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  • VC Firms Compete for 100 Billion Won Policy Fund
    VC Firms Compete for 100 Billion Won Policy Fund ◆Aju Economic Major News▷Six firms shortlisted for management of 1.05 trillion won VC fund- The Korea Development Bank's Southeast Investment Finance Center is nearing the selection of general partners (GP) for the '2026 Southern Region Growth Support Fund,' with six firms including Daedeok Venture Partners, Reinvestment, MW&Company, Wonik Investment Partners, E&Investment, and Coolidge Corner Investment making the shortlist.- The bank plans to select three of these firms to establish a total of 1.05 trillion won in VC funds, aimed at investing in small and venture businesses in the southern region and revitalizing the local venture ecosystem.- The evaluation will focus on the ability to enhance the value of invested companies and support their growth, rather than just past return rates.- The candidate firms are competing by highlighting their strengths, such as regional networks, connections with large corporations, and support for early-stage startups through TIPS.- E&Investment is considered a strong candidate due to its high matching fund acquisition rate and excellent recovery performance, which could enable early fund establishment and swift investment execution if selected.◆Major Reports▷Increased Securities Issuance by Credit Heavyweights - The government plans to finalize a restructuring plan for power generation public enterprises, including the integration of five thermal power subsidiaries under Korea Electric Power Corporation, by the end of the year, aiming for a transition to renewable energy and a stable power supply system.- Even with the integration of the five subsidiaries, it is expected that their existing corporate bond status will be maintained, limiting the impact on the bond market.- The government is also considering a dual structure plan to separate the land and housing development functions from the debt and rental housing asset management functions of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), with specific reform proposals expected after the new president's inauguration.- Recently, SK Hynix has begun purchasing high-quality credit bonds, including corporate bonds, bank bonds, and company bonds, raising expectations for improved supply and demand in the credit bond market.- The market believes that SK Hynix's purchases of high-quality credit bonds will help alleviate the worsened supply and demand in the credit bond market due to capital movement and redemptions in the stock market.◆Major Announcements After Market Close (15th)▷Kangstem Biotech introduces '3D Skin Assembloid' technology from Seoul National University▷Speco changes its largest shareholder to Nexa Korea, acquiring a 33.55% stake▷LS Electric provides employee stock compensation, distributing 6.1 billion won in treasury shares▷SI Resources suspends the effectiveness of temporary general meeting resolutions, halting the duties of the representative and outside directors▷NP appoints Jo Jae-deok as the new CEO following the merger with WYS Studio◆Fund Trends (as of 14th, excluding ETFs)▷Domestic equity: +13.5 billion won▷Overseas equity: +1 billion won◆Key Schedule for Today (16th)▷UK: Import and Export Trends (May), Industrial Production (May)▷Eurozone: Import and Export Trends (May)▷US: Retail Sales (June), Philadelphia Fed Index (July), Housing Market Index (July)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:40:00
  • SK Intellixs NAMUHX Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards
    SK Intellix's NAMUHX Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards SK Intellix's AI wellness robot NAMUHX has won a prestigious award in the brand and communication design category at the 2026 Red Dot Design Awards, one of the world's top three design competitions.On July 16, SK Intellix announced that NAMUHX received this award following its earlier recognition in April for product design, highlighting the company's design competitiveness.The Red Dot Design Awards are considered alongside Germany's iF Design Awards and the American IDEA Awards as the leading design accolades globally. They evaluate product design, brand, and design concepts based on innovation, functionality, and aesthetics.This latest award acknowledges SK Intellix's design strength not only in product design but also across brand identity, packaging, advertising, and digital content.NAMUHX is a robot that offers personalized wellness experiences based on AI and robotics technology, receiving high marks for integrating product usability with brand experience.Industry experts note that as AI capabilities become central to product competitiveness, there is a growing trend to differentiate not only hardware performance but also user experience and brand design.With this award, SK Intellix plans to strengthen its wellness platform business based on AI and robotics and accelerate its efforts to penetrate global markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-16 08:40:00
  • 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