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Celltrion Launches Omliclo 300mg in Europe, Strengthening First-Mover Position Celltrion is expanding its product portfolio with the launch of the 300mg version of Omliclo (ingredient name: omalizumab) in major European countries, aimed at treating chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic asthma.On August 25, Celltrion announced that Omliclo has secured a competitive edge as the first-mover omalizumab biosimilar in Europe, and the company plans to leverage its broad product portfolio to enhance market influence and accelerate sales.Omliclo is a biosimilar of omalizumab, which inhibits immunoglobulin E (IgE) involved in allergic reactions. It is also the first approved 'first-mover' product among omalizumab biosimilars in Europe.Following the launch of Omliclo (75mg and 150mg) in Europe at the end of last year, Celltrion introduced the 300mg version in key countries such as Germany, the UK, and France starting mid-year. The 300mg version is currently being supplied in the countries where it has been launched, and Celltrion plans to expand its sales area across Europe. This proactive expansion aims to increase the availability of Omliclo 300mg compared to the original 300mg, which is only supplied in select countries.The launch of Omliclo 300mg is significant as it enhances convenience for patients and treatment options for healthcare providers. Patients requiring a 300mg dose previously had to receive two injections of the 150mg dose, but with the single 300mg dose, treatment can be administered in one injection.Additionally, Celltrion is offering Omliclo 300mg in both pre-filled syringes (PFS) and auto-injectors (AI), broadening the choices available to patients and healthcare providers. This allows for selection based on patient condition, administration environment, and usage method.Omliclo 300mg also boasts competitive advantages in terms of safety and ease of use. It can be stored for up to two years under refrigeration (2-8°C) and for up to seven days at room temperature, providing a longer shelf life than the original product. Furthermore, it features a re-refrigeration capability, allowing it to be refrigerated again after being stored at room temperature, thus offering efficiency and flexibility during transportation, storage, and usage.Hah Tae-hoon, head of Celltrion's European headquarters, stated, "With the launch of Omliclo 300mg, we can provide more convenient and diverse treatment options for patients and healthcare providers. We will do our utmost to ensure that Omliclo continues its rapid growth across Europe, leveraging the first-mover market advantage and our extensive product lineup."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:12:00 -
KAMCO and SC Bank Singapore to Establish $2.86 Billion Ship Fund KAMCO (Korea Asset Management Corporation) is partnering with Standard Chartered Bank's Singapore branch to jointly establish a ship fund worth approximately 286 billion won. This initiative aims to expand financial support for domestic small and medium-sized shipping companies facing challenges in securing foreign currency long-term funding. KAMCO announced on the 25th that it signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding for the Activation of Ship Financing' at the headquarters of SC Bank Singapore on the 24th. Under this agreement, both institutions will collaboratively create a ship fund to support domestic small and medium-sized shipping companies and explore ways to expand foreign currency procurement and the ship financing market. The plan is to combine KAMCO's experience in managing ship funds with SC Bank's global financial capabilities. Initially, they will establish a ship fund of about 286 billion won to support mid-sized shipping companies based in Busan. Various methods, including foreign currency bond issuance and currency swaps, are being considered to secure the necessary foreign currency funds. KAMCO plans to use this agreement as a stepping stone to enhance cooperation in ship financing with global financial institutions. The goal is to improve the funding conditions for small and medium-sized shipping companies, which find it relatively difficult to secure long-term and large-scale foreign currency funding, and to support their financial restructuring. Lee Jong-guk, Vice President of KAMCO, stated, "We hope this collaboration will increase global financial institutions' interest and participation in domestic ship financing. We will explore various cooperation models to create a financial environment that supports the growth of small and medium-sized shipping companies." Since 2015, KAMCO has established ship funds totaling approximately 2.5 trillion won, supporting 143 vessels for domestic shipping companies, both used and new.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:12:00 -
Samsung Galaxy S27 Leaks Raise Expectations for Stock Impact Images purportedly showing the design of Samsung Electronics' next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S27 series, have surfaced online.On August 25, a photo believed to be a leaked rendering of the Galaxy S27 series was posted on an online community. The image features a large rectangular camera module prominently positioned at the top rear of the smartphone. Unlike the previous Galaxy Ultra series, where camera lenses protruded independently, this design showcases two circular camera lenses arranged vertically, accompanied by a vertically elongated oval module and a flash.International media outlets have speculated that this camera bar design is likely to be featured in the Galaxy S27 Ultra. However, as this is based on leaked information, the final product may differ.Following the design reveal, online reactions varied, particularly regarding the camera module. One user commented, "It looks somewhat similar to Apple’s design," while another questioned, "If there are limited design options, why was the iPhone 17 Pro criticized so much?" Some users compared Samsung's design to that of Chinese smartphones, with one remarking, "It doesn’t resemble the iPhone; it looks like a cheap Chinese phone that copied the iPhone." Conversely, others emphasized the need for practicality over aesthetics, with one user suggesting, "Let’s abandon design and focus on performance. Google Pixel has the right approach; why go this route?"In addition to hardware, changes in Samsung's next-generation user interface, One UI 9.5, have also been noted. Recently leaked screenshots of One UI 9.5 reveal elements that emphasize a transparent and three-dimensional feel compared to the existing UI. Features include a floating tab bar, rounded buttons, and a translucent effect that blends seamlessly into the background. Changes in the Samsung phone app include a repositioning of the search function to the bottom.Notably, the leaked One UI 9.5 screenshots feature new pink and purple gradient graphics, suggesting a potential new design language for the Galaxy S27. However, this is not an official design announcement from Samsung. The currently available materials are based on internal test builds and various leaked images, meaning the UI and product design may change by the time of the actual release.The primary interest surrounding this leak is whether Samsung will move away from its long-standing individual camera ring design in favor of a unified camera module. Recent WIPO design documents also show a device presumed to be from Samsung featuring a horizontal camera bar with three cameras arranged alongside it, lending credence to the speculation about design changes for the S27. However, the connection between the design documents and the actual S27 has not been officially confirmed.The Galaxy S27 series is expected to be unveiled in early 2027, in line with Samsung's typical release schedule, with One UI 9.5 likely to debut alongside the S27 series. 2026-08-25 16:08:00 -
NH Investment & Securities' IMA Product Fully Subscribed, 68% Purchased by High-Net-Worth Individuals NH Investment & Securities has fully subscribed its comprehensive investment account (IMA) product for the third consecutive time, with significant inflows from high-net-worth individuals and corporate funds. Notably, the proportion of sales from clients with financial assets exceeding 1 billion won reached 68%, indicating growing interest from affluent investors.According to NH Investment & Securities, the 'N2 IMA1 Medium Type 3' product, which began accepting subscriptions on August 18, reached its target amount of 120 billion won within just one day. The initial subscription period was set to end on August 24, but it closed early.The performance fee benchmark return for the third product is set at 4.5% annually, which is 0.5 percentage points higher than the 4.0% for the first and second products. NH Investment & Securities attributes the early subscription to increased market interest in the IMA, along with these favorable terms.This latest success marks the third consecutive time NH Investment & Securities has met its subscription goals for the IMA product. Following the first product's 400 billion won in April and the second product's 120 billion won in June, the total issuance amount has now reached 640 billion won.In particular, the investment share from high-net-worth individuals in the third product has significantly increased, with 68% of sales attributed to clients with financial assets over 1 billion won. This surpasses the 62% from the first product and 51% from the second, marking the highest level among the three products. The share of sales from clients with financial assets over 3 billion won also rose compared to previous rounds.Corporate funds have also steadily contributed, with corporate clients accounting for 49% of sales in the third product. This figure is consistent with the previous products, where corporate clients represented 57% and 66% of sales, respectively. Cumulatively, corporate clients account for 56.7% of total sales across all three products.Additionally, a significant portion of external funds has been attracted, with 42% of the sales in the third product identified as new funds. The cumulative share of new funds across all three products stands at 56.7%.NH Investment & Securities cites the successful collaboration between its retail, asset management, and investment banking (IB) divisions as a key factor in the IMA's continuous success. The product planning and design are conducted in consultation between the retail channel solutions division and the asset management division's IMA management team. Sales are handled by the wealth management and digital divisions, while the funds raised are managed by the IMA management team.During the management process, the IB division's deal-sourcing capabilities are also utilized. The assets included in the first and second products, such as domestic corporate loans, acquisition financing, private bonds, and bridge loans, were all sourced through the IB division.Baek Kwang-soo, CEO of NH Investment & Securities, stated, "The consecutive full subscriptions and the steady inflow of high-net-worth and corporate clients demonstrate that the IMA has firmly established itself as a stable investment option in the market. We will continue to enhance our integrated business structure, combining the product planning and sales capabilities of the retail division with the deal-sourcing strengths of the IB division and the operational expertise of the asset management division, to provide better investment opportunities for our clients."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:08:00 -
Yongsan Park Talks: Kim Yun-deok and Oh Se-hoon Reunite to Discuss Housing Solutions The tug-of-war between the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Seoul City over Yongsan Park is reaching a critical juncture. Minister Kim Yun-deok and Mayor Oh Se-hoon are set to meet again on the morning of August 26 to discuss housing supply solutions in Seoul, just six days after their initial meeting. With significant differences remaining regarding the use of Yongsan Park, the key question is whether they can make progress on alternative sites and easing regulations on private redevelopment projects.According to government and city officials, the two leaders will discuss utilizing parts of Yongsan Park for housing supply and expanding supply within Seoul. Their first meeting on August 20 covered various topics, including the use of Yongsan Park and greenbelt areas, as well as easing regulations on redevelopment projects, but ultimately reaffirmed their respective positions.The primary issue continues to be Yongsan Park itself. The Ministry of Land argues that while the entire park cannot be used, limited housing can be supplied on certain areas that have already been damaged or previously used for residential purposes, targeting young couples and families with multiple children.Minister Kim stated, "I strongly agree with the principle that Yongsan Park must be preserved," indicating that discussions on potential supply areas could occur through forums or public deliberation processes.In contrast, Mayor Oh is drawing a line against using the main park for housing. He argues that areas like the former military housing, which the government considers damaged, were originally designated as 'planned park areas' and should remain protected.As a compromise, Seoul City has proposed alternative sites, including Camp Kim, the National Military Finance Management Agency site, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parking lot, and the Bank of Korea's staff housing in Huam-dong, to be utilized around Yongsan Park. They also suggest exploring other areas, such as the Tancheon Water Recycling Center, for potential alternative sites.However, the currently discussed alternative sites may not meet the government's desired supply scale. The area around the children's garden within Yongsan Park alone spans approximately 300,000 square meters, making it uncertain how much additional land can be secured if the main park is preserved.Another point of negotiation is the regulations surrounding private redevelopment and reconstruction. Seoul City argues that the quickest way to effectively increase housing supply is to enhance the viability of existing redevelopment projects rather than seeking new land. Key demands include expanding floor area ratio incentives, easing loan regulations for relocation costs, and relaxing restrictions on the transfer of membership status in redevelopment projects.The government also acknowledges the need to revitalize redevelopment projects, as indicated in the August 13 measures, which included lowering the agreement rate for establishing redevelopment associations. However, they remain cautious about significantly relaxing floor area ratios or financial and transaction regulations, fearing it could once again stimulate housing prices in Seoul.Recently, the government and ruling party have proposed transferring the authority to designate redevelopment and reconstruction zones for projects with fewer than 500 units to local districts, leading to new disagreements surrounding redevelopment projects. Seoul City contends that many of these smaller projects are already at the local approval stage, so transferring authority will not significantly increase supply or shorten project timelines. They argue that regulations limiting relocation loans and membership transfers must be eased to enhance project viability.Ultimately, given the difficulty of reaching an immediate agreement on the main Yongsan Park issue, the focus of the August 26 meeting is likely to be on confirming the potential for expanding alternative sites and easing regulations on redevelopment projects.An industry insider remarked, "It will be challenging to reach a conclusion on the main Yongsan Park issue in this meeting. Given that Mayor Oh has effectively set preservation of the main park as a red line, the government will need to go through legal amendments and public deliberation processes to enforce this."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:20 -
KOSPI Recovers to 6,740 Amid Buying from Retail and Institutional Investors The KOSPI index successfully reversed its early losses on August 25, buoyed by buying from retail and institutional investors. The KOSDAQ also turned positive by the end of trading.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed up 45.78 points (0.68%) at 6,742.74. The index opened down 161.03 points (2.40%) at 6,535.93 and at one point fell as much as 4.30%, dipping below 6,400. It managed to turn around around 2 p.m.In the securities market, retail investors purchased a net 1.5 trillion won, while institutional investors bought a net 1.17 trillion won, pushing the index higher. In contrast, foreign investors sold a net 3.81 trillion won.Among the top KOSPI stocks, performance was mixed. Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2.66%), Hyundai Motor (1.57%), KB Financial (0.80%), Samsung C&T (0.41%), SK Hynix (0.39%), and Samsung Biologics (0.13%) saw gains. Samsung Electronics remained flat, while LG Energy Solution (-3.45%), SK Square (-1.77%), Hanwha Aerospace (-1.00%), and Samsung Life (-0.35%) declined.Kang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, noted, "The KOSPI started lower due to weakness in semiconductor stocks but showed volatility as large-cap stocks experienced a rotation. The combination of semiconductor weakness and a shift in supply and demand in key sectors led to a partial retracement of the previous day's gains."The KOSDAQ also managed to turn positive, closing up 13.82 points (1.70%) at 827.15. The index opened down 6.40 points (0.79%) at 806.93 and fell as much as 31.44 points (3.87%) to 781.89 during the day.In the KOSDAQ market, retail investors sold a net 136.7 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors bought a net 132.7 billion won and 14.8 billion won, respectively.Top KOSDAQ stocks showed mixed results as well. Simtech (13.12%), Juseong Engineering (7.71%), Wonik IPS (5.55%), Rino Technology (4.02%), EoTechnics (3.48%), Rainbow Robotics (2.02%), and HLB (1.06%) all rose. Conversely, Alteogen (-4.84%), EcoPro BM (-3.93%), and EcoPro (-2.96%) fell.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "Today, the domestic market showed a slight upward trend as rotation spread to non-semiconductor sectors. The semiconductor sector recovered from its losses and turned positive, which, along with institutional buying, helped spread buying interest to consumer goods and securities sectors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:20 -
Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Emphasizes Responsibility to Serve Citizens Park Kwan-yeol, the mayor of Gwangju, reiterated his responsibility as a public servant dedicated to serving citizens on August 25.On this day, Mayor Park held a traditional ceremony at Gwangju Hyanggyo and Sungnyeoljeon, marking the new beginning of the 9th elected term of Gwangju's governance.About 50 attendees were present at the ceremony, including Mayor Park, Park Sang-young, chair of the Gwangju City Council, city council members, Sim Do-sik, head of Gwangju Hyanggyo, Lee Dan-woo, president of the Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association, local scholars, and other officials.The traditional ceremony is a customary event where newly appointed local leaders visit the hyanggyo to announce their appointment to the sages and pledge to govern sincerely.The event was designed to announce the launch of the 9th elected term of Gwangju's governance to the community and reaffirm the commitment to responsible administration for the citizens.During the ceremony, Mayor Park clearly expressed his intention to place citizens at the center of governance.This traditional ceremony is noteworthy as it goes beyond the customary inauguration, showcasing how Mayor Park intends to lead the governance of the 9th elected term.In particular, Mayor Park indicated his plans to enhance communication with citizens, incorporate local voices into policies, and focus administrative capabilities on the continuous development of Gwangju and the improvement of citizens' quality of life.Chairman Park Sang-young also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the administration.In the community, there is growing interest in how the launch of the 9th elected term will address issues directly affecting citizens' lives and create tangible changes.Above all, there are expectations that the emphasis on 'citizen-centered' and 'service-oriented administration' highlighted in the traditional ceremony will translate into policies that citizens can feel in their daily lives, covering areas such as transportation, housing, local economy, education, and welfare.Mayor Park stated, “I will listen to the voices of citizens and diligently lead the governance for the development of Gwangju and the happiness of its citizens.”Chairman Park Sang-young also emphasized, “I will do my best in legislative activities for the citizens and work closely with the administration to enhance the quality of life for Gwangju residents.”Meanwhile, Mayor Park plans to systematically preserve the region's historical and cultural heritage, including Gwangju Hyanggyo and Sungnyeoljeon, while inheriting and developing the value of traditional culture.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:10 -
Lee Emphasizes 'Productive Finance' Amid Budget Discussions President Lee Jae-myung stated that now is not the time to be overly focused on immediate financial figures regarding next year's budget. He called for a shift towards 'productive finance' that prioritizes investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced industries.The ruling Democratic Party and the government plan to incorporate five key areas into the proposed budget, which is expected to exceed 800 trillion won, the largest in history. These areas include expanding future growth engines, supporting youth, promoting local-led growth, addressing K-shaped polarization, and ensuring public safety.During a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, President Lee remarked, "With the AI revolution, advanced industries like semiconductors are rapidly growing, presenting our economy with unprecedented conditions. We must seize the opportunities created by this industrial transformation to significantly improve the lives of our citizens."He emphasized the need to utilize increased financial resources as seeds for future growth, stating, "We must wisely invest precious future resources in efficient and productive areas to grow today’s 10,000 won into 100,000 won tomorrow and beyond."President Lee particularly stressed the importance of optimizing fiscal spending. He instructed that unnecessary budgets should be decisively adjusted to ensure sound financial management, focusing on promoting super-gap growth, alleviating K-shaped polarization, achieving balanced development, nurturing talent, and building a future ladder for youth.Prior to the Cabinet meeting, the ruling party and government held discussions in the National Assembly to establish a special account for the semiconductor industry to provide comprehensive support. They also agreed to back the development of physical AI solutions utilizing tacit knowledge from manufacturing sites and to develop frontier-level AI models. Plans include supplying 10,000 GPUs for AI computations and securing power and water resources through investments from Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Water Resources Corporation.In the area of future growth, investments will focus on the so-called 'Next 10' strategic technologies. This includes expanding research and development for lunar landing by 2030, increasing pilot projects for autonomous vehicles, and raising electric vehicle subsidies to the highest level ever. Additionally, loans to support the growth of startups and venture companies will be significantly increased.For youth initiatives, a 'University Internship Semester' will be introduced, allowing students to earn credits for working at companies for one semester. A new 'Our Child Independence Fund' will provide up to 1.2 million won annually for children up to 18 years old, and support for marriage and childbirth will shift from tax deductions to grants and subsidies. Child allowances will be expanded and restructured into a basic child allowance.Special grants to support facility investments by anchor companies relocating to local areas and future growth support funds for regions will also be established. Full tuition support for local national universities and the creation of a special account for essential medical services in regions are planned, along with a significant increase in the supply of rental housing for youth in transit areas.President Lee emphasized the need for a practical and effective approach to policy implementation, stating, "When reforms are pursued, raising voices and setting clear goals can earn praise, but it can also lead to significant resistance and backlash. We need to approach this in a practical and effective manner."Following the budget proposal, President Lee urged the National Assembly and the public to consider reasonable alternatives with an open mind, asking for collective efforts to ensure that next year's budget serves as a catalyst for growth for all.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:10 -
Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' Selected as South Korea's Entry for 99th Academy Awards Director Lee Chang-dong's latest film, 'Possible Love,' has been selected as South Korea's entry for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.The Korean Film Council announced that 'Possible Love' will represent South Korea in this category. Each year, the council selects one Korean film to submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.'Possible Love' tells the story of two couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary filmmaker and her husband—who confront their different lives and hidden desires while working on a documentary.This film marks Lee Chang-dong's first release in eight years since 'Burning.' It features actors Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jung Yu-mi, and has been officially invited to compete at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and to be presented at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.The selection process this year followed revised guidelines for the Academy Awards' International Feature Film submissions. According to the new rules, the selection committee consists of at least ten members and primarily conducts evaluations through written assessments, with in-person meetings held as necessary.The evaluation criteria were refined to focus on the film's quality, distribution potential in North America, and the recognition of the director and the submitted film. The assessment method was also changed to award points based on individual evaluations, selecting the film with the highest score.The selection committee included 15 members, led by chairperson Jeong Sung-il, a film critic. The committee praised 'Possible Love' for its artistic quality, clear directorial message, and exceptional mise-en-scène.They also highlighted Lee Chang-dong's unique humanism, delicate direction, and the film's rich portrayal of complex characters and relationships. The interest from North American media and the fact that Lee's previous film, 'Burning,' was the first Korean film to reach the preliminary round for the Academy's Best International Feature Film award were viewed positively.The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2027, with the announcement of 'Possible Love's' preliminary nomination status expected by the end of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:00 -
Partial Opening of Busan-Masan Double Track Railway Set for April 2027 The Busan-Masan double track railway, connecting Busan and Masan in South Gyeongsang Province, is set to partially open on April 1, 2027. Following delays caused by the Nakdong 1 Tunnel accident, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to open completed sections first to alleviate transportation inconveniences for local residents.On August 25, the ministry announced that it will prioritize the opening of completed sections of the Busan-Masan double track railway, a key rail network in the southeastern region.The initial sections to be opened include the Busan Station to Sasang Station segment and the Gangseo Geumho Station to Jinrye Signal Station segment. The Busan-Sasang segment will connect to Cheongnyangni and Dongdaegu via the Central Line and Donghae Line, while the Gangseo Geumho Station to Jinrye Signal Station segment will operate to Masan in conjunction with the existing Gyeongjeon Line.To minimize inconvenience for passengers, shuttle buses will be utilized for the uncompleted section between Sasang Station and Gangseo Geumho Station.The Busan-Masan double track railway is considered a vital project for the regional transportation network. Once fully operational, travel time between Busan Station and Masan Station is expected to decrease from approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to about 30 minutes.However, the project has faced delays since a collapse occurred in the Nakdong 1 Tunnel during construction in 2020. The ministry has established a construction accident investigation committee to determine the cause of the incident and review plans for full operation. The final investigation results are expected to be announced in the second half of this year.This partial opening is a measure to utilize sections that are ready for normal operation ahead of the complete opening. The ministry has coordinated with relevant agencies, including Smart Rail, the Korea National Railway Corporation, and Korea Railroad Corporation, to select the completed sections.The 3.3 km segment between Sasang and Gangseo Geumho, which is under additional review due to the accident, will not be included in this initial opening. The ministry aims to reflect the investigation results in the construction of the remaining sections and conduct comprehensive test operations, targeting full opening by the end of 2028.As a regional railway that connects the living areas of Busan, Gimhae, and Changwon, the partial opening is expected to ease commuting and educational demands in the southeastern region.Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok expressed gratitude to the residents of Busan and Gyeongnam for their patience during the delays, stating, "We decided to prioritize the opening of completed sections to provide residents with more convenient transportation services as soon as possible." He emphasized that safety is a non-negotiable value, stating, "We will ensure a flawless railway by reflecting the results of the construction accident investigation committee, which will be announced in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:04:00


