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Aribio Completes Global Phase 3 Trial of AR1001 for Alzheimer's Disease Aribio has completed the last patient visit for its oral Alzheimer's treatment, AR1001, in the global Phase 3 trial known as POLARIS-AD. The company is now in the final stages of data refinement and analysis ahead of the topline results announcement.On July 28, Aribio announced that the last patient in the Phase 3 trial, conducted across 13 countries, has completed their final safety follow-up visit, marking the end of the last patient last visit (LPLV).LPLV is considered a key milestone in clinical trials, occurring when the last treated patient completes their final adverse event and safety assessments.The POLARIS-AD trial is a large-scale Phase 3 study involving 1,535 early Alzheimer's patients across approximately 230 clinical trial sites in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and China. According to the company, as of the end of June, a total of 1,348 participants had completed 52 weeks of treatment, and the last treated patient also completed their scheduled four-week final safety follow-up visit on July 27.With the completion of LPLV, the focus of the POLARIS-AD Phase 3 trial has shifted from patient management to data verification and result analysis. Aribio is currently refining the data collected from clinical trial sites worldwide and will conduct final checks on data quality, key evaluation variables, and safety information before proceeding with database lock (DB Lock) and statistical analysis.The company expressed optimism about the topline results, noting that the baseline characteristics of the clinical patient group have shown homogeneity and disease-specific data compared to already approved antibody injections.Aribio plans to prioritize the release of topline results as soon as the 52-week efficacy and safety data are available. Detailed clinical results are set to be presented at the opening session of the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD 2026) conference in Boston on November 16.The successful completion of this global Phase 3 trial signifies Aribio's capability to independently design, operate, and manage large-scale multinational clinical trials.Jae-jun Jeong, CEO of Aribio, stated, "From now on, AR1001 must prove its value through data, not just expectations. We will clearly present the clinical value of AR1001 through the topline results and the CTAD presentation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 18:25:00 -
Frozen Summer: 'Frozen' musical Pop-Up brings winter wonderland to Lotte Jamsil The 'Frozen Summer' pop-up store for the musical 'Frozen' is seen at Trevi Square in Lotte Department Store Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, July 26, 2026. 2026-07-28 18:24:59 -
Frozen Summer: 'Frozen' musical Pop-Up brings winter wonderland to Lotte Jamsil Children try making their own postcards at the 'Frozen Summer' pop-up store for the musical 'Frozen,' held at Trevi Square in Lotte Department Store Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, July 26, 2026. 2026-07-28 18:23:47 -
Frozen Summer: 'Frozen' Musical Pop-Up Brings Winter Wonderland to Lotte Jamsil Visitors pose at a photo zone during the 'Frozen Summer' pop-up store for the musical 'Frozen,' held at Trevi Square in Lotte Department Store Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, July 26, 2026. 2026-07-28 18:22:20 -
Tourists find relief at Cheonggyecheon stream Foreign tourists cool off at Cheonggyecheon Stream as the daytime high in Seoul reached 32 degrees Celsius on July 28, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-07-28 18:20:32 -
Why Korea is turning to Brazil's C-390 as aging airlift fleet faces pressure SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wasted little time in Brazil tending to one of Seoul's key dense priorities. Upon arriving in Brasilia for a state visit, Lee headed straight to inspect a Brazilian-built C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft before holding summit talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The acquisition addresses two strategic objectives: replacing South Korea's aging tactical transport fleet while diversifying defense procurement and industrial partnerships beyond traditional U.S. suppliers. South Korea has ordered three C-390 transport aircraft from Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer under a contract worth about $603 million. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in December, with the remaining two arriving by the end of next year. During the visit, Lee described the acquisition as "the first step" in bilateral defense cooperation and called for broader collaboration between the two countries. The timing is significant. South Korea's tactical transport fleet is increasingly showing its age as the military expands its role beyond the Korean Peninsula to overseas deployments, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and civilian evacuation missions. Publicly available data indicate the Republic of Korea Air Force operates about 34 tactical transport aircraft, including 16 C-130 Hercules variants and 18 CN-235 transports. Among the Hercules fleet, 12 are older C-130H and C-130H-30 aircraft introduced from 1988, while only four are the newer C-130J-30 models delivered in 2014. Those older aircraft represent the Air Force's most pressing modernization challenge. More payload, more speed The C-390 offers a different operating profile from the C-130 that has long formed the backbone of South Korea's tactical airlift capability. According to Embraer, the aircraft can carry up to 26 metric tons of concentrated cargo, or 23 metric tons of distributed payload, and cruise at 470 knots, or about 870 kilometers per hour. By comparison, the U.S. Air Force lists the C-130J-30's maximum payload at about 20 metric tons and the older C-130H's at roughly 19 metric tons. Their cruising speeds are 356 knots and 318 knots, respectively. The comparison, however, is not one-sided. The stretched C-130J-30 can transport up to 128 combat troops, 92 paratroopers, 97 medical litters or eight cargo pallets. The older C-130H carries 90 troops, 64 paratroopers, 72 litters or six pallets. Embraer's C-390 accommodates up to 80 troops, 64 paratroopers, seven 463L pallets or as many as 80 litters depending on its medical evacuation configuration. Its main advantage lies elsewhere. The C-390 combines greater payload with substantially higher speed and a wider, taller cargo compartment, allowing it to transport bulkier military vehicles and equipment. Although its cargo bay is shorter than that of the stretched C-130J-30, its larger cross-section provides greater flexibility for oversized loads. Rather than replacing the Hercules outright, the C-390 complements the existing fleet with a newer platform optimized for heavier cargo and faster deployment. Why Seoul chose Brazil The procurement attracted attention because the Brazilian aircraft defeated Lockheed Martin's C-130J and Airbus' A400M in South Korea's Large Transport Aircraft II competition in 2023. The outcome surprised many defense analysts given the Air Force's decades of experience operating the U.S.-built Hercules. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said at the time that the competing aircraft offered broadly comparable performance and cost. The decisive difference came from industrial cooperation, contract conditions and technology partnerships. Embraer assembled a consortium with three South Korean companies, offering domestic industrial participation valued at about $135 million. Lockheed Martin partnered with a single Korean company with local participation worth about $129 million, while Airbus did not establish a comparable consortium. DAPA said the consortium model—used for the first time in the program—would enable Korean manufacturers to enter Embraer's global supply chain through parts production, extending the project's value beyond aircraft procurement. Maintenance also factored into the decision. "The C-390 is expected to offer significant savings in maintenance costs," a defense expert said. "Its parts supply is relatively fast, and its supply chain management appears more active than that of the C-130. Since the Hercules is an aging platform, parts procurement has become more difficult, with operators increasingly relying on substitute components." Beyond a transport aircraft Lee's visit also highlighted Brazil's growing importance as a strategic defense partner. Brazil fields the Western Hemisphere's second-largest military after the United States and possesses Latin America's largest defense industry, anchored by Embraer—one of the world's few globally competitive aircraft manufacturers. The relationship has already begun expanding beyond the transport aircraft deal. DAPA signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer during ADEX 2025 to broaden Korean suppliers' participation in Embraer's global production network while exploring additional defense cooperation. Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50 light combat aircraft has also emerged as a potential contender in Brazil's future light attack aircraft program, opening opportunities for two-way industrial collaboration rather than a conventional buyer-seller relationship. For Seoul, the C-390 therefore represents more than a fleet replacement. It reflects a broader shift toward building defense partnerships with technologically capable middle powers that can complement—rather than replace—its longstanding alliance with the United States. As geopolitical competition reshapes global supply chains, diversification has become as important in defense procurement as it has in semiconductors and critical minerals. Three aircraft alone will not solve South Korea's long-term airlift requirements. But if the C-390 integrates smoothly into Air Force operations and the industrial partnership delivers as promised, the purchase could mark the beginning of a much deeper aerospace relationship between Seoul and Brasilia—one extending well beyond military transport aircraft. 2026-07-28 18:15:21 -
Defense Industry Sees Mixed Results Amid Export Boom The ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the U.S. and Iran, have sparked a boom in South Korea's defense industry. The combined operating profit of five defense companies surpassed 1.5 trillion won in the second quarter, setting a new record for quarterly performance. However, the results varied significantly among the companies due to gaps in export volumes.According to the Financial Supervisory Service and industry sources, the consensus for the second-quarter operating profit of Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Defense and Aerospace (LIG D&A), and Hanwha Systems is projected at 1.531 trillion won, a 16.2% increase from 1.317 trillion won in the same period last year.The combined revenue is expected to rise by 23.1% to 12.639 trillion won, compared to 10.270 trillion won in the second quarter of last year.Individually, Hanwha Aerospace is anticipated to report second-quarter revenue and operating profit of 7.553 trillion won and 997 billion won, respectively, marking increases of 19.3% and 15.3% year-on-year. The sales figures reflect the successful export of K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland, along with improved profitability due to the stabilization of mass production for Chunmoo. Additionally, the significant increase in operating profit from its subsidiary Hanwha Ocean positively impacted overall results.Hyundai Rotem saw an increase in revenue but a sharp decline in operating profit. The second-quarter revenue is expected to rise by 13.3% to 1.606 trillion won, while operating profit is projected to drop by 9.7% to 232.4 billion won. The decline in profitability is attributed to a gap in exports following the completion of the first batch delivery of K2 tanks to Poland, as well as delays in export plans to Iraq, which were anticipated to be finalized in the first half of the year due to escalating risks in the Middle East. Despite the drop in profitability, the volume of K2 tanks supplied domestically has increased, contributing to higher sales figures.Hanwha Systems is expected to report second-quarter revenue of 1.1176 trillion won, a 45.5% increase, and an operating profit of 103.7 billion won, up 218.8%. The defense sector benefited from strong exports of K2 tanks to Poland and the Chunkoo-II multifunction radar to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In the ICT sector, projects such as the enterprise resource planning system for Hanwha Heavy Industries and smart plant systems for Hanwha Aerospace contributed positively.KAI's second-quarter revenue is projected at 1.1597 trillion won, a 40.1% increase, with operating profit expected to rise by 4.3% to 889 billion won. LIG D&A is forecasted to achieve second-quarter revenue and operating profit of 1.1597 trillion won and 109 billion won, respectively, representing increases of 22.7% and 40.5% compared to the same period last year.Looking ahead to the second half of the year, the five defense companies are likely to continue securing large contracts. Recently, Hanwha Aerospace signed a supply contract worth 660 billion won, maintaining a positive trend in orders. Industry insiders speculate this is related to discussions on the K9 self-propelled howitzer project in Spain. Negotiations are also ongoing with Poland for a third local production contract for the K9.Hyundai Rotem is continuing negotiations to export K2 tanks and K808 wheeled armored vehicles to Peru. Additionally, discussions are underway for K2 tank exports to Iraq, estimated at around 9 trillion won. KAI is pursuing exports of KF-21 jets to Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as FA-50 light attack aircraft to Peru and Egypt. LIG D&A is working on exporting Chunkoo-II systems to Qatar and Kuwait.DS Investment & Securities noted, "The ongoing threat from Russia to Poland continues to be a concern, and as South Korean defense companies gradually meet NATO's regional production requirements, market share is expected to expand. Uncertainties regarding large orders are expected to be resolved starting in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 18:15:00
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Korean Defense Industry Thrives Amid Global Conflicts The Korean defense industry is experiencing a surge as conflicts in Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., and Iran continue to escalate. The combined operating profit of five defense companies surpassed 1.5 trillion won in the second quarter, setting a new record for quarterly performance. However, the companies faced mixed results due to gaps in export volumes.According to the Financial Supervisory Service and industry sources, the consensus for the second-quarter operating profit of Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A), and Hanwha Systems is estimated at 1.531 trillion won. This marks a 16.2% increase from the combined operating profit of 1.317 trillion won in the same quarter last year.The total sales are projected to reach 12.639 trillion won, a 23.1% increase from 10.270 trillion won in the second quarter of last year.Individually, Hanwha Aerospace is expected to report second-quarter sales and operating profit of 7.553 trillion won and 997 billion won, respectively, reflecting increases of 19.3% and 15.3% year-on-year. The sales figures are bolstered by exports of K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland, along with improved profitability due to the stabilization of mass production for Chunmoo. Additionally, the significant increase in operating profit from its subsidiary Hanwha Ocean positively impacted overall results.Hyundai Rotem saw an increase in sales but a sharp decline in operating profit. The second-quarter sales are expected to rise by 13.3% to 1.606 trillion won, while operating profit is projected to drop by 9.7% to 232.4 billion won. The decline in profitability is attributed to a gap in exports following the completion of the first batch delivery of K2 tanks to Poland, along with delays in export plans to Iraq, which were anticipated to be finalized in the first half of the year due to increased risks in the Middle East. Despite the drop in profitability, the volume of K2 tanks supplied domestically has increased, contributing to higher sales figures.Hanwha Systems is expected to report second-quarter sales of 1.117 trillion won, a 45.5% increase, and an operating profit of 103.7 billion won, up 218.8%. The defense sector benefited from strong exports of K2 tanks to Poland and the Chunkoo-II multifunction radar (MFR) to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In the ICT sector, projects such as the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for Hanwha's shipbuilding division and smart plant systems for Hanwha Aerospace contributed positively.KAI's second-quarter sales are projected at 1.159 trillion won, a 40.1% increase, with operating profit expected to rise by 4.3% to 889 billion won. LIG D&A is anticipated to report second-quarter sales and operating profit of 1.159 trillion won and 109 billion won, respectively, reflecting increases of 22.7% and 40.5% compared to the same quarter last year.Looking ahead, the five defense companies are likely to continue securing large contracts in the second half of the year. Recently, Hanwha Aerospace signed a product supply contract worth 660 billion won, maintaining a positive trend in orders. Industry insiders speculate this is related to discussions on the K9 self-propelled howitzer project in Spain. Negotiations for a third local production contract for K9 with Poland are also ongoing.Hyundai Rotem is continuing negotiations to export K2 tanks and K808 wheeled armored vehicles to Peru. It is also engaged in discussions for K2 tank exports to Iraq, valued at approximately 9 trillion won. KAI is pursuing exports of KF-21 jets to Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as FA-50 light attack aircraft to Peru and Egypt. LIG D&A is working on exporting Chunkoo-II to Qatar and Kuwait.DS Investment & Securities noted, "The ongoing threat from Russia to Poland is prompting Korean defense companies to gradually meet NATO's regional production requirements, which will likely expand their market share. Uncertainties regarding large orders are expected to be resolved starting in the second half of the year." 2026-07-28 18:15:00
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Hyundai to Unveil Physical AI Strategy at Upcoming Investor Day Hyundai Motor Company will reveal its strategy for physical artificial intelligence (AI) at an investor briefing next month. The agenda is expected to include plans for expanding its stake in Boston Dynamics and a detailed blueprint for its robotics business.According to industry sources, Hyundai will hold its '2026 CEO Investor Day' on August 26 at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Hyundai President Jose Munoz and Chief Financial Officer Lee Seung-jo are expected to present the company's mid- to long-term business strategy, vehicle mix, and annual performance guidance.The main focus will undoubtedly be on physical AI, coinciding with the operational launch of the Robot Meta-Plant Application Center (RMAC) in Georgia, USA. This facility will be responsible for training and validating the humanoid robot Atlas, which is set to be piloted at Hyundai Motor Group Meta-Plant America (HMGMA) next year. Hyundai plans to fully integrate Atlas into its parts assembly plant by 2028.Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, highlighted the ultimate goal of physical AI as 'integrated intelligence at the city level' during the San Francisco AI Summit held on July 24.The share structure of Boston Dynamics is also a key issue. Earlier this month, SoftBank exercised a put option, prompting Hyundai Group to proceed with additional share acquisition.If the acquisition is completed and Boston Dynamics is fully integrated as a subsidiary, there is a strong possibility that the company will provide insights into its investment rationale, group-level robotics strategy, and future plans for an initial public offering (IPO). Hyundai Group initially entered the robotics sector by acquiring 80% of Boston Dynamics in 2021.Additionally, the company is expected to announce its new vehicle strategies, including the upcoming 'All-New Avante' and the Ioniq 3, which will be introduced to the European market.A Hyundai representative stated, '(The event will cover) a wide range of key business strategies, including the mix of electrified vehicle models, as well as the expansion of hybrid, internal combustion engine, and robotics businesses.'Meanwhile, at last year's CEO Investor Day in New York, Hyundai set a target of 5.55 million global sales and 3.3 million electrified vehicle sales by 2030. The company also outlined growth strategies, including expanding its hybrid lineup to 18 models, launching an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) by 2027, transitioning to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), and investing in next-generation batteries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 18:15:00
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Seoul's heatwave relief canopy at crosswalks Pedestrians wait for the traffic light under a heatwave shade canopy installed at a crosswalk in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace in Jung-gu, Seoul, on July 28, 2026. Seoul’s daytime high reached 32 degrees Celsius. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-07-28 18:11:35