AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Jongkundang Signs License Agreement with Kiora for Rare Retinal Disease Drug Development
    Jongkundang Signs License Agreement with Kiora for Rare Retinal Disease Drug Development Jongkundang has signed a license agreement with Kiora Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. company specializing in eye diseases, for the domestic development and commercialization of the candidate treatment 'KIO-301' for rare genetic retinal diseases.On August 21, Jongkundang announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Kiora for the domestic development and commercialization of the retinal disease drug candidate 'KIO-301.' Under this agreement, Jongkundang will be responsible for the clinical development, approval, and sales of KIO-301 in South Korea. Kiora will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments at various development stages, and royalties from domestic sales.The two companies plan to efficiently coordinate a single global Phase 3 clinical trial and explore ways to enhance patient access in South Korea. Kiora has evaluated this agreement as completing its major market network, which includes partnerships in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and China.KIO-301 is a low-molecular-weight 'molecular photoswitch' candidate treatment primarily being developed for retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP is a rare genetic disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of photoreceptors in the retina, leading to narrowed vision and decreased eyesight. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 patients in South Korea.Unlike existing RP treatments that focus on specific gene mutations, KIO-301 is designed to work regardless of the type of gene mutation. It employs a new mechanism that restores the 'light-sensing function' to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that remain in the retina after photoreceptor degeneration, thereby recovering visual signal transmission.Kiora is also pursuing a strategy to expand indications for other genetic retinal diseases, such as choroideremia and Stargardt disease, in addition to RP.Kim Young-joo, CEO of Jongkundang, stated, "KIO-301 is a new drug candidate with a mechanism that is not limited to specific gene mutations. We will leverage Jongkundang's accumulated expertise in the ophthalmology field and our clinical and regulatory capabilities to collaborate with Kiora and global partners for domestic development."Brian M. Strem, CEO of Kiora, said, "By collaborating with Jongkundang, we aim to efficiently advance the global Phase 3 trial of KIO-301 and provide new treatment possibilities for RP patients in South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:44:00
  • LG Home Robot Cloy Wins Three Design Awards at IDEA 2026
    LG Home Robot 'Cloy' Wins Three Design Awards at IDEA 2026 LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics achieved significant recognition at the IDEA 2026, one of the world's top design awards. Notably, LG's home robot, 'Cloy,' won a finalist award at IDEA, adding to its accolades from the Red Dot and iF Design Awards, making it a triple award winner.On August 21, LG announced that it received a total of 17 awards at IDEA 2026, including five bronze and 12 finalist awards. This follows a total of 55 awards from the Red Dot and iF Design Awards earlier this year, marking a clean sweep of the three major global design awards.Cloy is a home robot that responds to human voice and gestures, interacting with various expressions to assist users. It received a finalist award at IDEA and has also been recognized at the Red Dot and iF awards, solidifying its status among the top design accolades.LG emphasized that its design competitiveness extends beyond product appearance to include harmony with living spaces and user experience. Among the IDEA bronze winners were the 9mm thick wireless wallpaper TV, 'LG Signature OLED W,' and the air-source heat pump, 'LG Therma V.' Other award-winning products included the LG Smart Monitor Swing and LG Puricare Aeromini.Additionally, the LG Puricare System air purifier and LG Gram Pro, along with the Xboom Mini & Stage 501, received recognition at IDEA, Red Dot, and iF awards. This highlights LG's commitment to enhancing design competitiveness not only in products but also in packaging and brand experience.Samsung Electronics received a total of 45 awards at IDEA 2026, including one newly established Impact Award, nine bronze awards, and 35 finalist awards. Samsung's accessibility design for home appliances earned the Impact Award, featuring voice guidance, easy-use modes, and automatic door opening tailored to individual user needs.Samsung also secured 12 awards at the Red Dot Design Awards, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's privacy display winning the top honor, 'Best of the Best.' The company is expanding its design focus to incorporate accessibility, personalization, and AI.The achievements of both companies illustrate a shift in the domestic electronics industry's design competition, moving beyond mere product aesthetics. Samsung is integrating user-centric features like accessibility and privacy into its designs, while LG is enhancing its design approach across its product range, including robots, TVs, and home appliances, with a focus on space and user experience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:36:00
  • Goeje City Faces Flood Damage as Government Mobilizes Recovery Efforts
    Goeje City Faces Flood Damage as Government Mobilizes Recovery Efforts Goeje City in South Gyeongsang Province has experienced severe flooding, river overflow, and damage to water and power facilities due to record rainfall. The government is focusing on emergency recovery and preventing future incidents.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment reported that First Vice Minister Kim Han-seung visited Goeje City on August 21 to inspect the damage at rivers, public sewage treatment facilities, and broken water pipes.From August 15 to 19, Goeje City received a total of 968.1 mm of rain. On August 17 alone, 509.9 mm fell within six hours, with 124.5 mm in just one hour.This led to flooding and embankment failures at 27 locations across 11 rivers, including the Gohyeon Stream. The public sewage treatment facility in Goeje was temporarily shut down due to flooding, and water supply facilities also suffered damage from broken pipes and inundated pumping stations.Power outages occurred due to fallen trees and landslides damaging transmission and distribution facilities. Affected areas included 4,541 households across 11 regions. However, the Ministry of Climate and Korea Electric Power Corporation quickly mobilized to restore power within two days of the outages.The ministry utilized a 'Comprehensive Water Disaster Situation Room' to monitor flood conditions and identify areas likely to experience power outages, allowing for preemptive deployment of recovery personnel and equipment.The public sewage treatment facility in Goeje remains non-operational due to flooding, with incoming wastewater undergoing temporary treatment before being released. Efforts are underway to stabilize microorganisms to resume normal operations.In the Haksan-ri area of Dundeok-myeon, where road damage has led to broken water pipes, some water supply was interrupted. The ministry provided emergency water trucks and bottled water, and water supply has since resumed.While power and water supply have mostly returned to normal, the embankments and sewage treatment facilities require structural improvements to prevent future incidents. The ministry's inspection focused on both short-term recovery of essential services and long-term reinforcement of disaster prevention facilities.Vice Minister Kim visited the Gohyeon and Dundeok streams to assess the damage and received recovery plans from Goeje City officials. He urged local governments to expedite emergency recovery efforts to prevent further damage from additional rainfall and to ensure that permanent recovery measures are implemented without delay.“We will do our utmost to help residents return to their daily lives as soon as possible,” Vice Minister Kim said, adding that all available resources will be utilized to restore essential facilities such as rivers, water supply, and power.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:32:00
  • Law Firm Lee & Ko Recognized as Top Cybersecurity and Data Law Firm in Asia
    Law Firm Lee & Ko Recognized as Top Cybersecurity and Data Law Firm in Asia Law firm Lee & Ko, led by Managing Partner Kim Sang-gon, announced on August 21 that it has been named one of the 'ALB Asia Top Cybersecurity & Data Law Firms 2026' by Asian Legal Business.The newly established Cybersecurity & Data category reflects the growing demand for legal services related to cybersecurity and data protection amid accelerated digital transformation. Lee & Ko's selection highlights its expertise and capabilities in the data protection and cybersecurity (DPC) field on an international scale.Lee & Ko's Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) and DPC group, headed by attorney Ko Hwang-gyeong, specializes in broadcasting, telecommunications, IT, personal data, and information protection. The group provides tailored legal services that meet client needs, including advice on transactions and regulations, responses to regulatory investigations and sanctions, and litigation.Notably, the TMT & DPC group recently achieved a complete victory in a large-scale damages lawsuit filed by users of 5G mobile services against the three major domestic telecommunications companies.Additionally, the firm successfully represented SK Telecom in a lawsuit where users sought to halt the processing of their personal data in pseudonymous form, winning a ruling from the Supreme Court. In a significant incident involving the largest data breach in the history of a telecommunications company, Lee & Ko represented SK Telecom in responding to investigations and sanctions from the Personal Information Protection Commission, achieving the maximum possible reduction in fines under the law.Asian Legal Business (ALB), a legal media outlet under Thomson Reuters, evaluates major law firms and attorneys in the Asia-Pacific region based on their expertise, performance, and responsiveness to select outstanding firms in the DPC field.Founded in 1977, Lee & Ko is one of South Korea's leading law firms, with over 750 professionals. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate advisory, litigation, finance, intellectual property, and criminal disputes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:24:00
  • Allegations of Military Secrets Leak Surround LIG Defense & Aerospaces Fleet Air Defense Missile-II
    Allegations of Military Secrets Leak Surround LIG Defense & Aerospace's Fleet Air Defense Missile-II Allegations of a military secrets leak are spreading around LIG Defense & Aerospace.Recently, a post titled 'General Information Related to the Development of the Fleet Air Defense Missile-II' appeared on an online community.The post included materials and explanations related to the development of domestic vessels and the Fleet Air Defense Missile.Notably, the author of the post introduced himself in the comments as having served five years in the navy and two and a half years on land before being discharged, and currently works in project management in the relevant industry.He claimed that 'the basic design is already complete, and most of the content is finalized,' stating that the post was based on documents such as the 'KDDX Vessel Lifecycle Management Plan,' 'Vessel Construction Specification,' 'Vessel Construction Guidelines,' and 'Vessel Equipment Specifications.'As the post spread, discussions also erupted on the anonymous workplace community Blind.A user claiming to work at the Defense Science Research Institute commented, 'It seems like official project materials, but can LIG just take out all the files if they want?' A LIG Defense & Aerospace employee responded, 'The photos seem to have been picked up from the internet,' while also suggesting that the author had 'spilled all the information out of curiosity.'Other users reacted with comments like, 'This is just another case of corruption and leaks,' 'This is insane,' 'Shouldn't we identify the person who posted this?' and 'Did they really think it wouldn't be a problem to capture and post that information one by one?'Another user, also claiming to work at the Defense Science Research Institute, questioned, 'Is this how it goes from the first project led by the company?'General users also responded with mockery.The majority of users noted, 'It seems like military enthusiasts get riled up and leak secrets, which is a global norm,' and pointed out that 'the overwhelming interest of military enthusiasts combined with the desire of insiders to showcase their expertise might be at play.'The crux of the controversy is whether the materials mentioned in the post constitute actual military secrets or protected information related to defense projects.If the materials are merely reprocessed information that is publicly available online, the nature of the situation may differ from a military secrets leak. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the materials include undisclosed project data or information requiring military protection, the gravity of the matter could significantly change.It is particularly important to verify whether the author is indeed an industry insider, how the materials used in the post were obtained, and whether the documents in question are prohibited from being taken outside.Currently, it is difficult to make definitive conclusions based solely on publicly verified online claims.There is also growing interest in how this controversy might affect stock prices.LIG Defense & Aerospace (079550) has recently experienced significant stock price volatility. On August 19, the closing price was 796,000 won, up 1,000 won or 0.13% from the previous trading day. The 52-week high is 1,118,000 won, while the low is 360,000 won, indicating considerable fluctuation.Recent stock trends show that the price, which had fallen to the 600,000 won range at the end of July, surged in August, fluctuating around the 800,000 won mark. On August 4, it reached 801,000 won, on August 6 it was 702,000 won, on August 11 it was 760,000 won, and on August 14 it hit 815,000 won, with significant daily fluctuations.Notably, on August 20, institutions were reported to have net sold approximately 17.37 billion won worth of LIG Defense & Aerospace shares.If it is confirmed that there has been an actual leak of military secrets, concerns could extend beyond mere online controversy to issues of security management, project credibility, and future participation in defense projects, potentially negatively impacting stock prices.Conversely, if the materials identified as leaked are confirmed to be already public information or not classified as military secrets, the impact on stock prices may be limited to a temporary incident.Meanwhile, LIG Defense & Aerospace stated regarding the matter, 'The source of the leak and the route of the information have not been confirmed at all, and the fragmented claims in the community may not reflect actual facts.'They added, 'The actual affiliation and identity of the post's author have not been verified, and the original post has also been made private.' 2026-08-21 09:20:10
  • Kakao to Hold Town Hall Meeting Today Amid Discussions on Corporate Restructuring
    Kakao to Hold Town Hall Meeting Today Amid Discussions on Corporate Restructuring Kakao is set to hold a town hall meeting for its employees on August 21 to discuss potential corporate restructuring. Among the topics being considered is the separation of KakaoTalk into a standalone entity.According to the information technology (IT) industry, Kakao notified employees the previous evening about the town hall meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. today. The specific agenda has not been disclosed, and details shared during the meeting will only be communicated to attendees and through the company’s internal network.Industry insiders suggest that announcements regarding Kakao's corporate governance restructuring may be made during the town hall. In particular, discussions are reportedly focused on the possibility of spinning off KakaoTalk into a separate corporation. However, Kakao has not officially confirmed any specific plans for the separation or the agenda for the town hall.The Kakao labor union has also mentioned the likelihood of an announcement regarding corporate restructuring. In a notice to its members, the union stated, “We expect there will be an announcement regarding Kakao’s corporate restructuring,” adding that the management has not responded to requests for official confirmation, prompting the union to prepare responses for various scenarios.Additionally, discussions about corporate restructuring have been circulating in the company’s anonymous internal community. Some Kakao employees have posted about potential plans to separate KakaoTalk and TalkBiz or to spin off the artificial intelligence (AI) business into a separate entity.However, these discussions have not been officially confirmed by the company. The actual proposals for restructuring that Kakao presents during the town hall could lead to significant changes in its organizational and business structure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:20:10
  • August Exports Surge 56%, Driven by Record Semiconductor Sales
    August Exports Surge 56%, Driven by Record Semiconductor Sales South Korea's exports surged more than 50% year-on-year by mid-August, reaching the highest level for the month on record. This increase was largely driven by a record rise in semiconductor exports, along with gains in petroleum products and computer peripherals.The Korea Customs Service reported on August 21 that the export value for the period from August 1 to 20 was $55.27 billion, a 56.0% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure marks the highest ever recorded for this timeframe. Cumulatively, the annual export total reached $650.27 billion, up 51.0% from the previous year.Considering the number of working days, the average daily export value was $3.94 billion. Although the number of working days decreased by 0.5 days to 14.0 days compared to last year, the daily exports surged by 61.5% year-on-year.By mid-August, exports were led by semiconductors and computer peripherals. Semiconductor exports alone skyrocketed by 198.8% to $26.03 billion, accounting for 67.2% of total exports, an increase of 22.5 percentage points from the previous year.Increased prices due to high oil costs also contributed to a 56.4% rise in petroleum product exports. Other sectors showing growth included steel products (9.7%), computer peripherals (242.1%), and wireless communication devices (4.5%).Conversely, passenger car exports fell by 45.1% to $1.04 billion. Exports of ships (-60.5%), automotive parts (-19.9%), and home appliances (-3.4%) also experienced declines.By country, exports to China (118.6%), the United States (59.4%), Vietnam (67.4%), Hong Kong (245.5%), and Taiwan (23.5%) increased. However, exports to the European Union (EU) (-3.2%) and Singapore (-23.4%) decreased. The top three countries—China, the United States, and Vietnam—accounted for 52.6% of total exports.Imports rose by 19.0% to $41.23 billion. The cumulative annual import total, including figures from the previous month, increased by 18.3% to $468.54 billion. Semiconductor imports rose by 59.4% to $7.47 billion, while imports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment surged by 89.3% to $1.87 billion.Due to rising international oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict, crude oil imports also increased, totaling $5.44 billion, a 17.0% rise from last year. Coal imports rose by 52.5% to $1.16 billion, while gas imports fell by 17.1% to $1.72 billion. Overall, energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and coal, increased by 11.1% year-on-year.By country, imports from China (27.9%), the United States (23.5%), the EU (17.4%), Japan (34.1%), and Taiwan (46.2%) increased, while imports from Saudi Arabia decreased by 22.2%.With exports exceeding imports, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $13.98 billion. The cumulative annual trade surplus now stands at $181.74 billion. 2026-08-21 09:20:10
  • Yoon Suk Yeol and Oh Se-hoon Face Appeals in Political Fund Law Cases
    Yoon Suk Yeol and Oh Se-hoon Face Appeals in Political Fund Law Cases Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president, and Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, are facing their first appeal hearings at the Seoul High Court for violations of the Political Fund Law linked to political broker Myung Tae-kyun.The court's Criminal Division 7, led by Judge Koo Hoe-geun, is set to begin Yoon's appeal hearing at 11 a.m. on August 21. Yoon is accused of conspiring with his spouse, Kim Kun-hee, to receive polling results worth 270 million won from Myung over 58 instances between June 2021 and March 2022 without payment.In the first trial, the court found Myung guilty for directly delivering the results of 14 polls to Yoon and his wife, sentencing Yoon to two years in prison and Myung to one and a half years. The court determined that there was a sequential and implicit agreement regarding the free provision of polling results, and that Yoon later exerted influence on the People Power Party's candidate management committee at Myung's request.However, this ruling contrasts with the acquittal of Kim in both the first and second trials on the same charges, drawing attention to the appellate court's upcoming decision.At 2 p.m. on the same day, the same court will also hear the first appeal of Oh Se-hoon regarding his violations of the Political Fund Law. Oh is accused of commissioning and receiving polling results from Myung ten times before the April 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and having his supporter, businessman Kim Han-jeong, cover 33 million won in costs.The first trial court imposed a fine of 10 million won and an additional 21 million won in forfeiture, equivalent to a disqualification from office.Simultaneously, at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 33, Judge Lee Jin-kwan will preside over the trial of Han Duck-soo, the former Prime Minister, regarding charges of neglect of duty and abuse of power. The special prosecutor's team, led by Jo Eun-seok, is expected to present its sentencing recommendations.Han is accused of refusing to appoint candidates for constitutional judges recommended by the National Assembly after the impeachment of Yoon, and of designating candidates Ham Sang-hoon and Lee Wan-kyu without proper verification, which constitutes abuse of power. The special prosecutor's team believes that Han made these decisions in communication with presidential office personnel, leading to the indictment of former senior secretary Kim and others.The special prosecutor's team will outline its final opinions and sentencing recommendations for Han, former presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-seok, former civil affairs secretary Kim Joo-hyun, and former public integrity secretary Lee Won-mo, while the defense's final arguments will take place at the next hearing.Meanwhile, at 10:10 a.m., the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 27 will hold the first trial of Kim Kun-hee, who is accused of collective membership in the Unification Church related to the People Power Party.The special prosecutor's team believes that Kim requested collective membership for church members by promising support for the Unification Church ahead of the 2023 People Power Party convention. The same court will also conduct a preliminary hearing and bail review for Lee Man-hee, the leader of Shincheonji, who has been indicted for forcing church members to join the party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:20:00
  • HD Hyundai Electric Showcases Eco-Friendly Power Technology at Global Power Network Expo
    HD Hyundai Electric Showcases Eco-Friendly Power Technology at Global Power Network Expo HD Hyundai Electric is set to showcase its eco-friendly power technology at the world's largest power network expo, targeting the European market.The company announced on August 21 that it will participate in the 'CIGRE Paris Session 2026,' taking place from August 23 to 28 at the Palais des Congrès de Paris in France.The CIGRE Paris Session, which began in 1921, is a global event in the power systems sector held every two years. It gathers power companies, transmission system operators (TSOs), equipment manufacturers, and technical experts to share the latest technologies and future directions for power networks.Recently, the European Union has strengthened regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), gradually limiting the use of gases with high global warming potential (GWP), such as SF₆, which is used in high-voltage circuit breakers.In response to these market changes, HD Hyundai Electric will present its eco-friendly GIS models, including the 72.5kV and 145kV versions, as well as the recently tested 420kV eco-friendly GIS 'GREENTRIC 550SRE.' Notably, the GREENTRIC 550SRE, developed as the first of its kind in South Korea, is a key voltage-level SF₆-Free GIS model applicable to over half of Europe's major power networks.During the exhibition, HD Hyundai Electric plans to focus on promoting its competitive eco-friendly GIS technologies across various voltage levels to European customers. Additionally, on the evening of August 25, the company will host a networking event on the Seine River, inviting major European power companies and clients.An official from HD Hyundai Electric stated, "This exhibition is an opportunity to showcase our SF₆-Free GIS lineup and eco-friendly power technology to key European customers in one place. We aim to actively respond to the demand for eco-friendly transitions in European power networks and further enhance our competitiveness in the global market."Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Electric is expanding its local business base by securing orders for eco-friendly transformers in key European markets such as the UK and Sweden. The company is particularly increasing its clientele among European power companies, including supplying eco-friendly transformers to the National Grid in the UK.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:20:00
  • Seoul Apartment Prices Surge to Five-Year High as Mid-Range Sales Increase
    Seoul Apartment Prices Surge to Five-Year High as Mid-Range Sales Increase Seoul's apartment sales prices rose by 2.50% in June, marking the largest increase in five years. In July, the proportion of transactions for apartments priced under 1.5 billion won exceeded 80%, reflecting a shift in demand towards mid-range housing due to loan regulations.The Seoul Metropolitan Government reported on August 21, based on an analysis of the apartment sales price index published by the Korea Real Estate Agency and transaction volumes from the Seoul Real Estate Information Plaza. Since January, the city has been releasing monthly trends of the apartment sales price index to reduce information gaps before housing contracts and help citizens accurately assess the housing market.In June, the sales price of Seoul apartments increased by 2.50% compared to the previous month and rose 13.79% year-on-year. This 2.50% increase surpasses the 2.44% rise seen in June 2021 during a period of rapid price hikes, marking the highest level in nearly five years.Regionally, all areas of Seoul experienced price increases, with the northeastern region recording the highest rise at 2.74%, followed closely by the northwestern region at 2.73%, the southeastern region at 2.52%, and the southwestern region at 2.41%. In terms of size, prices increased across all categories except for large apartments, with medium-sized apartments (over 85 square meters and under 135 square meters) showing the highest increase at 3.05%.The jeonse (long-term lease) prices also continued to rise. In June, the sales price of jeonse apartments in Seoul increased by 1.28%, marking a 1% rise for four consecutive months. This trend has continued for 11 months since August of last year.Regionally, the northeastern area saw the highest increase at 1.56%. In terms of size, medium-sized apartments (over 60 square meters and under 85 square meters) rose by 1.48%, showing the largest increase, with price rises observed across all sizes.In July, the number of sales transactions remained above 5,000, with a renewed focus on mid-range sales. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as of August 18, the number of apartment sales transactions in July was 5,234, a 0.6% decrease from the previous month. However, since the reporting deadline for transactions is within 30 days of the contract date, additional reports for July contracts may be submitted until the end of August.Notably, the proportion of transactions for apartments priced under 1.5 billion won rose to 81.2%, up 4.9 percentage points from 76.3% the previous month. Earlier in the year, the proportion of transactions for homes under 1.5 billion won was high due to loan regulations, but it decreased in April and May as high-priced home transactions increased ahead of the end of a capital gains tax exemption. As high-priced transactions have since declined, the focus has shifted back to mid-range housing.By district, Nowon had the highest transaction volume at 632, followed by Jungnang, Gangseo, Guro, Seongbuk, and Eunpyeong. In these areas, the proportion of transactions for apartments priced under 1.5 billion won exceeded 95%.In the rental market, the proportion of jeonse and monthly rent transactions returned to a 50-50 split. In July, the volume of jeonse transactions was 8,204, a 0.2% decrease from the previous month, while monthly rent transactions fell by 20.2% to 8,082. The surge in monthly rent transactions that exceeded 10,000 in June has subsided, leading to a temporary easing of the increase.The proportion of jeonse transactions in July was recorded at 50.4%. Among these, the share of renewal contracts rose to 53.8%, up from 52.8% the previous month and 44.8% in the same month last year. Conversely, the proportion of contract renewal requests decreased to 53.5%, down from 55.8% the previous month and 60.1% in the same month last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 09:16:00