdrop of traditional Korean hanok architecture from the Joseon Dynasty. It includes elements like tiled roofs, a maru (wooden floor), a kitchen, and a jar storage area, allowing both local customers and foreign visitors to experience Korean culture. The merchandise includes over 220 items, featuring newly developed products and limited-edition goods. The 'K-Tom and Jerry plush toys' are available in various sizes, dressed in traditional Korean attire. A hands-on experience zone allows visitors to create their own keycap keyrings by selecting their preferred keycaps and bodies. Other offerings include plush toys of Tom and Jerry in hanbok, random keyrings shaped like rice cakes, five limited-edition gacha figures exclusive to the mall, and officially licensed lifestyle products imported from Japan. To encourage visitor participation, the 'Jerry's Cheese Stamp Rally' is also being held. Customers can take photos using traditional props at the photo zone, post them on social media, and find hidden Jerry figures among the jars to earn merchandise. Customers who complete all three missions will receive a limited-edition Tom and Jerry bandana on a first-come, first-served basis. Both department stores have combined long-established global characters with experiential content and exclusive products. While Shinsegae emphasizes nostalgia and summer vibes through Pingu for the 2030 generation, Lotte targets both domestic and international customers by integrating Tom and Jerry with hanok culture. A Shinsegae representative stated, "We will continue to present differentiated content featuring globally popular characters and brands to provide new experiences for our customers." Yoon Hyung-jin, head of fashion at Lotte Department Store, remarked, "We have brought the globally popular IP of Tom and Jerry to life in a unique hanok setting, offering a distinctive enjoyment for both domestic and international visitors to Jamsil."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 14:44:00
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Simplified Procedures for Administering Over-the-Counter Medications on Ships The procedures for administering over-the-counter medications by health officers on ships have been simplified, and the selection method for safety representatives now includes appointments. This policy aims to address challenges faced on board and improve the safety and health management system on ships.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on July 19 that it will revise the 'Safety, Health, and Accident Prevention Standards on Board' and officially announce the changes on July 20.The safety and health standards were established in 2024 to prevent maritime accidents and enhance the safety and health of crew members. All vessels and crew members subject to the Seafarers Act, excluding fishing boats, are included in this regulation.This revision was developed based on feedback from the field, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of the system and aligning with international standards.First, the procedure for health officers to administer over-the-counter medications has been revised. Previously, health officers were required to receive remote medical support from a doctor to administer onboard medications. This requirement meant that even for common medications like cold medicine and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, a doctor's consultation was necessary. With this revision, over-the-counter medications as defined by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act can now be administered without a doctor's guidance.The method for selecting safety representatives has also changed. Previously, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries mandated that safety representatives could only be elected. However, this revision reflects the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), allowing for both election and appointment methods.Finally, the requirements for implementing hearing conservation programs have been strengthened. The standards for operating hearing conservation programs have been clarified in accordance with the 'Industrial Safety and Health Standards,' to prevent any interpretative confusion.Kim Hye-jung, Director of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, 'Through this revision, we aim to reduce confusion regarding onboard safety and health standards and enhance the effectiveness of the onboard safety and health management system. We will continue to incorporate feedback from the field to create a safer onboard health and safety environment.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 14:40:00
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Choi Tae-won Addresses Controversy Over SK Hynix Bonus System Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group, stated that he may need to revise the controversial "10% operating profit bonus" system at SK Hynix if it infringes on stakeholder interests.During a press conference on July 15 at the 49th Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Summer Forum held at the Jeju Shilla Hotel, Choi remarked, "The happiness of our members is the goal, but there is a caveat: stakeholders must also be happy." He emphasized that if the bonus system negatively impacts shareholders and other stakeholders, "we may need to intervene for sustainable happiness." However, he clarified that there are no immediate plans to change the system.Choi acknowledged that creating such systems can lead to unexpected situations, noting, "I understand that there are people who are not employees of SK Hynix but still support it. I believe there are positive effects from this as well."He denied claims that an executive responsible for the bonus system was fired against his wishes, stating, "There is absolutely no such fact."Meanwhile, SK Hynix abolished the cap on bonuses in the second half of last year, leading to a payout rate of up to 2,964% of base salary this year, resulting in employees receiving bonuses worth millions of won. This change has sparked similar demands from labor unions, including those at Samsung Electronics, regarding the removal of bonus caps and the distribution of a percentage of operating profits, escalating the controversy across the industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 14:40:00
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Coupang Data Breach: Legal Action Needed, U.S.-Korea Relations Must Remain Separate The United States and South Korea are set to engage in a series of high-level diplomatic and trade discussions this week. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin may meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines, while Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in Washington. With key issues such as U.S. investment, shipbuilding cooperation, nuclear collaboration, and security discussions on the agenda, the so-called 'Coupang issue' has emerged as a point of contention in U.S.-Korea relations.The government's response principles must remain steadfast. Investigations and sanctions regarding Coupang's data breach incident will be conducted in accordance with South Korean law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that all investigations and actions are being carried out legally and without discrimination. The 624.7 billion won fine imposed due to the data breach is a matter to be handled independently by relevant authorities under the law and is not subject to diplomatic compromise. This is a fundamental principle.Companies operating in South Korea must adhere to domestic laws, regardless of their nationality or ownership structure. In a serious case where the personal information of over 30 million citizens has been compromised, applying different standards for investigation and sanctions simply because the company is listed on the U.S. stock market would undermine the rule of law and market fairness. There should be no exceptions for foreign companies based on diplomatic pressures while strict standards are applied to domestic firms.Claims from the U.S. must be based on accurate facts. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee and the White House have suggested that the South Korean government is conducting discriminatory investigations against American companies. However, if the actions taken are in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act and fair trade laws, it is not reasonable to conclude that this constitutes targeted investigations against U.S. companies. The U.S. has also conducted investigations and sanctions against companies that have experienced large-scale data breaches. Viewing the South Korean government's law enforcement as politically discriminatory lacks credibility.However, maintaining principles and neglecting diplomatic management are separate issues. As U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kwon Young-se noted, the Coupang issue has escalated beyond corporate concerns to become a matter of interest for the U.S. Congress and administration. With the upcoming U.S. midterm elections in November, political pressure to protect domestic companies may intensify. This underscores the need for the South Korean government to provide accurate information to the U.S. Congress and administration and to strengthen outreach to explain the non-discriminatory nature of its law enforcement.More importantly, it is essential to manage the Coupang issue separately from other U.S.-Korea matters. Both countries face strategic challenges related to shipbuilding cooperation, U.S. investment, amendments to nuclear agreements, and discussions on the introduction of Korean-style nuclear submarines. A dispute involving a single company should not hinder broader security and industrial cooperation. If the U.S. attempts to leverage the Coupang issue in other negotiations, the South Korean government must establish clear principles for each issue and respond firmly.Consistent internal responses from the government are also necessary. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Personal Information Protection Commission, and the Fair Trade Commission provide conflicting explanations, it could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings with the U.S. Given that the National Security Council includes trade and fair trade authorities, while ensuring the independence of law enforcement, external explanations and negotiation strategies must be carefully coordinated.The solution to the Coupang issue does not lie in reducing fines or delaying investigations. It requires transparent enforcement of laws and procedures, providing objective data to the U.S., and managing the issue separately from other cooperation matters. Making concessions without principles sets a bad precedent, and a rigid response without communication harms national interests. The government must respond calmly to uphold both the rule of law and diplomacy, thereby reducing unnecessary friction in U.S.-Korea relations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 14:40:00
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Korea's Small Business Agency to Support 50 More Companies in Online Exports The Korea Small Business Agency (KOSME) will select an additional 50 companies to support online exports.KOSME announced on July 19 that it will conduct a second recruitment for the '2026 Online Export Platform GoBiz Support' program in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.The 'GoBiz Support' program utilizes the GoBiz Korea online business-to-business (B2B) platform, which has been in operation since 1996, to help domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) discover global buyers and expand their online exports.The program targets SMEs wishing to engage in online B2B exports. In this second recruitment phase, approximately 50 companies will be selected through document evaluation in the 'infrastructure development' category.The 'infrastructure development' category aims to establish a sustainable export foundation for SMEs in the long term. Selected companies will receive support for various initiatives, including the creation of product pages and mini-sites on GoBiz Korea, production of promotional videos, development of English transaction proposals and catalogs, search engine marketing, assistance in discovering and matching with overseas buyers, and support for trade practices, all tailored to the initial stages of online exports.This initiative will help SMEs reduce commission burdens and lay the groundwork for establishing their own platforms for entering overseas markets.Previously, KOSME recruited 250 companies to participate in the '2026 Online Export Platform GoBiz Support' program in April.Kang Seok-jin, KOSME's director, stated, "The export environment for SMEs is rapidly changing due to global economic uncertainties and the spread of protectionism. Through various support policies, including GoBiz Korea, we will serve as a strong wing for our SMEs to become self-reliant in the global market for digital exports."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 14:36:00
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SK Hynix ADR Trades at 25% Premium, Boosting Domestic ETF Inclusions SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADR) are trading at nearly a 25% premium compared to its domestic shares, highlighting the investment appeal of the company. The number of domestic active exchange-traded funds (ETFs) incorporating SK Hynix ADRs is also rapidly increasing, expanding the influx of investment capital from both domestic and international investors. According to financial information service provider Yonhap Infomax, SK Hynix's ADR closed at $154.03 on July 17, up 1.13% from the previous trading day. Following a sharp decline of 13.69% the day before, a rebound in buying interest pushed the price up to $167.37 at one point during the day, a rise of 9.89%. Although concerns over uncertainties surrounding the earnings reports of major U.S. tech companies and rising commodity prices due to military conflicts between the U.S. and Iran reduced the gains in the latter part of the trading session, the ADR maintained a premium of 24.60% compared to the domestic share price of 1,842,000 won. Analysts are paying attention to the potential for the price gap between the ADR and domestic shares to lead to a reevaluation of domestic stock prices and improvements in supply and demand. Since the same company's stock is trading at a higher price in the U.S. market, it could enhance the investment appeal of the relatively cheaper domestic shares for global investors. Meanwhile, the listing of SK Hynix ADR is also expanding new channels for incoming investment capital. According to ETF Check and the financial investment industry, as of July 16, there are a total of 11 domestic ETFs that have included SK Hynix ADRs. Asset management firms such as Asset Plus, Samsung Active, Time Portfolio, and Mirae Asset Global Investments have successively incorporated the ADR into their overseas stock ETFs following its listing. The Asset Plus Global Top Companies Focus 10 Active ETF has the highest allocation, holding SK Hynix ADR at a 6.25% weight. The TIME Global AI Active ETF has an allocation of 3.25%, with an investment amount of 78.7 billion won, marking the largest scale. With the ADR listing, a direct investment path into SK Hynix through overseas ETFs has opened, which is expected to expand new investment demand and the supply and demand base both domestically and internationally. 2026-07-19 14:36:00