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  • 7,000 Citizens to Participate in Peace Run for 2027 Seoul WYD Success
    7,000 Citizens to Participate in 'Peace Run' for 2027 Seoul WYD Success About 7,000 citizens will run through downtown Seoul to wish for the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD).The organizing committee for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, along with Catholic Peace Broadcasting and Peace Newspaper, announced on the 27th that they will hold the 'Peace Run for the Success of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day' at 7:30 a.m. on November 28 at the Cultural Square of Yeouido Park.The Peace Run is a participatory festival designed to allow citizens to experience the values of courage and peace conveyed by the World Youth Day ahead of the main event in 2027. It aims to bring people together across nationalities, religions, and generations, fostering new connections and a sense of solidarity.The event's brand essence is 'Courage to Achieve Peace.' The message of hope and courage from the theme scripture of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, "Take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), will be expressed through running.The initiative encourages each participant's courageous steps to lead to new encounters, expanding the experience of running into a journey of solidarity and peace. Participants will naturally join the 'encounter and mission' journey that the World Youth Day promotes.The race will feature two courses: a 5 km Love Course and a 10 km Truth Course. Both courses will start from the Cultural Square of Yeouido Park, with 10 km participants crossing the Seogang Bridge to reach the turnaround point. A total of 7,000 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.The registration fee is 45,000 won for the 5 km course and 60,000 won for the 10 km course. Participants can also choose a registration option that includes a Prospex lightweight running harness. Each participant will receive a Fila t-shirt and socks delivered in advance, and those who complete the 10 km will receive a free engraving service for their medals. Additional on-site souvenirs will be announced sequentially.After the race, there will be experience booths and performance programs for participants to enjoy together. The event aims to extend beyond running, fostering connections and sharing the meaning of peace.Registration will open on the 28th on the official Peace Run website.This event is co-hosted by the organizing committee for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day and Catholic Peace Broadcasting and Peace Newspaper, with the Catholic Marathon Club and Run Korea as organizers. It is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Council of Lay Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:28:00
  • Nine South Koreans Evacuated by Helicopter from Flooded Area in Nepal
    Nine South Koreans Evacuated by Helicopter from Flooded Area in Nepal On August 27, nine of the ten South Koreans stranded due to severe flooding in the Rasuwagadhi region of Nepal were evacuated to safety by military helicopter.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepalese authorities used a military helicopter to transport nine of the ten South Koreans who had been waiting for rescue.The remaining individual, the site manager from Doosan Enerbility, chose to stay behind, along with two embassy staff members, including a consular officer and an administrative employee.The ten individuals from Doosan Enerbility had been sheltering in a temporary evacuation center with hundreds of other foreigners and locals.Meanwhile, Minister Park Jin spoke by phone with Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on the afternoon of August 27. Minister Park discussed the flood damage that occurred on August 26 and requested the Nepalese government's active interest and support in the search and rescue of South Korean nationals.Minister Gyawali provided an update on the extent of the flooding in the Rasuwagadhi region and the ongoing response efforts. Minister Park expressed deep condolences to the Nepalese people and the families affected by the disaster.Additionally, Minister Park announced that to support the Nepalese government's rapid response and early recovery efforts, South Korea would provide $1 million in humanitarian assistance through international organizations operating in the area.He also urged the Nepalese government to ensure close cooperation with the joint rapid response team dispatched by the South Korean government to facilitate the search and rescue operations for South Korean nationals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:24:00
  • Bithumb Wins First Ruling in Bitcoin Overpayment Lawsuit
    Bithumb Wins First Ruling in Bitcoin Overpayment Lawsuit 가상자산 거래소 빗썸이 지난 2월 발생한 비트코인 오지급 사태와 관련해 이용자를 상대로 제기한 부당이득금 반환소송에서 잇따라 승소했다. 27일 법조계에 따르면 서울중앙지법 민사90단독 김유성 판사는 이날 빗썸이 이용자 A씨를 상대로 낸 부당이득금 반환 청구 소송에서 원고 승소로 판결했다. 소송가액은 1억9400만443원이다. 앞서 서울중앙지법은 전날 빗썸이 다른 이용자를 상대로 제기한 부당이득금 반환 청구 소송에서도 빗썸 측 손을 들어줬다. 해당 사건의 소송가액은 498만9990원이다. 이에 따라 빗썸이 비트코인 오지급 이후 매각대금을 돌려받기 위해 이용자 4명을 상대로 각각 제기한 소송 가운데 현재까지 2건에서 1심 승소 판결을 받았다. 나머지 2건에 대해서는 아직 1심 판결이 나오지 않았다. 청구액은 각각 약 5억원과 1480만원이다. 이번 소송은 지난 2월 빗썸의 비트코인 오지급 사태에서 비롯됐다. 당시 빗썸은 고객 이벤트 보상금을 지급하는 과정에서 원화 대신 비트코인을 잘못 지급하는 사고를 냈다. 오지급된 비트코인은 총 62만개에 달했다. 빗썸은 오지급 사실을 인지한 뒤 거래와 출금을 제한해 61만8214개를 거래 전에 회수했다. 다만 이미 매도된 1786개에 대해서는 별도의 회수 절차를 진행했다. 이 과정에서도 매각대금을 반환하지 않은 이용자 4명에 대해서는 지난 3월 각각 부당이득 반환소송을 제기했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:16:00
  • ETF Investments Diverge as Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Drops to 1300s
    ETF Investments Diverge as Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Drops to 1300s Investor A and Investor B invested in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking the S&P 500 index on August 1. A chose 'KODEX U.S. S&P 500 (H)', while B opted for 'KODEX U.S. S&P 500'. Although both products are based on the same underlying asset, their returns diverged significantly. From August 1 to August 25, A's cumulative return was +2.46%, while B's return was -8.69%. The difference in performance was attributed to the '(H)', which indicates a hedged product. As the won-dollar exchange rate fell in August, B's investment in an unhedged product suffered losses. This month, the performance of ETFs investing in overseas assets has varied significantly based on whether they are hedged against currency fluctuations. The rapid decline of the won-dollar exchange rate to the 1300s has impacted returns for investors. Even ETFs investing in the same underlying assets are showing stark differences in performance due to exchange rate movements. Investors Experience Gains and Losses Amid Currency Fluctuations According to the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1384.8 won on August 26. After soaring to over 1560 won in early June, the rate has steadily declined, reaching the 1300s on August 19 for the first time in nearly 11 months. The drop in the won-dollar exchange rate has significantly affected the investment market. For investors in overseas stocks or ETFs, a falling exchange rate directly impacts their returns. Experts advise carefully considering whether to choose hedged or unhedged products. The distinction between hedged and unhedged products is evident from their names. The '(H)' suffix in ETF names indicates a hedged product designed to mitigate the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations. These products utilize derivatives such as forward contracts or currency futures to offset some of the impacts of won-dollar exchange rate changes. In contrast, unhedged ETFs, which lack the '(H)', reflect both the price movements of the underlying foreign assets and the fluctuations in the exchange rate in their returns. Hedging Status Creates 10% Performance Gap The presence or absence of hedging directly correlates with returns. When the won-dollar exchange rate falls, the won-denominated value of overseas assets, such as U.S. stocks and bonds, decreases. Consequently, unhedged ETFs may show lower returns even if the prices of the underlying assets rise. A prime example is the overseas index-tracking ETFs. Despite both 'KODEX U.S. S&P 500 (H)' and 'KODEX U.S. S&P 500' investing in the same underlying asset, the performance gap has widened to 11.15 percentage points due to the hedging status. A similar trend is observed in bond products. Since July, 'ACE U.S. 10-Year Treasury Active (H)' has decreased by 2.20%, while the unhedged 'ACE U.S. 10-Year Treasury Active' has dropped by 12.61%. The performance gap between the two products reached 10.41 percentage points. The same pattern is evident in dividend stock ETFs. The hedged 'SOL U.S. Dividend Dow Jones (H)' rose by 9.53% during the same period, while the unhedged 'SOL U.S. Dividend Dow Jones' fell by 2.08%. The performance gap here was 11.61 percentage points. Consider Investment Duration and Hedging Costs Hedged products are generally more advantageous during periods of won appreciation, as they help mitigate losses from falling exchange rates by partially fixing future applicable rates through derivatives. Conversely, during periods of won depreciation, unhedged products may yield higher returns. Unhedged products benefit from both the price appreciation of the underlying assets and the gains from a rising dollar value. Even if the prices of the underlying assets decline, an increase in the dollar value can offset some of the losses. When selecting hedged products, investors should also consider the costs associated with hedging. Hedged ETFs utilize derivatives to stabilize future exchange rates, and the interest rate differential between South Korea and the U.S. is factored into these costs. Particularly when U.S. interest rates are higher than those in South Korea, the cost burden of hedging can increase. A financial industry official stated, "If you believe the won will appreciate in the short term, hedged products can be a viable option to reduce currency losses. However, long-term investors should also weigh the potential for exchange rate increases and the associated hedging costs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:12:00
  • World Lung Cancer Conference Returns to South Korea After 20 Years, Showcasing K-Drugs
    World Lung Cancer Conference Returns to South Korea After 20 Years, Showcasing K-Drugs An international academic conference showcasing K-drug technology will be held in South Korea. The industry anticipates that the event, marking the first time in 20 years that Seoul will host the conference, will enhance the global recognition of domestic cancer drugs and stimulate discussions on technology exports with multinational pharmaceutical companies.According to industry sources, the 2026 World Lung Cancer Conference (WCLC 2026), the largest academic event in the field of lung cancer, will take place from September 12 to 15 at COEX in Seoul. Thousands of researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical representatives from around the world are expected to attend. Domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies plan to unveil data on their cancer drug pipelines as they aim for a stronger foothold in the global market.Yuhan Corporation will present clinical data for its next-generation non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) targeted therapy candidate, YH42946, which follows its domestic lung cancer drug, Lecraza (Lazertinib). This tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targets HER2-mutant NSCLC and is referred to as the company's next growth driver, dubbed 'post-Lecraza.' The company recently announced that it confirmed safety and promising efficacy signals in clinical phases 1 and 2 during its research and development day.Boronoi will showcase follow-up data for VRN11, which was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in June. The company plans to detail its strategy for accelerated approval based on clinical phase 2 data, particularly focusing on a cohort of patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC accompanied by brain metastases.Abion will invite global lung cancer clinical experts to share results from its global phase 2 clinical trial of its core pipeline, the NSCLC treatment Babamekip (ABN401), at the conference. An Abion representative stated, "We will continue discussions on technology transfer for Babamekip and actively promote our cancer drug development capabilities in the global market, especially after securing a recent U.S. patent for iRAC."Penitrium Bio will introduce its tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation mechanism. Data will be presented showing how it reverses drug resistance induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in organoid models, restoring sensitivity to gefitinib and gemcitabine. Jo Won-dong, CEO of Penitrium Bio, explained, "The key is overcoming resistance by modulating the TME, and the next step is to validate this with actual patient data."STCube will present early data from its first-in-class immune-oncology drug, Nelmastobat, targeting BTN1A1 in a phase 2 clinical trial (STCUBE-004). The results indicate a manageable safety profile when combined with docetaxel in patients with high BTN1A1 expression (TPS 50% or more) NSCLC. Yoon Seung-han, Chief Scientific Officer of STCube, noted, "We will also disclose additional key efficacy data from the NSCLC phase 2 study during the poster presentation, as the patient selection strategy based on BTN1A1 is becoming more defined, enhancing the clinical value of Nelmastobat after colorectal cancer."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:08:10
  • Labor Disputes Escalate in Shipbuilding and Steel Industries
    Labor Disputes Escalate in Shipbuilding and Steel Industries Labor disputes surrounding wage and collective bargaining agreements are intensifying across the shipbuilding and steel industries. In booming sectors, demands for profit-sharing are rising, while in struggling industries, calls for real wage preservation and improved working conditions are gaining momentum. With the gap between labor and management showing little sign of closing, tensions surrounding these negotiations are expected to persist.According to industry sources, the shipbuilding sector, which has recently seen a surge in orders, is experiencing heightened labor disputes over bonuses. As the industry emerges from a prolonged downturn, unions are increasingly asserting that the benefits of the recovery should be shared.HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a leading player in the shipbuilding sector, has been engaged in collective bargaining since June but has yet to reach an agreement. On the afternoon of the 27th, the two sides entered their 17th round of negotiations, but significant differences remain on key issues, suggesting that a resolution may take time. The union is currently demanding a basic salary increase of 149,600 won, a 100% increase in bonuses, and a distribution of at least 30% of operating profits as performance bonuses.Hanwha Ocean is also facing challenges in its negotiations due to differing views between labor and management. The union is pushing for a basic salary increase of 149,600 won, along with improvements in the criteria for performance bonuses and greater transparency.The steel industry, which is currently experiencing a downturn, is not exempt from these disputes. The Posco union has proposed a 7.1% increase in basic salary and a 600% incentive bonus, while management has countered with a 1.5% salary increase and a 2.5 million won incentive payment. The Posco union has secured the right to strike and has warned that if the gap in positions is not narrowed in future negotiations, it may initiate its first strike since the company's founding.At SeAH Besteel, labor and management have been unable to reconcile their differences over worker treatment, putting them on the brink of a strike for the first time in 14 years. The union is demanding an extension of the retirement age to 65 and the abolition of the wage peak system, but management has reportedly expressed reluctance.The increased difficulty of this year's collective bargaining negotiations can be attributed to heightened expectations for compensation and changes in the labor environment. Over the past few years, rising prices have led to accumulated demands for real wage preservation, and the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law in March has expanded the scope of labor disputes.In fact, alongside demands for bonuses, there is a simultaneous outpouring of requests regarding employment and working conditions, such as retirement age extensions and the wage peak system. Particularly in heavy and chemical industries, the aging of skilled workers and the ongoing trend of younger generations avoiding production jobs have amplified demands for improvements in wages, working hours, and overall working conditions.An industry insider noted, "While the economic conditions and performance vary by company, the expectations of union members for wage and treatment improvements have generally increased. This year, with multiple issues intertwined, including wages, retirement, and work systems, significant challenges are anticipated in reaching an agreement between labor and management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:20
  • Baskin-Robbins Accelerates AI Transformation Under CEO Heo Hee-soo
    Baskin-Robbins Accelerates AI Transformation Under CEO Heo Hee-soo SPC Baskin-Robbins is accelerating its digital transformation by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in product development, customer engagement, and personalized recommendation services. Under the leadership of CEO Heo Hee-soo, the company is expanding the application of AI across its product offerings and in-store experiences.According to Baskin-Robbins, the company is conducting product research and development using AI at its innovative store, 'Workshop,' which opened in February 2024. The Workshop serves as a space for researching and experimenting with new products and services, operating an 'AI NPD (New Product Development) system' that employs generative AI. This system integrates AI into various stages of product development, from idea generation to concept planning and flavor combination reviews.A notable product developed through AI NPD is 'Tropical Summer Play,' launched in collaboration with Google Play. This flavor, the first of its kind developed using AI among Baskin-Robbins locations worldwide, was conceived based on ideas suggested by the generative AI 'Gemini.''Tropical Summer Play' combines orange, apple, and mango sorbet with passion fruit sorbet, inspired by the colors of the Google Play logo. AI was utilized to select colors for the product and to determine flavor combinations that complement each color.At the Cheongdam store, which opened last year, products developed with AI are being sold. The 'Omija Orange Sorbet' was created based on the AI chatbot's suggestions for a flavor representing 'a uniquely Korean fruit for summer,' while 'Si.Crit.' was developed from the chatbot's concept of expressing 'past, present, and future.'Baskin-Robbins has also integrated AI into its consumer participation model. The 'Gray Taste Contest,' now in its eighth year, invites consumers to propose ice cream recipes, with selected ideas being turned into actual products. Since last year, participants have been able to interact with an AI chatbot to refine their desired flavors and concepts.Recently, the company has expanded its use of AI to offer services tailored to individual preferences. The 'Baskin-Robbins app,' launched last year, employs AI-driven data analysis to understand customers' past purchase histories and preferences, recommending flavors and related products accordingly.A Baskin-Robbins representative stated, "AI technology is becoming a key tool that innovates not just product development but the overall customer experience. We will continue to combine digital technology with brand competitiveness to provide customers with even more special and differentiated experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:20
  • Foreign Tourists Drive Growth in South Koreas Accommodation Market
    Foreign Tourists Drive Growth in South Korea's Accommodation Market Foreign tourists have led the growth of South Korea's accommodation market over the past three years. As demand from international visitors rises, the share of accommodations outside the capital region is also increasing. Local attractions, including K-pop concerts and professional baseball games, are significant factors driving overnight stays.On August 27, at the '2nd Current Trends in Korean Tourism Data Seminar' held at The Plaza Grand Ballroom in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee Hyun-jung, a deputy director at the Korea Tourism Organization's Tourism Data Hub, presented an analysis of accommodation travel using data from mobile communications, booking systems, credit cards, and lodging permits. The analysis covered the period from June 2023 to May 2026.The findings revealed that in the past year (June 2025 to May 2026), domestic tourists accounted for 85.4% of total accommodation, while foreign tourists made up 14.6%. Although domestic visitors still dominate the market, the growth rate for foreign tourists has been significantly higher.Overall accommodation volume increased by 5.1% compared to three years ago. During the same period, domestic accommodation grew by only 1.9%, while foreign accommodation surged by 29%. The growth rate for foreign stays jumped from 4.8% in the previous period to 23.1% in the last year.Foreign tourists are also expanding their stays beyond the capital region. The share of foreign accommodation outside the capital increased from 39.5% three years ago to 43% in the past year.In Busan and Jeju, the share of national accommodation rose by approximately 30%, while Gyeongbuk saw a 14.2% increase. In Gyeongbuk, cities like Andong and Gyeongju contributed to this growth. Andong benefited from improved accessibility due to KTX connections and attractions like traditional guesthouses and night tours, while Gyeongju's rise in recognition from international events and its historical and cultural tourism resources boosted accommodation demand.Although the share of accommodation in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi decreased, the total volume did not decline. Both the capital and non-capital regions saw increases in foreign accommodation, leading to a relative decrease in the capital's share as travel destinations diversified.The relationship between regional tourism content and accommodation spending was also confirmed. Incheon’s Jung-gu was noted for its accessibility to the airport and major performance venues, while Seogwipo in Jeju attracted visitors with luxury hotels, resorts, and condos. Haeundae in Busan benefited from high-end hotels and marine and night tourism, while Seocho in Seoul saw increased accommodation demand from medical and beauty tourism.Criteria for choosing accommodations are also changing. Demand for large leisure facilities near accommodations, such as golf courses, hot springs, and water parks, is rising, moving away from independent facilities like spas and whirlpools that were popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences available at travel destinations are becoming more influential in accommodation choices.K-pop concerts exemplify this shift. A comparison of accommodation bookings during weeks with and without K-pop performances showed a 12.8% increase for domestic tourists and a 20.9% increase for foreign tourists.Specifically, analyzing performances by BTS, BLACKPINK, and Stray Kids revealed a staggering increase in accommodation bookings, with domestic bookings rising by 99.4% and foreign bookings by 619%. This indicates that fans traveling to see these performances are translating their interest into actual accommodation demand. The organization believes that once a concert is confirmed, the fan base likely to visit becomes clear, making it effective to promote local accommodation and tourism products through social media and community platforms.Professional baseball has also boosted local accommodation demand. Compared to days without games, accommodation bookings on game days increased by 13.9%, with a rise of 41.3% during the postseason.This effect was particularly pronounced outside the capital region, where game day bookings increased by 20.5%, compared to just 4.9% in the capital. With 60 to 80 games held annually at non-capital stadiums, including weekday games, this creates a sustained demand for accommodation rather than just one-time events. In Changwon, packages combining baseball viewing with local tour passes were introduced, while Gwangju offered bundled deals for game tickets, train tickets, and hotels.However, the analysis indicates that strategies to increase accommodation demand must vary by region. Areas like Seoul and Gyeonggi, which experience relatively steady demand year-round, require different strategies compared to regions where demand peaks in specific seasons, such as expanding supply or developing off-season content.Lee stated, "Each region has different conditions and characteristics in the accommodation market, so precise diagnostics and tailored strategies are necessary. Data can be used not just to show the current situation but also to find answers on who, when, and why to persuade visitors of a region's appeal."The Korea Tourism Organization plans to launch a 'Accommodation Travel Status' menu in December on the Korea Tourism Data Lab, allowing users to explore the current state of the accommodation market by region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:20
  • Hyundais SHUCLE to Launch Robo-Taxi Service in Seoul with KakaoT Partnership
    Hyundai's SHUCLE to Launch Robo-Taxi Service in Seoul with KakaoT Partnership Hyundai Motor is poised to operate an autonomous driving platform in Seoul. With the operating period of the existing provider, Kakao Mobility, coming to an end, the city has opened the door to multiple new operators. This move is expected to enhance data collection and accelerate the commercialization of robo-taxis.According to industry sources, the Seoul city government held an evaluation committee meeting on the recruitment of private operators for the autonomous vehicle transportation platform on the afternoon of August 27. Several companies submitted proposals by the application deadline on August 24. The final results were communicated individually to the bidding companies.The core of this initiative is to allow private operators to directly manage reservations, calls, and payments for autonomous vehicles operating in Seoul. When a user requests a vehicle through the platform, the system assesses regional demand and the location of nearby vehicles to dispatch an autonomous car. In 2024, Kakao Mobility secured the rights to operate the service exclusively through its KakaoT platform.However, this time, it is anticipated that multiple operators will collaborate. The selection process has changed to allow all operators scoring 85 points or higher to be chosen, reflecting the city’s intention to provide equal opportunities to private companies. If they meet the criteria, Hyundai could operate the Seoul autonomous transportation platform alongside Kakao Mobility and other providers.Hyundai had also participated in the bidding process for the previous operator selection. If Hyundai successfully operates the autonomous vehicle transportation platform in Seoul, it is expected to deploy its AI-based demand-responsive mobility platform, SHUCLE.SHUCLE analyzes real-time demand and traffic information to create optimal routes and dispatch vehicles. Since 2019, Hyundai has gained operational experience in 33 local governments and over 82 regions across the country.In the second half of this year, SHUCLE will also be utilized in an autonomous driving pilot project in Gwangju. The plan is to validate an integrated service model that connects autonomous vehicles, the platform, and users, encompassing vehicle control, dispatch management, and operational data analysis.By directly operating the platform, Hyundai can go beyond vehicle development and supply to secure actual data. Given that Seoul is a densely populated urban area with high traffic and mobility demand, various data can be accumulated during the calling, dispatching, and operational processes. This data will be used to enhance autonomous driving technology and services, laying the groundwork for future robo-taxi commercialization.Hyundai is focusing on building a 'data flywheel.' This involves collecting data from vehicles and services, analyzing it to improve AI and autonomous driving technology, and applying the enhanced technology back to vehicles and services in a virtuous cycle. The strategy includes integrating autonomous driving data collected from Hyundai, Kia, and 42dot.An industry insider stated, "Diverse data collection is essential for advancing autonomous driving technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:10
  • Nvidias Record Earnings Alleviate Peak-Out Concerns, Boosting HBM Demand from Samsung and SK Hynix
    Nvidia's Record Earnings Alleviate Peak-Out Concerns, Boosting HBM Demand from Samsung and SK Hynix Nvidia has alleviated concerns about a peak-out in AI investment by posting record earnings for the 13th consecutive quarter. As AI infrastructure investments continue, both Nvidia and major global tech companies are expanding the use of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) in their custom AI chips, leading to a surge in demand for HBM from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.On August 27, Nvidia reported that its revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2027 (May to July) reached $96.22 billion, a 106% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue from data centers, which includes AI accelerators, surged 117% to $89 billion, accounting for 92% of total revenue. Nvidia projected third-quarter revenue to exceed market expectations at $108 billion and forecasted approximately 70% growth for fiscal year 2028.To meet the soaring demand for AI, Nvidia is accelerating its efforts to secure memory supplies. The company's purchasing agreements related to supply chain and production capacity increased 2.3 times, from $119 billion in the previous quarter to $279 billion. A significant portion of this is focused on securing the memory and production capacity needed for the coming years.Demand for HBM4 is expanding beyond Nvidia to include major tech companies' custom AI chips. OpenAI plans to deploy its custom AI chip 'Jalapeño', co-developed with Broadcom, for its AI models later this year, with HBM4 confirmed to be supplied by Samsung. As more companies, including Google, develop their own AI chips like the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), HBM manufacturers are finding opportunities to secure large clients beyond Nvidia.Samsung is expected to expand its customer base into the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) market with HBM4. While SK Hynix has solidified its leading position in the HBM market centered around Nvidia, Samsung is diversifying its supply strategy by collaborating with ASIC companies like Broadcom. SK Hynix has also begun mass production shipments of HBM4 in the second quarter and is collaborating with Nvidia on next-generation memory development to maintain its existing advantage.With the increase in HBM supply and rising prices, both companies are expected to continue their growth trajectory. The expansion of AI infrastructure has led to ongoing memory supply shortages, enhancing the pricing power of memory manufacturers. The increased share of high-value products like HBM4 is anticipated to raise the average selling price (ASP). Global investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts that next year, the ASP for HBM will rise by 44% from this year, reaching $17 per gigabyte.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:10