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41% of KOSPI Margin Trading in Samsung, SK Hynix, and SK Square Raises Liquidation Fears ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷코스피 '빚투' 41%가 삼전·닉스·스퀘어…강제청산 공포 커진다Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and SK Square account for 41.1% of the total margin trading balance on the KOSPI, amounting to 11.28 trillion won, raising concerns about potential forced liquidations with further declines. This month, major semiconductor and AI stocks have dropped nearly 20-30%, and the KOSPI has experienced three significant declines of around 8%, increasing losses for individual investors. The scale of forced liquidations this month has reached 452 billion won, averaging over 50 billion won per day, double the average for the first half of the year, with additional forced liquidation possibilities arising from the sharp drop on the 13th. Market analysts view the KOSPI's ability to hold the 6,500 level as a critical point for any potential rebound. On that day, foreign and institutional investors engaged in bargain buying, leading to a 0.73% rebound in the KOSPI, although volatility remains high.◆주요 리포트▷SK하이닉스 실적 전망 낮추는 증권가…미래證 "2분기 영업익 전망치 12%↓"- Mirae Asset Securities and Korea Investment & Securities have lowered their earnings estimates for SK Hynix for this year and next, reflecting a more realistic outlook on memory prices. - Due to an increase in the proportion of long-term supply contracts (LTA) and the impact of HBM sales structure, the second-quarter operating profit is expected to fall below market consensus. - However, this adjustment is attributed to changes in contract structures rather than a deterioration in market conditions, with assessments indicating that structural growth centered on HBM and supply shortages remain valid. - Securities firms maintain their target prices (Mirae Asset at 4.2 million won, Korea Investment at 3.8 million won) and investment recommendations, projecting continued mid- to long-term earnings growth.◆장 마감 후(14일) 주요공시▷ 케이엠제약, 10억원 제3자배정 유상증자▷ 뉴인텍, 30억원 제3자배정 유상증자▷ 한미반도체 2분기 영업이익 1303억원"◆펀드 동향(13일 기준, ETF 제외)국내주식형 -75억원해외주식형 -174억원◆오늘(수) 주요일정중국-GDP성장률(2Q), 산업생산(6월), 소매판매(6월), 고정자산투자(6월)미국-생산자물가지수(6월), 뉴욕연은지수(7월), 미 연준 베이지북* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 07:12:00 -
Lotte Foundation Chairperson Jang Hye-sun: Supporting Students in Need Reflects the Spirit of Shin Kyuk-ho "Helping those in difficult circumstances continue their education through scholarships is the essence of my grandfather's spirit," said Jang Hye-sun, chairperson of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation, during a press conference following the '2026 Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Job Seeker Scholarship Ceremony' held on July 14 at the Lotte Retail Academy in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. She emphasized that the foundation's scholarship program is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Shin Kyuk-ho, the late honorary chairman of the Lotte Group and her grandfather. On this day, 250 job seekers aspiring to enter the media and journalism fields gathered despite the challenging job market. Jang not only presented scholarships but also offered warm encouragement and practical advice to the youth. "Today's young people possess skills far superior to previous generations due to advancements in digital technology, including artificial intelligence. However, it is unfortunate that they are not achieving the results they desire due to the economic downturn," she said. "The pressure you face in carving out your own path is likely comparable to that of high school seniors preparing for college entrance exams." She added, "In a world where lifelong jobs are no longer guaranteed, I hope you will become resilient members of society who seize opportunities. The foundation supports your growth." The Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Job Seeker Scholarship, which began in 2019, is now in its eighth year. To date, it has provided approximately 5.7 billion won to around 5,100 job seekers. This year, the foundation is offering 100,000 won each to 250 students and recent graduates from four-year universities nationwide who aspire to work in media and journalism, totaling 3.1 billion won in living expenses. The selection criteria are limited to socially disadvantaged groups, including multicultural families, North Korean defectors, and single-parent households. In addition to financial support, the foundation has actively incorporated feedback from previous participants to enhance the program. The curriculum has been significantly refined to include tailored workshops for various desired job roles, such as reporters, producers, announcers, and marketing professionals. Notably, alumni who successfully secured jobs in the field within the past year are serving as mentors, sharing insights on the latest hiring trends and practical know-how to maximize motivation. Voices from the scholarship recipients reflected the positive changes brought about by the foundation's support. Lee Jung-min, a fourth-year student on leave preparing for a career in journalism, shared, "Initially, I was preparing for a corporate job using my business major, but I realized I wanted to pursue my passion in media. Transitioning to a career in journalism came with its own challenges, particularly the lack of information." Lee added, "I had to increase my part-time work hours to cover living expenses, but thanks to the scholarship, I can now focus entirely on my job search and studies, which has been a relief. I aspire to become a journalist who contributes to creating responsible media." The Lotte Scholarship Foundation plans to continue improving its programs based on the feedback from scholarship recipients. Jang urged participants to provide feedback after the program, stating, "Thanks to last year's suggestions, we were able to make changes this year, and I hope to keep communicating with the scholars to create more beneficial educational opportunities." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 07:08:00 -
Record Heat Waves Hit South Korea Amid Global Climate Crisis Record heat waves and large wildfires that have swept across Europe and the United States have now become a reality in South Korea. On July 12, the country issued its first-ever 'Extreme Heat Warning,' marking the onset of a new era of extreme summer conditions. Heat waves are no longer seasonal weather anomalies but have become a national disaster, posing new risks to energy, industry, and the economy.The Korea Meteorological Administration issued the first Extreme Heat Warning at 10 a.m. in Pohang and Gyeongsan, where the daily perceived temperature is expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius for more than two days, with a perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or a maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius expected to last for at least one day. This highest-level warning was introduced this year to address 'life-threatening extreme heat' that could not be adequately conveyed through existing heat advisories.In an interview with Aju Economy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Climate Change Ambassador Kwon Jong-ho assessed that while the direction for the international community to combat extreme weather is clear, the political leadership needed to drive this effort is weakening."The direction of the international community is clear. We are moving towards reducing carbon and protecting the Earth. Therefore, it is right for our country to take the lead in technology and innovation."Ambassador Kwon noted that since the United States effectively withdrew from international climate negotiations, tensions between developed and developing countries have intensified."In the absence of the U.S., there is a vacuum in leadership to guide negotiations on the international stage. It would be beneficial if the European Union took a more leading role, but the EU is also facing economic challenges."He mentioned that he felt this shift firsthand at a recent meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany."In the past, we could reach agreements on technical issues, but now, almost every issue leads to clashes between groups."UN climate negotiations require consensus from all parties. While the influence of the U.S. has diminished, developing countries, including China and Saudi Arabia, are participating in negotiations more actively and strategically than before."Developing countries are not what they used to be. Middle Eastern nations are showing negotiation power comparable to that of the EU."Developing countries emphasize the historical responsibility of developed nations for carbon emissions during industrialization and demand climate finance and technology transfer. However, developed countries are finding it difficult to promise the same level of support due to economic slowdowns and financial burdens."There is a huge gap between the carbon reductions needed to achieve the 1.5-degree target and the actual commitments made by countries."Ambassador Kwon also suggested that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could paradoxically accelerate the transition to renewable energy."This year's Middle East situation has made energy security a serious issue. Paradoxically, it has raised awareness about the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels."For South Korea, which imports most of its energy, climate policy and energy security are essentially aligned."To achieve energy independence, we must ultimately emphasize renewable energy. Our direction must be towards an electrified society and the expansion of renewable energy."He expressed confidence that the government's goal of deploying 4.2 million electric vehicles and 300,000 hydrogen vehicles by 2030 is achievable."We have a competitive supply chain centered around Hyundai and Kia. The direction is correct, and compared to developed countries, our targets are not excessively high."Ambassador Kwon predicted that the key agenda for the next international climate negotiations will be 'electrification.'South Korea has been viewed as a country where climate action is challenging due to its high reliance on manufacturing and coal power. However, the recent coal phase-out policy has garnered international attention."South Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse, and few countries among manufacturing nations are as proactive in carbon reduction as we are. The announcement of our membership in the Powering Past Coal Alliance surprised the international community significantly."He emphasized that carbon reduction should be seen not as a cost but as a new growth driver."If the international community is moving towards reducing carbon, it is right for us to take the lead in technology and innovation."Climate policy is now intertwined with trade policy. The European Union has begun implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) this year, and similar systems are being prepared in the UK and other countries.Ambassador Kwon expressed concern that applying different standards in each country could increase the burden on businesses."Companies are already making efforts to reduce carbon from an ESG perspective. However, if each country enforces different methods, it could hinder private climate action. It could become a 'stumbling block' rather than a 'building block.'"He proposed that future climate and trade norms should adhere to three principles: non-discrimination, consistency, and compatibility.The absence of the U.S. is also changing China's role. South Korea and China recently resumed their climate change cooperation joint committee for the first time in seven years."With the U.S. absent from negotiations, the competition between the U.S. and China is not the focus. There is significant room for cooperation with China in areas such as reduction, trade, and adaptation."South Korea's Environmental Integrity Group (EIG) plays a role in proposing compromises between developed and developing countries."South Korea must also propose more alternatives in the future."Ambassador Kwon stated that climate negotiations are ultimately a form of diplomacy."You must read the other party's red lines. You cannot reach an agreement by only asserting what you want."He shared a saying among diplomats."If you win a negotiation 100 to 0, you are a fool. You should win about 60 to 40 so that the other side can return to their country and explain the results."However, he expressed concern that the international community is increasingly leaning towards confrontation rather than compromise.Since becoming the climate envoy, he has been using public transportation instead of a personal vehicle."I practice BMW: Bus, Metro, Walk."As record heat waves in Europe and South Korea's first Extreme Heat Warning illustrate the climate crisis as a current disaster rather than a future warning, Ambassador Kwon reiterated the need for South Korea to lead industrial and energy transitions rather than waiting for international consensus."The direction the world is heading is clear. Therefore, South Korea must take the lead in technology and innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 07:04:00 -
Financial Apps Compete for User Engagement with Mini-Games and Short-Form Content Financial platforms are now competing to increase user engagement by introducing mini-games and short-form videos. As remote financial services become more common, the time customers spend on apps has emerged as a key competitive advantage, prompting these platforms to evolve into comprehensive daily-use platforms.According to the financial sector on July 15, Toss has recently integrated short-form videos, popular on social media, into its shopping feed through a new 'Shopping Creator' service. Creators can submit videos that have garnered high views on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, which are then vetted and selected for display among special offer products.Videos that pass the vetting process receive rewards based on their view counts. For instance, videos with over 5 million views on Instagram or 3 million on YouTube can earn creators rewards starting at 300,000 won (approximately $250), with a minimum of 100,000 won for lower view counts. This opportunity for additional income has attracted interest among younger users as a potential side hustle.Toss's strategy of offering substantial rewards for short-form content aims to enhance its shopping competitiveness while increasing app engagement time. By securing content that has already proven popular on social media, Toss seeks to accumulate user response data and encourage users to consume products and content simultaneously on the same screen. The implementation of an infinite scroll feature in the shopping feed is also seen as a tactic to extend users' content consumption time.A Toss representative stated, "Integrating short-form content into the shopping feed is an experimental attempt to make Toss Shopping a more popular service among users. We are focusing on vetting videos that provide entertainment and useful information, excluding advertising and sponsored content to attract user interest."Other financial platforms are also expanding mini-games and reward content to increase user engagement time. KakaoPay operates mini-games within its app, rewarding users with points for playing games for over 30 seconds or for frequent visits. Naver Pay encourages app access through event-based games like 'Lucky Ball' and a point-earning character development service called 'New Pay Pet Raising.'These strategies are showing tangible results. According to the mobile index from IGAWorks, Toss recorded an average of 21.84 million monthly active users (MAU) in the first half of this year, ranking first in the financial and banking sector. KakaoPay reached a record high of 11.87 million MAU in May, while Naver Pay saw a 15% increase to 6.53 million MAU compared to the previous year.Industry analysts suggest that the competitive landscape for financial platforms is shifting from traditional services like remittances and payments to content-driven competition. The longer users stay on the app, the higher the likelihood of connecting them to core financial services such as shopping, savings, loans, and investments.An industry insider remarked, "In the future, survival in the financial market will depend on platform competition, and the race to secure user engagement time will become even more intense."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 07:04:00 -
U.S. Resumes Maritime Blockade of Iranian Ports Following Airstrikes The United States has resumed its maritime blockade of vessels entering Iranian ports. This action follows additional airstrikes targeting Iran's coastal defense facilities and missile and drone bases, which occurred just one hour before the blockade began.The U.S. Central Command announced that the blockade started at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on July 14 (5 a.m. July 15 Korean time), aimed at preventing ships from traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.One hour prior to the blockade, at 3 p.m., the U.S. launched further airstrikes against Iran. Central Command described these strikes as measures to weaken Iran's military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.The airstrikes reportedly targeted coastal defense facilities, missile and drone bases, and naval forces. The extent of the damage has not been confirmed.This operation involved at least 19 ships, including two aircraft carriers, and hundreds of military aircraft. Additionally, landing ships carrying over 1,000 Marines were deployed.The blockade does not apply to all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz but focuses primarily on those entering Iranian ports and coastal areas. This measure aims to disrupt Iran's oil exports and maritime logistics, thereby straining its financial resources.Last month, the U.S. had suspended the maritime blockade after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran. However, following recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. cited violations of the MOU as the reason for resuming airstrikes and the blockade.Iran has also continued its retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. military facilities and allied nations in the Gulf region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:40:00 -
Trump to Address Voting Machine and Election Integrity Issues in Upcoming Speech President Donald Trump is set to address issues related to voting machines and election integrity in a speech scheduled for July 16. While he did not disclose specific details, he emphasized that it would be "really big news."According to Reuters, during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Alzaidi at the White House on July 14, Trump responded to related questions by stating, "It will be related to that topic." He added, "There are a few other things I want to say, but I want to hold off for now," asserting that "without free and fair elections, the country cannot exist."The upcoming speech is expected to focus on the security of voting machines and potential reforms to the electoral system. Trump may also revisit his previous claims regarding the 2020 presidential election, which he lost.Trump has consistently alleged that the 2020 election was rigged. However, court rulings, recounts, and investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice have found no widespread fraud that would overturn the election results.He is also likely to call for the passage of the so-called "SAVE America" bill, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for voting.The speech will take place at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on July 16, which is 10 a.m. on July 17 in South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:32:00 -
Spain Advances to World Cup Final with 2-0 Victory Over France Spain has reached the final of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, marking its first appearance in the championship match in 16 years since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010.On July 15, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals held at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.This victory extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 37 matches (28 wins, 9 draws) since a loss to Colombia in March 2024, bringing them closer to their second World Cup title.Spain will face the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal, scheduled for July 16, in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York and New Jersey on July 20.Meanwhile, France will not advance to the final for the third consecutive World Cup and will compete in the third-place match on July 19 at Miami Stadium.Spain took control early in the match, dominating the midfield with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. In the 20th minute, 2007-born forward Lamine Yamal made a significant impact by pressuring the opposing defense to earn a penalty kick. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty with a calm right-footed shot to give Spain the lead.After taking the lead, Spain built a solid defensive wall led by Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte, maintaining strong pressure throughout the first half and not allowing any shots on target from France's key attackers, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.Spain continued to dominate in the second half, scoring a second goal in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo, breaking through the defense and scoring with a right-footed shot against the goalkeeper.In the 82nd minute, Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón made a crucial save to prevent a potential goal. Spain maintained its solid defensive organization until the end of the match, securing a two-goal victory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:28:00 -
Iran Claims Full Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Tensions Iran has asserted that it maintains complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions with the United States escalate. The country has proposed a new shipping route to Oman, emphasizing that it will not allow the strait to be used in a manner that threatens its national security.According to Iran's state-run IRIB news agency, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on July 14, "We have complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, even in a wartime situation."Gharibabadi insisted that Iran's actions do not infringe on Oman's sovereignty, but he stressed, "We cannot accept that Omani waters are used for activities that threaten Iran's security." He added, "We have proposed a new shipping route to Oman," suggesting that if Oman were not under U.S. pressure, it would have reached a similar conclusion as Iran.Recently, Iran and Oman held a meeting of their foreign ministers to discuss the routes and management of the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries agreed on the necessity of ensuring safe passage, but they have differing views on the location of the routes and who should manage them.It remains unverified whether Iran actually controls the entire strait. The United States has also claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz and has resumed maritime blockades on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.The ongoing clashes have significantly reduced shipping traffic, with some vessels navigating the strait with their tracking devices turned off. Shipping companies are also delaying or halting operations to avoid risks.Gharibabadi accused the U.S. of violating a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and placed the blame for the stalled negotiations on the U.S. He stated, "The U.S. is ignoring all its commitments," adding that there have been no negotiations between the two countries in the past month.However, it has been reported that the U.S. and Iran have continued indirect communications through mediators in Qatar and Pakistan. While direct negotiations have ceased, there are indications that dialogue channels have not been completely severed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:24:00 -
Trump Urges Netanyahu to Withdraw Israeli Troops from Syria and Lebanon President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli troops stationed in Syria and Lebanon. However, Israel maintains that a local presence is necessary for border defense, making an actual withdrawal unlikely.Axios reported on the 14th, citing U.S. and Israeli officials, that Trump called Netanyahu on the 9th and urged him to relocate troops deployed in Syria to other areas.Trump reportedly stated, "The presence of Israeli troops in Syria could escalate local tensions," adding, "They do not want you there." He also called for troop withdrawals from Lebanon.In response, Netanyahu asserted that a buffer zone is needed to protect the border, stating, "We need to keep our military in the surrounding areas." The Israeli military also confirmed that there have been no changes to troop deployments in Syria and Lebanon.The Trump administration has been mediating a new security agreement between Israel and Syria. However, Netanyahu is reportedly opposed to gradually withdrawing troops from southern Syria.Recently, there have been clashes between residents opposing the Israeli military presence in southern Syria and Israeli soldiers. The U.S. is concerned that these conflicts could escalate into larger military confrontations.Negotiations for troop withdrawals are also ongoing in Lebanon. The U.S.-brokered agreement includes the disarmament of armed groups, the deployment of the Lebanese military, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.However, Israel maintains that it is difficult to withdraw from southern Lebanon until the threat from the Iran-aligned militant group Hezbollah is eliminated. While some troop reductions have been agreed upon, actual withdrawals have yet to occur.The upcoming general elections in October also pose a variable. Netanyahu must consider his right-wing base, which prioritizes border control. As a result, analysts suggest that a large-scale withdrawal before the elections is unlikely.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:16:00 -
Preventing a Second Jang Yoon-ki Incident In October, the launch of the Prosecution Office, which separates the functions of indictment and investigation, and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is set to take place. In this context, the ruling party has begun processing a revision of the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at eliminating the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights.However, recent allegations of inadequate police investigations and cover-ups in the Jang Yoon-ki case, where a high school girl was murdered in Gwangju, have raised questions about whether abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights is the right move. This has sparked a divided opinion across the political and legal sectors, as well as society at large.Supplementary investigation rights allow prosecutors to conduct their own investigations when there are deficiencies in cases referred to them by the police. The ruling party argues that maintaining these rights would undermine the original intent of prosecutorial reform, which is to separate investigation from indictment.For the Democratic Party, which has faced significant challenges due to the ruthless prosecutions under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, this decision seems natural. Moreover, considering past instances where supplementary investigations were used to protect insiders rather than verify police shortcomings, the call for abolition gains further support.In 2013, after investigating the controversial case involving former Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ki, who was implicated in a prostitution scandal, the police referred the case with a recommendation for indictment. However, after a supplementary investigation, the prosecution unexpectedly dismissed the case. Despite overwhelming evidence and witness testimonies, no prosecutor involved in the dismissal faced any consequences.Additionally, the prosecution failed to conduct a proper investigation into a sexual assault case involving a female prosecutor who was a junior to Jin Dong-kyun, the brother-in-law of lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. In another case involving bribery against Yoon Woo-jin, the head of the Yongsan Tax Office, the prosecution hesitated to issue search warrants and ultimately dismissed the case after a reluctant supplementary investigation.Despite numerous examples suggesting that supplementary investigation rights should not be granted to the prosecution, President Lee Jae-myung recently proposed to the ruling party that exceptional supplementary investigation rights under strict conditions are necessary to prevent innocent citizens from suffering. Government officials, including Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho and National Integration Committee Chairman Lee Seok-yeon, have also expressed concerns about abolishing these rights.Victim Kim in the Busan kickback case, which was clarified through a supplementary investigation, has also voiced the need for such rights. In response, the ruling party has suggested alternatives like 'supplementary investigation request rights' and 're-investigation request rights,' but their effectiveness remains uncertain.Another critical issue is whether the police, empowered by the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, can be effectively controlled. The public recalls numerous dark chapters in police history, including civilian massacres and brutal arrests and torture, which, when compared to the prosecution's missteps, are seen as equally severe. The recent Jang Yoon-ki case has highlighted the challenges of uncovering the truth when the police engage in organized cover-ups.No matter how well-intentioned a reform proposal may be, it will fail if it lacks precision or fails to resonate with the public. Many previous government policies that were launched under the banner of reform have not lasted long and have sparked ongoing controversy without leaving a significant impression on the public.If the government and ruling party are determined to successfully implement prosecutorial reform, which has persisted from the Roh Moo-hyun administration through the Moon Jae-in administration to the Lee Jae-myung administration, they must present effective and solid countermeasures that resonate with the public. This is the path to preventing a second Jang Yoon-ki incident and ensuring that no more innocent victims arise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 06:04:00


