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  • SK Ocean Plant Shares Plunge Over 10% Amid Major Shareholder Change
    SK Ocean Plant Shares Plunge Over 10% Amid Major Shareholder Change SK Ocean Plant's stock has dropped more than 10% following the announcement of a share purchase agreement involving a change in its major shareholder.As of 10:15 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, SK Ocean Plant's shares were trading at 12,370 won, down 1,430 won (10.36%) from the previous trading day.Earlier, SK Ocean Plant disclosed that its largest shareholder, SK Ecoplant, had signed a share purchase agreement to sell all of its 22,256,969 common shares (35.62%) to D Ocean Asset Management. The transaction is valued at 410 billion won.D Ocean Asset Management is the acquirer, with Osung Advanced Materials participating as a co-investor. If the transaction is completed by December, the major shareholder of SK Ocean Plant will shift from SK Ecoplant to D Ocean Asset Management.D Ocean Asset Management has indicated plans to expand the Goseong 3 yard and develop SK Ocean Plant into a key player in the offshore wind and shipbuilding sectors following the acquisition.SK Ocean Plant operates in the offshore wind substructure and shipbuilding and marine sectors. SK Ecoplant changed its name from its predecessor, Samkang M&T, after acquiring it in 2021.Market observers are expected to focus on potential changes in management strategy and future investment and business expansion following the major shareholder shift and the large-scale share sale.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:20:20
  • Samsung Electro-Mechanics Secures Record $1.07 Billion AI Server MLCC Contract
    Samsung Electro-Mechanics Secures Record $1.07 Billion AI Server MLCC Contract Samsung Electro-Mechanics has secured a supply contract for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) for artificial intelligence (AI) servers, valued at over 1 trillion won ($1.07 billion). This contract marks the largest long-term supply agreement for MLCCs in the company's history. The growing investment in AI data centers is intensifying competition for long-term supply of not only semiconductors but also high-performance electronic components.On September 1, Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced it had signed a contract for AI server MLCCs worth 1.07 trillion won, effective from January to December 2027. This amount represents approximately 9.5% of the company's consolidated revenue of 11.31 trillion won last year.The identity of the contracting party has not been disclosed due to confidentiality agreements. However, Samsung's previous supply lines for AI server MLCCs have been primarily centered around major North American tech companies. In June, a contract worth 454 billion won led the market to speculate that it was with a major U.S. cloud service provider, with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Meta among the potential candidates. Notably, key AI-related clients of Samsung include NVIDIA, AMD, Amazon, and Marvell, although it has not been confirmed if any of these companies are involved in the latest contract.This new contract significantly surpasses previous orders. Samsung began with a 1.56 trillion won silicon capacitor contract in May, followed by contracts worth 454 billion won in June and 295 billion won in July for AI server MLCCs. With this latest agreement, the total disclosed long-term supply contracts related to AI capacitors now approach 3.32 trillion won.Analysts in the securities market have suggested that the July contract was likely with a global server assembly company, estimating that the end customer is a different hyperscaler than the one involved in the June contract. The pricing for the same products has also reportedly increased compared to the previous month, indicating that Samsung's negotiating power is growing amid supply shortages.During a conference call in July regarding its second-quarter results, Samsung Electro-Mechanics stated it had signed long-term supply contracts for MLCCs with over 10 customers, including top hyperscalers and major semiconductor firms. The company also noted that it has received additional contract requests. The shift from short-term orders to long-term contracts for MLCCs suggests that customers are increasingly seeking to secure high-spec products for AI servers in advance.AI servers require more than ten times the amount of MLCCs compared to standard servers. Particularly, ultra-high-capacity and high-temperature products can only be supplied by a few companies, including Samsung Electro-Mechanics. The operational rate of Samsung's component business is projected to rise to 93% by 2025.In response to the increasing demand, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is also expanding its production capabilities. In July, the company announced plans to invest approximately 15 trillion won by 2040 to develop its Busan facility into a key production and R&D hub for high-value MLCCs and high-performance package substrates for AI servers. This recent contract, valued in the trillions, demonstrates that the company's transition to AI-focused business is translating into actual sales volumes for 2027.A representative from Samsung Electro-Mechanics stated, "This contract is a result of global customers recognizing Samsung's technological capabilities and supply stability. We will expand our supply of high-reliability MLCCs for AI servers to secure a strong leadership position in the AI market." 2026-09-01 10:16:20
  • Korea adds semiconductors to export control list
    Korea adds semiconductors to export control list SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - South Korea added high-performance AI chips and advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to its strategic export control list Tuesday, requiring exporters to obtain government approval before shipping the items overseas. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said the revised Public Notice on Strategic Goods Export and Import took effect the same day. The revision reflects more than 80 changes agreed under four international export control regimes, the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime. The ministry said the changes come as international export controls increasingly focus on advanced dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Newly listed items include high-performance AI chips and certain semiconductor lithography, etching and deposition equipment. Nucleic acid synthesizers were also added to the list of items subject to tighter control. Exporters seeking to ship the newly listed strategic goods must obtain export approval from the ministry. The revision also eased or clarified rules for some items. For high-energy secondary batteries, the control threshold was raised from more than 350 watt-hours per kilogram to more than 500 watt-hours per kilogram at 20 C. Rules on botulinum neurotoxins were also clarified. The ministry removed the exporter pledge form from the documents required for strategic goods export approval. Other forms, including applications for strategic goods classification, bulk export approval and end-user undertakings, were revised to clarify wording and instructions. The ministry said it will brief industry groups on the changes and continue consultations through an export control help desk operated by the Korea Security Agency of Trade and Industry. AJP Takeaways · Korea added high-performance AI chips and advanced chipmaking equipment to its strategic export control list. · Exporters of newly listed items must obtain ministry approval from Sept. 1. · The revision reflects more than 80 updates from four international export control regimes. 2026-09-01 10:16:13
  • Han Byeong-do: Golden Time for Lee Government Success, Minister Hearings to Conclude Before Chuseok
    Han Byeong-do: 'Golden Time' for Lee Government Success, Minister Hearings to Conclude Before Chuseok Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated on September 1 that the first regular session of the 22nd National Assembly marks a "golden time" for the success of the Lee government and the great leap forward for South Korea. He emphasized the need to expedite the processing of livelihood-related legislation and national policy initiatives. Regarding the government reshuffle, he announced that the confirmation hearings for cabinet members would be completed before Chuseok.During a meeting of the Democratic Party's floor leadership, Han remarked, "The Democratic Party will not be swayed by any obstacles or difficulties and will move forward solely toward the goal of serving the people and improving livelihoods."He expressed the party's urgent commitment to the regular session, stating, "The tasks of legislation, budget review, and confirmation hearings are all critically important and cannot be delayed. We will ensure that livelihood legislation is not stalled due to confirmation hearings, nor will budget reviews be delayed because of political disputes."Han also pledged to fully activate the standing committees to address legislation aimed at expanding housing supply, eradicating real estate speculation, stabilizing prices, and supporting small business owners. He assured that the party would responsibly oversee legislation that supports youth employment and asset formation until it passes the plenary session.Additionally, he reiterated the commitment to conclude the confirmation hearings for ministerial candidates before Chuseok, stating, "We will conduct the hearings responsibly so that the new cabinet can quickly establish itself and focus on governance. We will thoroughly verify candidates' capabilities from the perspective of the public while firmly responding to any baseless smear campaigns."Regarding the government's recent 'Youth Budget Unboxing 2027' event, where youth budgets and key projects were explained, Han described it as a new initiative by the Lee government to design budgets based on the lives and needs of young people rather than from the perspective of the providers.He criticized the opposition party, saying, "The People Power Party has belittled these efforts as cash handouts and publicity stunts. How can investments in youth jobs, housing, education, and asset formation be considered cash giveaways? We must not turn investments that protect the present and prepare for the future of our youth into political fodder."Furthermore, he stated, "The time for nonsensical filibusters and habitual obstruction that holds livelihood legislation hostage is over. We will ensure that the 2027 budget is processed by the legal deadline to accelerate the recovery of livelihoods and prepare for a better future for South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:16:00
  • Apples First Foldable iPhone Sparks Surge in BH Shares
    Apple's First Foldable iPhone Sparks Surge in BH Shares Shares of BH are soaring in early trading amid excitement over the anticipated unveiling of Apple's first foldable iPhone.As of 10:10 a.m. on September 1, BH's stock was trading at 21,400 won, up 17.9% (3,170 won) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The surge in buying interest is attributed to expectations that BH, a producer of flexible circuit boards (FPCB), will benefit from Apple's upcoming foldable phone release.Apple has announced a special event scheduled for September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, which will be 2 a.m. on September 10 in South Korea, at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. While Apple has not specified the products to be unveiled, the market anticipates the introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro series alongside the company's first foldable iPhone.BH is recognized as a key supplier of flexible circuit boards to both Apple and Samsung Electronics. There is growing optimism that an official entry by Apple into the foldable phone market will lead to increased demand for related components, positively impacting BH's performance.Daishin Securities also released a report today predicting that Apple's foldable phone launch will serve as a catalyst for the expansion of the global foldable phone market. Following strong sales of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, the entry of Apple into the market is expected to significantly boost global foldable phone shipments next year.Daishin Securities forecasts that global foldable phone shipments will rise from 20.32 million units last year to 26.1 million units this year, marking a 28.4% increase, and will further grow to 35.37 million units next year, a 35.5% increase. They project that Apple's foldable iPhone will sell over 15 million units annually, capturing the top market share.Expectations for BH's expansion into robotics and humanoid projects are also contributing to the stock's strength. Daishin Securities anticipates that BH will secure additional clients based on existing sales from Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas. The potential applications of long-axis flexible PCBs in robotics and humanoids are expected to generate new revenue starting next year.Park Kang-ho, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "Considering the launch of Apple's foldable phone and the success of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, BH is expected to benefit from the expansion of global foldable phone shipments by 2027." Daishin Securities maintains a 'Buy' rating on BH with a target price of 41,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:16:00
  • Gwachon City Corporation Launches Eco-Friendly Energy Production at Second Indoor Gym
    Gwachon City Corporation Launches Eco-Friendly Energy Production at Second Indoor Gym The Gwachon City Corporation has installed building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems at the Gwachon Second Indoor Gym, drawing attention for its eco-friendly initiative. According to the corporation, the project utilizes the gym's roof to generate renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with normal operations set to begin in September. The newly established BIPV combines solar power generation capabilities with the building's exterior materials. Unlike traditional methods that require additional structures, this system serves as both a building facade and a power generator. Once fully operational, it is expected to produce approximately 86,200 kWh of renewable energy annually. This amount represents about 17.4% of the gym's total annual electricity consumption. The generated electricity will be directly utilized to meet the gym's power demands, which is expected to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The corporation anticipates that the BIPV system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 38 tons per year, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 306 young pine trees. Citizens have responded positively to the introduction of renewable energy systems in public sports facilities. One gym user remarked, "It seems significant that an indoor gym, which many citizens use, is producing eco-friendly energy. I hope similar systems are expanded to other public facilities in the future." Another citizen noted, "It appears to be an efficient project since it generates electricity using existing spaces like the gym roof. I hope it contributes to energy savings and carbon emission reductions." Meanwhile, a corporation official stated, "We will continue to expand the introduction of renewable energy in public buildings to practice ESG management and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:16:00
  • Jung Jeom-sik Calls for Immediate Appointment of Police Chief
    Jung Jeom-sik Calls for Immediate Appointment of Police Chief Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, urged on September 1 that the position of the police chief, which has been vacant for over 600 days, must be filled immediately. During a policy meeting at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "The president has recently called for the establishment of a police reform organization, and the Democratic Party has raised its voice to eradicate six major issues. The order of operations is fundamentally flawed." He questioned, "How can we maintain organizational discipline and initiate reforms with a vacant leadership position? The public is anxious and distrustful of the police's investigative capabilities and intentions. I hope the president will consider the safety and lives of the people with at least a fraction of the effort he has put into canceling his indictment." Jung also called for President Yoon Suk-yeol to withdraw the nomination of Kim Seung-won as Minister of Justice, arguing that Kim's active role in seeking to cancel the president's indictment sends a message that this issue has become a top national priority. Lim I-ja, the chair of the policy committee who attended the meeting, highlighted the soaring prices of agricultural products for the Chuseok holiday, urging the government to prepare a special task force to address the rising costs. She noted that both the working class and the middle class are suffering from inflation and the impacts of rising interest rates, calling for measures to support vulnerable borrowers and provide liquidity to small and medium-sized enterprises. Lim emphasized, "I hope the government will present long-term measures to tackle high prices and revive the stagnant domestic economy. The financial authorities should closely examine the loan interest rate calculation system and take strict action against any unfair practices that result in excessive profits." Additionally, Lim announced plans to introduce amendments to the Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Act and the Special Act on Promoting Urban Redevelopment at the upcoming National Assembly session on September 3. The amendments are expected to allow for an increase in the legal maximum floor area ratio for private redevelopment and reconstruction projects by up to 1.3 times.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:12:00
  • Samsung Electronics Showcases Human-Centered Design at Design Miami Seoul 2026
    Samsung Electronics Showcases Human-Centered Design at Design Miami Seoul 2026 Samsung Electronics is presenting a vision of human-centered design through an exhibition that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and art at the global design event, Design Miami Seoul 2026.The event, taking place from September 1 to 6 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, features the theme "Design is an Act of Love." Samsung's exhibition showcases various works that blend technology and creativity, grounded in the philosophy that design begins with understanding and consideration for humanity.Fourteen teams of Korean artists are participating, each creating unique artworks that reinterpret Samsung products based on their individual sensibilities and experiences. Some artists utilized AI as a tool to develop and expand their ideas.The products reimagined by the artists include the Music Studio 5, Bespoke AI Family Hub, and Galaxy Z Fold 8, among others. Samsung explained that the artworks are rooted in the artists' unique perspectives and creativity, with AI serving as a tool to enhance these expressions.The 14 artworks will be displayed on Samsung's 2026 flagship OLED TV, the SH95, which features custom frames designed in various materials and forms. This implementation reflects the concept of "Expressive Design," where a single product can transform in appearance based on the user's personality and preferences.The SH95 is characterized by its "Float Layer Design," which gives the impression that the screen is floating above a metal plate. Unlike traditional TV designs that focus on minimizing screen borders, the SH95 utilizes the structure and materials of the product itself as sculptural elements, expanding the TV's role from a mere appliance to a design object that enhances the space.Through this exhibition, Samsung emphasizes that even in the age of AI, human creativity remains at the center of design. The company aims to use AI not as a replacement for creators but as a tool to broaden human imagination and expression.On September 3, Mauro Porcini, Chief Design Officer of Samsung Electronics' DX Division, will participate in a design talk to introduce Samsung's design vision.Porcini stated, "'Design is an Act of Love' reflects our principle that design begins with a deep understanding of humanity. Creativity starts with humans, and AI can amplify our imagination and further develop our ideas." He added, "Samsung will continue to create new possibilities through various human-centered design approaches."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:04:00
  • Samsung SDS to Host Real Summit on September 8, Developing AI Agents with Fabrics
    Samsung SDS to Host 'Real Summit' on September 8, Developing AI Agents with Fabrics Samsung SDS will hold its annual conference to share strategies for enterprise AI transformation (AX) and real customer case studies. The event will also feature programs that allow participants to experience AI and cloud technologies firsthand, including the development of AI agents using Fabrics and hands-on sessions with the Samsung Cloud Platform.On September 8, Samsung SDS will host the 'Real Summit 2026' at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul.This year's theme is 'The Future of Successful AX Innovation Completed with Samsung SDS AI Full Stack.' The conference aims to go beyond simple AI implementation, focusing on redesigning business operations around AI and connecting these efforts to tangible business outcomes.Samsung SDS will showcase its AI full stack capabilities, covering everything from infrastructure to platforms and solutions, and will present technologies and services that support the execution of AX, along with real customer examples.Lee Jun-hee, CEO of Samsung SDS, will outline the direction of AX, emphasizing the key elements for success in redesigning business operations around AI. He will also discuss how customers can implement AX based on Samsung SDS's AI full stack.Presenters will include Choi Gi-young, CEO of Anthropic Korea, and Kim Kyung-hoon, General Manager of OpenAI Korea. They will share insights on the direction of global AI technology development and corporate AI utilization strategies, as well as ways to address various AX demands from corporate clients in collaboration with Samsung SDS.In the afternoon, a total of 68 presentation sessions will be held across 10 tracks, including AX strategy, execution, manufacturing, retail and services, logistics, public sector, defense, and finance. The presentations will focus on industry-specific AX strategies and concrete examples of AI applications in the field.AI partners of Samsung SDS, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Cloud, Dell Technologies, Walden Robotics, FuriosaAI, and Tatum Security, will also participate in the sessions, showcasing the latest AI technologies and corporate application cases.Experience programs that allow participants to engage directly with AI and cloud technologies will be expanded. Attendees will have the opportunity to create AI agents using Samsung SDS's Fabrics and practice generating and deploying cloud resources on the Samsung Cloud Platform.The new feature 'Co-work' of Samsung SDS's collaboration solution 'BritiWorks' will also be unveiled for the first time at this event.Participation in Real Summit 2026 is available through pre-registration. Detailed programs and registration information can be found on the official website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:04:00
  • Government Imposes Up to 19.17% Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Butyl Acrylate
    Government Imposes Up to 19.17% Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Butyl Acrylate The South Korean government will impose an anti-dumping duty of up to 19.17% on Chinese butyl acrylate, a key ingredient used in adhesives and specialty plastics, starting September 28 for a period of five years.The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on September 1 that it has decided to levy an anti-dumping duty ranging from 8.32% to 19.17% on imports of butyl acrylate from China.The duties will be in effect from September 28, 2026, until September 27, 2031. The ministry plans to announce the relevant regulations for public comment from September 1 to September 16 before implementing them on the 28th.This action follows an investigation by the Trade Commission of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which began in September 2025 after LG Chem filed a complaint regarding dumping practices. The investigation confirmed that Chinese butyl acrylate was being sold at unfairly low prices, causing significant harm to the domestic industry.Butyl acrylate is a chemical material used in the production of adhesives and specialty plastics. As of 2024, the domestic market for butyl acrylate is estimated to be around 100 billion won, with Chinese products holding approximately 47% market share.The government expects that the imposition of these duties will help protect the domestic industry from the adverse effects of low-priced dumping imports and rectify market distortions caused by unfair price competition.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:04:00