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  • AI Investment Peaks This Year, Slowing Growth Expected Amid Profitability Concerns
    AI Investment Peaks This Year, Slowing Growth Expected Amid Profitability Concerns As global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) investment grows, the semiconductor industry is experiencing a boom. However, forecasts suggest that the pace of AI investment expansion may gradually slow down. Concerns over AI profitability could lead to a quicker decline in investment demand than anticipated.On September 10, the Bank of Korea projected in its 'Monetary Credit Policy Report' that the demand for AI investment will continue to rise for a considerable period, driven by competition for leadership among companies and nations.Currently, global AI investment is on a steep upward trajectory, fueled by increased utilization of AI, a surge in computing demand, and competition among businesses and countries.As the demand for training high-performance models persists, the need for inference is also rapidly increasing due to the growing use of AI and advancements in model sophistication.Major U.S. tech companies are quickly ramping up investments, anticipating that securing customers early will form the basis for long-term revenue. Meanwhile, China and the European Union are actively supporting AI investments from economic and security perspectives.While leading forecasting institutions expect the trend of increasing global AI investment to continue for some time, they estimate that the rate of growth will gradually slow after peaking this year, given the already high levels of investment.Looking at projections for AI investment growth in 2026, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates a 95% increase, followed by Bank of America at 79%, and S&P Global and Gartner at 64% and 61%, respectively.After 2027, the pace of investment is expected to stabilize. Projections for global AI investment growth in 2027 range from 38% to 40% (with S&P Global at 40%, Gartner and Bloomberg Intelligence at 39%, and Bank of America at 38%). By 2028, growth is anticipated to slow further to between 13% and 21% (with S&P Global at 21%, Gartner at 19%, Bank of America at 16%, and Bloomberg Intelligence at 13%).The Bank of Korea noted that as the verification of AI investment profitability strengthens and demands for investment efficiency increase, this could become a limiting factor for companies looking to expand their investments.Additionally, the growing reliance of big tech companies on external funding, as it becomes increasingly difficult to cover investment costs with internal resources, could lead to higher financing costs and accumulated vulnerabilities. This may make future investment flows more sensitive to changes in financial conditions.Consequently, the Bank of Korea stated, 'With the increased reliance on external funding for AI investments and ongoing concerns about profitability, there is a possibility that the slowdown could occur more quickly than expected if financial conditions worsen and uncertainties about actual profit generation increase.'It added, 'Global AI investment is a key driver of the domestic semiconductor industry's robust performance, but it is also one of the main sources of uncertainty. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor the development of the AI industry and the associated risks.' 2026-09-10 12:04:20
  • Daesan Petrochemical Complex Companies Strengthen VOC Emission Management
    Daesan Petrochemical Complex Companies Strengthen VOC Emission Management 충남 대산석유화학단지 내 주요 기업들이 휘발성유기화합물(VOCs) 배출 관리 강화에 나선다. 저장탱크 개방검사 때 배출가스를 별도로 포집·처리하고 설비의 잔류가스 제거와 비산누출 점검도 강화한다.기후에너지환경부 소속 금강유역환경청은 11일 대전 유성구 청사에서 HD현대오일뱅크, LG화학 대산공장, 한화토탈에너지스와 VOCs 배출 저감을 위한 자발적 협약을 체결한다고 10일 밝혔다.이번 협약은 국립환경과학원이 지난해 대산석유화학단지 사업장을 대상으로 실시한 VOCs 배출특성 진단 결과를 토대로 마련됐다.환경과학원은 지난해 3월부터 11월까지 태양추적적외선측정법(SOF), 차등흡광탐지측정기(DIAL) 등 첨단 감시장비가 탑재된 이동측정차량을 활용해 사업장별 VOCs 배출 특성을 분석했다. 사업장 주변을 이동하거나 주요 공정 인근에서 일정 시간 대기 중 물질 농도를 측정하는 방식이다.진단 결과 시설은 전반적으로 관리기준에 따라 적정하게 운영되고 있었지만 원료 입고나 공정 유지보수 등 간헐적·비정기적으로 이뤄지는 작업은 보다 세밀한 관리가 필요한 것으로 나타났다.정부와 사업장들은 진단 결과를 토대로 민관 협의를 거쳐 사업장별 개선방안을 마련했다.우선 저장탱크 개방검사를 할 때 이동식 흡수탑을 이용해 배출가스를 포집·처리하고 작업 과정에서 발생하는 찌꺼기인 슬러지는 당일 반출하도록 한다.압력완화장치를 시험하기 전에는 설비 내부에 남아 있는 가스를 제거하는 절차를 강화한다. 광학가스탐지카메라를 활용한 비산누출시설 점검도 기존보다 자주 실시하기로 했다.이번 조치는 대산석유화학단지의 자발적 대기오염물질 감축 대상이 VOCs까지 확대된다는 의미도 있다. 앞서 사업장들은 2019년 초미세먼지 원인물질 감축을 위한 자발적 협약을 통해 질소산화물(NOx), 황산화물(SOx), 먼지(TSP) 등의 배출 저감을 추진해왔다.정부는 첨단 감시장비를 활용한 산업단지 VOCs 관리도 확대하고 있다. 지난해 대산석유화학단지에 이어 올해는 여수국가산업단지에서 VOCs를 측정하고 있으며 진단 결과를 토대로 사업장별 배출 특성에 맞는 관리방안을 마련할 계획이다.김진식 기후부 대기환경국장은 "이번 협약은 첨단 감시장비를 활용한 과학적 진단을 바탕으로 사업장과 함께 실질적인 개선방안을 마련했다는 데 의미가 있다"며 "앞으로도 과학적 측정과 분석을 기반으로 사업장 맞춤형 휘발성유기화합물 관리를 강화해 나가겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:20
  • South Korea to Establish Water Industry Promotion Agency
    South Korea to Establish Water Industry Promotion Agency The South Korean government plans to consolidate various water industry support functions into a single entity, tentatively named the Korea Water Industry Promotion Agency. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive support system for the water industry, covering everything from technology development to commercialization and international expansion.On September 10, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced its intention to integrate and reorganize the water industry support functions currently spread across several organizations, including the Korea Water Technology Certification Agency, the National Water Industry Cluster, the National Water Equipment Performance Certification Center, the Korea Water and Wastewater Association, and the Korea Water Industry Council.The government's move to revamp the water industry support system comes in response to the increasing frequency of water-related disasters due to climate change, as well as the growing demand for industrial water driven by the expansion of the semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence.The global water industry market continues to grow. According to Global Water Intelligence (GWI), the market size is projected to reach approximately $983.3 billion by 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of around 3.5% until 2028.Since enacting the Water Management Technology Development and Water Industry Promotion Act in 2018 and establishing the National Water Industry Cluster, the government has been supporting the water industry. However, concerns have been raised about the inefficiency caused by the division of support functions among multiple organizations.Currently, water companies must navigate through different agencies at each stage of product development before bringing their products to market. Testing for verification and certification is handled by the National Water Industry Cluster and the Korea Water Technology Certification Agency, while commercialization and international expansion are managed by the National Water Industry Cluster and the Korea Water Industry Council. The designation of excellent products is the responsibility of the Korea Water and Wastewater Association.The government plans to reorganize this structure around the Korea Water Industry Promotion Agency, which will serve as the control tower for water industry development, supporting the entire process from identifying promising companies to technology development, commercialization, verification, certification, and international expansion.Once the integration is complete, water companies will be able to receive support for everything from technology development to international market entry from a single agency, reducing the procedures and time burdens they face during the certification and verification processes.The specific integration method will be determined through consultations with relevant agencies. The Ministry of Climate plans to establish a consultative body involving the agencies targeted for integration as early as this month to discuss the integration process, organizational structure, and detailed scope of work.Discussions will also cover employment, compensation, benefits, and management evaluations related to the agency integration. The government intends to develop detailed plans in consultation with the agencies, labor unions, and relevant ministries.Additionally, the government will work on establishing a legal basis for the integration. It plans to begin revising the Water Management Technology and Water Industry Promotion Act within the year to provide the necessary legal framework for the consolidation of support functions and the establishment of the promotion agency.Kim Han-seung, the First Deputy Minister of Climate, stated, "In the face of climate change and the era of artificial intelligence, the water industry must be strategically developed to enhance public safety while supporting the growth of advanced industries. By consolidating the fragmented water industry support functions, we aim to systematically support the growth of water companies, creating a solid foundation for the national water industry to expand both domestically and globally."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:20
  • Youth Experience Cultural Exchange on Sea Voyage with KOBC
    Youth Experience Cultural Exchange on Sea Voyage with KOBC Excited youths carefully board the Fanstar Miracle as part of the 'KOBC-Dreaming of the Sea' program organized by the Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation.The Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation has combined its core business of ship finance with social contribution activities to nurture future maritime talent. From September 6 to 10, the corporation, in collaboration with Fanstar, conducted a tour of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe for 24 youths from children's facilities in Busan, Gyeongnam, and Gyeongbuk.This initiative aims to provide youths, who have limited opportunities for overseas experiences due to economic conditions, with a chance to explore new cultures and investigate career paths in the maritime field. Notably, the program also signifies the return of maritime finance achievements to the local community through the youths' travel on Fanstar vessels.The 'Dreaming of the Sea' program primarily involves experiencing maritime travel aboard the Fanstar cruise between Busan and Osaka. The youths gained insights into the structure and functions of ships by observing key facilities and directly experiencing the maritime transport process.They also explored areas typically off-limits to regular passengers, such as the bridge and engine room, learning about the principles of ship operation. This space provided opportunities to meet the captain and navigators, allowing the youths to hear about maritime careers. After the discussions, the youths expressed increased interest in maritime professions based on the explanations from the captain and navigators.In Japan, the exploration of maritime careers continued alongside maritime safety education. The youths studied the history of the sea and the development of ships at the Kobe Maritime Museum and learned disaster response methods at the Kobe Disaster Prevention Future Center.During their historical and cultural exploration, they visited Mimizuka to reflect on the pain of the Imjin War and the site of the Wiju Prison where independence activist Yun Bong-gil was detained, contemplating the significance of the independence movement.Ahm Byeong-gil, president of the Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation, stated, "I hope this experience allows youths to broaden their possibilities by directly engaging with the sea, ships, various professions, and cultures that they usually find difficult to access. We will continue to strive to share the value of the shipping and maritime industry with future generations through social contribution activities aligned with the corporation's business characteristics."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:20
  • Korean Financial Supervisory Service Chief Promotes K-Finance in London
    Korean Financial Supervisory Service Chief Promotes K-Finance in London 이찬진 금융감독원장이 영국 런던에서 글로벌 금융회사들을 만나 K금융의 가치를 알렸다. 금융감독원 금융중심지지원센터는 서울시와 금융권 4개사와 함께 런던 소재 글로벌 금융회사를 대상으로 투자설명회(IR)를 개최했다고 10일 밝혔다. 이번 행사에는 7개 글로벌 대형 투자은행(IB)과 15개 자산운용사 등 총 22개사가 참석했다. 금감원은 기존 대규모 초청 방식 대신 글로벌 금융회사를 중심으로 소규모 라운드테이블 형태로 행사를 진행해 참석자 간 심도 있는 의견 교환에 초점을 맞췄다. 신한금융지주·우리금융지주·한국투자증권·NH투자증권 등이 금융권에서 참여했다. 이 원장은 한국 자본시장의 경쟁력을 높이기 위한 금융당국의 정책 방향으로 시장 신뢰 제고, 미래 성장동력 육성, 외국인 투자환경 개선을 제시했다. 우선 시장교란 행위에 엄정 대응하고 저평가 기업의 자발적인 기업가치 제고를 유도하는 동시에 금융회사 지배구조를 선진화해 투자자가 신뢰할 수 있는 시장환경을 만들겠다고 밝혔다. 성장기업의 자금조달 여건을 개선하기 위한 방안도 제시했다. 코스닥 시장의 진입·퇴출 기준을 정비하고 시장 세분화를 추진하는 한편 대형 IB의 모험자본 공급을 활성화하고 금융회사의 자본규제를 개선해 생산적 부문으로 자금이 흘러가도록 유도할 계획이다. 외국인 투자자의 편의성을 높이기 위한 시장 인프라 개선도 추진한다. 결제주기 단축과 거래시간 연장, 토큰증권 인프라 구축 등을 통해 투자 제약을 줄이고 원화 국제화를 추진해 외국인이 시간과 장소에 관계없이 원화를 거래할 수 있는 환경을 마련하겠다는 구상이다. 금감원은 이번 IR에서 최근 증시 변동성과 환율 움직임에 대한 대응 방향도 설명했다. 레버리지와 이른바 ‘빚투’로 시장 변동성이 과도하게 커지지 않도록 관리하고 향후 증시 수급과 산업구조 등을 종합적으로 모니터링하겠다는 방침이다. 한편 이 원장은 영국 금융감독당국과의 협력도 강화했다. 지난 7일 영업행위감독청(FCA) 부청장과 금융소비자 보호 체계와 감독 방향을 논의했다. 8일에는 건전성감독청(PRA) 청장과 은행·보험 건전성 규제와 디지털 운영리스크, 가상자산·스테이블코인 감독방안 등을 협의했다. 9일에는 재무보고위원회(FRC) 최고경영자(CEO)를 만나 회계부정 대응과 자본시장 신뢰도 제고를 위한 회계감리 강화 방안을 논의했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
  • Koreas Financial Regulator Addresses Market Volatility in London
    Korea's Financial Regulator Addresses Market Volatility in London 이찬진 금융감독원장이 영국 런던에서 글로벌 투자자들을 만나 한국 증시의 변동성과 이른바 ‘빚투’ 문제를 직접 설명했다. 외국인 투자자들의 한국 증시에 대한 관심이 이어지는 가운데 금융당국이 레버리지 투자 확대에 따른 시장 변동성을 관리하고 장기투자 기반을 마련하겠다는 입장을 밝혔다. 10일 금융감독원에 따르면 이 원장은 지난 8일 런던에서 열린 ‘INVEST K-FINANCE: LONDON IR 2026’에 참석해 골드만삭스와 모건스탠리 등 글로벌 투자은행(IB) 및 자산운용사 22곳의 고위급 관계자들과 한국 자본시장 현안을 논의했다. 신한금융지주와 우리금융지주, 한국투자증권, NH투자증권 등 국내 금융회사도 참여했다. 이 자리에서 글로벌 투자자들은 최근 한국 증시의 변동성과 원·달러 환율 움직임, 장기투자 환경 등에 대해 질문했다. 특히 증시 변동성에 대한 질문에 이 원장은 레버리지와 빚투 등으로 시장 변동성이 과도하게 확대되지 않도록 세밀한 관리에 나서고 있다고 설명했다. 향후에도 증시 수급과 산업 구조 등을 종합적으로 모니터링하면서 건전한 장기투자 기반이 정착될 수 있도록 지원하겠다는 방침이다. 금감원은 이번 IR에서 특정 종목에 대한 쏠림과 투자자의 단기매매 성향, 코스닥 시장의 경쟁력 저하 등을 한국 자본시장의 주요 과제로 제시했다. 환율에 대한 질문도 나왔다. 이 원장은 상반기 한국 증시 급등 이후 외국인 투자자금의 차익실현과 리밸런싱에 따른 주식 매도 물량이 늘면서 원·달러 환율 상승 요인으로 작용했다고 설명했다. 다만 7월 이후에는 수출업체의 네고 물량 등이 출회하면서 환율이 하락했다고 밝혔다. 이 원장은 한국 증시의 장기투자 매력을 높이기 위한 제도 개선도 강조했다. 코스닥 진입·퇴출 기준을 정비하고 대형 IB의 모험자본 공급을 활성화하는 한편 결제주기 단축과 거래시간 연장, 토큰증권 인프라 구축 등을 추진하겠다고 설명했다. 기업가치 제고와 시장 신뢰 회복도 주요 메시지였다. 금융당국이 시장교란 행위에 엄정 대응하고 저평가 기업의 자발적인 가치 제고를 유도하는 동시에 금융회사 지배구조를 선진화해 투자자가 믿고 투자할 수 있는 시장을 만들겠다는 것이다. 글로벌 투자자들은 상법 개정과 외국인투자자등록제 폐지 등 한국의 기업가치 제고 및 시장 접근성 개선 노력을 긍정적으로 평가한 것으로 전해졌다. 다만 실질적인 자본시장 경쟁력 강화로 이어지기 위해서는 정책의 일관성과 안정적인 제도 정착이 필요하다는 의견도 제시했다. 이 원장은 이번 런던 방문 기간 영국 영업행위감독청(FCA), 건전성감독청(PRA), 재무보고위원회(FRC) 최고위급 인사들과도 만나 소비자보호와 금융회사 건전성 규제, 디지털 운영리스크, 가상자산·스테이블코인, 회계부정 대응 등을 논의했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
  • Surge in Nominal Growth Rate Boosts South Korean Economy Amid Inflation Concerns
    Surge in Nominal Growth Rate Boosts South Korean Economy Amid Inflation Concerns Driven by a semiconductor boom, South Korea's nominal growth rate has surged unusually high, with positive effects expected to spread across the economy, including improved corporate performance, increased investment, higher tax revenue, and enhanced household income. However, there are concerns that rising incomes may lead to increased consumer spending, heightening demand-side inflation pressures and stimulating housing demand and household debt, which could exacerbate financial imbalances.The Bank of Korea reported on September 10 that the nominal growth rate for the first half of this year exceeded 20%, indicating an unusual expansion. This surge in nominal growth is attributed to improvements in trade conditions driven by rising export prices. In the second quarter, nominal GDP increased by 9.2% from the previous quarter and rose 26.4% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest level since the third quarter of 1979 (27.7%).Improved trade conditions are leading to increased corporate profits. The Bank of Korea noted that not only the information technology sector but also other manufacturing industries, such as shipbuilding and machinery, have seen profitability improvements, resulting in a significant increase in capital investment. The central bank anticipates that this trend will continue into next year, sustaining high growth in capital investment.Corporate performance improvements are expected to have a ripple effect on the government and households. Thanks to strong corporate results, national tax revenue in the first half of this year has significantly increased compared to last year, and the Bank of Korea predicts that tax revenue will continue to rise next year, enhancing the government's fiscal capacity. Households are also expected to see gradual improvements in income conditions, leading to increased consumption capacity.Considering these trends, the surge in nominal growth is expected to contribute to robust economic growth through expanded investment, rising wages, and increased tax revenue.However, rising incomes do not necessarily guarantee economic recovery. The Bank of Korea forecasts that demand-side pressures will gradually increase, causing inflation rates to exceed target levels for an extended period. In particular, as increased income translates more into private consumption rather than savings or asset acquisition, inflationary pressures may intensify.There are also potential burdens on the financial market. While the increase in nominal GDP may lower the household debt ratio relative to GDP, the Bank of Korea assesses that it remains high compared to major advanced countries. The improvement in income conditions could lead to increased housing demand, indicating that the need for household debt management remains significant.In a context of high expectations for rising asset prices, the Bank of Korea warned that expanded leverage and interactions in the asset market could heighten the risk of financial imbalances.The Bank of Korea stated, "The surge in nominal growth is expected to have significant impacts not only on growth but also on inflation and financial stability across the macroeconomy, necessitating an effective policy mix."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
  • Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Eok-won Inspects PF Funding in Gyeonggi Province
    Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Eok-won Inspects PF Funding in Gyeonggi Province The financial authorities are enhancing funding for normal real estate project financing (PF) sites to expand housing supply. The Korea Housing Finance Corporation is increasing its public guarantees for PF, while closely managing financial challenges at 325 PF sites in the metropolitan area expected to start construction or be completed next year.On September 10, Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Eok-won visited the Pungmu District urban development project site in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, to assess the PF funding situation and listen to financial and construction industry representatives about on-site financial difficulties.This visit is a follow-up to the comprehensive financial measures announced on August 13 aimed at stabilizing the real estate market. The Financial Services Commission is strengthening financial support to ensure timely funding for normal projects while addressing issues at troubled sites in the real estate PF market.The Pungmu District project is a large-scale urban development initiative covering approximately 870,000 square meters, expected to provide over 6,522 housing units. Initially, the project faced delays due to the real estate market downturn in 2022-2023 and uncertainties in the sales market, leading to increased financial burdens. However, with stabilized PF funding, the project has returned to normal operations.The project developer, Hoban Construction, secured around 600 billion won through the Korea Housing Finance Corporation's PF guarantees. As construction costs and interest rates rose, they utilized the 'Construction Cost Plus PF Guarantee' to secure additional funding even after construction began. The Financial Services Commission views this as a successful example of financial support leading to actual housing supply.Lee emphasized, "For rapid housing supply, there must be a proactive commitment from developers, seamless construction progress from contractors, reliable funding from private financial institutions, and supportive public guarantees from the Korea Housing Finance Corporation, all working together." The Korea Housing Finance Corporation has increased its PF guarantee supply target for this year from 6 trillion won to 9 trillion won following the August 13 measures. It is also pursuing institutional improvements to promote housing supply, including new guarantee products for redevelopment and rental businesses.Private financial institutions are also expanding their funding. KB Kookmin Bank CEO Lee Hwan-joo stated that the bank has handled approximately 4 trillion won in PF loans this year and is committed to actively supporting housing supply. Kookmin Bank plans to significantly increase its internal limits related to PF.The financial authorities plan to strengthen management of PF sites in the metropolitan area for housing supply. Lee announced that they will closely manage the 325 PF projects expected to start construction or be completed next year. He also urged project managers to actively communicate on-site difficulties and suggestions through the financial and construction industry support center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
  • Government to Monitor Prices of Key Holiday Items Ahead of Chuseok
    Government to Monitor Prices of Key Holiday Items Ahead of Chuseok The National Data Agency is conducting daily surveys of prices for 36 essential items, including holiday foods and dining options, to support the government's measures for stabilizing living costs ahead of Chuseok. This initiative aims to monitor real-time price fluctuations and implement timely supply stabilization measures.On September 10, the agency announced that the daily price survey will take place from today until September 23.The survey will cover a total of 36 items, including key holiday essentials such as beef and yellow corvina, as well as petroleum products and dining options. Among these, 24 items are agricultural and marine products, including apples, pears, chestnuts, beef, eggs, and yellow corvina. Processed foods will include five items such as flour, tofu, and cooking oil, while petroleum products will consist of three items: gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. Dining options will include four items: pork belly and chicken.The National Data Agency will conduct both in-person interviews and online surveys in seven major cities, including Seoul and Busan. The results will be shared daily with relevant government departments to enhance the effectiveness of price management.Prior to the survey, Ahn Hyung-jun, head of the National Data Agency, visited the Namgu Market in Seoul on September 8 to check the price trends of key holiday items such as apples and pears. He expressed gratitude to the surveyed stores that have cooperated with consumer price surveys, emphasizing the importance of building trust in statistical production through on-site communication.Ahn stated, "The precise data obtained from the daily price survey will serve as essential foundational material for stabilizing the supply of holiday essentials and establishing effective price policies. We will continue to strive to provide accurate and timely statistical services that the public can feel in their daily lives." He also encouraged field survey staff to remain diligent in their efforts despite the increased workload leading up to the holiday.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:00
  • Supreme Court Confirms Suspended Sentence for Former Samyang Foods Chairman Jeon In-jang
    Supreme Court Confirms Suspended Sentence for Former Samyang Foods Chairman Jeon In-jang The Supreme Court has confirmed a suspended prison sentence for Jeon In-jang, the former chairman of Samyang Foods, who was accused of embezzling company funds through the issuance of false tax invoices via paper companies. This decision comes seven years after he was indicted.On September 10, the Supreme Court's second division, led by Justice Oh Kyung-mi, dismissed Jeon's appeal regarding charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (issuing false tax invoices) and upheld the original sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years, along with a fine of 19.1 billion won.Additionally, Samyang Foods and two of its affiliates, which were also indicted for violating tax laws, were each fined 10 million won.Jeon, the eldest son of the company's founder, was charged in December 2019 for issuing a total of 538 billion won in false invoices and tax documents through two paper companies between 2010 and 2017.In the first trial, Jeon received a sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years, and a fine of 19.1 billion won. However, the second trial reduced his sentence to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years, and a fine of 650 million won, acquitting him of tax law violations.In February of last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the second trial's acquittal on certain transactions was also related to the issuance of false tax invoices and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court. In November of the same year, the retrial court imposed the same sentence as the first trial: three years in prison, suspended for five years, and a fine of 19.1 billion won. Jeon appealed this decision, prolonging the legal proceedings.Previously, Jeon was also indicted for embezzling over 4.9 billion won by falsely claiming that Samyang Foods had received packaging boxes and food materials from paper companies between 2008 and 2017.In 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison for this case and was taken into custody. The following year, the Supreme Court upheld the sentence, and Jeon completed his term and was released in January 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:00:00