Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Latest by

KTX and SRT Ticket Reservations for Chuseok 2026: Key Tips As the Chuseok holiday approaches, travelers are keen to find ways to secure KTX and SRT tickets more easily.This year marks the first Chuseok since the integration of high-speed rail services, making it essential to understand the new reservation process and membership transitions.According to Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), ticket reservations for the 2026 Chuseok holiday will cover trains operating from September 23 to 27. Reservations for individuals with disabilities will take place on September 3 and 4, while general reservations for all citizens will be available from September 7 to 11.Check Your Membership Status for KTX ReservationsThis year, ticket reservations will be conducted through the mobile app 'Korail+' and a dedicated holiday reservation webpage on the Korail website.The most significant change is that only integrated railroad members can book holiday tickets.Existing Korail members will be automatically converted to integrated members, but those who were only registered with SRT must complete the membership transition before making reservations. SRT has also stated that existing SRT member numbers will not be valid for holiday ticket reservations, requiring an integrated member account.Therefore, it is advisable to check your login and membership information on the 'Korail+' app or the Korail website before the reservation day.Know Your Reservation Dates for General TicketsGeneral reservations will occur over five days, from September 7 to 11.Reservation dates will vary based on routes and train types.On September 7, reservations will open for all general trains, including ITX-Saemaul, Mugunghwa, and others.On September 8, KTX trains on the Gyeongjeon, Gangneung, Donghae, Central, and Jungbu Inland lines will be available. On September 9, KTX trains on the Honam and Jeolla lines will be open for booking.On September 10, reservations will be available for KTX trains departing or arriving at Suseo Station on the Gyeongbu, Gyeongjeon, Donghae, Honam, and Jeolla lines, and on September 11, KTX reservations for the Gyeongbu line will be conducted.Thus, it is crucial to check the reservation date for your specific route rather than simply waiting for September 7.Preparation is Key for Successful Ticket BookingThe fundamental strategy for holiday ticket reservations is to check your login and usage environment before the reservation starts.On the reservation day, it is advisable to pre-determine your departure and arrival stations, dates, and preferred time slots. Sticking to only popular time slots may increase the risk of missing out on available seats, so having a first and second choice for time slots is a practical approach.By setting the conditions for your desired train in advance, you can secure seats more effectively within the limited reservation time.However, methods commonly suggested online, such as using multiple devices simultaneously or favoring specific browsers, are not officially endorsed by Korail as guaranteed ways to increase success rates.Ultimately, the best preparation involves checking the official reservation page, verifying your membership information and login status, and accurately identifying the reservation dates and routes.Complete Your Payment After Securing TicketsSecuring a seat does not conclude the process.According to Korail, payments for general reservation tickets will be available starting at midnight on September 12, and must be completed by September 15. Tickets reserved for individuals with disabilities must be paid for by September 18. If payments are not completed within the specified period, tickets may be canceled, so it is essential to confirm your payment schedule after making a reservation.SRT has indicated that travelers should not rely on last year's methods. As of September 1, 2026, tickets for trains operating after this date can be purchased through the integrated app 'Korail+', the Korail website, and at station counters. SRT announced that reservations for trains operating after September 1 would begin on August 5 at 10 a.m.Additionally, SRT will continue to sell and operate existing SRT tickets until August 31, and trains departing or arriving at Suseo after September 1 can be purchased through the integrated app 'Korail+'.Therefore, it is important not to assume the '2026 Chuseok SRT reservation dates' based on last year's holiday schedule.Check for Available Seats if Your Desired Tickets are Sold OutIf your desired tickets are sold out immediately after reservations open, there is still a chance for cancellations or remaining seats to become available.Korail notes that canceled tickets may be resold after the reservation and payment periods, so there is no need to give up if your preferred train is initially sold out.If you have flexibility in your departure time, consider checking alternative time slots in the morning or afternoon, and expanding your search to nearby stations.This year, the most important aspect of KTX ticket reservations for Chuseok is not just logging in at the start time.First, confirm your membership transition, check your Korail+ login, and verify your reservation dates for your specific route. Next, decide on your departure and arrival stations and alternative time slots, and finally, confirm your payment period after making a reservation. This preparation is crucial.As this is the first Chuseok since the integration of high-speed rail services, it is essential for both KTX and SRT users to be aware of the changes in the reservation process.Especially for SRT members, it is vital not to delay the membership transition until just before reservations. For detailed information regarding the membership transition, it is best to refer to the official announcements from SRT and Korail. 2026-08-25 10:24:00
Mayor Choi Dae-ho Highlights Architecture's Role in Connecting People and Shaping Cities Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, emphasized on August 25 that "architecture embodies people's lives, connects individuals, and shapes the culture of our cities."He announced plans for an architecture culture festival that will allow citizens to easily engage with and experience the value of architecture in their daily lives.In collaboration with the Anyang Architectural Society, the '2026 Anyang Architecture Festival' will take place from September 1 to 6 at the Kim Jung-up Architecture Museum in Seoksu 1-dong, Manan-gu.This year's festival theme is 'Architecture: Connecting People and Spaces.'Reflecting Mayor Choi's focus on citizen-centered urban policies and the vision of Anyang as a cultural city, the festival aims to make architecture accessible to everyone, allowing citizens to see, walk, learn, and enjoy it as part of their everyday culture.During the event, there will be exhibitions featuring award-winning architectural works, a showcase of architectural history, special exhibitions, and drawings of buildings by students from special education schools.The festival is expected to provide a fresh perspective on Anyang's architectural culture and urban spaces through a variety of works.There will also be numerous citizen participation programs. On September 2, a cultural tour of the Central Cathedral will be held, followed by an architectural tour of the Kim Jung-up Architecture Museum on September 4. On September 5, family-friendly activities such as a children's drawing competition and 3D building construction will take place.Notably, the opening ceremony and the architecture culture awards ceremony will occur on the afternoon of September 5, recognizing outstanding buildings and students' creative works.Throughout the venue, events and experiential activities for citizens will continue, including a fun quiz called 'Architecture Golden Bell' at 4 PM.This festival is significant as it goes beyond a simple exhibition, aiming to share Anyang's architectural assets and urban spaces from the perspective of its citizens.Importantly, the festival is designed to engage a wide audience, from children to families and architecture professionals, allowing citizens to view the city of Anyang through a new architectural lens.Local residents are looking forward to the experiential and tour programs centered around the Kim Jung-up Architecture Museum, which will allow families to participate in their nearby living spaces.Mayor Choi Dae-ho urged, "I hope families and neighbors will come together to share the joy of connecting people and spaces through architecture at this festival." Additionally, Mayor Choi plans to establish this festival as a representative cultural event that allows citizens to directly experience Anyang's architecture and urban spaces, reinforcing the value of 'Anyang as a people-centered city.' 2026-08-25 10:24:00
Ikon Industry Shares Surge Following Asset Disposal Announcement Ikon Industry's shares soared in early trading after the company announced its decision to dispose of land it owns. While the specific disposal amount has not yet been confirmed, the market appears to be reacting positively to expectations of securing funds through the sale of idle assets.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:44 a.m. on the 25th, Ikon Industry's stock was trading at 3,470 won, up 800 won (29.96%) from the previous trading day.As reported in the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Ikon Industry's board of directors decided to proceed with the disposal of its tangible assets. The land in question is located in the Dohwa-dong area of Michuhol-gu, Incheon.The total area of the land designated for disposal is 15,747.6 square meters. This land has been used for auxiliary facilities and is not the site of Ikon Industry's headquarters.The book value of the land is approximately 27.386 billion won, which represents 6.84% of Ikon Industry's total assets as of the end of 2025, according to its consolidated financial statements. The actual disposal amount will be determined during the disposal process.Ikon Industry stated, "The final disposal amount will be confirmed during the sale and disposal process. Currently, specific contract terms with the buyer have not been finalized." The company added that it will provide additional disclosures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations once the buyer, disposal amount, and contract terms are established.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:20:00
Penalties for Deliberate Child Support Non-Payment Increased to Up to 3 Years in Prison Deliberate non-payment of child support will now carry criminal penalties of up to three years in prison, increased from the previous maximum of one year. The upper limit for fines will also rise from 10 million won to 30 million won, and the grace period before criminal penalties apply will be shortened from one year to six months.The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on August 25 that these changes were approved during the 52nd Child Support Enforcement Committee meeting held at the Government Seoul Building on August 24.To begin with, the ministry plans to amend the Child Support Security and Support Act to increase the penalties for non-payment from a maximum of one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won to a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.The grace period before criminal penalties are applied will also be reduced. Currently, a person must fail to pay child support for one year after receiving a detention order from the court before facing criminal charges; this will be cut to six months.The scope for checking the immigration status of child support debtors will also be expanded. Currently, the government can request immigration data without the debtor's consent only for those who have received advance payments of child support. The plan is to extend this to include all debtors who are subject to child support enforcement.Efforts to recover advance child support payments will be strengthened. The National Tax Service will receive information on delinquent advance payments and will encourage debtors to make payments directly. The two agencies will also work on linking their computer systems for quicker information sharing.During this committee meeting, 322 enforcement actions were approved, targeting 264 child support debtors. Among them, the individual with the highest debt has failed to pay 280 million won in child support, with the average debt amounting to approximately 45 million won.From January to August this year, there have been 1,042 enforcement actions against child support debtors, an increase of 250 cases (31.6%) compared to the same period last year, which saw 792 cases. This year's actions include 490 travel bans, 336 driver's license suspensions, and 216 public disclosures.Since the enforcement system was implemented in October 2021, a total of 4,403 enforcement actions have been recorded as of August this year. Travel bans accounted for the majority at 2,400 cases, followed by 1,499 driver's license suspensions and 504 public disclosures.Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung stated, “Child support is not merely a financial obligation but a fundamental responsibility that parents must fulfill to ensure their minor children can live stably and grow healthily. We will clarify the accountability for deliberate non-payment of child support and enhance the effectiveness of the system to ensure actual payments are made.” 2026-08-25 10:20:00
BOK allocates 20 billion won for flood-hit Gyeongnam SMEs SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea on Tuesday allocated 20 billion won ($14.5 million) in emergency funding to support small and medium-sized businesses hit by torrential rain in South Gyeongsang Province. The funds will be drawn from reserves under the central bank's Bank Intermediated Lending Support Facility and assigned to its Gyeongnam branch, the BOK said. Eligible businesses must have received official certification of flood damage from a local government or administrative office. The program covers small business owners and self-employed workers as well as companies already receiving support under the BOK lending facility. The central bank will provide funding to financial institutions equivalent to 100 percent of eligible loans they extend to affected businesses. Eligible lending includes new loans with maturities of up to one year, as well as loan extensions and refinancing. The Bank Intermediated Lending Support Facility provides low-interest funds to banks based on their lending to SMEs and other eligible businesses. The BOK raised the facility's interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.00 percent in July alongside its latest Base Rate increase. The central bank said it will review the extent of flood damage and borrowing demand among affected businesses and provide additional support if needed. 2026-08-25 10:18:01
Korea's food costs climb across home meals and dining out SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - Korean households are facing renewed food-cost pressure across home cooking and dining out as extreme summer weather damages crops and fresh produce, adding to already elevated import costs. Korea Consumer Agency data released Tuesday showed ingredients for one home-cooked samgyeopsal (pork barbecue) meal cost 10,191 won ($7.38) in the first half, up 11.8 percent from a year earlier. “The first-half trend was moderate, but continuously rising without a single pause,” said Lim Sang-min, head of the consumer price team at the Korea Price Research Center, referring to restaurant prices. The average restaurant price of pork belly rose 2.7 percent to 17,745 won over the same period, narrowing the price gap between eating at home and dining out to 7,554 won from 8,173 won a year earlier. Pork belly itself, which accounts for most of the home meal cost, rose 13.6 percent to 7,866 won. Garlic climbed 10.2 percent and lettuce 6.3 percent. Ssamjang, a fermented dipping sauce, rose 19.8 percent. Restaurant staples have also continued to become more expensive. The average Seoul price of samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup, rose to 18,192 won in July from 18,154 won a month earlier, Korea Consumer Agency data showed. Cold noodles increased to 12,692 won from 12,615 won, while a roll of gimbap rose for a second straight month to 3,869 won from 3,838 won. Gimbap had cost 3,723 won at the end of last year. The increases contrast with an easing in broader headline inflation. South Korea's consumer inflation slowed to 2.8 percent in July from 3.2 percent in June, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Agricultural, livestock and fisheries prices rose just 0.9 percent from a year earlier as agricultural prices fell 2.2 percent. Livestock and fisheries prices, however, remained 4.4 percent and 3.9 percent higher, respectively. Restaurants are contending with higher food costs alongside wages, rent and utility bills, with some ingredients recording particularly steep increases. Fresh ginseng used in samgyetang averaged 38,750 won for 12 to 14 roots as of Aug. 21, up 56 percent from a year earlier. Restaurants selling cold noodles have also faced higher beef costs for broth. Summer heat has added pressure to fresh produce markets, although the increases have so far been most pronounced in wholesale prices. Earlier this month, wholesale cucumber prices were up 87.1 percent from a month earlier and spinach prices had jumped 86.5 percent as prolonged heat disrupted crop growth and harvesting. The government has said overall agricultural supplies remain manageable and has expanded discounts and supply measures aimed at limiting weather-related food price increases. Processed-food makers are also passing on accumulated costs. Nongshim raised shipment prices for major cup noodles by an average 6.0 percent and snacks by 5.5 percent from Aug. 1. Ottogi plans to lift prices of selected cup noodles by an average 6.7 percent and dumplings by 7.7 percent from Sept. 7, citing higher raw-material and packaging costs. The government earlier this month rolled out 30 billion won in seafood discounts of up to 50 percent through Aug. 23, alongside emergency fish releases and additional farm support ahead of Chuseok. AJP Takeaways: - Korea Consumer Agency data showed food costs rose both at home and at restaurants, with ingredients for a home-cooked samgyeopsal meal up 11.8 percent in the first half. - Korea Consumer Agency data showed Seoul prices for samgyetang, cold noodles and gimbap all increased in July despite headline inflation slowing to 2.8 percent. - Nongshim raised shipment prices for cup noodles and snacks in August, and Ottogi plans increases for cup noodles and dumplings from Sept. 7. 2026-08-25 10:16:29
Jung Jeom-sik Calls for End to 'Political Hunting' by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young The People Power Party urged the government and ruling party on August 25 to stop 'political hunting' by the special prosecutor and focus on the people's livelihoods. They also proposed to reactivate the bipartisan economic council.During a National Assembly policy meeting, Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, criticized Kwon Chang-young, the second special prosecutor, for suggesting the establishment of a permanent special investigation unit for insurrection cases. He described this as a 'dangerous proposal' that would continue to lead the special prosecutor and special investigation unit into a state of public security until the end of their terms.Jung also condemned Kwon's statement the previous day that 'as long as the capabilities and will of the insurrection forces remain, the war has just begun,' calling it 'political language.' He asserted that Kwon's remarks revealed the special prosecutor's true nature as a 'political hunting dog' for the Lee Jae-myung administration.He stated, 'The special prosecutor's political security situation under the Lee Jae-myung administration must stop here,' warning that the Democratic Party is stoking the flames of a 'special prosecutor for manipulated prosecutions.' He cautioned that if they cross that river, the Lee Jae-myung administration will inevitably become the target of another special prosecutor's investigation in the future.Lim I-ja, the party's policy chief, also criticized the Democratic Party's plan to push for legislation to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of manipulated investigations and prosecutions by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's prosecution service, National Intelligence Service, and Board of Audit and Inspection.Lim remarked, 'The public is crying out for help to revive the economy, yet the Democratic Party is once again fixated on 'saving Lee Jae-myung' as the regular National Assembly session begins.' She warned that if they force through an unconstitutional special prosecutor law that undermines the judicial order, they will face fierce public resistance and judgment.She added, 'Let’s form a working-level consultative body between the policy chiefs of both parties to bring livelihood issues to the table, and based on that, gradually restore the bipartisan economic council.' She urged the Democratic Party to clearly choose between 'saving Lee Jae-myung' and 'saving the livelihoods of the people,' expressing hope for a responsible decision from them.Meanwhile, Jung expressed concern regarding a recent incident in Jeju where a police officer falsely concluded a missing person case, stating, 'If the prosecution service disappears and the supplementary investigation rights are completely abolished, 'case concealment' will become even more rampant.' He called for an immediate halt to the destruction of the judiciary, including the abolition of supplementary investigation rights.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:16:00
Subwon Becomes First in MRO Industry to Achieve Aerospace Quality Certification Subwon, a specialized MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) procurement solutions company, is enhancing its quality management capabilities in the aerospace and defense sectors while expanding its supply chain operations.On August 25, Subwon (CEO Lee Guk-hwan) announced that it has become the first in the MRO industry to receive the AS/EN 9120 certification, established by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).AS/EN 9120 is part of the AS/EN 9100 series, recognized as a global standard in the aerospace and defense sectors. This international quality management standard is specialized in the procurement, storage, distribution, and supply chain management of aerospace parts and materials, encompassing criteria for parts traceability, counterfeit prevention, supply chain risk management, and quality assurance systems.With this certification, Subwon has systematically enhanced its ability to manage product and transaction traceability and to handle non-conforming and suspicious products. The company has also established a quality management system that meets international standards required in the aerospace and defense industries, operating procurement processes that align with customer requirements.Subwon plans to integrate this quality management system with its existing domestic and international material sourcing capabilities and global supply chain management (SCM) infrastructure to support stable business operations for domestic defense companies. The company aims to provide the necessary procurement and SCM capabilities during the global expansion process, including increasing exports and establishing overseas bases for defense firms.In particular, Subwon will leverage its specialized sourcing network in aerospace and defense, which encompasses domestic partners and overseas manufacturers and distributors, to expand its support range from procurement of consumables, sub-materials, and raw materials to export packaging, transportation, local procurement, and inventory management.Subwon is expanding its global operations to countries including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, as well as Poland, Hungary, the United States, Canada, and India. The company is also supporting MRO procurement management and supply chain management for businesses operating overseas based on its domestic and international material sourcing and logistics infrastructure.In the defense industry, the importance of securing a stable supply chain is growing alongside export expansion. Especially during the process of expanding overseas production bases or facilities, there is a need for a system that can reliably secure and manage materials that were previously procured domestically. Subwon's strategy is to respond to the procurement needs of defense companies by utilizing its global sourcing network and SCM capabilities following this certification.Lee Guk-hwan, CEO of Subwon, stated, “The defense industry requires a high level of procurement capability not only for stable sourcing but also for quality and traceability management, as well as global supply chain responsiveness. Based on the procurement and SCM expertise and global network that Subwon has accumulated, we will expand our role as a strategic partner to enhance the procurement competitiveness and global supply chain stability of defense companies.”Subwon plans to continuously assess its services for clients in the aerospace and defense industries and further strengthen its quality management system based on this certification. 2026-08-25 10:16:00
KIAT Launches Anti-Corruption and Integrity Week to Enhance Transparency in Budget Execution The Korea Institute of Advancement of Technology (KIAT) is taking proactive measures to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest in project management and budget execution through employee participation in integrity activities.On August 24, KIAT announced the launch of its '2026 Anti-Corruption and Integrity Week,' which will run until September 9, alongside a ceremony to commemorate 'Anti-Corruption and Integrity Day.'This year's integrity week is themed 'Transparent, Clear, and Confident Integrity!' KIAT aims to establish integrity as a fundamental organizational value and a working principle that all employees must practice in their daily tasks, beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations.According to the public institution management information disclosure system (Alio), KIAT's major project budget for this year is approximately 1.9958 trillion won. This includes 980.8 billion won for workforce development and infrastructure, 337.8 billion won for international technology cooperation, 315.2 billion won for support of materials and components industries, and 157.8 billion won for technology transfer and commercialization.With an annual budget of around 2 trillion won for industrial technology support projects, KIAT selects and manages tasks for businesses, universities, and research institutions, making the prevention of conflicts of interest and the fairness of budget execution critical to the agency's credibility.During Integrity Week, various participatory programs will be held, including an employee integrity pledge ceremony, integrity training, an integrity quiz, and an integrity contest. The goal is to enhance employees' interest and commitment to fostering a culture of integrity in their daily work.Considering its role as a specialized agency implementing industrial technology policies, KIAT will also strengthen its preventive integrity management system. This includes preemptively checking for potential corruption and conflicts of interest that may arise during project execution and enhancing transparency in project management and budget execution.KIAT President Jeon Yoon-jong stated, "Integrity is not something to be practiced only on special days; it is the most fundamental principle that must be upheld in our daily work. We will create an organization that works transparently, clearly, and confidently, fostering mutual trust and earning the trust of the public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 10:08:00
SK hynix union rejects stock-heavy wage deal SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) -SK hynix union members on Tuesday narrowly rejected a tentative wage agreement that would have shifted a larger share of profit-sharing bonuses into company stock, sending labor and management back to the bargaining table as the chipmaker tries to spread its AI windfall across employees and shareholders while its shares remain well below earlier highs. The proposed 2026 wage and collective bargaining agreement was defeated with 50.08 percent, or 7,535 members, voting against it, the union said Tuesday. Another 7,510 members, or 49.92 percent, voted in favor. Turnout reached 93.81 percent, with 15,045 of the union's 16,083 members participating in electronic voting between Monday morning and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The razor-thin rejection came five days after SK hynix and the union reached a tentative agreement following two months of negotiations. The deal included a 6.3 percent wage increase but drew particular attention for a major change in how the company's profit-sharing bonus, known as PS, would be paid. Under the proposal, 40 percent of PS would be paid in cash, while the remaining 60 percent would be distributed in SK hynix shares. Of the stock portion, shares equivalent to 40 percent of the total bonus could be sold in the year of payment. The remaining 20 percent would be deferred over two years, with 10 percent distributed each year. For PS covering 2026 and scheduled to be paid early next year, employees would have been allowed to receive the immediately available 40-percent stock portion in cash instead, allowing them to take as much as 80 percent of the bonus in cash during the first year of the new system. The rejection sends both sides back into negotiations, with the structure of PS payments likely to remain the central issue. SK hynix has faced similar setbacks before. Tentative wage agreements were rejected by union members in both 2023 and 2024, forcing labor and management to reopen negotiations. The latest vote carries greater financial significance because the size of employee bonuses has ballooned along with SK hynix's earnings from high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, used in artificial intelligence accelerators. Last year's agreement removed the previous ceiling on PS and established a formula allocating 10 percent of annual operating profit to the bonus pool for 10 years. Under that framework, 80 percent of PS was to be paid in cash in the year of payment and the remaining 20 percent deferred over the following two years. The tentative agreement reached last week would therefore have moved employees much more heavily into SK hynix stock just as the company is seeking to align workers more closely with its long-term earnings and share-price performance. The vote also highlights the tension in that approach. SK hynix shares have been volatile despite booming HBM earnings and remain below their recent peak, making stock-based compensation more sensitive for employees accustomed to receiving most of their profit-sharing bonus in cash. A newly established unified union has separately made preservation of cash-based PS payments one of its priorities. The employee debate is unfolding alongside an equally aggressive effort by SK hynix to increase returns to shareholders. A day before the tentative labor agreement was announced, the company approved a record 40 trillion won ($28.6 billion) share buyback and cancellation program, the largest ever announced by a South Korean listed company. SK hynix plans to buy about 24.07 million shares, equivalent to roughly 3.3 percent of its outstanding stock, between Aug. 20 and Nov. 19 and cancel all of them. The company also raised its shareholder-return commitment, saying it plans to return more than 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow generated between 2025 and 2027 through dividends, buybacks and share cancellations. Its previous policy called for shareholder returns within 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow. Investors initially welcomed the move, sending SK hynix shares 12.67 percent higher to 1.69 million won last Thursday after a 9.75 percent fall in the previous session. Shares are down 5 percent Tuesday morning to 1,584,000 won, nearly halved from their June 25 peak of 2,987,000 won. The sharp swings have underscored how expectations surrounding the AI memory boom have become increasingly demanding even as SK hynix continues to report exceptional earnings. The company is juggling three competing claims on that cash generation: employee compensation, shareholder returns and tens of trillions of won in investment needed to expand HBM and advanced memory capacity. AJP Takeaways SK hynix union members rejected the tentative wage deal by just 25 votes, forcing labor and management back into negotiations. The main sticking point is a proposed shift in profit-sharing bonuses, with 60 percent to be paid in company shares rather than predominantly in cash. The dispute comes as SK hynix tries to distribute its AI-memory windfall among employees and shareholders while continuing heavy investment in HBM capacity. 2026-08-25 10:05:29