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  • L&F Accelerates Precursor Localization with LS; Commercial Production Set for Q4
    L&F Accelerates Precursor Localization with LS; Commercial Production Set for Q4 L&F is accelerating its precursor localization efforts in partnership with LS Group. L&F announced on July 9 that it has completed the establishment of a 40,000-ton annual NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) precursor production facility within the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex through its joint venture, LS-L&F Battery Solutions (LLBS), and is preparing for commercial operations in the fourth quarter of this year. The precursor is a key intermediate material that constitutes a significant portion of the cost of cathode materials. Currently, the domestic battery industry relies heavily on Chinese precursors, raising concerns about supply chain stability and price competitiveness. Once LLBS begins full operations, L&F will complete its vertical integration value chain from precursor to cathode materials. This will enable the company to manage the entire value chain from raw material procurement to production, leading to cost reductions and improved profitability. The electric vehicle (xEV) market is showing signs of gradual recovery, while the energy storage system (ESS) market has entered a phase of structural growth. In this environment, the stability of the battery materials supply chain and the ability to respond to regulations are key evaluation factors for major customers. Establishing a Non-PFE (non-prohibited foreign entity) based precursor supply chain through LLBS is expected to significantly enhance L&F's responsiveness to global customers, particularly in North America and Europe. This is anticipated to positively impact future order expansion and diversification of the customer portfolio. Despite a slowdown in the electric vehicle market, L&F has maintained a high operating rate and continues to show stable performance improvements. The localization of precursors will further reduce external dependencies and strengthen the stability of its business structure. Heo Je-hong, CEO of L&F, stated, "LLBS plays a crucial role in our mid- to long-term growth strategy, providing a foundation for securing both cost competitiveness and supply chain stability. We plan to build a production system that connects raw materials, precursors, and cathode materials through collaboration with LS MnM, continuously enhancing our competitive edge in the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:44:00
  • Pakistan Urges US and Iran to Honor MOU Amid Tensions
    Pakistan Urges US and Iran to Honor MOU Amid Tensions Pakistan, which has been mediating ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, has urged both countries to exercise restraint. Following recent military clashes over control of the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan called on both sides to adhere to their commitments under the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU).On July 9, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated, "All parties must comply with their commitments under the Islamabad MOU." The ministry emphasized, "Actions that undermine regional peace and stability should be avoided, and there is no alternative to continued cooperation, dialogue, and diplomacy."This statement came shortly after the US and Iran clashed again over issues related to the control of the Strait of Hormuz and commercial shipping. The US reported that Iran attacked a commercial vessel passing through the Strait, prompting airstrikes on Iranian positions in the south. Iran, in turn, claimed to have targeted US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.The military confrontations have cast doubt on the follow-up negotiations scheduled to resume in Pakistan on July 11. Earlier, Al Arabiya reported, citing sources, that the talks were expected to resume after the funeral proceedings of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of Iran.Initially, the two countries aimed to halt hostile actions and normalize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz through this agreement. Pakistan has been playing a mediating role between the US and Iran since March. Although the two sides did not reach an agreement during their first ceasefire talks in April, they signed the MOU last month after indirect negotiations facilitated by Pakistan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:44:00
  • AI Agents to Support Daily Life, Says Ryu Je-myung at AI Ecosystem Forum
    AI Agents to Support Daily Life, Says Ryu Je-myung at AI Ecosystem Forum "AI agents will support the daily lives of all citizens and create an AI society where no one is left behind," said Ryu Je-myung, the Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, on July 9 at the ABC Launch Celebration AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.Ryu expressed his heartfelt congratulations on the launch of AI-focused broadcasting network ABC and stated, "I am pleased to be part of this meaningful event, the AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum."He noted that global competition in AI is expanding into an investment race. "Currently, the global AI competition has escalated into an astronomical investment competition," Ryu explained, adding that the combined investment in AI infrastructure by the four major U.S. tech companies—Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta—amounts to approximately 1,000 trillion won. He emphasized that the future industrial hegemony will ultimately depend on who secures leadership in AI technology.Ryu assessed that South Korea's AI competitiveness is rapidly increasing. According to the Stanford AI Index, South Korea ranks third in the world for the number of AI models, moving up one spot from last year. He pointed out that AI is quickly spreading into daily life, industries, and public sectors. He mentioned applications ranging from countering voice phishing in telecommunications to semiconductor production at SK Hynix, as well as expanding overseas collaborations with global companies like NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind.To support this competitiveness, Ryu highlighted the establishment of a regulatory framework, stating, "We have laid the institutional groundwork for the AI ecosystem through the implementation of the AI Basic Act and the enactment of the Special Act on AI Data Centers."He announced plans to elevate AI competitiveness further through three major mega projects. Ryu stated, "We will cultivate the southwestern semiconductor and Chungcheong advanced packaging clusters into global industrial hubs and establish a Korean-style AI industrial ecosystem that organically combines semiconductors, AI, and physical AI."The government aims to strengthen AI competitiveness focusing on AI infrastructure, AI model competitiveness, and next-generation AI. Ryu mentioned, "We are preparing to establish a public-private joint venture special purpose company (SPC) for the construction of a national AI computing center, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic neural processing units (NPUs) and localizing key equipment for AI data centers to create a domestic AI data center ecosystem."He added, "We will invest more boldly to secure world-class AI models and strengthen investments in next-generation AI technologies, such as agentic AI, to become a country that leads and rapidly utilizes the future AI market."Ryu also emphasized the government's commitment to advancing the 'Everyone's AI' project without delay this year. He stated, "We will promote the 'Everyone's AI' project so that all citizens can learn AI as they do with Korean and arithmetic, and use it like a calculator, opening the era of one AI agent per person."Ryu concluded by asserting, "South Korea is a country with semiconductor manufacturing capabilities that the world envies, continuous innovation, excellent talent, and a dynamic market. We will not just follow the AI era but will create a new industrial order." He expressed hope that the AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum would be a meaningful opportunity to discuss the direction of South Korea's AI ecosystem development. 2026-07-09 10:40:00
  • Gmarket CEO James Chang Confirms Long-Term Growth Potential as Transaction Volume Rebounds
    Gmarket CEO James Chang Confirms Long-Term Growth Potential as Transaction Volume Rebounds Gmarket has successfully rebounded its transaction volume in the first half of this year. Following its strategy announced last year to double its gross merchandise volume (GMV) within five years, the company expanded investments targeting both customers and sellers, resulting in positive growth for the first time in four years.According to Gmarket, the transaction volume in the second quarter continued to show an increase compared to the previous year, maintaining the upward trend from the first quarter. For the first half of the year, Gmarket recorded growth in transaction volume for the first time in four years. This metric is considered a key indicator of platform influence and competitiveness in the e-commerce market.Notably, the Gmarket site experienced significant growth, with its first-half transaction volume increasing by 14% year-on-year, driving the overall performance rebound.Customer metrics also improved. The average monthly purchase amount per customer increased by 12% compared to the previous year, indicating a rise in platform usage among more affluent customers.The seller base has also expanded. As of July 1, the number of Gmarket sellers reached 660,000, a 5% increase from the same period last year. Revenue-generating sellers with monthly sales exceeding 50 million won also grew by 6%. Gmarket's annual investment policy of 500 billion won, which includes full support for large promotional coupon costs and the elimination of seller discount coupon fees, appears to have contributed to this seller growth.The global cross-border business is also on the rise. Since launching related services last year, Gmarket's cross-border transaction volume in the first half of this year has more than doubled compared to the second half of last year. Currently, over 17,000 sellers are participating, offering 30 million products to the Southeast Asian market.Gmarket plans to accelerate its market share expansion based on transaction volume in the second half of the year. The strategy includes enhancing seller support, advancing its AI-based platform, and increasing customer benefits to boost platform competitiveness. Initially, the company plans to revise its seller fee policy in the third quarter to reduce burdens and strengthen sales competitiveness.James Chang, CEO of Gmarket, stated, "The first half of this year has confirmed the potential for long-term growth through strategic investments that led to a rebound in transaction volume. We will continue to focus on essential needs for customers and sellers rather than short-term results, investing to enhance our future competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:40:00
  • Data Solution Shares Surge Following Major Supply Contract with Samsung SDS
    Data Solution Shares Surge Following Major Supply Contract with Samsung SDS Data Solution has seen its shares rise sharply for two consecutive days, reaching the upper limit of trading after announcing a major supply contract that exceeds four times its revenue from the previous year.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:24 a.m. on July 9, Data Solution's stock was trading at 7,720 won, up 1,780 won (29.97%) from the previous trading day.After closing at the upper limit of 5,940 won the previous day, the stock opened at the upper limit again today. Although it briefly retreated to 6,200 won at 9:04 a.m., buying interest returned, allowing it to recover to the upper limit.The surge in stock price is attributed to the announcement of the large supply contract. Data Solution disclosed that it signed a supply contract worth approximately 438.1 billion won with Samsung SDS after the market closed on July 7.This contract is related to the 'AI Computing Resource Utilization Enhancement Project' promoted by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA). Data Solution plans to sell and install foreign products through Samsung SDS, a cloud service provider.The contract amount is about 4.2 times Data Solution's consolidated revenue of 103.8 billion won last year. In 2022, Data Solution reported revenue of 103.8 billion won and an operating profit of 1.2 billion won. The market capitalization, which was around 742 billion won before the announcement, increased to 964 billion won the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:36:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Enblo Improves Fatty Liver in 67% of Patients
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Enblo Improves Fatty Liver in 67% of Patients Daewoong Pharmaceutical's diabetes drug Enblo (ingredient name: inavogliflozin) has shown improvement in fatty liver indicators in up to 67% of patients.On July 9, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that research confirming the liver steatosis improvement effects of the SGLT-2 inhibitor Enblo was published in the SCI-level international journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.The study analyzed the effects of Enblo on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), which is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes. As the prevalence of fatty liver among diabetes patients has increased, the need for treatments that improve both blood sugar control and liver metabolism has grown.MASLD is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which, if left untreated, can increase the risk of liver disease and cardiovascular issues.The research team conducted a meta-analysis of three clinical trial datasets obtained during the Enblo approval process. They evaluated the treatment effects over 24 weeks in a total of 587 type 2 diabetes patients, measuring the degree of liver fat accumulation using the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI).At the start of the study, nearly half of the patients were found to have fatty liver. The analysis revealed that a higher percentage of patients in the Enblo treatment group showed improved fatty liver indicators compared to the placebo group.Specifically, the number of patients with fatty liver based on HSI criteria decreased from 36 (48.0%) to 12 (16.0%), indicating about a 67% recovery to normal range. Similarly, based on FSI criteria, the number of patients in the at-risk group dropped from 31 (41.3%) to 12 (16.0%), showing approximately 61% improvement.In comparison with the same class drug dapagliflozin, Enblo demonstrated greater improvement, with the fatty liver index decreasing by an additional 1.02 points, entering the normal range.This study is significant as it utilizes existing clinical data for a post-hoc analysis, suggesting for the first time that Enblo may positively impact not only blood sugar control but also the reduction of liver fat accumulation.Professor Jeong In-kyung of the Endocrinology Department at Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital, the corresponding author of the paper, stated, "The results suggest that Enblo can contribute to liver metabolic improvement beyond blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes."Meanwhile, analysts estimate that Daewoong Pharmaceutical's consolidated sales for the second quarter will reach 431.6 billion won, a 6% increase from the same period last year, with operating profit expected to rise 17% to 67.8 billion won. This operating profit is about 45% higher than the market consensus of 46.9 billion won. Compared to the previous quarter, sales are anticipated to increase by 14%, and operating profit by 205%.Park Jong-hyun, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, noted, "Exports to the U.S. for Evolus are expected to continue in the third quarter, leading to profit growth compared to the previous quarter," and projected Daewoong Pharmaceutical's sales and operating profit for the year to be 1.6826 trillion won and 225.9 billion won, respectively.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:32:00
  • LS Electric Targets ASEAN Market with 24/7 Power Solutions
    LS Electric Targets ASEAN Market with 24/7 Power Solutions LS Electric is set to establish a foothold in the ASEAN market, which has a population of 400 million, using Vietnam as its base. The company announced on July 9 that it will participate in 'Elex Vietnam 2026,' taking place from July 15 for three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. At the exhibition, LS Electric will showcase the largest display area among participants, with 16 booths covering 144 square meters. The theme will be 'Building Vietnam's Future with AI-Based Integrated Solutions,' featuring four specialized exhibition halls to present next-generation technologies. In the 'AI Data Center' zone, the company will introduce reliable power supply solutions, including high-capacity Remote Power Panels (RPP) and Continuous Transfer Switches (CTTS) that support 24/7 uninterrupted operation. The 'Digital Transformation (DX)' zone will feature the company's self-developed next-generation AI-based national power grid operation platform, 'K-EMS 2.0,' highlighting real-time stability analysis and large-scale blackout prevention technologies. In the 'Smart Power Management' zone, LS Electric will present transmission and distribution solutions, including transformers and switchgear, while the 'Smart Factory' zone will showcase digital manufacturing innovations such as the digital twin-based factory operation system 'SMI' and edge computing solution 'Edge Hub.' According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity demand in ASEAN has surged by over 60% in the past decade, with an expected annual growth rate of around 5% through 2030. LS Electric plans to position itself as a key partner in the ASEAN power market by emphasizing customized package solutions for data centers, industrial complexes, renewable energy, and smart factories. A representative from LS Electric stated, "ASEAN is a strategic market where investments in data centers, manufacturing growth, and energy transition converge, leading to significant investments in next-generation power infrastructure. We aim to contribute to building a stable power grid in ASEAN through our accumulated power and automation technologies and AI-based integrated solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:32:00
  • New Book Explores the History of Art and Censorship
    New Book Explores the History of Art and Censorship Today's masterpieces were once considered 'crossing the line' paintings. When did people start to accept these works as art rather than obscenity?The new book History of Crossing Boundaries in Art traces the history of art and censorship surrounding nude paintings from the late 19th century modernism era, exploring the precarious boundaries of 'crossing the line' in art.For a long time, Western nude art depicted beautiful and idealized bodies, often wrapped in mythological or religious narratives. However, as modernity emerged, some artists began to express the human body and desires candidly. These works sparked debates at the intersection of art and obscenity, leading to artists facing trials or having their works confiscated.Egon Schiele was arrested in 1912 for creating explicit nude paintings. His works, which openly revealed distorted human forms and raw sexual desires, were even burned in court. Yet, what was once labeled 'pornographic' has now been elevated to masterpieces of modern art, displayed in major museums worldwide and sold for millions of dollars.The book features stories of artists such as Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Édouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Amedeo Modigliani. Despite being arrested, ridiculed, and targeted by collective violence, they did not abandon their artistic beliefs. The book vividly illustrates how their works gradually gained freedom and became immortal.Author Lee Ji-ho notes that the boundaries between art and obscenity have changed over time, but ultimately, it is people who define those boundaries. While judges and religious figures once held this power, today, platform regulations and algorithms also serve as new standards of censorship. He emphasizes that 'the criteria for censorship are still determined and applied by human judgment' and poses the question, 'What perspective should we adopt?'"In 1857, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom faced a new 'artistic problem' when she entered the sculpture gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London. More precisely, she encountered a pair of enormous testicles and a drooping penis on the plaster sculpture 'David.' This 'too human anatomy' was excessively explicit for the queen, who valued chastity and restraint, as well as for the moral standards of the Victorian era. The solution was surprisingly simple: a detachable 'fig leaf' sculpture was created to cover 'David's genitals.' This artificial leaf was carefully placed over the artwork whenever the royal family visited the museum." (Chapter 1: The Birth of Obscenity, Who Decides What is Obscene?)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:32:00
  • Jokyung-tae Criticizes Jang Dong-hyuk as Most Severe Offender in Party
    Jokyung-tae Criticizes Jang Dong-hyuk as Most Severe Offender in Party Jokyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party, criticized Jang Dong-hyuk on July 9, stating, "The person who has committed the most severe offenses is Representative Jang Dong-hyuk."In an interview on YTN Radio's 'Jang Seong-cheol's News Myungdang,' he questioned, "Does someone who defends a leader of insurrection and silences party members and lawmakers have the qualifications to be party leader?"Jokyung-tae reportedly made calls to various lawmakers after losing to Park Deok-heum in the party's vice speaker election in May, suggesting that Park should be defeated. Although Park was ultimately elected as vice speaker, the party's ethics committee received a request for disciplinary action against Jokyung-tae for his alleged refusal to accept the election results.Jokyung-tae dismissed the allegations of refusing to accept the election results or committing offenses, asserting, "This is a political act and a matter of free expression for politicians. There is no reason to impose disciplinary action for political activities."Regarding Park's comment that "if you dislike the temple, the monk should leave," Jokyung-tae responded, "A true conservative party must uphold the Constitution and follow the rule of law," questioning whether those who defend former President Yoon Suk-yeol have the right to make such statements.When asked if he should have followed the party's stance determined in the internal election, he replied, "There is no need to follow a misguided party stance. There are no regulations that allow for punishment for not adhering to party positions," adding, "If we had followed the party stance, the impeachment of former President Yoon would not have occurred."Meanwhile, Jokyung-tae filed a complaint with the party's ethics committee the previous day, calling for Jang's expulsion and removal from the party. He stated, "Since he said he would step down if he lost in the local elections, he must show accountability," and criticized Jang's remarks about severing ties with Yoon as a challenge to the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:24:00
  • Korea Launches 6000 Won Movie Discount Vouchers to Boost Cinema Attendance
    Korea Launches 6000 Won Movie Discount Vouchers to Boost Cinema Attendance The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council have begun distributing the second batch of 2.05 million '6000 Won Movie Discount Vouchers,' funded by a supplementary budget of 27.1 billion won. Following the release of the first batch on May 1, which led to a 47.9% increase in nationwide box office revenue to 15.9 billion won over the following week, expectations are high for this round as well. Analysts predict that these vouchers will help thaw consumer sentiment and ignite summer box office success. However, whether this initiative can fundamentally transform the film industry remains uncertain.Currently, the biggest barrier for theaters is ticket prices rather than content. Weekend ticket prices at major multiplexes hover around 15,000 won. For a family of four, the cost of tickets alone for a single film can reach 60,000 won. Adding drinks and popcorn can push the total over 100,000 won. Given this context, the impact of the 6000 won discount is significant. Audiences can watch movies for around 9000 won, and when combined with early bird discounts or 'Cultural Day' promotions, the financial burden is further reduced. In fact, the first batch of vouchers sold out quickly, confirming the potential for audience recovery in theaters. For the film ecosystem to thrive, which relies on investment, distribution, and production, audiences must return to cinemas. This is why there are hopes that the current policy will invigorate the market.However, there are several issues that need to be addressed beyond the policy's effectiveness. Firstly, the benefits are likely to concentrate on large multiplexes and commercial films. Most voucher recipients tend to favor accessible multiplexes and popular films. In contrast, independent and art films, as well as regional theaters, may find it difficult to feel the effects of this policy. This raises concerns that public funds may disproportionately benefit certain segments of the market. Critics argue that this approach relies on taxpayer money to support consumption without addressing pricing policies. While the vouchers may temporarily alleviate consumer burdens following a sharp rise in ticket prices during the pandemic, they do not provide a long-term solution. Once the support ends, it is likely that audiences will return to their previous habits.Ultimately, discounts serve as a temporary incentive to draw audiences back to theaters. The sustained ability to keep audiences engaged will depend on the competitiveness and quality of the films themselves. For the distribution of these vouchers to go beyond merely bolstering the revenues of a few large corporations, the multiplex industry must reassess whether the current ticket pricing structure aligns with consumer expectations and make necessary adjustments. The government also needs to consider the post-voucher distribution landscape. It should initiate reforms to address monopolistic practices and promote coexistence with independent and art films, as well as regional theaters. Creating a balanced ecosystem where audiences can access a variety of films is essential for enhancing the sustainability of the film industry. Whether the 27.1 billion won of taxpayer money will result in a one-time expenditure or an investment in the self-sustainability of Korean cinema ultimately hinges on structural reforms in the industry. 2026-07-09 10:16:00