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Are Retail Investors Changing Their Buying and Selling Patterns? Has the traditional pattern of retail investors buying low during downturns been disrupted? In this recent market decline, individual investors, who typically scoop up stocks when prices drop, have shifted to net selling even as the KOSPI index fell sharply. During the recent rebound, they offloaded over 2 trillion won worth of stocks. Analysts attribute this change to a combination of peak-out fears and a decrease in the index's rebound momentum, which has driven retail investors to panic sell.According to KOSCOM CHECK, retail investors net purchased 7.465 trillion won on July 2, when the KOSPI index plummeted by 655.32 points. They continued to buy 3.5931 trillion won and 3.5222 trillion won on July 6 and 7, respectively, providing support as the index declined. However, a reversal occurred on July 8, when the KOSPI dropped 5.35% to 7246.79 points. Fearing further declines, retail investors broke from their usual pattern and net sold 691.4 billion won. In contrast, foreign investors net purchased 810.9 billion won.On July 9, despite a slight increase in the KOSPI index, retail investors continued to sell. The index closed at 7291.91, up 45.12 points (0.62%) from the previous trading day. Foreign investors (305.5 billion won) and institutions (1.8663 trillion won) returned to net buying, helping to lift the index, while retail investors sold off 2.1176 trillion won, showing a strong selling trend.The selling pressure from retail investors also affected domestic semiconductor stocks. Samsung Electronics closed at 278,000 won, up 0.18% (500 won) from the previous day, but trading volume was only 29.7 million shares, far below the 38.9 million shares on July 2 and 33.5 million shares on July 8. SK Hynix surged 5.30% to 2,186,000 won, recording a trading volume of 13.695 trillion won, but this was also lower than the 17.7745 trillion won on July 2 and 15.2559 trillion won on July 8.Kim Doo-eon, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "Unlike in the past, the recent decline in the index has been rapid, while the recovery has been weak and trading volume has dried up. Concerns about high valuations, leading stocks, and the outlook for the memory cycle are all weighing on investor sentiment."Baek Young-chan, head of the research center at Samsung Securities, emphasized that operating profits for semiconductor companies are expected to increase in the third and fourth quarters compared to the second quarter, and the upward trend in earnings remains intact. He stated, "Some argue that semiconductor stocks will face corrections because operating profit margins are no longer rising, but the key point is that both operating profits and sales continue to grow. Currently, the market shows no signs of overheating, unlike past major downturns." Choi Hyun-jae, head of the research center at Yuanta Securities, also analyzed that the recent stock price decline is largely due to foreign investors realizing profits and rebalancing after the KOSPI surged in a short period.Looking ahead, as the concentration in semiconductors eases, there is a high possibility of a rotation into undervalued sectors. Baek identified promising sectors such as securities, banking, department stores, biotechnology, shipbuilding, automotive, and consumer goods, while Choi suggested sectors with solid earnings like shipbuilding, defense, heavy industry, as well as securities, department stores, consumer goods, and banks, particularly in light of potential interest rate hikes. 2026-07-09 16:36:00 -
Mirae Asset's Choi Chang-kyu Discusses ETF Investment Strategies in AI Era As the number of domestically listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surpasses 1,100, the focus of investment is shifting from 'what to buy' to 'how to select.' With the rapid increase in products, investment decisions have become more complex, prompting the introduction of a 'three-step strategy' that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to help investors select, compare, and invest in suitable ETFs. Choi Chang-kyu, head of ETF Research at Mirae Asset Management, presented this strategy during a keynote speech at the 'ABC Launch Celebration AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum' held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on July 9. He emphasized that AI can be a key tool not only for selecting and comparing ETFs but also for validating investment strategies. The first step is 'selecting.' This involves filtering ETFs that have a high allocation to desired investment themes, such as AI or semiconductors. He stated, "With over 1,000 listed ETFs, the first step is to narrow down the options. If you want to find a semiconductor ETF with a high allocation to SK Hynix or SK Square, you can download the Portfolio Deposit File (PDF) data and ask AI to analyze the top 10 holdings' weights, sector weights, and recent changes in holdings to efficiently identify the desired ETFs." The second step is 'comparing.' By inputting the ETF's PDF into AI, investors can easily grasp the composition of holdings, sector weights, and any overlapping or differentiated components among ETFs. Choi noted, "Many ETFs have similar names, and there are also U.S.-listed ETFs, so comparison is always necessary. Creating tables to compare top holdings, sector weights, and overlapping stocks makes it much easier to determine which ETF aligns with your investment style." The final step is 'investing.' AI can simulate various investment scenarios, including buying points, asset allocation, rebalancing, and loss tolerance. Choi himself uses AI to analyze the diversification of ETF portfolios, maximum drawdown (MDD), and Sharpe ratios. He mentioned, "During the week, I run out of tokens, so I come in on weekends. I use the leftover tokens to create ETF portfolios and simulate diversification, MDD, and Sharpe ratios. This simulation is one of the areas where AI is best utilized in the ETF industry." Looking ahead, he identified promising investment themes such as AI infrastructure, humanoid robots, and aerospace and defense. However, he clarified that AI should not replace investment decisions. Choi remarked, "When you ask ChatGPT to recommend a good ETF, it may suggest ETFs that are not listed domestically or even products that are not from our company but claim to be. AI should be used as a tool for data analysis, not as a decision-maker." He added, "AI responds based on what I know. It is much more effective to use it for analyzing top holdings, sector weights, and overlapping stocks rather than asking it to predict which ETF will rise. Ultimately, it is up to the user to effectively utilize AI, and developing the ability to leverage AI is crucial."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:32:00 -
DB Life Partners with AI Platform 'Kind Sister' to Digitize Sales Support DB Life is embarking on a digital transformation in the insurance sales sector by partnering with an AI-based sales management solution company. On July 9, DB Life announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 'Kind Sister' to promote digital innovation in insurance sales and expand data-driven support services for agents. Kind Sister combines optical character recognition (OCR) technology with large language models (LLM) to analyze insurance sales data and provide customized solutions for individual agents. The platform converts documents captured by smartphones into text, allowing AI to analyze the data and suggest information necessary for sales activities. Through this agreement, the two companies plan to enhance DB Life's sales management system by integrating its digital infrastructure with Kind Sister's AI technology. Initially, they will launch a pilot project to validate the usability and efficiency of the AI-based management system in real sales environments. In the future, they aim to jointly develop various services that leverage AI to improve agent efficiency and enhance customer convenience. A DB Life representative stated, "As the importance of digital technology in insurance sales grows, we pursued this agreement to provide practical support for agents' work based on data. We will continue to actively adopt AI technology to offer differentiated financial services centered on our customers." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:32:00 -
Stock Investment: Once Dominated by Older Generations, Young Investors on the Rise As of the end of last year, there were 14.5 million stock investors in South Korea, meaning one in three citizens participates in the stock market. Investment requires capital, and having more seed money can lead to greater profits. Consequently, the primary age group for stock investment is individuals in their 40s and 50s. The investment share of younger generations, who generally have less capital, has been minimal. However, since the second half of last year, interest in stock investment among young people has been gradually increasing.According to the Korea Securities Depository, the number of individual investors in the domestic stock market was 14.1 million in 2024 and 14.56 million in 2025. While annual statistics for this year will be released around March next year, a significant increase is expected due to the stock market boom.By age group, the core demographic for stock investment is individuals in their 50s. In 2024, 22.4% of all individual investors were in their 50s, totaling 3,162,226 people. This figure remained similar in 2025, with 23.1% or 3,332,547 individuals in that age group. Following them, those in their 40s made up the next largest group, accounting for 22.1% of investors in 2024 and 21.8% in 2025. Individuals in their 50s and 40s are typically mid-level managers in companies, earning more than those in their 20s and 30s, which naturally positions them as the primary investors.What about the investment share of those in their 20s and 30s? In 2024, individuals in their 20s (including those under 20) represented 15.3% of the total, amounting to 2,153,255 people. This dropped to 14.1% or 203,7954 in 2025. The share of investors in their 30s is higher than that of those in their 20s, as they have begun earning salaries. In 2024, 2,654,965 individuals in their 30s accounted for 18.8% of all investors, while in 2025, this number decreased to 2,605,013, or 18.1%.While the number of investors in their 20s and 30s is not insignificant compared to those in their 40s and 50s, the number of shares they own shows a stark contrast. In 2024, individuals in their 20s held only 1.6% of total shares, while those in their 30s held just 7%. A similar trend was observed last year, with 20-somethings owning 1.4% of total shares and 30-somethings holding 6.3%. In contrast, individuals in their 50s owned 34.6% of total shares in 2024 and 34.4% in 2025. The share of stocks owned by those in their 40s was also significant, at 20% in 2024 and 18.6% in 2025. Although the number of young investors is not small, their limited capital results in fewer shares owned.This year is expected to be different. There is a clear trend of individuals in their 20s and 30s shifting their focus from cryptocurrencies to stocks. According to NH Investment & Securities, a major brokerage firm in South Korea, the number of new accounts opened by clients in their 20s and 30s surged in the first half of this year. Last year, there were 118,200 new accounts opened by this age group, but this year, over 110,000 new accounts were added in just the first half. If this trend continues, the annual total could double compared to last year. Additionally, the average account balance for young investors has also seen a significant increase, rising from approximately 8.23 million won last year to 9.33 million won in the first quarter and 13.4 million won in the second quarter of this year. 2026-07-09 16:28:00 -
Government's Innovation Product Procurement Program Shows Limited Impact The South Korean government's 'Innovation Product Procurement Program,' aimed at supporting companies with innovative technologies, has shown growth in numbers but limited effectiveness in enhancing public procurement.According to a report by the National Assembly Budget Office on July 9, the government introduced the innovation product procurement system in 2019, setting a target of designating 5,000 products and achieving over 2 trillion won in public purchases by 2030. Since its inception, 2,774 innovative products have been designated from 2019 to last year.These innovative products fall into two categories: Type 1, recommended by 17 ministries including the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Type 2, recommended by the Public Procurement Service. However, Type 1 products, recommended by the 17 ministries, account for only 65.4% of the total, indicating significant disparities in participation among ministries.The growth rate of designations has also slowed. The annual number of designations was 623 in 2021 and 606 in 2022, but dropped to 284 in 2023, more than halving. Although there was a recovery with 422 in 2024 and 494 in 2025, these figures still fall short of previous levels.Management of existing innovative products has been inadequate. Approximately 30.3% (841 products) of designated products have expired, yet some ministries have failed to designate replacement products. Conversely, only 29 products (1.1%) were canceled due to insufficient designation criteria, indicating a lack of effective management and a non-functioning exit system.The efficiency of the designation process also requires improvement. The Procurement Policy Review Committee, which evaluates product designations, consists of 18 members and meets only 4 to 6 times a year. Given the increasing scale of product designations, the committee should convene more frequently to shorten review periods, the report suggests.Purchase performance has been disappointing. Of the innovative products designated in the past six years, only 1,084, or 39.1%, have undergone pilot purchases. Additionally, 32.2% (892 products) of all innovative products have no public purchase records. While the overall purchase targets for public institutions have been met, the achievement rate per institution was only 54.7% as of last year.Furthermore, the report highlights deficiencies in post-management systems and a lack of objective verification. Some institutions failed to submit pilot usage reports on time, and there have been instances of distributed innovative products being neglected. Existing studies have drawn different conclusions about the program's effectiveness, and research conducted by the Public Procurement Service has struggled to demonstrate policy impacts due to limitations in scope and methodology.In light of these findings, the Budget Office recommends establishing a performance management system to continuously analyze the growth effects for participating companies and objectively verify the program's policy impacts.Nam Myung-jin, a budget analyst at the Budget Office, emphasized, "We need to streamline the entire process from designation to purchase and post-management of innovative products to enhance the efficiency of budget inputs and ensure that public innovation procurement leads to company growth and improvements in public services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:28:00 -
IBK Bank and Credit Guarantee Fund Collaborate to Support SMEs IBK Bank is expanding financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and microenterprises in collaboration with the Credit Guarantee Fund. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on companies facing high interest rates and economic slowdown while providing scale-up funding for those with growth potential. On July 9, IBK Bank announced that it signed a 'business agreement to promote inclusive and productive financial support' at its headquarters in Euljiro, Seoul, with the Credit Guarantee Fund. The agreement is designed to reduce the financial costs for SMEs and support the growth of companies with future growth potential. The two organizations plan to expand financial support in the areas of inclusive finance and productive finance, and establish a cooperative system to enhance industrial competitiveness. They also intend to identify new support areas for collaboration. The goal is to broaden the scope of cooperation beyond simple funding to ensure that the financial support needed on the ground translates into business growth. IBK Bank President Jang Min-young stated, "In a situation where uncertainties persist both domestically and internationally, cooperation among policy financial institutions is becoming increasingly important for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. Based on our collaboration with the Credit Guarantee Fund, we will support inclusive and productive finance to achieve tangible results in the field." Meanwhile, IBK Bank has signed four business agreements with the Credit Guarantee Fund this year, providing a total of 1.46 trillion won in financial support aimed at reducing financial costs and supporting the growth of SMEs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:28:00 -
Former Security Officials Sentenced for Obstructing Arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol Former security officials have been sentenced to prison for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant against Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president of South Korea.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, sentenced Park Jong-jun, the former head of the security office, to four years in prison, and Kim Seong-hoon, the former deputy head, to five years. Lee Kwang-woo, the former head of the security headquarters, received a sentence of two years and six months, while Kim Shin, the former head of the family security department, was given a one-year sentence with a two-year probation.The court ordered the immediate detention of Park and Kim, citing a risk of flight.The defendants were accused of obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Agency (SPO) in January of last year while investigating Yoon for insurrection-related charges.The court found that the defendants were fully aware that they had no legal grounds to prevent the execution of the warrant, yet they organized efforts to obstruct it. As a result, the court ruled all charges against them as guilty.The court stated, "The execution of a lawful arrest warrant and search warrant cannot be seen as a threat to the physical safety of former President Yoon. It is acknowledged that they conspired to use physical force against the officials executing the warrant by setting up barricades and mobilizing their personnel."In determining the sentences, the court noted, "The defendants used personnel from the security office to obstruct the lawful execution of the warrant under the illegal orders of former President Yoon. This is a serious crime that involved blocking the execution of the warrant for an extended period using the organizational structure and command system of a state agency."The court further criticized the defendants for systematically obstructing the investigation into Yoon's insurrection charges and judicial proceedings, undermining the rule of law in the country, and creating a risk of physical confrontation with public officials.Specifically addressing Park, the court remarked, "As the person responsible for overseeing the entire security office, he should have refused Yoon's orders, even if they were given."Kim, the former deputy head, is also accused of being involved in deleting sensitive information from the secure phones of three military commanders under Yoon's orders. The court found him guilty of violating the Presidential Security Act, emphasizing that he played a particularly active role in obstructing the execution of the arrest warrant.However, the court considered that Kim did not conspire with the other defendants in the overall obstruction of the warrant execution when sentencing him to probation.Earlier, the special investigation team led by Jo Eun-seok had sought sentences of seven years for Park and Kim, five years for Lee, and three years for Kim during the closing arguments, stating that they completely denied the principles of the rule of law and warrant system as defined by the Constitution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:20:00 -
Household Loan Crisis: Borrowers Turn to Savings Banks for Small Loans A 40-year-old delivery worker, identified as A, recently sought credit loans from several major banks but was rejected due to a credit score in the 600s. Already utilizing credit card loans, A found it difficult to secure additional loans and was unable to pass the screening process for insurance loans. Consequently, A is now considering small credit loans from savings banks, despite interest rates nearing 20%.As financial authorities tighten household debt management, the barriers to loans from banks have increased, leading vulnerable borrowers in need of quick cash to flock to small credit loans from savings banks. With regulations expanding to include popular quick cash options like credit card loans and insurance contract loans, demand for small credit loans, which are relatively less affected by these regulations, has surged.According to the Financial Supervisory Service's financial statistics information system, the total amount of small credit loans from 79 savings banks reached 1.4466 trillion won in the first quarter of this year. This marks a 19.1% increase from 1.2146 trillion won in the same period last year, the highest level since related statistics began being published in 2008.Small credit loans are typically available without collateral, with limits ranging from 3 million to 5 million won. Loans under 100 million won are exempt from the total debt service ratio (DSR) regulations, making them less impacted by regulatory measures compared to other credit loans. In fact, while household loans from savings banks subject to DSR regulations decreased in June, small credit loans, which fall into a regulatory gray area, are expected to continue increasing in the second quarter.A representative from a major savings bank noted, "Small credit loans saw a slight decline in May but rebounded to April levels in June. Given the tightening of loan regulations, we expect this upward trend to continue for the time being."This trend reflects the overall increase in loan barriers across the financial sector. Recently, banks have been reducing limits on mortgage and credit loans in line with the government's household loan management policies. As a result, borrowers in need of quick cash have fewer options, leading them to seek loans from savings banks, which are less affected by these regulations.However, concerns have been raised that high interest rates are exacerbating the financial burden on vulnerable borrowers. Most small credit loan products from savings banks have interest rates capped at 19.9%, close to the legal maximum of 20%. This is more than three times higher than the average interest rate of 6.04% for small loans from deposit banks as of May.An industry insider stated, "Small credit loans have high interest rates and low limits, making them a last resort for borrowers who are in urgent need of funds. Many turn to savings bank small loans when they cannot secure loans from other financial institutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:20:00 -
From Robot Dogs to Rebar Assembly Robots: The Future of K-Construction The construction industry unveiled a future vision centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, despite facing challenges such as rising construction costs and a sluggish market. Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, attending his first official economic event since taking office, expressed strong support for expanding housing supply and promoting smart construction technologies to enhance the competitiveness of the construction sector.The Korea Construction Association announced that the 36th 'Construction Day 2026' ceremony was held on July 9 at the CG Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. This year's event was themed 'Construction: A Promise for Our Dreams and Future.'Approximately 350 high school and university students interested in construction attended the event. Government officials and industry leaders shared insights on the future of the construction sector, focusing on AI and smart construction technologies.A special exhibition titled 'Future K-Construction' showcased AI, construction robots, and digital safety management technologies. GS Engineering & Construction presented automated rebar assembly machines and pipeline monitoring robots, while Hyundai Engineering & Construction displayed a tower crane remote control system and exterior painting robots. Daewoo Engineering & Construction exhibited unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and a multi-agent RAG platform, and DL E&C showcased smart safety equipment.Innovative technologies from startups were also highlighted, including Eurobotics' industrial robots, HOP's quadruped robot (robot dog), Riops' robotic arms, and Hayes' dedicated waterjet systems. Participants had the opportunity to experience these future construction technologies firsthand.In his speech, Han Seung-gu, chairman of the Korea Construction Association, emphasized the importance of the construction industry's role and the need to secure future competitiveness. He stated, "The construction industry employs 2 million workers and accounts for 15% of the country's GDP, making it a key national industry. It has contributed to regional economic revitalization, job creation, and improving the quality of life for citizens, achieving $1 trillion in exports, ranking third after semiconductors and automobiles."He added, "As a core industry that has supported South Korea's growth and the lives of its citizens, the construction sector must become an attractive field that young people actively seek out. We need to adopt advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and drones to innovate productivity and safety while securing future competitiveness through smart construction."Prime Minister Han Seung-soo attended the ceremony as his first official economic event, expressing his commitment to supporting the construction industry. He shared a personal connection to the field, noting that his father worked as a public servant in local construction for over 30 years. He stated, "I will actively support the construction industry in overcoming challenges posed by low growth and economic downturns, including expanding housing supply, promoting smart construction technologies, and enhancing competitiveness in overseas construction. I will also work to improve the industry's structure to create safe construction sites that the public can trust."During the ceremony, 107 individuals who contributed to the development of the construction industry received government awards and various commendations. The highest honor, the Gold Tower Industrial Medal, was awarded to Jo In-ho, CEO of Haekwang E&C. He was recognized for leading institutional innovations, including securing appropriate construction costs and improving unfair contract terms, as well as fostering professional talent through industry-academia cooperation and practicing fair trade and ESG management over his 40 years in the mechanical equipment industry.The Silver Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Choi Gil-hak, CEO of Seorim General Construction, and Choi Sang-dae, CEO of Daedong Construction. Choi Gil-hak was acknowledged for his contributions to national competitiveness through the construction of key national infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities over 35 years, as well as for applying new technologies, promoting cooperation, ensuring safety, and contributing to local communities.Additionally, the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Jang Heung-soo, CEO of Youngshin General Construction, and Lee Sa-cheol, CEO of Seonjin A&F. A total of 107 individuals were recognized for their contributions to the development of the construction industry, including three Industrial Medals, six Presidential Commendations, and six Prime Minister's Commendations.Meanwhile, prior to the event, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference titled 'Construction Day: Construction Workers' Press Conference' in front of the construction hall, urging collaboration and sincere negotiations with clients and main contractors to overcome the crisis in the construction industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:16:00 -
Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to 7 Years for Obstructing Arrest Warrant Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Supreme Court for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The Democratic Party and the Justice Party called the ruling "an expected outcome" and emphasized the need for strict judgment in upcoming trials. This decision marks the first Supreme Court ruling in 583 days since the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3.Boo Seung-chan, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing that the Supreme Court's confirmation of guilt is significant as it addresses the obstruction of legitimate warrant execution and investigations through the privatization of state power.He added, "Given the seriousness of the matter and the public's expectations, there is still a sense of disappointment. This reaffirms that even those in power who undermine constitutional order cannot escape legal judgment." He noted that a second trial regarding charges of insurrection remains pending and expressed hope for a judicial decision that aligns with the public's desire for a complete resolution of the insurrection and restoration of constitutional order.Furthermore, the Democratic Party pledged to hold Yoon Suk Yeol and the insurrection forces accountable and to ensure the restoration of constitutional order and the protection of democracy.Park Joo-min, a member of the Democratic Party, posted on Facebook that the Supreme Court's ruling clarifies that the obstruction of arrest was not a matter of security or public duty, but rather a crime committed to evade responsibility by those in power.He criticized Yoon's team for indicating plans to appeal, stating, "It seems they still haven't come to their senses."Lim Myung-hee, spokesperson for the Justice Party, remarked that Yoon's team plans to appeal, claiming the trial was rushed. She expressed skepticism about expecting a reasonable statement such as "I respect the judiciary's decision and apologize" from someone who has dealt with the law for a lifetime.She also emphasized that Yoon, who received a life sentence in the first trial for insurrection, must face thorough proceedings in his remaining trials and receive a severe judgment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 16:16:00


