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South Korea Stages Comeback to Defeat Czech Republic in World Cup Opener South Korea's national football team secured a 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup on June 11. Japanese media outlets took note of the match, highlighting South Korea's quick offensive play, focus in the second half, and goalkeeper Kim Seung-kyu's crucial saves as key factors in the win. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that South Korea achieved a comeback with two goals in the second half. The newspaper noted that while the Czech Republic scored first during a long throw-in, South Korea equalized with a goal from Hwang In-beom and then took the lead with a decisive goal from Oh Hyun-kyu. Kyodo News described Hwang In-beom's equalizer as a well-placed right-foot shot following a precise trap, while Oh Hyun-kyu scored the winning goal by tapping in a cross with his left foot. The report also mentioned that South Korea overcame late-game pressure from the Czech Republic thanks to Kim Seung-kyu's saves, noting that despite scoring first, the Czech team was overwhelmed by South Korea's rapid attacks. The Jiji Press covered the opening day results of the World Cup, including South Korea's comeback victory. The report stated that after conceding the first goal, South Korea equalized and then took the lead with Oh Hyun-kyu's goal. It also mentioned that in Group A, host nation Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, allowing both South Korea and Mexico to secure three points. Public broadcaster NHK provided a separate article on the South Korea-Czech Republic match, along with a two-minute highlight video. NHK noted that South Korea, led by Premier League top scorer Son Heung-min, initiated attacks early but ended the first half without scoring. After conceding the first goal to Czech captain Krejčí in the second half, South Korea equalized with Hwang In-beom's right-foot shot and took the lead with Oh Hyun-kyu's left-foot finish from a right-side cross. NHK also highlighted that South Korea faced a late challenge from the Czech Republic but maintained their lead thanks to Kim Seung-kyu's saves. Japanese sports media focused on South Korea's performance and Hong Myung-bo's tactical substitutions. Nikkan Sports noted that despite conceding a goal in the 14th minute of the second half, "Hong Myung-bo's substitutions were effective." The outlet reported that Hwang In-beom not only scored the equalizer but also assisted Oh Hyun-kyu's winning goal, and mentioned that Hwang In-beom plays alongside Japanese internationals Ueda Ayase and Watanabe Tsuyoshi at Feyenoord in the Netherlands. Football Zone, a Japanese football media outlet, reported that South Korea threatened the Czech goal from the start. It highlighted strong long-range shots from Lee Kang-in and a dribble followed by a shot from Son Heung-min, noting reactions on Japanese social media such as "South Korea is indeed strong," "Lee Kang-in is sharp," and "They play good football." Overall, Japanese media assessed that South Korea's performance did not rely solely on Son Heung-min, as multiple players including Hwang In-beom, Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyun-kyu, and Kim Seung-kyu contributed significantly throughout the match. The team's focus in the second half, even after conceding the first goal, was also praised. South Korea began the group stage smoothly, securing three points alongside host nation Mexico. Meanwhile, Japan is set to face the Netherlands in their opening match of Group F on June 15 at 5 a.m. KST at the Dallas Stadium in the United States, alongside Sweden and Tunisia in their group. 2026-06-12 16:54:00
TSMC Dominates Foundry Market with 72% Share as Samsung Falls Behind Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors is significantly reshaping the global foundry market. TSMC solidified its dominance with a market share exceeding 70% in the first quarter of this year, while Samsung Electronics experienced a decline in market share despite an increase in revenue. According to market research firm TrendForce, the revenue of the top 10 global foundry companies reached $47.953 billion in the first quarter, marking a 30.7% increase year-over-year and a 3.7% rise from the previous quarter, setting a new record for quarterly revenue. The growth in the market was driven by strong demand for high-performance computing (HPC) chips for AI applications. Shipments of advanced semiconductors and related components for AI servers remained robust, and inventory replenishment in the consumer electronics supply chain mitigated the seasonal downturn. TSMC reported first-quarter revenue of $35.855 billion, with a market share of 72.3%, an increase of 4.6 percentage points from the same period last year. Its revenue grew by 40.5%, outpacing the average market growth rate. Samsung Electronics recorded first-quarter revenue of $3.21 billion, with a market share of 6.5%. Although its revenue increased by 10.6% year-over-year, its market share fell by 1.2 percentage points. Consequently, the gap between TSMC and Samsung's market shares widened from 59.9 percentage points in the first quarter of last year to 65.8 percentage points in the first quarter of this year. Industry analysts suggest that Samsung's ability to rebound in the foundry sector hinges on securing advanced process customers, particularly large clients like NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple. The success of Samsung's foundry division will also depend on achieving yield rates for its 2-nanometer process and securing customers for its Taylor, Texas facility. China's SMIC reported first-quarter revenue of $2.555 billion, an 11.5% increase from the previous year, with a market share of 5.1%. The gap in market share between Samsung and SMIC narrowed from 1.7 percentage points in the first quarter of last year to 1.4 percentage points in the first quarter of this year. The foundry market is expected to continue its growth trend in the second quarter. TrendForce predicts that demand for AI-related advanced nodes and power management products will remain stronger than anticipated, potentially leading to new revenue highs for the top 10 companies. Price increases in the second half of the year could also be a factor. Foundry companies have indicated potential wafer price hikes, leading to speculation that clients may expedite orders to secure supply.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 16:51:00
UK's Indo-Pacific minister in Seoul to boost cooperation with South Korea SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - U.K. Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra has been in Seoul this week as she seeks to deepen cooperation with South Korea across various sectors and address shared global challenges. During her three-day visit which began on Thursday, Malhotra has been meeting with South Korean government officials and business leaders to discuss cooperation in advanced technologies, clean energy, and defense, according to the British Embassy in Seoul. She arrived from Viet Nam as part of a broader regional trip that reflects Britain's commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Her visit also comes amid growing ties between the two countries under their "Global Strategic Partnership" (GSP), as they seek to strengthen economic resilience and address regional and global security challenges. "I am pleased to be making my first visit to Korea, one of the U.K.'s closest partners in Asia," Malhotra said in a statement released by the embassy. "In a more uncertain world shaped by conflict, economic disruption and climate change, trusted partnerships matter more than ever," she said. "That is why I am here to deepen our Global Strategic Partnership, which is driving secure, mutually beneficial growth, strengthening our economic resilience, and supporting our long-term security across both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic." South Korea and the U.K. have developed a growing economic partnership, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching 17 billion pounds (US$23 billion) last year. The two countries are also preparing to sign an upgraded free trade agreement later this year. The revised pact is expected to modernize bilateral trade by maintaining tariff-free access for most goods, strengthening services trade, and adding provisions on digital trade and supply chains. Energy security and resilient supply chains are among the key topics of Malhotra's visit. The embassy said both countries share a strong interest in protecting freedom of navigation and maritime security as globally integrated trading economies. Malhotra is expected to discuss international security issues including Russia's war in Ukraine and Britain's continued support for Kyiv, while also raising concerns about growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. She is also expected to reaffirm London's commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, in line with U.N. Security Council resolutions. As part of her other schedule in Seoul on Thursday, Malhotra met K-pop girl group NMIXX, along with Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to Seoul, as they were appointed promotional ambassadors for the embassy's campaign, "Girls Can Dream, Girls Can Achieve: Nothing Is Impossible for a Girl Who Dreams." The campaign is designed to inspire girls to take the lead in shaping their own dreams and futures and to pursue their goals with confidence. 2026-06-12 16:46:20
U.S. Plans to Reduce One-Third of Fighter Jets Deployed in Europe The Trump administration plans to reduce the number of fighter jets stationed in Europe for NATO operations by one-third, according to a report by The New York Times citing two senior European officials. This move comes as President Trump has consistently criticized European nations for their low defense spending, arguing they are taking advantage of U.S. security support. The report indicates that the U.S. intends to cut the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets in Europe from approximately 150 to about 100. Additionally, the number of maritime reconnaissance aircraft will be reduced from 26 to 15, and all eight aerial refueling aircraft currently deployed will be withdrawn. The U.S. also plans to redeploy one missile-launching submarine and one aircraft carrier stationed in Europe, along with accompanying warships and aircraft. Furthermore, one of the two bomber groups originally sent for European defense may also be reassigned, according to The New York Times. Last week, the U.S. European Command stated it would "rightsize" its contributions to NATO. Reuters also reported last month that the U.S. plans to scale back its military capabilities available to allies in the event of a major crisis. President Trump has argued that European countries are overly reliant on U.S. defense and should increase their defense budgets to take more responsibility for their own security. He has urged allies in Europe and Asia to raise their defense spending to 3.5% of their respective gross domestic products (GDP).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 16:45:00
Supreme Court Rejects Appeal to Disqualify Judges in Yoon Suk Yeol's Case The Supreme Court has definitively rejected an appeal from former President Yoon Suk Yeol to disqualify judges in his insurrection case, in which he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial.On June 12, the Supreme Court's Second Division, led by Justice Oh Kyung-mi, dismissed Yoon's request to disqualify the judges handling his appeal. As a result, the trial, which had been suspended due to the disqualification request, is expected to resume soon.Yoon's legal team filed the disqualification request on May 13, arguing that they could not expect a fair trial from judges who had publicly expressed a presumption of guilt regarding the insurrection charges against him. The judges in question are part of the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-1, which is overseeing Yoon's appeal.The disqualification request is a provision under criminal procedure law that allows either the prosecution or the defense to seek the removal of a judge if there are concerns about an unfair trial.The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-1 previously sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years in prison for his involvement in insurrection-related duties.Yoon's team claimed that this situation warranted a disqualification, asserting that the judges had already formed a biased opinion against him based on their comments regarding Han's case.However, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Yoon Sung-sik, dismissed the disqualification request on May 20, stating that the cases involving Yoon and Han are separate criminal matters and that there are no grounds for concerns about an unfair trial. Despite Yoon's objections, the Supreme Court upheld this decision on June 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 16:42:00
World Cup '26: Not your typical TGIF if Team Korea kicks off and wins SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Few Friday lunch breaks could have been better. A long midday pause filled with live music, sunshine, a cool breeze, stress relief, shouting, groaning, jumping, dancing and, for some, a can of beer. For 90 minutes, South Koreans traded spreadsheets, classrooms and office meetings for something less tangible but equally important — a shared dose of pride, hope and celebration. Some took the entire day off. Others used half-day leave. Many stretched their lunch hour well beyond its usual limits. Companies wheeled televisions into break rooms, while public squares became giant outdoor stadiums. Some preferred air-conditioned offices. Others sought the collective roar of the crowd. At 11 a.m. on a weekday, South Korea's World Cup did not belong only to stadiums, sports bars or packed streets. It spilled into office lounges, classrooms, company cafeterias and the lunch-hour crowds gathered at Gwanghwamun Square. For workers stealing a few minutes between meetings, teachers watching between classes and fans unable to leave their desks for long, South Korea's opening match against Czechia became a World Cup squeezed into the middle of an ordinary workday. At Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, the answer was loud and public. The scene was uniquely Seoul: beneath the statue of King Sejong and framed by some of the country's largest digital displays, thousands gathered in a sea of red. The combination of history, technology and football created an atmosphere that felt both futuristic and unmistakably Korean. Before kickoff, CORTIS — a K-pop group under Big Hit Music, the label behind BTS — performed alongside rock band Transfixion in a joint set that included "For Victory," a song long associated with Korean football cheering. By kickoff, the broad plaza beneath King Sejong's statue had become a temporary stadium surrounded by office towers. Red jerseys filled the space between giant screens and food stalls. Drums echoed across the square as workers on lunch breaks stood shoulder to shoulder with students, tourists and longtime football fans. Among them were six employees from CJ Logistics who had hurried through lunch before joining the crowd. Their company had not organized a viewing event, but after hearing about the public cheering event nearby, they made their way to Gwanghwamun together — coffee cups in hand and office attire still on, knowing work would be waiting after the final whistle. "It would have been great to watch the match over chicken and beer, but just being able to spend the second half with this crowd was exciting," one employee said. "When Korea scored, I felt a real thrill. Today brought back a lot of memories from the 2002 World Cup." For others, the day was quieter but no less meaningful. There were no drums or sea of red shirts, only a cluster of employees gathered around the screen during their lunch break. When Czechia scored, the room fell silent. When South Korea equalized, someone let out a cheer before quickly remembering where they were. "We could not be at Gwanghwamun, but we still watched together with one heart," one employee said. "After Korea came back to win, everyone returned to their desks and got back to work." The same balancing act played out in schools. In a classroom in Seongnam, sixth-grade teacher Lee Hye-won sat alone at her desk while students ate lunch in the cafeteria. Student drawings lined the walls. The desks were empty and quiet. On her screen, South Korea was fighting for its first World Cup victory. "I wanted to be out at Gwanghwamun with the Red Devils, but I had to support the team in my own way," Lee said. "I ended up cheering in a very calm way, with a cup of coffee." At Gachon University, the academic affairs office looked much as it did on any other workday — computers on, files open and phones ringing. Choi Yoon-sung followed the match between tasks, with the game playing in one corner of the office while work continued around it. "Everyone still had their own responsibilities, so we had to find a balance between work and cheering," Choi said. "It felt like lunchtime was over in an instant." South Korea ended the day with a 2-1 comeback victory after Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winner in the 80th. The passion that once filled late-night streets during World Cups was still there on Friday. It had simply been compressed into lunch breaks, office lounges, coffee cups and small pockets of time carved out of an otherwise ordinary workday. For a couple of hours, work could wait. 2026-06-12 16:39:09
SK Networks Accelerates Shift to AI Company as Investment Results Begin to Show SK Networks is accelerating its transition to an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused business model. The company is moving away from its traditional operations in car rentals and telecommunications distribution, shifting towards a significant restructuring centered on AI, data, and robotics. As it marks the third year of its transformation into an AI company, market interest is growing as some investment results become visible.According to Mirae Asset Securities on June 12, SK Networks has emerged as the most purchased stock among the top 1% of investors over the past month, reflecting optimism about its shift to AI and expectations for improved performance.Over the past two years, the company has actively pursued its transition to an AI-centric business. Since the appointment of CEO Lee Ho-jung in 2023, SK Networks has sold SK Rent-a-Car, spun off Glowaide and SK Speedmate, and restructured its kitchen appliance business under SK Magic. This strategy aims to reduce the share of traditional businesses that once fueled growth and concentrate capital and resources on future growth areas like AI and robotics.A notable investment has been made in the domestic generative AI company Upstage. Following its initial investment in 2024, SK Networks has increased its stake to 12.9% through additional investments and the exercise of call options. Analysts suggest this move goes beyond mere financial investment, indicating a strategic partnership. Upstage's AI technology is expected to be integrated into SK Networks' operations and used to explore new business models.The company has also established a new AI organization. In 2024, SK Networks set up the 'Phoenix Lab' in Silicon Valley to develop AI technologies. This lab will collaborate with SK Networks and its subsidiaries to discover, invest in, and commercialize AI technologies. Last year, it launched a specialized AI solution for the pharmaceutical industry called 'Cheiron' and has been targeting the global market. Additionally, SK Networks secured $4 million in investments from global AI investors.The restructuring of its subsidiaries is also progressing. SK Magic changed its name to SK Intelix last year, signaling its transition to an AI and robotics company. This change reflects its intention to evolve beyond product sales and rentals into an AI-based service provider. Notably, it introduced an AI healthcare platform called 'Namux' last year and is now actively pursuing a wellness robot business. Recently, it signed a partnership agreement with Tower PMC, a premium residential management company, to expand the supply of wellness robots and AI-based home appliances in upscale residential areas in Gangnam and Seocho.Data operations are another key component of SK Networks' AI strategy. The company is nurturing Enco as a data specialist following its acquisition in 2023. Enco possesses competitive capabilities in enterprise data management and governance, essential for building the data infrastructure necessary for the expansion of AI services. As competition in AI model performance ultimately leads to a data competition, Enco's role is expected to grow.Recent results are becoming increasingly evident. In the first quarter of this year, SK Networks reported consolidated revenue of 1.7434 trillion won and operating profit of 33.4 billion won, marking increases of 6.5% and 102.4%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The expansion of SK Intelix's subscription business and improved performance at Walkerhill contributed to these results. Notably, net profit surged to 42.7 billion won, significantly improving from the previous year.An industry insider noted, "The current results reflect gains from the appreciation of investment assets, and establishing a stable revenue model in new businesses like AI and robotics will be a future challenge. In particular, the performance of wellness robots, which SK Intelix is focusing on, is expected to draw attention."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 16:36:00
SpaceX IPO fever meets Starlink's reality check in Asia SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - SpaceX's record-shattering market debut is drawing fresh attention to Starlink, its satellite internet business, as investors look beyond rockets and Mars ambitions to identify the company's most important source of revenue. While SpaceX is best known for reusable rockets and the Starship program, analysts increasingly view Starlink as the company's financial engine. The low-Earth orbit satellite internet network has become SpaceX's largest business segment by revenue and one of its few consistently profitable operations. According to reports citing CNBC, Starlink's subscriber base has more than doubled over the past year to about 10.3 million users. Reuters reported that Starlink generated roughly 60 percent of SpaceX's $18.67 billion in revenue last year, underscoring why the satellite unit sits at the center of investor expectations following the company's highly anticipated IPO. Yet Starlink's global expansion is also exposing a reality often overshadowed by SpaceX's technological achievements. Launching satellites may be global. Selling internet access remains intensely local. From South Korea to India, Starlink is encountering a patchwork of telecom regulations, national security concerns and entrenched market structures that suggest growth may not be as straightforward as subscriber figures imply. South Korea offers a telling example. Starlink began commercial service in the country last December, but it has yet to show signs of becoming a meaningful alternative to existing broadband and mobile networks. One reason is simple: South Korea already possesses one of the world's most advanced terrestrial communications infrastructures. For most households, fiber-optic broadband and nationwide 5G services are cheaper, faster and easier to use than a satellite-based connection requiring dedicated equipment. Starlink's residential plan in Korea launched at 87,000 won ($57) per month, while customers must also purchase a standard terminal kit priced at 550,000 won. By comparison, major Korean broadband providers typically offer residential internet plans at around 22,000 won per month for 100 Mbps service, 33,000 won for 500 Mbps and 38,500 won for 1 Gbps under long-term contracts. Routers are often bundled into service packages or rented for a small monthly fee. The economics make it difficult for Starlink to compete directly in the mass consumer market. Some industry observers also question whether satellite internet can gain significant traction in a country where network coverage is already extensive. "In Korea, people can use mobile data even on mountaintops," one telecommunications industry official said. "Unlike the United States, Korea does not have large coverage gaps, so there are questions about how much satellite internet is really needed here." Instead, Starlink's more realistic opportunity in Korea appears to lie in business-to-business applications, particularly for ships, aircraft, offshore facilities, remote industrial sites and emergency communications networks where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. Recognizing that reality, local operators such as SK Telink and KT SAT have largely positioned themselves as partners rather than direct competitors, using Starlink's network to expand satellite services for maritime and aviation customers. The challenge extends well beyond Korea. Astrome Technologies, an Indian satellite and wireless systems startup backed by South Korean venture capital firms in its early stages, argues that the industry's future will increasingly be shaped by national strategic interests as much as by technological capability. "With geopolitical tensions rising, every country now wants sovereign technological capabilities, especially in satellite communications," Astrome President Venkatesh Kumaran told AJP. India illustrates that concern vividly. Authorities have reportedly delayed final approvals for Starlink's commercial launch because of national security concerns. According to Bloomberg, agencies under India's Ministry of Home Affairs have withheld the clearances required for Starlink's operations, citing concerns that satellite terminals could be used during military conflicts or geopolitical crises. Reports that Starlink terminals were used in Iran despite the absence of a commercial license appear to have heightened concerns in New Delhi over whether India could maintain effective control over a foreign-operated communications network during periods of heightened tension. The Indian case highlights a broader challenge facing Starlink worldwide. Satellite internet is not merely another telecommunications service. During wars, natural disasters or political emergencies, it can become critical infrastructure with strategic and military significance. Low-Earth orbit satellite networks are particularly valuable because they do not depend entirely on cell towers, fiber-optic cables or fixed ground stations that can be damaged, disrupted or destroyed during conflicts. But that same advantage also fuels regulatory caution. If Starlink can sustain communications during one conflict, governments naturally ask whether the same capability could operate beyond their direct control during a future crisis. For investors captivated by SpaceX's blockbuster debut, that may be the most important reality check. The next phase of Starlink's growth will not be determined solely by how many satellites SpaceX can place in orbit. It will depend just as much on how many governments are willing to trust a foreign-owned communications network when national security is at stake. That challenge may prove far more difficult than reaching space. 2026-06-12 16:29:55
NH Investment & Securities Introduces New Leadership Structure After 10 Years NH Investment & Securities is set to unveil a new management structure a decade after its re-establishment. Following the merger of Woori Investment & Securities and NH Nonghyup Securities in 2015, the company is transitioning to a dual CEO system that separates investment banking (IB) and wealth management (WM), marking the beginning of its 'fourth leadership' era. This new leadership will be tested as it aims to lead the IMA business and compete in the large-scale IB sector. On June 12, the financial investment industry reported that NH Investment & Securities' Executive Candidate Recommendation Committee has nominated Shin Jae-wook, Head of the Real Estate Infrastructure Division, and Bae Kwang-soo, Head of the WM Division, as candidates for the next dual CEOs. Their appointment will be confirmed at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on June 30, making it the first time the company will operate under a dual CEO system since its inception. NH Investment & Securities was established in January 2015 after Woori Investment & Securities was acquired by NH Financial Group in June 2014 and merged with NH Nonghyup Securities. The merger symbolized the birth of a major securities firm that combined the dual pillars of enhancing large-scale IB and strengthening retail competitiveness. The first leader after the re-establishment was Kim Won-kyu, who served as the CEO from December 2014 to March 2018. He focused on solidifying the foundation during the company's early days, prioritizing the integration of different organizational cultures and systems, and is credited with helping the merged entity establish itself in the market. The second leadership era was led by Jeong Young-chae, who successfully served three terms from 2018 to 2024, leading the company for nearly six years. He is recognized for elevating NH Investment & Securities' IB competitiveness to the highest level in the industry, achieving significant results in initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and real estate finance, while diversifying the company's revenue structure and breaking records for maximum profits. However, he also left behind challenges related to strengthening internal controls following the Optimus Fund incident. The subsequent leadership under Yoon Byeong-woon focused on expanding the business portfolio. In March of this year, the company received approval from the Financial Services Commission for its comprehensive investment account (IMA), becoming the third IMA operator in the industry after Korea Investment & Securities and Mirae Asset Securities. The IMA business is seen as a new revenue source for large-scale IBs, broadening NH Investment & Securities' growth foundation. The upcoming fourth leadership era is distinct from previous ones, as it introduces a dual CEO system for the first time, separating responsibilities for IB and WM. While this transition may necessitate adjustments in management strategies and organizational restructuring, both candidates have grown within the company, having previously worked at LG Investment & Securities, Woori Investment & Securities, and NH Investment & Securities, which is expected to contribute to organizational stability. Shin Jae-wook is regarded as an expert in real estate finance. He has handled IPOs, asset-backed securities (ABS), and project financing (PF) at LG Investment & Securities and has held positions at Korea Investment & Securities and Hanwha Securities before serving as the head of the Real Estate Finance Division and the IB2 Division at NH Investment & Securities. He is seen as well-suited to oversee the expansion of the IMA business and the development of new growth drivers, encompassing operations and wholesale strategies. Bae Kwang-soo, a wealth management expert, has experience in industry analysis, sales, and the Premier Blue organization after joining LG Investment & Securities and working at Woori Investment & Securities and NH Investment & Securities. He was appointed head of the WM Division last year and is expected to strengthen retail competitiveness through customer base expansion and the enhancement of digital asset management systems. Following the transition to a dual CEO system, NH Investment & Securities plans to operate a strategic resource allocation committee to enhance synergies between business divisions as an IMA operator. This committee will manage key management decisions regarding major investments and capital utilization from an integrated company perspective, clarifying roles and responsibilities for collaborative efforts. With its status as the third IMA operator in the industry secured, the new management's challenge will be to translate this into tangible growth drivers. As NH Investment & Securities marks its 10th anniversary since re-establishment, the industry is keenly observing whether the company can successfully navigate the intensified competition in the IB sector and the digital transformation of the retail market through its dual CEO system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 16:24:00
KOSPI surges over 4% as foreign buyers return after weeks of selling SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - The KOSPI closed up 4.63 percent Friday, capping a volatile week with a broad rally as foreign investors returned to Korean stocks after weeks of relentless selling. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed up more than four percent on Friday, capping a volatile week with a broad rally as foreign investors returned to the market after weeks of relentless selling. The index gained 359.67 points or 4.63 percent, though it eased from a sharper morning advance that briefly pushed it above 8,400, suggesting lingering caution beneath the rebound. The recovery was led by chip stocks that had borne the brunt of the week's losses, though the gains were uneven. Samsung Electronics surged 7.86 percent to 322,500 won (US$212), while SK hynix trailed with a 2.33 percent gain to 2,150,000 won ($1,413), reversing the pattern seen for much of the week. The U.S. dollar rose 4.70 won to 1,523.70 won despite foreign buying. The day's standout was Hanmi Semiconductor, which surged 24.05 percent to 361,000 won, one of the sharpest single-day moves among the chip-equipment names. The rally followed easing U.S.-Iran tensions and the return of foreign capital, whose exodus had undercut the market even on its strongest days through the week. The gains extended across the region. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 climbed 2.81 percent to 66,020.04, Shanghai Composite added 1.12 percent to 4,031.51, its more restrained move fitting the pattern that has held all week, with South Korea and Japan, the markets most exposed to the global chip trade, swinging hardest in both directions. The week leaves the market roughly where it began after a series of moves rarely seen in succession, a circuit-breaker crash, a buy-side sidecar, and daily swings of more than 4 percent in every session. Whether the foreign buyers who returned Friday stay through the SpaceX listing that has pulled capital toward the Nasdaq is the question carrying into next week. 2026-06-12 16:20:35