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  • Protinah Shares Surge 13% Following Licensing Agreement with Samsung Bioepis
    Protinah Shares Surge 13% Following Licensing Agreement with Samsung Bioepis Protinah's shares have surged following the announcement of a licensing agreement with Samsung Bioepis. As of 9:36 a.m. on July 10, Protinah's stock was trading at 26,550 won, up 3,150 won (13.46%) from the previous close, according to the Korea Exchange. Protinah announced on July 9 that it had signed a co-development and licensing option agreement with Samsung Bioepis for antibody biobetter technology. The agreement involves the joint development of Protinah's antibody candidates and grants Samsung Bioepis an option for technology transfer for any new substances developed in the future. Specifically, Protinah will be responsible for discovering and validating new drug candidates, while Samsung Bioepis will lead preclinical research until the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. If Samsung Bioepis exercises the licensing option, it plans to proceed with clinical trials and commercialization. Protinah will receive milestone payments and royalties at various stages. The co-development agreement is set to run from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. However, revenue recognition from the technology transfer of new substances may occur after the contract period. The specific terms and scale of the agreement have not been disclosed, but Protinah indicated that the contract amount exceeds 10% of its revenue from last year, which was 2.95 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:48:00
  • People Power Party Calls for Resignations Over Police Misconduct in Jang Yoon-ki Case
    People Power Party Calls for Resignations Over Police Misconduct in Jang Yoon-ki Case 국민의힘은 10일 '장윤기 사건'을 둘러싼 경찰 부실수사 및 유착 의혹에 대해 "윤호중 행정안전부 장관과 유재성 경찰청장 직무대행은 이번 사태에 책임을 지고 사퇴해야 한다"고 주장했다. 정점식 원내대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 원내대책회의에서 "이번 사건을 계기로 경찰이 반성과 쇄신을 하지 못하면 경찰 전체에 대한 신뢰는 무너지고 존립마저 위협받을 수 있다"며 이같이 말했다. 정 원내대표는 장윤기 사건에 대해 "경찰이 살인자를 위해 증거를 인멸한 경악스러운 사건이자 경찰의 조직적 범죄 축소, 은폐 정황이 드러난 전대미문의 사건"이라며 "강간 살인을 저지른 중범죄자가 경찰 아버지 백으로 범죄를 덮고, 축소하고, 증거를 없애버리는 일이 가능하다니 이게 정상적인 나라라고 할 수 있느냐"고 질타했다. 이어 "비단 이번 사건뿐만 아니라 이재명 정부 들어 경찰의 조직 기강이 해이해졌다는 지적이 많다"며 "강남 경찰서 수사관이 주가조작 사건 피의자에게 수사 정보를 유출한 사건, 서울과 충북에서 잇따라 적발된 관용차 사적 이용과 갑질 등 경찰의 기강을 걱정하는 목소리가 커지고 있다"고 지적했다. 그는 "경찰의 기강 해이는 1차적으로 행정안전부의 책임"이라며 "윤 장관은 지난해 행안부 경찰국을 폐지하면서 경찰의 중립성과 민주적 통제 강화를 외쳤는데 현실은 어떤가. 정치적 중립성은 무너지고 민주적 통제는 온데간데없는 상황"이라고 꼬집었다. 또한 "정식 경찰청장을 임명하지 않고 불안정한 직무대행 체제로 경찰을 운영해 온 이재명 대통령 책임이 결코 작지 않다"며 "경찰의 수사권 독점을 견제할 보완수사권 조치는 당연하고 경찰의 국민적 신뢰를 회복하기 위한 특단의 대책이 필요하다"고 강조했다. 아울러 이 대통령을 향해 "정식 경찰청장을 조속히 임명해달라"며 경찰의 수사권 완전 독점 견제 방안을 포함한 수사기관 개혁을 위한 여야정 협의 테이블 개최를 재차 제안했다. 정희용 사무총장은 "검찰 개혁이라는 미명 하에 더불어민주당은 검찰의 보완수사권 폐지를 위해 브레이크 없이 독주하고 있다"며 "광주에서 발생한 여고생 사망 사건의 수사 과정에서 드러난 경찰의 부실, 은폐 의혹은 검찰 보안수사권의 필요성을 분명히 보여줬다"고 했다. 정 사무총장은 전날 장동혁 대표가 광주경찰청을 항의 방문했지만 면담이 불발된 것에 대해 "광주경찰청은 무엇이 두려워 정당한 면담을 거부하며 도망치듯 빠져나갔느냐"며 "행안부 장관과 경찰청장 직무대행은 광주경찰청장의 이해할 수 없는 행동에 대해 책임을 묻고 국민들에게 충분히 설명해야 할 것"이라고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:44:00
  • U.S.-South Korea Cooperation Needed for Semiconductor Cluster at Gwangju Air Base
    U.S.-South Korea Cooperation Needed for Semiconductor Cluster at Gwangju Air Base The South Korean government has decided to establish a semiconductor cluster in the Gwangju Air Base, which serves as a U.S.-South Korea Collocated Operating Base (COB). Attention is now focused on how discussions regarding the re-designation of the joint operating base will proceed.According to U.S. and South Korean military authorities on July 10, Gwangju Air Base is one of five U.S.-South Korea joint operating bases in the country. While U.S. Air Force operational units are not permanently stationed there during peacetime, the base is designated for deployment of U.S. air power in times of crisis.Facilities and areas are maintained for U.S. military use in emergencies, and it is reported that land has been allocated to the U.S. under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).As a result, military insiders suggest that discussions between the U.S. and South Korea based on SOFA will be necessary for the relocation of Gwangju Air Base and the re-designation of the joint operating base.A Defense Ministry official stated regarding the negotiations with the U.S., "We will promptly discuss measures to align specific timelines to utilize the Gwangju Air Base effectively." The official also noted, "We will explore various options to vacate the Gwangju Air Base as early as possible, ensuring that there is no security gap."According to Yonhap News, U.S. Air Force 7th Air Force spokesperson Major Laura Hayden responded to inquiries about the relocation of Gwangju Air Base, stating, "The 7th Air Force has significant military interests in the Gwangju base and will continue to work closely with the Republic of Korea Air Force to meet all requirements and maintain a strong combined readiness posture."The Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing operates T-50 advanced trainers and has been responsible for high-level flight training for pilots. Some have suggested that before conditions are established for relocation to Muan, the functions of the 1st Fighter Wing stationed at Gwangju Air Base could be dispersed to other domestic bases.Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Office's Policy Office, appeared on YTN Radio on July 6 and stated, "Can we disperse the training needs currently being conducted at the existing airport to other Air Force bases? If we coordinate a dispersal plan with the Air Force, we can utilize this site without waiting for the construction of a new airport in Muan."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:44:00
  • US wants Korean chipmakers to make memory in US: Lutnick
    US wants Korean chipmakers to make memory in US: Lutnick SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) -The United States is ratcheting up pressure on South Korea's memory chipmakers to expand manufacturing in the United States after Seoul unveiled nearly 1 quadrillion won ($650 billion) in new domestic semiconductor investment plan last week. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday he wants both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to build memory chip production facilities on U.S. soil. The two do not run memory operations in the U.S. Speaking at a ceremony marking the first concrete pour for Micron Technology's new fabrication plant in Clay, New York, Lutnick said, ""Micron may not like it, but I want to bring competitors Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to the United States and have them build chip plants here." Samsung Electronics and SK hynix last week announced government-backed investment plans approaching 1 quadrillion won over the next decade to expand South Korea's semiconductor industry beyond the Seoul metropolitan area into the southwestern Honam region. The plans form the centerpiece of President Lee Jae Myung's industrial strategy to create a second semiconductor cluster alongside the existing Yongin-Pyeongtaek hub and reinforce South Korea's position as the world's leading AI memory producer. The Trump administration has pledged to raise America's share of global semiconductor production to 40 percent by encouraging overseas manufacturers to devote more capacity to the U.S. through subsidies, tax incentives and trade policy. Micron on Thursday raised its planned U.S. investment to more than $250 billion through 2035, up from the $200 billion announced last year, saying it aims to produce 40 percent of its DRAM output domestically. The company also unveiled an additional $3 billion investment to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, including support for silicon wafer supplier GlobalWafers in Texas. The announcement comes as it is set to compete with its bigger Korean chip rival on the Wall Street. SK hynix prepares for its landmark Nasdaq listing. The Korean memory leader priced its American depositary receipts at $149 each, raising about $26.5 billion in what is expected to become the largest U.S. equity offering ever by a foreign company. Samsung operates a foundry in Austin, Texas, and is building a $44 billion an advanced foundry campus in Taylor, Texas, which is expected to begin risk production later this year before ramping up mass production. The facility will manufacture leading-edge logic chips rather than DRAM or NAND memory. SK hynix is building a $3.87 billion advanced AI memory packaging and research facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. Scheduled to begin mass production in 2028, the plant will package next-generation HBM chips for AI accelerators but will not fabricate memory wafers. 2026-07-10 09:42:36
  • Hanwha QCells builds one of largest US renewable complexes
    Hanwha QCells builds one of largest US renewable complexes SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - Hanwha Solutions' QCells division has completed engineering, procurement and construction work on part of the Atlas Energy Park in Arizona, one of the largest renewable energy projects ever undertaken in the United States, and recently sold some of the assets. Located in La Paz County, the complex will comprise 14 solar and energy storage projects, with 2.8 gigawatts of solar generation and 5.7 gigawatt-hours of storage capacity due to come online by 2028. Spanning about 63.66 square kilometers, roughly 22 times the size of Seoul's Yeouido district, it ranks among the biggest renewable developments in the country. QCells will handle the EPC for every project in the park and supply all modules for the solar installations. Two solar plants totaling 357 megawatts, which the company developed and built in-house, were sold in May. Active in the US solar and storage EPC market since 2017, QCells has completed or is pursuing North American projects exceeding 11 gigawatts of solar and 6 gigawatt-hours of storage as of 2026. The company plans to expand further to meet surging demand driven by the spread of artificial intelligence data centers. "Atlas Energy Park is a symbolic project that once again proves Qcells' EPC capabilities, our local US supply chain and our comprehensive expertise spanning development, construction and asset sales," said Chris Hodrick, head of QCells' EPC business division. 2026-07-10 09:35:02
  • KOSPI Opens Over 3% Higher Fueled by U.S. Semiconductor Rally
    KOSPI Opens Over 3% Higher Fueled by U.S. Semiconductor Rally Domestic stocks opened over 3% higher on July 10, driven by a rally in U.S. semiconductor shares and positive news regarding SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Improved investor sentiment from the U.S. and a wave of bargain hunting following recent declines contributed to the market's rebound.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:16 a.m., the KOSPI was up 194.09 points (2.66%) at 7,486.00. The index started at 7,552.49, up 260.58 points (3.57%), and has continued to rise.In the main stock market, individuals and institutions purchased a net 37.8 billion won and 530.6 billion won, respectively. In contrast, foreign investors sold a net 562.7 billion won, taking profits.Most of the top market capitalization stocks showed gains. Samsung Electronics rose 2.07%, SK Hynix increased by 0.59%, SK Square climbed 6.56%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics was up 4.02%, Hyundai Motor gained 3.20%, LG Energy Solution rose 4.47%, Samsung Life Insurance increased by 2.76%, KB Financial Group was up 7.35%, and Samsung Biologics rose 4.68%.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was up 18.96 points (2.39%) at 812.96. The index started at 807.00, up 13.00 points (1.64%), and has expanded its gains.In the KOSDAQ market, institutions bought a net 26 billion won, while individuals and foreigners sold a net 18.2 billion won and 3.5 billion won, respectively.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen rose 8.00%, EcoProBM increased by 5.29%, EcoPro was up 4.41%, Rainbow Robotics gained 3.71%, JUSUNG Engineering rose 0.90%, Kolon TissueGene increased by 1.49%, Rino Technology was up 4.57%, Wonik IPS rose 6.10%, and PSK increased by 6.31%. However, HLB fell by 29.89%.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Today, the domestic market is expected to show strength due to optimism surrounding the U.S.-Iran negotiations, the Philadelphia semiconductor index's two-day rally, and the influx of bargain hunting following a 9% correction earlier this week."He added, "While the success of the ADR listing has limitations in diagnosing changes in the memory market, it can serve as a catalyst to improve investor sentiment across the KOSPI, which has been cooling off."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:32:00
  • Exchange Rate Rises Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions, Surpassing 1500 Won
    Exchange Rate Rises Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions, Surpassing 1500 Won The won-dollar exchange rate is on the rise as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate.In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate for the won against the U.S. dollar reached 1508.6 won. The rate opened at 1509.5 won, up 3.4 won from the previous day's closing price as of 6 a.m.The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran are believed to be impacting investor sentiment. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Iran, while Iran has retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases.Meanwhile, international oil prices have declined. September futures for Brent crude fell by 2.20% to $76.30 per barrel. August futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped by 1.96% to $72.08 per barrel.U.S. stock markets rose overnight in response to the drop in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 139.02 points (0.27%) at 52,487.41.The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose by 60.93 points (0.81%) to close at 7,543.64, while the Nasdaq Composite increased by 336.24 points (1.30%) to finish at 26,206.89.As of 9:25 a.m., the dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, stood at 100.93.Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The exchange rate is expected to attempt to fall below 1500 won, reflecting a recovery in risk appetite for tech stocks and a weaker dollar. However, considering the trading patterns of importers securing payments in dollars around mid-month, there may be significant demand for dollars starting from the low 1500s."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:32:00
  • Celltrion Expands Market Share in Europe with High-Profit Products
    Celltrion Expands Market Share in Europe with High-Profit Products Celltrion's high-profit product line is rapidly increasing its market share in Europe, attributed to a tailored direct sales strategy led by its local subsidiaries.On July 10, Celltrion announced that its major biosimilar products continue to show stable growth across Europe. According to market research firm IQVIA, the chronic spontaneous urticaria treatment Omniclone (ingredient: omalizumab) recorded approximately 16% market share in Europe for the first quarter of this year.In Spain, it achieved a remarkable 71% market share, effectively leading the market. Other key countries also showed strong performance, with Portugal at 47%, Ireland at 41%, and Norway at 31%. A Celltrion representative stated, "The first-mover advantage and the tailored direct sales strategy led by our European subsidiaries have contributed to these results."The oncology drug Vegzelma (ingredient: bevacizumab) is also maintaining its competitiveness. During the same period, Vegzelma captured about 28% market share in Europe, continuing its streak as the market leader in the bevacizumab segment for 21 consecutive months.The autoimmune disease treatment Uplima (ingredient: adalimumab) secured approximately 22% market share, ranking first in prescriptions in Europe for a year. It achieved high shares in key markets such as the UK (49%) and Italy (46%).Stakima (ingredient: ustekinumab) is also showing gradual growth, with about 9% market share in Europe, particularly increasing prescriptions in Portugal (41%), Sweden (28%), and Italy (20%).To expand its performance in the second half of the year, Celltrion plans to increase its sales personnel in Europe and enhance its sales capabilities. Additionally, it aims to strengthen marketing efforts targeting key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, by participating in major conferences such as the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW).A Celltrion representative noted, "Major tenders are continuously scheduled in key European countries, and we will make every effort to ensure that sales expansion leads to performance growth."Meanwhile, Celltrion has reported results for the second quarter that exceeded market expectations, continuing its growth trajectory.The company recently announced its preliminary second-quarter results, showing sales of 1.3 trillion won and an operating profit of 430 billion won. This represents a 35.2% increase in sales and a 77.3% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year, marking the highest figures for a second quarter in its history. The operating profit margin also improved significantly from 25% last year to 33%.Notably, the operating profit exceeded the second-quarter target of 400 billion won set in the company's earlier business and management plan disclosures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:28:00
  • OpenAI Officially Launches GPT-5.6 After U.S. Government Review
    OpenAI Officially Launches GPT-5.6 After U.S. Government Review OpenAI has officially launched its new artificial intelligence (AI) model, GPT-5.6, approximately two weeks after it was initially shared with select agencies for safety review by the U.S. government. According to Reuters, OpenAI announced the official release of GPT-5.6 on July 9. GPT-5.6 consists of three models: the top-tier model 'Sol', the balanced model 'Terra', and the cost-effective model 'Luna'. Users can choose a model based on the complexity of tasks and associated costs. This launch coincides with the U.S. government's AI safety review. GPT-5.6 was first disclosed to select agencies on June 26, in accordance with an executive order from the Trump administration regarding the pre-validation of advanced AI models. This was in response to concerns that high-performance AI could be misused for cyberattacks or sensitive technology development. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, stated in an interview with CNBC that he coordinated with U.S. government officials and incorporated various changes during that process. However, he did not disclose specific details about what was altered. He remarked that if the government review process is understandable, fair, and swift, it is acceptable. In terms of performance, the capabilities in coding, cybersecurity, and task automation were highlighted. The GPT-5.6 Sol model slightly outperformed Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5 in terminal environment coding assessments and cybersecurity evaluations. It also scored higher than existing major models in evaluations of AI's ability to handle multiple stages of tasks independently. However, it received a lower score than Claude Mythos 5 in the SWE-bench, which measures actual software problem-solving abilities. On the same day, OpenAI also introduced 'ChatGPT Work', a workplace AI tool based on GPT-5.6. This service is designed to assist with tasks such as document creation, coding, and data analysis. It is expected to compete in the enterprise AI market against Anthropic's Claude CoWork and Microsoft's Copilot CoWork. In the same interview, Altman addressed reports that OpenAI proposed offering a 5% stake to the U.S. government, stating that there were many inaccuracies in those claims. He also responded uncertainly when asked about the possibility of pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) within the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:28:00
  • Iljin Electric Secures Major High-Voltage Power Network Project in the UK
    Iljin Electric Secures Major High-Voltage Power Network Project in the UK Iljin Electric is accelerating its entry into the European market by securing a large-scale high-voltage power network project in the UK, a leader in power technology.On July 10, Iljin Electric announced that it has won a contract for part of the construction of a 400kV underground transmission line as part of a strategic reinforcement project for a total of 180 kilometers of high-voltage transmission network connecting eastern and southeastern England. The contract is valued at approximately £41.77 million, equivalent to about 84.5 billion won.This project is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at reliably delivering large-scale offshore wind power generated in eastern England to the densely populated southeastern region. It is considered essential for achieving the UK’s goals of expanding renewable energy and decarbonizing the power system.An Iljin Electric official stated, "This contract is a significant achievement that demonstrates our high-voltage cable technology in the UK market, which is undergoing a major transformation in power infrastructure. We will actively participate in upcoming large-scale power network expansion projects and broaden our market across Europe."Meanwhile, Iljin Electric recently signed a contract for the supply of high-voltage cables for a data center in Malaysia, valued at approximately 62.1 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 09:24:00