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  • Bugang Plant Credits Technology Guarantee Fund for Successful Restart
    Bugang Plant Credits Technology Guarantee Fund for Successful Restart Bugang Plant, led by CEO Gong Byeong-seok, is a small business established in March 2021 that manufactures eco-friendly industrial equipment for factories. Gong faced bankruptcy but successfully restarted the business with support from the Technology Guarantee Fund. The company has since achieved business success by obtaining patents for equipment that minimizes pollutant emissions.According to the Technology Guarantee Fund on July 9, Gong initially founded Bugang Industry to manufacture air and water quality control equipment and develop eco-friendly incinerators. However, he faced a liquidity crisis due to disputes with clients, leading to financial difficulties.After reaching out to the Technology Guarantee Fund, he secured a foothold for recovery through debt restructuring following a guarantee repayment in March 2015. Since restarting as Bugang Plant in 2021, he has received operational funds from the fund in 2021 and 2025, as well as a re-challenge recovery guarantee for facility funds this year.The eco-friendly incinerator developed by Bugang Plant is a fuel-reducing product that enhances heat recovery efficiency and reduces environmental pollutants. The company holds multiple intellectual property rights and received ISO 14001 certification in 2024.In April 2022, just a year after its restart, Bugang Plant's revenue rose from 57 million won to 3.193 billion won last year, with a target of 6 billion won in revenue for this year.Gong stated, "We are currently working on supplying 'oil conversion equipment' that transforms waste plastic into oil. Since the orders are custom-made and we are obtaining patents, I expect to achieve our revenue goals. We are also actively pursuing new clients, which bodes well for continued business growth in the future."The Technology Guarantee Fund's 're-challenge recovery guarantee' supports companies with excellent technology by providing debt restructuring and new funding. It can reduce existing debts by 75% to 90% and offers new guarantees for business operations, with funding up to 3 billion won. Notably, for companies with outstanding technology, such as venture firms, the fund can reduce up to 90% of the debt owed to it.A representative from the fund remarked, "The case of Bugang Plant can serve as motivation for entrepreneurs who have experienced failure to restart their businesses. We focus on the potential for recovery and the technological viability of the business, regardless of its size."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 18:00:00
  • Japans Long-Term Interest Rates Hit 2.9% for First Time in 30 Years
    Japan's Long-Term Interest Rates Hit 2.9% for First Time in 30 Years Japan's long-term interest rates have risen to 2.9% for the first time in 30 years. Renewed tensions in the Middle East have driven up international oil prices, while the yen has fallen to around 162 yen per dollar, heightening inflation concerns. Additionally, worries about fiscal deterioration due to the aggressive spending policies of the administration led by Sanae Takaichi and speculation that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may delay interest rate hikes have compounded these issues. There are fears that rising rates could burden an economy accustomed to ultra-low interest rates.The Nikkei reported on July 9 that the yield on newly issued 10-year government bonds, a key indicator of long-term interest rates, briefly rose by 0.035 percentage points to 2.900% during trading in Tokyo, marking the highest level since September 1996. This increase has now persisted for five consecutive trading days. The yield later moderated to the high 2.8% range in the afternoon. A rise in interest rates typically indicates a decline in bond prices.The immediate trigger for the rise in rates was the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. On July 8, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was “now over,” and the U.S. Central Command announced the start of additional attacks on Iran. Iran has also hinted at the possibility of re-blockading the Strait of Hormuz.As expectations for an end to hostilities, which had grown since June, diminished, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures began to rise again. In Japan, which heavily relies on energy imports, there are increasing concerns that rising oil prices could drive up import and consumer prices. When prices rise, the attractiveness of government bonds, which pay fixed interest, diminishes, leading to stronger selling pressure and higher interest rates. The Nikkei also reported that the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds briefly rose to around 4.59% on July 8, the highest level since late May.The depreciation of the yen has also contributed to the rise in interest rates. According to the Asahi Shimbun, Ayako Sera, chief economist at Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Bank, noted that the yen's decline to around 162 yen per dollar has heightened concerns about rising import prices, which in turn has pushed up long-term interest rates.Concerns regarding the fiscal management of the Takaichi administration are also cited as a factor behind the rise in rates. The Nikkei highlighted that the government’s basic economic and fiscal policy framework, prepared at the end of last month, omitted the phrase “fiscal consolidation” that had been included until last year, drawing market attention. Investors are hesitant to purchase government bonds amid fears that aggressive fiscal policies could weaken fiscal discipline and lead to further rate increases.The Asahi Shimbun reported that the omission in the basic policy framework was interpreted as a message aimed at restraining the BOJ's interest rate hikes. The framework emphasizes that “appropriate monetary policy management” is “very important.” There are growing concerns that if the BOJ delays rate hikes due to government influence, it could fall behind the curve in responding to inflation.The Yomiuri Shimbun also noted that worries about fiscal deterioration and delayed BOJ responses have led to increased selling of government bonds. On July 7, Japan's Minister of Economic and Fiscal Policy, Minoru Kiyouchi, responded to market reactions regarding the basic policy framework, stating, “This is a misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the government's intentions.” The government is considering revising the controversial wording, but market concerns remain.The Nikkei predicts that long-term interest rates are likely to approach the psychological barrier of 3%. Although a recent auction of 5-year bonds concluded smoothly, selling pressure continued across various maturities of government bonds. Investors are reluctant to buy long-term 10-year bonds due to uncertainty about future fiscal and monetary policies, making it difficult to reduce the additional yield, known as the term premium, that investors demand for holding bonds for extended periods.Sera emphasized that Japan's economy, accustomed to ultra-low interest rates due to prolonged monetary easing, could suffer from excessive rate increases. She stated, “The BOJ must clearly demonstrate its commitment to achieving price stability through monetary policy, and the government needs to properly outline how it will balance its fiscal policies.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:56:00
  • Capital Gains Tax Reinstated: Should Homeowners Gift or Sell Properties?
    Capital Gains Tax Reinstated: Should Homeowners Gift or Sell Properties? Fifty-year-old A, a homeowner with three properties, is contemplating the sale of an apartment in Seoul. With the reinstatement of the capital gains tax for multiple homeowners, A is considering selling one of his apartments to reduce his tax burden. However, he is concerned about the taxes involved. Gifting the property to his children would incur gift tax, while selling it would likely result in a significant capital gains tax. Which option is better? The capital gains tax for multiple homeowners has returned after four years, leading to a rapid increase in family-related gifting transactions. As the tax burden rises, many homeowners are opting to transfer properties to their children rather than putting them on the market. Tax experts emphasize that "gifting is not always the answer," as one must consider not only the gift tax but also acquisition tax and future disposal plans. Is Gifting Better Than Selling? According to an analysis by the real estate information app 'Jippoom,' the number of applications for property transfer through gifting in Seoul reached 13,518 in the first half of this year, an increase of 82.9% (6,127 cases) compared to the same period last year. Notably, in April, just before the capital gains tax was reinstated, the number of applications peaked at 3,916, indicating that many multiple homeowners chose gifting over selling due to anticipated tax burdens. The challenge lies with homeowners who must sell their properties after the reinstatement of the capital gains tax. In designated adjustment areas, selling a home incurs an additional 20 percentage points for those with two properties and 30 percentage points for those with three or more. Consequently, the maximum tax rate can reach 65% for two-property owners and 75% for those with three or more. Including local income tax, the highest rate can soar to 82.5%. Homeowners who have held their properties for a long time will feel the tax burden even more acutely, as they are not eligible for long-term holding deductions. This situation forces multiple homeowners to engage in complex calculations. They must not only compare capital gains tax but also consider gift tax and acquisition tax to determine the most advantageous option. Acquisition Cost and Capital Gains Matter More Than Home Prices To illustrate this, Aju Economy conducted a simulation with Lee Jeom-ok, deputy head of Shinhan Premier Pathfinder. The scenario involved a multiple homeowner with a 135-square-meter apartment in Cheongdam, Gangnam, purchased in 2016 for 1.45 billion won, now valued at 3.45 billion won. The analysis revealed that, in terms of tax burden alone, selling the property was more advantageous than gifting it. If A gifts the property to his children, the gift tax would amount to 1.228 billion won, and the acquisition tax would be 462.3 million won, totaling 1.665 billion won. In contrast, if he sells it, the total tax burden for a two-property owner would be 1.355568 billion won, and for a three-property owner, it would be 1.5754 billion won. When comparing only the capital gains tax, selling is approximately 390 million won and 90 million won less burdensome than gifting for two and three-property owners, respectively. However, when considering the acquisition tax that the children would incur upon acquiring the property, the overall tax burden for a three-property owner after selling would be 1.69615 billion won, which is about 31 million won more than gifting, making gifting the more favorable option. For a two-property owner, selling remains advantageous. Another case involved a multiple homeowner with an 84-square-meter apartment in Yaksu Heights, Jung-gu, purchased in 2006 for 250 million won, now valued at 1.66 billion won. In this scenario, the capital gains tax for multiple homeowners makes gifting more favorable than selling. If A gifts the property, the gift tax would be 469.48 million won, and the acquisition tax would be 205.84 million won, totaling 675.32 million won. If he sells, the capital gains tax would skyrocket to 933.83 million won for a two-property owner and 1.08865 billion won for a three-property owner, exceeding the gift tax by approximately 464 million won and 619 million won, respectively. Even when considering the acquisition tax that the children would incur, the total burden for a two-property owner would be 988.61 million won and for a three-property owner, 1.14343 billion won, making gifting the more favorable option. Ultimately, the key factors in determining tax savings are not the home prices themselves but the acquisition cost, capital gains, and holding period. Properties acquired at a low price long ago that have significantly appreciated may incur a higher gift tax burden, while properties with relatively high acquisition costs or low capital gains may be more affected by the capital gains tax. Additionally, the number of properties held and future inheritance plans can further influence the decision. Lee Jeom-ok stated, "The reinstatement of the capital gains tax does not automatically make gifting more advantageous, nor does it necessarily favor selling. One must comprehensively consider acquisition costs, holding periods, and the number of properties held to make a decision." So, is there a way to reduce the burden of gift tax? The tax industry notes that there are cases where 'low-price transfers' are utilized in transactions between parents and children. According to the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act, transactions between special relations can be recognized as normal transactions even if the price is reduced by 30% or less than 300 million won compared to the actual transaction price within the last three months, thus avoiding gift tax. If children can secure funds for the purchase, this method can reduce tax burdens compared to outright gifting. However, excessive low-price transactions can actually increase tax burdens. Transactions between special relations, such as parents and children, are closely scrutinized by tax authorities regarding the actual source of funds and transaction circumstances. Cases of 'sham transactions,' where properties are transferred to relatives or acquaintances without the ability to pay, are common examples of tax evasion. Holding Strategy... Tax Reforms in the Second Half of the Year Are a Variable If choosing between selling and gifting is difficult, it may be necessary to consider the direction of future tax reforms. The government has indicated plans to adjust the tax system to balance transaction taxes and holding taxes, which could change the advantages and disadvantages of holding properties. The government aims to announce a real estate tax reform plan by the end of this month, focusing on promoting a housing market centered on actual residents. Proposals to adjust both transaction and holding taxes are under consideration. Market observers are paying attention to the possibility that the plan may include reducing transaction tax burdens while increasing the proportion of holding taxes. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has also recommended in its 2023 report on the Korean economy that South Korea's holding tax proportion, currently at 29.4%, is lower than the OECD average of 56.0%, suggesting a need to reduce transaction taxes and increase holding taxes. However, if holding taxes are strengthened, the burden on multiple homeowners could increase. This is particularly concerning for retirees whose assets are largely tied up in real estate, as they may struggle to pay taxes without sufficient cash flow. Rising official property values could also increase the burden of comprehensive real estate taxes and property taxes, and if the tax reform includes measures to strengthen holding taxes, the tax burden could further escalate. Experts advise that rather than simply hoping for rising home prices, homeowners should also consider their future cash flow. Since decisions regarding selling or gifting are difficult to reverse, it is advisable to develop tax-saving strategies that take into account current capital gains and gift taxes, future holding tax burdens, inheritance plans, and the financial capacity of children. Tax consultant Kim Jong-pil stated, "While some may think that rising home prices will offset taxes, this is not realistically easy. For example, a home currently valued at 1.2 billion won would need to rise to approximately 2.3 billion won for a two-property owner and about 3.6 billion won for a three-property owner to achieve the same level of net profit as under the standard tax rate. This is a level that is realistically difficult to expect, so it is important to comprehensively assess tax burdens under various scenarios rather than simply relying on rising home prices." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:56:00
  • Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Proposal to Abolish Prosecutors Supplementary Investigation Rights
    Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Proposal to Abolish Prosecutors' Supplementary Investigation Rights Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, strongly criticized the Democratic Party's proposal to abolish prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and urged President Lee Jae-myung to exercise his veto power.In a Facebook post on July 9, Oh stated, "What the public wants is a country where crimes are properly investigated, victims are protected, and no innocent person suffers. To abolish the supplementary investigation rights, which serve as a minimum safety net, is to threaten public safety."Supplementary investigation rights allow prosecutors to request additional investigations from the police if they find deficiencies or need more evidence after reviewing case files. Oh described this authority as "the last verification mechanism to correct errors in police investigations and a minimum safety net to protect the public's rights."He criticized the Democratic Party's push to abolish these rights under the guise of reducing prosecutorial power, stating, "The political slogan of prosecutorial reform cannot take precedence over the protection of the public's rights. The purpose of the criminal justice system is not a power struggle but to reveal the substantive truth and protect the public."Oh referenced recent cases, including the murder of a high school girl in Gwangju and a bribery case involving a former mayor of Donghae, noting, "There have been instances where deficiencies in initial investigations were revealed through supplementary investigations by prosecutors. Since both police and prosecutors are human, mistakes and misjudgments can occur, making checks and re-verification mechanisms essential."He expressed concern that if only non-binding requests remain, it could lead to a "legal ping-pong" where prosecutors and police shift responsibility to each other, allowing suspects to destroy evidence and buy time against investigations, ultimately harming the public.Oh also criticized the Democratic Party for unilaterally introducing the amendment in the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, stating, "The criminal justice system, which is directly related to the lives of the public, should not be hastily processed to fit a specific party's political agenda. Such legislative overreach is unlikely to gain public support."He added, "If the bill is passed unilaterally in the National Assembly, the President, as the head of the executive branch, must actively consider his constitutional authority. A decision is needed to protect the public's fundamental rights and the criminal justice system."Oh concluded, "Politics is not for the benefit of prosecutors or police, but for the people. There can be no political justification that supersedes public safety."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:56:00
  • Ruling Party Pushes Criminal Procedure Law Reform Amid Opposition Calls to Halt
    Ruling Party Pushes Criminal Procedure Law Reform Amid Opposition Calls to Halt 더불어민주당이 검찰의 보완수사권을 폐지하는 형사소송법 개정안을 추진하자 국민의힘은 '경수완독(경찰 수사권 완전 독점)'이라고 주장하며 법 개정을 중단하라고 촉구했다. 민주당은 형사소송법 개정안을 이달 내 처리하는 방안을 추진 중이다. 민주당 형사소송법 개정 TF는 9일 검찰의 보완수사권 폐지를 핵심으로 한 형사소송법 개정안을 당론으로 발의했다. 김한규 원내정책수석부대표는 이날 국회 의안과에 개정안을 제출한 뒤 기자들을 만나 "수사권 조정에 관해 형사소송법 전체에 걸쳐 검사가 수사 주체자가 된 조항을 정리했다"고 설명했다. 아울러 "수사기관에 대한 감시·견제를 강화하는 부분과 관련해 현재 시정조치권·보완수사요구권·재수사요구권이 있는데 이 세 권한을 강화해서 공소청이 다른 수사기관의 수사에 대해 충실한 견제 역할을 하도록 했다"고 덧붙였다. 민주당은 입법에 속도를 낼 방침이다. 김승원 법제사법위원회 간사는 "오늘 발의된 형사소송법 개정안은 국회에 접수되는 즉시 10일 오전 법사위 제1법안심사소위원회에 기존 형사소송법 개정안과 병합 회부될 예정"이라며 "법안소위를 주 1~2회 이상 열어 신속하게 심사하겠다"고 밝혔다. 반면 국민의힘은 광주 여고생 살인사건에서 현직 경찰 간부의 수사팀 유착 의혹을 고리로 "보완수사권 폐지를 중단하라"고 공세를 폈다. 장동혁 대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 최고위원회의에서 "검찰 해체와 보완수사권 박탈은 결국 범죄자 천국을 만들겠다는 것"이라며 "무모한 검찰 해체를 즉각 중단하라"고 목소리 높였다. 장 대표는 "최근 장윤기의 흉악무도한 여고생 강간 살인사건은 검찰의 보완 수사가 얼마나 중요한지 다시 한번 입증했다"며 "검찰의 보완수사가 없었다면 진실은 끝내 묻혔을 것"이라고 강조했다. 장 대표는 이날 예정됐던 한성숙 국무총리와의 회동을 취소하고 장윤기 사건과 관련해 광주경찰청을 항의 방문했다. 나경원 의원도 민주당의 형사소송법 개정안 추진에 대해 "검수완박을 넘어 경찰 수사권 완전 독점, 이른바 '경수완독'을 완성하려는 것"이라며 "강경 지지자들을 앞세운 검수완박 구호는 결국 이재명 대통령의 공소취소를 합리화하기 위한 억지 논거"라고 비판했다. 국민의힘은 조만간 자체 형사소송법 개정안을 추진해 맞대응할 예정이다. 당 관계자는 "보완수사권 존치하는 법안을 검토 중에 있다"고 밝혔다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:52:00
  • Shin Min-as Eye Surpasses 1 Million Viewers, Outpacing Noise
    Shin Min-a's 'Eye' Surpasses 1 Million Viewers, Outpacing 'Noise' The film 'Eye' has surpassed 1 million viewers. According to the integrated ticket sales network on July 9, 'Eye' exceeded 1 million cumulative viewers as of 2:30 PM. Released on June 24, 'Eye' is a suspense thriller that follows Seo-jin, who is gradually losing her sight due to a genetic disease, as she investigates the mysterious death of her twin sister. Directed by Yeo Jin-ho, the film stars Shin Min-a, Kim Nam-hee, Lee Seung-ryong, and Kim Young-a. 'Eye' has attracted audiences based on its tense storyline and the performances of its cast. It has seen an increase in viewers in its second week compared to its opening week and continues to draw audiences in its third week. Notably, it reached the 1 million viewer mark two days faster than last summer's genre hit 'Noise.' Currently, it ranks sixth in the 2026 South Korean box office, achieving this milestone two days quicker than the fifth-ranked 'Wild Thing.' 'Eye' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:52:00
  • Church Takes Lead in Promoting Life Respect as Yoido Full Gospel Church Strengthens Support for Low Birthrate
    Church Takes Lead in Promoting Life Respect as Yoido Full Gospel Church Strengthens Support for Low Birthrate South Korea's total fertility rate saw a slight increase to 0.95 in the first quarter of this year, yet it remains the lowest in the world. In response, Yoido Full Gospel Church is enhancing its support to combat the low birthrate.On July 11, coinciding with World Population Day, the church announced various campaigns aimed at addressing the low birthrate.The initiatives include conducting surveys on perceptions of childbirth and parenting, holding a slogan contest for overcoming low birthrates, implementing policies for childbirth incentives, and presenting awards and encouragement funds to multi-child families.Senior Pastor Lee Yong-hoon has consistently emphasized that "valuing life and nurturing the next generation is the most important mission for the Kingdom of God," advocating for families to have at least three children, with five being encouraged. He has focused not only on financial support but also on fostering a culture within the church that celebrates childbirth and parenting.On July 12, during Sunday service, the church will present awards and encouragement funds to 42 families with five or more children. Families with five children will receive 700,000 won, while those with six or more will receive 1 million won, totaling 33.3 million won in support. Starting next year, the church plans to expand support to families with four children.The church also released findings from its own survey on perceptions of childbirth and parenting. The 'church-specific total fertility rate' among female congregants aged 15 to 49 was calculated at 1.86. The average desired number of children was 2.32, indicating that economic burdens and parenting environments are significant barriers to actual childbirth rates.Additionally, the church held a slogan contest to promote overcoming low birthrates, selecting the slogan 'More than one, many (多) children bring many (多) blessings / More children, more joy, let's share parenting together' as the winner. The winner, Seoyeon Seo, expressed her hope that children would become a strong foundation for leading the next generation, stating, "Children are the strength that supports society."Pastor Lee Yong-hoon remarked on this series of initiatives, saying, "Valuing life and nurturing the next generation is the most important mission for the Kingdom of God," and expressed hope that a culture where childbirth and parenting are seen as blessings will spread further within the church.The church plans to continue expanding childbirth incentive support, enhancing programs for infant care, parent education, and special support for multi-child families, and establishing a shared parenting network.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:52:00
  • Buffet Industry Embraces Premium Lines Amid Rising Costs
    Buffet Industry Embraces Premium Lines Amid Rising Costs Amid rising inflation, the buffet industry, a leading player in value dining, is strategically developing its premium lines. This move aims to enhance profitability by strengthening menu and service elements as food prices surge.According to the restaurant industry on July 9, E-Land Eats plans to open the 'Ashley Queens Grand NC Department Store Songpa' on July 16. The new location will feature a 20-25% increase in menu items and introduce live grilling, an open sandwich zone, and a pairing zone.While the weekday lunch price remains unchanged at 19,900 won, the prices for weekday dinners and weekends will rise to 29,900 won, an increase of 4,000 won and 2,000 won, respectively. An E-Land Eats representative stated, "This is a test store to explore various operational methods based on market conditions rather than a new model for expansion." CJ Foodville has also recently opened a 'Grill Dining' format at its Galleria Gwanggyo location. In addition to the existing salad bar price of 39,700 won for weekday lunch, it has expanded premium options to include 'Signature Grill Dining' at 59,700 won and 'Reserve Grill Dining' at 89,700 won.Earlier, in May, Auhome opened a casual buffet called 'Take' near Jonggak Station in Seoul, which features a premium option known as the 'Golden Ticket Station.' For an additional 9,900 won, customers can enjoy signature grilled specialties like porchetta and chicken steak.Kuukuu, a leader in seafood buffets, has designated certain franchises as 'Gold' stores, which operate as premium locations priced 2,000 to 3,000 won higher than regular stores. This initiative, introduced in 2023, currently includes seven Gold locations nationwide.The industry's focus on premium lines is driven by rising costs. The buffet sector has rapidly grown by leveraging its value image amid soaring dining prices. As of the end of 2024, the number of Ashley Queens locations increased from 109 to 124 in the first half of this year, with a goal of reaching 150 by year-end. Vips has also expanded from 32 to 35 locations. Auhome's Take aims to open its third location this year, while Kuukuu is working towards surpassing 100 locations, including one overseas.However, the burden of rising ingredient prices is significant. According to the National Data Agency's 'June Consumer Price Trends,' agricultural and marine product prices rose by 3.2% last month, pushing overall prices up by 0.24 percentage points. Notably, livestock prices surged by 6.2%, marking the highest increase since March, with domestic beef (7.5%), pork (4.5%), and eggs (10.3%) all seeing substantial price hikes.Previously, the industry absorbed price increases through bulk purchasing and self-supply chains, but as inflation persists, companies are seeking solutions by developing premium lines. They are maintaining weekday lunch prices to retain value-seeking customers while enhancing profitability through higher-end models.The challenge is that the expansion of these premium lines may lead to overall price increases. E-Land Eats has simplified its brand by merging its previously tiered offerings, such as Ashley Classic and Ashley W, into the single 'Ashley Queens' brand, eliminating relatively cheaper options.An industry insider noted, "In the past, price competitiveness was the most important factor in buffet selection, but now consumers are increasingly considering menu differentiation, ambiance, and service as part of their experience. Companies are expanding premium lines to meet this demand." 2026-07-09 17:52:00
  • KOSPIs fragile rebound fails to calm jittery investors
    KOSPI's fragile rebound fails to calm jittery investors SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - South Korean stocks snapped a three-day losing streak on Thursday, closing marginally higher after surrendering most of their early gains in a volatile session that underscored the fragility of investor sentiment. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 7,291.91, up 0.62 percent. The index opened 3.31 percent higher and briefly climbed above the 7,500 level, but the early rally quickly faded after Bahrain and Kuwait sounded warning sirens and Qatar issued emergency security alerts following renewed U.S. strikes on Iran, reviving fears of a wider Gulf conflict. The index later slipped into negative territory before recovering into the close. Even after the modest rebound, the main index remained nearly 800 points below its 8,088.34 close on July 3, following a slide to 7,246.79 a day earlier. Retail investors were net sellers, unloading 1.33 trillion won, while foreign and institutional investors purchased a net 146.1 billion won and 1.29 trillion won, respectively. Semiconductor shares led the rebound after suffering steep losses over the previous two sessions. Samsung Electronics edged up 0.18 percent to 278,000 won, while SK hynix jumped 5.30 percent to 2,186,000 won, supported by bargain hunting and optimism ahead of its planned American depositary receipt (ADR) listing on Nasdaq on Friday. Among other heavyweight stocks, SK Square rose 4.49 percent to 1,327,000 won, Samsung Electro-Mechanics gained 0.95 percent to 1,493,000 won, and KB Financial Group added 0.23 percent to 171,400 won. Losses were concentrated in autos, financials and healthcare. Hyundai Motor fell 3.68 percent to 445,500 won, LG Energy Solution slipped 0.63 percent to 313,500 won, Samsung Life Insurance dropped 5.78 percent to 326,000 won, Samsung C&T declined 4.18 percent to 378,500 won, Samsung Biologics lost 2.79 percent to 1,325,000 won, Kia slid 7.65 percent to 144,800 won, Hanwha Aerospace fell 8.45 percent to 953,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries eased 1.93 percent to 507,000 won, and Shinsegae slipped 2.14 percent to 105,000 won. The KOSDAQ also recovered from intraday volatility, rising 1.15 percent to close at 794.00 after briefly climbing to 819.69, but ultimately failed to reclaim the 800-point level. Institutional investors bought a net 308.1 billion won worth of KOSDAQ shares, while foreign investors added 22 billion won. Retail investors remained net sellers, offloading 321.5 billion won. Jusung Engineering surged 11.50 percent, while EcoPro gained 1.79 percent and Rainbow Robotics rose 0.58 percent. On the downside, Alteogen fell 4.31 percent, EcoPro BM lost 0.98 percent, ABL Bio slipped 1.23 percent, and LigaChem Biosciences declined 1.83 percent. Elsewhere in the region, Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 1.38 percent to 67,743.85, rebounding alongside semiconductor-related shares. Advantest and Tokyo Electron were among the major gainers after reports that China may allow limited sales of Nvidia's H200 chips to selected domestic AI firms lifted chip sentiment. China's Shanghai Composite added 1.65 percent to 4,036.59, extending gains despite earlier inflation concerns. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was the lone major loser, slipping 0.70 percent to 24,030.18. 2026-07-09 17:51:44
  • Global ADC Market Accelerates Following Enhertu Success
    Global ADC Market Accelerates Following 'Enhertu' Success The global antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market has entered a competitive commercialization phase. With 'Enhertu' leading the oncology market, major pharmaceutical companies are accelerating late-stage clinical trials, expanding indications, and pursuing large-scale mergers and acquisitions.According to market research firm IQVIA, the global breast cancer treatment market was valued at $51 billion last year, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. The breast cancer market recorded the highest sales within the global oncology market, which is valued at $280 billion. It is projected that the global breast cancer market will grow to $218 billion by 2035, quadrupling in size over the next decade.The key driver of this growth is the emergence of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs combine antibodies that target cancer cells with potent cytotoxic drugs, allowing for precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. They are gaining attention as next-generation therapies that address the limitations of traditional chemotherapy, rapidly changing the treatment paradigm for breast cancer.Particularly, 'Enhertu,' co-developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, has established itself as a blockbuster, drawing significant market interest. Enhertu generated approximately $3.5 billion in sales last year, emerging as one of the leading products in the global oncology market.The success of Enhertu has influenced the strategies of major pharmaceutical companies. Global firms such as Roche, Pfizer, and Gilead are expanding their ADC pipelines focused on breast cancer and intensifying competition in combination therapies and indication expansions. Investment in the sector has also ramped up. Pfizer entered the race by acquiring ADC leader Seagen for about $43 billion, while Merck signed a development and commercialization agreement worth up to $22 billion for three ADCs with Daiichi Sankyo in the same year. As of 2024, there are 21 approved ADCs worldwide, with 15 of them receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).In South Korea, companies are also accelerating their ADC commercialization efforts, particularly in breast cancer targeted therapies. Ligand Pharmaceuticals is conducting a total of eight global clinical trials, including a Phase 3 trial for a breast cancer treatment.The company has secured technology export contracts worth a cumulative 9.6 trillion won, leveraging its linker and payload technology. Recently, it raised 500 billion won through the National Growth Fund, establishing a foundation to conduct late-stage clinical trials directly. Analysts suggest that the government's investment reflects a high evaluation of the commercialization potential of domestic ADC technology, providing options to enhance the value of candidate substances before pursuing technology transfers.Aimed Bio is currently conducting a global Phase 1 trial for its FGFR3-targeted ADC 'AMB302,' which it licensed to U.S.-based Biohaven. Intecell has also initiated development with the first patient dosing of 'ITC-6146RO.' Celltrion has advanced three ADC candidates—CT-P70, CT-P71, and CT-P73—into clinical stages, with CT-P70 and CT-P71 designated as FDA fast track, gaining momentum in development.Industry experts anticipate that competition in the ADC market will intensify. While generics face profitability constraints due to price reduction pressures, ADCs are regarded as innovative technologies with high added value and potential for technology exports.The domestic contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector is also expanding its capabilities. Samsung Biologics is operating ADC-dedicated production facilities and aims to establish a dedicated production line for ADC finished pharmaceuticals by the first half of 2027. Lotte Biologics has built ADC production facilities at its Syracuse Bio Campus in the U.S. and plans to expand its business portfolio with a mass production base at its Songdo Bio Campus.Hwang Joo-ri, head of external cooperation at the Korea Bio Association, stated, "The domestic ADC industry is in the process of building an ecosystem. To enhance overall competitiveness, we need to expand the DP ecosystem capable of handling various modalities and accumulate experience in high-difficulty processes like cell and gene therapies (CGT)."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 17:48:00