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  • NH Bank Accelerates AI Integration with Agentic Bank Transition
    NH Bank Accelerates AI Integration with 'Agentic Bank' Transition NH Bank is accelerating its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across its banking operations. Moving beyond simply enhancing chatbot and customer support functions, the bank is now focusing on enabling employees to create AI agents that can handle core tasks such as customer consultations and loan assessments, marking a significant shift towards an 'Agentic AI Bank'. According to the financial sector on July 11, NH Bank held a workshop with AI specialist Agile Soda on July 9-10 to identify collaborative projects. This workshop was organized following NH Bank's acquisition of Agile Soda, aiming to combine the financial and technological capabilities of both companies. Discussions centered on innovations in work processes, enhancing customer service, and improving productivity through the use of AI agents. Agentic AI represents a step beyond traditional generative AI that merely answers questions. It refers to AI that understands user needs and autonomously determines and executes necessary procedures. When applied to banking, AI can take over repetitive and complex tasks such as customer consultations, product recommendations, document verification, and assessment assistance. Last month, NH Bank officially announced its transition to an AI-centric banking model during the 'NH Agentic AI Bank Vision Day'. CEO Kang Tae-young stated, "By 2030, we aim to implement all financial services through AI, creating a proactive bank that anticipates customer needs before they are expressed." The first pillar of this transition is the development of an in-house AI platform. NH Bank plans to launch the 'NHAIS', a dedicated platform for AI agents, in the second half of this year. This will allow all employees to create and utilize AI agents in their work. The second pillar focuses on service transformation. NH Bank aims to establish an 'AI full banking' system by 2030 that can complete non-face-to-face financial transactions using AI. The goal is to enhance the speed and accuracy of core banking tasks, including customer consultations and loan assessments, by applying AI agents. The bank is also working on AI consultation services specifically for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and foreign customers, to improve financial accessibility. As the scope of AI utilization expands, NH Bank is also establishing a risk management framework. NH Financial Group plans to complete a 'Group AI Governance' document this year, outlining principles and standards for AI use across its subsidiaries, including banking, insurance, securities, capital, and savings banks. CEO Kang emphasized, "We will continue to pursue various innovative projects utilizing AI technology to provide our customers with more convenient and differentiated financial services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 10:04:00
  • Global Competition Intensifies in Alzheimers Treatment at AAIC 2026
    Global Competition Intensifies in Alzheimer's Treatment at AAIC 2026 The global competition to conquer dementia is heating up. With projections indicating that the Alzheimer's treatment market will grow to 30 trillion won (approximately $24 billion) over the next decade, K-bio companies such as Aribio, Neurofit, PeopleBio, and G2G Bio are poised to showcase their clinical results and diagnostic technologies at the world's largest dementia academic forum.According to industry reports, the Alzheimer's treatment market is expected to expand from about $2.4 billion (approximately 3.6 trillion won) in 2023 to $19.3 billion (approximately 29.7 trillion won) by 2033, driven by the proliferation of innovative therapies and early diagnostic technologies.The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2026), set to take place in London from July 12 to 15, will serve as a global platform to unveil the latest dementia treatment strategies and biomarker research.K-bio companies, including Aribio, Neurofit, PeopleBio, and G2G Bio, will present their clinical findings and seek global collaborations.Aribio plans to deliver one oral presentation and four poster presentations at the conference, sharing updates on the global Phase 3 trial (POLARIS-AD) of its oral Alzheimer's treatment candidate, AR1001, as well as additional analyses from Phase 2 trials.The final patient dosing for the global Phase 3 trial of AR1001 was recently completed, and Aribio intends to release top-line results in the second half of this year. The company will also present post-hoc results analyzing the long-term effects of treatment and interim results from the Phase 2a trial of its Lewy body dementia candidate, AR1005.Previously, Aribio signed a global exclusive licensing agreement for AR1001 with Pushing Pharmaceuticals, valued at approximately $4.7 billion (around 7 trillion won), which is expected to accelerate future technology transfer and commercialization negotiations.In the diagnostics sector, Neurofit's presence is noteworthy. At AAIC 2026, Neurofit will introduce its comprehensive brain imaging analysis solution, Neurofit Aqua AD Plus, related to prescribing Alzheimer's treatments, and will seek partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies.This solution quantitatively analyzes MRI and PET images to support eligibility assessments before treatment, monitor side effects during treatment, and evaluate effectiveness afterward. Neurofit will also showcase its neurodegeneration imaging analysis software, Neurofit Aqua, and its PET image quantification software, Neurofit Scale PET, highlighting its capabilities in pre-treatment solutions for dementia.Co-CEO Jin-Kyung Bin stated, "We plan to accelerate the expansion of strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies and CROs in the ICL field."PeopleBio will present research results on advanced blood diagnostic technology for Parkinson's disease in poster format. This study aims to analyze immune proteins that change during the aggregation process, in addition to the existing alpha-synuclein blood diagnostic technology, targeting early diagnosis and assessment of disease progression.G2G Bio will announce the results of its Phase 1 clinical trial for its long-acting injectable donepezil formulation, GB-5001. Notably, the company will reveal for the first time the results of repeated dosing clinical trials, including the process of reaching steady state, pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability.A G2G Bio representative stated, "Based on the data secured from the clinical trials, we will pursue various business collaborations, including technology transfer and co-development with global pharmaceutical companies, and we believe this presentation will be a significant opportunity to showcase our capabilities in developing long-acting dementia treatments to the international market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 10:04:00
  • Korean Retailers Expand into Mongolia Following CEPA Agreement
    Korean Retailers Expand into Mongolia Following CEPA Agreement Korea and Mongolia have reached a preliminary agreement on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), accelerating the entry of domestic retail and consumer goods companies into the Mongolian market. With the elimination of tariffs on key exports such as cosmetics, ramen, and seaweed, the price competitiveness of K-food and K-beauty products is expected to improve significantly, leveraging the existing convenience store and supermarket distribution networks in Mongolia. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the CEPA agreement will immediately abolish tariffs on Korean cosmetics upon its enactment. Tariffs on ramen and seaweed will be phased out within five years. As local demand for Korean consumer goods continues to grow rapidly, the reduction in tariff burdens is anticipated to boost exports further. Korean retail companies have already established a dense sales network in Mongolia. CU currently operates 603 stores, while GS25 has around 300 locations. E-Mart opened its first store in Mongolia in 2016 and now operates six outlets. These convenience stores and supermarkets are not just sales channels but also serve as export platforms facilitating the entry of Korean products into the local market. President Lee Jae-myung, speaking at the Korea-Mongolia Business Forum on July 9, noted, "In Ulaanbaatar, you can easily find Korean convenience stores and supermarkets, leading young Koreans to refer to Mongolia as 'Montan,' a blend of Dongtan, Korea, and Mongolia." He emphasized the need to expand such mutually beneficial models like 'Montan.' During President Lee's state visit to Mongolia, he was accompanied by key industry leaders, including Heo Seo-hong, CEO of GS Retail, Han Chae-yang, CEO of E-Mart, and Hong Jeong-guk, Vice Chairman of BGF Retail. Industry experts believe that the scope of local cooperation will expand beyond store expansion to include product sourcing, logistics, and digital services. There is significant potential for small and medium-sized food and consumer goods companies in Korea to broaden their export channels. On the same day, E-Mart opened its first No Brand store in Ulaanbaatar, with approximately 70% of No Brand products produced by small businesses. This means that as local stores increase, the entry of domestic small business products into Mongolia will also expand. Han Chae-yang stated, "We will continue to expand the K-retail platform that allows local customers and domestic companies to grow together." The domestic retail industry views Mongolia as a 'land of opportunity' due to its demographic structure and familiarity with Korean culture. With a population of about 3.5 million, Mongolia's market size is not large, but its young consumer base and high familiarity with Korean culture are seen as strengths. As of last year, 32% of the population was under 14 years old. Notably, Mongolia's imports of Korean cosmetics reached $44.93 million last year, marking a 21.6% increase from the previous year and setting a record high. The elimination of tariffs is expected to further accelerate the growth of K-beauty in the region. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 10:04:00
  • Crowdfunding Launched to Preserve O Yoons Terracotta Mural
    Crowdfunding Launched to Preserve O Yoon's Terracotta Mural Crowdfunding has begun to preserve the terracotta mural of O Yoon (1946–1986), a pioneer of Korean folk art. O Yoon inspired the tiger character 'Duffy' in the globally popular Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' and his work can be saved for just 10,000 won.The O Yoon Guui-dong Terracotta Preservation Committee and the Korean Association of Ethnic Artists announced on July 11 that they will conduct crowdfunding and fundraising events to protect the mural, which is at risk of destruction. The initiative will be managed by the Korean Smart Cooperative, an artists' cooperative.The mural was created in 1973 when O Yoon, then 27, along with colleagues Oh Kyung-hwan and Yoon Kwang-joo, molded and fired terracotta tiles on the interior walls of an old commercial bank branch in Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. It was later obscured by a bank partition and was thought to have been lost to memory until it was rediscovered during the building's sale this year.After confirming the mural's existence, the new owner contacted the artist's family and inquired about its value with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, agreeing to cooperate for the safe removal of the artwork. The family also consented to the public transfer of the mural, paving the way for its preservation.The challenge now is the lack of funds to safely dismantle and transfer the mural to the public. To address this, the committee is conducting crowdfunding through the online platform 'Seedpay,' operated by the Korean Smart Cooperative, until July 31. The goal is to raise 100 million won, with contributions starting at 10,000 won.In line with O Yoon's lifelong belief that 'art should be shared by many,' supporters will receive rewards such as art cards featuring O Yoon's prints, limited edition art prints of 'Kalnora,' discounts on posthumous print purchases, and collections of the 'Park Flower Sister' and 'Echo Boy' series. They will also be invited to a donor appreciation night.Additionally, a fundraising exhibition will be held from July 26 to August 9 at the Kwanhun Art Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This exhibition will feature works from O Yoon's colleagues and junior artists, with all proceeds, minus expenses, going toward the mural's transfer costs. Notably, prints taken by O Yoon during his lifetime, including 'Kalnora,' 'Chunmuin Chumu,' 'Muhodo,' and 'Figures,' will be showcased.Currently, over 10,000 citizens have participated in a petition urging for the preservation of the artwork.O Yoon's son and a member of the preservation committee, Oh Sang-yeop, expressed, 'It is overwhelming for our family that my father's work is coming back to the world and that more than 10,000 citizens have signed their names to protect it. I believe this mural now belongs not just to the family but to all citizens.'Details regarding the crowdfunding and the exhibition can be found on the Seedpay website. 2026-07-11 10:04:00
  • SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Announces Major AI Investment Amid Nasdaq Listing
    SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Announces Major AI Investment Amid Nasdaq Listing On the first day of SK Hynix's listing on Nasdaq, Chairman Choi Tae-won presented a bold vision for the future, declaring the company's intent to evolve from a simple memory manufacturer to a central player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. In an interview with CNBC and Bloomberg TV on July 10, Choi announced that SK Hynix plans to invest heavily in AI, separate from its core semiconductor production. "We are looking for investments in AI, AI data centers, and AI technologies and startups that are much larger than those in memory chips," Choi said. He added that this would include joint ventures with partners and other forms of AI business, expecting "very large investments" in this area soon, specifically mentioning "hundreds of billions of dollars". Choi directly countered concerns about a peak in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand and the potential restructuring of products by big tech companies, asserting that the nature of demand is fundamentally different now. "I have a certain level of confidence that demand will continue to grow. Our supply capacity will never catch up with that demand," he predicted, stating that this trend will persist until humanity reaches a balance with artificial general intelligence (AGI). Regarding competition from latecomers like Samsung Electronics, he noted, "Far more people want to use AI than we expected, and to meet that demand, we need to generate a lot of AI tokens," suggesting that explosive market growth will absorb all competitive pressures. Addressing concerns about stock prices and semiconductor cycle peaks, he asserted, "We are in the AI era, and the demand structure itself is different." He added, "Even though we announced plans to double our production capacity within the next five years, all customers say, 'That’s not enough. We need more.'" On the same day, SK Hynix President Kwak Noh-jung also predicted in a local interview that the memory shortage situation would persist for a long time, stating, "Next year will be the worst year in the industry's history from a supply perspective." Choi emphasized that he aims to transform Hynix into a "memory service provider" that develops customized stacks for each market, rather than just a seller of generic products. He explained that long-term contracts with clients will be tailored to their specific needs, as some prefer market-based pricing while others want fixed prices. Regarding the possibility of building additional semiconductor fabs in the U.S., he indicated that the team is currently reviewing this option. He clarified that 70% of production from their Chinese factories is shipped to the global market, affirming compliance with U.S. export control policies. Finally, Choi expressed optimism about the Nasdaq listing, calling it "a truly wonderful opportunity to access global capital markets," which he believes will facilitate the recruitment of talent worldwide and provide momentum for establishing a new governance structure with new American and global shareholders. Choi acknowledged the heated discussions surrounding the financial market, stating, "Some might say there is an 'AI bubble' in the stock market. However, the AI technology itself is real," and he characterized the listing as a "historic moment." Reflecting on the acquisition of Hynix 15 years ago, which he described as a dream, he remarked, "Now that dream has become a reality." When asked about the source of Hynix's unique competitive edge, he succinctly replied, "One Team. We emphasize One Team. It is One Team that has created this historic achievement."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 10:00:00
  • SK Hynix Soars 13% on Nasdaq Debut, Breaking Korea Discount
    SK Hynix Soars 13% on Nasdaq Debut, Breaking Korea Discount SK Hynix has successfully established itself on the Nasdaq market through its American Depositary Receipt (ADR) listing.On July 10, trading under the temporary ticker 'SKHYV,' SK Hynix closed at $168.49, a 13.1% increase from its offering price. At one point during the day, shares surged to $177.Converted to Korean won, this closing price is approximately 2,528,000 won per share, which is 16% higher than the previous closing price of 2,180,000 won on the Korean stock exchange.This valuation gives SK Hynix a market capitalization of about $1.2 trillion (approximately 1,650 trillion won), surpassing its U.S. competitor Micron, which has a market cap of $1.1 trillion.This performance underscores the long-standing criticism that South Korean semiconductor companies have faced chronic undervaluation in the global market due to structural limitations, often referred to as the 'Korea Discount.'The global investment community reacted sensitively to this development. Dan Coatsworth, an investment director at AJ Bell, noted, "The demand in the U.S. market was stronger than expected, suggesting that the memory semiconductor cycle has not peaked but is merely taking a breather."SK Hynix's ADR listing raised a total of $26.5 billion (approximately 40 trillion won), making it the second-largest IPO in U.S. history, following SpaceX's $85.7 billion offering last month.The company plans to focus the substantial funds raised on new facility investments and transitioning to advanced processes to enhance its competitive edge.Starting July 13, SK Hynix will officially change its ticker to 'SKHY' for regular trading.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 09:32:00
  • Minimum Wage Negotiations Continue Amid Tensions Between Labor and Business
    Minimum Wage Negotiations Continue Amid Tensions Between Labor and Business The annual struggle over minimum wage has resurfaced this summer. After nine rounds of revisions, the gap between labor and management proposals for next year's minimum wage has narrowed to 690 won, but an agreement has yet to be reached. A final review is set for July 14.Negotiation Stalemate ContinuesAccording to industry sources, the Minimum Wage Commission held its 13th plenary meeting on July 9 at the Government Sejong Center. During marathon negotiations, both sides presented their proposals through the seventh, eighth, and ninth revisions in an effort to close the gap.In the latest ninth revision, labor representatives demanded a minimum wage of 11,220 won per hour, which is 900 won (8.7%) higher than the current minimum wage of 10,320 won. This figure is 780 won lower than their initial demand of 12,000 won and 30 won lower than the previous eighth revision. Meanwhile, management raised their proposal to around 10,530 won, but the two sides could not reach a consensus. The commission ultimately decided to continue discussions at the 14th plenary meeting on July 14.While the apparent issue seems to be a simple disagreement over numbers, the atmosphere during the 13th meeting was particularly tense. Two representatives from the Small Business Association walked out in protest against the proposed minimum wage increase and the intense pressure surrounding the discussions. This incident highlights the growing frustration among small business owners, who are struggling to survive amid high inflation, rising interest rates, and prolonged sluggish domestic demand.Challenges for Small Business OwnersThe problem lies in the fact that as the minimum wage appears to be heading toward an increase, small business owners with limited financial capacity are pushed to the brink. According to a survey by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the average monthly income for small business owners was just 1.91 million won in 2024. For many owners earning less than their employees, hiring becomes a distant dream. A significant number of family-run businesses rely on family members working together to make ends meet.The Minimum Wage Commission is required to submit its findings to the Minister of Employment and Labor by mid-July, considering any objections and administrative procedures. The minister is mandated to finalize the minimum wage by August 5. However, some observers believe that with the gap narrowed to 690 won, the upcoming 14th plenary meeting may lead to a vote or a compromise proposal from the public interest committee to reach a conclusion. Nonetheless, a resolution reached through mere number adjustments may not fully address the underlying conflicts in the field.With the Small Business Association's strong demand for a differentiated application by industry already rejected, there are concerns that a uniform increase without considering the actual payment capacity of small businesses could lead to closures and job losses in vulnerable sectors.Song Chi-young, president of the Small Business Association, held a press conference on July 2 in front of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Sejong, stating, "To revive the dwindling light of small businesses, a reasonable coexistence plan that reflects the management environment of small businesses must be developed. If an unbearable level of increase is proposed that disregards the survival rights of small businesses, it will serve as a signal that shakes the very foundation of the South Korean economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 09:04:00
  • Next for HBM: Power Semiconductors as AI Drives SiC and GaN Markets
    Next for HBM: Power Semiconductors as AI Drives SiC and GaN Markets The artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor market is shifting from high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to power semiconductors. As AI data centers grow to gigawatt (GW) scale, the demand for silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors is rapidly increasing to reduce power loss. Industry analysts predict that, following memory, power semiconductors will emerge as another beneficiary industry in the AI era.According to the semiconductor industry on July 10, the expansion of investments in AI data centers by global tech giants is accelerating the growth of the power semiconductor market. AI servers are equipped with thousands of GPUs, requiring several times more power than traditional servers. To ensure stable power supply while minimizing losses, the adoption of high-efficiency power semiconductors is essential.SiC and GaN are particularly efficient in high-voltage and high-temperature environments compared to traditional silicon (Si) power semiconductors, generating less heat. Their application is expanding in data center power supply units (PSUs), power conversion devices, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and cooling systems, positioning them to directly benefit from increased investment in AI infrastructure.Market research firms forecast that the global power semiconductor market will continue to grow at double-digit rates in the coming years due to the proliferation of AI data centers. While electric vehicles have driven the SiC market thus far, AI data centers are expected to become a new growth axis.Domestic companies are also accelerating their responses. DB HiTek is pushing to establish an 8-inch SiC process and expand its power semiconductor business. LX Semicon is preparing to enter the automotive and industrial power semiconductor markets, moving beyond display driver chips. YesTech is also expected to benefit as it expands its thermal processing equipment and semiconductor equipment business necessary for power semiconductor manufacturing.The semiconductor equipment industry believes that the expansion of AI investment will not be limited to memory. If production line expansions for power semiconductors and new fab investments occur, there is a strong possibility that the equipment and materials market will also grow.Industry insiders anticipate that future AI competitiveness will extend beyond GPU performance to include power efficiency. The more power GPUs consume, the more crucial it becomes to convert and supply that power efficiently, which will impact data center operating costs. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, has recently emphasized the importance of power infrastructure alongside computing in the era of AI factories.An industry official stated, "In the early stages of AI investment, securing GPUs and HBM was key, but moving forward, power efficiency will be a determining factor in data center competitiveness. SiC and GaN power semiconductors are likely to emerge as new core components of the AI ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 09:04:00
  • NOL Leisure Platform Introduces Personalized Travel Feed
    NOL Leisure Platform Introduces Personalized Travel Feed Consumers are expected to shift away from the traditional method of searching for travel destinations and booking accommodations or activities. A new service allows users to open the app without specific plans and receive personalized travel recommendations and activities, similar to social media feeds.NOL Universe announced on July 10 the beta version of its 'Discovery' service, which offers daily personalized content on its leisure platform NOL.◆ Exploring feeds instead of searching for destinationsThe most significant feature of this service is the elimination of the search process. Instead of requiring users to input a specific destination or product name, the app now continuously displays trending content in a feed format at the top of the main screen.Users can scroll through the screen like they would on social media, discovering popular travel spots, accommodations, and unique experiences, allowing them to make reservations immediately. The aim is to naturally draw out potential preferences that users may not have been aware of.NOL aims to establish itself as a daily-use platform for weekend outings and everyday leisure, rather than just an app used temporarily during vacation seasons or special occasions.◆ AI agent analyzes trends and matches productsThe new service environment operates based on AI agent technology independently developed by NOL Universe. The AI analyzes leisure trends spreading across external social media, as well as internal search volumes, booking rates, and user reviews in real-time.Once data collection is complete, the AI automatically handles the entire process of securing images needed for the recommendation feed, matching related products, and writing descriptive text. This structure is further enhanced by incorporating individual users' service usage history to complete personalized leisure recommendations.Yoon Hyun-mo, Chief Product Officer of NOL Universe, stated, “This is the first step toward becoming a platform that not only finds products users want but also suggests enjoyable experiences they may not have realized they wanted. We will refine the combination of technology and data to enhance user convenience.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 09:04:00
  • SK hynix ADRs jump 13% in Nasdaq debut as CEO vows AI leadership
    SK hynix ADRs jump 13% in Nasdaq debut as CEO vows AI leadership SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - SK hynix made a strong debut on the Nasdaq on Thursday, with its American depositary receipts closing more than 13 percent above their offering price on the first day of trading. The South Korean chipmaker’s ADRs opened at $170 on the Nasdaq, after being priced at $149. They rose as high as $177 during intraday trading before giving back some gains to close at $168.49, up about 13.1 percent from the offering price. The offering price reflected a roughly 2.7 percent premium to SK hynix’s three-day average share price in the Korean market. Based on the closing ADR price and the exchange rate, the stock would translate into about 2.53 million won ($1,683) per Korean share, around 16 percent higher than SK hynix’s closing price of 2.18 million won on the Korea Exchange the previous day. A simple calculation based on the closing ADR price would put SK hynix’s market capitalization at about $1.2 trillion, surpassing U.S. rival Micron Technology’s roughly $1.1 trillion valuation. SK hynix offered a total of 177.9 million ADR shares, raising $26.51 billion. The amount marks the second-largest U.S. market offering after SpaceX’s $85.7 billion listing. The company plans to use the proceeds for new facility investments and other growth initiatives as demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) continues to surge amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The debut was marked by an opening bell ceremony at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, New York, on Friday morning. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, SK Group Senior Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung attended the ceremony, along with other senior executives. Chey and Kwak rang the opening bell as SK hynix officially began trading on the U.S. market. Large screens around Times Square displayed messages celebrating SK hynix’s Nasdaq listing, including “Welcome to Nasdaq,” the company’s ADR ticker and “Nasdaq Listed,” underscoring the symbolic nature of the company’s entry into the center of U.S. capital markets. Bob McCooey, vice chairman of Nasdaq, welcomed SK hynix to the exchange and described the listing as a meaningful milestone not only for the company but also for South Korea and Asian capital markets. “SK hynix begins a new journey in the global market as an AI technology leader,” Kwak said in a commemorative speech. Kwak reflected on the company’s recovery from a near-bankruptcy crisis 25 years ago and its transformation after joining SK Group in 2012. He said the company identified the need for HBM at a time when the future of advanced memory remained uncertain and became the first in the world to commercialize the technology. “HBM now stands at the center of the AI revolution,” he said. Kwak said the Nasdaq listing carries three major meanings for SK hynix: closer ties with the AI ecosystem in the United States, easier access for global investors and a stronger commitment to contributing to the industry. The ADR offering is expected to be settled on July 14, U.S. time. The newly issued common shares underlying the ADRs are scheduled to be listed on the Korea Exchange on July 29. “AI will be everywhere, and SK hynix will be wherever AI exists,” he said. 2026-07-11 08:49:34