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  • K-Football Innovation Committee Takes Steps to Reform Governance Structure
    K-Football Innovation Committee Takes Steps to Reform Governance Structure Efforts to correct the long-standing governance issues in South Korean football and establish a sustainable administrative system have reached a significant turning point. The K-Football Innovation Committee, launched under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, achieved a timely and encouraging outcome during its second meeting on July 13 by initiating amendments to the regulations governing member sports organizations, which had been identified as a major obstacle to the upcoming presidential election of the Korea Football Association (KFA). The decision to flexibly revise the current rule stating that a new president must be elected within 60 days of a vacancy is a strong indication of the committee's commitment to breaking the cycle of opaque administration and rushed elections.As Park Ji-sung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, noted after the meeting, the existing 60-day election rule is insufficient to fundamentally overhaul the KFA's abnormal governance and electoral system. In a climate of extreme distrust among fans towards the KFA, hastily selecting a leader through outdated methods would merely perpetuate past mistakes rather than foster renewal. The committee's agreement to begin administrative procedures on July 14 to allow for an extension of the election deadline in unavoidable circumstances is a welcome measure not only for football but also for other sports organizations suffering from prolonged vacancies.This move provides the Innovation Committee with valuable time to avoid the risks of a rushed election and to transform the KFA's structure. As Park emphasized, the commitment to not conduct elections in the same manner as before carries significant weight. The KFA presidential elections have faced intense criticism due to a closed electoral body and lack of transparency. Only by electing a proper leader in a lawful and fair environment can the next administration gain the public trust and legitimacy needed to push for bold reforms in football. The committee's cautious yet gradual approach, prioritizing the establishment of a solid institutional foundation over key issues like expanding the electoral body and introducing direct elections, reflects a realistic judgment considering administrative stability.The Innovation Committee's clear stance to focus on its core mission, while drawing a line on the selection process for the next national team coach and the National Assembly hearings, is also a positive development. The appointment of a coach should be resolved independently within the KFA's established systems and procedures, while the hearings aim to clarify past administrative errors of previous administrations, which falls outside the committee's vision for innovation. The committee's commitment to not getting sidetracked by immediate sensational issues and instead concentrating on amending the KFA's charter, improving electoral systems, and developing youth player training programs demonstrates a commendable attitude towards maintaining administrative professionalism and independence.Our expectations for the K-Football Innovation Committee extend beyond a one-time personnel change. For South Korean football to compete confidently on the global stage, a robust system ensuring transparency and fairness in administration must be firmly established. The push for regulatory amendments marks the first step in the KFA's efforts to regain fan trust and transform into a normal organization. The KFA should actively participate in the sports council's initiatives and accelerate the process of charter amendments and reform proposals. We strongly hope that the Innovation Committee will seize this rare opportunity for reform and set a historic milestone in changing the paradigm of football administration in South Korea. 2026-07-14 11:24:00
  • Home & Shopping Unveils New Corporate Identity for 15th Anniversary
    Home & Shopping Unveils New Corporate Identity for 15th Anniversary Home & Shopping announced on July 14 that it will unveil its new corporate identity (CI), titled 'CI Refine,' in celebration of its 15th anniversary.The home shopping network, which specializes in small businesses, officially launched on January 7, 2012, following test broadcasts and product sales in December 2011.According to the company, CI Refine embodies three core values under the theme 'The Answer Found by Scrutiny': starting from the essence of the customer (Essential), connecting with the customer's daily life (Connect), and becoming a source of customer pride (Confidence).The design reflects connectivity between the past and future, originality that enhances brand trust, and flexibility that allows for expansion.The key element, the dual dot (:), symbolizes the company's spirit of coexistence with small businesses and public interest, as well as a strong trust relationship with customers. The simple yet intuitive form aims to serve as a communication bridge that conveys various meanings of the Home & Shopping brand and platform across time.The brand's persona, which has been personified, signifies a commitment to becoming an authentic media commerce platform, characterized by consumers who make value-based decisions grounded in discerning consumption.A representative from Home & Shopping stated, 'CI Refine is the result of our efforts to focus on customer insight and clarify the essence of our business, which is the coexistence of small businesses. We aim to become a trusted platform that adds pride to customers' daily lives based on the values of connection and communication.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 11:20:00
  • Celltrion Receives AAA Certification from Customs for AEO Program
    Celltrion Receives AAA Certification from Customs for AEO Program Celltrion has been re-certified with the highest grade of 'AAA' in the Customs AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) program. On July 14, Celltrion announced that it received the AAA certification for both export and import sectors during a ceremony held at the Incheon Customs Headquarters. This re-certification ensures that Celltrion will maintain its AAA status until 2030. The AEO certification is awarded by the Customs Service based on a comprehensive review of compliance with regulations, internal control systems, financial soundness, and safety management, in accordance with international standards set by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Among the 773 companies currently certified as AEO, only 20 hold the AAA grade, with Celltrion being the sole company in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector. Celltrion was recognized during the re-certification process for continuously enhancing its internal control and safety management systems. The company operates a supply chain management system linked with overseas logistics partners and has established an integrated self-inspection system to pre-check compliance with free trade agreements (FTAs) and customs legality. This system was previously highlighted as a best practice to the UK Customs during the Korea-UK AEO Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) collaboration process. Maintaining the AAA grade allows Celltrion to continue benefiting from customs administration advantages, such as exemptions from submitting import and export documentation, logistics inspections, and expedited customs clearance. The company expects to reduce customs clearance times for biopharmaceuticals and continue to enjoy expedited clearance benefits in the U.S., Japan, and the UK, where it has signed AEO mutual recognition agreements. Kang Seong-hwan, Head of Supply Chain Operations at Celltrion, stated, "Maintaining the AAA grade reaffirms our customs process and risk management capabilities. We will strive to operate a stable global supply chain and ensure timely delivery of pharmaceuticals based on our customs competitiveness." In addition, Celltrion recently announced its preliminary earnings, reporting a record quarterly revenue of 1.3 trillion won and an operating profit of 430 billion won for the second quarter of this year. The company attributed this growth to an increased share of high-revenue new biosimilar sales. Building on the profitability secured from its existing biosimilar business, Celltrion aims to expand its next-generation product portfolio while investing in the development of new drugs, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multi-antibodies, and obesity treatments, to diversify its growth avenues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 11:20:00
  • KOSPI Index Falls Below 7,000, Sparking Panic Among Investors
    KOSPI Index Falls Below 7,000, Sparking Panic Among Investors The KOSPI index has fallen below 7,000, sending shockwaves through a market that had recently been discussing a potential rise to 10,000. Investors who had engaged in margin trading, often referred to as 'debt investing,' are now caught in a vicious cycle of forced selling. While stock markets naturally experience fluctuations, the current decline is alarming as it undermines market confidence itself.The immediate cause of the stock market drop is attributed to external factors. Concerns over prolonged monetary tightening in the U.S., debates over a slowdown in the AI investment cycle, and fears of a downturn in the semiconductor industry have all contributed. Additionally, instability in the Middle East has further chilled global investor sentiment. Foreign capital is quickly exiting the market, and major stocks are plummeting, exacerbating the index's decline.However, it is difficult to attribute the recent sharp drop solely to external shocks. The real issue lies in the excessive leverage accumulated during the bull market. While margin trading amplifies gains in a rising market, the opposite effect occurs when a downturn begins. When stock prices fall below a certain level, brokerage firms initiate forced sales due to insufficient collateral. This leads to a cascade of forced selling, further driving down stock prices and triggering additional forced sales. This is the phenomenon currently unfolding in the market.Individual investors are also facing mounting losses. Many believed that even large-cap stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix were safe investments and utilized margin trading. However, as these stocks have faltered, the scale of losses has far exceeded expectations. This serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous the optimism of 'borrowing to invest will ultimately pay off' can be.A more significant concern is market psychology. When trust in the stock market erodes, recovery takes much longer than when numbers alone decline. Investors, uncertain of when further declines may occur, are hoarding cash, while companies struggle to secure funding. The IPO market has frozen, and capital that should flow to venture and innovative companies is being stifled. The instability in financial markets could ultimately lead to a contraction in the real economy.The government and financial authorities must respond with a level-headed approach. Artificially propping up the market with stimulus measures could exacerbate distortions. However, inaction is not an option. Authorities need to monitor excessive forced selling to ensure it does not distort the market and reassess the credit management systems of brokerage firms. In particular, the phenomenon of excessive credit concentration in specific stocks and the risks associated with leveraged products should be re-evaluated. Achieving a balance between investor protection and market stability is essential.Investors must also learn from this situation. Strategies aimed at boosting returns through debt may seem appealing in a bull market but can be deadly in a bear market. Stock investment is about investing in corporate growth, not betting on leverage. Margin trading should only be used sparingly and within manageable limits.The collapse below the 7,000 mark should not be seen as just a numerical milestone. It should serve as a warning against excessive leverage, short-term speculation, and concentrated investments. The market will eventually recover, but that recovery can only occur on the foundation of transparent systems, a sound investment culture, and unwavering market trust. What is needed now is neither blind optimism nor excessive fear, but a rational prescription to restore the market's strength. 2026-07-14 11:20:00
  • Ruling Party Pressures Opposition to Form Committees Amid Boycott
    Ruling Party Pressures Opposition to Form Committees Amid Boycott The Democratic Party is intensifying pressure on the People Power Party, which has declared a boycott over the formation of committees. This pressure has escalated beyond party leadership to include calls from committee members for cooperation in forming the committees.On July 14, members of the Democratic Party's Industry and Small Business Committee held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "The Democratic Party has made a significant decision to yield the chairmanship of the Industry Committee solely to revive the economy and ensure smooth National Assembly operations, yet the People Power Party continues its indiscriminate boycott."They added, "This is an irresponsible dereliction of duty. The future food sources and livelihood issues that the Industry Committee must address cannot be the subject of political strife."They emphasized, "The patience of the public has already reached its limit. If the irresponsible obstruction continues, the People Power Party will face severe historical condemnation as a party that abandons the people's livelihood."Members of the Welfare Committee also remarked, "We have been in a state of limbo without a chairperson until now. The People Power Party prioritizes party interests over the lives and livelihoods of the people, blocking legislative efforts while only focusing on political calculations."On the previous day, members of the Public Administration Committee argued that the investigation into the Jang Yun-ki incident should be conducted in the National Assembly. They stated, "Livelihood and security issues should not be subjects of political strife. As lawmakers, our minimum responsibility is not to halt the National Assembly but to resolve issues through it."Members of the Media Committee also criticized the People Power Party, saying, "We cannot delay the growth of South Korea. Do not hold the National Assembly hostage any longer."Meanwhile, Han Byeong-do, the acting party leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, warned during a floor strategy meeting, "The People Power Party has decided to continue its National Assembly strike in the general meeting. This is the worst dereliction of duty regarding the people's livelihood in our constitutional history. If the baseless boycott of livelihood issues continues, we will demand the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jeong Seok, to convene a plenary session and take action to create a functioning National Assembly." 2026-07-14 11:16:00
  • Lee Calls for Unity to Achieve 3% Potential Growth Rate and $50,000 Income
    Lee Calls for Unity to Achieve 3% Potential Growth Rate and $50,000 Income President Lee Jae-myung urged his cabinet members to unite in making this year a pivotal one for South Korea, aiming for a potential growth rate of 3%, becoming a top four global trade nation, and achieving a national income of $50,000 (approximately 74.57 million won). During a State Council meeting at the Blue House on July 14, President Lee stated, "The outcomes we achieve in the second half of this year will determine the future of South Korea for the next 30 years." Specifically addressing the goal of becoming a top four trading nation, he noted, "Exports in the first half of this year have shown explosive growth, nearing $500 billion, with semiconductors leading the way and other exports increasing by 16% compared to last year." He emphasized that entering the ranks of the world's top four in trade is now an attainable goal. He added, "With remarkable export performance and increased capital investment, forecasts suggest that our real growth rate could reach 3% this year. We must focus on stabilizing prices and the real estate market, while nurturing super-gap and super-innovation growth engines to gradually raise our potential growth rate to 3%." President Lee stressed the need for the central and local governments, as well as businesses, to work together to expedite the realization of three key mega projects. He encouraged them to proceed with related procedures as quickly as possible, stating, "If we shorten a day now, we can gain ten days or even 100 days later." He also highlighted the importance of addressing structural issues in society, stating, "We must provide young people with a multi-layered growth ladder in terms of jobs, housing, assets, and skills development, while also accelerating innovation in public institutions regarding finances, regulations, and capabilities." Furthermore, he reiterated that the achievements made in the second half of this year will significantly influence South Korea's future for the next three decades. President Lee remarked that the prosperity of South Korea cannot be achieved solely through economic strength, referencing recent diplomatic successes at the NATO summit and his state visit to Mongolia. He noted, "New horizons for global cooperation in defense and advanced technology have opened, and we have made significant progress in securing critical mineral supply chains." He urged relevant ministries to ensure that these outcomes benefit the lives of citizens and the economy. He added, "For South Korea to achieve greater leaps and sustained growth, a more stable and peaceful global order must be supported. Although the global order is currently very unstable, our government will steadfastly fulfill its role and responsibilities as a responsible global nation based on practical diplomacy centered on national interests." As the third anniversary of the Osong underpass disaster approaches, he expressed, "Starting this year, North Chungcheong Province will actively hold memorial events. It is regrettable that it took three years for this natural course of action to occur." President Lee concluded by stating, "The state must always be thoroughly prepared for all disasters that threaten the lives and safety of its citizens. There can be no small gaps in protecting the lives of our people. When it comes to safety issues, it is better to be excessive than insufficient." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 11:16:00
  • Hanyang Cyber Universitys Jeon Hye-jin Wins Best Paper Award for Popup Store Research
    Hanyang Cyber University's Jeon Hye-jin Wins Best Paper Award for Popup Store Research Jeon Hye-jin, the head of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department at Hanyang Cyber University, has demonstrated the global competitiveness of the field by winning the Best Paper Award at the Korean Hotel and Tourism Association's Spring International Academic Conference. Her paper focused on the impact of experiential marketing in popup stores on brand image and purchase intention. Jeon is also the founder of the GGCIA (Global Culinary Culture Industry Executive Program), the first executive program in South Korea for the culinary industry, which is currently recruiting its second cohort under the auspices of Hanyang Cyber University's lifelong education center.Popup Stores: Relationship with Brands is Key, Not Just Visual AppealJeon explained, "I began this research in light of the trend where offline stores are being redefined as spaces that provide brand experiences and foster relationships, rather than just shopping venues." Her study arose from the observation that while popup stores are rapidly increasing in the industry, there is a lack of empirical research demonstrating their effectiveness. She expressed curiosity about how these brief offline experiences influence consumer brand perception and purchasing behavior, leading her to conduct empirical research to clarify the effects of experiential marketing in popup stores. The results were somewhat surprising. Sensory elements such as decor, music, and scent did not significantly impact brand attitude formation as expected. Instead, cognitive factors, where consumers learn new information about the brand, and behavioral relationship factors, where they establish a special connection with the brand, were crucial in shaping brand image and attitudes. Jeon noted, "This suggests that we should focus not just on providing flashy and sensory experiences but on effectively conveying the brand's philosophy and values through experience design. For instance, when opening a popup restaurant, chefs should share their culinary philosophy and stories about ingredients in a storytelling format, while dining brands can create a brand history zone in the popup space to allow customers to experience the brand more deeply." She emphasized, "It is time for popup stores to evolve from merely creating 'Instagrammable' moments to becoming spaces that engrain brand identity through meaningful experiences." Reflecting on her achievement in a topic that has not been sufficiently researched in academia, Jeon expressed her satisfaction, stating, "Although popup stores have become a trend, their effectiveness was questioned. This research has empirically confirmed what types of experiences can lead to changes in consumer brand attitudes, and I am pleased that our department's research is recognized for reflecting industry trends and providing practical insights."Department Focused on Cultivating Practical TalentAs department head, Jeon emphasized her commitment to equipping students with the practical skills and entrepreneurial spirit demanded by the industry. She stated, "It is important to cultivate practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in the field, as well as the insight and execution skills to quickly catch new trends and connect them to business opportunities." To achieve this, the department operates industry-linked programs such as expert lectures, graduation projects, and restaurant startups, significantly enhancing practical courses in areas like menu development, restaurant entrepreneurship, and brand strategy. Recently, they have also prepared a converged curriculum on 'restaurant startup, location, and branding' in collaboration with related departments such as real estate and marketing. Jeon introduced her follow-up research, which includes studies comparing digital experiential marketing using metaverse, VR, and AR technologies with offline popup experiences, as well as research on user experience (UX) and continued usage intention of delivery apps in the restaurant O2O sector. She plans to continue building theoretical and practical foundations for innovation in the restaurant business through research that encompasses offline and online, traditional methods and new technologies.GGCIA: Cultivating Culinary Leaders Beyond KnowledgeThe GGCIA program, established by Jeon, is also gaining attention from academia and industry. It was conceived in response to the lack of educational programs for top executives in the culinary industry, especially as global interest in Korean cuisine and K-food rises. The program covers not only culinary practices and ingredient education but also global culinary trends, food tech, brand strategy, and customer experience design. Jeon noted, "The perspective of experiential marketing that I researched is also reflected in the GGCIA curriculum. We have designed a hands-on, experience-centered curriculum that includes field trips to culinary hotspots, meetings with chefs, and wine tastings." The first cohort of the program consisted of 12 sessions, including a three-night, four-day culinary culture exploration in Taiwan with Chef Lee Yeon-bok and Professor Yeo Jong-seok. Jeon remarked, "Through sharing insights and concerns, the bonds among participants have strengthened. Even after the program ended, they continue to explore local restaurants and food destinations together, supporting each other's businesses, fostering ongoing connections." This strong network is expected to serve as a source of new inspiration for participants and bring fresh ideas to the restaurant industry.Recruitment for GGCIA's Second Cohort UnderwayGGCIA is currently recruiting its second cohort, targeting decision-makers such as CEOs and executives looking to drive innovation in the culinary, restaurant, and distribution sectors. The second cohort will feature new instructors, including Professor Moon Jeong-hoon from Seoul National University and renowned chef Jo Hee-sook, along with Shin Tae-kyun, an advisor currently active at Galaxy Corporation and a former Samsung Talent Center member. The overseas culinary culture exploration destination has been set for Hong Kong, a crossroads of Eastern and Western food cultures. Jeon expressed her hopes that participants will explore Hong Kong's unique culinary ecosystem, experience the forefront of Asian restaurant business, and gain insights for entering the global market. When asked about the skills needed for culinary business leaders in the context of the K-food expansion, Jeon stated, "As K-food spreads globally through dramas and entertainment, it is now essential to go beyond just creating delicious food to 'contentualizing flavor.' This includes storytelling about the food, planning food culture content, and developing marketing capabilities to brand it in the global market." She added, "GGCIA focuses on cultivating culinary business leaders with a discerning eye as 'culture creators' who can learn the value and modern interpretation of Korean cuisine from experts like Chef Jo Hee-sook and Professor Moon Jeong-hoon, experience the spectrum of Asian culinary culture through the Hong Kong exploration, and gain comprehensive skills including global branding know-how from advisor Shin Tae-kyun."Korean Cuisine as Cultural Content: Leadership in Culinary Culture CreationJeon highlighted the recent special exhibition 'Our Table' at the National Museum of Korea, which comprehensively examines food culture, as evidence that Korean cuisine is being recognized as content that embodies our culture and spirit, rather than just food. She stated, "For culinary business leaders, maximizing the inherent taste and quality of food is crucial, but it is equally important to differentiate the brand experience by incorporating our unique cultural codes and storytelling. GGCIA is focused on nurturing culinary business leaders with this perspective as 'culture creators.'" 2026-07-14 11:16:00
  • Hong Gi-won Proposes Bill Allowing Limited Prosecutorial Investigative Powers
    Hong Gi-won Proposes Bill Allowing Limited Prosecutorial Investigative Powers Hong Gi-won, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, introduced a bill on July 14 that would allow prosecutors to conduct supplementary investigations in exceptional circumstances. He stated, "We need to discuss how to better protect the public," adding that the bill would serve as a minimal safety measure for citizens. This comes as voices within the party call for a complete abolition of supplementary investigative powers, highlighting the need for a limited approach.During a press conference at the National Assembly, Hong emphasized, "Our goal for prosecutorial reform is to create a system that protects citizens' rights and safety, ensuring that victims are not unjustly treated." The proposed amendment permits supplementary investigations by prosecutors in cases of sexual violence, stalking, abuse of children, the elderly, and disabled individuals, as well as crimes affecting vulnerable populations, such as voice phishing and similar offenses. It also allows for supplementary investigations in cases involving arrests, those nearing the statute of limitations, and minor offenses.To prevent the abuse of supplementary investigative powers, the bill strictly applies the principle of identity to ensure that such investigations do not lead to unrelated inquiries. Additionally, if compulsory measures are needed during a supplementary investigation, approval from the local prosecutor's office chief is required. The bill has been co-sponsored by 11 lawmakers, including Hong, Ko Min-jeong, Kwak Sang-eon, Kim Nam-hee, Moon Jin-seok, Mo Kyung-jong, Min Hong-cheol, Park Kyun-taek, Park Hee-seung, Lee So-young, and Joo Cheol-hyun.Previously, Hong reportedly sent letters to party members to persuade them regarding the bill. In these letters, he questioned, "If even one unjust victim arises from a complete ban on supplementary investigations, can we truly call it a successful reform?" He stressed the need to design the system based on citizens' rights rather than prosecutorial authority.Recently, the Democratic Party has been pushing for a swift abolition of supplementary investigative powers. However, there is growing caution and opposition regarding this move, with concerns that abolishing the system could create gaps in uncovering the truth in cases of sexual crimes and offenses against vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Nonetheless, the hardline stance within the party for complete abolition remains firm, and further discussions are expected at the lawmakers' meeting scheduled for later today. 2026-07-14 11:08:00
  • Discussion on Corporate Responsibility Management in the Age of AI and Supply Chains
    Discussion on Corporate Responsibility Management in the Age of AI and Supply Chains The government has initiated discussions on corporate responsibility management in response to the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and the restructuring of global supply chains. As managing human rights, labor, and environmental risks has emerged as a key factor for sustainable growth and international market entry, the aim is to share relevant standards and case studies between the public and private sectors.On July 14, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the '2026 Public-Private Joint Seminar on Corporate Responsibility Management' in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and the UN Global Compact Network Korea.Corporate responsibility management refers to responsible business practices across the economy and society, including human rights, labor, and environmental considerations, in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Established in 1976, these guidelines aim to minimize the negative impacts of multinational corporate activities on human rights, labor, and the environment while promoting responsible business management.This seminar was organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. It aims to reflect on the significance of these guidelines, which have become an international standard for corporate responsibility management over the past five decades, and to enhance the capacity of Korean companies to respond in the age of AI and supply chains.Topics discussed at the seminar included responsible AI usage, managing human rights and labor risks in critical mineral supply chains, support policies for human rights management in companies expanding overseas, and examples of corporate AI governance. Notably, since the OECD's AI Due Diligence Guidance was released in February, responsible AI usage and internal governance have been key agenda items.Korea has established a National Contact Point (NCP) to support the implementation and dissemination of the OECD Guidelines. Set up in 2001 within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korean NCP is responsible for promoting and educating about the guidelines, handling complaints, and participating in OECD and global NCP network activities. Since its establishment, it has received a total of 40 cases, of which 12 have gone through mediation procedures.Corporate responsibility management requires systematic oversight rather than merely declarative ESG activities. As the EU's supply chain due diligence guidelines, critical mineral regulations, and AI ethical standards gain traction, companies face expanding human rights, labor, and environmental risks associated with their suppliers and overseas operations. This can directly impact exports, investments, and business relationships.With the rapid spread of AI usage, issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, labor surveillance, and accountability have emerged as new challenges in corporate responsibility management. Companies must not only accelerate the adoption of technology but also establish principles for responsible use and internal control systems.Kang Gam-chan, Director of the Trade and Investment Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "The Korean NCP will continue to expand education and promotion to ensure that the OECD Guidelines for Corporate Responsibility Management are firmly established in our companies. We will also strengthen support for dispute resolution related to the implementation of the guidelines."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 11:04:00
  • Samsung Reclaims Smartphone Market Leadership, Capturing 24% Share in Q2
    Samsung Reclaims Smartphone Market Leadership, Capturing 24% Share in Q2 Samsung Electronics has regained its position as the leader in the global smartphone market for the second quarter of this year. Analysts attribute this resurgence to a tailored pricing strategy aimed at emerging markets and the successful launch of flagship products.According to preliminary estimates released on July 14 by market research firm Counterpoint Research, Samsung achieved a global smartphone market share of 24%, reclaiming the top spot after falling to second place with a 20% share in the first quarter, where it was surpassed by Apple at 21%.The recovery is believed to be driven by customized sales and pricing strategies targeting emerging markets such as India and the Middle East. Strong sales of the recently launched Galaxy S26 series also contributed to the positive results. Notably, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which prominently features artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and a privacy display, has received a strong market response.In contrast, Apple, which has slipped to second place, reported a 3% increase in shipments compared to the same period last year, achieving a market share of 20%. Amid a general trend of price increases across the industry, Apple maintained its launch prices and saw robust demand for the iPhone 17 series, allowing it to continue its growth trajectory.Meanwhile, the overall global smartphone market size for the second quarter has significantly contracted due to supply chain disruptions. Global smartphone shipments fell by 11% compared to the same period last year, marking the lowest level in 13 years since 2013.Counterpoint Research noted, "The surge in AI data center demand has exacerbated shortages of key memory semiconductors such as DRAM and NAND flash, leading to increased component prices that have burdened smartphone manufacturing costs and dampened overall consumer sentiment in the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 11:04:00