AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Copper Prices Surge Amid AI Data Center and Power Grid Investments
    Copper Prices Surge Amid AI Data Center and Power Grid Investments Copper prices are soaring due to increased demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and power grid investments. Analysts suggest that if data center investments gain further momentum, silver prices may also rise in response. According to the Korea Exchange on September 10, investment products related to copper and beneficiary stocks are on the rise. The Shinhan Leveraged Copper Futures ETN, which tracks copper futures prices, has increased by 16.41% over the past six months. At the London Metal Exchange (LME), the three-month copper price has surged to $14,737 per ton, setting a new record high. Copper, often referred to as 'Dr. Copper,' serves as a leading indicator of the global economy. Typically, prices rise with increased production and construction during economic upturns, while they tend to fall when a downturn is anticipated. Copper is a key raw material used throughout the power industry, from generation to transmission and final consumption. However, many experts believe that the recent surge in copper prices cannot be solely explained by economic trends. The long-term demand is increasing due to the expansion of AI data centers and power grid construction, while supply is constrained by production disruptions at major mines. As the construction of AI data centers and investments in renewable energy and power grids expand, copper demand is expected to rise. Additionally, the potential increase in tariffs on refined copper imports in the United States is also seen as a factor driving prices higher. The U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to impose a 15% tariff on refined copper imports starting next year, leading to a rush of imports before the tariff takes effect. Demand for copper in the industrial sector is also projected to continue. S&P Global, a financial information firm, forecasts that global copper demand will rise from 28 million tons last year to 42 million tons by 2040. If supply does not increase accordingly, there could be a shortfall of about 10 million tons by 2040. As a result, the upward trend in copper prices is expected to persist for some time. Samsung Futures stated, "As long as there is no clear stance on tariffs, we believe copper prices will generally have room for further increases for the remainder of the year." With rising copper prices, the stock outlook for related companies is also positive. Defense contractor Poongsan, which has a high proportion of copper processing and consumption, is classified as a leading stock in this sector. NH Investment & Securities has recommended a 'buy' rating for Poongsan, citing the tight supply-demand situation that is likely to sustain strong prices for copper products. Some analysts predict that with the establishment of AI data centers, silver may soon enter a significant upward cycle alongside copper. Silver is the best conductor of electricity and heat among all metals, ensuring consistent demand during the construction of data centers. On this day, silver futures prices in the international market have risen by 63% compared to a year ago.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:36:10
  • Man Arrested for Fatal Assault on 50-Year-Old in Itaewon Bar
    Man Arrested for Fatal Assault on 50-Year-Old in Itaewon Bar A man in his 30s has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a man in his 50s, leading to the latter's death at a bar in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul.According to Yonhap News on September 10, the Yongsan Police Station is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident after apprehending the suspect, identified as A.A is accused of assaulting the victim at a bar in Itaewon-dong on September 9, resulting in the victim's death.The victim was found unconscious by bar staff at around 6:47 a.m. on September 10. Emergency responders confirmed that the victim had already died and subsequently handed the case over to the police.Police tracked down A based on the scene's circumstances and witness statements, leading to his urgent arrest around 10 a.m. on the same day.Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of death while investigating the details of the assault and the relationship between A and the victim.However, police have not yet disclosed any information regarding the nature of the relationship between the two men or the specific reasons for the assault.A police official stated that they will decide on the handling of A's case after confirming the precise circumstances of the incident and the cause of death.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:32:00
  • Japan Develops Small Drones for Submarine Detection to Enhance Surveillance of China
    Japan Develops Small Drones for Submarine Detection to Enhance Surveillance of China Japan's Ministry of Defense is developing technology to detect submarines using small drones. The plan involves equipping drones with sensors that can capture minute changes in magnetic fields caused by submarines, automating some search missions previously conducted by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters. The initiative aims to reduce the search burden on personnel and enhance the ability to monitor Chinese submarines.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on September 10, the ministry plans to develop submarine detection sensors for small drones by 2031. While the exact budget has not been disclosed, the request for the 2027 fiscal year includes funding for this development. Japanese companies are expected to lead the project, with plans to produce prototype equipment between 2027 and 2031 to verify performance.The Japanese government views drones as a new pillar of defense capability that can perform interception and surveillance missions while minimizing the risk to Self-Defense Force personnel. To avoid reliance on imports, which could disrupt supply in emergencies, the government is also working to establish a domestic production base. The target for drone production by 2030 is set at 80,000 units.The submarine detection sensors will utilize quantum magnetic technology to locate submarines while submerged. Submarines are equipped with technology to reduce the magnetic fields emitted from their hulls to avoid detection by enemies. The ministry plans to capture the remaining subtle changes using high-sensitivity sensors.These sensors will be mounted on small drones that can be produced in large quantities at low cost. They can fly closer to the water's surface than manned patrol aircraft, making them advantageous for detecting submerged submarines. The plan is to deploy these drones en masse to enhance surveillance capabilities.To address the limitations of small drones, which have short ranges, the Maritime Self-Defense Force will utilize its vessels as launch points. By launching drones from ships at sea, a wider area can be searched. The drones will focus on detection missions, while ships will launch torpedoes if a submarine is found.This surveillance network is expected to support defense operations in Japan's southwestern island regions. The Self-Defense Forces plan to transport personnel and supplies necessary for island defense using transport ships. However, if these transport ships come under torpedo attack from foreign submarines while in transit, it could hinder operations and disrupt battles occurring on the islands. The ability to detect submarines early is crucial for protecting the supply routes for personnel and materials.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:32:00
  • Korean Foreign Minister Announces Upcoming U.S.-South Korea Talks
    Korean Foreign Minister Announces Upcoming U.S.-South Korea Talks South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced on September 10 that a meeting between the U.S. and South Korean foreign ministers is scheduled to take place this month. This announcement comes amid rising tensions regarding U.S.-South Korea relations, particularly in light of recent discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.During a government Q&A session at the National Assembly, Cho stated, "The U.S.-South Korea alliance is strong." He added, "Even the strongest alliances can have differences. Our government has been closely consulting with the U.S. to resolve any issues that arise."Cho emphasized that diplomatic talks between the two countries have been ongoing and will continue, stating, "There will be a meeting this month as well."He dismissed rumors circulating about the alliance, asserting, "There is no basis for the claims being made. Even if there are differing perspectives, they can be resolved through sufficient consultation."Meanwhile, the United States has been pressuring the South Korean government regarding troop deployments to the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns have also been raised about potential conflicts arising from issues such as the Coupang incident.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:28:00
  • Venture Industry Calls for Regulatory Reform to Foster Innovation
    Venture Industry Calls for Regulatory Reform to Foster Innovation The government has expressed its commitment to reform unnecessary or inefficient regulations in advanced sectors, while the venture industry emphasizes the importance of speed. Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, spoke to reporters on September 10 after a meeting with venture and startup representatives at the Venture Business Association in Guro, Seoul. She stated, "In the venture and startup sector, regulatory innovation that enables new business challenges and attempts is the most crucial aspect, beyond simply supporting and protecting them." She noted that many regulations hindering business activities fall under the jurisdiction of other ministries and pledged to actively pursue inter-ministerial regulatory coordination. Lee, who was nominated as the Minister of SMEs and Startups on August 31, previously emphasized on her first day at work that she would work to alleviate unreasonable regulations with the mindset of a regulatory reform minister. Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the need for a shift from a "positive" regulatory approach, which generally prohibits anything not explicitly allowed, to a "negative" regulatory framework that allows actions unless explicitly banned, particularly for advanced industries. This statement was made during the first plenary meeting of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee held at the Blue House on April 15. President Lee remarked, "When officials say, 'Just do this,' the private sector responds, 'But we need to do this.' Then, we lose competitiveness in the process of changing regulations and obtaining permits. There is a lot of anxiety about 'What if something goes wrong?' But we must trust each other. However, actions must be swift. If problems arise, we should immediately impose bans or controls." Regulations that fail to keep pace with technological advancements have long hindered startups. The startup PetNow received the CES Innovation Award in 2022 for its technology that uses nose patterns to locate lost pets, making it the only domestic startup to win the top innovation award that year. However, in South Korea, animal registration is only possible through the insertion of microchips, and biometric recognition technologies like those used by PetNow are not permitted, leading to significant operational challenges. Kim Kwon-sik, a researcher at the Korea Institute of SMEs and Startups, stated, "Negative regulations are necessary in new technology fields. We need to establish more channels that can quickly resolve the difficulties startups face regarding regulatory improvements. Speed is crucial to ensure that new ideas do not get stifled as soon as they emerge."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:20:00
  • KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower Amid Foreign Selling, Defends 7000 Mark
    KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower Amid Foreign Selling, Defends 7000 Mark The domestic stock market closed mixed due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising U.S. Treasury yields. The KOSPI fell under pressure from significant foreign selling but managed to hold above the 7000 mark. The KOSDAQ recovered from early losses and regained the 830 level.On September 10, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI finished at 7033.92, down 17.72 points (0.25%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 7038.85, down 12.79 points (0.18%), and dipped near the 7000 mark during the session but partially recovered to maintain that level.By investor type, individuals and institutions recorded net purchases of 959.9 billion won and 111.5 billion won, respectively. In contrast, foreign investors led the decline with net sales of 2.7226 trillion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, performances were mixed. Samsung Electronics (-0.19%), SK Hynix (-0.16%), SK Square (-0.26%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-0.28%), LG Energy Solution (-1.62%), and Samsung Biologics (-2.00%) all declined. Conversely, Hyundai Motor (0.26%), Samsung Life Insurance (1.98%), Samsung C&T (0.93%), and KB Financial (0.81%) closed higher.The KOSDAQ index turned upward, closing at 836.92, up 6.55 points (0.79%). It started at 825.06, down 5.31 points (0.64%), but reversed course after reducing its losses.In the KOSDAQ market, institutions were the sole net buyers, purchasing 1.3504 trillion won, which contributed to the index's rise. Meanwhile, individuals and foreigners recorded net sales of 230.3 billion won and 1.1121 trillion won, respectively.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (-0.89%), Wonik IPS (-1.08%), Iot Tech (-3.19%), and Rino Technology (-1.14%) fell. In contrast, EcoPro (0.12%), EcoPro BM (3.31%), JUSUNG Engineering (7.02%), Rainbow Robotics (0.79%), Simtech (0.98%), and Roboteers (4.35%) saw gains.Earlier, on September 9, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.77% on the New York Stock Exchange, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.48% and 0.64%, respectively.The heightened tensions in the Middle East have led to increased risk aversion. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers, while Iran claimed to have retaliated by attacking a U.S. military base in Jordan with ballistic missiles.International oil prices surged, with November futures for Brent crude rising by $3.29 (3.36%) to close at $101.21 per barrel. This marks the first time Brent crude has closed above $100 since July 23.The rise in oil prices has reignited inflation concerns, increasing scrutiny of the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy. U.S. Treasury yields also rose, with the 10-year Treasury yield surpassing 4.85%, reaching its highest level since November 2023.In contrast, semiconductor stocks continued to perform well. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 0.37%, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains, while SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) surged by 7.05%.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The domestic stock market started lower due to external risks but confirmed a bottom around the 6900 level before rebounding. The simultaneous expiration of futures and options, along with regular changes in sector indices, may have increased short-term supply and demand volatility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:12:00
  • Will the Bank of Korea Raise Interest Rates Again in October?
    Will the Bank of Korea Raise Interest Rates Again in October? The Bank of Korea announced on September 10 that it will determine the timing and pace of interest rate hikes based on inflationary pressures from the Middle East and the positive performance of semiconductor exports. However, it emphasized that it is difficult to predict an interest rate increase in October at this time.Kim Jong-hwa, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, stated in the Monetary Credit Policy Report released today, "Given the robust growth and inflation rates exceeding target levels are expected to persist for a considerable time, it is necessary to assess changes in domestic and external conditions to decide on the timing and pace of further increases."Kim identified military tensions in the Middle East and the strong performance of semiconductor exports as key factors influencing future monetary policy. He noted the need to monitor whether the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will raise cost pressures and how quickly the positive semiconductor export performance will translate into domestic demand and inflationary pressures.He also highlighted the risks of financial imbalances, such as the housing market in the metropolitan area and household debt, as well as the potential for increased exchange rate volatility due to changes in the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy.However, the Bank of Korea clarified that it is not signaling an imminent interest rate hike in October. Park Jong-woo, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Korea, stated during the briefing on the Monetary Credit Policy Report that it is difficult to definitively state how inflation will trend at this point, making it challenging to predict the October interest rate.As tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, pushing international oil prices above $100 again, the impact on inflation remains uncertain. Park explained, "There is significant uncertainty regarding how long the conflict will last, and we need to assess its impact on inflation trends." He emphasized that the decision will be made based on a comprehensive review of data collected up to the meeting, indicating a 'live meeting' approach.He also noted that financial stability concerns cannot be used as a direct justification for an immediate interest rate hike. Addressing issues in the housing market and household debt cannot be resolved quickly through interest rate adjustments alone.The Bank of Korea assessed that financial imbalances are increasing, as housing prices in the metropolitan area continue to rise sharply, and household loans show a steady upward trend.Park stated, "Since housing supply and lending policies need to be sustained in one direction over a long period, it is unrealistic to resolve these issues by raising rates in October. We must consider the overall trends in inflation and other factors before making a decision in October."Furthermore, the Bank of Korea noted that recent stock market adjustments and interest rate hikes have significantly reduced the degree of financial easing. Choi Chang-ho, head of the Bank's Monetary Policy Division, remarked, "Until the first half of the year, risk appetite was high, leading to a more accommodative financial situation. Recently, however, stock prices have adjusted, and interest rates have risen, resulting in a substantial reduction in easing conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:12:00
  • Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid Rising Oil Prices
    Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid Rising Oil Prices On September 10, the Chinese stock market closed lower as international oil prices surged past $100 a barrel. The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.43% to 3,934.40, the Shenzhen Component Index dropped 0.77% to 13,617.67, and the ChiNext Index decreased 0.49% to 3,338.42.The escalation of the war in Iran has led to a sharp increase in global oil prices. Brent crude, which surpassed $100 a barrel the previous day, reached $101.20 on this day. The spike in oil prices has heightened inflation concerns, resulting in rising interest rates; the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note climbed to 4.845%. This increase in rates is also attributed to the U.S. Treasury's announcement of a buyback amount that fell short of market expectations. The Financial Times noted that the yield spread between U.S. and Chinese 10-year government bonds widened to a record 3.17 percentage points, which is expected to increase capital outflow pressure from China to the U.S.According to the China Securities Journal, the current market is characterized by a structural shift with reduced trading volumes and intense capital movement between sectors. In September, the balance of margin financing has decreased by more than 12 billion yuan, while over 5 billion yuan has flowed into equity ETFs.Notably, shares related to copper foil for semiconductors saw significant gains. Companies such as Jin'an Guoji and Chaosheng Dianzhi hit their daily price limits. The news that China's Jiang Tao Technology has sent out its seventh price increase notice to clients this year for copper foil used in semiconductors contributed to this positive sentiment. The company announced a 10% price increase for FR-4 copper-clad laminates (CCL) and adjusted prices for prepreg based on specifications, with some thin fiberglass products seeing increases of up to 20%. Panasonic also raised prices for copper-clad laminates starting September 1, with some products increasing by as much as 30%. Nanya Plastics followed suit with a 20-25% price hike.Bank stocks also performed well, with Ningbo Bank and Nanjing Bank rising by more than 2%. In the first half of the year, banks listed on the Chinese stock market reported a combined revenue of 3.14 trillion yuan, a 7.4% increase from the previous year, while net profit rose by 3% to 1.01 trillion yuan.Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China set the yuan's central parity rate against the dollar at 6.7766 yuan, a decrease of 0.0003 yuan from the previous day, reflecting a 0.005% increase in the value of the yuan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:08:10
  • Revised Privacy Law Emphasizes Prevention, Imposes Fines Up to 10% of Revenue
    Revised Privacy Law Emphasizes Prevention, Imposes Fines Up to 10% of Revenue Starting September 11, a revised Personal Information Protection Act will enhance a prevention-focused privacy protection system. The law strengthens penalties for serious violations while providing incentives for proactive investments and swift responses from companies. It also increases the accountability of CEOs and boards of directors regarding data protection.The amendment not only tightens penalties but also reinforces the incentive structure to encourage proactive investments and quick responses from businesses. Companies that effectively implement preventive measures and respond promptly to incidents can see fines reduced by up to 80%.Yang Cheong-sam, head of the Personal Information Protection Commission, emphasized during a briefing at the Government Seoul Complex on September 10 that the core of this legal revision is a paradigm shift from post-incident penalties to a prevention-centered privacy protection policy. He explained that the goal is to view privacy protection not as a cost incurred after incidents but as a proactive investment that enhances customer trust and corporate value.The revised law raises the maximum fine for repeated or serious data breaches from 3% to 10% of total revenue. This applies to cases of intentional or grossly negligent violations, incidents affecting over 10 million individuals, or breaches occurring after failing to comply with corrective orders.Yang noted that even if an incident is not repeated, if intentional or gross negligence is recognized and affects over 10 million individuals, a maximum fine of 10% could still apply. Each of these conditions is treated as an independent aggravating factor.Conversely, companies that have made sufficient prior investments and established management systems for data protection can receive a fine reduction of up to 40%. This applies to those that quickly detect anomalies after an incident and actively work to prevent further damage and improve vulnerabilities.The Personal Information Protection Commission is placing equal emphasis on mechanisms that encourage preventive investments and responses after incidents, with the potential for an 80% reduction in fines for companies that meet both criteria. The aim is to encourage businesses to maintain robust protection systems and respond swiftly to incidents, as relying solely on post-incident penalties has limitations in reducing data breaches.However, a higher investment does not automatically lead to a larger reduction in fines. The Commission will assess the level of investment, its sustainability, the identification of data assets and risks, the adequacy of safety measures, and the roles of the Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and CEO to determine the extent of any reduction. Yang stated, "It is difficult to set a uniform numerical standard for privacy protection investments due to the unique characteristics of different industries."Accountability for management has also increased. The revised law designates business owners or representatives as the ultimate managers responsible for data processing and protection. The CPO is required to report on the status of data protection, key risks, and necessary improvements to the CEO or board, and management must support the necessary budget and personnel. This elevates data protection from a mere operational task to a key decision-making issue for executives.As a result, companies are expected to notify stakeholders of data breaches more promptly. Moving forward, even if a data breach has not been definitively confirmed, there must be objectively high circumstances indicating a likelihood of a breach.The Commission cited examples such as information circulating on the dark web that matches actual database structures or confirmed signs of intrusion, even if the extent of damage is not yet determined.Yang clarified, "It is not sufficient to notify merely based on vague suspicions of vulnerabilities or traces; there must be clear, objectively suspicious circumstances."The CPO reporting obligation will have a grace period until December of next year. Currently, about 600 to 700 organizations are designated as requiring a professional CPO. Amid concerns that the grace period is excessively long, Yang explained that the reporting deadline is set for six months from the implementation date, meaning that actual violations are expected to occur after March of next year, justifying the grace period until the end of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:08:10
  • IBK Industrial Bank Supports Five Domestic Startups in Global Expansion
    IBK Industrial Bank Supports Five Domestic Startups in Global Expansion IBK Industrial Bank's startup incubation platform, IBK Changgong, is set to assist innovative startups in their global expansion.On September 10, IBK Industrial Bank held a kickoff event for the 'Silicon Valley 4th Acceleration Program' at the Coex Startup Branch in Seoul, marking the official launch of its startup support initiatives.The Silicon Valley Acceleration Program is a collaborative effort between IBK Industrial Bank and the global venture capital firm 500 Global, aimed at helping domestic innovative startups enter international markets.This fourth cohort includes five companies recognized for their competitiveness and potential for business expansion in the global market: Softionics, Tunable Biosystems, Cheongbang Korea, Buyer Korea, and Posy Korea. IBK Industrial Bank will provide selected companies with investment funds and a comprehensive 12-week support program.The program begins with four weeks of pre-training in South Korea, which includes company assessments and mentoring. This will be followed by eight weeks at the 'IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Center' in the U.S., featuring investment attraction presentations (IR), partner meetings, and institutional networking.Lee Geon-hong, head of the Innovation Finance Group at IBK Industrial Bank, stated, "I hope this program strengthens the global capabilities of the selected companies and serves as a stepping stone for their success in the U.S. market. We will continue to do our best to support innovative startups in their global market entry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:08:00