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  • LS Cable Achieves First Certification for HVDC Submarine Cable with 25% Increased Capacity
    LS Cable Achieves First Certification for HVDC Submarine Cable with 25% Increased Capacity LS Cable has successfully commercialized a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable with the highest transmission capacity. On July 9, LS Cable announced that it has passed the international certification process known as Pre-Qualification (PQ) for its 525kV·80℃ HVDC submarine cable, becoming the first in South Korea to do so. This certification establishes a supply foundation for products that can be immediately applied to the West Coast Energy Highway project.In future contracts, the company will only need to undergo a simplified type test before supplying products.The newly developed submarine cable has increased the allowable temperature of the conductor from 70 degrees to 80 degrees, significantly boosting transmission capacity by up to 25%. It is recognized as a next-generation power grid technology optimized for long-distance and large-capacity transmission, requiring advanced high-voltage insulation technology and long-term reliability.LS Cable's major subsidiaries are also accelerating their competitiveness in line with the expansion of the power infrastructure market. LS Eco Energy has completed PQ testing for a 400kV high-voltage cable aimed at the North American market, while Gaon Cable has finished developing high-voltage cables that meet Korea Electric Power Corporation standards and plans to begin full-scale supply next year.An LS Cable official stated, "Passing this PQ test is a significant milestone for securing a foothold in the next-generation national power grid market," adding, "We will solidify our strategy to target both the domestic energy highway and the global HVDC market by combining our manufacturing and construction turnkey capabilities with LS Marine Solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:32:00
  • Laser Cell Shares Surge Over 17% Following Semiconductor Equipment Contract
    Laser Cell Shares Surge Over 17% Following Semiconductor Equipment Contract Laser Cell's shares rose more than 17% in early trading following news of a major semiconductor equipment supply contract.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:53 a.m., Laser Cell's stock was trading at 5,190 won, up 775 won (17.55%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 4,415 won and peaked at 5,290 won during the session, before giving back some of its gains. The day before, it had also closed up 4.13%.The recent surge in Laser Cell's stock price is attributed to investor optimism following the announcement of the semiconductor equipment supply contract.According to a filing with the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Laser Cell announced on July 7 that it had signed a semiconductor equipment supply contract worth 1.79 billion won with a global semiconductor substrate company in South Korea. The contract period extends until the end of March next year, with 50% of the contract amount due within 30 days of the order, and the remaining balance to be paid within 60 days after delivery and inspection. The order date was July 6.This contract amount represents 38.21% of last year's revenue, which was approximately 4.68 billion won. The identity of the contracting party has not been disclosed due to a request for confidentiality.Laser Cell, listed on the KOSDAQ, develops and manufactures laser-based semiconductor equipment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:32:00
  • Interview: Choi Min-sik on Overcoming Limitations in Acting
    Interview: Choi Min-sik on Overcoming Limitations in Acting 영화 '파묘'와 '명량', '신세계', '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대', '악마를 보았다' 등 수많은 작품에서 압도적인 존재감으로 인물을 완성해온 최민식이 넷플릭스 드라마 '맨 끝줄 소년'으로 돌아온다.극 중 최민식은 20년 전 단 한 편의 소설을 낸 뒤 더는 글을 쓰지 못하는 국문학과 교수 허문오를 맡았다. 학생들의 글 앞에서는 냉소적이고 퉁명스럽지만 강의실 맨 끝줄에 앉은 이강의 글에서 오랜만에 다음 이야기를 궁금해하며 개인 문학 수업을 제안한다. 최민식은 작가로서의 결핍과 열패감이 한 학생의 재능을 향한 집착으로 번져가는 과정을 밀도 있게 그려낸다."사실 별 기대를 안 했었거든요. 요즘 트렌드가 워낙 빠르고, 미디어 환경도 달라졌고 속도감 있는 전개에 익숙한 젊은 층이 많이 소비하니까 '과연 좋아할까' 하는 의구심이 있었죠. 그래도 '그러거나 말거나 나는 이렇게 간다'는 마음으로 촬영했는데 의외로 많이들 진지하게 작품의 주제 의식에 공감해주시고 비판도 해주시더라고요. 작품이 내포한 시사점과 주제 의식을 두고 토론하시는 걸 보면서 좋았습니다. 진지하고 어둡지만 인간 내면의 본래 욕망, 허문오와 이강의 민낯, 욕망에 중독되고 굴절된 인간의 모습을 보면서 많은 이야기를 나눴으면 했는데 그 의도가 어느 정도 전달된 것 같아요."허문오를 움직이는 감정은 문학에 대한 욕망과 친구 김수훈을 향한 열등감이 뒤섞여 있다. 최민식은 허문오를 작가이자 지식인으로 보면서도 창작자로서의 본질보다 외형적 성공에 집착한 것이 비극의 단초가 됐다고 해석했다."혼재돼 있다고 봐야 할 것 같습니다. 허문오는 작가예요. 비록 20년 전에 낸 소설 한 편 이후 후속작이 없는 사람이지만 작가는 맞죠. 대학에서 국문학을 가르치고 있으니 지식인이자 작가입니다. 그런데 창작자로서 갖춰야 할 덕목에서 벗어나 외형적인 출세에 너무 집착하지 않았나 싶어요. 그게 비극의 단초가 됐다고 봅니다. 김수훈의 독설이 굉장한 트라우마가 된 거죠. 내면이 단단한 사람이었다면 '별 미친놈을 보겠네' 하고 넘겼을 텐데 그 말이 오랜 시간 본인을 괴롭혔고 거기에 함몰된 겁니다. 글에 대한 욕망은 정말 절절하죠. 아이들을 가르치는 교단에 섰지만, 이강이의 나이에 걸맞지 않은 독특한 형식과 문학적 소양을 엿보고 바로 빠져들잖아요. 이야기를 향한 허문오의 열망은 살아 있습니다. 외형적인 출세 욕구와 작가로서의 근본적인 욕망이 혼재돼 있다고 봐야겠죠."창작자로서 한계에 부딪힌 경험도 자연스럽게 떠올렸다. 최민식은 남과의 비교에서 오는 열등감보다 스스로의 한계를 넘어서지 못할 때의 괴로움이 더 컸다고 말했다."남과 비교해서 열등감을 가져본 적은 별로 기억이 없습니다. 제 스스로의 한계에 부딪혀 괴로웠던 적은 수도 없이 많지만요. 그건 연극할 때부터 그랬습니다. 한계를 깨고 나가고 소위 업데이트되는 것. 이건 죽을 때까지 하는 직업이 배우이고 창작하는 사람들의 몫인 것 같습니다. 글도, 음악도, 그림도 마찬가지겠죠. 나가떨어질 때도 많습니다. 그런데 나가떨어져서 다시 일어나지 못하고 함몰되면 그걸로 끝이죠. 허문오는 함몰된 경우이고, 유일한 돌파구가 이강의 글이었던 겁니다."허문오와 달리 최민식은 외부의 평가에 자신을 오래 묶어두지 않는 편이라고 했다. 남의 성취에 휘둘리기보다 자신이 할 수 있는 일을 해나가는 태도에 가깝다."왜 열등감이 없겠어요. 그런데 저는 저로서 사니까 남으로 인해 스트레스를 받는 건 별로 없는 것 같습니다. '너 잘났구나. 그래. 나는 또 나대로 이런 게 있어' 하는 식이죠. 상을 누가 탔는데 나는 못 탔다고 속상했던 적도 없습니다. '그다음에 타면 되지' 하는 쪽이었어요. 다만 내가 나 때문에 속상한 적은 많습니다. 내가 봤을 때 '아, 이건 아니야. 왜 내가 저렇게 했지' 싶은 건 못 견딥니다. 분명히 짚고 넘어가지만 오래 남겨놓지는 않는 편입니다."그는 대사 한마디와 장면의 흐름을 악보처럼 받아들였다고 했다. 전체 6부작 안에서 허문오가 어떻게 시작해 어디까지 무너지는지를 따라가며 김기태 감독의 연출 안에서 정확히 연주하려 했다."저는 대사 한마디 한마디, 문장 하나하나를 악보 같은 느낌으로 봤습니다. 김기태 감독님을 '총장님'이라고 불렀어요. 대학교니까요. 총장님의 지휘 아래 제가 어떻게 연주하느냐의 문제였습니다. 6부작 전체를 봤을 때 처음에는 어떤 악기로 시작하고 나중에는 어떻게 휘몰아쳐 가느냐, 그런 재미가 있었죠. 글이 좋고 연출자의 촘촘하고 디테일한 연출이 있으면 배우들은 편안해집니다. 그에 따라 정확하게 연주하려고 노력했을 뿐입니다."마지막 장면에서는 허문오가 받은 충격과 붕괴의 정도를 여러 방식으로 시도했다. 이강에게 이용당했다는 사실을 받아들이는 순간, 인물은 극단적인 감정의 끝까지 밀려난다."마지막 장면도 텍스트에는 울다가 웃다가 하는 식으로 쓰여 있었습니다. 제가 설정했던 건 '대박'이었고요. 우편물 봉투 자르는 칼이 옆에 있었는데, 패닉 상태에서 그걸 손목에 대는 설정도 해봤습니다. 여차하면 그냥 그을 수도 있을 정도로 큰 충격을 받은 거죠. 저 어린놈에게 여태까지 놀아난 것에 대한 데미지가 허문오에게는 그 정도까지 왔다고 생각했습니다. 그렇게 찍기도 했지만 결과적으로는 감독님께서 편집에서 선택하신 겁니다."상대역인 최현욱에 대해서는 칭찬을 아끼지 않았다. 최민식은 최현욱이 대사의 의미와 인물의 심리를 정확히 알고 현장에 왔다며 젊은 배우로서의 성실함과 감각을 높이 평가했다."보셨듯이 잘했잖아요. 정말 깜짝 놀랐습니다. 내가 저 나이에 저렇게 했나 싶을 정도였어요. 정확히 알고 하는 게 정말 중요합니다. 내가 이 대사를 어떤 느낌으로 하느냐를 알고 하는 것과 모르고 하는 건 완전히 다릅니다. 최현욱은 정확히 알고 하더라고요. 그만큼 고민을 많이 했고 정확하게 파악하고 왔다는 얘기죠. 얼마나 든든하고 예쁩니까. 이 친구가 오래 갔으면 좋겠습니다. 다른 작품, 다른 캐릭터를 할 때도 지금처럼 성실하게 해서 배우로 계속 성장해나갔으면 합니다."수많은 대표작을 가진 배우이지만, 최민식은 자신에게 붙은 평가와 수식에 머무르지 않으려 한다. 외부의 기준에 자신을 맞추는 순간 허문오처럼 될 수 있다는 경계도 있었다."제가 좀 과대평가됐죠. 농담이 아니라 저는 저한테 냉정하려고 노력을 많이 합니다. 외부의 기준에 내 스스로를 맞히기 시작하면 허문오처럼 되는 게 맞는 것 같습니다. '최민식이 예전에 명량도 하고 올드보이도 하고 연기파 배우야. 인정받았어'라고 생각하기 시작하면 금방입니다. 그런 평가는 고맙고 감사한 일이지만, 그건 저를 좋게 봐주셨다는 이야기입니다. 저는 그런 허세를 덜어내려고 노력합니다."오랜 시간 연기해왔지만 현장을 향한 애정은 여전히 뜨겁다. 최민식은 작업할 때 가장 행복하다며 앞으로도 더 표현하고 싶은 것이 많다고 말했다."저는 작업할 때가 좋습니다. 제일 행복합니다. 다른 일을 해본 적이 없습니다. 학교 다닐 때 아르바이트한 경험 외에는 사업을 해본 적도 직장 생활을 해본 적도 없어요. 이 일만 하고 살아왔습니다. 이제는 좋고 싫고를 떠나 부부 관계로 치면 부부 싸움은 많이 했지만 이혼은 안 한 것 같습니다. 갈등도 많이 하고 '왜 나는 이 작업을 이것밖에 이해하지 못하나' 하는 생각도 해왔지만 고등학교 3학년 때부터 시작한 일이니까요. 그래서 행복합니다. 앞으로도 더 하고 싶고 더 표현하고 싶은 것도 많습니다."목표나 최종 지향점에 대해서는 거창한 답을 내놓지 않았다. 상이나 위치보다 중요한 것은 계속해서 좋은 작품을 만나는 일이라고 했다."목표를 갖는다고 되는 건 아닙니다. 칸 영화제나 아카데미에서 상을 받았다고 해서 '이제 작업 끝났어'가 되나요? 그건 아니죠. 정말 좋은 작품, 더 좋은 작품을 하고 싶습니다. 주인공이 아니더라도요."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:28:00
  • Constitutional Court Justices Visit Spanish Constitutional Court to Discuss Legal System
    Constitutional Court Justices Visit Spanish Constitutional Court to Discuss Legal System The Constitutional Court announced that Justices Ma Eun-hyuk and Oh Young-jun officially visited the Spanish Constitutional Court on July 7 (local time).In a press release on July 9, the court stated that the justices examined the operation of Spain's advanced constitutional complaint system and engaged in in-depth discussions on future development plans.During their meeting with Cándido Conde Pumpido Tourón, President of the Spanish Constitutional Court, the justices exchanged views on the practical operation and development of the constitutional complaint system.President Conde Pumpido described the constitutional complaint system in Spain as "the most essential system for effectively guaranteeing the basic rights of citizens," emphasizing its significant role in fulfilling the court's mission to strengthen democracy through proper constitutional interpretation.He added, "It is natural that the judiciary must prioritize the protection of the constitution, just like other public powers." He noted that while the system initially faced inevitable conflicts with general courts, the Constitutional Court has successfully fulfilled its role as a guardian, leading to a general acceptance of its authority to control constitutional violations arising from judicial actions.Additionally, the justices, along with accompanying constitutional researchers and staff, held a practical meeting with Andrés Javier Gutiérrez Gil, Secretary of the Spanish Constitutional Court, to discuss procedural issues related to the Spanish constitutional complaint system.During this meeting, they listened to the practical operation of the Spanish constitutional complaint system and discussed specific issues such as the pre-examination procedures and criteria of designated panels, the composition and operation of research departments, and ways to enhance the efficiency of adjudication processes.Secretary Gutiérrez noted, "In Spain, the accumulation of decisions regarding constitutional complaints over a long period has fostered a culture that respects basic rights throughout society compared to before the system was introduced."He also mentioned that there has been significant improvement in basic rights sensitivity when general courts handle cases, expressing hope that Spain's experiences will serve as a valuable foundation for the operation of South Korea's constitutional complaint system.The justices agreed to continue sharing relevant materials by visiting the Spanish Constitutional Court library and conducted in-depth discussions with constitutional researcher Tomás de la Cuadra Salcedo on July 8.The Constitutional Court stated, "This visit has provided insights for the stable establishment and development of South Korea's constitutional complaint system, and we hope for strengthened cooperation between the two institutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:28:00
  • BTS Sets Record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with 130,000 Fans in London
    BTS Sets Record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with 130,000 Fans in London Group BTS has set another record in London, England.BTS held their 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN LONDON' at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6-7, attracting approximately 130,000 fans.The concert sold out immediately after tickets went on sale. According to the event organizer Live Nation, BTS drew the largest audience per show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in April 2019.BTS has consistently made significant records during their visits to London. In June 2019, they became the first Korean artists to hold a solo concert at Wembley Stadium. Returning to London after nearly seven years, they set a new record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reaffirming their presence.Before the concert, London was buzzing with excitement for BTS. The stadium introduced them as 'Pop Royalty' through its official channels. The official Korean account of Tottenham Hotspur shared a video featuring the title track 'SWIM' from their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' echoing through the venue ahead of the performance.Over the two days, BTS filled the stadium with live performances. They opened the show with 'Hooligan,' a track from 'ARIRANG,' followed by new songs like 'NORMAL' and 'Body to Body,' as well as global hits such as 'IDOL' and 'FIRE.'The members expressed, "We feel the emotions from seven years ago at Wembley Stadium once again. Thanks to your passion, we had a truly enjoyable time today. It brought back many memories of past performances, and we were once again amazed at how hot a city London is."International media praised the performances. Rolling Stone UK and The Guardian both awarded the concert a perfect five-star rating.Rolling Stone UK likened the concert to a coronation, stating, "BTS has reclaimed the throne as the world's biggest band." They noted that the concert was a masterclass for fans who had long awaited their return to the stage.The Guardian compared the performance to a film, describing it as an "incredibly enjoyable spectacle" with fireworks and diverse visuals. They added, "The power of BTS is formidable."The Times, a British daily, rated the concert four stars, highlighting the rich visuals and energy of a large stadium show. They mentioned the grand performances and special effects, noting that the music was both intense and addictive.NME focused on the incorporation of Korean traditional music, architecture, and dance throughout the performance, emphasizing the group's cultural identity.Meanwhile, BTS will continue their European tour at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on July 11-12, marking the first time a Korean artist has performed at this venue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:28:00
  • Lee Je-hoon Appointed Head of National Institute for Peace and Democracy
    Lee Je-hoon Appointed Head of National Institute for Peace and Democracy The Ministry of Unification announced on July 9 that Lee Je-hoon, former editor-in-chief of The Hankyoreh, has been appointed as the head of the National Institute for Peace and Democracy.The new director is a seasoned journalist and expert in unification and diplomacy, having reported on inter-Korean relations and issues concerning the Korean Peninsula since 1998.Lee served as a senior reporter on the unification and diplomacy team at The Hankyoreh and became editor-in-chief in March 2017, but later stepped down to return to field reporting. He has also held a position as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of North Korean Studies.Until April of this year, Lee worked as a reporter covering the Ministry of Unification before applying for the director position at the National Institute for Peace and Democracy.The head of the National Institute for Peace and Democracy is a senior civil servant position that can be held for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of extension up to five years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:24:00
  • Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor to stage three-day partial strike next week
    Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor to stage three-day partial strike next week SEOUL, July 9 (AJP) - Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor are expected to stage a three-day partial strike next week unless they reach a deal in ongoing wage negotiations. The union on Wednesday voted to hold a two-hour strike each day from next Monday through Wednesday before joining a nationwide general strike led by the Korean Metal Workers' Union on the final day. The move came after the collapse of their 15th round of talks earlier in the day, during which the company presented a revised proposal that included an 89,000-won increase in base pay, a bonus worth 350 percent of monthly pay plus 10 million won, and 15 shares of company stock. But the union turned down the offer as insufficient. Both sides, however, said they would continue negotiations, leaving open the possibility that the strike could be called off if further talks lead to a deal. In a statement, the union said, "Management has failed to make a responsible decision on our core demands, and its revised wage offer also fell short of our expectations," vowing to proceed with the planned strike. Hyundai expressed regret over the union's decision and called for continued negotiations to "reach a reasonable outcome that allows labor and management to coexist." Key sticking points in the talks are the size of wage increases and expanded compensation including bonuses. Hyundai says it is difficult to take on additional costs given last year's decline in operating profit and weak sales in the first half of this year. The union argues that real wages must rise to reflect inflation, seeking a 149,600-won increase in base pay, performance pay equivalent to 30 percent of the previous year's net profit, and bonuses worth 800 percent of monthly pay. It is also calling for the retirement age to be extended and for workers fired over past labor disputes to be reinstated. But the two sides have made some progress on several other issues, agreeing to work together to ensure job security in the rapidly changing era of artificial intelligence and improve working conditions. They also agreed to set up a joint task force to continue discussions on reducing working hours. If the strike goes ahead as planned, Hyundai would face labor action for a second consecutive year. Whether the two sides can narrow their differences over wage increases and bonuses will be the key factor in reaching an agreement. 2026-07-09 11:21:36
  • Xi Emphasizes Efficiency in Science and Technology Innovation
    Xi Emphasizes Efficiency in Science and Technology Innovation Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of building a science and technology powerhouse by 2035, calling for the development of advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum technology. He emphasized the need for efficiency in scientific and technological innovation, expressing a commitment to enhancing the quality of innovation amid the US-China tech competition.According to the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, Xi made these remarks during a significant speech at the National Science and Technology Awards ceremony, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering conference, and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology held in Beijing on July 8. He stated, "Technological strength and innovation capabilities are increasingly becoming the core competitiveness of a nation," and noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is a critical period for achieving the goal of becoming a science and technology powerhouse by 2035.Xi stressed the need to accelerate high-level self-reliance in science and technology and to support Chinese-style modernization through scientific and technological innovation.He identified AI as a key technology that will determine national competitiveness, highlighting its rapid development based on innovations in data, computing power, algorithms, neuroscience, and mathematics. He remarked, "This is urgent and significant. We must seize this historic opportunity." He called for concentrated research and development in advanced fields such as AI, quantum technology, and life sciences, as well as core areas like integrated circuits and advanced manufacturing, and strategic fields including deep-sea, deep-space, and deep-earth exploration.A notable aspect of his speech was the emphasis on 'efficiency.' Despite significant investments in strategic industries like AI, there have been concerns about the slow pace at which research outcomes translate into industrial competitiveness. Xi mentioned 'efficiency' six times, stating, "We must enhance the efficiency of investment in scientific and technological innovation and strike a balance between expanding investment scale and improving efficiency."He pointed out issues in China's scientific and technological development, including a lack of original innovation capabilities, an imbalanced talent structure, and low efficiency in scientific and technological investment. He noted that there are institutional bottlenecks hindering innovative development and called for improving the overall efficiency of the national innovation system. He urged for deeper integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, ensuring that research outcomes quickly convert into productive forces.Xi highlighted the low commercialization rate of research and development (R&D) outcomes as a deep-rooted issue in China. To address this, he called for strengthening the national technology transfer system and establishing concept verification centers and pilot testing platforms to alleviate bottlenecks in the commercialization of early research outcomes. He also suggested creating various application scenarios and advanced industrial clusters, and utilizing financial, monetary, scientific, technological, and industrial policies comprehensively to encourage long-term investment from financial capital in early-stage and small core technology companies.Additionally, Xi emphasized the importance of attracting outstanding overseas talent. He stated, "We must actively leverage opportunities for global talent mobility," urging the recruitment of young researchers and research teams from abroad while maintaining a balance between scientific and technological development and ethics.During the National Science and Technology Awards ceremony, Xi personally awarded the top prize to Chen Liquian, known as the 'Father of China's Lithium Battery,' and to Fan De, an authority in military aviation radar.The National Science and Technology Award is the highest honor given by the Chinese government to scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology, established in 2000. To date, 39 individuals have received the award, which is seen as a 'barometer' of China's strategic technology development direction.This year's recipient, Fan De, is recognized as the founder of China's airborne pulse Doppler radar technology and a pioneer in phased array radar technology. He led the development of China's first airborne pulse Doppler fire control radar and large long-range phased array early warning radar, laying the foundation for the development of China's land, sea, air, and space-based early warning systems.Military expert Song Zhongping commented to the Global Times that this year's awardees reflect China's policy direction, which emphasizes independent innovation in key technologies directly related to national security. Notably, recent awardees have increasingly included researchers in strategic technologies linked to defense and security, such as Cheng Kaijia, who led nuclear weapon development, and Yu Min, known as the 'Father of Explosives,' among others. 2026-07-09 11:20:00
  • KFTC Approves Mirae Assets Acquisition of Korbit, Marking First Case of Financial Group Buying Crypto Exchange
    KFTC Approves Mirae Asset's Acquisition of Korbit, Marking First Case of Financial Group Buying Crypto Exchange The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has approved Mirae Asset Consulting's acquisition of Korbit, marking the first instance of a financial group subsidiary purchasing a cryptocurrency exchange. This move is expected to contribute to improving the monopolistic structure of the cryptocurrency exchange market, where the top two companies hold a 97% market share.On July 9, the KFTC determined that the acquisition would not significantly restrict competition in the relevant market and granted approval for the merger. The review focused on Mirae Asset Consulting's acquisition of a 92.06% stake in Korbit for 133.4 billion won. Mirae Asset Consulting primarily generates revenue from its non-financial subsidiary, which operates hotels, while Korbit is the operator of the cryptocurrency exchange of the same name.The KFTC assessed that the acquisition would result in two mixed mergers and examined whether the integration of Mirae Asset Securities' stock investment platform with Korbit's cryptocurrency exchange could potentially exclude other competitors. The commission also considered whether the launch of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on cryptocurrencies might lead to the exclusion of competing businesses.The KFTC concluded that both mixed mergers posed minimal competition concerns, as Korbit's market share is only 0.5%, making it unlikely to create monopolistic effects. In fact, last year, the market share based on domestic cryptocurrency trading volume showed a duopoly structure, with Upbit holding approximately 69% and Bithumb at 28%.The lack of liquidity in Korbit was also a factor in the merger approval review. The KFTC noted that Korbit's limited liquidity would not generate significant anti-competitive effects.The characteristics of the domestic cryptocurrency market were also taken into account. Individual investors in South Korea tend to gravitate toward larger exchanges with narrower bid-ask spreads, making it difficult for Korbit to disrupt the market. Instead, the analysis suggests that the acquisition could aid in improving the monopolistic structure.This merger is expected to be a significant milestone that could reshape the domestic cryptocurrency market, as one of the five major exchanges has now been integrated into a large financial group.A KFTC official stated, "This merger is expected to promote the restructuring of the digital financial market and service innovation, ultimately contributing to improving the monopolistic structure of the cryptocurrency exchange market and enhancing competition. We will continue to closely monitor the development of the digital asset market through the convergence of different industries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:20:00
  • K Banks Cumulative Loans to Individual Business Owners Exceed 5.19 Trillion Won
    K Bank's Cumulative Loans to Individual Business Owners Exceed 5.19 Trillion Won 케이뱅크의 개인사업자 대출 누적 공급액이 올해 6월말 기준 5조1900억원을 기록했다고 9일 밝혔다.2022년 관련 상품 출시 이후 연도별 공급액은 2022년 2600억원에서 지난해 1조8400억원으로 확대됐으며 올해 상반기에만 1조5200억원이 공급됐다. 이는 지난해 연간 공급액의 약 82% 수준으로 반 년 만에 작년 연간 공급액에 육박하는 실적을 기록한 것이다.부동산담보대출과 보증서대출 확대에 힘입어 개인사업자 여신 잔액 중 보증·담보대출 비중은 올 6월말 기준 45% 수준까지 높아졌다. 부동산담보대출은 은행연합회 공시 기준 올해 5월말 잔액 평균 금리가 연 3.49%로 은행권 최저 수준을 기록했다.이 같은 흐름에 힘입어 케이뱅크 전체 원화대출금 중 기업대출 비중은 2024년말 7%에서 올해 6월말 17%로 두 배 이상 확대됐다. 케이뱅크는 개인사업자 금융 지원을 더욱 강화해 나간다는 계획이다. 오는 14일부터는 보증서대출 건당 한도를 기존 1억원에서 최대 2억원으로 두 배 상향한다.올해 3분기 중에는 담보 대상을 기존 아파트에서 연립·다세대주택·오피스텔·상가까지 넓히고 지원 용도도 운전자금에서 시설자금까지 확대할 예정이다. 내년에는 중소법인 대상 대출 서비스를 출시하며 기업금융 영역을 본격화할 계획이다. 케이뱅크는 최근 중소법인 여신 시스템 구축 사업에 착수하며 고도화에도 속도를 내고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 11:20:00