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  • LS Electric Expands Performance-Based Compensation to Accelerate Vision 2030 Goals
    LS Electric Expands Performance-Based Compensation to Accelerate 'Vision 2030' Goals LS Electric is accelerating its global business growth and talent acquisition by expanding its performance-based compensation system.On July 16, LS Electric announced the implementation of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and stock grants for all employees.RSUs are a form of compensation where employees receive company shares upon meeting certain conditions, such as tenure and performance, linking personal rewards to the company's value increase.This year, the company has broadened the eligibility for RSUs and extended the program to local employees abroad. This move aims to enhance long-term retention and motivation among top talent as the company expands its global operations, particularly in North America.LS Electric introduced the RSU system for general employees in 2022, becoming the first in the LS Group to do so, and has since continued to expand its application. This initiative aligns with the long-term performance reward systems employed by major global tech companies to secure key talent.In addition to its compensation system, the company is also focusing on establishing a horizontal organizational culture. It is implementing a unified title system of 'Manager,' conducting town hall meetings, and promoting intergenerational mentoring to strengthen a performance- and capability-oriented culture.Furthermore, LS Electric is expanding its open recruitment for new hires and internship programs linked to employment, and it has established a re-employment committee for retirees, enhancing its talent acquisition policies.As competition for securing key talent intensifies in the power equipment industry due to the recent growth of AI data centers and power infrastructure markets, more companies are adopting or expanding long-term stock compensation.Under its 'Vision 2030' strategy, LS Electric aims to achieve 70% of its revenue from overseas by 2030 and to become one of the top four power companies in the United States. The company plans to enhance employees' sense of ownership through a performance-sharing compensation system, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. 2026-07-16 08:36:00
  • Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Korea Electric Power as Energy Prices Stabilize
    Shinhan Securities Raises Target Price for Korea Electric Power as Energy Prices Stabilize Shinhan Investment Corp. announced on July 15 that it has raised its target price for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) from 43,000 won to 45,000 won, citing a stabilization in key energy prices. The firm also upgraded its investment recommendation to 'buy.'Han Seung-hoon, a researcher at Shinhan Investment, stated, "The stabilization of major energy prices has occurred faster than expected, prompting us to revise our earnings forecasts upward. With oil prices having peaked and the momentum for nuclear power generation expected to gain traction in the second half of the year, we see positive developments ahead."He noted that the momentum from nuclear power-related policies in the second half of the year is also expected to be a key investment point. Han explained, "The advancement of overseas nuclear projects in countries like Vietnam and the United States, along with the operation of the Shin-Ulchin Unit 3 in the fourth quarter, will alleviate the burden of power generation costs. There is also a possibility that the upcoming 12th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand, expected to be announced by the end of the year, will include new large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs)."Shinhan Investment forecasts KEPCO's consolidated operating profit for the second quarter to be 1.9 trillion won, an 8.8% decrease compared to the same period last year, which aligns with market expectations.The full impact of rising costs is anticipated to be felt starting in the third quarter. Han remarked, "In the second quarter, both liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and the system marginal price (SMP) fell compared to the previous year, meaning the effects of rising energy prices have not yet been fully reflected. However, the decline in nuclear power utilization has been offset by an increase in the utilization of coal-fired power generation."He added, "Considering the government's focus on alleviating the burden of living costs, the likelihood of an increase in electricity rates is limited, although the specifics of a differentiated electricity pricing system by region are expected to be clarified in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:32:00
  • Trump Thanks Iran for Releasing Detained American
    Trump Thanks Iran for Releasing Detained American President Donald Trump expressed unusual gratitude to Iran after the release of an American citizen detained in the country.On July 15, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, "Iran has allowed one American citizen, who was wrongfully detained during the presidency of 'Sleepy Joe Biden' in December 2024, to leave the country." He added, "She has now safely departed Iran and is in good health. The United States greatly appreciates this goodwill gesture from Iran!"According to CNN, the individual who left Iran is identified as Dena Karari. International human rights attorney Jared Genser announced on social media platform X, "I am pleased to share that my client Dena Karari, who has been imprisoned in Iran on false charges since December 2024, has finally been released. She is now safely returning to the United States."CNN reported, citing a U.S. official, that as of last month, at least six Americans were known to be detained in Iran, with two of them believed to be wrongfully held.Meanwhile, as Trump continues to pressure Iran through military and economic means while calling for negotiations, his expression of gratitude raises the possibility of both sides returning to the negotiating table. Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, Trump warned that if a peace agreement with Iran is not reached by next week, he would consider bombing Iranian power plants and bridges. He also cautioned reporters, saying, "It would be wise for Iran to act properly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:32:00
  • Nvidia Expands 30-Year Partnership with Sega, Supports Virtua Fighter on RTX Spark
    Nvidia Expands 30-Year Partnership with Sega, Supports 'Virtua Fighter' on RTX Spark Nvidia is celebrating its 30-year partnership with Sega by supporting the iconic game developer's titles on its next-generation PC platform, RTX Spark, while expanding its AI-based gaming ecosystem.At an event held on July 15 in Akihabara, Tokyo, Nvidia highlighted its long-standing collaboration with Sega and announced that major Sega games, including the new 'Virtua Fighter Crossroads,' will be supported on RTX Spark.RTX Spark is a superchip designed for slim Windows laptops and compact desktops, featuring a combination of ray tracing, DLSS, and AI technology to deliver a high-performance gaming environment.The partnership dates back 30 years, when Nvidia's NV1 graphics chip was utilized to create the PC version of Sega's flagship fighting game, 'Virtua Fighter,' contributing to the early development of the 3D gaming market.Attendees at the event included Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia; Haruki Satomi, CEO of Sega; Shuji Utsumi, COO of Sega; and Yu Suzuki, the creator of 'Virtua Fighter,' who discussed the technological collaboration and future gaming platform strategies of both companies.Nvidia plans to continue expanding the RTX Spark ecosystem in collaboration with Sega and other game developers, aiming to provide next-generation gaming experiences that integrate AI and graphics technology.Industry experts anticipate that as AI expands its applications in game development, graphics processing, NPC behavior, and content creation, collaborations between AI semiconductor companies and game developers will increase.Nvidia's strategy with RTX Spark is to target a new PC platform market that encompasses personal AI, content creation, and gaming.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:28:00
  • President Lee Criticizes Courts Ruling in Kim Yong Case as Bizarre
    President Lee Criticizes Court's Ruling in Kim Yong Case as 'Bizarre' President Lee Jae-myung criticized the court handling the case of Kim Yong, former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute, for rejecting explanations based on the 'Google Timeline,' calling the conclusion 'bizarre.' Kim, a close aide to Lee during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, recently announced his candidacy for a top committee position in the Democratic Party's upcoming convention on August 17. On July 15, President Lee shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Geon-tae, which stated, 'The prosecutors' double standards regarding the Google Timeline must be revealed through a special investigation.' Lee emphasized that 'evidence of guilt must meet a much stricter standard of admissibility and credibility than evidence of innocence.' He added, 'The proof of a crime must be beyond a reasonable doubt, and when there is doubt, it should be resolved in favor of the defendant,' stressing that 'even if ten criminals are let go, not a single innocent person should be punished.' He described this principle as one of the most fundamental and important lessons learned in criminal procedure law. Specifically addressing the court in Kim's case, President Lee remarked, 'It reached the bizarre conclusion that the Google Timeline, which has been used as evidence of guilt in court, cannot serve as evidence of innocence in this particular case.' He stated, 'It is truly difficult to understand how one can prosecute and convict someone despite the Google Timeline proving their alibi.' In the post shared by President Lee, lawmaker Lee referenced a court ruling that recognized the Google Timeline as important evidence, criticizing the prosecutors' judgment as 'double standards.' Previously, Kim was indicted on charges of receiving money from private developers involved in the Daejang-dong project and was sentenced to prison in both the first and second trials. In the second trial, he presented the Google Timeline as evidence, claiming he had an alibi during the alleged illegal political funding period, but this was not accepted. Meanwhile, President Lee also shared a report on X regarding the status of illegal loan sharking organizations and measures to enhance arrests, stating, 'Illegal loan sharking will be thoroughly cracked down on and severely punished,' and urged citizens to report any incidents. The report shared by the president indicated that from November of last year to June, authorities had cracked down on illegal financial crimes, resulting in 1,825 cases, with 2,060 individuals apprehended and 76 detained. President Lee noted, 'If interest exceeds 20% per year, the interest is void, meaning it does not have to be paid, and any agreement for loans exceeding 60% interest is entirely void, so the principal does not have to be returned.' He criticized coercive debt collection as a crime. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:04:00
  • MBK, Meritz to inject 200 bln won lifeline into Homeplus
    MBK, Meritz to inject 200 bln won lifeline into Homeplus SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - Homeplus, the ailing South Korean supermarket chain teetering on the edge of liquidation, is poised to secure a last-minute rescue after its major shareholder and largest creditor tentatively agreed to provide 200 billion won ($134.5 million) in emergency operating funds. MBK Partners, the private equity firm that controls Homeplus, and Meritz Financial Group reached the provisional agreement on Wednesday, according to financial industry sources. The injection, if approved, could reverse a court decision that had pushed the chain toward collapse. Under the arrangement, MBK Chairman Kim Byung-ju is expected to personally guarantee Meritz's entire loan. Should he provide the guarantee, three Meritz affiliates — its insurance, securities and capital units — will convene board meetings on Thursday to weigh the debtor-in-possession financing. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court terminated Homeplus' court-led rehabilitation on July 3, but said the ruling could be overturned if the company raises 200 billion won and files an immediate appeal before the July 20 deadline. Homeplus abruptly shuttered all 67 of its stores this week, unable to cover electricity and gas bills. Rep. Min Byung-duk of the ruling Democratic Party, who visited a protest by Homeplus merchants outside the former presidential compound on Wednesday, voiced confidence that a resolution was imminent. "The 200 billion won issue will be resolved within tomorrow, and through this we will prevent Homeplus's bankruptcy and begin the work of reviving it in earnest," Min said. The party plans to hold a parliamentary hearing on July 27, summoning MBK and Meritz over the Homeplus crisis, though the session is likely to be shelved if the company files its appeal. 2026-07-16 07:56:59
  • Samsung Strengthens Leadership in Foldable Phones with Wrinkle-Free Display Technology
    Samsung Strengthens Leadership in Foldable Phones with 'Wrinkle-Free' Display Technology Samsung Electronics is addressing the major challenge of screen wrinkles in foldable smartphones, solidifying its dominant position in the market.The company announced that it will introduce the 'Galaxy Z 8' series, featuring a new display technology called 'Flex Titanium,' at an event in London on July 22.This new technology replaces traditional plastic film with an ultra-thin 'titanium alloy film' that is one-third the thickness of a human hair. It is approximately 20 times more rigid than existing polymers, effectively preventing the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, it incorporates a 'titanium plate' with micro-hole processing to enhance support, achieving a unique dual structure that balances thickness, durability, and flexibility.Moon Sung-hoon, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' MX Division, emphasized, "The new Galaxy foldable device, born from years of accumulated technological expertise, will provide an unprecedented user experience."A 'wrinkle-free' display has been identified as a critical battleground for leadership in the flagship form factor competition. In March, Chinese company OPPO unveiled its 'Find N6' device featuring 'invisible wrinkle' technology that overcomes physical creasing. A month later, Huawei launched its wide model 'Pura X Max,' significantly improving the persistent central screen wrinkle in its inward-folding design.Apple, which is expected to release its 'iPhone Ultra' (tentative name) in September, also sees wrinkle control as key to its product's success. The company has long considered a wrinkle-free screen and durability verification as prerequisites for launch, suggesting that panel quality will be a crucial factor in determining premium foldable demand.Counterpoint Research noted, "With Apple's entry, the foldable ecosystem is at a pivotal point, and the elements driving consumer purchase transitions will be new innovative experiences akin to bar-type smartphones through wrinkle improvements."Samsung plans to maintain its lead in foldable technology through its established manufacturing capabilities and its proprietary 'ultra-thin titanium structure.'A Samsung representative stated, "The foldable device utilizing this new technology will significantly reduce thickness while maximizing elasticity, greatly enhancing the perceived quality of the display. We aim to secure global premium demand with the improved stability of our panels."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 07:56:00
  • LG Electronics AI-Enhanced Gaming Monitor Sells Out in 16 Minutes
    LG Electronics' AI-Enhanced Gaming Monitor Sells Out in 16 Minutes LG Electronics recently launched a new OLED gaming monitor equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which sold out its initial stock in just 16 minutes, marking a successful debut. The company aims to secure a leading position in the OLED display market by leveraging the popularity of its OLED gaming monitors.Explosive Demand Surpasses Expectations: "AI Features Enhance Versatility"Kim Boo-young, head of LG Electronics' Monitor Product Planning Team, spoke with a reporter at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "If we convert the sales record, it means one unit was sold every 2.4 seconds," adding that the unexpected demand has led to a shortage of stock, prompting the company to ramp up production.The company officially launched the 39-inch 'LG UltraGear Evo AI OLED Gaming Monitor' in May, which was first unveiled at CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition.Kim attributed the product's success to the introduction of 'AI upscaling,' which enhances input video in real-time to achieve near 5K quality, even when connected to low-spec PCs or laptops. He noted, "We increased versatility so that consumers do not need to purchase expensive graphics processing units (GPUs) to maximize the performance of high-spec OLED monitors."This versatility has expanded the monitor's use beyond gaming to include design and video editing, leading to increased consumer demand. According to the company, gaming monitors now account for nearly half of LG Electronics' total monitor sales, reflecting rapid growth.LG Electronics emphasized its focus on the positive functions of AI. While some competitors in China and Taiwan apply AI to cheating technologies that reveal enemy positions or footsteps, LG is concentrating on enhancing image and sound quality.The new product features three key functions: 'AI upscaling' for achieving 5K quality even with low-spec PCs, 'AI custom picture quality' that automatically optimizes the display for documents and videos, and 'AI sound pro' that clearly separates voices based on the situation.OLED Monitors Ideal for Gaming: "Expanding Demand for High-Value Products"The growth of OLED monitors in the premium monitor market is significant. According to global market research firm Omdia, OLED's share in the premium monitor market priced over $800 increased from 2.4% in 2022 to 60.6% last year, indicating a shift in demand towards high-value products.In particular, the gaming sector shows a strong preference for high-spec monitors like OLEDs. The self-illuminating structure of OLED panels allows for fast response times and excellent contrast, making them suitable for gaming environments where quick screen transitions and clear visuals are crucial.However, OLED panels have limitations, particularly in handling ultra-high resolutions above 5K. Kim acknowledged, "The overall direction is correct in moving towards OLED as the top display technology, but there are still technical limitations in covering ultra-high resolutions." He added that LG is also advancing LCD-based mini LED products that incorporate technology to minimize light bleed (halo effect).LG Electronics plans to strengthen its AI-based gaming monitor lineup to secure leadership in the premium monitor market.Kim stated, "Consumers now want to accomplish everything from gaming to sound enjoyment, video creation, and social media sharing with a single monitor," emphasizing that the company will continuously develop and apply new AI features in next-generation products. He concluded, "We aim to create products that comprehensively meet consumers' multi-experience needs, bridging the gap between gaming and professional tasks like design and editing." 2026-07-16 07:52:00
  • Mixed Reactions to Na Hong-jins New Film Hope on Opening Day
    Mixed Reactions to Na Hong-jin's New Film 'Hope' on Opening Day Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope' premiered on July 15, generating significant buzz online as audience reviews poured in, many of which were marked as no spoilers.While film critic Lee Dong-jin and director Lee Chang-dong praised it as the "pinnacle of pure entertainment" and noted the "astonishing quality and quantity of action," initial audience feedback has been sharply divided, with many expressing overwhelming disappointment.One viewer (A) remarked, "The first half is overwhelming. It's truly insane," adding that while it felt a bit slow at times, it ultimately captivated the audience in a way that was unprecedented for zombie or creature films. However, they noted, "The second half felt a bit anticlimactic, but it wasn't excessively drawn out," and praised the cinematography as "stunning." Conversely, another viewer criticized the dialogue, stating, "The delivery was the worst," and lamented that during chase and combat scenes, it was nearly impossible to hear what actress Jung Ho-yeon was saying.A different viewer (B), who identified as a film major, left a lengthy critique, stating, "I tend to be quite lenient with films, but this one exceeded that threshold of inadequacy," highlighting the dialogue as the film's most significant flaw. They expressed confusion throughout, thinking, "Huh? What? What did they just say?" and criticized the disjointed conversations that felt unrealistic.They further noted, "All characters seem to express only one emotion: anger. There’s hardly any fear, just a repetitive sentiment of 'I’m angry, and you should be too,'" which left them thinking, "So what?"Regarding the plot, they stated, "The storyline is completely shattered. It’s not even set in a Korean context, and there’s no explanation; it just pushes the idea that 'this is how the world is.'" They felt the film repeated the same patterns throughout its over two-hour runtime.They concluded, "I thought Na Hong-jin was one of the top directors in Korean cinema, but I never expected such a poor work from him," adding that while many criticized Jung Ho-yeon’s performance, it was unfortunate for an actress to have to deliver such lines.Another viewer (C) expressed disbelief, asking, "Is this really a Na Hong-jin film? I thought our theater was showing a different movie from the start to the end."In contrast, viewer (D) offered a mixed review, stating, "It’s the worst film in Na Hong-jin’s filmography, yet it’s the most entertaining Korean film I’ve seen recently." They acknowledged the lack of story and world-building, as well as numerous issues with the CGI and script, but noted, "Despite that, I never once thought, 'How much longer is this?' It was definitely worth watching in theaters."Viewer (E) suggested that Na Hong-jin realized mid-production, "Oh no, this is a problem," but felt it was too late to salvage the film, resulting in a sense of half-hearted completion.Viewer (F) echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Aside from the first half, I kept thinking, 'What am I watching?'" They criticized the dialogue quality and suggested that Jung Ho-yeon needs to refine her delivery and breathing before focusing on emotional acting. They also expressed disappointment with the supporting actors' dialogue delivery, which disrupted immersion, stating, "The narrative itself is nearly nonexistent, and the story evaporated. I wished it would end quickly, second only to Marvel's notorious flop 'Eternals.'"As audience reactions continue to diverge sharply on the film's opening day, many online are commenting that 'Hope' is a film of extreme opinions, with some calling it the most controversial work of Na Hong-jin's career.'Hope' marks Na Hong-jin's first feature film in nearly a decade, combining elements of action, science fiction, mystery, and thriller. It was anticipated as one of the biggest Korean films of the year, but the starkly contrasting audience reviews have sparked intense discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 07:40:00
  • Argentina Advances to World Cup Final with Comeback Win Over England
    Argentina Advances to World Cup Final with Comeback Win Over England Defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, defeated England 2-1 to advance to the final of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.Argentina achieved this comeback victory on July 16 at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA. The team, which won the 2022 Qatar tournament, will now compete in consecutive finals. Throughout the knockout stage of this tournament, Argentina has won all four matches either in extra time or by coming from behind.Argentina will face Spain for the championship trophy on July 20 at 4 a.m. at New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Spain secured its place in the final by defeating France 2-0 in the semifinal held the previous day.If Argentina wins this tournament, it will become the third nation to achieve back-to-back World Cup victories, following Italy (1934 Italy, 1938 France) and Brazil (1958 Sweden, 1962 Chile). Additionally, it would mark Argentina's fourth World Cup title.England's defeat means the team will miss its first final in 60 years since the 1966 home tournament. England will play France in the third-place match on July 19 at 6 a.m. at Miami Stadium in Florida.During the match, Argentina fought fiercely in midfield throughout the first half, ending the period in a scoreless tie. However, in the 55th minute, they conceded a goal to England's Anthony Gordon, falling behind 1-0.In response, Argentina ramped up its attack, utilizing Messi's dribbling and passing. They substituted Nicolás González in the 64th minute and Lautaro Martínez in the 80th minute to bolster their offensive presence.Despite numerous attempts, Argentina struggled to find the equalizer, thwarted by England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and some misfortune hitting the post.Finally, in the 85th minute, Argentina equalized. From a corner kick, Messi assisted Enzo Fernández, who scored with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.Buoyed by the goal, Argentina took the lead in stoppage time at 90+7 minutes. Messi delivered a cross from the right side, which Martínez headed into the net, making it 2-1.Argentina held on to its lead in the remaining minutes, securing a thrilling comeback victory and a spot in the final.Messi added two assists in the match, bringing his total to four assists (along with eight goals) in the tournament. According to the rules for ranking players tied in goals, Messi moved ahead of Kylian Mbappé (France, eight goals, three assists) to lead the scoring chart.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 07:24:00