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  • Park Bo-kyum Wins First Major Title at KLPGA Tour
    Park Bo-kyum Wins First Major Title at KLPGA Tour Park Bo-kyum has claimed the title of 'Major Queen' for the first time since her debut on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour.On September 13, at the Blackstone Icheon Golf Club (par 72) in Icheon, Park shot a final round of 1-under 71, with three birdies and two bogeys, during the KLPGA Tour's third major event of the season, the KB Financial Golden Life Championship, which has a total prize pool of 1.5 billion won.With a total score of 5-under 283, Park edged out a group tied for second place (4-under 284) by one stroke to secure the victory.After her win, Park expressed her joy, stating, "I am happy to achieve my first win of the season and my first major title. I had mentioned wanting to win a major before retiring, and it seems that my words have come true. I have realized that positive words lead to positive outcomes."This victory marks Park's first major title since her debut on the tour in 2021. Additionally, it is her fourth career win, coming approximately 1.5 years after her last victory at the Blue Canyon Ladies Championship in March 2025.Park has also extended her streak of winning at least once each year since 2013. She has now lifted the trophy in 2023 at the 9th Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open, in 2024 at the Sang Sang In-Hankyung Wow Net Open, and last year at the Blue Canyon Ladies Championship, achieving four consecutive years of victories.With this win, Park earned 270 million won in prize money, moving her up to 10th place in the prize money rankings with a total of 497.04 million won. She also climbed to 8th place in the points standings.Starting the final round tied for second, one stroke behind the leader, Park made a long birdie putt from about 15.3 meters on the first hole (par 5) to tie for the lead. She then engaged in a fierce battle for the top spot with Bang Sin-sil, Park Ye-ji, and Yoo Seo-yeon.Park took the solo lead with a birdie on the third hole (par 4) but briefly lost it after making bogeys on the fifth hole (par 5) and seventh hole (par 3). However, she remained composed under pressure. "I tried to focus on my own game and not get swept up in the competition. There were moments of anxiety during the match, but my goal was to play without regrets. I feel like I finished my game well, making it a successful day," she reflected.After regaining momentum with a birdie on the eighth hole (par 4), Park took advantage of Yoo Seo-yeon's bogey on the 14th hole (par 4) to tie for the lead again. The turning point came on the 16th hole (par 3), where Park calmly saved par while Yoo made a bogey, allowing Park to take the solo lead. She maintained her lead through the remaining holes, securing her victory against the chasing group.Recalling the moment she secured her win, Park said, "On my third shot on the 18th hole, I felt a heartbeat like never before. When I was about to make my birdie putt, I thought my heart was racing in my ears. This was the most thrilling and tense victory I've ever experienced."With her major title secured, Park's next goal is to achieve more victories. She stated, "It would be great to win another major during the remaining season, and I also hope to win at a tournament with a large prize pool. I am particularly eager for the Hi-Tec Jinro Championship in October, where the winner drinks beer from the trophy, and I want to experience that too."She also expressed her desire to secure a spot in the BMW Ladies Championship, noting that she needs to finish within the top 15 in the prize money rankings to qualify. "I will not lose my initial motivation in the remaining tournaments," she vowed.Seo Kyo-rim, with four season victories, finished in fifth place with a total score of 3-under 285, earning 60 million won and bringing her season total to 1.38176 billion won, surpassing Kim Min-sol (1.37502 billion won) to take the top spot in the prize money rankings.Kim Si-hyun and Jeon Woo-ri tied for sixth place with a total score of 2-under 286.Former LPGA Tour player Jeon In-ji, who participated as an invited player, finished in 29th place with a total score of 5-over 293.Kim Min-sol concluded the tournament in 47th place with a score of 9-over 297.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:12:00
  • K-Food Takes Center Stage in Mexico as Gateway to Latin American Market
    K-Food Takes Center Stage in Mexico as Gateway to Latin American Market The South Korean food industry is positioning Mexico as a strategic base for penetrating the Latin American market, promoting K-Food products such as ramen, seaweed, ice cream, chicken, and red ginseng. The goal is to connect the rapidly growing demand for K-Food with actual sales expansion.According to industry sources, major companies including CJ CheilJedang, Nongshim, Binggrae, BBQ, and KGC will participate in the 'K-EXPO MEXICO 2026' at the WTC International Exhibition and Convention Center in Mexico City from September 24 to 27.This expo, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, will feature over 100 domestic companies from various sectors, including food, content, beauty, and consumer goods. It is the largest K-Expo held in Latin America to date, with product displays, experiential events, K-pop performances, and business matching sessions with local buyers.Food companies will showcase their flagship products to promote K-Food. CJ CheilJedang will present Bibigo seasoned seaweed, seaweed chips, ramen, gochujang sauce, and instant rice, aiming to establish Bibigo as the representative Korean food brand.Nongshim will set up an instant ramen cooker to allow attendees to experience 'Han River Ramen' firsthand. Previously, at the cultural festival 'Campo Marte 26' held in Mexico City in June, Nongshim operated a tasting booth that attracted over 4,000 visitors in one day. The company plans to use the instant cooker at the expo to promote both its products and Korean ramen culture.Binggrae will introduce K-desserts with products like banana-flavored milk, Melona, and Bungeoppang. Currently supplying banana-flavored milk to local retailers such as 'Soriana' and 'HEB,' Binggrae aims to expand its market reach to neighboring countries like Guatemala.BBQ will highlight its Golden Olive Chicken. After opening its first location in Mexico City in July and a second in Monterrey in August, the company plans to enhance brand recognition through this expo. Jeonggwanjang will showcase red ginseng extract and promote K-red ginseng using traditional Korean elements like wrapping cloth and teapots.The focus on Mexico by food companies is driven by the market's size and growth potential. With a population of approximately 130.74 million as of 2024, Mexico ranks as the 10th largest country in the world, featuring a median age of just 30.8 years, indicating a strong consumer base among younger demographics. The food market is projected to grow from $159 billion in 2020 to $213.4 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.6%. By 2028, it is expected to reach $266.1 billion.The growth of K-Food in the local market is evidenced by export figures. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, exports of Korean food to Mexico increased from $27 million in 2020 to $62 million last year, achieving an average annual growth rate of 18.1%. From January to July this year, exports reached $64 million, already surpassing last year's total.Ramen is the leading product driving this growth, with exports to Mexico rising from $2.68 million in 2020 to $24.07 million last year, nearly a ninefold increase. Seaweed exports reached $4.36 million last year, a 13% increase from the previous year, while sauces, including gochujang, grew by 65.3% to $830,000.Mexico's established trade network connecting North America and Latin America is also an attractive factor. With active trade not only with the United States and Canada but also with Central American countries like Guatemala and Colombia, the industry is looking to secure product recognition and distribution channels in Mexico before expanding into surrounding markets.An industry representative stated, "Mexico is becoming an increasingly important market in Latin America due to its large population and rapidly growing demand for K-Food. We are not only focused on gauging local consumer reactions but also on expanding our distribution networks to grow our business into neighboring countries." 2026-09-13 18:12:00
  • HMMs Growing Role in Busan Amid Record Earnings Expectations
    HMM's Growing Role in Busan Amid Record Earnings Expectations HMM is expected to achieve record earnings in the third quarter of this year, driven by strong shipping rates amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. However, the business environment is becoming increasingly complex. While calls for HMM to contribute to the Busan community are growing alongside its improved performance, specific support measures to facilitate the company's relocation remain slow to materialize.According to industry sources on September 13, HMM's operating profit for the third quarter is projected to reach 720.4 billion won, a 142.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The uncertainty surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to the ongoing conflict has contributed to a rise in the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI). HMM also reported a 52% increase in operating profit in the second quarter, thanks to rising shipping rates.Despite the positive outlook, HMM is not celebrating just yet. As cash reserves grow due to improved performance, there are increasing demands for the company to invest in and contribute to the local community in Busan, especially in light of its planned relocation.On April 30, HMM decided to move its headquarters from Seoul to Busan following an agreement with labor unions. This relocation is a key part of President Lee Jae-myung's campaign promise to develop Busan as a 'marine capital.' The plan aims to create a symbiotic ecosystem between the shipping and shipbuilding industries and to develop related service sectors such as marine insurance and ship financing, ultimately establishing Busan as a global maritime industry cluster.Recently, there has been a growing sentiment among lawmakers that HMM's role should extend beyond the shipping and logistics sectors to include local development and sports. Discussions in Busan's political circles have included the necessity for HMM to participate in the North Port dome stadium project, as well as ideas for acquiring or establishing a professional baseball team.Particularly, the North Port dome stadium project hinges on securing private investment. The acquisition committee led by Busan Mayor Park Je-soo estimates that the cost for a 40,000-seat stadium and related development will exceed 3 trillion won. Even with government support, it is expected that Busan and private entities will need to raise over 2 trillion won. Consequently, there is growing anticipation that HMM, which holds around 12 trillion won in cash assets, should leverage its financial capacity for this investment.However, the shipping industry warns against viewing HMM's substantial cash reserves as mere surplus funds. The shipping sector is characterized by cyclical booms and busts, making it crucial to prepare for downturns with funds secured during prosperous times.Current strong performance is largely influenced by rising freight rates due to the Middle East conflict and disruptions along the Red Sea and Suez routes, which could lead to a rapid decline in rates if the situation stabilizes. Additionally, there are concerns about oversupply in the market as global shipping companies continue to introduce large orders of container ships.Significant investments are also necessary to narrow the gap with global shipping giants. As of July, the world's largest shipping company, MSC, has a container capacity of approximately 7.45 million TEUs, accounting for 21.5% of the global market. In contrast, HMM, ranked eighth globally, has a capacity of about 1.03 million TEUs, just one-seventh of MSC's capacity. This is why industry voices are calling for HMM to prioritize its cash reserves for fleet expansion and strengthening its core competitiveness.Moreover, the lack of concrete support measures to facilitate HMM's relocation to Busan is concerning. HMM plans to complete construction of its temporary office in Busan by mid-October and begin relocating employees. However, specific plans for tax and financial support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as well as employee settlement assistance, remain unclear.One industry insider remarked, "HMM is becoming a target for various local demands simply because it is making money, creating a situation where it feels like a 'punching bag.' The shipping industry can face downturns at any time, so we must not assume that current cash reserves are sufficient just because the company is performing well."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:08:00
  • Expanded Espionage Law Takes Effect, Critics Say It Falls Short on Tech Theft
    Expanded Espionage Law Takes Effect, Critics Say It Falls Short on Tech Theft On September 13, a revised criminal law that allows for the punishment of acts involving the transfer of state secrets, including semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, to foreign entities took effect. The key change expands the scope of espionage laws, which were previously limited to 'hostile nations,' to include all foreign entities. However, critics argue that the law may be insufficient to prevent industrial technology leaks, as most incidents involve insiders and do not cover foreign companies or key national technologies.According to legal and industrial sources, the revised law introduces Article 98-2, 'Espionage for Foreign Entities.' Under this provision, individuals who receive orders or instructions from foreign entities or similar organizations and engage in the detection, collection, disclosure, transmission, or mediation of state secrets can face a prison sentence of three years or more. This marks the first expansion of the espionage law's application in 73 years since the criminal code was enacted in 1953.Previously, incidents involving the leakage of key technologies to countries like China were primarily addressed under the Industrial Technology Protection Act or the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. Last year, police reported 179 cases of technology leaks, with 33 involving overseas transfers, of which 18 (54.5%) were to China. The sectors most affected included semiconductors (5 cases), displays (4 cases), and secondary batteries (3 cases). The police have classified technology leakage as a crime that threatens national economic security and plan to strengthen investigations.Most of the leaks were found to originate from within companies. Of the 179 cases reported last year, 148 (82.7%) involved insiders, such as employees. Small and medium-sized enterprises were the victims in 155 cases (86.6%). A case was also reported involving an unregistered employment agency that facilitated the transfer of key semiconductor personnel to Chinese firms for substantial fees.Legal experts note that the implementation of the law does not mean that espionage charges will be immediately applied to cases of industrial technology leakage. The leaked information must qualify as state secrets under the criminal code, and the criteria of receiving orders or instructions from foreign entities must also be met. Furthermore, not all national core technologies defined under the Industrial Technology Protection Act automatically qualify as state secrets. There are concerns that interpretations of whether foreign private companies fall under the definition of 'foreign entities or similar organizations' may vary during investigations and trials.This context has led to proposals for further amendments even before the law's implementation. Koh Dong-jin, a lawmaker from the People Power Party and former president of Samsung Electronics, introduced a bill last month that specifies foreign companies and national core technologies as targets of the foreign espionage law and seeks to increase the minimum sentence from three years to ten years. This bill was referred to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on September 1.Experts continue to express concerns that punishing after the fact is not an effective way to address technology theft. They argue that the focus of responses to technology leaks should shift from post-fact punishment to early prevention of the use and dissemination of leaked technologies. An industry insider stated, 'It is already too late to simply increase penalties after technology has been stolen. It is more important to detect high-value recruitment by foreign companies and contact with departing employees early, and to expand security measures to small and medium-sized partner companies.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:04:20
  • Samsungs Taylor Fab Begins Pilot Production Ahead of Mass Production of 2nm Chips
    Samsung's Taylor Fab Begins Pilot Production Ahead of Mass Production of 2nm Chips Samsung Electronics has officially launched pilot production at some lines of its Taylor Fab in Texas, marking a significant step toward establishing a local advanced manufacturing system. The introduction of test wafers for prototype production indicates that the facility is moving closer to full operational capacity.According to reports from foreign media and industry sources on September 13, Samsung's Taylor Fab began operating its pilot lines this month, initiating comprehensive process optimization and stabilization efforts. Currently, some lines are in pilot operation with test wafers being introduced.However, the official pilot operation for the entire line has been postponed to later this year, with a target set for the third quarter. This delay is interpreted as a strategy to maximize initial yield through equipment setup and pilot operations before establishing a complete supply chain in time for mass production early next year.Originally designed as a general-purpose line focused on 4nm technology, the Taylor Fab is now accelerating the integration of 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) and advanced 3D packaging lines due to the rapid growth of the AI semiconductor market. The demand for ultra-fine process technology has increased, making it crucial for Samsung to fine-tune processes to meet the specifications of its big tech clients.As a result, the key task for the operational pilot lines is to demonstrate actual mass production yields to major clients who have already confirmed their orders and to pass final quality tests. Samsung has secured contracts for next-generation AI chips with Tesla and custom 2nm AI chips based on Arm architecture. The success of the first test chips produced in the Taylor Fab, meeting customer standards for yield, heat generation, and power efficiency, is seen as a pivotal moment for the business's recovery.Internal process stability indicators are reportedly favorable. Industry sources indicate that Samsung's 4nm yield has stabilized at over 80%. The previously low yield of 2nm GAA, which lingered in the 20% range, has recently improved to over 70%, enhancing competitiveness in advanced processes. The wafer production capacity at the Taylor Fab is approximately 50,000 wafers per month, nearing the scale of Taiwan's TSMC, which produces 80,000 wafers monthly. If the 2nm yield stabilizes, it could lead to rapid improvements in profitability.Despite securing technological competitiveness, the global foundry market continues to face upward and downward pressures. According to market research firm TrendForce, Samsung's foundry market share was 5.9% in the second quarter, widening the gap with TSMC, which holds 72.5%. Meanwhile, China's SMIC, ranked third, increased its second-quarter revenue by 20% compared to the previous quarter, closing in with a 0.5% point difference.An industry insider stated, "Achieving an 80% yield for 4nm and improving 2nm GAA yield to the 70% range indicates that the processes have entered a stabilization phase. If we can prove mass production capability by passing quality tests for custom chips for big tech, it will provide substantial momentum for foundry growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:04:20
  • Suez Canal Blockage and High Oil Prices Disrupt Shipping Rates
    Suez Canal Blockage and High Oil Prices Disrupt Shipping Rates Shipping rates are poised to reach record highs as shipping companies enter emergency management mode. The blockade of the Red Sea and Suez Canal is expected to increase travel distances and sailing days, prompting domestic and international shipping firms to consider further slow steaming to mitigate the impact of high oil prices. The reduction in effective shipping capacity raises concerns about a global supply chain disruption.According to the shipping industry on September 13, major domestic and international shipping companies are preparing measures in response to the potential for the Houthi rebels' actions to trigger the worst supply chain disruption in history.A shipping industry official stated, "Unlike past instances when the Red Sea route was temporarily paralyzed, the current situation is much more serious due to simultaneous crises in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Major shipping companies are concerned about a sequence of events: rising oil prices leading to increased bunker fuel costs, higher war risk insurance premiums, longer travel times due to detours, reduced effective capacity (the amount of cargo that can be loaded immediately), and skyrocketing shipping rates."If high oil prices persist, shipping companies are likely to further enhance slow steaming to cut costs. Research indicates that reducing sailing speed by about 10% can save approximately 30% in fuel costs. As a result, the current average speed of container ships, around 20 knots, may drop below 15 knots, the level of bulk carriers.This slowdown is expected to decrease the annual voyages of individual vessels, significantly impacting their profitability. To compensate, shipping companies are predicted to raise shipping rates across all routes, including those to the Americas and the Middle East, in the second half of this year. A vessel's voyage refers to the number of times and the order in which a specific ship operates on a designated route.Gu Kyohun, president of the International Logistics Association, remarked, "The Red Sea is a crucial route for both container and tanker ships, so this crisis will exacerbate risks for oil products and European routes. From the shipping companies' perspective, the longer transport times and decreased vessel productivity due to detours around the Cape of Good Hope will inevitably lead to rising shipping rates."The actions of the Houthi rebels have historically been a key factor in driving up shipping rates. Each time the Houthis threaten to blockade the Red Sea, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) has surged to 3,500. However, U.S. intervention has often led to a quick stabilization of rates after temporary disruptions.In contrast, this latest uprising is interpreted as a strategic offensive by Iran and the Houthis to impact global oil and logistics supply chains amid a decline in U.S. influence in the Middle East.With the situation expected to persist, analysts predict that container shipping rates, previously seen as a critical threshold due to risks, will surpass the SCFI level of 3,500 and reach 5,000.Currently, South Korea's real GDP growth rate stands at 1.8% for the first quarter and 0.6% for the second quarter, indicating a relatively strong performance. Notably, the nominal GDP growth rate for the second quarter increased by 9.2% compared to the previous quarter and by 26.4% year-on-year, marking the highest level in 47 years since 1979.However, this is largely attributed to major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix entering a super cycle, leading to increased exports and soaring profits, which some analysts view as a misleading effect. Excluding the contributions from the semiconductor and computer, electronics, and optical device manufacturing sectors, the real GDP growth rate would drop to one-third of its current level.Consequently, there are concerns that if high oil prices and shipping rates due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea lead to deteriorating performance for non-semiconductor companies and trigger inflation, South Korea's economy could face a worst-case scenario of stagflation (low growth and high inflation).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:04:20
  • HK Inno.Ns K-Cab Continues Growth Amid U.S. Approval Anticipation
    HK Inno.N's K-Cab Continues Growth Amid U.S. Approval Anticipation HK Inno.N's gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment, K-Cab, is continuing its growth trajectory through expanded domestic prescriptions and international market entry. With increasing sales in China and anticipated U.S. approval early next year, the drug is poised for a significant global breakthrough. However, the expiration of its domestic patent is scheduled for the second half of 2031, and the exclusivity period in the U.S. will last only five years post-approval, making the development of a 'next K-Cab' a critical factor for the company's valuation. According to industry sources, K-Cab has broadened its prescription base in the domestic gastroesophageal reflux disease market, achieving sales of 195.7 billion won last year, a 15.9% increase from the previous year. The U.S. market entry is seen as the most significant growth opportunity. Partner company BrainTree submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January. BrainTree estimates the U.S. P-CAB market size to be between $4 billion and $5 billion. If approved, HK Inno.N will receive milestone payments and, following commercialization, will secure sales milestones and royalty revenues. In China, K-Cab tablets were launched in 2022. Sales from local partner Luoxin are estimated to have reached about 190 billion won last year, with projections of increasing to 280 billion won this year. Consequently, HK Inno.N's royalties are expected to rise from approximately 14 billion won last year to about 20 billion won this year. The launch of an injectable form in China is expected to extend the product's lifespan beyond the oral patent expiration in December 2031. Discussions are ongoing for licensing agreements in Europe, where a 10-year regulatory exclusivity period applies post-approval, indicating long-term growth potential. However, the actual timing of revenue generation and the partner's sales capabilities will depend on contract terms and approval schedules. The market views the future growth of K-Cab as entering a critical phase. The domestic patent expiration is set for the second half of 2031, and even if U.S. approval is granted in January 2027, the exclusivity period will only last five years, leading to anticipated generic competition starting in the second half of 2033. Following patent expiration, the entry of generics and subsequent products could pressure drug prices and prescription market share. This urgency is why HK Inno.N is accelerating K-Cab's international expansion. The company needs to establish its brand and prescription base in key markets like the U.S. and Europe during the patent protection period while also achieving developmental milestones in its pipeline of successor products. A notable successor in the pipeline is the GLP-1 receptor agonist IN-B00009, introduced by China's Saiwind Biosciences. It received approval in China in January and is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in South Korea. The JAK inhibitor IN-115314, being developed for atopic dermatitis, is in Phase 2 trials in South Korea and Phase 1b trials in the U.S. The animal adaptation has completed Phase 3 trials and is awaiting product approval, with a target launch this year. Market analysts suggest that HK Inno.N's long-term growth hinges on the global commercialization success of K-Cab and the success of its new drug pipeline. Growth is expected to continue next year, with Mirae Asset Securities projecting HK Inno.N's revenue to increase by 8.7% to 1.186 trillion won and operating profit to rise by 10.9% to 150 billion won. 2026-09-13 18:04:10
  • Tesla and BYD Surge in Import Car Market, Closing Gap with German Automakers
    Tesla and BYD Surge in Import Car Market, Closing Gap with German Automakers Tesla and BYD, bolstered by Chinese production, are rapidly closing the gap with Germany's three major automakers—BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi—in the import car market. Over the past year, the sales difference has shrunk to fewer than 5,000 vehicles. As the shift toward electrification accelerates, the focus of the import car market is quickly moving toward Chinese brands. Attention is now on whether the two sides will reverse their annual sales figures this year.According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA), from January to August this year, a total of 94,299 Tesla and BYD vehicles were newly registered in South Korea, just 4,418 units behind the German trio, which registered 98,717 vehicles.Compared to the same period last year, the gap has significantly narrowed. In the first eight months of last year, the combined registrations of the German three amounted to 100,039, outpacing Tesla and BYD's 36,490 by 63,549 units. The gap has now reduced to less than one-tenth of what it was a year ago.Market share changes are even more pronounced. Last year, the German three held about 52.0% of the total import car market from January to August, but this year, that figure has dropped to 40.3%. In contrast, the combined market share of Tesla and BYD surged from 19.0% to 38.5%, more than doubling. Consequently, the share gap between the two sides has narrowed from 33 percentage points to just 1.8 percentage points.This shift is attributed to the overall growth of the import car market, coupled with stagnating sales for the German automakers. The total import car market has expanded by over 20% this year compared to the same period last year, while sales for the German three have decreased by approximately 1.3%.In contrast to their stagnation, Tesla and BYD are experiencing rapid growth. Tesla's sales jumped from 34,543 units last year to 76,776 units this year, marking a 122.3% increase. BYD's sales soared from 1,947 units to 17,523 units, an increase of nearly eight times. Together, the two brands have seen their sales grow by over 158% in just one year.The shift toward electrification is fueling the momentum of these Chinese electric vehicles. Last month, electric vehicles accounted for 50.9% of all new import car registrations, surpassing half for the first time. The Tesla Model Y, produced at the Shanghai factory, topped sales with 9,638 units, while BYD's Dolphin and Sea Lion 7 also ranked among the top sellers.While German automakers are accelerating the expansion of their electric vehicle lineups, the price competitiveness of Chinese models is making significant inroads into the market. If this trend continues, it is increasingly likely that Tesla and BYD will surpass the German three in annual sales this year. An industry insider noted, "New model launches from German automakers are scheduled for the second half of this year, so we will have to wait and see." 2026-09-13 18:04:10
  • Matthew Turtle, CEO of TCM, Predicts KOSPI Could Reach 10,000 by 2028
    Matthew Turtle, CEO of TCM, Predicts KOSPI Could Reach 10,000 by 2028 Matthew Turtle, CEO of Turtle Capital Management (TCM), stated that South Korea is a key market for technological innovation in Asia, particularly with major players like Samsung and SK Hynix. In an interview with Aju Economy on September 13, he emphasized that for the KOSPI to recover its long-term upward trend beyond 10,000 points, the government should trust the market and investors rather than excessively intervene.Turtle, who founded TCM in 2012 and manages approximately $5 billion, described the firm as a unique player on Wall Street. He noted that South Korea has become the third most important market for global investors, following the U.S. and China.He remarked, "Global interest in South Korean stocks is high, as evidenced by the explosive inflow of funds into U.S. DRAM ETFs, which are heavily weighted in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. However, considering macroeconomic variables, achieving a KOSPI of 10,000 points next year is unlikely, but it could be possible by 2028."Turtle predicted that macroeconomic factors will be the biggest influence on the stock market over the next year. He identified risks such as prolonged reflation, instability in the Middle East, unwinding of yen carry trades, and interest rate hikes as potential threats. He cautioned against the long-term dollar weakness resulting from excessive U.S. fiscal spending and bond issuance.He elaborated, "The U.S. government has mismanaged its finances for a long time. Due to excessive spending and bond issuance, a significant portion of GDP is consumed by interest payments, making long-term dollar weakness inevitable."Regarding investment strategies for the second half of the year, Turtle expressed a preference for alternative assets like gold and Bitcoin over dollar-denominated assets. He advised diversifying investments into 'HALO' value stocks—those in sectors like mining, utilities, and railroads—that are irreplaceable by AI, while being cautious of concentration in specific large-cap stocks.Focusing on K-Semiconductor ETFsWhen asked about investment options in the Korean market, Turtle highlighted memory semiconductor ETFs with significant allocations to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. He stated, "Given the potential long-term weakness of dollar assets, there is no need to convert won to dollars. It is advantageous to include won-based assets in a diversified portfolio, along with alternative assets like gold and Bitcoin."He cited the success of a memory semiconductor ETF listed in the U.S. as a prime example. This ETF, which allocated about half of its positions to South Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, surpassed $10 billion in assets within a month of its launch, marking one of the fastest fund-raising successes in ETF history.Turtle explained, "Global investors are not just interested in the semiconductor sector; they can easily access key South Korean assets like Samsung and SK Hynix through U.S.-listed ETFs. This demonstrates the high level of interest from global capital in South Korea as a center for technological innovation."He also commented on the MSCI inclusion issue, stating, "As more ETFs containing South Korean stocks are established and gain traction in U.S. and other foreign markets, the resulting capital inflow will be significant, comparable to MSCI inclusion effects."KOSPI 10,000? Likely by 2028, but watch for macro headwinds next yearRegarding the possibility of the KOSPI reaching 10,000, as suggested by major foreign investment banks like Nomura, Turtle agreed with the direction but emphasized caution regarding the timing. He stated, "While achieving 10,000 is possible, it is unlikely to happen next year. Considering the macro environment, the most likely timeframe is 2028."The reason for his caution about next year's market is the complex macro risks. He noted that reflation could last longer than expected, and if inflation pressures rise again due to prolonged instability in the Middle East, the Federal Reserve's ability to lower interest rates could be compromised.Additionally, he pointed out that movements to unwind yen carry trades in Japan and potential selling of U.S. Treasuries could lead to rising Treasury yields, which would first impact technology-focused markets.Turtle also expressed a negative outlook on bond investments in the long term, citing global debt levels and inflation as concerns that could hinder bonds' hedging capabilities. He stated, "Under current conditions, bonds are not a suitable investment. Given the ongoing trend of rising interest rates due to inflation, bond investment will only be appropriate when rates rise significantly higher than they are now."Single Stock Leverage Regulation: Leave it to Investor ChoiceOn the topic of proposed regulations for single-stock leverage products, Turtle disagreed with claims that single-stock leveraged ETFs have increased market volatility. He stated, "Popular stocks that attract investor interest are inherently volatile. Even without leveraged ETFs, investors could have used options or futures to invest in those stocks." He emphasized the need for government education on investment structures and risks to protect investors.Turtle noted that capital markets in the U.S. and Europe have varying guidelines and restrictions. He explained, "In the U.S., single-stock leverage is allowed, but there are guidelines advising ETF managers against launching additional 3x leveraged ETFs, while Europe freely trades individual stocks with 3x or 5x leverage."He cited examples of investors seeking 3x leverage trading moving to European markets through U.S. brokerages, stating, "Government intervention does not always yield positive results. The U.S. government has faced limitations with each intervention, and price determination and product selection should be left to market autonomy and investor judgment."Branding K-Stock CEOsFinally, Turtle urged a cultural shift among South Korean corporate executives to spread the warmth of the Korean stock market from large-cap to mid- and small-cap stocks and to overcome the Korea discount. He remarked, "In the U.S., CEOs of major companies are often more well-known than the companies themselves. Investors buy stocks based on the vision of leaders like Jensen Huang of NVIDIA or Elon Musk of Tesla. The same applies to Lisa Su of AMD and Jeff Bezos of Amazon."Matthew Turtle concluded, "Korean corporate executives must actively promote their companies' future visions and engage in 'CEO marketing' like Jensen Huang to spread the warmth of the capital market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:04:00
  • Ministry of SMEs and Startups Seeks Candidates for Cooperation Promotion Awards
    Ministry of SMEs and Startups Seeks Candidates for Cooperation Promotion Awards The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on September 13 that it will accept nominations for the 'Cooperation Promotion Awards' from September 14 to October 13.The awards aim to recognize individuals and organizations that have actively participated in creating a cooperative ecosystem and alleviating conflicts in business areas, as well as to promote outstanding examples of cooperation.Nominees can be submitted in three categories: △Expansion of performance-sharing systems △Expansion of cooperative payments △Protection of business areas.Those interested in applying can send their nomination forms and achievement reports via email.After reviewing the submitted documents, the Ministry will finalize the award candidates through a public review committee, with the awards to be presented at the 'Co-Growth Week Ceremony' in November.For more information, inquiries can be directed to the Foundation for Cooperation between Large and Small Enterprises or the Co-Growth Committee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 18:04:00