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  • Hanwha Investment Adjusts Daewoo Engineering Target Price by 204%
    Hanwha Investment Adjusts Daewoo Engineering Target Price by 204% Hanwha Investment & Securities announced on August 26 that it has raised its target price for Daewoo Engineering & Construction from 7,300 won to 22,000 won, a 204% increase, citing expectations for growth in new orders and improved profitability in the housing sector, along with large project wins in nuclear power and LNG.Song Yu-rim, a researcher at Hanwha Investment & Securities, stated, "Daewoo Engineering has several positive investment points, including growth in new orders, housing improvements, and opportunities in nuclear power and LNG projects."In the second quarter, Daewoo Engineering reported sales of 2 trillion won and an operating profit of 232.3 billion won. While sales decreased by 10.1% compared to the same period last year, operating profit surged by 182.6%. The housing sector saw a one-time profit, and a significant reduction in last year's large bad debt expenses greatly improved profitability. Even excluding one-time profits, the gross profit margin in the housing sector is estimated to be in the mid-15% range.The outlook for new orders is also positive. Daewoo Engineering has raised its new order target for the year from 18 trillion won to 27 trillion won, a 50% increase. This is supported by projects totaling 18 trillion won, including the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic, LNG projects in Papua New Guinea and Mozambique, a chemical plant in Nigeria, and the new airport in Gadeokdo.Song noted, "Considering the continuous decline in order backlog due to the lack of large overseas orders since 2021, this upward revision of the order guidance is certainly positive."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:28:00
  • Gyeongnam Information University Supports 17 Women Startups in W-Venture Competition
    Gyeongnam Information University Supports 17 Women Startups in W-Venture Competition Gyeongnam Information University announced the final selection ceremony for the '3rd W-Venture Startup Competition' held on August 25 at its Centum Campus in Haeundae, Busan, aimed at discovering and nurturing promising women entrepreneurs in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions.Now in its third year, the competition is co-hosted by Gyeongnam Information University, the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Women Venture Association, and Busan Women's University, with Series Ventures overseeing the event.The competition targets women entrepreneurs with outstanding startup ideas or those running businesses for less than seven years in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam areas.To provide tailored support, the competition is divided into two categories: 'Technology Specialization' and 'Lifestyle.' A total of 82 companies applied, with 38 in technology specialization and 44 in lifestyle, resulting in a competitive ratio of about 5-to-1. Ultimately, 17 teams (9 from technology specialization and 8 from lifestyle) were selected.The selected teams began their activities at the ceremony held at the campus's book café.The event included an introduction to the university's Busan-type anchor project, one-minute speeches from each team, and networking opportunities. Following this, a special lecture on 'IR Storytelling' by Lim Kwang-min of Series Ventures and practical training on 'IR Pitching Skills' by Lee Dan-bi, CEO of Budan Creative, received positive feedback from participants.The selected teams will receive comprehensive support, including systematic startup education and expert mentoring. After preliminary rounds, they will present their business models for investment at the final presentation event on October 1 at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Haeundae, Busan.Heo Dong-ryeol, head of the Startup Support Office at Gyeongnam Information University, stated, “As a representative community college in Busan, we will spare no effort in providing infrastructure and support to ensure that the selected women entrepreneurs from Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam can achieve successful commercialization and job creation.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:24:00
  • Controversy Erupts Over Lawmakers Comments on Jeju Missing Person Case
    Controversy Erupts Over Lawmaker's Comments on Jeju Missing Person Case Lee Hae-sik, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked controversy with his remarks regarding the missing person case of Jang Mi-ran in Jeju. He stated, "This incident, which may be an individual deviation, has become national news and is a burden on the regime," prompting widespread debate online. Notably, criticism has emerged from progressive 2030-generation female-dominated online communities.During a meeting of the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee on August 25, Lee questioned Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung about the police's response to the missing person case, asking, "Should we continue to allow this phenomenon, where an individual deviation becomes national news and burdens the regime?"At the meeting, lawmakers discussed the police's false closure of the case, which was reported missing in May. Acting National Police Agency Chief Yoo Jae-sung revealed that the officer involved had handled a total of 298 missing person cases and promised a thorough review of related incidents.The discovery of a body presumed to be Jang Mi-ran's approximately three months after the missing report intensified criticism of the police's initial response and the false closure. Yoo expressed his regret in the National Assembly, vowing to improve the system to prevent such incidents from recurring.Following Lee's comments, reactions on various online communities questioned the implications of his statements. One user criticized, "Is it a serious issue that could send them to prison, but a matter of individual deviation when it comes to the lives of citizens?"Others expressed sentiments such as, "It seems they are eager to hand over power," and "The Democratic Party views the public as livestock." Some users noted that the narrative of individual deviation was anticipated as soon as the incident occurred, suggesting that the party is beginning to distance itself from accountability.There were also calls for better management of party statements, reflecting a broader distrust in the political sphere. Comments included, "Democratic Party, please keep your members in check. I dislike the ruling party, but you are trying to become just as bad," and "If it were the ruling party, there would have been candlelight vigils for truth-seeking, but both parties are just looking out for their own interests."Another user remarked, "I thought I wouldn't be surprised anymore, but they keep raising the bar," while another added, "Wow, you incite public sentiment on other cases, but handle this one like this?"Meanwhile, during the Administrative Safety Committee meeting, Yoo stated that the Jang Mi-ran case involved both individual deviation and systemic issues. The National Police Agency has initiated an investigation to review the entire process from the officer's case handling to its closure.This controversy extends beyond individual misconduct, raising questions about the internal systems for handling missing person cases, oversight by superiors, and external checks on investigative agencies. As the false closure of Jang Mi-ran's case has come to light, discussions in the National Assembly about police accountability and the need for systemic reform are expected to continue, along with ongoing debates about the appropriateness of Lee's "individual deviation" remarks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:24:00
  • Samsung Display Supplies OLEDs for Genesis GV90, Enhancing Luxury Mobility Experience
    Samsung Display Supplies OLEDs for Genesis GV90, Enhancing Luxury Mobility Experience Samsung Display is supplying OLED technology for the Genesis GV90, a flagship electric SUV, enhancing the quality of in-car displays. The pop-up structure allows for efficient use of interior space while providing an immersive large-screen experience.On August 26, Samsung Display announced it will provide two types of OLEDs, measuring 24.6 inches and 13.2 inches, for the GV90. The products are set to begin shipping this month.The central cinematic display features a 24.6-inch OLED. While driving, it shows a 23.6-inch wide screen for driving information and navigation. When the vehicle is stationary, the display can be raised 90mm by pressing an expansion button, increasing the screen size by approximately 1.7 times compared to when the vehicle is in motion.This evolution of automotive displays goes beyond merely showing driving information; they now play a crucial role in the vehicle's interior design and content experience.The pop-up structure takes advantage of OLED's thin and lightweight characteristics. Unlike LCDs, which require a separate backlight, OLEDs emit their own light. According to Samsung Display, the thickness of their OLEDs is about 30% that of LCDs, and their weight is approximately 70% lighter, making them advantageous for designing display mechanisms in confined vehicle interiors.The display supports an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 24:9 and a resolution of 3840×1440. It also meets 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut used in the digital film industry. A tandem structure with two layers of organic light-emitting material ensures high brightness and long lifespan.In the rear seats, a 13.2-inch OLED is installed, with one on each side of the front headrests. This allows rear-seat passengers to independently enjoy movies and other content. It supports a resolution of 1920×1080 and has the same color reproduction capabilities as the central display.By supplying two types of OLEDs for the GV90, Samsung Display has broadened the application range of automotive displays. The large central screen expands the vehicle's content space, while the headrest displays provide a personalized experience for rear-seat passengers.Samsung Display has applied its automotive display brand philosophy, 'DRIVE,' to this product. The strategy aims to enhance competitiveness in the premium automotive OLED market through design differentiation, reliability, and improved image quality.Lee Joo-hyung, Vice President of Samsung Display's Small and Medium Business Division, stated, "The Samsung OLED applied in the GV90 is a symbolic example of the convergence of premium displays and luxury mobility, creating a new experience. We will continue to leverage the strengths of both companies to create new value in luxury mobility." 2026-08-26 08:24:00
  • Korean Local Foods Gain International Attention with 10 Million Views
    Korean Local Foods Gain International Attention with 10 Million Views Content showcasing Korean regional dishes and unique food culture, including Hanwoo meat and silkworm larvae, has surpassed 10 million views internationally. The Korea Tourism Organization plans to promote local food tourism through content created with overseas influencers and connect it to actual travel demand through online events.On August 26, the Korea Tourism Organization announced that approximately 900 pieces of content produced during the 'K-Local Food Hunters 33' project, conducted in June, have accumulated over 10 million views.The project involved 33 influencers from 13 countries, including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and North America, who collectively have around 29 million followers.Participants experienced local cuisine and tourist attractions over five days, divided into three regions: Gangwon, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang. The videos and photos created on-site were shared with users in various countries through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and YouTube.The dish that garnered the most attention was 'Hanwoo meat.' A Vietnamese influencer's content featuring this dish received 447,000 views, attributed to its unique presentation and the unfamiliarity of raw meat to foreign audiences.Content featuring French influencers tasting unusual Korean foods like silkworm larvae and blood sausage also resonated with international users.The organization plans to hold follow-up events to connect the online interest in K-food to local tourism.Through the integrated tourism platform 'VISITKOREA,' a global online event will be held in four languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, showcasing highlight videos from the project and regional content. A selection of local dishes, 'K-Local Food 33,' will also be introduced.Min Byeong-seon, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's tourism industry division, stated, 'This project confirmed the global competitiveness of K-food content. We will strengthen our promotion through follow-up global online events to ensure that interest in K-food translates into actual travel to Korea.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:20:00
  • Hana Securities: Samyang Foods to Continue Growth Through Regional Diversification
    Hana Securities: Samyang Foods to Continue Growth Through Regional Diversification Hana Securities projected on August 26 that Samyang Foods will maintain its long-term growth trajectory, supported by regional diversification and the operation of a new factory in China. The firm reiterated its 'buy' rating and set a target price of 1.8 million won.Analyst Shim Eun-joo stated, "Samyang Foods has significant expansion potential in the long term due to its regional diversification." In the second quarter, Samyang Foods reported consolidated sales of 770.3 billion won, a 39.3% increase from the same period last year, while operating profit rose 46.7% to 176.2 billion won. Overseas sales reached 645.8 billion won, also up 46.7%. Sales in the U.S. and China surged by 54.2% and 44.1%, respectively, driving growth, and exports to Europe exceeded 100 billion won for the first time on a quarterly basis.Shim noted that Europe has the potential to surpass the U.S. and China in terms of expansion, considering its penetration rate and growth potential. The annual per capita consumption of ramen in major European countries is about four, significantly lower than the approximately 13 in the U.S. and South American countries, indicating substantial room for growth.The new factory in China is also seen as a growth driver. With a production capacity of 1.13 billion units, the factory is expected to begin operations early next year. Once local production in China ramps up, the excess capacity at the Miryang plant could be utilized to expand into the U.S. and European markets.Hana Securities forecasts that Samyang Foods' consolidated sales for the third quarter will increase by 28.4% year-on-year to 811.4 billion won, with operating profit expected to rise by 43.2% to 187.5 billion won. Shim remarked, "Consumer preference for the Buldak brand remains strong." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:12:00
  • Mirae Asset Securities: Samsung Electronics Stock Drop Overstated Amid Market Fears
    Mirae Asset Securities: Samsung Electronics' Stock Drop Overstated Amid Market Fears Mirae Asset Securities stated that Samsung Electronics' stock price is excessively reflecting macroeconomic uncertainties, maintaining a 'buy' rating and a target price of 370,000 won. The firm believes that record-high shareholder returns, improvements in the memory market, and competitive custom HBM technology could lead to a reevaluation of the company's value.In a report released after the market closed the previous day, analyst Kim Young-geon noted, "The current price-to-book (P/B) and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios are at 1.7 times and 4.3 times, respectively, which have dropped to levels seen before the AI cycle." He added, "There are limited meaningful changes in the operating environment and industry outlook."On August 21, Samsung Electronics announced plans for shareholder returns of 90 trillion to 110 trillion won for 2026. Approximately 30 trillion won in cash dividends will be distributed in the third quarter, with the remaining amount to be confirmed by the board in January next year. Based on the previous day's closing price, the maximum dividend yield for 2026 is projected to be 8.3% for common shares and 11.0% for preferred shares.The memory market outlook is also positive. Mirae Asset Securities has maintained its operating profit forecasts for Samsung Electronics at 120 trillion won for the third quarter and 126 trillion won for the fourth quarter, estimating 559 trillion won in operating profit for 2027. The firm anticipates tight DRAM supply until 2028, predicting a 15% increase in DRAM average selling price (ASP) in the third quarter, 5% in the fourth quarter, and 22% in 2027, primarily driven by HBM price increases.The growing demand for AI infrastructure in China is expected to support HBM demand. Analyst Kim reported that during visits to seven local semiconductor companies in China from August 17 to 22, he observed a surge in AI infrastructure demand, with the focus shifting from government subsidies to actual demand from CSPs and AI model companies. However, he noted that China's self-sufficiency in HBM is lower than expected, with local accelerator companies estimating that they will achieve HBM3 self-sufficiency in about two years.Kim also positively assessed Samsung Electronics' next-generation HBM technology. At 'Hot Chips 2026,' Samsung unveiled its custom HBM roadmap, including 'zHBM,' which stacks memory on top of XPU without an interposer. This technology is designed to reduce power consumption by approximately 70% and reallocate the saved 100W for GPU computations.Kim stated, "zHBM represents an uncharted territory for the industry, based on hybrid bonding with a pitch of less than 6 micrometers and memory-SoC integrated design, a technology that only Samsung Electronics, with its capabilities in memory, advanced foundry, and packaging, can internalize."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:04:00
  • Family of Missing Woman Urges Restraint After Body Found
    Family of Missing Woman Urges Restraint After Body Found The body discovered on August 24 at a palm tree farm in Hanlim-eup, Jeju, has been identified as that of Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman who had been missing for an extended period. Following the confirmation, her family has requested that the public refrain from criticizing the police.On August 24, Jang's cousin took to social media to express, "Not all police are corrupt, nor are they all incompetent. We appreciate the efforts of the many police officers and coast guard members who have worked hard to find the missing person."He added, "Please refrain from criticism, speculation, and unrelated political discussions, and I ask reporters to limit their contact as well."Meanwhile, authorities are conducting a forensic examination of Jang's mobile phone to investigate the exact cause of death while keeping all possibilities open.According to Yonhap News, Jang was last seen on May 12 at 10:15 p.m. when she left her long-term accommodation, as captured by surveillance cameras.On May 15 at 6:43 p.m., an officer from the Jeju West Police Station received a missing person report from Jang's partner. The officer, identified as A, falsely claimed that he had been in contact with Jang but that she had asked him not to disclose her location. He closed the case at 9:16 p.m.Jang's partner attempted to file another report on June 17, but due to A's previous records, the report was not accepted. It wasn't until Jang's family filed a new report at the Nowon Police Station in Seoul on June 19 that the search was resumed.After 104 days of being reported missing, Jang's body was found during a joint search operation at the palm tree farm in Hanlim-eup at 10:46 a.m. on August 24.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:04:00
  • BTSs SWIM Receives Gold Certification in France, Marking 10th Single Achievement
    BTS's 'SWIM' Receives Gold Certification in France, Marking 10th Single Achievement The group BTS has added another record to its achievements in the French music market.According to the official website of the French National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (SNEP) on the 25th, the title track 'SWIM' from BTS's fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' has received gold certification in the single category.SNEP awards gold certification in the single category to songs that achieve the equivalent of 15 million streams, calculated from streaming, downloads, and physical album sales.With this, BTS now holds a total of ten gold-certified singles, including 'Dynamite,' 'Butter,' 'Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey),' and 'FAKE LOVE.'Notably, 'SWIM' achieved this milestone approximately five months after its release. This follows 'Dynamite,' which received gold certification in just three months after its release in August 2020, making 'SWIM' the second-fastest song to achieve this status for the group.The album 'ARIRANG' is also performing well in France. It received gold certification just six days after its release and sold over 100,000 copies within a month, leading to a platinum certification in April.In comparison, previous albums 'MAP OF THE SOUL: 7' and 'Proof' received similar certifications about one year and two months after their releases, indicating a faster pace for 'ARIRANG.'The album continues to perform strongly on the U.S. Billboard charts. According to the latest chart released on August 25, 'ARIRANG' ranked 24th on the Billboard 200.'ARIRANG' debuted at number one on the chart dated April 4 and maintained the top position for three consecutive weeks, remaining on the chart for five months.The title track 'SWIM' has held the fifth position on the 'Global Excl. U.S.' chart for 22 consecutive weeks and is ranked 14th on the 'Global 200' chart. 2026-08-26 07:52:00
  • Iran and Oman Reach Gradual Agreement on Temporary Maritime Route in Hormuz
    Iran and Oman Reach Gradual Agreement on Temporary Maritime Route in Hormuz Iran and Oman have reached a gradual agreement to establish a 'temporary joint maritime corridor' and a 'joint mine removal project' to resume safe navigation in the Hormuz Strait, which has been restricted due to recent conflicts.This development comes just a day after the Trump administration announced an expansion of economic sanctions against Iran. Amid increasing economic pressure from the U.S., diplomatic discussions aimed at normalizing navigation in the Hormuz Strait are gaining momentum.On the 25th, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Badr al-Busaidi, the Omani Foreign Minister, announced a 'joint statement' with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to Tehran.The statement indicated that both sides agreed on the need to quickly resume safe navigation in the Hormuz Strait while respecting each country's sovereignty and sovereign rights.It also mentioned discussions on a practical and actionable 'gradual framework' to stabilize the heightened tensions in the Strait following recent conflicts.This gradual framework includes the immediate establishment of a 'temporary joint maritime corridor' for vessel passage and a joint project to remove mines in the Strait.Additionally, both sides agreed to continue technical negotiations for long-term management of the Strait, which will cover the establishment of a permanent maritime corridor, an information exchange system, maritime traffic management, and maritime and security services.Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of promoting joint dialogue with neighboring countries along the Persian Gulf and reaffirmed that compliance with international law and respect for the sovereignty of coastal nations are essential for managing the Strait.Since the collapse of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran in June, Iran and Oman have been negotiating to normalize vessel operations through the Hormuz Strait. Oman has played a mediating role between the U.S. and Iran and possesses waters adjacent to the Hormuz Strait.The Financial Times assessed this movement as the first sign of negotiation progress in weeks amid diplomatic efforts by mediating countries to ease tensions surrounding the Hormuz Strait. Diplomatic officials expect that if Iran and Oman reach a final agreement, it could pave the way for the U.S. and Iran to resume implementation of the existing MOU. 2026-08-26 07:44:00