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  • SK Hynix Secures $32 Billion for Rapid Construction of New Semiconductor Facilities
    SK Hynix Secures $32 Billion for Rapid Construction of New Semiconductor Facilities SK Hynix's upcoming Nasdaq listing has generated significant interest in how the company will utilize the approximately 43 trillion won ($32 billion) it expects to raise. The funds will support extensive capital investments in various projects, including the Yongsan semiconductor cluster set to be completed next year, a new advanced packaging plant in Cheongju, and the long-term Southwest project.According to industry reports on July 7, SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipt (ADR) listing scheduled for July 10 has attracted a large number of global institutional investors, marking a successful launch. Bloomberg noted that "global investors are betting on SK Hynix's dominance and growth potential in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market." A significant portion of the raised funds will be directed towards the construction of the Yongsan semiconductor cluster and the new fab in Cheongju. The first investment will go to the Yongsan Phase 1 fab, which is set to open next year. In February, SK Hynix announced an additional investment of 21.6 trillion won. The opening of the first cleanroom has been moved up to February of next year. With final construction underway, the ADR funds are expected to fully mitigate financial risks associated with the procurement of key equipment and initial operational stabilization at the Yongsan fab.Cheongju is also a key investment hub. The M15X new plant, which began mass production in the first half of this year, is expanding its equipment investments from the originally planned 5th generation (1b) DRAM to the 6th generation (1c) DRAM. This expansion is in response to global demand for the upcoming 6th generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) set to ship in the second half of this year. Approximately 12 trillion won will be allocated for the introduction of essential extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment. The advanced packaging dedicated fab, P&T7, is also accelerating its construction with a target completion by the end of next year.Some of the funds will be used as a catalyst for the government's "three mega projects," including the establishment of new semiconductor fabs in the Southwest region. This initiative aims to develop two new memory fabs in Gwangju and Cheongju, along with a next-generation NAND flash hub, with a total investment exceeding 500 trillion won. As a result, the liquidity secured in advance is expected to provide strong backing for these massive projects in the long term.The domestic semiconductor supply chain is also expected to benefit from this initiative. SK Hynix is currently developing a semiconductor collaboration complex with over 50 partner companies within the Yongsan cluster.According to Ahn Gi-hyun, executive director of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, "Securing large-scale funds through foreign investment amid the volatility of the semiconductor market is significant as it ensures long-term investment momentum despite external risks. Timely investment will solidify our leadership in global AI memory."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:16:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: AI Should Be a National Priority, Not a Political Issue
    Jang Dong-hyuk: AI Should Be a National Priority, Not a Political Issue Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on July 8 at the opening ceremony of ABC (AI Business Channel), South Korea's first AI-focused economic broadcasting network, that AI should be approached as a national task rather than a political issue that could divide the country.In his speech, Jang emphasized, "AI has transcended being just a technology; it has become a core driving force that determines national competitiveness and the future of industries." He noted that the world has entered a new competition centered around AI, asserting that AI competitiveness is synonymous with national strength and is crucial for maintaining technological sovereignty.He expressed hope that ABC, which launches at this pivotal time, will serve as a new platform connecting AI technology, industry, policy, and investment, playing a significant role in the development of South Korea's AI ecosystem.Jang further stated, "For South Korea to advance as a leading AI nation, we must cultivate talented individuals, expand related infrastructure such as electricity, and engage in bold research and development and investment, while creating an environment where companies can innovate freely."He also highlighted the importance of fostering a healthy AI ecosystem where technology, industry, finance, and media are interconnected. Jang affirmed that the People Power Party will actively cooperate with government policies aimed at enhancing AI competitiveness, while responsibly addressing shortcomings and proposing better policy alternatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:16:00
  • Cho Jung-sik Celebrates Launch of ABC, Paving New Path for South Koreas AI Ecosystem
    Cho Jung-sik Celebrates Launch of ABC, Paving New Path for South Korea's AI Ecosystem Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed his heartfelt congratulations on the launch of ABC (AI Business Channel) during the '2026 AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum' held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on July 8. He stated, "The launch of ABC, a specialized AI broadcasting channel, marks a significant milestone in South Korea's artificial intelligence ecosystem, bridging newspapers, broadcasting, and telecommunications into a new media platform."In his congratulatory remarks, Cho wished for ABC to become a key platform that connects the global AI landscape with the domestic industry. He expressed hope that the forum would serve as a valuable opportunity to enhance media innovation and the self-sustainability of the AI industry ecosystem.Furthermore, Cho reiterated his congratulations on ABC's strong start and wished for the continued growth of Aju News Corporation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:16:00
  • Chinese Middle School Faces Backlash Over Collection of Parents Personal Information
    Chinese Middle School Faces Backlash Over Collection of Parents' Personal Information A middle school in China is facing controversy for collecting personal information from the parents of incoming students, including their jobs, contact details, and vehicle information such as brand, license plate, and purchase price.According to a report by China Newsweek cited by the South China Morning Post on July 8, Dongying No. 1 Middle School in Shandong Province required parents to provide details about their workplace, position, and vehicle information during the enrollment process. The form included sections for parents' names, workplaces, positions, and mobile phone numbers, specifically asking for the vehicle brand, license plate, and purchase price.The school added a note stating, "This information will be used for internal purposes only. Parents can feel assured when providing this information." However, as the form circulated online, concerns over privacy invasion grew.Chinese netizens expressed outrage, suggesting that the school was attempting to assess parents' economic backgrounds. One user questioned, "Does this mean teachers will treat students differently based on their parents' backgrounds? If not, why collect this information?" Another criticized, "If I write that I am unemployed, will my child sit at the back of the classroom?" Some commenters accused the school of forgetting its mission to nurture students' souls.In response to the escalating controversy, the Dongying Education Bureau issued a statement confirming it was looking into the matter. The education authorities ordered the school to immediately cease collecting such information and to delete any data already gathered.The Dongying Education Bureau stated, "We will take this incident as a lesson and will ensure that all schools in the city are checked for similar activities, prioritizing the protection of students' and parents' privacy."Meanwhile, a netizen who claimed to have graduated from the school reported that he was also asked to provide similar information upon enrollment. He recalled that the school justified the collection of vehicle information as a safety measure.An anonymous school official explained that collecting vehicle license plates was intended to allow parents to park their cars near the school when picking up their children. The official also claimed that the vehicle purchase price was used as a reference for determining financial aid eligibility for low-income students.Despite these explanations, criticism continues. Many question how vehicle license plates and purchase prices are directly related to school safety management and whether the school is excessively probing into families' economic backgrounds.This is not the first instance of privacy concerns regarding personal information collection in Chinese schools. In May, an elementary school in Hubei Province faced backlash for asking students to fill out a survey about their parents' jobs and working conditions, which included questions about whether their work environments were hot, noisy, or smelly, and how many hours they worked each day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:12:00
  • Ants deserting the KOSDAQ nest for chip harvest
    Ants deserting the KOSDAQ nest for chip harvest SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) — The KOSDAQ has long been the playground of Korea's "ants," the moniker in Korea for retail investors, who dominate the country's junior stock market. Now the colony is on the move. The tech-heavy junior market, which recently turned 30, has retreated more than 10 percent so far this year, ranking among the world's weakest performers, while the benchmark KOSPI has surged more than 82 percent. Its sluggish performance owes much to the desertion of its primary players — the ants who have jumped ship to ride the AI wave sweeping the bigger bourse. Individual investors who once chased aggressive returns in biotech, healthcare and other growth stocks on the KOSDAQ are increasingly migrating to large-cap semiconductor bets on the main bourse, drawn by the artificial intelligence boom and newly launched single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Since leveraged ETFs linked to the two chip giants debuted on May 27, the KOSDAQ has set seven new yearly lows. Over the same period, the KOSPI gained 2.3 percent, while the junior market fell 8.8 percent. According to Koscom's ETF CHECK, KODEX KOSDAQ150, the country's largest ETF tracking the KOSDAQ150 index, was down 13.9 percent over the past month as of Wednesday afternoon, underscoring broad weakness across the junior market. The contrast is also visible in long-short strategies. KODEX 200 Long KOSDAQ150 Short Futures, which benefits when large-cap shares outperform the junior market, returned 9.04 percent over the past month. Its mirror strategy, KODEX KOSDAQ150 Long KOSPI200 Short Futures, lost 12.63 percent. The shift extends beyond market performance. Investor deposits — cash held in brokerage accounts for future stock purchases — fell to 112.2 trillion won as of Monday, down from 139.7 trillion won a month earlier and the lowest level in nearly three months. Over the past month, retail investors also turned net sellers of KOSDAQ shares, unloading a net 1.41 trillion won. Trading activity tells the same story. According to Korea Exchange Data Marketplace, total KOSDAQ trading value fell from about 306 trillion won during the 10 trading sessions from May 13 to May 26, immediately before the ETF launch, to 209 trillion won during the following 10 sessions from May 27 to June 11. It declined further to 145 trillion won during the latest 10-session period from June 24 to July 7. Retail trading showed an even sharper contrast. During the first 10 trading sessions after the May 27 launch, retail trading value on the KOSPI rose 4.1 percent from the preceding 10-session period, while retail trading on the KOSDAQ fell 37.9 percent. By the latest comparable period, retail trading on the junior market had dropped 60.6 percent from its pre-launch level, compared with a 28.2 percent decline on the KOSPI. Retail investors account for roughly 79 percent of KOSDAQ trading volume, according to KRX data, making changes in their behavior a key measure of liquidity and sentiment. During the retail-investing boom sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, individual investors accounted for 84 percent to 87 percent of KOSDAQ trading. Traditionally, investors seeking high-risk, high-return opportunities gravitated toward biotechnology, healthcare and other growth companies listed on the KOSDAQ. Leveraged exposure to Korea's two largest semiconductor companies has now provided an alternative: speculative upside backed by strong earnings and the global AI investment boom. Whether the shift proves temporary or structural remains unclear. But as long as retail money remains concentrated in chip-linked products and fresh cash stays thin, a meaningful KOSDAQ recovery may remain elusive. The KOSDAQ closed Wednesday 5.56 percent down at 785, far below its debut at 1,000 points on July 1, 1996. 2026-07-08 17:10:08
  • Jung Jeom-sik: Legal and Institutional Foundations for Global AI Leadership
    Jung Jeom-sik: Legal and Institutional Foundations for Global AI Leadership Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed his congratulations on the launch of Aju News Corporation's AI-focused broadcasting channel, ABC (AI Business Channel), on July 8. He stated, "I will take the lead in establishing a solid legal and institutional foundation so that our companies can lead the global AI competition."During his congratulatory remarks at the '2026 AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum' held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Jung emphasized the need to create an industrial ecosystem where technology, industry, and policy are organically connected to secure South Korea's global competitiveness in the economy and industry.He noted, "Artificial intelligence is now a key factor determining the competitiveness of the media industry," adding that in this era, ABC broadcasting, launched by Aju Economic Daily, will serve as an excellent milestone in expanding South Korea's media and industrial ecosystem through the integration of ultra-precise data analysis and AI technology.Jung also expressed hope that the forum would yield practical solutions for expanding the AI ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:08:00
  • Shinhan Financial Group to Invest 6 Billion Won in Community Economy Over Three Years
    Shinhan Financial Group to Invest 6 Billion Won in Community Economy Over Three Years 신한금융그룹이 지역 사회연대경제에 3년간 60억원을 투자한다. Shinhan Financial Group announced on July 8 that it will invest 6 billion won over three years to support the community solidarity economy, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in Daegu's Dong-gu Ansim Village.Ansim Village, where the agreement ceremony took place, has developed a self-sustaining network of over 20 social economy enterprises and civic groups, including a daycare center, library, café, restaurant, and solar power plant, since residents established a cooperative in 2008.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety praised the village as a model of community-driven development, selecting it as a site for its 'local circular economy construction' innovation project.Through the Shinhan Hope Foundation, Shinhan Financial will invest 2 billion won annually for three years, marking a rare commitment from a private financial group to long-term investment in the community solidarity economy in partnership with the government.The support will focus on three areas: energy efficiency (Energy Impact), business development and job creation for solidarity economy organizations (Base Impact), and public-private collaboration to address community issues (Social Impact).The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Jin Ok-dong, as well as officials from Daegu and Ansim Village, and local residents. They discussed ways to advance the Daegu model of local circular economy during a field meeting.A Shinhan Financial representative stated, "For the solidarity economy to grow, participation from the private sector is essential alongside government support," and expressed commitment to actively collaborate with the Ministry to help the community build a sustainable development foundation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 17:04:00
  • Han Byeong-do: AI Broadcasting ABC to Spark Media Innovation
    Han Byeong-do: AI Broadcasting ABC to Spark Media Innovation Han Byeong-do, acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, stated on October 8 at the '2026 ABC Launch Commemorative AI Ecosystem Innovation Forum' hosted by Aju News Corporation that he expects the AI-focused broadcasting station ABC to be a starting point for media innovation that will expand the horizons of South Korea's AI ecosystem.Speaking at the ABC launch event held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, he remarked, 'AI has established itself as a driving force that determines national competitiveness and reshapes industrial structures.'He emphasized that the media industry is a key sector undergoing structural transformation, with AI technology rapidly applied to news production, distribution, video production, and data analysis. He noted the significance of ABC's launch in this context.Han added, 'I hope today's forum serves as a catalyst for establishing industrial strategies and media innovation models in the AI era.'He also stressed that the Democratic Party will listen to diverse opinions and do its utmost to provide institutional support so that South Korea can lead in the global AI competitive landscape. 2026-07-08 17:04:00
  • President Lee Calls on ABC Broadcasting to Contribute to AI Industry Growth
    President Lee Calls on ABC Broadcasting to Contribute to AI Industry Growth 이재명 대통령은 8일 “ABC 방송이 하루가 다르게 발전하는 AI 기술동향과 깊이 있는 경제지식을 신속하고 정확하게 전달해 대한민국 AI 산업 생태계 확장과 정보 격차 해소에 기여해 주기를 기대한다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 이날 서울 더플라자호텔 그랜드볼룸에서 열린 ABC 개국 기념행사에서 축사를 통해 “이런 중차대한 시기에 대한민국 경제와 첨단산업의 새로운 눈과 귀가 되어줄 AI 전문 경제방송 ABC가 출범하게 된 것을 매우 뜻깊게 생각한다”며 이같이 말했다.이 대통령은 “정부는 거대한 변화의 파도 앞에서 대한민국을 초격차 산업강국으로 도약시키기 위해 총력을 다하고 있다”며 “인공지능 혁명을 통해 일궈낸 성장의 과실이 국민의 삶을 더 나아지게 하는 데 쓰일 수 있도록 각별히 살피고 있다”고 설명했다.이 대통령은 “지금 전 세계는 인공지능이라는 신대륙을 선점하기 위해 사활을 건 전쟁을 하고 있다”며 “글로벌 인공지능 전쟁은 천문학적 규모의 투자와 지원이 어우러지는 국가 대항 총력전”이라고 강조했다.이 대통령은 “AI 전문 경제방송 ABC의 개국을 진심으로 축하한다”며 “다시 한번 ABC의 힘찬 첫 출발을 축하하며 여러분 모두의 앞날에 무궁한 발전을 기원한다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 16:56:00
  • Kolon Life Science Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report, Enhances ESG Management System
    Kolon Life Science Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report, Enhances ESG Management System Kolon Life Science has initiated efforts to enhance its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management system across its business operations.On July 8, Kolon Life Science announced the publication of its '2025 Sustainability Report,' which outlines its ESG management achievements and future strategies.This report is the second issued since the company released its first sustainability report last year. It details changes and execution directions across its operations, including the specification of carbon neutrality implementation plans, strengthening ESG management in the supply chain, refining responsible procurement systems, and enhancing compliance management.In the environmental sector, the report specifies a long-term roadmap for carbon reduction, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 5% by 2030 compared to 2024 levels. The company plans to continuously improve its environmental management system across production and operations to establish eco-friendly workplaces.Additionally, the supply chain management system has been strengthened. The company has established a supplier code of conduct and laid the groundwork for improving ESG standards related to ethics, environment, and human rights among its partners. This aims to elevate the overall management level of the supply chain and systematically respond to the ESG demands of global clients.To enhance responsible procurement systems, new policies regarding conflict minerals and extended minerals have been incorporated. The company has clarified its principle of not using conflict minerals and has established a responsible procurement system concerning extended minerals, including the use of recycled copper.The governance and compliance management sections include achievements from obtaining ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management System) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management System) certifications in August of last year. ISO 37001 and 37301 are standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are awarded to organizations that have systems in place to proactively identify and control corruption and compliance risks.Lee Han-guk, CEO of Kolon Life Science, stated, "Sustainable management is a standard that companies must adopt for long-term growth. We will enhance our capabilities in responsible procurement and supply chain management while continuously strengthening our research and development, quality, and compliance systems to increase trust and competitiveness across our business operations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 16:56:00