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  • World Cup Golden Boot Race Heats Up with Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, and Kane
    World Cup Golden Boot Race Heats Up with Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, and Kane The competition for the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup trophy has narrowed to eight teams, intensifying the race for the Golden Boot among the world's top scorers.Currently, Lionel Messi of Argentina leads the scoring race with 8 goals, while Kylian Mbappe of France, Erling Haaland of Norway, and Harry Kane of England are in hot pursuit.Messi, who scored in Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, has now netted in nine consecutive World Cup matches, setting a remarkable record. This goal also marked his 21st career World Cup goal.Messi is responsible for taking penalties and set pieces for the Argentina national team, and with most of the team's attacking plays flowing through him, he is expected to add to his tally in the remaining tournament matches.Mbappe and Haaland are both tied for second place with 7 goals each. The 2022 Qatar World Cup Golden Boot winner, Mbappe, is aiming for a historic second consecutive Golden Boot, showcasing his speed and finishing ability. He has scored in every match except for the group stage game against Norway, where he provided 2 assists in a 4-1 win.Support from key teammates bolsters their chances. Michael Olise leads the tournament with 5 assists, while Ousmane Dembele has contributed 6 attacking points (4 goals, 2 assists), enhancing Mbappe's hopes for a repeat.Haaland, making his World Cup debut, is also a strong contender for the Golden Boot. He has scored in all four matches he has played, including a brace in the Round of 16 against Brazil, which ended 2-1.Haaland's scoring efficiency is impressive, with 18 shots taken across four matches. He averages 4.5 shots per 90 minutes, ranking 14th overall, but boasts 3 effective shots, placing him third. His conversion rate for effective shots is an astounding 67%, with a goal scored for every 1.7 effective shots.Following closely is England's Kane with 6 goals. He scored the decisive penalty in England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, marking his 14th World Cup goal and surpassing the late Pele's total of 12, placing him joint fifth on the all-time World Cup scoring list.Kane, who is also the designated penalty taker for his team, has a tactical advantage in the Golden Boot race. His role as a '9.5' allows him to operate between the front line and midfield, creating opportunities for teammates like Jude Bellingham to score, which has eased defensive pressure on him.With the quarterfinal matchups set, key showdowns among Golden Boot contenders are on the horizon. Notably, the quarterfinal clash between England and Norway on July 12 in Miami will see Kane and Haaland face off directly. The outcome of this single-elimination match will determine if either player can continue to add to their scoring tally, making it a pivotal moment in the race for the Golden Boot.The competition for the assist leader is also heating up, with Olise being pursued by Brahim Diaz of Morocco, who has 4 assists. Both players will compete in the quarterfinal match between France and Morocco on July 10 in Boston.In total, the quarterfinals of the North America World Cup feature six European nations (France, Spain, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway), one South American nation (Argentina), and one African nation (Morocco). All four quarterfinal matches will take place in the United States, including Spain vs. Belgium on July 11 in Los Angeles and Argentina vs. Switzerland on July 12 in Kansas City.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:04:00
  • Han Byeong-do Warns of Action Against Boycotting Opposition Party
    Han Byeong-do Warns of Action Against Boycotting Opposition Party Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, warned on July 9 that if the People Power Party continues its boycott in response to the formation of the National Assembly's second half, he will take decisive action for a functioning legislature. He also criticized Jang Dong-hyuk, who participated in a protest holding a sign denouncing President Lee Jae-myung, calling it "an utterly lowly act."During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly, Han stated, "The National Assembly Act stipulates that a plenary session should be held every Thursday. The Democratic Party strongly requested National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik to convene a plenary session today to process pending livelihood bills. However, the People Power Party's refusal to cooperate has delayed the processing of these important bills once again."Han condemned the People Power Party for staging a picket protest in front of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee meeting room on July 8, where a bill aimed at abolishing supplementary investigative powers was being discussed. He remarked, "The People Power Party gathered the day before at the committee meeting room to disrupt the proceedings with protests and press conferences. Some members even attempted to forcefully enter the meeting room, causing chaos. Shouldn't they at least refrain from obstructing the work of the Assembly?"He specifically referenced President Lee's statement that "one hour of the president's time is equivalent to one hour for the 51.6 million citizens of South Korea," asserting, "The time wasted by the People Power Party is precious time for 50 million citizens. There is a limit to enduring a strike without justification."Han emphasized, "If the People Power Party continues its work stoppage, the Democratic Party will make responsible decisions and take action to create a functioning National Assembly."Additionally, he pointed out Jang Dong-hyuk's recent appearance holding a sign criticizing President Lee, stating, "The politics of lowly insults have gone too far. This is an utterly disrespectful act towards the head of state." He added, "Using the head of state for political gain and personal survival is a disgraceful form of politics. The one who is creating a dictatorial political environment through unprecedented disciplinary actions is Jang himself."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:04:00
  • May Fiscal Deficit Reaches 54.2 Trillion Won; Central Government Debt Exceeds 1,345 Trillion Won
    May Fiscal Deficit Reaches 54.2 Trillion Won; Central Government Debt Exceeds 1,345 Trillion Won As of May this year, the management fiscal balance recorded a deficit of 54.2 trillion won. During the same period, central government debt surpassed 1,340 trillion won, increasing by more than 70 trillion won compared to the end of last year.According to the 'Monthly Fiscal Trends for July' released by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance on July 9, the management fiscal balance for May showed a deficit of 54.2 trillion won, a decrease of 6.8 billion won from the same period last year.The management fiscal balance is an indicator of the government's actual financial status, calculated by excluding social security fund balances from the consolidated fiscal balance. The consolidated fiscal balance for May recorded a deficit of 23.4 trillion won, while the social security fund balance showed a surplus of 30.8 trillion won.From January to May, total revenue accumulated to 330 trillion won, an increase of 50.2 trillion won compared to the previous year. This rise was attributed to a 27.5 trillion won increase in national tax revenue, along with a 15.1 trillion won increase in fund revenue and a 7.6 trillion won increase in non-tax revenue.National tax revenue increased primarily due to rises in income tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax. The largest increase in tax revenue over the past year was in income tax, which rose by 9 trillion won, followed by value-added tax at 4.5 trillion won, securities transaction tax at 4.1 trillion won, and corporate tax at 3.9 trillion won.A representative from the Ministry of Strategy and Finance stated, "The increase in performance bonuses has led to a rise in labor income tax, and the increase in real estate transactions has also boosted capital gains tax. Additionally, improved corporate performance due to favorable semiconductor conditions has enhanced corporate tax revenue compared to the previous year, and the increase in securities transaction volume has expanded related tax revenue."As of May, cumulative non-tax revenue reached 20 trillion won, primarily driven by property income (5.7 trillion won) and current transfer income (400 billion won). During the same period, fund revenue was recorded at 105.1 trillion won.Total expenditure from January to May amounted to 353.3 trillion won, an increase of 38.1 trillion won compared to the previous year, with a progress rate of 46.9% reported.As of the end of May, central government debt increased by 23.6 trillion won from the previous month, reaching 1,345.2 trillion won. Compared to December of last year, the balance of government bonds increased by 72.6 trillion won, and the balance of foreign exchange stabilization fund bonds rose by 4.7 trillion won. However, the balance of housing bonds decreased by 200 billion won, resulting in a net increase of 77.1 trillion won in central government debt compared to the end of last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:04:00
  • People Power Party Calls for Investigation into Stock Market Turmoil
    People Power Party Calls for Investigation into Stock Market Turmoil 국민의힘은 9일 이틀 연속 폭락한 국내 증시와 관련해 "증시를 도박판으로 만든 주범은 단일 종목 레버리지 ETF"라며 "청와대부터 금융위원회, 금융감독원, 증권사까지 레버리지 ETF 도입 과정을 철저하게 파헤쳐야 한다"고 주장했다. 장동혁 대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 최고위원회의에서 "(증시가) 급등과 급락을 반복하면서 반대 매매의 공포가 엄습하고 있다"며 이같이 말했다. 장 대표는 "이재명 정권과 더불어민주당이 온 나라를 파랗게 물들이려고 하더니 이제 급기야 증시까지 파랗게 질려버렸다"며 "블랙 투스데이에 이어 블랙 웬즈데이, 이러다가 블랙 에브리데이가 되지 않을까 걱정"이라고 꼬집었다. 이어 "어제는 코스피와 코스닥 모두 매도 사이드카가 발동됐고, 주가는 양쪽 모두 5% 넘게 급락했다"며 "미국 월스트리트저널은 파티가 끝나면 대부분의 손실은 개인 투자자들의 몫이라며 한국 증시가 오징어 게임이 되고 있다고 경고했다. 결국 가장 큰 피해자는 이재명 정부의 말을 믿고 빚투에 나선 개미 투자자들"이라고 우려했다. 그는 "우리 증시 특성상 반도체에 돈이 몰리고 변동성이 커질 것은 굳이 전문가가 아니어도 충분히 알 수 있었다. 그런데도 지방선거 앞두고 김용범 청와대 정책실장이 앞장서서 밀어붙였다"며 "금융위는 즉각 허용했고, 불과 네 달 뒤 선거 목전에 상품이 출시됐다. 국민 노후자산인 국민연금까지 증시 부양에 무리하게 동원됐다"고 지적했다. 그러면서 "결국 선거용이었고, 대통령의 지시 없이는 할 수 없는 일들"이라며 "감사원이 금융위와 금감원을 대상으로 감사에 착수했다고 한다. 감사가 아니라 수사를 해야 한다"고 강조했다. 정점식 원내대표도 "주가지수가 떨어진 것보다 더 큰 문제는 비정상적인 변동성"이라며 "주식 시장이 코인판을 넘어 카지노 도박판이 됐다는 말이 결코 과장이 아니다"고 비판했다. 정 원내대표는 "이재명 정부의 무리한 부동산 시장 개입 정책이 매매, 전세, 월세 트리플 폭등을 야기한 것처럼 주식 시장 개입이 주식 시장을 비정상적인 도박판으로 만든 것"이라며 "이제라도 코스피 수치를 본인들 실력의 결과처럼 자랑하기보다는 무리한 시장 개입 없이 과도한 레버리지 투자와 특정 종목 쏠림 현상을 해소하기 위한 주식 안정화에 정책의 초점을 두길 바란다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:00:00
  • Musk Launches Grok 4.5 Targeting Enterprise AI Market
    Musk Launches 'Grok 4.5' Targeting Enterprise AI Market Elon Musk's artificial intelligence (AI) company, SpaceXAI, has unveiled its new AI model, 'Grok 4.5.' The model focuses on coding and task automation, aiming at the enterprise AI tools market.According to Reuters on July 8, SpaceXAI introduced Grok 4.5 as "the most intelligent AI system" in its lineup.Grok 4.5 is optimized for automation tasks that involve coding, knowledge work, and executing user instructions in multiple stages.This model was trained in collaboration with the AI coding tool Cursor. Last month, SpaceXAI announced plans to acquire Cursor's developer, Anisphere, in a stock exchange deal valued at $60 billion.Performance-wise, Grok 4.5 has reached levels comparable to leading models in certain coding metrics.According to data released by SpaceXAI, Grok 4.5 scored 83.3% on the Terminal-Bench 2.1, which evaluates coding capabilities based on command input. This score is similar to GPT-5.5's 83.4% and higher than Claude Opus 4.8's 78.9%.However, it did not outperform all competing models in every evaluation. In the SWE-Bench Pro, which assesses actual software problem-solving abilities, Grok 4.5 scored lower than Claude Opus 4.8 but higher than GPT-5.5.The pricing for Grok 4.5 is set lower than its competitors. The usage fee is $2 per million input tokens and $6 per million output tokens. Tokens are the basic units used by AI to process sentences. In comparison, Claude Opus 4.8 charges $5 for input and $25 for output.SpaceXAI stated, "Grok 4.5 can be utilized not only for coding but also for creating Excel models, PowerPoint charts, and Word documents."This model will be available through Grok Build, Cursor, and developer service screens, starting mid-July in the European Union.Musk noted on X (formerly Twitter) that "Grok 4.5 is an Opus-level model but faster, more token-efficient, and lower in cost."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 10:00:00
  • President Yoon Attends Korea-Mongolia Business Forum with Major Retailers
    President Yoon Attends Korea-Mongolia Business Forum with Major Retailers President Lee Jae-myung attended the 'Korea-Mongolia Business Forum' in Ulaanbaatar on July 9, local time, alongside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.According to a written briefing from Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, the forum is co-hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KOTRA, and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry overseeing the event. More than 300 representatives from both governments and businesses are expected to participate.From South Korea, major companies including LS, POSCO, GS Retail, E-Mart, and LG CNS will be represented, while Mongolia will have key firms such as MCS Group, Tavan Bogd Group, and MAK (Mongolyn Alt) Group attending, focusing on sectors like critical minerals, retail, and finance.Business leaders at the forum will discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.Notable attendees from South Korea include Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Holdings; Jang In-hwa, Chairman of POSCO Holdings; Lee Hyung-hee, Vice Chairman of SK; Hyun Shin-kyun, President of LG CNS; Heo Seo-hong, CEO of GS Retail; Han Chae-yang, CEO of E-Mart; Hong Jeong-guk, Vice Chairman of BGF Retail; Jang Byeong-ho, CEO of Hanwha Investment & Securities; and Yoon Ho-young, CEO of Kakao Bank, totaling over 180 participants.From the Mongolian side, over 120 representatives will include Odbayar, Chairman of MCS Group; Baatarsaihan, Chairman of Tavan Bogd Group; Chelmuun, Chairman of MAK Group; Batusig, Chairman of Sky Hypermarket; and Munkhtuya, representative of Khan Bank.In his opening remarks, President Lee is expected to emphasize the importance of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in critical minerals and infrastructure.Additionally, the forum will facilitate the signing of private memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in areas such as critical minerals, energy, retail, and digital sectors, under the supervision of Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan and relevant Mongolian ministers.As a side event, an export consultation meeting will also take place, featuring participation from over 20 South Korean companies and more than 40 Mongolian firms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 09:52:00
  • SK Hynix Shares Surge Over 7% Ahead of ADR Listing
    SK Hynix Shares Surge Over 7% Ahead of ADR Listing SK Hynix shares have rebounded more than 7% in early trading as global investor interest surges ahead of its American Depositary Receipt (ADR) listing. The stock, which fell below 2 million won in the previous day's NextTrade after-market, has recovered to the 2.2 million won range within a day.As of 9:36 a.m. on July 9, SK Hynix was trading at 2,228,000 won, up 152,000 won (7.32%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.Market analysts believe that the upcoming ADR offering on July 10 (local time) on the Nasdaq Global Select Market has improved investor sentiment. According to Bloomberg, the SK Hynix ADR offering has seen demand exceeding seven times the available shares, indicating strong interest from global long-term investors and sovereign wealth funds.The SK Hynix ADR, listed under the ticker 'SKHYV', will begin provisional trading on July 10 and transition to regular trading on July 13.Analysts expect the ADR listing to trigger a reevaluation of the company's value. Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, stated, "The upcoming U.S. ADR listing on July 10 is expected to enhance accessibility for global investors, leading to a simultaneous reevaluation of the U.S. ADR and the Korean stock's valuation."He added, "When TSMC listed its ADR in the U.S. in 1997, it created a premium for the ADR compared to the home stock, leading to a virtuous cycle of price differences being exploited through conversion and arbitrage trading. A similar reevaluation trend is likely for SK Hynix between its U.S. ADR and Korean stock."Kim also forecasted that memory prices in the second half of the year would exceed market expectations, noting that SK Hynix shares, currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 4.5, have significant upward potential, and the semiconductor rally is not over yet.Additionally, the rebound in U.S. semiconductor stocks and recent buying interest following price drops have contributed to the rise in SK Hynix's stock price.Earlier, SK Hynix's stock fell below the 2 million won mark in the previous day's NextTrade after-market. However, it successfully rebounded in early trading today, recovering to the 2.2 million won range.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 09:52:00
  • Lee arrives in Ulaanbaatar for summit with Mongolian president
    Lee arrives in Ulaanbaatar for summit with Mongolian president SEOUL, July 9 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Ulaanbaatar on Thursday after concluding his visit to Ankara, Türkiye for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit. Lee is set to hold a summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, marking the first time in 15 years that a South Korean leader has visited Mongolia on a state visit. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on supply chains for critical minerals. The resource-rich country is known for its reserves of key minerals. After their talks, the two leaders will issue a joint press statement outlining a future vision for bilateral ties. Later in the day, Lee will deliver a keynote address at a business forum, where government and business officials from both countries will discuss economic cooperation. The following day, Lee will visit a memorial hall honoring independence activist Lee Tae-jun, who practiced medicine there, and hold a luncheon meeting with South Korean residents living in Mongolia. He is also scheduled to meet with Mongolia's parliament speaker Sandag Byambatsogt and Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral and attend a state banquet hosted by the Mongolian president. On Friday, the final day of his visit, Lee will attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's largest traditional festival, as the guest of honor before returning home on Saturday. 2026-07-09 09:49:01
  • Hana Financials Home Pension Surpasses 330 Billion Won in First Year
    Hana Financial's 'Home Pension' Surpasses 330 Billion Won in First Year 하나금융그룹의 민간 주택연금 상품인 '하나더넥스트 내집연금'이 출시 1년 만에 총 가입금액 3300억원을 넘어섰다. 하나금융그룹은 지난 8일 서울 중구 명동사옥에서 민간 주택연금 상품인 '하나더넥스트 내집연금' 출시 1주년 기념 '내집연금 손님 감사의 날' 행사를 개최하고 이 같은 성과를 냈다고 9일 밝혔다. 행사에는 함영주 하나금융그룹 회장을 비롯한 그룹 임직원과 내집연금 가입 고객 50여명이 참석했다. '하나더넥스트 내집연금'은 지난해 5월 출시된 민간 주택연금 상품으로, 하나은행의 담보신탁과 하나생명의 종신연금 기능을 결합한 그룹 협업 모델이다. 연금 수령액이 주택 가치를 초과하더라도 평생 연금을 지급하는 구조를 적용한 것이 특징이다. 또한 하나금융은 지난 4월 재건축·재개발 사업이 진행 중인 주택까지 가입 대상을 확대하고, 연금 수령 한도를 5억 원·7억 원·10억 원·13억 원·15억 원 등으로 세분화해 고객 맞춤형 설계를 강화했다. 가입 대상은 가입자와 배우자 중 연소자 기준 만 55세 이상으로, 2년 이상 보유한 주택에 실거주하는 조건을 충족해야 한다. 현재까지 누적 가입자는 260여명으로, 가입자의 평균 연령은 76세였다. 최고령 가입자는 92세로 집계됐다. 함 회장은 "소중한 노후 자산을 믿고 맡겨주신 고객들에게 감사드린다"며 "앞으로도 든든한 노후와 행복한 미래를 함께하는 금융 동반자가 될 수 있도록 최선을 다하겠다"고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-09 09:36:00
  • SK AX rolls out full-stack robotics service to build self-running factories
    SK AX rolls out full-stack robotics service to build self-running factories SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - SK AX announced it is launching a full-stack robotics service designed to steer South Korean manufacturers toward autonomous factories that can sense, decide and act on their own. The push, branded "Manufacturing RX" for robot transformation, aims to tackle chronic labor shortages and sagging productivity on factory floors by knitting robots, manufacturing execution systems and equipment data into a single, self-directing operation. SK AX's service spans the entire journey, from virtual vetting before a single robot is deployed to on-site autonomous control and plant-wide orchestration, with a digital twin first recreating floor plans. It later moves onto equipment layouts and material flows in a virtual space, running thousands of driving and task scenarios to flag collisions, bottlenecks and charging schedules in advance. Robots then run on physical AI built on a "vision-language-action" model, letting them read unexpected obstacles and adjust on the fly rather than repeat fixed motions. SK AX said it is already validating the digital-twin and robot-control systems in the semiconductor industry and is extending the projects into shipbuilding, with plans to widen the service to other sectors using proven pilot models. "The robot transformation of manufacturing is no longer about simply buying hardware but about the operational capability to keep robots running reliably and connected to the whole factory," said Kim Kwang-soo, head of SK AX's manufacturing service division, adding the company would help clients evolve into autonomous factories that never stop. 2026-07-09 09:33:23