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KOSPI leads Asian retreat on oil jitters, capping sidecar-ridden week SEOUL, July 24 (AJP)— South Korean stocks suffered another sharp selloff Friday as surging oil prices driven by escalating Middle East tensions and mounting interest-rate concerns fueled broad risk aversion, sending both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ into sell-side sidecars for a fifth consecutive trading session. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,690.62, down 5.72 percent, and the junior KOSDAQ fell 5.32 percent, to 748.22, as foreign and institutional investors accelerated selling despite heavy buying by retail investors. The plunge followed another weak session on Wall Street overnight, where technology shares came under pressure and rising oil prices added to concerns over the global inflation outlook. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix bore the brunt of the selloff as foreign investors rapidly unwound positions in the two semiconductor heavyweights. Samsung Electronics tumbled 7.59 percent to 249,500 won, while SK hynix dropped 8.34 percent to 1,759,000 won. Foreign investors dumped a net 1.76 trillion won worth of SK hynix shares and 873 billion won of Samsung Electronics, while institutions also emerged as the largest sellers of both companies, offloading 867.3 billion won and 858.8 billion won, respectively. The SK Group was also in focus after the Seoul High Court largely upheld its revised divorce ruling ordering Chairman Chey Tae-won to pay former wife Roh Soh-yeong 944 billion won in the property settlement. SK Square fell 9.17 percent amid the broader market selloff. Selling spread across other large-cap technology and cyclical names. Samsung Electronics preferred shares lost 7.33 percent to 177,100 won, Samsung Electro-Mechanics fell 8.43 percent to 1,326,000 won, Hyundai Motor declined 7.18 percent to 401,000 won, and LG Energy Solution slipped 5.32 percent to 329,500 won. Financial shares also weakened, with Samsung Life Insurance falling 3.49 percent and KB Financial losing 2.72 percent, while Samsung C&T declined 5.00 percent. Among industrials, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped 2.51 percent, and Kia slumped 12.88 percent, making it one of the day's biggest losers among blue chips. Defensive buying was limited. Samsung Biologics climbed 10.08 percent to 1,518,000 won, while Hanwha Aerospace gained 2.19 percent and Shinhan Financial edged up 0.58 percent. The weakness was equally pronounced on the junior KOSDAQ market. Among heavyweights, HLB was the lone gainer, rising 4.33 percent to 31,300 won. Biotechnology company Alteogen slipped 1.96 percent to 300,500 won, while battery materials makers EcoPro and EcoPro BM fell 7.35 percent and 8.38 percent, respectively. Drug developer LegoChem Biosciences tumbled 17.62 percent, semiconductor equipment makers Jusung Engineering and PSK dropped 13.97 percent and 8.34 percent, respectively, while semiconductor equipment supplier Wonik IPS lost 11.30 percent. Precision parts maker Leeno Industrial declined 7.71 percent and biotech firm ABL Bio edged down 2.56 percent. The Korean won, however, was broadly steady, with the dollar trading at 1,464.50 won, compared with 1,466.8 won in the previous session. The market rout came as investors grappled with a deteriorating macroeconomic outlook. Brent crude climbed back toward $100 a barrel and the yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note rose above 4.7 percent, reinforcing concerns that higher energy prices could keep inflation elevated and delay monetary easing. Adding to the cautious mood, Alphabet shares fell 6.89 percent after the company unveiled a sharply higher AI spending plan despite beating quarterly revenue estimates. The selloff was mirrored across regional markets. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 2.79 percent to 64,572.00, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 1.16 percent to 24,919.50 and China's Shanghai Composite fell 1.61 percent to 3,814.20. July 24, 2026 17:30 -
KOSPI Falls Below 6,700 Amid Global Risk Aversion Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have led to a surge in international oil prices, triggering a wave of risk aversion in global markets. Following a decline in the New York stock market, South Koreas stock exchanges experienced significant sell-offs, with both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ dropping more than 5%.On July 24, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 6,690.02, down 406.87 points (5.73%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 7,000.78, down 96.11 points (1.35%), and continued to decline throughout the session.The drop in the New York market was attributed to rising oil prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about a resurgence of inflation. Market participants feared that higher oil prices could delay the Federal Reserves interest rate cuts, leading to increased selling pressure, particularly in technology stocks. This risk-averse sentiment carried over to the domestic market, where foreign investors focused their selling on large-cap stocks, including semiconductors.In the securities market, foreign investors sold a net 3.2685 trillion won, while institutions sold 1.9513 trillion won. In contrast, individual investors purchased a net 5.1783 trillion won.As volatility increased early in the session, both markets triggered sell-side circuit breakers. The Korea Exchange halted the effectiveness of sell orders in the securities market for five minutes at 11:23 a.m. A similar circuit breaker was activated in the KOSDAQ at 11:47 a.m.Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Square fell 9.17%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics dropped 8.43%, SK Hynix declined 8.34%, Samsung Electronics fell 7.59%, Hyundai Motor decreased 7.18%, LG Energy Solution dropped 5.32%, Samsung C&T fell 5.00%, Samsung Life Insurance decreased 3.49%, and KB Financial Group fell 2.72%. In contrast, Samsung Biologics rose 10.08%, buoyed by strong second-quarter results.The KOSDAQ closed at 785.00, down 46.23 points (5.56%). The index opened at 816.39, down 14.84 points (1.79%), and continued to decline.In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 130.4 billion won and 358.7 billion won, respectively, while individual investors bought a net 488.8 billion won.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Rainbow Robotics fell 16.73%, Juseong Engineering dropped 13.97%, Wonik IPS declined 11.30%, IOTechniques fell 9.13%, PSK dropped 8.73%, EcoPro BM fell 8.29%, EcoPro decreased 7.12%, Rino Industry dropped 7.04%, ABL Bio fell 2.42%, Alteogen decreased 2.28%, and Pharma Research dropped 1.67%. Meanwhile, HLB rose 4.00% amid expectations for FDA approval of its bile duct cancer treatment.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, The domestic market retreated as risk appetite waned due to heightened tensions in the Middle East. This week, both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ have experienced extreme volatility, triggering circuit breakers for five consecutive trading days.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 16:04 -
HK Inno.N Achieves Dual Wins in Social Media Marketing HK Inno.N has been recognized for its achievements in social media marketing, winning awards on both YouTube and Instagram.The company announced on July 24 that its official YouTube channel, Channel Inno.N, and its Instagram account received the grand prize and excellence award, respectively, at the 2026 Social Eye Awards, achieving a dual victory.Now in its eighth year, the Social Eye Awards is the largest SNS awards ceremony in South Korea, organized by the Korea Internet Professionals Association (KIPFA) under the Ministry of Science and ICT. A panel of over 4,000 business marketing experts and creators evaluated entries across five categories using 15 assessment criteria. This year, a total of 296 companies participated.Channel Inno.N won the grand prize in the medical and pharmaceutical category, marking its second consecutive year of receiving this honor. The channel was praised for effectively delivering medical and health information through relatable content, ensuring public benefit and content dissemination while providing practical value to viewers.In the past year, Channel Inno.N recorded a total of 9.75 million views, with the number of likes increasing by 199%, demonstrating active two-way communication between customers and the brand.Notable content includes the talk series Infomentary, which provides insights into the pharmaceutical industry, the entertainment content Circle King Ha-jun, which experiences health clubs, the interview series Inno.N Molraewato reflecting the brands philosophy, and recruitment and company performance content ㅇㄴㅇ (Inno.N).HK Inno.Ns official Instagram also received the excellence award in the pharmaceutical category. The account has expanded its engagement with customers by providing editorial content that explains proper medication usage and the new drug development process, leveraging the expertise of the pharmaceutical industry.A representative from HK Inno.N stated, We have been working to lower the entry barriers of the complex pharmaceutical and bio industry through content, allowing the brand to establish meaningful relationships with customers. We will continue to create empathetic content that reflects our corporate values and customer needs from HK Inno.Ns perspective.Meanwhile, HK Inno.N is expected to report second-quarter results that fall slightly below market expectations.According to an iM Securities report, HK Inno.Ns consolidated revenue for the second quarter is projected to be 267.2 billion won, with an operating profit of 29.5 billion won. While these figures represent a 2% and 51% increase, respectively, compared to the same period last year, they are below the market consensus of 276.6 billion won in revenue and 31.7 billion won in operating profit.The report noted that domestic sales of K-Cab are expected to decline slightly due to changes in accounting standards for drug price refunds. However, it is anticipated that increased exports of finished products and royalties from China will largely offset this decline. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the long-term growth momentum remains valid based on K-Cabs entry into the U.S. market and its subsequent pipeline.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 10:40
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Kolon TissueGene extends slide as trial miss guts valuation SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Shares in Kolon TissueGene fell for a sixth consecutive session on Friday, extending a rout that has erased about three-quarters of the biotech firm's market value in a single week after its osteoarthritis gene therapy failed to outperform a placebo in a late-stage U.S. trial. The stock traded at 15,620 won as of 10:04 a.m. on the tech-heavy KOSDAQ, down 5,430 won, or 25.94 percent from the previous close. The shares had already hit the daily limit-down of about 30 percent for three straight sessions from Monday through Wednesday. The company disclosed on Monday that TG-C, a cell and gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis, missed both co-primary endpoints in its U.S. Phase 3 trial. Pain relief and joint function improved among patients who received the drug, but not by a statistically significant margin over placebo. Analysts pinned the miss on the placebo arm rather than the drug itself. "This failure stems not from a lack of efficacy in TG-C but from an unexpectedly strong placebo effect," said Wi Hae-joo, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities, cutting the brokerage's rating to neutral from buy. The firm also lowered its assumptions for trial success probability and U.S. market share. A second U.S. Phase 3 study, coded 12301, is due to report in October, and the company is weighing whether an elevated placebo response skewed the first readout. Wi said the pain reduction seen in the treated arm mirrored earlier Phase 2 results, leaving room for success in the second trial if the placebo effect proves less pronounced. July 24, 2026 10:12 -
Dongkuk Pharmaceutical Launches Dermatology Advisory Group for Madecassol Labs Dongkuk Pharmaceutical is accelerating the development of its science-based dermatological brand, Madecassol Labs, in collaboration with a dermatology advisory group. The company aims to expand its existing dermatological business, centered around its Centellian24 line, into high-performance skincare products for hospitals and clinics.According to Dongkuk Pharmaceutical, the Madecassol Labs brand is being developed in partnership with a dermatology advisory group and is set to launch in the first half of next year. The product line will address various skin concerns, including strengthening the skin barrier, caring for sensitive skin, post-procedure home care, and managing skin conditions. The brand will combine the companys accumulated research and development (R&D) capabilities with clinical expertise to enhance scientific credibility.To facilitate this, Dongkuk Pharmaceutical established a dermatology advisory group on June 13, consisting of five dermatologists: Yoon Chun-sik, director of Yemiwon Dermatology; Park Ji-ho, director of Oaro Dermatology; Park Young-woon, director of Villa Skin Dermatology; Lee Mi-hye, director of Liwon Dermatology; and Kim Sang-yeop, director of JF Cell Dermatology.During the inaugural meeting, Dongkuk Pharmaceutical shared its 50 years of experience in plant-based ingredient R&D and discussed high-performance skincare solutions suitable for hospital and clinic channels with the advisory group. Notably, discussions focused on the skin action mechanisms and formulation development centered around TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica), a key ingredient derived from the centella plant.The advisory group will participate in all stages of product development, including core ingredient design, complete ingredient composition, formulation testing, and user experience evaluation, through regular meetings.A representative from Dongkuk Pharmaceuticals dermatological team stated, The establishment of this advisory group is the first step toward creating a high-performance skincare brand. We will prepare to present reliable skincare solutions in hospital and clinic channels based on Dongkuk Pharmaceuticals dermatological research capabilities and the expertise of dermatologists.Meanwhile, according to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, the domestic dermatological market is estimated to be worth approximately 5.5 trillion won. While the traditional cosmetics market has stagnated over the past five years, the dermatological market has seen nearly tenfold growth.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 09:52
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Yuhan Corporation to Enhance Shareholder Value by Retiring 425.3 Billion Won in Shares Yuhan Corporation has announced plans to retire over 400 billion won worth of its own shares to enhance shareholder value.The company disclosed on July 23 that its board of directors approved the retirement of shares valued at 425.3 billion won, with the retirement scheduled for July 31.A total of 6,064,420 shares will be retired, representing 7.5% of the companys total shares.Yuhan Corporation stated that the purpose of the share retirement is to improve shareholder value.Additionally, Yuhan Corporation aims to maintain an average shareholder return rate of over 30% over the next three years, planning to retire 1% of its shares and continuously increase dividends per share until 2027.Currently, Yuhan Corporations dividend payout ratio stands at 53%, exceeding the industry average of around 10%.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 09:36
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Alphabet's Strong Performance Boosts Semiconductor Stocks as Tech Giants Await Earnings ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷Alphabets strong results lift semiconductor stocks amid AI investment focus.- Googles parent company Alphabet reported better-than-expected earnings and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding artificial intelligence (AI) investments, leading to a rise in domestic semiconductor stocks.- Market attention is shifting from AI semiconductor companies like NVIDIA to major cloud firms such as Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon as they await earnings reports.- Alphabet announced on July 22 that its second-quarter revenue reached $119.8 billion, with Google Cloud revenue, benefiting from AI, soaring 82% year-over-year, significantly exceeding market expectations.- This performance not only highlights Alphabets success but also confirms that the AI investment cycle is still ongoing.- Although the recent rally in AI semiconductors has slowed, raising doubts about whether expanded AI investments will translate into actual profits, Alphabet alleviated some concerns by presenting simultaneous growth in cloud services and increased investment in AI infrastructure. ◆주요 리포트▷Oil market faces heightened supply concerns [Kiwoom Securities]- International oil prices have resumed a sharp upward trend. After dropping to around $68 per barrel for WTI in early July, prices have risen to approximately $92.- This increase is attributed to escalating military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with renewed blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.- The earlier drop in oil prices in July was linked to expectations of resumed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and normalization of supply from Gulf oil-producing countries. However, with supply concerns rising again, prices have quickly rebounded. Notably, this weeks additional price increases followed attacks on vessels after Houthi rebels declared a blockade in the Red Sea.- Currently, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is restricted, while the Red Sea serves as a major alternative export route for Saudi oil, making the situation in the Red Sea significantly impactful on oil supply forecasts. ◆장 마감 후(23일) 주요공시△Korea Gas Corporation appoints Hong Ui-rak as new president at extraordinary general meeting.△SK Telecom announces cash dividend of 830 won per common share.△Dong-A Socio Holdings decides to absorb its 100% subsidiary Dong-A Pharmaceutical.△April Bio completes issuance of 3,608,595 shares through third-party allocation for 15.5 billion won.△Aribio Lab announces a third-party allocation capital increase of 2 billion won. ◆펀드 동향(22일 기준, ETF 제외)▷Domestic equity funds: -400 million won▷Overseas equity funds: 42.1 billion won ◆오늘(24일) 주요일정▷Japan: Consumer Price Index (June)▷Germany: GfK Consumer Climate (August), Manufacturing and Services PMI (July)▷United States: Manufacturing and Services PMI (July), Building Permits and Housing Starts (June), New Home Sales (June)* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 08:56
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Dong-A Socio Holdings to Absorb Dong-A Pharmaceutical, Transition to Holding Company Structure Dong-A Socio Holdings will absorb its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, transitioning to a holding company structure. On July 23, Dong-A Socio Holdings announced that its board of directors has resolved to proceed with the merger, which is set to take place on October 1. The merger will be conducted as a small-scale absorption without issuing new shares, and there will be no changes to the existing shareholder composition or ownership ratios. This decision is seen as a strategic move to shift to a structure that balances business operations and investments, building on over a decade of achievements since the introduction of the holding company system. Since transitioning to a holding company in 2013, Dong-A Socio Holdings has focused on enhancing the expertise of its subsidiaries. Dong-A Pharmaceutical has established a stable revenue base in over-the-counter drugs, healthcare, and dermocosmetics, primarily centered around its flagship product, Bacchus. The company stated, In light of intensifying competition in the global and domestic healthcare markets, we have decided to transition to a holding company structure to internalize the cash-generating capabilities of our core subsidiary, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, and to strengthen our group-wide investment and new business development capabilities. Changes in governance are also anticipated. Dong-A Socio Holdings plans to centralize decision-making authority within its board and management to establish a more agile and accountable management system. Additionally, the merger is expected to alleviate concerns over dual listings, potentially reducing the so-called holding company discount and leading to a reassessment of corporate value. The integrated entity plans to accelerate its overseas market penetration based on Dong-A Pharmaceuticals brand competitiveness and distribution infrastructure. The strategy includes expanding e-commerce channels, entering global retail chains, and pursuing brand collaborations to increase the share of overseas sales and elevate its status as a global consumer healthcare company. A representative from Dong-A Socio Holdings remarked, This merger is a decision aimed at enhancing our competitiveness in the global healthcare market while inheriting the achievements made since the transition to a holding company. We will leverage our integrated resources to expand investments in new growth drivers, thereby increasing corporate and shareholder value. Meanwhile, Dong-A Socio Holdings has been recognized as one of the ESG Best Companies for three consecutive years by Sustainalytics in its 2026 mid-year ESG comprehensive evaluation, which assesses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management levels of domestic companies twice a year. Dong-A Socio Holdings, Dong-A ST, and ST Pharm have been acknowledged for their sustainable management achievements since their first selection in 2024.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 18:00
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South Korea's Food and Drug Administration Uncovers 26 Companies Misleading Consumers with Diet Ads The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has identified 26 online food advertising companies that exaggerated the weight loss effects of their products by using terms associated with the obesity treatment drug Wegovy. The scale of these misleading advertisements exceeded 10 billion won (approximately $7.5 million).On July 23, the KFDA announced the results of a focused inspection of summer online diet food advertisements, revealing violations of the Labeling and Advertising of Food Act across 30 products from these companies. The firms misled consumers into believing their products, such as Eating Wegovy, GLP-1, and Oleshot, were proven weight loss medications or functional products.Particularly targeted were the Oleshot and Natural Wegovy Recipe, which have gained popularity on social media. Oleshot involves consuming olive oil and lemon juice together, while the Natural Wegovy Recipe combines olive oil with boiled eggs. These products were promoted online as having effects like fat reduction, appetite suppression, and detoxification, but they lack medical validation as effective treatments.Among the products identified, only eight were recognized as health functional foods, while the remaining 22 were classified as general foods. However, even the health functional foods were advertised in ways that implied disease prevention and treatment effects beyond their approved functionalities. Most of the advertisements effectively resembled drug-like promotions that exceeded legal standards.The investigation found that these companies sold approximately 600,000 products, generating total sales of about 11.5 billion won (around $8.6 million). The pricing structure was also abnormal, with some products sold at prices up to 27.5 times their purchase cost. One company reported sales of 2 billion won (about $1.5 million) by selling a product originally priced in the 2,000 won range for 60,000 won.Advertising methods have become increasingly sophisticated. Companies employed strategies such as partially obscuring specific drug names like Wegovy and Mounjaro or emphasizing mechanisms of action like GLP-1 to evoke associations with drug-like effects. They also used endorsements from celebrities or pharmacists, AI-generated virtual figures, and images of fat reduction to enhance credibility.The platform strategies have evolved as well. Companies attract consumers through provocative short-form content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, directing them to their own shopping sites. These short videos often featured strong claims like rapid weight loss in a short period and a body that doesnt gain weight even when eating. On actual sales pages, related phrases were either removed or softened to evade regulation.Experts point out that this case highlights the dangers of a derivative market created by the global obesity treatment drug craze, as the explosive demand for GLP-1 class treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro has led to the rapid proliferation of imitation or alternative products.The KFDA plans to publish the names of the identified companies and products on its website and will request administrative actions and prosecutions from local authorities. Additionally, it has urged consumers to be cautious of advertisements claiming drug-like efficacy for products labeled as Eating Wegovy, appetite suppressants, and fat eliminators.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 17:00
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KOSPI Approaches 7,100 Mark Amid 2 Trillion Won Foreign Investment; KOSDAQ Rises 5% The KOSPI surged over 4% to near the 7,100 mark, bolstered by 2 trillion won in net purchases from foreign investors. Expectations for Alphabets expansion in artificial intelligence (AI) investments fueled gains in semiconductor stocks, with buying interest also spreading to power equipment, secondary batteries, and biotechnology sectors.On July 23, the KOSPI closed at 7,096.89, up 299.19 points (4.40%) from the previous trading day. At one point during the session, it rose to 7,137.20, surpassing the 7,100 level.In the securities market, foreign investors led the indexs rise with net purchases of 2.1351 trillion won, while institutions also bought 101.1 billion won. In contrast, individual investors sold a net 2.2107 trillion won.Most of the top market capitalization stocks saw gains. Samsung Electronics closed up 3.65% at 270,000 won, while SK Hynix rose 4.86% to 1,919,000 won. Other strong performers included LG Energy Solution (up 8.41%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 7.66%), and Hyundai Motor (up 3.35%).Analysts attribute the positive sentiment to Alphabets strong performance and increased capital expenditures (CAPEX), which have bolstered investor confidence in AI-related investments. Alphabet reported an 82% year-on-year increase in cloud revenue for the second quarter and confirmed its commitment to expanding data center investments.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, Alphabets robust cloud performance and CAPEX expansion reaffirmed strong demand for AI infrastructure and data center investments, supporting AI investment sentiment. He added, Despite external uncertainties, foreign investors have continued net buying for four consecutive trading days, driving the index higher.The expectation of increased data center investments also boosted stocks related to power infrastructure. The need for enhanced power infrastructure has become apparent due to supply disruptions in power grids in areas densely populated with data centers in the U.S., leading to significant gains for companies like LS ELECTRIC and HD Hyundai Electric.The KOSDAQ index closed at 790.28, up 39.19 points (5.22%) from the previous trading day. Foreign and institutional investors net bought 133 billion won and 60.3 billion won, respectively, while individuals sold a net 198.5 billion won.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen surged 14.37%, while EcoProBM (up 9.95%), EcoPro (up 9.34%), ABL Bio (up 7.06%), and Rainbow Robotics (up 6.17%) also saw significant increases.Despite external uncertainties, including rising international oil prices, the markets gains were fueled by substantial foreign capital inflows and expectations for AI investments. With the KOSPI briefly surpassing the 7,100 mark, the sustainability of foreign buying and the performance of major domestic and international companies will likely determine future market movements.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 15:48
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KOSPI Rises as Foreign Investors Return, Approaching 7000 Points The KOSPI index is continuing its upward trend, rising over 2% thanks to significant net purchases by foreign investors. Expectations for increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by Alphabet have boosted semiconductor stocks, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, contributing to the indexs gains. As of 11:34 a.m. on July 23, the KOSPI had risen 151.38 points (2.23%) to reach 6949.08, according to the Korea Exchange. In the securities market, foreign investors have made net purchases of 1.2026 trillion won, driving the index higher. Institutions have also net bought 51.6 billion won, while individual investors have net sold 1.2205 trillion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics is trading at 266,000 won, up 2.11% from the previous trading day, while SK Hynix has risen 2.02% to 1,867,000 won. Other gainers include Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 3.87%), LG Energy Solution (up 3.89%), and Samsung Life Insurance (up 2.34%). Conversely, SK Square has seen a decline of 1.34%. Alphabets upward revision of its capital expenditure (CAPEX) forecast has been interpreted as a sign of increased demand for semiconductors due to expanded AI infrastructure investment. The companys cloud revenue for the second quarter surged 82% year-on-year to $24.8 billion, and its annual CAPEX forecast has been raised from the previous range of $180 billion to $190 billion to a new range of $195 billion to $205 billion. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted that Alphabets cloud revenue has seen a significant increase, and the upward revision of this years CAPEX forecast suggests substantial capital investment is expected next year, supporting expectations for AI infrastructure and semiconductor demand. The KOSDAQ index is also on the rise. At the same time, the KOSDAQ index has increased by 13.09 points (1.74%) to 764.18. Institutions have net bought 49.4 billion won, while individual and foreign investors have net sold 46 billion won and 5.4 billion won, respectively. Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen has surged 8.21%. Other gainers include EcoPro (up 4.67%), EcoPro BM (up 4.00%), and ABL Bio (up 3.03%). However, JUSUNG Engineering (-2.53%), Peptron (-2.23%), and Wonik IPS (-1.61%) are experiencing declines. After briefly surpassing the 7000-point mark, the KOSPI has retraced some of its gains. However, with strong net buying from foreign investors continuing, attention will remain on the performance of semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as the KOSPIs potential recovery of the 7000-point level in the afternoon.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 11:44
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InBody Presents Strategies for Enhancing Hospital Competitiveness in the Era of GLP-1 Treatments InBody has outlined strategies to enhance hospital competitiveness in response to the growing use of GLP-1 obesity treatments. As the focus shifts from simple weight loss to maintaining muscle mass while achieving healthy weight reduction, comprehensive management of body composition changes, including skeletal muscle mass, body fat, body water, and phase angle, is gaining attention in medical settings.On July 23, InBody, in collaboration with the medical platform Medistaff, held a webinar titled In the Era of Obesity Treatments, How Will Hospitals Survive?The webinar addressed the rapidly changing landscape of the GLP-1 treatment market. With increased accessibility to drug therapies due to price reductions, diversification of formulations such as oral and patch forms, expanded indications for metabolic diseases, and broader international coverage, the importance of precise monitoring and ongoing patient management was emphasized.InBody proposed a shift from traditional body mass index (BMI) assessments to diagnostics based on body composition analysis. Internal medicine, family medicine, and orthopedics are expanding their focus to include body fat reduction, pain management, and post-treatment care. Dermatology and plastic surgery are also adopting differentiated strategies by utilizing body composition data for managing side effects and patient education, according to the company.Particularly highlighted was the significance of body water indicators in interpreting weight changes. A reduction in body water can be misinterpreted as muscle loss, underscoring the need to evaluate muscle mass, body fat, body water, and nutritional status together.The following session introduced the clinical application of phase angle, a cellular health indicator. Phase angle, which translates the resistance of cell membranes into an angle, indicates that a higher value reflects better membrane stability and health. InBody explained that even without significant changes in muscle mass or body fat, monitoring phase angle and extracellular water ratio can provide early insights into cellular-level changes.An InBody representative stated, As the medical field rapidly evolves with the spread of GLP-1 treatments, precise monitoring based on body composition analysis will be the solution. We aim to enhance the accuracy of prescriptions and the level of patient management based on global clinical data and technology.Meanwhile, a report from market research firm GlobalData predicts that the global market for GLP-1 treatments will grow from approximately $30 billion in 2023 to $125 billion by 2033, with an average annual growth rate of 15%.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 11:20
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Samsung Biologics posts 30% jump in second-quarter revenue SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics reported a 30 percent rise in second-quarter revenue to 1.32 trillion won ($894 million), lifted by full utilization of its first four plants and a favorable won-dollar exchange rate, the South Korean contract drugmaker said. According to regulatory filings released Thursday, operating profit climbed 23 percent from a year earlier to 586.4 billion won. The robust growth came despite the company's first-ever full walkout, a five-day strike from May 1 that halted some production batches after a parts-handling unit downed tools days earlier, choking the supply of raw materials. Samsung Biologics had estimated related losses at about 150 billion won. Shrugging off that disruption, the company said it expects to reach the upper end of its full-year 2026 revenue growth guidance of 15 percent to 20 percent, citing an expanding contribution from the fifth plant and the Rockville facility alongside the currency tailwind. The firm said it would open a European sales office in the Netherlands during the third quarter, adding to bases in New Jersey and Tokyo, and pointed to its acquisition of peptide specialist PolyPeptide Group and a secured site for a third bio campus as it pushes beyond antibody drugs into mRNA and antibody-drug conjugates. July 23, 2026 08:11 -
KG Chemical's CEO Kim Jae-ik Cultivates New Growth in Global Eco-Friendly Agriculture Kim Jae-ik, CEO of KG Chemical, is establishing new growth avenues in global eco-friendly agriculture and energy infrastructure for a company that has been a staple in the fertilizer and chemical industry for over 70 years.Founded in 1954, KG Chemical is the first private fertilizer company in South Korea. The company currently produces basic chemical products, including fertilizers, eco-friendly agricultural materials, concrete additives, water treatment agents, and urea for vehicles.Recognizing that sustained growth is challenging in the mature domestic fertilizer market, Kim is accelerating efforts to explore overseas markets. The company is implementing strategies tailored to the agricultural environments and crop characteristics of various countries, supplying organic fertilizers to Vietnam, microbial fertilizers to Cambodia, and specialized fertilizers for palm farms in Indonesia.KG Chemical has achieved an average annual growth of 108% in its overseas fertilizer business and aims to increase the share of foreign sales to 50% by 2030. The company plans to go beyond simple exports by engaging in local demonstrations, technical sales, and distribution network establishment, with potential plans to set up local production bases once volumes reach a certain level.Another new venture being developed by Kim is the eco-friendly fuel tank terminal project utilizing the Ulsan plant. KG Chemical plans to gradually build storage infrastructure with a capacity of up to 200,000㎘ to secure stable rental income, linking it with KG Eco Solutions bio-ship fuel business.The company is also pursuing automation of aging production processes and a transition to AI. Starting with AI training for employees, KG Chemical plans to accumulate data by process and use it to enhance production efficiency and safety management.Kim envisions KG Chemicals future as a company that connects traditional fertilizer production with eco-friendly agriculture, chemical materials, and energy storage and logistics infrastructure. This strategy aims to maintain quality and cost competitiveness in traditional manufacturing while securing new revenue sources in overseas and new business sectors, creating a resilient business structure against economic fluctuations.* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 18:04
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Biotech Giants NexEye and Adel Seek KOSDAQ IPO Amid Cooling Investor Sentiment As the KOSDAQ struggles with a recent focus on semiconductor stocks, major biotech companies are making moves to go public, raising questions about whether investor sentiment in the sector can be revived.On July 22, investment banking sources reported that NexEye, a developer of immuno-oncology therapies, and Adel, which focuses on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, submitted preliminary applications for KOSDAQ listings to the Korea Exchange the previous day. The pre-IPO valuations for the two companies are approximately 400 billion won for NexEye and 349 billion won for Adel.Both companies have validated their research and development capabilities and business potential by securing large technology transfer contracts with global pharmaceutical firms. Founded in 2021, NexEye established its immuno-oncology target discovery platform, OncoKine, and successfully transferred its candidate drug, NXI-101, to Ono Pharmaceutical in March 2024, just three years after its inception. The company has also recently received milestone payments related to its clinical entry. NexEye plans to offer 5 million shares, with CEO Yoon Kyung-wan holding a 14% stake, and Korea Investment & Securities serving as the lead underwriter.Established in 2016, Adel co-developed its Alzheimer’s treatment candidate, ADEL-Y01, with Oscotec and transferred it to Sanofi for 1.5 trillion won in December of last year. The upfront payment, which does not require repayment, amounts to $80 million (approximately 118 billion won). Adel plans to offer 2.17 million shares, with CEO Yoon Seung-yong holding a 37% stake, and Samsung Securities and Mirae Asset Securities acting as lead underwriters.Considering that the preliminary review period for listings typically lasts around 45 business days, both companies could receive results from their applications around the Chuseok holiday. If the review proceeds without issues, both firms are expected to enter the KOSDAQ by the end of the year.Other biotech companies are also aiming for KOSDAQ IPOs in the second half of the year. Ingenia Therapeutics is targeting a listing as early as next month, while Breeze Bio has recently passed a biotech technology assessment and plans to apply for a preliminary listing this year.Currently, the KOSDAQ biotech sector is experiencing weakened investor sentiment due to a focus on semiconductor stocks and clinical issues surrounding some large firms like Kolon TissueGene and HLB Therapeutics. An investment banking source noted, “The overall weakness in biotech stocks is a result of the recent semiconductor supply focus and clinical issues faced by major biotech companies. However, NexEye and Adel, with their significant global technology transfer achievements worth hundreds of billions to trillions of won, are being viewed as noteworthy biotech candidates in the upcoming IPO market.”* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 17:24