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  • JYP Entertainment Faces Decline Amidst Industry Growth
    JYP Entertainment Faces Decline Amidst Industry Growth "Now is the time. If you have spare money, I would definitely buy our company's stock looking three to five years ahead," said JYP Entertainment's largest shareholder and producer Park Jin-young in November 2023. At that time, the stock price was in the 90,000 won range, but as of August 2026, it has plummeted to the 30,000 won range. Recently, the company has also gained notoriety for having the highest number of downward target price reports among its peers.Since the beginning of the year, the stock price has been on a downward trend. On August 27, the Korea Exchange reported that JYP Entertainment's stock closed at 39,750 won, down 300 won (0.75%) from the previous trading day, marking a significant drop to the 30,000 won range. This represents a 48.7% decline from the 77,500 won price on the first trading day of the year, January 2. Notably, the stock fell 11.20% to close at 40,850 won the day after the second-quarter earnings announcement on August 13.Reports analyzing JYP Entertainment have predominantly issued downward revisions. According to financial information provider FnGuide, from July 1 to August 23, JYP Entertainment received the most downward target price reports among individual stocks in South Korea. Yuanta Securities stated, "The outlook for future stock price increases is not promising," and has lowered its target price twice this month, now setting it at the lowest among securities firms at 55,000 won.The lowered expectations stem from disappointing second-quarter results. JYP Entertainment's consolidated revenue for the second quarter was 183.1 billion won, a 15.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. Operating profit fell by 41.4% to 31 billion won, while net profit dropped by 40.3% to 21.7 billion won. For the first half of the year, net profit was 53.6 billion won, a staggering 49.2% decline year-on-year.Underperformance in album sales has increased the burden of content production costs, and performances have been limited to smaller, multiple shows, restricting profitability. Analysts express further concern over a potential performance gap in the future, as there is a lack of long-term growth drivers to fill the void left by key artists. There are indications that TWICE may reduce its full-group activities, and from 2027, members of Stray Kids are expected to enlist in the military. Lower-tier artists like Kickflip have not yet matured enough to fill these gaps. Lee Gi-hoon, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "Considering the reduced activities of TWICE and the military enlistment of Stray Kids, we could see a decline in performance as early as 2027, or at the latest by 2028."In contrast, the other three major entertainment companies reported strong performances in the second quarter. HYBE's revenue and operating profit surged by 105.5% and 159.3%, respectively, achieving record highs. YG Entertainment also saw revenue of 127.8 billion won and operating profit of 11 billion won, marking increases of 27.2% and 31.2%. SM Entertainment reported revenue of 349.6 billion won and operating profit of 52.9 billion won, reflecting growth of 15.4% and 11.0% year-on-year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:44:10
  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals SOT106 Receives FDA Fast Track Designation, Clinical Trials to Begin This Year
    Ligand Pharmaceuticals' SOT106 Receives FDA Fast Track Designation, Clinical Trials to Begin This Year Ligand Pharmaceuticals' antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate SOT106 has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug, developed by partner Sotio Biotech, is set to enter clinical trials with the first patient expected to be treated this year.On August 27, Ligand announced that Sotio's SOT106 (LRRC15-ADC) has been granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. SOT106 is a candidate that applies Ligand's next-generation ADC platform, ConjuAll, to Sotio's LRRC15-targeting antibody.Ligand stated, "This designation confirms that SOT106 possesses best-in-class potential to address the unmet medical needs in the urgent area of soft tissue sarcoma treatment."The LRRC15 target of SOT106 is clinically validated and is widely expressed across various subtypes of sarcoma, suggesting the potential for development in a broad patient population with limited treatment options.Vivi Boura, Chief Medical Officer of Sotio, remarked, "Soft tissue sarcoma represents a significant unmet medical need, as treatment outcomes for progressive and recurrent patients have not meaningfully improved despite decades of development. This Fast Track designation underscores the potential of SOT106's differentiated design and LRRC15-targeting strategy to offer new treatment options for patients with various subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma."The Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and review of drugs that address serious conditions and fill unmet medical needs. It provides opportunities for more frequent consultations with the FDA and supports expedited development and approval pathways, including rolling reviews and priority review if criteria are met.Sotio plans to initiate clinical trials for SOT106 with the first patient later this year. The company intends to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and Clinical Trial Application (CTA) in Moldova, where regulatory procedures are relatively swift, by the end of this month or in September, aiming for first patient dosing within the year.Ligand entered into a technology transfer agreement with Sotio for the ADC platform in November 2021. SOT106 is the first candidate to emerge from this agreement, and the recent regulatory designation enhances the prospects for international commercialization of the technology.Meanwhile, Ligand reported a standalone revenue of 7.1 billion won for the second quarter of this year, a 78.3% decrease compared to the same period last year. The operating loss for the same period widened to 76.4 billion won, an increase of 378.21% year-on-year.The decline in performance is attributed to the absence of new ADC technology licensing agreements, coupled with increased investment as more projects enter clinical stages. Research and development expenses rose to 76.5 billion won, a 90% increase compared to the previous year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:44:10
  • Homeplus Faces Critical Week Ahead of Restructuring Vote
    Homeplus Faces Critical Week Ahead of Restructuring Vote Homeplus is approaching a critical week as the deadline for approving its restructuring plan nears. The creditors' meeting scheduled for September 2 is expected to be a turning point in determining the company's future. Stakeholders, including creditors and shareholders, will decide whether to support the restructuring plan submitted by Homeplus, marking what is seen as a final hurdle for the company's recovery.According to the retail industry on August 27, Homeplus is seeking approval from public creditors for a debt repayment plan ahead of the September 4 deadline. The level of agreement among public creditors is a key indicator of the plan's feasibility. Online and in-person signatures were collected until the previous day, while paper submissions (fax and email) are expected to be accepted until August 28. The union reports that unpaid amounts owed to 1,267 suppliers total approximately 503 billion won. As of the afternoon of the same day, the approval rate for the public creditor repayment plan is reported to be in the 40% range.Suppliers that continue to provide products to Homeplus are reportedly agreeing to the repayment plan, considering the potential for business normalization. In contrast, companies that have ceased transactions and are left with outstanding receivables are less inclined to agree.Homeplus anticipates that a low approval rate among public creditors could lead the court to assess the feasibility of the restructuring plan negatively. An increased burden of immediate debt repayment could hinder the company's ability to secure necessary funds for future operations. If the restructuring plan is not approved, the recovery process is likely to end, leading to bankruptcy proceedings.Homeplus's public creditors include not only unpaid supplier payments but also overdue wages and severance pay, totaling around 930 billion won. Since wage claims also fall under public creditors, Homeplus is seeking consent from both current and former employees regarding delayed severance and wage payments. The employee approval rate has reportedly exceeded 75%.Efforts to normalize operations are ongoing to enhance the chances of recovery. Homeplus has launched its third large-scale discount event starting today. From August 28 to 30, all products from Han-don Ilpum Pork will be offered at discounts of up to 50%. These promotions aim to attract customers back to stores and demonstrate to the court, creditors, and potential buyers that Homeplus's competitive edge remains intact.If the restructuring plan is approved at the creditors' meeting, Homeplus is expected to accelerate its merger and acquisition (M&A) process. The union believes that securing a new buyer could expedite the repayment timeline for deferred public creditor debts. A union representative stated, "We will thoroughly monitor the process to ensure that no unfair harm comes to our partners during normalization. If a solid new business entity steps in as the acquirer, management will quickly get back on track." 2026-08-27 15:44:00
  • Bank of Korea Raises Interest Rates Amid Government Loan Policy Changes
    Bank of Korea Raises Interest Rates Amid Government Loan Policy Changes The Bank of Korea has raised interest rates while financial authorities have expanded loan availability, raising concerns that conflicting monetary and financial policies could diminish their effectiveness in managing household debt.On August 27, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee increased the base rate from 2.75% to 3.00%, marking the second consecutive hike. This decision was driven by stronger-than-expected economic growth and inflationary pressures, alongside the rising household debt, which has surpassed 2,000 trillion won.This move contrasts sharply with the financial authorities' recent adjustments to household loan growth targets announced in the August 13 measures. The target was doubled from 1.5% to 3%, effectively increasing the lending capacity of financial institutions by approximately 30 trillion won. Authorities are currently working on distributing the increased loan limits.Financial authorities emphasize that this is not an indiscriminate expansion of loans but a 'selective easing' focused on group loans and financing for genuine borrowers. However, group loans still fall under household loans. If the additional limits are utilized, the total household debt could rise, potentially stimulating housing demand.The Bank of Korea aims to suppress loan demand by raising the cost of borrowing, while financial authorities are increasing supply limits. Given that there remains significant demand for loans despite rising interest rates, the easing of limits could lead to an increase in household debt. Critics argue that the financial authorities' actions may partially offset the tightening effects of the Bank of Korea's rate hikes.Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song stressed during a press conference that monetary policy and macroprudential policies must align. He stated, "The Bank of Korea cannot ensure financial stability on its own; we must maintain financial stability through harmonious policies with financial authorities."Continued policy misalignment could create confusion in the market. Increasing supply limits while simultaneously attempting to curb loans may blur the priorities in managing household debt. Growing doubts about policy coordination could also undermine trust in these measures.Professor Kim Dae-jong of Sejong University warned, "In a situation where household debt has exceeded 2,000 trillion won, excessively expanding the total loan volume could diminish the effectiveness of debt control through interest rate hikes. A sophisticated management approach is needed to alleviate the financial difficulties of genuine borrowers without linking household debt to real estate speculation." 2026-08-27 15:44:00
  • Chinas Supply Overcapacity: Between Failure and Strategy
    China's Supply Overcapacity: Between Failure and Strategy China's supply overcapacity is not a new issue. Since the rapid growth of the Chinese economy in the 2000s, overcapacity in traditional industries such as steel, cement, coal, and petrochemicals has been identified as a problem that needs to be addressed. In 2013, the Chinese State Council identified steel, cement, flat glass, and shipbuilding as key industries suffering from overcapacity. The government pointed to blind investments by companies, competition among local governments for growth, redundant construction, and reliance on investment as factors exacerbating the issue. Consequently, it initiated supply-side reforms aimed at reducing production capacity, particularly in steel and coal. However, more than a decade later, the debate over overcapacity has shifted to electric vehicles, batteries, and solar energy. The problems that emerged in industries that once drove China's growth are now reappearing in sectors that the country has nurtured as future growth engines.However, it is not entirely accurate to view the current overcapacity in the same light as past issues in steel or coal. This is because the industries being criticized for severe overcapacity coincide with those in which China is rapidly enhancing its global competitiveness. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2024, approximately 85% of the world's battery cell production capacity will be concentrated in China, and by 2025, Chinese companies are expected to account for about 75% of the global electric vehicle battery market. Additionally, around 75% of the world's electric vehicle production is taking place in China, with exports nearly doubling from the previous year to over 2.5 million units. The very industries that are said to be producing too much are also where Chinese companies are gaining dominance in the global market. So, should China's overcapacity be viewed merely as a failure of industrial policy?Of course, producing more does not automatically lead to competitiveness. The growth of China's electric vehicle and battery industries is the result of a massive domestic market, supportive industrial policies, a supply chain that connects raw materials to components and finished products, and sustained investment in research and development. Additionally, China's unique competitive structure plays a role. When the central government identifies strategic industries, local governments pursue investment and business attraction, prompting companies to increase production capacity to capture market share. This alignment of local governments seeking investment and companies aiming to boost market share has led to repeated instances where investment outpaces actual demand.When increased production capacity cannot be absorbed by the market, the situation becomes complicated. Companies that have invested heavily in production facilities find it difficult to reduce output immediately when demand decreases. Cutting production increases fixed costs and risks losing market share to competitors. As a result, companies may lower prices to maintain market presence, leading to a cycle of destructive competition where even increased sales do not translate into profits. The term 'neijuan' (内卷), often used in China, aptly describes this situation.Recently, the Chinese government has begun to emphasize 'fan neijuan' (反内卷), which aims to curb excessive low-price competition and chaotic expansion of production capacity, reducing bloodletting competition among companies. In the second quarter of this year, the operating rate of China's manufacturing production facilities was only 73%, with the automotive sector even lower at 70.8%. While operating rates alone cannot definitively indicate overcapacity, the government's emphasis on fan neijuan suggests a recognition that the current competitive landscape cannot remain unchanged. It remains to be seen whether fan neijuan will merely restore price order or lead to adjustments in production capacity and corporate restructuring.Interestingly, while China emphasizes fan neijuan domestically, it strongly rebuffs claims of overcapacity raised internationally. In July, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce released a statement addressing the so-called 'overcapacity issue,' countering assertions made by the U.S. and Europe. The argument is that global production capacity is a result of international industrial division of labor, and one should not judge overcapacity solely based on production capacity or export volume. At first glance, this may seem contradictory, but from China's perspective, it is not. What China wants to reduce domestically is excessive competition among companies, not the hard-won industrial competitiveness.It is unlikely that the Chinese government intended to create overcapacity from the outset. Over-investment, redundant investment, and cutthroat competition among companies are indeed challenges that the Chinese economy must address. However, it cannot be deemed a failure to have already established production capacity, supply chains, technology, and price competitiveness. The key question is how to manage these going forward. If fan neijuan can reduce excessive competition and overcapacity while preserving competitive companies and industrial ecosystems, the outcome could be significantly different from the present.Thus, my focus is not solely on the overcapacity itself but on what follows. If fan neijuan goes beyond merely curbing price competition and leads to the restructuring of overcapacity and marginal companies, it could result in a sorting process within China's manufacturing sector. Not all companies can be sustained indefinitely, nor is there a reason to dismantle a hard-won industrial ecosystem.From South Korea's perspective, the timing of these developments is crucial. A more concerning scenario for us would be if China successfully addresses its overcapacity. While overcapacity and marginal companies may decrease, if production and markets concentrate around competitive firms, China's manufacturing competitiveness could strengthen. Having already experienced the impact of China's capacity expansion on prices and profitability in steel and petrochemicals, we must also consider the competition surrounding technology and supply chains in electric vehicles, batteries, and solar energy.Ultimately, our perspective on China's overcapacity needs to change. Merely pointing out the issues of over-investment and cutthroat competition in the Chinese economy may cause us to miss the changes that will follow. What we should closely examine is not how severe China's overcapacity is, but who will survive after it is addressed. Perhaps the moment our industry needs to be most vigilant is not during the current overcapacity but after China has resolved its overcapacity.Author's Major Background△ Ph.D. from Renmin University of China △ Postdoctoral researcher at Jeju Peace Institute △ Secretary-General of the Korea-China Social Science Association △ Editor of the China Regional Studies Editorial Committee △ CEO of Hans Global Town Co., Ltd. △ Associate Professor of Chinese Economy and Trade at Hannam University* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:36:10
  • Hong Won-sik Loses Lawsuit for 44.3 Billion Won Severance Pay from Namyang Dairy
    Hong Won-sik Loses Lawsuit for 44.3 Billion Won Severance Pay from Namyang Dairy Hong Won-sik, the former chairman of Namyang Dairy, has lost his lawsuit seeking 44.3 billion won in severance pay from the company. Instead, the court ruled that Hong must return 1.1 billion won in unjust enrichment to Namyang Dairy.The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 41, presided over by Judge Lee Gyu-hoon, announced its decision on August 27 regarding Hong's claim for executive severance pay.Conversely, the court ordered Hong to pay Namyang Dairy 11,724,285,570 won plus delayed interest in a counterclaim filed by the company.The court stated, "The costs of both lawsuits will be borne 90% by Hong and 10% by Namyang Dairy."Hong, who resigned in March 2024, demanded severance pay of 44.3 billion won from Namyang Dairy. After failing to reach an agreement, he filed the lawsuit in May of the same year.The key issue in the trial was the salary during Hong's tenure. At the 2023 shareholders' meeting, Hong approved a proposal to set the director's salary limit at 5 billion won.However, according to the Commercial Act, "Shareholders with a special interest in the resolution cannot exercise their voting rights." Namyang Dairy subsequently filed a lawsuit to annul the resolution, and the Supreme Court concluded that Hong's exercise of voting rights was illegal.Based on this, Namyang Dairy argued that the salary during the period without a valid resolution could not be included in the severance pay calculation.The court also noted, "The ruling to annul the shareholders' meeting resolutions from 2023 and 2024 has been finalized, and the payments made to the plaintiff, who is a director, from January 2023 to April 2024 were made without legal grounds and are deemed unjust enrichment."In a statement, Namyang Dairy said, "Hong's claim for severance pay was not recognized, and it has been confirmed that he must return approximately 1.1 billion won to Namyang Dairy. We respect the judgment of the first-instance court."Meanwhile, Hong has been indicted on eight charges, including causing damage to the company by unnecessarily involving businesses operated by relatives in transactions. In January of this year, he was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay 4.376 billion won in restitution. An appeal is currently underway.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:36:00
  • Nvidias Strong Performance Alleviates AI Peak Concerns, Boosts K-Semiconductor
    Nvidia's Strong Performance Alleviates AI Peak Concerns, Boosts K-Semiconductor Nvidia's recent performance has alleviated concerns about a potential peak in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. As fears of overinvestment and a bubble in AI grow, Nvidia, a leading company in the AI era, has once again demonstrated its growth potential. On August 26, Nvidia announced that its revenue for the second quarter of the 2027 fiscal year reached $96.22 billion, significantly exceeding market expectations of $92 billion. The company also reported earnings per share of $2.22, surpassing forecasts. Additionally, Nvidia raised its revenue outlook for the third quarter to $108 billion. Notably, CEO Jensen Huang expressed strong confidence in the sustainability of AI demand, emphasizing that the establishment of AI infrastructure is at a critical turning point. He projected a 70% revenue growth by the 2028 fiscal year, signaling that the AI investment cycle will continue for a considerable time. Concerns about a peak in AI investment have been persistent in the market. Questions have arisen about whether the astronomical investments in AI data centers will translate into actual profits. Criticism has also been directed at big tech companies for excessive AI investments, leading to speculation that semiconductor demand may have peaked and is set to decline. However, Nvidia's latest results clearly indicate that there are no signs of a downturn in AI infrastructure investment as of now. In fact, the bottleneck lies not in demand but in supply. Nvidia noted that while strong demand continues, rising memory prices could impact profitability. This suggests that the next battleground in the AI semiconductor market is shifting from GPUs to memory. The importance of AI-specific memory, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and high-performance DRAM, is expected to grow significantly. For South Korean companies collaborating with Nvidia, this presents a substantial opportunity. The demand for memory, packaging, substrates, and power and cooling related to AI accelerators is likely to increase. In particular, this could serve as a crucial momentum for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to sustain the supercycle of AI semiconductors. Following Nvidia's earnings announcement, both Samsung and SK Hynix saw their stock prices rise in the domestic market, reflecting investor optimism. However, Nvidia's strong performance does not completely dispel concerns about an AI bubble. There remains a need to verify whether the massive capital expenditures by AI companies will translate into actual profits. Even with good results, if market expectations are higher, stock prices may still fluctuate. There have been instances in the past where Nvidia's stock fell despite exceeding market expectations. It is essential to distinguish between the direction of the industry and corporate performance. While some bubble exists in the AI sector, the notion that demand for AI semiconductors has peaked is a separate issue. Nvidia's latest results indicate that such concerns have not yet materialized. Leading in the AI semiconductor competition is crucial for national industrial competitiveness. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix must enhance their research and development and capital investment to improve their next-generation memory competitiveness, including HBM. Issues related to power, water, and talent in the semiconductor infrastructure should not be left solely to companies. Now is the time to focus on securing technology and production capacity ahead of competitors while managing risks calmly, rather than delaying investments due to fears of an AI peak. 2026-08-27 15:32:20
  • In Tae-yeon, Head of the Small Business Market Promotion Agency, Calls for Enhanced Support for Local Governments and Small Businesses
    In Tae-yeon, Head of the Small Business Market Promotion Agency, Calls for Enhanced Support for Local Governments and Small Businesses In Tae-yeon, the head of the Small Business Market Promotion Agency, stated on the 27th, "We will strengthen cooperation with local governments and communities to ensure that the agency can be a strong ally for local small businesses, traditional markets, and alley economies."During his speech at the opening ceremony of the '2026 Summer Academic Conference of the Korean Association for Local Government Studies' held at the Korea Railroad Corporation in Dong-gu, Daejeon, In emphasized, "Sustainable development in the region is possible when local resources and capabilities are utilized, and the community works together to solve on-site issues," according to the agency.The conference, which runs from the 27th to the 28th, focuses on the theme of 'Local Era and Balanced Growth' and will discuss policy agendas for sustainable regional development. Topics include decentralization, balanced development, responses to regional extinction, fostering local innovation and future growth industries, and cooperation among local governments.The Small Business Market Promotion Agency plans to enhance collaboration among local governments and related organizations in line with the discussions on regional innovation and national balanced development at this conference. The agency aims to expand support for small businesses and traditional markets that reflect local characteristics and on-site demands, contributing to the revitalization of local economies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:32:10
  • Ruling Party Proposes Alliance with Progressives Ahead of National Assembly Session
    Ruling Party Proposes Alliance with Progressives Ahead of National Assembly Session The Democratic Party of Korea announced plans for a legislative push in preparation for the upcoming National Assembly session in September during a workshop held on August 27. The party aims to share its direction as a centrist conservative party through alliances with progressive groups to ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration.During the workshop at the Inspire Hotel in Incheon, Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok emphasized the importance of uniting with progressive forces to secure victory in the next general election."The ruling party must work tirelessly to create a chance for victory in the general election in two years," Kim said, urging party members to be active in their roles as the party faces a critical juncture for re-election.He highlighted the significance of collaboration with progressive reform groups such as the Justice Party, Progressive Party, and Social Democratic Party, stating, "We need to understand our differences through comradely discussions and align our direction. We must plan for the Democratic Party's innovation amid change."Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, described the upcoming National Assembly session as a pivotal moment for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, stressing the need for concrete outcomes from the workshop."We must resolve various issues to ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung government," Han said, adding that the party needs to present a vision to the public. He listed urgent tasks, including legislation on housing supply, the success of three major mega-projects, addressing youth issues, and police reform.Han declared, "The Democratic Party is entering a legislative battle from now on. We will prioritize national tasks and livelihood bills through more organic cooperation among the party, government, and the Blue House, establishing timelines and negotiation strategies. We will activate all National Assembly committees to expedite the legislative process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:32:10
  • LH to Begin Construction of 100,000 Homes Annually from 2028
    LH to Begin Construction of 100,000 Homes Annually from 2028 The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) plans to initiate the construction of over 100,000 homes annually starting in 2028. The annual project scale is set to expand to 30 trillion won, aiming to accelerate the implementation of the government's August 13 housing supply measures.On August 27, LH announced that following the government's August 13 measures, it will continue to construct 50,000 homes in 2026, 76,000 homes in 2027, and over 100,000 homes each year from 2028 to 2030.The project scale is projected to be 14.9 trillion won in 2026 and 25.7 trillion won in 2027. From 2028 onward, it will exceed 30 trillion won annually.The government plans to increase the construction of public housing by 180,000 units through the August 13 measures, which includes 100,000 new homes in the metropolitan area.In line with this, LH will expedite its housing construction and project plans. It aims to accelerate the approval and design processes for urban housing projects utilizing idle land and school sites, with plans to begin construction sequentially from 2027.Among the urban idle land projects, the Seongdae Baseball Stadium is set to receive approval in 2026 and begin construction in 2027. Three sites in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, aim for design competitions in 2026, approvals in 2027, and construction in 2028. Four leading projects on school sites are scheduled for design competitions in 2026, approvals in 2027, and construction in 2028.On the same day, LH held a 'Housing Supply Forum' and 'Housing Supply Briefing' at its Southern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters in Seongnam, discussing collaboration with the private construction industry. Representatives from the Korea Construction Association, Korea Housing Association, Korea Housing Builders Association, and Korea Construction Engineering Association attended the forum.LH President Lee Seong-hoon stated, "It is crucial to strengthen collaboration with the private construction industry at this pivotal moment so that the effects of housing policies can be felt by the public more quickly and effectively. I hope that both the private and public sectors can unite to address challenges on the ground and accelerate housing supply."During the housing supply briefing, plans for annual housing construction, private cooperation projects, universal rental housing initiatives, and modular housing activation were shared. Approximately 150 attendees, including construction and management representatives, participated in the briefing.The construction industry expressed optimism that LH's increase in construction volume would aid in the recovery of the stagnant construction market and job creation. However, they also emphasized the need for institutional support, such as appropriate construction periods and cost assurance, to prevent safety accidents and poor construction quality alongside rapid housing supply.As large-scale public projects commence, it is expected to positively impact not only the expansion of housing supply but also the recovery of related jobs in the construction sector.President Lee remarked, "LH is fully committed to achieving an average housing supply target of 120,000 units annually over the next five years, including public land, urban areas, and newly built acquisitions, and will enhance communication and cooperation with the construction industry to successfully meet this goal."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 15:32:00