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  • Home Shopping Expands Wellness PB with Blood Sugar Drinks and Health Supplements
    Home Shopping Expands 'Wellness PB' with Blood Sugar Drinks and Health Supplements Home shopping companies are bringing their own beverages and health supplements beyond television. Lotte Home Shopping and NS Home Shopping have recently strengthened their wellness private brands (PB), while GS Shop and CJ OnStyle are expanding their product lines and offline sales networks. This shift is seen as a response to the shrinking TV home shopping market, aiming to secure new revenue sources and broaden customer engagement. According to industry sources on September 6, Lotte Home Shopping plans to expand the distribution of its self-developed beverage brand 'L:Bottle' with its first product, 'Spike Zero,' into department stores and convenience stores. Developed from employee ideas, Spike Zero contains banana leaf extract, known to help suppress blood sugar spikes. In January, the product sold approximately 10,000 bottles through the crowdfunding platform Wadiz, achieving 4000% of its target. It has since expanded its online sales through platforms like Coupang, Kurly, and Naver, with monthly average orders increasing by 70% since its launch. After entering the exclusive VIP 'Black' lounge at Lotte Department Store's main and Jamsil branches in April, it has further expanded to Avenue L lounges and food halls across Lotte Department Stores. Next month, it will also be available at Seven-Eleven and the wellness curation platform 'Olive Better.' NS Home Shopping is also expanding its wellness PB. On August 20, it launched six health supplements under the PB 'N-Well' and began sales on NS Mall from August 24. N-Well targets everyday health management needs, including blood circulation, memory, eye health, blood pressure, and blood sugar. The sales network is also expanding beyond home shopping, with five N-Well products set to be sold at 124 Homeplus Express stores starting September 7. Additionally, it will enter overseas markets through the Hong Kong-based distributor 'Haninhong.' CJ OnStyle has been developing wellness products for some time. Its 'Ohharu Natural Full' brand, launched in 2014, surpassed 200 billion won in cumulative orders as of January this year. As of the end of August, it has 400,000 repeat customers. The flagship product, 'Seoritae Millstone Soy Milk,' has sold 43 million packs since its launch in 2019. CJ OnStyle is strengthening its wellness food business, including a complete overhaul of this product after seven years. GS Shop is also expanding its health supplement PB 'Simple Bio.' Launched in 2022 in collaboration with a health supplement company, Simple Bio has broadened its product range to include vitamins, magnesium, and eye health products. Since June, eight of its nine products have been sold at GS The Fresh supermarkets. In the second quarter of this year, the expansion of its own and exclusive products, including Simple Bio, was cited as a factor in GS Shop's improved performance. The strengthening of private brands by home shopping companies is linked to the growth limitations of their TV-centric businesses. According to the Korea TV Home Shopping Association, the total transaction amount of seven TV home shopping companies last year was 18.5053 trillion won, a 5.1% decrease from the previous year. Broadcast revenue also fell to 2.6181 trillion won, the lowest level since 2012, with broadcast fees accounting for 73.4% of revenue. An industry insider stated, "Wellness products are suitable for home shopping companies to grow their PBs as they can expect repeat purchases. As the growth of the TV home shopping market slows, the importance of securing differentiated private products and expanding external sales channels will increase."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:20:00
  • Stock Funds See Money Move to Overseas Products Amid Market Volatility
    Stock Funds See 'Money Move' to Overseas Products Amid Market Volatility ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷변동성이 부른 주식형 펀드 '머니무브'…해외형 펀드에 19배 더 몰렸다- A clear trend of 'money move' is emerging as investors shift from domestic stock funds to overseas products. In the past month, a net inflow of 4.431 trillion won was recorded in public stock funds, with approximately 95% directed towards overseas funds.- According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, from August 4 to September 3, overseas stock funds saw a net inflow of 4.2088 trillion won, while domestic funds only attracted 222.3 billion won. The inflow into overseas funds was about 19 times greater than that of domestic funds.- Excluding ETFs, the gap between domestic and overseas funds is even more pronounced. In the last month, public stock funds experienced a total net outflow of 45.3 billion won, with domestic funds losing 104.6 billion won, while overseas funds gained 59.2 billion won.- Just a month ago, domestic funds were leading, but the trend reversed in August. In July, including ETFs, domestic funds had a net inflow of 6.6724 trillion won, surpassing overseas funds at 4.4362 trillion won. However, in August, domestic funds saw a drastic decline to 1.7434 trillion won, a 73.9% drop, while overseas funds decreased by only 20.4% to 3.5334 trillion won.- Analysts attribute the shift in capital to the poor performance of the domestic stock market. From July 1 to September 4, the KOSPI fell by 19.47%, while the U.S. S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices rose by 3.14% and 1.79%, respectively, widening the return gap.- In fact, in the past month, the top four net inflows for domestic stock ETFs were all U.S. index products. The TIGER U.S. S&P 500 saw an inflow of 995.1 billion won, followed by the TIGER U.S. Nasdaq 100 at 645 billion won, KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 at 561.1 billion won, and KODEX U.S. S&P 500 at 473.7 billion won, totaling 2.6749 trillion won.◆주요 리포트▷이익 증가율 꺾이는 코스피…“이제는 이익의 질 봐야” - The KOSPI's 12-month expected net profit growth rate has decreased from 328% in August to 316% currently, indicating a potential slowdown in the index's upward trend.- Historically, after reaching a peak in profit growth, the KOSPI's index return averaged -2.9% over the following three months, while sectors with rising profit growth recorded an average of 3.8%. This suggests a differentiation among sectors.- Notably, sectors with rising operating profit margins achieved a return of 4.3%, while those with declining margins saw a return of -7.4%. In a phase of slowing profit growth, profitability becomes a key variable in stock selection.- The recent slowdown in U.S. manufacturing momentum and a sharp drop in the won-dollar exchange rate have increased pressure on KOSPI operating profit margins.- Hana Securities recommends expanding investments in sectors with high potential for operating profit margin improvement, such as semiconductors, holding companies, defense, energy, shipbuilding, IT hardware, and transportation.◆장 마감 후(4일) 주요공시▷현대건설 : 샤힌 에틸렌시설 건설공사 PKG1 중대재해 발생▷현대바이오 : 전립선암 치료제 CP-PCA07의 1상 임상시험계획 변경승인 신청▷우성 : 우성유통 흡수합병 및 355억7906만6968원 규모 자기주식 처분 결정▷SOOP : 189억2297만3833원 규모 기취득 자기주식 소각 결정◆펀드 동향(3일 기준, ETF 제외) ▷국내 주식형: -586억원▷해외 주식형: -40억원◆오늘(7일) 주요일정▷일본: 외환보유고(8월)▷독일: 산업생산(7월)▷휴장: 미국, 브라질, 캐나다 2026-09-07 07:20:00
  • New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Approved, Boosting K-Bio Development Competition
    New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Approved, Boosting K-Bio Development Competition The global market for pancreatic cancer treatments is experiencing significant activity following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of a drug that nearly doubles the average survival time for patients. As the treatment paradigm shifts from chemotherapy to targeted therapies, competition among domestic biotech companies in developing these treatments is expected to intensify. According to industry sources, on August 26, the FDA approved Lasonk (active ingredient: darasofit) from Revolution Medicines as a treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. In a Phase 3 clinical trial (RASolute 302), the drug increased the median survival time from the standard chemotherapy of 6.7 months to 13.2 months, reducing the risk of death by 60%. With the FDA's approval of Lasonk, market growth is anticipated to accelerate. Industry analysts project that the global pancreatic cancer treatment market will expand from approximately 6 trillion won this year to 19.5 trillion won by 2034. This trend is expected to invigorate development efforts among domestic companies. Jeil Pharmaceutical's subsidiary, Onconic Therapeutics, has been developing the targeted cancer drug Nesupaparib since 2021. In June, the company gained attention by announcing results from a Phase 1b trial at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which showed complete responses and long-term survival cases exceeding 40 months in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Currently, clinical trials for four indications, including pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer, are underway in South Korea. The company is also preparing to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA, aiming to enter Phase 2 trials in the U.S. by the end of the year. The company aims to establish itself as a first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer, leveraging regulatory benefits such as conditional approval and fast-track designation. Prestige Biopharma is conducting a Phase 1/2a study for its pancreatic cancer candidate PBP1510 (Urenistamab). PBP1510 targets PAUF (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Up-regulated Factor), a factor expressed in pancreatic cancer. The Phase 1 trial, which evaluated safety and initial anti-tumor effects in patients with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer, has been completed, and data analysis is ongoing as the company prepares to enter Phase 2a. ABL Bio is targeting the first-line treatment market for gastric cancer with its bispecific antibody ABL111, developed in collaboration with China's iMap. ABL111 is designed to enhance anti-cancer effects by simultaneously targeting claudin 18.2, a protein highly expressed in gastric cancer cells, and 4-1BB, a protein that activates immune cells. A global Phase 3 trial for gastric cancer is set to begin in December, with plans to expand indications to include pancreatic and biliary cancers. Ligand Pharmaceuticals is entering the pancreatic cancer market with its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2, LCB02A. Recently, it received approval for a Phase 1/2a trial in the U.S. targeting CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors, including gastric, gastroesophageal junction, and pancreatic cancers, with plans to enroll up to 191 participants across the U.S., South Korea, and Canada. However, there is growing concern over drug pricing. Lasonk is priced at $39,800 for a 30-day supply in the U.S., amounting to approximately $480,000 annually. This high pricing has drawn both praise as a 'new standard of care' and criticism as a symbol of 'inflation in cancer drug prices.' Mark Goldsmith, CEO of Revolution Medicines, stated, "Today marks a historic advancement for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, demonstrating the results of over a decade of research into RAS-driven diseases." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:08:00
  • U.S. Awaits South Koreas Contribution to Hormuz Strait Security
    U.S. Awaits South Korea's Contribution to Hormuz Strait Security The Trump administration stated on September 6 that it is "waiting for the South Korean government to contribute resources" in the Hormuz Strait. According to Yonhap News, a White House official commented on South Korea's review of military contributions to the Hormuz Strait, saying, "South Korea is one of the major importers of Middle Eastern crude oil," and added, "We are still waiting for South Korea to deploy resources in the region." This was reported by Voice of America (VOA). A U.S. Department of Defense official further noted in response to a Yonhap inquiry that President Trump has publicly expressed his expectation for allies to step up and support the protection of freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait. The official also stated, "Please inquire with the South Korean government regarding potential asset or troop deployments." On August 30, President Trump reiterated in a media interview that South Korea and NATO countries have not provided assistance related to the Iran conflict, stating, "Keep that in mind."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 06:24:00
  • Interview: Seol Kyung-gu on His Role as Noja in Netflixs Rodent
    Interview: Seol Kyung-gu on His Role as Noja in Netflix's 'Rodent' Actor Seol Kyung-gu has returned with a 'rough face' in the Netflix series 'Rodent.' Known for his strong presence and sharp energy in films like 'Good News,' 'Windstorm,' and 'Ordinary Family,' as well as the drama 'Hyperknife,' he portrays Noja, a loan shark who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. In his pursuit of lost money, Noja becomes embroiled in unexpected events, revealing a character that is both cold and dangerous yet possesses human vulnerabilities. Seol Kyung-gu enhances Noja's risky and human charm with his unique charisma and raw energy. "The character was challenging. However, Director Kim Hong-sun allowed me the freedom to express myself. I was comfortable working with Ryu Jun-yeol, as we knew each other personally. The director doesn't provide detailed notes and tends to let actors take the lead, which allowed me to explore my own ideas. While that could be a downside, it was comfortable for me," he said. Seol Kyung-gu focused on balancing Noja's rough exterior with his human flaws. He aimed to show a range of expressions that varied depending on the situation and the characters he interacted with. "I wanted the initial impression to be harsh. However, maintaining that heaviness throughout all ten episodes seemed unrealistic. I thought the interplay between a fierce appearance and a vacant demeanor would create a sense of humanity and depth. It wasn't a calculated division between scenes; it felt more natural, depending on the interaction. When I was with Jun-yeol, we became a bit clumsy together, and when meeting (Kim) Seong-o's character, I became rougher. I wanted to create a multi-dimensional character through these variations," he explained. The contrast between Noja and Moon-jae, who are nearly opposites in personality and pace, became clearer through their interactions. Seol Kyung-gu believes this contrast enhances both characters. "I couldn't do it alone. Moon-jae and Noja are completely different characters. From eating hamburgers to their personalities, Moon-jae is frustrating, while Noja is quick. That contrast was well portrayed, and we helped each other in embodying our characters," he noted. His chemistry with Ryu Jun-yeol also developed naturally. Seol Kyung-gu described Ryu Jun-yeol as an actor who prepares not only for his role but for the entire scene, which fostered lively discussions on set. "Jun-yeol comes prepared with a lot of ideas. Usually, actors only prepare for their parts, but he discusses the overall scene. At first, I thought, 'Oh, how cocky,' but then I thought, 'Let's try that.' After that, we would agree on what worked and what didn't, and it became enjoyable. I appreciated his input," he said. Seol Kyung-gu's initial impression of Noja was that of a 'free-spirited human.' Unlike characters who are chased like a rodent or are in extreme anxiety like Moon-jae, Noja feels closer to a free individual after leaving his organization. "After leaving the organization, he felt like a free man. He was less constrained than a rodent and didn't feel as pursued as Moon-jae. That might have made it easier for me. He had that sense of being unbound. However, the scene where he meets a character in a sushi restaurant felt a bit unsettling. It wasn't so much a calculated construction as it was a feeling I had," he shared. Action scenes, particularly in confined spaces, posed challenges. Seol Kyung-gu recalled a scene in the backseat of a car, which, although brief in the final cut, was lengthy and strenuous during filming. "The scene in the backseat of the car was a bit tough. The space was too cramped, and we bumped into each other. I told my co-stars, 'I might hit you, bear with it, I'm sorry.' I probably hit them a couple of times. Being a senior, I couldn't say anything, so I felt bad. The tight space made it hard to avoid punches, and that was a bit overwhelming. It passed quickly in the final cut, but the filming took quite a while," he explained. Seol Kyung-gu believes that if 'Rodent' were to continue for another episode, Noja would need to face his consequences. He envisions Noja's ending as one of acceptance rather than escape. "I think Noja should be held accountable. I believe he would accept it with dignity. That way, he could live a life before his wrongdoings. I don't think losing the use of one arm would suffice to erase his wrongdoings. If someone from the countryside came to arrest him, I think Noja would accept it. It's like when a mother sees her son after years and treats him like someone who just stepped out for a moment. That one line would validate the pre-wrongdoing version of me, so I think he could accept it afterward," he said. Interestingly, despite Noja's clear wrongdoing, there are points where he garners audience support. Seol Kyung-gu attributes this to the 'human scent' emanating from the character. "Perhaps it's because he has a human scent. He commits wrongdoings, but he also has a vacant and clumsy side. He seems to have many flaws. I think I wanted to add a human touch to the parts the writer intended to be heavier. The character of Moon-jae helped with that. He’s a character that requires a lot of care, and even though you want to hit and curse at him, you have to protect him. I think those aspects were viewed positively," he reflected. Seol Kyung-gu does not believe that adding humanity to a potentially unlikable character was an overly calculated result. He explained that the visible traits within the character aligned with the writer and director's vision. "I didn't force it; if the writer or director disagreed, they would have said so. But perhaps it aligned well. I think there were already visible traits within the character," he said. For an actor who has shown various faces over the years, the phrase 'Seol Kyung-gu's acting' can sometimes feel burdensome. He understands the evaluations that seasoned actors inevitably face. Nevertheless, he stated that striving for variation is part of an actor's job. "I think everyone knows that. But there are also comments like, 'He’s the same in every project, it’s boring.' I think seasoned actors hear that a lot. It’s unavoidable because it’s what I do. So, I struggle to introduce changes. I try to bring in variations, but I’m still me," he said. There was a time when he felt a strong compulsion for change. However, Seol Kyung-gu now focuses more on gradually evolving within the story rather than trying to erase himself completely. "I used to feel that way. But once I realized that it wasn't possible, I became more focused on the story. Of course, that feeling still lingers. I try not to repeat previous characters and aim for gradual variations. But now, I think that has diminished a bit. After all, it’s me, and I find it interesting to change and evolve within the story," he concluded. Finally, Seol Kyung-gu urged viewers who might feel burdened by the ten-episode format to engage with the series with affection. He emphasized that 'Rodent' is a work that requires attention rather than passive viewing. "Watching all ten episodes at once or within two days isn't easy. However, if you watch it with affection, I think you can appreciate it. Each episode has a well-crafted ending. However, it’s not a work that’s easy to watch at home. It’s not something you can watch while going about your daily life. It requires focus, and I believe that if you only watch the first two or three episodes, you’ll want to continue. It’s a work that can break if you lose focus, so I hope you watch it with affection. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 06:04:10
  • Koo Jeong As OUSSSMOS Exhibition Explores the Nature of Reality
    Koo Jeong A's 'OUSSSMOS' Exhibition Explores the Nature of Reality Finding stars in the night sky can be elusive, much like the experience of viewing Koo Jeong A's solo exhibition, 'OUSSSMOS,' which opened on September 5 at the Leeum Museum.Outside the museum, 50 crystals titled 'Reality Upgrade & End Alone' are embedded in the dark stone wall, revealing themselves only under the right conditions. On a clear day, the crystals sparkle, reminiscent of stars that require luck to be seen. In a similar way, the crystals hidden in the wall become stars at certain moments.Koo's 'OUSSSMOS' evokes the moment in spring when ice begins to melt, blurring the lines between water and ice. In an era that demands clear distinctions, 'OUSSSMOS' poses questions reminiscent of the butterfly dream, challenging the certainty of our perceptions and whether we truly see what is real.For over 30 years, Koo has incorporated intangible elements such as scent, light, sound, magnetism, and gravity into her work, defying fixed definitions and clear boundaries.The exhibition appears to delineate boundaries at first glance, featuring a massive stainless steel structure weighing nearly 6 tons alongside pencil leads, sugar cube houses, shimmering crystals, and rough stones, showcasing the coexistence of contrasting properties. Where there is heaviness, there is lightness; where there is solidity, there is fragility.However, during a press conference on August 31, Koo remarked on the pencil lead, stating, "While it is materially fragile, it is produced by a powerful industrial system. It should not be viewed as merely weak."The exhibition challenges fixed boundaries. The infinity symbol-shaped 'Mobius' blurs the lines between beginning and end. 'Gravita,' located at the museum entrance, absorbs light during the day and glows in the dark, prompting reflections on the nature of light and darkness. In 'Reality Upgrade & End Alone,' it is unclear whether the stone is pressing down on the crystal or if the crystal is supporting the stone.The piece 'Ever Bust' consists of two large rocks, one located outside the museum and the other suspended from the ceiling far away. They cannot be viewed simultaneously. From the perspective of 'Ever,' the other rock is 'that one,' while from 'Bust,' 'Ever' becomes 'that one.' This binary distinction does not apply.'OUSSSMOS' shakes the eye that has divided the visible from the invisible, the strong from the weak, and this from that. The living tree sways. If you are okay with not seeing the light that is either a star or a satellite, a visit to 'OUSSSMOS' is recommended.The exhibition runs until December 27. 2026-09-07 06:04:00
  • Christopher Nolans Odyssey Surpasses 10 Million Viewers in South Korea
    Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' Surpasses 10 Million Viewers in South Korea Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' has surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea. It is the second film this year to reach this milestone in the domestic box office, following 'The King’s Affection,' and the first foreign film to do so in 2026. According to distributor Universal Pictures, 'Odyssey' crossed the 10 million mark around 4 p.m. on September 6, achieving this record 33 days after its release on August 5. The film attracted 301,247 viewers on September 5 alone, bringing its cumulative total to 9,768,259, and saw a surge in attendance over the weekend, reaching the 10 million milestone the following day. The film's box office performance has been remarkable. 'Odyssey' surpassed 5 million viewers on its 13th day and reached 7 million on the 19th day. Its explosive start indicated an early prediction of hitting the 10 million mark. It broke the 800,000 viewer threshold in just 24 days, setting a record for the fastest foreign film to do so this year, and exceeded 900,000 viewers on the 27th day, three days faster than 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which reached that number on its 30th day. In doing so, 'Odyssey' surpassed the final scores of the highest-grossing foreign films in the past three years, including 'Elemental' (7.24 million), 'Inside Out 2' (8.79 million), and 'Zootopia 2' (8.61 million), making it the highest-grossing foreign film in South Korea. 'Odyssey' maintained its position at the top of the box office on September 5. While 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' continued its long run with a cumulative total of 8,737,145 viewers, 'Odyssey' drew in nearly 10 million viewers, leading the race to 10 million. Even in its fifth week, it held the top spot in real-time ticket sales, with ticket reservations in the high 200,000s, demonstrating its staying power. Globally, 'Odyssey' has also performed exceptionally well. Since its release, it has topped the box office in 69 countries, with a global opening weekend gross of $264.06 million, surpassing 'The Dark Knight Rises' to set a record for Nolan's highest opening. As of September 6, the worldwide box office revenue exceeded $1.56 billion, placing it second in global box office rankings for 2026. North American earnings are around $570 million, while international earnings outside North America are approximately $980 million. The film has received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable achievement for an epic adaptation in a market dominated by superhero sequels and established franchises. Nolan's achievement with 'Odyssey' is significant, as he previously attracted 10 million viewers in South Korea with 'Interstellar.' With 'Odyssey,' he becomes one of the few foreign directors to have two films reach the 10 million mark in the country. His reputation has been solidified through films like the 'Dark Knight' series, 'Inception,' 'Dunkirk,' 'Tenet,' and 'Oppenheimer.' 'Odyssey' tells the story of Odysseus, the hero who leads the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War, as he battles the wrath of the gods to return home. Adapted from Homer's 'Odyssey,' regarded as the first great epic of humanity, the film explores universal themes of human will, homecoming, and the conflict between gods and humans, all presented through Nolan's grand scale and philosophical perspective. The film has been praised for its need to be experienced on large screens with high-quality sound. It combines real locations, live stunts, practical effects, and the latest IMAX technology with minimal CGI, creating a realistic portrayal of the myth. It is the first film in history to be shot entirely in IMAX film format. Demand for special screenings, such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, surged before its release, leading to rapid sellouts, and some fans resorted to purchasing tickets on the black market for over $100. Promotional events leading up to the release also contributed to its success. In August, Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron visited South Korea to meet with the press and fans. Related events and interview footage circulated online, boosting the film's visibility before its release. Interest in 'Odyssey' has extended beyond theaters. According to Kyobo Bookstore, sales of related books, including 'Odyssey' and 'The Odyssey,' increased by approximately 600% compared to the same period last year. In the second week of August, related titles ranked second in the comprehensive bestseller lists of Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24. Sales growth was consistent across various formats, including children's editions, translations, and e-books. Additionally, search interest for 'Odyssey' on Millie's Library increased by 3.3 times compared to before the film's release, while searches for 'Greek and Roman mythology' rose by 3.6 times, surpassing previous adaptations like 'Project Hail Mary' and 'The Fall.' Exhibitions have also attracted audiences. A special exhibition titled 'Greece: The Great Civilization Shaped by the Sea,' which opened on August 11 at the National Incheon Marine Museum, focuses on the 6,000-year history of ancient Greece, including the story of Odysseus. Exhibits related to Homer and characters like Agamemnon have drawn in moviegoers. With 'Odyssey' surpassing the 10 million viewer mark, attention now turns to its final audience count. Its strong performance in the box office and ticket sales in its fifth week raises the possibility of setting a new record for Nolan's highest-grossing film in South Korea. 'Odyssey' is currently showing in theaters nationwide. 2026-09-07 06:04:00
  • Shifting Focus of Corporate Governance: From Board Composition to Effectiveness
    Shifting Focus of Corporate Governance: From Board Composition to Effectiveness Recent trends in global governance are rapidly shifting from a focus on 'who' is on the board of directors to 'how' the board operates effectively. In the past, the composition of the board was a primary concern, but now the emphasis is on how the board functions and contributes to corporate strategy and long-term value creation. South Korea is undergoing a similar transformation. Starting in 2026, all listed companies on the securities market will be required to disclose corporate governance reports, necessitating that companies explain not only their board composition but also their operational practices to the market and investors. So, how is board capability developed? Many companies seek answers by appointing directors with expertise. They make significant efforts to recruit experts from various fields, including industry, policy and regulation, academia, and finance, to enhance their boards. Selecting the right experts for corporate strategy is undoubtedly important. However, appointing outside directors does not complete the board's capability. The appointment is just the beginning. A strong board is not formed solely through appointments. The effectiveness of a board is determined by how it operates and evolves after appointments. Over the past two decades, I have supported CEOs and the appointment of outside directors for domestic and international companies, and I have recently engaged in discussions about board operations across various firms. Each company faces different challenges. Some are concerned about securing candidates for audit committees, while others focus on training newly appointed directors or seek advice on how to conduct board evaluations. While the visible challenges differ, one fact has been consistently confirmed in practice: appointments, training, and evaluations are conducted separately and do not connect into a cohesive operational system. Few companies have established a virtuous cycle where necessary capabilities lead to subsequent appointments, and training and evaluation results are reflected back into board operations. In a changing business environment, boards must continuously assess and develop the necessary capabilities. The spread of AI technology, geopolitical risks, supply chain restructuring, and shifts in industry boundaries are rapidly altering the agendas that boards must address. Relying solely on expertise once acquired is insufficient to respond to these changes. It is essential to enhance understanding of the company and industry post-appointment, continuously supplement expertise needed for the evolving environment, and reflect the results back into future appointments and operations. Board capability does not arise merely from appointing numerous qualified directors. It is realized when diverse expertise and experiences are connected under a unified corporate strategy, fostering questions and discussions from various perspectives that lead to better decision-making. Ultimately, what matters is not the individual expertise of each director, but how that expertise is integrated within the board to inform decision-making. The operational system I advocate for boards is precisely about this. It is not about creating new systems but defining the capabilities necessary for corporate strategy, appointing suitable directors, and continuously developing those capabilities through training and evaluation, thereby creating a virtuous cycle that connects back to future appointments and operations. When appointments, training, and evaluations flow as a single process, the board can evolve from being an organization reliant on individual experiences to a decision-making body that continuously learns and grows. The expansion of corporate governance report disclosures signifies the same direction. The market is no longer focused solely on who is on the board but is also examining the principles and systems governing its operations. In the future, companies must explain not how many directors with impressive credentials they have, but whether they have the operational foundation to translate that expertise into actual decision-making. A good board is not created by chance. It is formed when necessary capabilities are designed, suitable directors are appointed, and those capabilities are continuously developed through training and evaluation. Now, the focus of our companies should expand from 'who is on the board' to 'how to continuously develop board capabilities.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 05:04:00
  • U.S. Envoys Visit Ukraine After Meeting with Putin
    U.S. Envoys Visit Ukraine After Meeting with Putin Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Ukraine after a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.On September 6, local time, Kushner and Witkoff arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, according to reports from CBS News and the Associated Press. Initially, there were suggestions that the envoy team might fly directly from Russia to Kyiv, but they instead landed in Poland and took a train to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the change in plans was due to airstrikes on international airports in Ukraine by Russian forces, as reported by The Guardian.The envoy team held two meetings with President Zelensky on the same day. Zelensky emphasized that the goal of the talks is to achieve a just and fair peace that ensures there are no opportunities for renewed attacks on Ukraine. The envoys are also scheduled to meet with national security advisors from the UK, France, and Germany.Witkoff described the discussions as “very meaningful, substantive, and important,” adding that they were “very encouraging.” Kushner highlighted that President Trump is focused not only on how to end the current war but also on creating conditions for lasting peace.Earlier, the envoy team visited Moscow on September 5, where they met with President Putin for three hours. However, the Associated Press reported that no significant breakthroughs emerged from the Russian talks. Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to the Kremlin, characterized the meeting as constructive, candid, and useful, noting that discussions also covered economic issues and projects of mutual interest between the U.S. and Russia.In a video released from the Moscow meeting, President Putin asked Kushner and Witkoff to convey his regards and gratitude to President Trump, stating that the situation in Ukraine is “not simple,” according to CBS. A White House official indicated that the discussions with President Putin included a “substantive plan for next steps” to be announced in the coming weeks.The envoy team's next objective appears to be the resumption of a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. According to CNN, Kushner expressed optimism at a press conference after the talks with Ukraine, stating, “What Steve (Witkoff) and I think is really productive is to return to the trilateral talks that we had six months ago,” and he hopes for progress soon. President Zelensky agreed, stating that efforts should be made to hold trilateral talks or meetings that include European partners.Previously, President Putin dismissed a letter from President Zelensky proposing a meeting as “meaningless.” He has questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, citing the state of emergency declared during the war that began in 2022, which has allowed Zelensky to remain in power since his election in 2019.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 05:04:00
  • President Lee Arrives in Nice, France for State Visit
    President Lee Arrives in Nice, France for State Visit 이재명 대통령은 6일(현지시간) 프랑스 니스 코트다쥐르 공항에 도착해 3박 5일 간의 국빈 방문 일정에 돌입했다. 이 대통령과 김혜경 여사는 이날 저녁 5대륙 창작자들과의 만찬을 시작으로 첫 공식 일정을 소화한다. 이번 방문은 에마뉘엘 마크롱 프랑스 대통령의 초청으로 이뤄졌다. 이 대통령은 7일 니스 인근 생폴드방스에서 열리는 뤼미에르 서밋에 마크롱 대통령과 함께 공동의장으로 참석할 예정이다. 이후 파리로 이동한 이 대통령은 개선문 헌화와 공식 환영식, 엘리제궁 단독 오찬 및 확대 정상회담 등의 일정을 진행한다. 양국 기업 20여곳이 참여하는 비즈니스 라운드테이블과 국빈만찬도 예정돼 있다. 이 대통령은 프랑스 하원의장 면담과 동포 오찬, 경제협력개발기구(OECD) 사무총장 접견 등의 일정도 소화한 뒤 9일 귀국길에 오를 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 00:52:00