ニュース

Lino Industrial (058470.KQ) Q1 2026: Net Profit Surges 38% as AI-Driven Test Demand Anchors 47% Operating Margin

Lino Industrial (058470.KQ) Q1 2026 analysis: revenue ₩99.8B +27.3% YoY, operating profit ₩47.3B +35.4% (47% margin), net profit ₩40.4B +37.7%. KOSDAQ's precision IC test socket leader benefits from AI chip complexity surge.

韓国、ワシントンにMASGA造船ハブ開設――HDヒュンダイ・ハンファオーシャン・サムスン重工業、1,500億ドルの米海軍・LNG市場を狙う

ソウルは7月24日、ワシントンD.C.にて韓米造船パートナーシップセンター（KUSPC）を正式発足させ、MASGAの1,500億ドル投資コミットメントを具体化した。ハンファオーシャンによる50億ドルのフィリーシップヤード拡張、サムスン重工業による10兆ウォンの巨済工場整備、そして米海軍による韓国3社へのRFI発出が、同イニシアチブの規模を裏付けている。

ハナ金融グループ（086790.KS）2026年Q2：純利益1.17兆ウォン、上半期過去最高2.30兆ウォン、追加自社株買い2,000億ウォン

ハナ金融グループは2026年Q2の速報純利益が1兆1,733億ウォン（前年同期比+13.4%）となり、上半期累計利益は過去最高の2兆3,010億ウォンに達した。追加自社株買い2,000億ウォンと1株当たり四半期配当913ウォンを発表し、CET1比率は13.39%に拡大した。

起亜、2026年Q2純利益24%減――米国関税570億ドルが過去最高売上を相殺

起亜自動車（000270.KS）の2026年第2四半期速報業績は売上高32.4兆ウォン（前年同期比+10.3%）を記録した一方、7,860億ウォン（約5億7,000万ドル）の米国関税影響が直撃し、営業利益は同約24%減の約2.6兆ウォンに落ち込んだ。ハイブリッド・BEV部門の好調な勢いを関税負担が打ち消した格好だ。

米国が韓国に12.5%強制労働関税を発動――半導体・自動車は除外、KOSPIはイラン戦争リスクで3%下落

USTRは7月25日発効で韓国に12.5%のセクション301強制労働関税を適用したが、半導体・自動車・鉄鋼は明示的に除外。KOSPIは関税発表ではなくイラン戦争懸念を背景に2.96%下落し6,886.56で引けた。

JBフィナンシャル（175330.KS）、上半期純利益が過去最高の3,857億ウォン — 史上最高配当・1,000億ウォン自社株買いでバリューアップ躍進

JBフィナンシャルグループ（175330.KS）の2026年第2四半期純利益は前年同期比5.7%増の2,196億ウォンと過去最高を更新し、上半期累計も過去最高の3,857億ウォンに達した。取締役会は1株当たり314ウォンと四半期配当として史上最高額を決議し、1,000億ウォンの自社株買いも承認。BNKフィナンシャルとの合併交渉を前に、バリューアップ施策の着実な実行を示した。

フォード×吉利のスペインJVで吉利がEU初拠点――韓国電池は撤退、ヒョンデ・起亜に現地化リスク

フォード(66%)と吉利汽車(34%)がスペイン・バレンシアに製造JVを設立。吉利にとってEU初の工場取得となる一方、欧州市場における韓国系電池メーカー（LGエネルギーソリューション、SKオン）および韓国自動車メーカー（ヒョンデ、起亜）への競争圧力がさらに高まる。

起亜(000270.KS) 2026年Q2決算プレビュー：韓国第2位の自動車メーカーが明日、現代自動車を上回る可能性

起亜(000270.KS)は7月24日に2026年Q2決算を発表。コンセンサス営業利益は₩2.79兆（前年同期比+0.7%）で、現代自動車の実績（-8.4%）を上回る見通し。EV9のジョージア工場生産拡大とハイブリッド車比率の上昇が両社の乖離を牽引。

韓国石化再編：麗水が₩700B獲得——S-OILの$6.4Bシャヒーン計画が最終幕を阻む

韓国は7月22日、麗水第1石油化学再編を承認し、₩700Bの政府支援によりエチレン能力139万トン/年を削減——大山向け₩2.1Tパッケージの3分の1に相当。2回合計で政府目標370万トンの68%に達したが、S-OILの₩9.3TシャヒーンPJとLG化学の決断不足により、ウルサンクラスターは依然停滞している。

韓国2026年Q2GDP、+0.6%で予想上回る――半導体輸出3倍増、実質所得は38年ぶり高水準

韓国銀行の2026年Q2GDP速報値は前期比+0.6%と予想を上回り、半導体輸出が実質国民所得を38年ぶりの高水準に押し上げた。今後の金利動向、KRW、KOSPIへの示唆を分析する。

アルファベット、2026年設備投資を2,050億ドルに増額——クラウド82%増でSKハイニックス4.9%高・KOSPI4.4%高

アルファベットは2026年の設備投資見通しを1,950億〜2,050億ドルに引き上げた。2026年第2四半期のGoogleクラウド売上高が82%増の248億ドルに急伸したことが背景。SKハイニックス（000660.KS）はAIメモリ需要シグナルを受けて4.86%高の1,919,000ウォンで引け、サムスン電子（005930.KS）も3.65%高の270,000ウォンで終値。KOSPIは7,096.82（+4.40%）で取引を終えた。

カカオエンタープライズ、イ・ジェハン氏をCEOに指名――8年間で6度目のトップ交代でAI転換を加速

カカオ（035720.KS）のB2BクラウドおよびAI部門であるカカオエンタープライズは、イ・ウォンジュ前CEOの16カ月での辞任を受けイ・ジェハン氏を新CEOに指名した。8月6日の臨時株主総会で承認される見通しで、2025年度売上高₩169.7B（前年比+25.9%）・営業損失-₩34.3Bを背景に、AI転換への注力を改めて鮮明にした。

韓国、防衛チップ国産化を義務化——LIGネクスワンがAESAレース主導、閣僚が2029年までに自給率50%を目標設定

韓国は7月23日の閣僚会議で全兵器システムへの防衛半導体国産化を義務付け、官民共同ファブにより2029年までに国内調達率50%を目標とした。すでにAESA/SAR用MMICチップを開発中のLIGネクスワン(079550.KS)が最も直接的な上場恩恵株であり、ハンファエアロスペース(012450.KS)はより幅広い政策の恩恵とストロングバイのコンセンサスを持つ。

中国CXMT、86億ドルIPO完了――2026年アジア最大の上場案件、サムスン電子・SKハイニックスのDRAM競争を再編

中国の長鑫存儲（CXMT）が上海IPOで86億ドルを調達し、応募倍率212倍で7月27日に上場。第1四半期売上高は前年同期比719%急増。KB証券はこのIPOをサムスン電子の再評価の起爆剤と位置づけており、脅威ではないとする根拠を解説する。

KBフィナンシャルグループ、2026年Q2純利益が初めて₩2兆突破——コンセンサスを4.2%上回る

KBフィナンシャルグループ（105560.KS）は2026年第2四半期に連結純利益₩2.01兆（前年同期比+15.1%）を計上し、韓国の銀行として四半期利益₩2兆の大台を初めて突破。アナリスト予想の約₩1.91兆を4.2%上回った。2026年上半期の純利益は₩3.93兆（前年同期比+13.9%）に達した。

Apple、数年ぶり最大規模のMac刷新——新11モデルがサムスン電子・SKハイニックスのLPDDR需要加速を示唆

Bloombergの報道によると、Appleは2026年秋から2028年にかけて新Macモデル11機種を準備中。サムスン電子とSKハイニックスはLPDDR価格交渉力とサプライ主導のApple Macロードマップへの影響力から恩恵を受ける見通し。

KOSPIとKOSDAQの違いとは？海外投資家向けガイド（2026年）

KOSPI（サムスン電子、SKハイニックス）対KOSDAQ（エコプロ、アルテオジェン）：上場基準、時価総額、取引時間、そして米国投資家が両市場にアクセスする方法をわかりやすく解説。

LGエネルギーソリューション、タブレス円筒形電池特許侵害でEVEエナジーを米ITCに提訴――電動工具輸入に禁止令リスク

LGエネルギーソリューションが、米国の電動工具向けタブレス円筒形電池技術をめぐり、中国・EVEエナジーを対象に米ITCへ5件の特許侵害申立てとテキサス連邦裁判所への訴訟を提起し、韓国の電池IP紛争が米国市場へと拡大した。

カカオペイ証券CEO、2,000万ユーザー目標を表明　シーバートとの提携強化で韓国株を米個人投資家に開放へ

カカオペイ証券（親会社：377300.KQ）のシン・ホチョルCEOは、ユーザー数を約800万人から2,000万人へ3年で拡大する計画を発表するとともに、シーバート・フィナンシャル（NASDAQ: SIEB）との提携深化を明らかにした。米国の規制に基づくチャネルを通じて米個人投資家が韓国株を取引できる環境の整備を目指す。

新韓フィナンシャルグループ、2026年Q2純利益17.5%増の1.82兆ウォン――コンソレンサス比7%超過、7,000億ウォン自社株買いを発表

新韓フィナンシャルグループ（055550.KS）の2026年Q2純利益は前年同期比17.5%増の1.82兆ウォンとなり、コンセンサスを7%上回った。上半期純利益は3.44兆ウォン。銀行部門のNIMは前四半期比1bp上昇。Q3に7,000億ウォン規模の自社株買いを発表し、年初来の株主還元総額は1.4兆ウォンに達した。

現代自動車、2026年第2四半期速報：売上高50兆ウォン突破、関税の逆風が縮小

現代自動車は7月23日、2026年第2四半期の暫定業績を開示。売上高50.07兆ウォン（前年同期比+3.7%）、営業利益3.3兆ウォン（同▲8.4%）で、市場予想を約10%上回った。関税・アンジョン火災・パリセードのリコールが利益率を圧迫するなか、下期回復はグランジャーのフェイスリフトとジェネシスGV90の発売次第。

LGディスプレイCEO、4年連続2Q低迷の終焉を宣言――サムスンディスプレイのGen 8.6攻勢に対抗しCapExを倍増

LGディスプレイの鄭哲東社長は、一時的なリストラ費用を除いた2Q実質営業利益が約1,300億ウォンに達したと表明。サムスンディスプレイがGen 8.6の量産を加速する中、設備投資額を2兆ウォン台半ば〜高めへ倍増する方針を示した。

SKハイニックス取締役会、清州P&T7パッケージング拠点に₩7.09兆承認――CEO、2027年DRAM供給崖を警告

SKハイニックス（000660.KS）は2026年7月22日、清州P&T7先端パッケージング施設への投資₩7兆931億（約48億ドル）を取締役会で承認し、クリーンルーム整備を加速。クァクCEOは2027年のDRAM供給が需要の約60%に落ち込む可能性があると警告した。

サムスンバイオロジクス 2026年Q2決算：売上高30%増の1兆3,209億ウォン、上半期純利益1兆1,700億ウォン突破

サムスンバイオロジクスは2026年Q2の売上高が前年同期比30.2%増の1兆3,209億ウォン、営業利益が同22.9%増の5,864億ウォンとなり、市場コンセンサスに沿った結果となった。上半期累計売上高は2兆5,780億ウォンに達し、通期15〜20%成長ガイダンスの上限レンジで推移している。

韓国、麗水石油化学再編を承認――ロッテケミカル・韓化ソリューションズ・DLケミカルがNCC能力140万トン削減、7,000億ウォンの国家支援

韓国は7月22日、麗水NCC再編を承認し、エチレン生産能力140万トンを削減。ロッテケミカル、韓化ソリューションズ、DLケミカルが33/33/33の比率で合弁会社を設立し、7,000億ウォンの国家支援を受ける。

AMDがAnthropicに50億ドル投資・2GW規模のMI450契約——サムスン電子はHBM4の主要受益者に

AMDはAnthropicに最大50億ドルを投資し、AnthropicはAMD MI450 GPUを2GW規模で導入することを約束した。AMDの主要HBM4サプライヤーであるサムスン電子（005930.KS）は韓国市場における最大の受益者として浮上。SKハイニックス（000660.KS）も7月23日発表のQ2決算を前に、AMDメモリー受注の有力競合として注目される。

韓国市場週間展望 7月27日〜8月1日：SKハイニックス2Q確定決算、サムスン電子セグメント別データ

SKハイニックスは7月29日に2Q確定決算を発表（コンセンサス営業利益₩64.2兆、前年同期比+597%）、サムスン電子・LG電子は7月30日にセグメント別内訳を開示。韓国株投資家の注目ポイントを解説。

韓国4大財閥トップ、大統領とともにジェンセン・フアン氏と晩餐――サンフランシスコでヴェラ・ルービンHBM4・AIファクトリー計画を協議

韓国4大財閥会長と李在明大統領が7月25日、サンフランシスコでジェンセン・フアン、サム・アルトマン、ダリオ・アモデイ各氏と会食――サムスン電子とSKハイニックスはすでにヴェラ・ルービン向けHBM4を出荷中。

LGエネルギーソリューション、オハイオ電池工場を再稼働――850人が復職、EV需要の「谷」は転換点へ

LGエネルギーソリューションとGMのUltium Cells合弁が7月27日よりオハイオ州ウォーレン工場に850人を復職させる。EV需要の「谷」が終息に向かう中、2026年下半期の稼働率は46.9%から60%超へ改善する見通し。

サムスン電子、ミストラルAIに10億ユーロ出資交渉――S&Pが見通しをポジティブに格上げ、メモリー超サイクルが欧州AI投資を後押し

サムスン電子（005930.KS）が企業価値200億ユーロでミストラルAIへ約10億ユーロの出資交渉中と報道。S&PはEBITDAが2026年に284億ドルへ4倍増と予測し、見通しをポジティブに格上げ。韓国投資家への主要示唆を解説。

LGディスプレイ2026年Q2：営業損失▲1,077億ウォン、構造改革費用が圧迫もH1黒字転換——iPhone 18 Pro量産開始で下期回復へ

LGディスプレイ(034220.KS)の2026年Q2営業損失は▲1,077億ウォンとコンセンサスを下回った。大規模な構造改革費用が主因で、同費用除きの実質ベースでは約+900億ウォンの黒字と推定される。2026年上半期(H1)は+390億ウォンへ黒字転換。iPhone 18 Pro向けOLEDパネルの量産が2026年6月に開始しており、通期コンセンサス営業利益1兆1,200億ウォンに向けた下期回復の基盤が整いつつある。

KOSPIが6%急騰し7,150に、SKハイニックスが₩2Mの大台に迫る — 半導体ショートスクイーズがQ2決算への布石に

7月22日、KOSPIは+5.96%の7,150で始まり、SKハイニックス(+8.7〜9.2%、KRW1,995,000)が半導体ショートスクイーズを主導。SOXは前夜に5%急騰。SKハイニックスのQ2速報値は本日KRX引け後に発表予定で、コンセンサス営業利益はKRW64.8T（前年同期比+604%）。

Samsung Display to Overtake LG Display in OLED Laptop Panels for the First Time — Korea's 95% Market Grip Bars China

Samsung Display is projected to overtake LG Display in mid-to-large OLED revenue for the first time in Q3 2026, capturing 48% versus LGD's 47%. Korean manufacturers jointly hold ~95% of the laptop and monitor OLED market, while Chinese rivals BOE and EverDisplay hold under 5%. LG Display Q2 2026 results are due July 22.

Apple 'Upgrade' Lease Arrives July 28 — Samsung Electronics Faces Ecosystem Lock-In Threat as Galaxy Unpacked Looms

Apple launches a Klarna-backed lease-to-own programme on July 28, applying ecosystem lock-in pressure on Samsung's ₩2.8T mobile business one day after Galaxy Unpacked.

BlackRock Crosses 5% in KAI and EcoPro — World's Largest Asset Manager Adds Defense and Battery to Its Korea Playbook

BlackRock disclosed 5.02% in Korea Aerospace Industries and 5.01% in EcoPro on July 21, 2026, crossing mandatory disclosure thresholds and extending its Korean portfolio to 19 companies with 5%-plus stakes.

L&F Closes Battery Recycling Loop with CIS Chemical — Korea's First Integrated NCM/LFP Circular Supply Chain

L&F (066970.KQ) has made a strategic investment in CIS Chemical, South Korea's only commercialized LFP hydrometallurgical recycler, closing its preprocessing-to-post-processing loop as Korea's first non-Chinese LFP cathode mass production facility ramps up in Q3 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 22, London: Z Fold 8 Trio, Galaxy Glasses, and the Memory-Cost Pass-Through

Samsung Electronics will host Galaxy Unpacked in London on July 22, unveiling the Z Fold 8 trio (from USD 1,899), Galaxy Glasses, and a new Galaxy Card. With the memory-cost pass-through driving higher ASPs and Q2 full results due July 30, Korea investors are watching 005930.KS supply-chain beneficiaries including Samsung Electro-Mechanics (009150.KS) and Samsung SDI (006400.KS).

Samsung Electronics Launches CEO-Direct 'RX' Robotics Unit — Physical AI Push Targets 2030 Autonomous Factories

Samsung Electronics launches the RX (Robotics eXperience) Business Office under CEO Roh Tae-moon, with Rainbow Robotics (277810.KQ) as the primary listed proxy for the physical AI push.

Shinsegae Bets $500 Million on Aman and Janu — Korea's Retail Giant Eyes Ultra-Luxury Hospitality Pivot

Shinsegae Property and OKO Group (Aman owner) form a USD 500 million JV for ultra-luxury hotel development in Korea and Asia, targeting 2027 Aman Seoul and Janu openings as inbound tourism surges to 18.9M arrivals.

Microsoft Azure Bets on AMD Helios — Samsung Gains as AMD Primary HBM4 Supplier in the GPU Memory Race

Microsoft Azure will deploy AMD Helios racks (72 MI455X GPUs, 31 TB HBM4) in H2 2026. Samsung (005930.KS) is AMD primary HBM4 partner; SK Hynix supplies Nvidia — Korea memory split mapped.

Kakao Bank Calls Full-Day Strike for July 31 as Group-Wide Wage Talks Collapse

Kakao Bank's union has voted for a full-day strike on July 31 after wage negotiations broke down. Kakao Corp talks are deadlocked after two months. We examine the labor cost implications for 035720.KS and 323410.KS investors.

Morgan Stanley's Joseph Moore: Memory Selloff Is a Buy — DRAM to Rise 13–20% in Q3, Shortage Through 2028

Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore upgraded Q3 2026 memory price forecasts and named the recent selloff a buying opportunity. PC DRAM forecast raised to +15–20%, Server DRAM to +13–18%. KOSPI rebounded 2.47% on July 21 with SK Hynix +2.38% and Samsung +3.89%.

SK Hynix (000660.KS) Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: ₩64.8T Operating Profit Consensus as HBM3E Sells Out — Results July 29

SK Hynix Q2 2026 earnings preview: FnGuide consensus at ₩64.8T operating profit (+604% YoY), ~77% margin. HBM3E sold out through 2027; results due July 29.

South Korea Chip Exports Surge 180% in July 1–20, Pushing Semiconductors to 40% of Total Shipments

South Korea's exports surged 52.3% to USD 54.9B in July 1-20, with semiconductor shipments jumping 180% to USD 22.1B as AI-driven HBM demand pushes chips to ~40% of total exports. Trade surplus hit USD 12.2B. Automobile exports fell 10.6%.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard Wins $1.4 Billion Golden Dome Contract to Build Two Missile-Tracking Vessels

Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services win a $1.4 billion U.S. Missile Defense Agency contract for two 'Golden Defender' missile-tracking vessels — cementing Hanwha Ocean's role in U.S. strategic defense shipbuilding and the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding alliance.

Coupang's 299,000 sq m Incheon Logistics Hub Burns for 61 Hours — National Mobilization, Damage Seen at Hundreds of Billions

Coupang logistics center No. 32 (299,000 sq m, Incheon) burned for 61 hours from July 18, with 813 firefighters deployed. Damage estimated at several hundred billion won; CPNG stock held near $16.47 as investors look to the 2021 precedent.

Hanwha Solutions Locks In ₩1.2T Rights Offering at ₩22,100 After FSS Halved Its Capital Plan

Hanwha Solutions (009830.KS) cuts rights offering to ₩1.2T at ₩22,100 after FSS forced two revisions from ₩2.4T. Shareholders subscribe July 22–23; new shares list August 11.

KOSPI Hits 6,515 Intraday as SOX Enters Bear Market, Then Snaps Back — SK Hynix Turns Green Ahead of Earnings

South Korea's KOSPI plunged 4.48% intraday to 6,515 on July 20 as the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) entered bear market territory. But SK Hynix (000660.KS) recovered sharply, turning positive (+1.30%) ahead of its Q2 2026 earnings on July 22.

Samsung and SK Hynix Race to Mass-Produce CXL 3.2 Memory — Adding a New Tier to AI's Memory Hierarchy

Samsung targets year-end CXL 3.2 mass production while SK Hynix shows 256 GB CMM-DDR5 with 35.7% inference gains. CXL adds capacity-tier memory that complements HBM ahead of SK Hynix Q2 earnings on July 22.

Blackstone Buys Controlling Stake in Korea's Futronic for $720M, Betting Automotive Actuators Can Power the Humanoid Era

Blackstone's affiliated PE funds agreed to pay approximately $720M for a controlling stake in Futronic, a South Korean motion-control actuator maker founded in 1993. The deal signals growing global conviction in Korea's humanoid robotics supply chain, with Goldman Sachs projecting Korean companies will support 30% of global humanoid production by 2035.

Naver vs Kakao: Business Comparison for Investors (2026)

Naver (035420) and Kakao (035720) dominate Korea's digital economy. Compare revenues, margins, user bases, and risks to decide which fits your Korea tech thesis.

Samsung Electronics Cuts ~840 U.S. Jobs as Consumer Division Exits New Jersey for Texas

Samsung Electronics America is relocating its U.S. consumer-electronics HQ from Englewood Cliffs, NJ to Plano, TX by end-2026, filing WARN notices for ~840 roles. The move highlights the widening gap between Samsung's record DS chip division (Q2 OP ~KRW 89T) and its margin-pressured DX consumer unit.

LG Chem (051910.KS) Pares Naju Plant to One Line

LG Chem (051910.KS), Korea's largest chemical company and a major battery-materials maker, will close the adhesive production line at its Naju plant in South Je

Korea Loosens Bank-AI Rules; KB's Startup 'Trust Layer' Shows Early Demand

Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC, the country's top financial regulator) has begun dismantling the "network separation" rule that for more than a decade kept cloud-hosted AI walled off from

Samsung Biologics Bets $2.0 Billion on Swiss Peptide Maker PolyPeptide to Enter the GLP-1 Supply Chain

Samsung Biologics (207940.KS), the Songdo-based contract drug manufacturer within Korea's Samsung group, has agreed to acquire 100% of PolyPeptide Group AG, a Swiss-headquartered contract developer and manufacturer of therapeutic peptides, in the largest M&A ever struck by a Korean pharmaceutical or...

Micron Locks In 3-to-5-Year Automotive AI Memory Deals with Hyundai Mobis and Samsung Harman

Micron signed 3-5 year supply deals with Hyundai Mobis (012330.KS) and Samsung Harman for ADAS memory. TrendForce projects SLC NAND prices could surge 120-170% in H2 2026.

Korea Aerospace Industries Completes T-50i Deliveries to Indonesia — KF-21 Export Deal Next in Line

KAI delivered 6 T-50i jets to Indonesia in July 2026 (total: 22). Indonesia may next buy 16 KF-21 fighters (~KRW 3T). KAI stock is 27% below analyst consensus target.

Starbucks Korea's First Union Forms as Q2 Operating Loss Looms — Emart (139480.KS) Faces Compounding Risk

Korea's first coffee-chain union forms at Starbucks Korea as Q2 2026 brings an expected ₩22.9B operating loss — a dual shock for Emart (139480.KS), which owns 67.5% of SCK.

LG Display (034220.KS) Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: Restructuring Trough on July 22 Before Apple OLED Ramp

LG Display reports Q2 2026 on July 22. Consensus: OP loss ₩83–119B on restructuring. Analysts see Q2 as the trough before H2 Apple OLED ramp — BOE shut out of premium models.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: Fire, Tariffs, and a Surprising Divergence

Hyundai Motor reports Q2 on July 23, Kia on July 24. Consensus sees Hyundai OP down ~14% from a factory fire and tariffs; Kia up ~1% on hybrid strength. Three things to watch.

Woori Financial (316140.KS) Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: Indonesia Provisions Booked, ₩958B Rebound on July 24

Woori Financial reports H1 2026 results on July 24 at 16:00 KST. Q2 consensus: ~₩958B (approx. +2% YoY per FnGuide). CET1 record 13.6%; H2 buyback up to ₩350B in view.

Shinhan Financial Group (055550.KS) Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: NIM Lift, ₩5T Milestone, and Lotte Wildcard

Shinhan Financial Group reports Q2 on July 24. Consensus net profit ~₩1.61T (+4% YoY). NIM +1bp to 1.94%, CET1 ~13.5%, and Lotte Non-Life deal are the key watch points.

Hana Financial Group Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: Record Profit, NIM Expansion, and ₩650B H2 Buyback

Hana Financial reports Q2 2026 results July 24. Consensus ₩1.22–1.25T net income (+4–6% YoY), record quarter. Watches: NIM +3bp, ₩650B H2 buyback, Dunamu CET1.

Foreign Investors Net-Sold ₩12.4 Trillion in Korean Stocks in July — but They Are Buying Index ETFs

Foreign investors net-sold ₩12.44T in Korean equities in July (₩12.1T KOSPI + ₩338.1B KOSDAQ) but bought a net ₩593.7B in Korean ETFs. We decode what this divergence signals.

KB Financial (105560.KS) Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: Record Profit, Rate Hike, and H2 Buyback

KB Financial's H1 2026 earnings conference is July 23 at 16:00 KST. Consensus Q2 net profit ₩1.91T (+10%) — here are three things Korea investors must watch.

South Korea's Biggest FX Overhaul Since 1997 Opens Won to Foreign Investors — What It Means for KOSPI

South Korea unveiled its biggest forex reform since 1997: foreigners can open won-denominated accounts overseas from Jan 2027. Here's what KOSPI investors need to know.

Korea Market Week Ahead (July 20–25): SK Hynix Q2 Wednesday, Bank Earnings, Homeplus Verdict

SK Hynix Q2 lands Wed July 22 (OP consensus ₩60–65T, +551–606% YoY). KB Financial call Thu July 23. Homeplus ruling expected. Four key events July 20–25 plus CXMT IPO July 27.

KB Report: Korea Solo Households Rotated Into Stocks at Peak

KB Report: Korea Solo Households Rotated Into Stocks at Peak

Alteogen ALT-B4 Powers Keytruda SC as Celltrion and Samsung Bioepis Field Rival Korean SC Platforms

Alteogen ALT-B4 powers Keytruda SC with up to $890M MSD milestones. Celltrion and Samsung Bioepis now field rival Korean SC platforms ahead of Keytruda's 2028 patent cliff.

SKHY Lands in 11 Korean Active ETFs Six Days After Nasdaq Debut — Three Things to Watch Ahead of Q2 Earnings

SK Hynix ADR (SKHY) entered 11 Korean active ETFs within six days of its July 10 Nasdaq debut. Q2 results come July 22 — three factors every investor must track.

Ecopro BM Sets 2027 Solid Electrolyte Mass-Production Target as All-Solid-State Battery Race Heats Up in Korea

Korea's largest cathode material maker sets 2027 as its solid electrolyte mass-production target, disclosing a full all-solid-state battery roadmap with 30+ global companies verifying its pilot materials.

Korea Triples Chip ETF Deposit to ₩30M, Halts New Listings as 'SamNick' Funds Draw ₩7.3 Trillion

Korea's FSC tripled the minimum deposit for Samsung and SK Hynix leveraged ETFs to ₩30M and halted new listings after ₩7.3T in total net inflows as funds fell nearly 50%.

Gong Cha's $2 Billion Auction Pits MBK Against Global Giants — Korea, Its Top Market, Hemorrhages Profit

TA Associates is pursuing a $2 billion (~₩3 trillion) sale of global bubble tea franchise Gong Cha, with Bain Capital, General Atlantic, and Korea's MBK Partners in the running. South Korea remains the brand's largest market at ~900 stores but saw operating profit plunge 78% in 2023 as value-coffee chains Mega Coffee and Compose Coffee take share.

HYBE Q2 2026 Earnings Preview: BTS World Tour Targets ₩1.2 Trillion Quarter

HYBE (352820.KS) Q2 2026 results due late July; consensus revenue ₩1.2T (~$822M), +70.5% YoY. BTS world tour powers first full stadium-concert quarter.

CXMT Prices China's Record USD 9.8 Billion IPO at USD 85 Billion — Samsung and SK Hynix Hold the HBM Line

China's CXMT launches Asia's largest semiconductor IPO of 2026 at USD 85.6 billion valuation, raising up to USD 9.83 billion. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix fall in U.S. trading but retain strategic HBM market dominance with approximately 79% combined share.

Korea's Big Three Department Stores Each Near ₩1 Trillion in Foreign Sales as K-Wave Tourism Breaks H1 Records

Korea's three largest department store operators collectively booked ₩1.68 trillion in foreign sales in H1 2026, nearing their full-year 2025 totals, with all three chains projecting first-ever annual foreign revenues above ₩1 trillion as K-wave-driven tourism hits record highs.

SK Hynix Tables Stock-for-Bonus Plan Worth ₩25 Trillion as Union Balks Over Forced Tax Sales

SK Hynix proposes paying its record KRW 25 trillion bonus pool partly in treasury shares. Workers face income-tax bills they must sell stock to cover.

MBK Puts Chairman's Personal Wealth Behind Homeplus as Meritz Extends ₩200 Billion Last-Ditch Rescue

Meritz Financial Group (138040.KS) approved a ₩200B emergency loan to save Homeplus. MBK Partners chairman stakes personal assets as 12,000 jobs and ₩1.2T in exposure hang in the balance.

Align Partners Calls for JB-BNK Regional Bank Merger to Build Korea's Largest Regional Lender at ₩234 Trillion

South Korean activist investor Align Partners has formally called on JB Financial Group and BNK Financial Group to review a merger that would create Korea's largest regional bank with USD 157 billion in combined assets, targeting a post-merger ROE of 12.8%.

Naver vs Coupang 2026: KRW 33 Billion Kurly Bet and First Fulfillment Centers Reset Korea E-Commerce Race

Naver injected KRW 33B into Kurly (stake to 6.2%) and is scouting its first fulfillment centers as Coupang data breach handed Korea No. 2 a 45% MAU surge.

Hyundai Motor Takes 100% Control of Boston Dynamics for $325M as SoftBank Exits — 25,000 Atlas Robots Cleared for Korean and U.S. Plants by 2028

Hyundai acquires SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325M, securing full ownership. 25,000 Atlas robots set for Korean and U.S. factory deployment by 2028.

K-Pop Album Exports Hit Record $257M in H1 2026 — BTS "Arirang" Drives 125% Surge, Setting Up HYBE's July 28 Earnings Test

South Korea's K-pop album exports hit a record USD 257.48M in H1 2026 (+125% YoY). BTS's 'Arirang' topped the Billboard 200 for three consecutive weeks; HYBE reported record Q1 revenue of ₩698.3B (+39.5% YoY). HYBE reports Q2 2026 earnings July 28.

Samsung Galaxy Glasses Meet Meta Head-On With $379–$499 Bet on AI Fashion — Gentle Monster Puts Korea at the Heart of the Wearable Race

Samsung is set to unveil Galaxy Glasses at Unpacked on July 22, 2026. Leaked pricing at $379–$499 matches Meta's Ray-Ban Gen 2. Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster co-designs one frame line, adding Korean design credentials to Samsung's DX growth push.

Korea's Power Grid Trio Locks In ₩1.43T in Contracts as AI Data Centers Trigger a Transformer Supercycle

HD Hyundai Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and LS Electric announced a combined ₩1.43 trillion in power infrastructure contracts on July 2, 2026, driven by AI data center construction and aging US grid replacement. The trio's combined 2026 operating profit is forecast to approach ₩3 trillion, up 38% year-on-year.

Samsung Q2 2026 Full Results Due July 30: Three Figures Behind the ₩89.4T Headline

Samsung posted ₩89.4T operating profit in Q2 2026 (preliminary, July 7). Full segment breakdown — DS, MX, foundry — releases July 30. Three numbers that will move 005930.KS.

Apple Enters DOJ Settlement Talks — Samsung Korea Subpoenaed as Case's 'Most Relevant Third Party'

Apple entered early settlement talks with the U.S. DOJ over its 2024 antitrust case. Samsung Korea is at the center — subpoenaed for discovery, named as Apple's closest competitor.

SKHY ADR Premium Drops 28 Points From 51% to 23% in Two Sessions: Constitution Day, Options Expiry

SKHY ADR premium compressed from a same-session peak of 51% on July 14 to ~23% on July 16 in two sessions. KRX closed today for Korea's reinstated Constitution Day.

Meritz Financial Approves ₩200 Billion DIP Loan for Homeplus as MBK Chair Stakes Personal Guarantee Before July 20 Court Deadline

Meritz Financial Group approved a ₩200 billion debtor-in-possession loan for Homeplus on July 16, with MBK Partners Chairman Michael Kim providing a personal guarantee for the full amount. The deal enables Homeplus to appeal Seoul Bankruptcy Court's rehabilitation termination before the July 20 deadline. Korean bank creditors hold an estimated ₩1 trillion in combined exposure.

Kia Partners With Kakao Mobility to Build Purpose-Built Robotaxis as Seoul Sets October Level-4 Debut

Kia and Kakao Mobility ink a PBV robotaxi co-development MOU, with Kia supplying PV5 DevKit vans for Seoul's 2026 pilot as both partners target Korea's first unmanned Level-4 commercial service in October.

Micron Locks In Hyundai Mobis and Samsung's Harman on 3-5 Year AI Vehicle Chip Deals

Micron Technology secured 3-5 year strategic supply agreements with Hyundai Mobis and Samsung's Harman for AI-enabled vehicle memory. What it means for Korea's three-way automotive chip race.

KAI Completes T-50i Deliveries to Indonesia, Opening KRW 2.5T KF-21 Revenue Window

KAI delivered its final T-50i batch to Indonesia on July 16, completing 22 total units and cementing a relationship that anchors a KRW 2.5 trillion KF-21 fighter revenue stream beginning Q1 2026. With Q1 revenue forecast up 53.4% YoY and 94+ FA-50 aircraft in global negotiation, analysts maintain a Buy consensus with a 37% upside target.

EU Forces Android Open: Samsung (005930.KS) Gemini at Risk

The European Commission (the EU's executive arm and top antitrust enforcer) on July 16, 2026 issued two binding orders requiring Alphabet's Google to open its Android operating system to rival artificial-intelligence assistants and to share Google Search data with competing search providers.

SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won: 'AI Memory Demand Will Rise 20x by 2030 — Just Hold SK Hynix'

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won told a KCCI summer forum to stop trading SK Hynix and hold long-term, citing AI memory demand expanding roughly 20x from 2026 to 2030 and SK Hynix 56.4% global HBM market share.

Bank of Korea's First Rate Hike in 3.5 Years: 2.75%, October Next, 3% by Year-End

Bank of Korea hikes 25bp to 2.75% (7-0 vote): first rate rise in 3.5 years. CPI at 3.2%, October hike expected, year-end consensus 3%. Won firms; bank stocks jump.

Uber's $14.8 Billion Delivery Hero Bet Delivers Baemin to Its Global Platform — Now It Faces Coupang

Uber agreed to buy Delivery Hero for $14.8 billion, handing it Baemin — South Korea's dominant food-delivery app with 15.24M weekly users. KFTC scrutiny and Coupang's competitive response are key investor risks.

KB Financial Launches ₩100 Billion AX Digital Asset Fund, Betting on Korea's Stablecoin and CBDC Race

KB Financial Group (105560.KS) launches the ₩100 billion KB AX Digital Asset Fund targeting stablecoin, CBDC, and AI startups. Five group affiliates serve as LPs and KB Investment as GP. The move pre-positions Korea's largest commercial bank ahead of the Digital Asset Framework Act expected in late 2026.

SK Innovation Upgrades Draw 71% Upside as Hana Cites Lube Oil Squeeze and Korea's Mega-Project Power Play

Hana Securities raises SK Innovation (096770.KS) target to KRW 200,000 (71% upside), forecasting record KRW 6.5T FY2026 operating profit on lube oil supply squeeze and hidden value in SK E&S merger and TerraPower SMR stake.

Google Gemini Delay Won't Dent Samsung, SK hynix HBM Demand

Alphabet's Google has pushed back Gemini 3.5 Pro, its most powerful flagship AI model, after concluding the technology fell short of internal goals — particular

SKHY Q2 2026 Earnings: Date, Consensus, and Three Metrics to Watch

SK Hynix (SKHY) releases Q2 2026 results July 22; conference call July 29 at 9 a.m. KST. Consensus OP ~₩65T vs ₩9.2T in Q2 2025. Three metrics Nasdaq investors need to watch.

TSMC Q2 Revenue Hits Record $40.2B, Raises Capex to $64B: What It Means for Samsung Foundry and SK Hynix

TSMC's Q2 2026 revenue reached a record $40.2 billion at 60.3% operating margin, with net income of approximately $22.4 billion. The company raised FY2026 capex guidance to $60–64 billion and pledged a fresh $100 billion for its Arizona operations, signaling an extended AI chip investment cycle with direct implications for SK Hynix HBM demand and Samsung Foundry's competitive position.

BoK Raises to 2.75% in 3.5-Year First: What the Hike Means for KB, Shinhan, and Hana NIM

Bank of Korea unanimously raised rates 25bp to 2.75% on July 16 — first hike in 3.5 years. What it means for NIM, H2 earnings, and buybacks at KB, Shinhan, and Hana.

Korea's Finance Chiefs Call Emergency F4 Meeting, Freeze New Samsung-Hynix Leveraged ETFs and Triple Investor Deposit to ₩30 Million

South Korea's top financial regulators convened an emergency F4 meeting on July 16 to freeze new single-stock leveraged ETF listings and raise the investor deposit threshold to ₩30 million, targeting extreme KOSPI volatility from Samsung-Hynix ETF speculation.

Samsung and Apple Are the Only Foreign AIs Approved in China — Galaxy AI Goes Live With Baidu, ByteDance Partners

China's CAC approved Samsung Galaxy AI and Apple Intelligence as the only two foreign AI services in its latest eight-platform batch, opening a new phase of the AI smartphone race in the world's largest market.

Samsung's Chip-Equipment Arm Semes Launches First Union as Supercycle Pay Demands Reach Korea Supply Chain

Semes Co., Korea's largest semiconductor equipment maker, launched its first labor union on 15 July 2026, demanding performance bonuses linked to Samsung's DS semiconductor-division benchmarks. Tokyo Electron Korea is also forming a union.

HD Korea Shipbuilding (KSOE) Posts ₩1.44T Q2 Operating Profit, Up 51%, as LNG Cycle Matures Into Margin

HD KSOE (009540.KS) posted Q2 2026 preliminary operating profit of ₩1.44T (+50.8% YoY) on revenue of ₩8.63T (+16.1%), sustaining a ~16.7% OP margin. Order intake of USD 16.4B already covers 70.3% of the USD 23.31B annual target.

Google (GOOGL) Android Fee Cut to Reach Korea by December

Google (GOOGL) has run out of legal room to slow the opening of Android. On July 15 the company and Epic Games jointly withdrew a modified settlement they had h

Samsung's ₩40T Bonus Deal Faces Shareholder Rebellion: Activist Platform Asks NPS to Force AGM Vote

Samsung minority shareholders, via activist platform ACT, are pushing Korea's National Pension Service to demand a formal AGM vote on the company's ₩40T annual profit-linked bonus scheme for its DS semiconductor division before any payouts are made.

KOSPI Vaults 6.2% and Triggers Buy Sidecar as Barclays' SK Hynix "Double" Call and US CPI Miss Reverse the Rout

Seoul stocks rebounded sharply on July 15 as softer US CPI data and a Barclays upgrade on SK Hynix ADRs drove a 6.24% KOSPI advance to 7,284. A buy-side sidecar was triggered at the open. Foreigners purchased ₩2.34T net, more than doubling the prior session.

Seoul Raids Rambus, Renesas, Montage Over Chip Price-Fixing

On July 15, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office — Korea's lead body for major economic-crime prosecutions — searched the Korean offices of three glob

Hanwha Corp Shareholders Vote 99.9% to Split Conglomerate, Sharpening Kim Succession Map for Defence and Energy

Hanwha Corp. shareholders voted 99.9% to approve a corporate split on July 15, separating defence, energy and financial assets into the existing entity while spinning off machinery, hospitality and robotics into a new company listing August 25. The restructuring clarifies Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan's succession claim over Hanwha Aerospace, Ocean, and Solutions.

BoK Hikes July 16: KB Financial, Shinhan, and Hana — The NIM Playbook for Tomorrow

BoK is set to hike 25bp to 2.75% on July 16 — its first rate hike since 2023. Here is what the decision means for KB, Shinhan, and Hana Financial NIMs.

Samsung (005930.KS) ₩600M DS Bonus Sparks DX Union Rally

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), South Korea's largest listed company, faces a staff rally on Thursday, July 16, over a pay fight that has turned its own workfo

ASML Raises 2026 Outlook Again on HBM-Driven EUV Demand

ASML, the Dutch supplier that builds the world's only extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems, beat its own guidance in the second quarter and lifted its full-year 2026 forecast for the second time this year — a read that matters less for the company itself than for its two largest Korean customers, Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and SK Hynix (000660.KS), whose AI-memory buildout is substantially reflected in ASML's order book.

LG Energy Solution Wins Google's Steel River Battery Order, Largest U.S. Solar-Storage Project

LGES wins Google's Steel River battery supply deal: 2.0 GWh LFP initially, expanding to 2.9 GWh by 2029. North American manufacturing secures IRA AMPC credits. Follow-on to May 2026 DTE Energy order.

Korea, US and Japan Sign SMR Pact: Doosan Enerbility, HD Hyundai and SK Eye Global Nuclear Market

South Korea signed a trilateral SMR cooperation pact with the US and Japan. Doosan Enerbility is investing ₩806.8B in a Changwon SMR facility; SK Group holds USD 250M in TerraPower; HD Hyundai Heavy develops floating nuclear plants.

Celltrion (068270.KS) Eyes $5B Tremfya with Phase 1 Trial

Celltrion, one of South Korea's leading biosimilar developers (068270.KS), said on July 15 it has won approval from the MFDS — South Korea's Ministry of Food an

SK Hynix (000660.KS) Falls 36%; KB Sees HBM Shortage to 2028

Shares of SK Hynix (000660.KS), the world's second-largest memory-chip maker and the leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM, the stacked DRAM that feeds

Samsung (005930.KS) Cuts Foldable Perk as Memory Costs Bite

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest maker of both smartphones and memory chips, is quietly scaling back one of its most popular pre-order incen

Hyundai Motor Workers Walk Out Over Wages and AI Job Fears as Three-Day Partial Strike Begins

Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) workers launched a three-day partial strike on July 13 after 15 rounds of wage negotiations failed. The four-hours-per-day walkout threatens ₩200B in revenue and comes amid union anxiety over AI-driven automation at Hyundai's U.S. plants.

Celltrion Halts EU Keytruda Biosimilar Trial and Trims FDA Study to 220 Patients as Global Regulators Ease Phase 3 Rules

Celltrion halted its EU Phase 3 clinical trial for CT-P51 (Keytruda biosimilar) on July 14 and reduced its FDA trial enrollment from 606 to 220 patients, responding to global regulatory shifts that allow biosimilar approvals with smaller or no Phase 3 data.

SKHY ADR Premium Swings From 3% to 26% in First Week: What Investors Must Know

SK Hynix SKHY ADR premium spiked to 25.6% during Seoul's 15.4% crash on July 13, settling at 16% by July 14 close. How the premium works and what it means for US investors.

Samsung Reclaims Global Smartphone No. 1 in Q2 2026 as AI Strategy Delivers; ADR Listing Ruled Out

Samsung Electronics reclaimed global smartphone No. 1 in Q2 2026 with 24% market share, ahead of Apple at 20%, as global shipments fell 11% — worst Q2 since 2013. Samsung denied Bloomberg's report of a US ADR listing.

Hanmi Semiconductor Posts Founding-High Q2 Profit as HBM4 TC Bonder Orders Surge

Hanmi Semiconductor (042700.KQ) disclosed record Q2 2026 revenue of ₩251.1B (+39.5% YoY) and operating profit of ₩130.3B (+51.0%), with OPM hitting 51.9% — its highest ever. HBM4 TC bonder and MSVP orders drove the beat; a 2nd-gen Hybrid Bonder prototype is due Q4 2026.

Samsung SDI (006400.KS) Wins World-First UL Indoor Fire Test

Samsung SDI (006400.KS), the battery arm of the Samsung group and one of Korea's three major lithium-ion cell makers alongside LG Energy Solution and SK On, said on July 14 that its UPS battery became the world's first to pass UL Solutions' Indoor Large-Scale Fire Test, a new safety certification increasingly required for AI data-center battery procurement.

Samsung Grants ₩322.8B Treasury Stock to 928 Executives as Long-Term Pay

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest memory-chip and smartphone maker, disclosed on July 13 that it will dispose of 1,132,477 common treasury shares worth roughly ₩64.6 billion ($47 million) to 928 executives as long-term performance pay.

SK Hynix Open to Joint Venture for Honam Fab as Korea Eases Holding Company Rules

South Korea is amending its Fair Trade Act to allow holding company subsidiaries to accept minority outside investors in non-capital-region advanced-tech fabs. SK Hynix signalled openness to a JV for its Honam fab, potentially reducing tens of trillions of won in self-funding burden. Legislative target: September 2026.

Fidelity and BlackRock Quietly Cut Korea Chip Stakes as AI Cycle-Peak Debate Sends KOSPI Down 9%

Fidelity International and BlackRock have trimmed Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC positions as AI-cycle peak concerns mount. SK Hynix fell a record 15.4% in Seoul as its Nasdaq ADR dropped 9.3% on day two, while the KOSPI tumbled ~9% — now 25%+ below its June 22 all-time high.

Korean Shipbuilders on Course for Record ₩10 Trillion Year as LNG Carrier Profits Surge

Korea's three major shipbuilders are on track for a combined Q2 2026 operating profit of ₩2.33 trillion (+52.5% YoY), driven by LNG carrier deliveries from the 2022-2024 upcycle. Full-year consensus points to ₩9.04 trillion with upside to ₩10 trillion.

SK Hynix's Nasdaq Triumph Backfires in Seoul: 15% Crash Triggers Circuit Breaker as KOSPI Falls 9%

SK Hynix fell a record 15.4% in Seoul on July 13, 2026, triggering both a sidecar and full KOSPI circuit breaker, as the ADR dual-listing premium drove sell-the-news selling. SKHY Nasdaq ADRs dropped 9.3% on day two; US memory peers fell 6%+.

How to Buy Korean Stocks as a Foreign Investor (2026 Complete Guide)

Three routes to Korean stocks in 2026: ETF (EWY), US ADRs (SKHY, PKX, KB), or direct KRX via Interactive Brokers. Covers dividend tax rates, fees, and account setup.

TSMC June Revenue +68%: Samsung, SK Hynix Face July 16 Test

TSMC (TSM; Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest contract chip manufacturer) reported record June revenue of NT$442.68 billion (about US$14.6 billion), up 67.9% from a year earlier and 6.2% above the previous monthly record set in May, according to the company's monthly disclosure as reported by Chosun Biz and CNBC.

Samsung's Largest Union Says 84% of Members Oppose Honam ₩40 Trillion Fab, Calls for Tripartite Talks

Samsung's largest union released survey results showing 84% of members oppose the government-backed \u20a940 trillion Honam semiconductor fab, citing forced transfers, work hour contradictions, and internal management reluctance.

KakaoPay Securities Secures Investment Dealing License, Poised to Challenge Korea's IPO Underwriting Hierarchy

KakaoPay Securities (377300.KS subsidiary) secures FSC investment dealing licence on July 1 2026, enabling IPO underwriting and full securities dealing for the first time. Deposits exceed ₩20T, 500K+ RIA accounts.

Korea's Courts Are Rewriting Platform Antitrust Rules — And Coupang Holds the Biggest Liability

Korea's courts are carving out a rationality-based antitrust standard for platform algorithms, diverging from EU's DMA. Naver won a partial Supreme Court reversal, KakaoMobility's ₩27.1B fine was overturned, but Coupang faces ₩162.8B in pending liability at Seoul High Court.

Bank of Korea Pushes Back on Peak-Out Fears: AI Chip Upcycle Has 'Considerable Period' to Run

The Bank of Korea submitted analysis to the National Assembly on July 13, 2026, defending the AI semiconductor upcycle. Central bank cites HBM supply constraints limiting capacity expansion, with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley forecasting robust global semiconductor markets through 2027+. Context: Samsung -9%, SK Hynix -15% in recent sessions despite record Q2 earnings. KOSPI forward P/E near 6.8x — GFC-level discount.

Samsung Pulls Forward Yongin Chip Hub's First Fab to 2029, Racing to Meet AI Demand

Samsung Electronics is accelerating the opening of its first Yongin fabrication plant to 2029, one to two years earlier than planned, to capitalize on surging AI chip demand.

Tesla and BYD Claim One-in-Four Korean Car Sales as Import Share Tops 25% for the First Time

South Korea's import car market crossed 25% share for the first time in H1 2026, driven by Tesla (+192% YoY to 56,139 units) and BYD's market debut, raising structural pressure on Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) in their home market.

KOSPI Circuit Breakers & Sidecar Rules: Complete 2026 Guide

Complete guide to KOSPI circuit breakers (−8%/−15%/−20%) and sidecars (±5% futures). Includes all 2026 activations and comparison to U.S. rules.

Hoban Closes to Record 0.42-Point Gap in Hanjin KAL as Proxy Battle Heats Up

Hoban Group bought 1.13 million Hanjin KAL shares on July 11, lifting its stake to 20.15% vs. Walter Cho's 20.57% — the slimmest margin on record. With Delta Air Lines and Korea Development Bank backing Cho at ~46%, full control remains out of reach. But the NPS at 5.46% could be decisive if Hoban escalates to a formal proxy contest.

Bank of Korea July Preview: First Rate Hike Since 2023 Expected on July 16

The Bank of Korea meets July 16 with consensus for a 25bp hike to 2.75% — the first increase since January 2023. What it means for the won, banks, and the SKHY premium.

SK Hynix (SKHY) Options Start Trading This Week: What US Investors Should Know

SKHY options are expected to start trading around July 14. The ADR's ~15% premium to Seoul shares, unresolved conversion rules, and what US investors should watch.

EcoPro BM Completes Global Roadshow to Defend KRW 1.2T Rights Offering, Reveals Two-Phase Indonesia Nickel Plan Covering 1.5 Million EVs

EcoPro BM wrapped a seven-day global investor roadshow defending its KRW 1.2T rights offering with a two-phase Indonesia nickel strategy that secures 65,000 t/y — enough for 1.5 million EVs — via an existing Sulawesi smelter license that Indonesia has since frozen to new entrants.

Shinhan (055550.KS) Chair Flies to London With Value-Up Plan

Shinhan Financial Group (055550.KS), one of South Korea's four largest financial holding companies, sent the chair of its board of directors—not its chief execu

CXMT's DRAM Share Triples to 8% as Apple Weighs China-Sold iPhone Deal — Samsung and SK Hynix's Commodity Edge Faces New Test

China's CXMT grew its global DRAM market share from 3% to 8% in Q1 2026 while Apple reportedly evaluates CXMT chips for China-sold iPhones. Samsung and SK Hynix are accelerating KRW 400 trillion Gwangju fab investments, but new capacity won't arrive until H2 2027.

KB Financial (105560.KS) Maps AI-Led 2027-2029 Strategy

KB Financial Group (105560.KS), Korea's most profitable financial holding company — 2025 net profit of KRW 5.84 trillion (approximately USD 4.26 billion) — used

Samsung (005930.KS) ₩46T HBM Plant Clears Fast-Track Permit

Asan City, a manufacturing hub in South Chungcheong province about 90 km south of Seoul, said this week it has opened fast-track permitting for Samsung Electron

Hanwha Pushes KAI Stake to 12.4% With ₩500 Billion Top-Up, Reviving Debate Over Korea's Only Fighter Jet Maker

Hanwha Group raised its KAI stake to 12.44% with a ₩500 billion purchase on July 8, extending a systematic accumulation that began in November 2025 and reigniting debate over privatization of Korea's sole integrated aircraft manufacturer, which posted record Q1 revenue of ₩1.09 trillion.

Korea's Financial Giants Enter Crypto as Mirae Asset Clears Korbit Deal While Naver-Dunamu Tie-Up Stalls

Korea's FTC approved Mirae Asset Consulting's ₩133.5B (92.06%) acquisition of Korbit on July 9, marking Korea's first financial conglomerate takeover of a licensed crypto exchange. Meanwhile, Naver Financial's ₩15.1T deal for Upbit operator Dunamu has been pushed to a December 31 deadline amid antitrust and regulatory uncertainty.

TPG Wins Exclusive Bid for Lotte Rental Stake as Global PE Firms Circle Korea's Rental Car Market

TPG has won exclusive due diligence rights for a 61.21% controlling stake in Lotte Rental (089860.KS), Korea's second-largest car rental company, at over KRW 1 trillion (~USD 662 million). The deal beat out KKR, Carlyle, EQT, and Bain Capital. Affinity Equity Partners was blocked by the FTC due to its existing ownership of SK Rent-a-Car.

Korea Pivots Back to LNG as AI Chip Clusters Create 6.3 GW Electricity Gap

South Korea is reversing course on natural gas policy, potentially raising LNG's share of the power mix to meet the 6.3 GW electricity demand from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix's planned semiconductor cluster. KOGAS and KEPCO are the primary listed beneficiaries of the policy shift.

BGF Retail Posts Best Q1 Operating Profit in Five Years as CU Convenience Fee Margins Recover

BGF Retail (282330.KS), operator of Korea largest convenience store chain CU, posted Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 38.1 billion, up 68.6% year-on-year, on revenue of KRW 2,120.4 billion. Net income more than doubled to KRW 29.3 billion, a 119% increase.

HLB's Liver Cancer Combo Hits Third FDA Roadblock as China Partner's Plant Fails Inspection

HLB Inc. receives its third FDA complete response letter for the rivoceranib-camrelizumab combination in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The rejection again cites manufacturing deficiencies at partner Hengrui Pharma's China facility, not clinical efficacy. HLB stock plunged to the daily lower limit of KRW 36,600 (-29.89%), with all HLB Group stocks hitting daily limits on Korean exchanges.

KakaoBank Signs Strategic Stake in Mongolia's M Bank to Export AI Credit Model

KakaoBank CEO Yoon Ho-young signed a strategic equity stake with MCS Group and M Bank at the Korea-Mongolia Business Forum, marking the bank's first overseas equity investment and beginning its AI credit-scoring technology export.

Three Korean IT Giants Form First-Ever Unions in One Week as Bonus Gap With Chip Divisions Widens

Samsung SDS, Hyundai AutoEver, and Shinsegae I&C formed their first-ever unions in one week (July 6–8, 2026), driven by the widening bonus gap with chip-division peers at Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

Hanwha Qcells Builds America's Largest Renewable Complex — 2.8 GW Solar and 5.7 GWh Storage in Arizona

Hanwha Qcells is executing engineering, procurement, and construction for all 14 projects within Atlas Energy Park in Arizona — the US's largest renewable energy complex at 2.8 GW solar and 5.7 GWh storage, with LG Energy Solution supplying 4.8 GWh of batteries by October 2026.

SK Hynix (SKHY) $26.5B ADR Debut Surges 14% on Nasdaq

SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker behind Samsung Electronics, made its U.S. market debut on Friday, and the numbers were built for headlines

Lutnick Calls on Samsung and SK Hynix to Build U.S. Memory Factories as Micron Commits $250 Billion

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly called on Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and SK Hynix (000660.KS) to build more memory factories in America, speaking at Micron Technology's $250B US investment ceremony in Clay, New York on July 9. The statement creates fresh policy pressure on Korean chipmakers already committed to a combined ₩895T domestic semiconductor buildout.

Samsung SDI (006400.KS) Wins 66% of Korea's AI Grid-ESS

South Korea on July 10 awarded its first government-backed grid-ESS project — 640 MWh across 32 distribution lines — with Samsung SDI (006400.KS), Korea's prism

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) Union Fights Voucher Bill

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest memory-chip maker, saw its biggest labor union—representing roughly 73,000 members, or about 57 percent of

Hyundai Motor Opens Korea's First Waste-to-Hydrogen Facility, Turning Sewage Sludge Into Fuel for 100 Cars a Day

Hyundai Motor Group opened HTWO Energy Cheongju on July 9, 2026 — Korea's first waste-to-hydrogen facility, producing 500 kg/day of clean hydrogen from municipal sewage sludge, with a 2030 target of 2 metric tons/day.

SK Hynix (000660.KS) Prices $26.5B Record Nasdaq ADR Debut

SK Hynix (000660.KS), the world's second-largest memory-chip maker and the dominant supplier of AI high-bandwidth memory, has priced its US share sale at $149 p

KakaoBank (323410.KS) Wage Talks Collapse, Strike Risk Rises

KakaoBank (323410.KS), Korea's largest internet-only bank by customer count, saw its 2026 wage and collective-bargaining negotiations break down after talks tha

Korea Claims No. 2 FDA Biosimilar Slot as Samsung Biologics' $280M U.S. Plant Anchors Next Growth Phase

Korea holds 19 FDA biosimilar approvals (No. 2 globally). Samsung Biologics completes $280M GSK Rockville acquisition, raising total CDMO capacity to 845,000L. H1 2026 saw 6 new approvals vs 18 in 2025.

Samsung (005930.KS) MX Unit Eyes First-Ever Quarterly Loss

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) flashed preliminary second-quarter earnings guidance showing record group results this week — and brokerages now say the same me

KakaoPay (377300.KS) HQ Raided Over Alipay Data Transfer

South Korean police searched the headquarters of KakaoPay (KRX: 377300), the country's largest mobile-payment platform and an affiliate of messaging giant Kakao

SK Hynix Prices Nasdaq ADR at $149, 7× Oversubscribed Before SKHY Debut Tomorrow

SK Hynix has priced its Nasdaq ADR at USD 149 per share—7× oversubscribed—ahead of the SKHY debut on July 10. The ₩43 trillion raise is the second-largest foreign listing in US history after Alibaba's 2014 IPO, with proceeds earmarked for HBM capacity and EUV equipment.

Kia Names Production Expert Song Min-su Co-CEO as H1 Sales Reach Record 1.63 Million Vehicles

Kia appoints Song Min-su as co-CEO, creating a dual-leadership structure with CEO Song Ho-sung. H1 2026 global deliveries rose 2.7% YoY to a record 1.63 million vehicles, putting the automaker on track for its fourth consecutive year of record annual sales.

L&F and LS Group Complete 40,000-Ton NCM Precursor Plant at Saemangeum, Targeting Q4 2026 Commercial Launch

LLBS, the L&F-LS Group joint venture, has completed a 40,000-tonne-per-year NCM precursor facility at Saemangeum, targeting Q4 2026 commercial operation. Backed by over KRW 1 trillion in investment, the project enables vertical integration from refined nickel to finished cathode material and reduces Korea dependence on Chinese precursor suppliers.

Kakao Mobility Signs SDV MOU with Renault Korea (035720.KS)

Kakao Mobility, the ride-hailing and navigation arm of Kakao Corp (035720.KS), and Renault Korea, the Korean carmaker majority-owned by France's Renault Group, signed a memorandum of understanding on July 8 to jointly develop next-generation in-vehicle software and high-precision map data for advanced driver-assistance systems and infotainment.

TSMC and Samsung Raise Foundry Prices 5–15%, Signaling a Structural Shift to Supplier Market as AI Demand Overwhelms Advanced Node Capacity

TSMC has notified Nvidia, Apple and AMD of 5-10% price increases on 3nm through 7nm wafer processes, while Samsung Electronics is raising foundry rates ~15% on 4nm and automotive 8nm nodes for new customers. The coordinated moves signal a structural shift from buyer to supplier pricing power, driven by AI infrastructure demand outpacing advanced node capacity.

Kakao Games Burns 500,000 Treasury Shares in First Cancellation Since 2020 IPO, Pairs With RSU Program

Kakao Games (293490.KQ) announces its first-ever treasury share cancellation since its 2020 IPO, retiring 500,000 shares on July 15 and introducing an RSU plan for employees.

Korea Disinformation Law: NAVER, Kakao Named—Posters Pay

South Korea's telecom regulator on the morning of July 8 formally notified eight online platforms that they are now subject to a revised Information and Communi

Samsung Confirms Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in London for July 22, CEO Bets on Personal AI Over Raw Intelligence

Samsung Electronics locks in Galaxy Unpacked 2026 for July 22 in London, promising a new foldable lineup centered on personal AI — a pivotal second growth narrative for KOSPI investors alongside the ongoing memory supercycle.

LG Electronics (066570.KS) Bets on Chip Gear at Nano Korea

LG Electronics (066570.KS), the LG Group's flagship electronics maker, displayed no televisions and no home appliances at Nano Korea 2026, filling its booth at KINTEX in Goyang with semiconductor back-end equipment instead.

CXMT's $4.1 Billion IPO Filing Omits HBM Investment, Easing Near-Term Threat to Samsung and SK Hynix

CXMT's $4.1 billion Shanghai IPO filing contains no HBM capex commitment, keeping the global HBM oligopoly — dominated by SK Hynix and Samsung — intact for the foreseeable future.

HD Korea Shipbuilding Signs MOU With Schneider Electric to Develop Floating Data Centers, Tapping AI Infrastructure Boom

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (010140.KS) and Schneider Electric signed a July 8 MOU to develop floating data centers, combining offshore platform engineering with power and cooling expertise to target AI infrastructure demand from North America.

Pentagon Issues First Naval RFI to Korean Shipbuilders Under MASGA, Opening Path to USD 40B Annual Market

The Pentagon and US Navy have sent formal Requests for Information to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries — marking the first official RFI to Korean yards under the MASGA initiative and opening a potential path into the USD 40.1B annual US naval shipbuilding market.

Kakao (035720.KS) Targets Cut as AI Revenue Remains Unproven

Kakao Corp (035720.KS), the operator of Korea's near-ubiquitous KakaoTalk messaging app and one of the country's two dominant internet platforms, has drawn pric

Korean Bank Stocks Rally as Chip Rotation Meets Buyback Bets

Korean bank stocks opened higher on July 8, 2026, extending a run that has made the sector one of the year's most reliable havens whenever the KOSPI wobbles. By

EU Finalizes Anti-Dumping Duties on Korean Tires Made in China, Forcing Kumho and Nexen to Accelerate Production Shift

The EU confirmed definitive anti-dumping duties on Korean tires made in China: 29.9% for Kumho and Nexen, 3.4% for Hankook. Europe represents 40% of the three makers' combined revenue.

Hugel Doubles Botulinum Toxin Capacity to 13 Million Vials, Awaiting FDA Nod for New Plant as Letybo Drives 69% Export Mix

Hugel (145020.KQ) doubled its annual botulinum toxin production to 13 million vials with Building B at Chuncheon. FY2025 revenue hit KRW 425.1B (+16.4% 5yr CAGR), OPM ~47%. US FDA registration pending — a key catalyst for Letybo's commercial ramp across 70+ markets.

South Korea Launches NATO Procurement Talks, Unlocking $9.9B Alliance Market for Defense Firms

Seoul launched formal negotiations for a NATO procurement framework agreement at the Ankara summit, targeting a $9.9B annual market. South Korea gained observer status in NATO's Defense Critical Raw Materials Initiative. Listed beneficiaries include Hanwha Aerospace (267110.KS), KAI (047810.KS), Hyundai Rotem (064350.KS), and LIG Nex1 (079550.KS).

Samsung (005930.KS): Lee at Sun Valley to Win AI Chip Deals

Lee Jae-yong, executive chairman of Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and head of Korea's most valuable company, left Seoul on July 7 for the annual Sun Valley Co

Samsung Distributes ₩344.5B in Treasury Shares to 49,345 Non-Semiconductor Employees

Samsung's board approved a ₩344.5 billion treasury share payout for 49,345 DX and CSS employees on July 7, with distribution scheduled for July 8 as part of the 2026 profit-sharing labor agreement.

Incheon Airport Crosses 1 Billion Passengers in Record 25 Years, the World's Fastest Hub Milestone

Incheon International Airport reached 1 billion cumulative passengers in July 2026 — the fastest any major hub has hit the mark globally — lifting the outlook for Korean Air (003490.KS) and Korea's 30-million-visitor tourism target.

Korea's Assembly and Regulators Push to Delist Samsung, SK Hynix Leveraged ETFs After 35.9% Monthly Loss

Korean lawmakers from both parties and financial regulators are calling for the delisting of 14 single-stock leveraged ETFs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have posted losses as large as 35.9% since their May 27 launch and have driven KRW 212T in trading turnover.

LG Electronics Posts Record Q2 Operating Profit of ₩1.58 Trillion, Beating Forecasts by 49%

LG Electronics reported its best-ever Q2 with operating profit of KRW 1.58 trillion, up 147%, driven by home appliances, vehicle components, and European heat pump demand. First-half operating profit already exceeds full-year 2025.

KOSPI Triggers Sixth Circuit Breaker of 2026, Closing at 7,656 as Samsung's Record Earnings Fuel Sell-Off

Samsung Q2 profit of ₩89.4 trillion—the largest in history—failed to support the stock as shares fell nearly 10%, triggering South Korea's sixth circuit breaker of 2026 and closing KOSPI at 7,656.

LG Chem Wins Seven-Year OLED Patent War at Korea's Supreme Court, Imperiling Samsung Display's Materials Supplier

Korea's Supreme Court upheld LG Chem's patent on deuterium-substituted OLED compounds, dismissing a seven-year challenge by SFC — a materials supplier backed 29.7% by Samsung Ventures. A parallel civil suit seeking a production ban and hundreds of billions of KRW in damages now moves forward on settled patent ground.

Lotte E&C Prices Second KRW 300B AAA ABS as PF Liabilities Ease, Targeting KRW 770B Cash Windfall

Lotte E&C prices a KRW 300B AAA-rated ABS using construction receivables as it targets KRW 770B early cash recovery and cuts PF liabilities to KRW 2.4T.

LG Energy Solution Q2 2026: Operating Profit Plunges 77% as EV Slowdown Bites Ultium JV

LG Energy Solution reported Q2 2026 operating profit of ₩113.3B, down 77% YoY, as EV demand slumped and Ultium Cells JV paused US production. Ex-AMPC operating loss was ₩127.7B.

L&F (066970.KQ) Launches EU Carbon-Tracking Smart Factory

L&F Co. (066970.KQ), a KOSDAQ-listed cathode-material maker that supplies Tesla and Korea's three largest battery cell makers, said on July 7 it has completed a

Samsung (005930.KS) Q2 Profit Surges 19x to Record ₩89.4T

Samsung Electronics — South Korea's largest company and the single heaviest weight on the KOSPI, Korea's benchmark stock index — guided on July 7 to a record se

Microsoft Cuts 4,800 Jobs; $190B AI Spend Lifts SK Hynix

Microsoft (MSFT) said on Monday, July 6, that it is cutting about 4,800 jobs — roughly 2.1% of its global workforce — with the Xbox gaming division and its comm

Korea Raises Bar for Subsidiary IPOs, Targeting Korea Discount as HD Hyundai Robotics and Kakao Mobility Eye Listings

Korea's FSC and KRX published draft dual-listing guidelines on July 6, requiring parent companies to obtain minority shareholder approval before separately listing subsidiaries. The rules affect planned IPOs including HD Hyundai Robotics and Kakao Mobility.

LG (003550.KS) Sets 10% Supplier Pass-Through, KFTC Backs It

South Korea's LG Group (holding company LG Corp, 003550.KS), one of the country's largest family-controlled conglomerates, said on July 6 it will lift the share

Samsung (005930.KS), SK hynix ₩800T Chip Bet Stokes Tariff Risk

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest memory-chip maker, and SK hynix (000660.KS), Korea's second-biggest chipmaker and the leading supplier of h

Samsung Life Turns Samsung Electronics' ₩1.2 Trillion Block Deal Into an M&A War Chest

Samsung Life Insurance converts record Samsung Electronics block-deal proceeds into M&A firepower, bidding for KDB Life and positioning Samsung Securities for an IMA push.

Samsung's Rainbow Robotics Expands Toyota Humanoid Supply Fivefold as Global Robot Race Accelerates

Samsung's Rainbow Robotics has grown RB-Y1 humanoid deliveries to Toyota fivefold in two years, reaching ~25 units, as Samsung bets KRW 354 billion and establishes a CEO-level Future Robotics Office to capture the USD 70 billion humanoid market.

Korea's Shipbuilders Set to Lose CA$30 Billion Canada Submarine Contract to Germany's Thyssenkrupp

South Korea's shipbuilding consortium — Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries — is poised to lose the CA$30 billion Canadian submarine contract to Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, local media reported Monday. The total program is valued at up to CA$50 billion for 12 submarines, representing a significant setback for Korea's defense export push.

Apple's First Foldable iPhone Set to Reshape Panel Market; Samsung Display Poised to Gain Share

Counterpoint Research forecasts 2026 foldable panel shipments at 27.5M units (+24% YoY) and revenue at $4.4B (+48%), driven by Apple's first foldable iPhone entry in H2. Samsung Display expanded Q1 market share from 15% to 22% and is well-positioned to capture Apple supply contracts.

E-Mart and Lotte Shopping Race to Lock In Homeplus Customers as Korea Hypermarket Shifts to Duopoly

With Homeplus closing 37 stores in June, E-Mart and Lotte Shopping are already posting double-digit nearby-store sales gains. Korea's hypermarket sector is restructuring to a duopoly — and the full benefit has yet to hit Q2 earnings.

Korea Battery Trio Q2 Turn: LG Energy Leads on US Subsidy

LG Energy Solution (373220.KS), the largest of Korea's three lithium-battery makers, is expected to swing back into the black when it reports second-quarter res

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) Q2 Record; KOSPI at 7,938

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest memory-chip maker, is expected to report a historic quarter when it publishes preliminary second-quarter re

Hanmi Pharma Acquires Aptose Biosciences for USD 41M, Bringing Tuspetinib AML Drug Back In-House

Hanmi Pharmaceutical closes USD 41M acquisition of Aptose Biosciences (June 30, 2026), repatriating its tuspetinib AML drug from a financially distressed Canadian partner. TUSCANY Phase I/II trial shows 86.2% composite complete response rate at EHA 2026.

Samsung (005930.KS), SK Hynix Drop Mattson Ahead of US Curbs

Samsung (005930.KS), SK Hynix Drop Mattson Ahead of US Curbs

Celltrion (068270.KS): Q2 Op Profit Up 77%, Shares Down 20%

Celltrion (068270.KS), South Korea's largest biosimilar maker, reported preliminary second-quarter 2026 results on July 3 showing operating profit up 77.3% to ₩

Korea Opens Won Market to Near-24-Hour Trading on July 7, Targeting Structural NDF Reliance

Korea extends KRW spot-trading to near-24 hours from July 7, targeting 80% NDF dominance. Impact on KOSPI foreign investors, bank FX dealers, and won volatility analysed.

Samsung SDI (006400.KS) Converts Idle EV Lines to Storage

Samsung SDI (006400.KS), South Korea's third-largest battery maker, is converting stalled and underused electric-vehicle battery lines in the United States and

SK Telecom Targets 15 GW AI Data Center Capacity by 2035, Partners AWS and Nvidia

South Korea's largest carrier plans 15 GW of AI compute capacity by 2035, anchored by an AWS hyperscale facility in Ulsan. SK Group affiliates including SK Hynix will supply chips across the value chain.

LG Chem Enters Semiconductor Stripper Market With Amkor Technology Deal, Eyes KRW 2 Trillion Materials Revenue

LG Chem entered the semiconductor stripper market on July 5, announcing a mass-production supply deal with Amkor Technology. The customized stripper cuts photoresist removal time by 50% and supports the company's target to double electronic materials revenue to KRW 2 trillion by 2030.

Bank of Korea Flags KOSPI Concentration Risk as Samsung and SK Hynix ETFs Surge — While 'Chipflation' Hits Consumer Wallets

Bank of Korea warns Samsung and SK Hynix ETF concentration has reached 55.3% of KOSPI market cap, while chipflation pushes storage device prices up 45.6% year-on-year — highest among 458 CPI basket items.

Korean Won Logs Second-Worst H1 Since 1998 as Foreign Investors Unload ₩156 Trillion in KOSPI Shares

The Korean won fell 5.92% in H1 2026, posting its second-worst first-half average since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Foreign investors sold ₩156.56 trillion in KOSPI shares, more than 4.5 times the full-year 2008 total.

Korea's Fake News Law Takes Effect July 7: Kakao and Naver Face New Platform Liability Rules

South Korea's revised Information and Communications Network Act takes effect July 7, 2026, exposing Kakao (035720.KS) and Naver to punitive damages and CEO liability for content moderation failures.

Samsung (005930.KS), SK Hynix Rise 8–11% as Kospi Tops 8,000

South Korea's chip duo staged one of the sharpest reversals of the year on Friday, July 3, and the pattern of the move matters more than its size. The Kospi (Ko

Seoul Court Terminates Homeplus Rehabilitation, Korea's No. 2 Hypermarket Faces Liquidation

Seoul Bankruptcy Court terminated Homeplus' rehabilitation proceedings on July 3 after the MBK Partners-owned retailer failed to raise KRW 200B in operating capital. With a 14-day appeal window, Korea's second-largest hypermarket faces liquidation — with implications for E-Mart, Lotte Shopping, and Meritz Financial.

Samsung Targets Third Straight DRAM Price Hike in Q3, Seeking Up to 20% Rise After 90% Jump in Q1

Samsung Electronics is seeking a 20% DRAM price hike for Q3 2026, marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit increases after +90% in Q1 and +50-60% in Q2, with TrendForce projecting 13-18% actual gains.

LG Energy Solution Locks In Humanoid Battery Contracts With Tesla, Boston Dynamics and Figure AI

LG Energy Solution (373220.KS) confirms battery supply deals with Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Figure AI for humanoid robots, betting on high-nickel ternary chemistry to outpace Chinese LFP rivals.

SK Hynix Weighs Record $29B Nasdaq ADR as July 10 Debut Nears

SK Hynix targets up to $29B in Nasdaq ADRs (largest ADR ever), with July 10 trading start and BofA/GS/Citi/JPM as underwriters. Proceeds earmarked for Yongin fab and Cheongju P&T7 packaging plant.

Hanwha, Hyundai Pledge Combined KRW 97 Trillion to Transform Yeongnam Into Defense-Aerospace Hub

Hanwha Group and Hyundai Motor Group pledged a combined KRW 97 trillion for the Yeongnam region, with Hanwha focusing on space sovereignty via launch vehicles and satellites, and Hyundai on next-generation EVs and clean energy.

₩350T Q2 Memory Surge: Samsung (005930.KS), SK Hynix Records

The global memory-chip market is on track to approach ₩350 trillion ($254 billion) in the second quarter of 2026, a figure that sets up record earnings for Kore

Verizon's $3.2B Spectrum Sweep Puts Samsung's 5G Network Unit Back in Focus

Verizon won 91% of the FCC's first spectrum auction in four years, committing USD 3.2 billion for mid-band capacity. Samsung Electronics, Verizon's primary 5G network-equipment partner under a ₩7.9 trillion supply contract, stands to benefit as US regulators bar Chinese-made telecom components.

Samsung (005930.KS) Pledges ₩60T for Korea Physical AI Hub

Samsung on July 3 pledged to invest ₩60 trillion ($43.8 billion) in the Yeongnam region — the industrial belt of southeastern Korea centered on Busan, Ulsan and

KOSPI Whipsaws to 5.8% as Funds Catch Samsung, SK Hynix Dip

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index staged one of its wildest sessions of the year on Friday, July 3, swinging from a 3.5% intraday plunge to a sharp "V-shaped"

Hanmi Science (008930.KS) Heir Stake Tips Family Past Shin

The younger son of Hanmi's founding family has sold a 2.5% stake — roughly ₩82.07 billion ($59.9 million) worth of shares — to a fund aligned with his mother an

Daewoo E&C Returns to US Real Estate After 20-Year Hiatus With $291M New Jersey Project

South Korea's Daewoo E&C returns to US real estate after a 20-year absence with a $291 million investment in Palisades Park, New Jersey, partnering with Tamares Group on an 18-story, 540-unit residential complex through its US unit DUSAI.

KB Financial (105560.KS) Narrows Chairman Race to Six

KB Financial Group (105560.KS), South Korea's largest financial holding company by market value, narrowed its chairman succession field to six candidates on Jul

Hyundai and Kia Post Record 920,383 H1 US Sales as Hybrids Surge 65.5%, EVs Drop

Hyundai Motor and Kia delivered 920,383 vehicles in H1 2026, setting a new record as hybrid sales surged 65.5% YoY while EV deliveries fell 9.7%.

Samsung, SK Hynix and Celltrion Pledge KRW 392 Trillion to Chungcheong in Korea's 'Second Tokyo Declaration'

Samsung, SK Hynix CEO Kwak No-jeong and Celltrion commit KRW 392 trillion to Chungcheong as President Lee calls it Korea's 'second Tokyo Declaration.' Anthropic also eyes Samsung 2nm foundry.

LG Energy Solution (373220.KS) Ohio EV Plant Pivots to ESS

A $3.5 billion battery plant that Honda and LG Energy Solution broke ground on to build electric-vehicle cells has instead started churning out cells for the po

Celltrion (068270.KS) Q2: Margin 33%, Record ₩430B Profit

Celltrion (068270.KS), Korea's largest biosimilar maker, said its second-quarter operating margin leapt to roughly 33% — the sharpest profitability move in the

KOSPI Sinks 7.9% as 'Meta Shock' Routs Korean Chip Stocks

KOSPI plunged 7.89% to 7,648.09 on July 2, 2026 as Meta's AI cloud plans sparked fears of AI compute overcapacity, sending SK Hynix down 14.57% and Samsung down 9.06% in a 'Black Thursday' rout.

Seoul and Washington Clash Over ₩624.7B Coupang Fine as US House Labels Korea's Data Enforcement Discriminatory

South Korea's Foreign Ministry and NIS push back against a US House Judiciary Committee report that labels the PIPC's record ₩624.7 billion ($403 million) privacy fine against Coupang as 'discriminatory.' The fine stems from a Chinese-employee data breach exposing 37 million Coupang users.

Google's €4.1B EU Fine Sealed, Samsung (005930.KS) in Focus

On July 2, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the EU's highest court, whose rulings cannot be appealed) dismissed the final challenge from Alphabet's G

Hanmi Pharma (128940.KS) Promotes Obesity, Licensing VPs

Hanmi Group, a Korean pharmaceutical group whose listed drugmaker Hanmi Pharmaceutical (128940.KS) is a KOSPI large-cap, on July 2 promoted six executives in it

SK Hynix Pledges ₩100 Trillion ($64B) for New Memory Capacity

SK Hynix CEO announces ₩100 trillion ($64B) Cheongju investment: ₩80T for NAND fab M17 (2029) and ₩20T for advanced HBM packaging (2027), as KOSPI fell 4.46% on AI capex fears.

Hanmi Semiconductor Chairman Buys ₩5B Stock Before HBM4 Ramp

Hanmi Semiconductor Chairman Kwak Dong-shin adds ₩5B in personal stock purchases, bringing three-year total to ₩69.5B, signaling conviction in TC Bonder demand ahead of HBM4 ramp.

BYD's First Korea Recall Part of 146,505-Vehicle Sweep

South Korea orders 146,505-vehicle recall. BYD faces first-ever Korean recall; Hyundai Tucson leads volume at 54,792 units.

SK Inc. and KKR Form Korea's Largest Renewable Energy Joint Venture, Targeting 10 GW by 2031

SK Inc. and KKR sign a KRW 2 trillion JV to create Korea's largest renewable energy platform at 1.7 GW initial capacity, targeting 10 GW by 2031.

Samsung Reaffirms 1.4nm for 2029, Bets on Ecosystem vs TSMC

Samsung used SAFE Forum 2026 to confirm 1.4nm (SF1.4) mass production for 2029 and reframe its foundry pitch around AI ecosystem partners, not raw pro

Samsung (005930.KS): 1.4nm Node for 2029, Ecosystem Play

Samsung Electronics, Shinhan and 11 Other Korean Firms Join 140-Company OUSD Dollar Stablecoin Consortium

Samsung Electronics, Shinhan Financial Group and 11 other Korean firms join the 140-member Open Standard consortium alongside Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, Coinbase, and BlackRock to co-launch OUSD — a zero-fee B2B dollar stablecoin — before end-2026. Kakao Dunamu, Kakao Bank, KBank, Samsung Card and eight card networks round out Korea's 13 founding participants.

Samsung SDI CEO Targets 2026 Performance Turnaround, Calls for Full 'AI Native' Transformation at 56th Anniversary

Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-seon pledged a 2026 performance turnaround and full AI Native transformation at the battery maker's 56th anniversary ceremony in Yongin.

SK Hynix Files Amended Nasdaq F-1, Disclosing KRW 11.94T EUV Equipment Budget Ahead of July 10 Debut

SK Hynix files amended SEC F-1, detailing KRW 11.94T for EUV equipment, KRW 31T for Yongin Y1 fab and KRW 19T for Cheongju HBM plant ahead of July 10 Nasdaq debut.

KB Financial Deploys KRW 188.5B From Social Fund to 148 Enterprises, Portfolio Revenue Surges Tenfold

KB Financial Group has deployed KRW 188.5 billion from its social investment fund across 148 enterprises, recording tenfold revenue growth for portfolio companies.

South Korea Unveils KRW 896 Trillion Southwest Semiconductor Megaproject as Samsung and SK Anchor Gwangju Cluster

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung unveiled KRW 896T in Samsung and SK pledges for a new Gwangju-centred semiconductor cluster, anchored by Samsung's KRW 400T fab commitment, KRW 17T national AI computing center and SK Group's KRW 470T buildout.

South Korea's KFTC Opens $547 Million Case Against Google Over App Store 'Project Hug'

Korea's Fair Trade Commission formally accuses Google of market abuse via its Games Velocity Program, citing USD 9.1B in affected revenue and a potential USD 547M fine.

SK and KKR Seal 49:51 Renewable Energy JV to Launch Korea's Largest Clean-Power Platform

SK Inc. and KKR finalize a 49:51 joint venture to consolidate South Korea's largest renewable energy platform, targeting 10 GW of capacity by 2031 from a 1.7 GW base.

Lotte Group Nears KRW 1.3 Trillion Sale of Rental Unit to TPG, Igniting Kakao Mobility Merger Speculation

Lotte Group sells 61.18% of Korea's top car-rental firm to TPG at KRW 58,000/share, a 25% discount vs Affinity. TPG may merge it with Kakao Mobility for a KRW 8T mobility platform.

Chip Boom Vaults South Korea Into the $100 Billion Monthly Export Club, Fourth Country in History

South Korea posted USD 102.25 billion in exports in June 2026 — its first time exceeding the USD 100 billion monthly threshold — joining Germany, China, and the US as only the fourth country in history to reach this milestone. Semiconductor exports led at USD 44.8 billion, up 199.5% year-on-year.

BOE Exits Galaxy S27 OLED Bid as Samsung Display Locks In All Flagship Models

BOE halted Galaxy S27 OLED development after Samsung Display lobbied against Chinese supply, keeping all four S27 models on South Korean panels and risking a consumer price hike.

EcoPro BM Prices KRW 1.2 Trillion Rights Issue to Fund Indonesia Nickel Push, Shares Plunge 19%

EcoPro BM launched a KRW 1.2T rights issue to expand its Indonesian nickel smelter stake, triggering a 19% after-hours stock drop on dilution fears.

Kolon Industries Puts PCB Resins and OLED Coatings Up for Sale as Lee Kyu-ho Steers Group Toward AI and Clean-Energy Materials

Kolon Industries is divesting its PCB epoxy-resin and OLED display-coating businesses via a Samjong KPMG process, while retaining its strategically valuable mPPO (AI semiconductor material) unit. Fourth-generation heir Lee Kyu-ho is driving the restructuring amid Kolon Global's high leverage of ~332% debt-to-equity. Q1 2026 operating profit rose 130% YoY to KRW 61.9 billion.

Korea's NPS Faces KRW 20–74 Trillion Rebalancing Sell-Off as KOSPI Hits 8,476

Korea's NPS faces mandatory equity rebalancing of KRW 20–74 trillion starting July 1, as the KOSPI rally near 8,476 has pushed the pension fund's domestic equity ratio to ~30%, above its 28.8% upper band.

Wemade Founder Sells KRW 920 Billion Stake to China-Linked NeoPulse, Handing Mir IP Control to Alibaba-Tied Investor

Wemade (112040.KS) founder Park Kwan-ho is selling his entire 39.33% stake to China-linked NeoPulse for KRW 920B (USD 593M), with the Hong Kong-registered Shengsong Investment affiliate set to become the largest shareholder at 40.25% by October 30, 2026.

Samsung SDI and SK On Gain Edge as Korea Mega-Project Plans Embed KRW 3.4 Trillion in Battery Demand

Samsung SDI and SK On are positioned to capture the bulk of Korea KRW 3.4-4.3 trillion ESS and data-center battery pipeline embedded in the mega-project blueprint, while LG Energy Solution faces capacity constraints.

Korea's Battery Trio Moves Fastest to Claw Back US Tariff Cash as Hyundai Stays on the Sidelines

LG Energy Solution leads Korea's battery makers in reclaiming over KRW 100B from US tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling, while Hyundai Motor stays cautious amid Trump retaliation threats.

KakaoBank FinTech Lab Lands Four Papers at ICLR, ACL and LREC, Staking Out Korea's Bank-Side AI Safety Frontier

KakaoBank's FinTech Research Institute had four financial AI safety papers accepted at ICLR 2026, ACL (with KAIST), and LREC — covering prompt injection defense and a financial-risk AI safety taxonomy.

Samsung Electronics Union Chief Survives Confidence Vote With 87.5% Mandate, Eyes Separate DS Chip Bargaining in 2027

Samsung Electronics' largest union reconfirms chair Choi Seung-ho with 87.5% approval (33,550/38,336 votes), plans to push for DS division as separate bargaining unit in 2027 wage talks.

L&F Signs Pre-IPO Stake in CIS Chemical as Korea's Battery Makers Race to Internalize Critical Mineral Recycling

L&F (066970.KQ) has inked a pre-IPO strategic investment in CIS Chemical, a Korean battery mineral recycling specialist with 20,000 t/year NiCo MHP capacity and proprietary SSX lithium recovery technology, targeting KOSDAQ Q3 2026.

LG Chem Clears FDA Hurdle for LG00313112, a Novel Covalent TP53 Inhibitor for Rare Solid Tumors

LG Chem (051910.KS) won U.S. FDA IND clearance for LG00313112, a first-in-class covalent TP53 Y220C inhibitor licensed from Frontier Medicines, targeting ovarian, lung, and breast cancers in Phase 1/2 trials.

US Consumers File 'Chipflation' Antitrust Suit Against Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron in California Federal Court

US consumers and small businesses have filed a class action antitrust suit against Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, alleging the DRAM oligopoly coordinated supply cuts — hiding behind the HBM pivot — to drive a 700% price surge in standard memory.

SK Bioscience Q1 2026: CDMO Revenue Surges as IDT Biologika Ramps Up, R&D Spend Triples Operating Loss

SK Bioscience (302440.KS) Q1 2026: Revenue KRW 168.6B (+9.1% YoY), CDMO 75.8% of mix. Operating loss KRW -44.5B triples as R&D hits 35.4% of revenue. IDT Biologika utilization improves to 59.4%.

Samsung's Chip Division Caught Off Guard by Honam Fab Plan, Insiders Warn of Logistics Gaps and Cycle Risk

Samsung DS working-level executives were reportedly blindsided by President Lee's KRW 800 trillion Honam fab announcement. Insiders flag Yongin already stalled 7 months, logistics inefficiency, engineer shortage, and memory cycle timing risk as key concerns.

Foreign Investors Post All-Time KRX Net Sell Record of KRW 7.7 Trillion in Samsung, SK Hynix

Foreign investors offloaded a record KRW 7.7 trillion of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on June 29, while KOSPI closed just -0.2% as capital rotated into LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and infrastructure stocks.

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Q1 2026: Solvency Ratio Climbs to 207% as Net Profit Reaches KRW 223 Billion

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance posted Q1 2026 standalone net profit of KRW 223.3B with K-ICS solvency ratio reaching 207.2%, while FY2025 consolidated profit rose 19.9% YoY to KRW 1.02T.

IMM Private Equity Acquires CGBio for KRW 1.1 Trillion, Backed by USD 1.6 Billion J&J Novosis Contract Through 2040

IMM Private Equity acquires 51% of CGBio for KRW 561B, valuing the Korean regenerative medicine company at KRW 1.1 trillion, underpinned by a USD 1.6B J&J DePuy Synthes distribution contract through 2040.

Lee Jae-yong Maps Samsung's Four-City Blueprint: Songdo for Bio, Gwangju for Chips, Gumi for Robots, Ulsan for Batteries

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong unveiled a four-sector, four-city industrial roadmap on Sunday, designating Incheon's Songdo district as what he called "the world's largest bio cluster" whil

Samsung Group Backs 6,700 Partners With KRW 3.5 Trillion Mutual-Growth Fund as 12 Affiliates Sign Pact

Samsung Group's 12 affiliates committed a combined KRW 3.5 trillion fund for roughly 6,700 supply-chain partners, guaranteeing faster payment terms and cost-sharing as South Korea's FTC calls supplier

Hyundai Elevator Q1 2026: Revenue Falls 8.2% as Korea Construction Slump Deepens

Hyundai Elevator (017800.KS) reported Q1 2026 consolidated revenue of KRW 545.8B (-8.2% YoY) and operating income of KRW 40.5B (-16.3%), with operating margin shrinking 70 bps to 7.4%. Net income fell 22.4% to KRW 27.1B. Korea elevator installations fell 26% in 2025, pressuring new-unit demand. The company maintains a KRW 2.24T order backlog and is expanding globally with its modular ENOBLOC installation system.

Kiwoom Securities in Exclusive Talks to Acquire Bithumb Stake as Korean Brokers Race for Crypto Foothold

Kiwoom Securities is negotiating to acquire a stake in Bithumb through a third-party share issuance, joining Samsung Securities and Mirae Asset in Korea's broker–crypto exchange consolidation race.

Kakao Workers Stage Full-Day Walkout as Bonus Dispute Deepens, Shares at 52-Week Low

Kakao union stages full-day walkout with about 2,100 participants across five entities, escalating a bonus dispute as shares sit at a 52-week low despite record profits.

Binance Offers 50x Leverage on Samsung and SK Hynix Stocks, Bypassing Korea's Retail Safeguards

Binance lists 50x leveraged derivatives on Samsung, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor stocks, drawing USD 6.42B in volume while Korea's domestic leverage cap sits at 2x for retail investors.

Kangwon Land Q1 2026: Casino Revenue Up 4.5%, Net Profit Dives 47% on Cost Surge and Lower Returns

Korea's only domestic casino posted Q1 2026 revenue of KRW 378.9B (+3.4% YoY) but net profit fell 46.8% to KRW 39.7B as SG&A expenses jumped 17.6% and investment income contracted 30.4%.

Apple Lobbies Trump for CXMT Memory Clearance, Putting SK Hynix and Samsung Pricing Power at Risk

Apple is pressing the Trump administration to allow DRAM purchases from China's CXMT, a DoD-blacklisted chipmaker. The move could erode pricing leverage held by SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics in the global memory market.

LG Chem Passes Government Naphtha Relief to SME Customers, Cutting Supply Prices Up to KRW 200,000 Per Ton

LG Chem CEO Kim Dong-chun announces a temporary KRW 100,000–200,000 per tonne price cut for small and medium-sized customers, passing on a government naphtha subsidy to ease downstream cost pressures.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics in Talks for KRW 500B AI MLCC Deal, Inks Glass Substrate JV With Sumitomo Chemical

Samsung Electro-Mechanics finalizes KRW 500 billion AI server MLCC supply talks with a US cloud provider while launching a glass substrate joint venture with Sumitomo Chemical to begin production at Pyeongtaek in early 2027.

Shinhan Financial Weighs Lotte Non-Life Insurance Buyout at KRW 1 Trillion as JKL Cuts Ask in Half

Shinhan Financial Group reviews acquisition of Lotte Non-Life Insurance at KRW 1 trillion as JKL Partners halves asking price, sending shares to the daily upper limit of +30%.

Samsung and SK Group Pledge Up to KRW 1,000 Trillion as President Lee Unveils Korea's Tripolar Mega-Project Plan

South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung on Sunday formally unveiled the country's largest-ever private-sector investment programme, anchored by Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and SK Group (000660.KS), at a nationally televised ceremony that put two of Asia's most powerful corporate chairmen on stage

Hyundai Mobis and HL Mando Break Into Atlas Supply Chain as Korea Eyes 25,000-Robot Deployment by 2028

Hyundai Mobis (012330.KS) secures Atlas actuator supply role while HL Mando (204320.KS) targets Boston Dynamics and Tesla Optimus, as Hyundai plans 25,000-unit robot deployment by 2028.

Samsung and SK Hynix Set for 'Unprecedented' South Jeolla Chip Cluster as Regional Stocks Hit 30% Limits

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are set to reveal an unprecedented semiconductor investment in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, sending regional stocks to 30% daily limits.

Kakao (035720.KS) Workers Strike June 29 Over Bonus Standoff

LG Group's Eight-Year Reset: Koo Kwang-mo Steers KRW 100 Trillion AI-Bio-Clean Bet Through 2028

LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo pledges KRW 100 trillion in Korea investment through 2028 under the ABC strategy (AI, Bio, Clean Tech). Q1 2026 combined revenue hit a record KRW 29.26 trillion as the group's portfolio overhaul enters its eighth year.

Samsung Biologics (207940.KS) Union Quits Group Coalition

HD Hyundai Electric Opens KRW 116B Cheongju Distribution Hub as AI Data-Center Demand Lifts Circuit-Breaker Orders

HD Hyundai Electric's KRW 116.1B Cheongju campus boosts circuit-breaker capacity 70% to 8.5M units annually, with AI data-center demand cited as the key driver.

Samsung SDI (006400.KS) in Samsung's Record Investment Push

Shinhan (055550.KS) Embeds AI Into Group Compliance System

LG Display (034220.KS) Eyes OLED Rebound After Q2 Loss

Hyundai Unveils 8th-Gen Avante With Gleo AI and Naver Integration, Sets Q3 Order Launch as Pleos Connect Expands to Second Model

Hyundai Motor's 8th-gen Avante debuts Gleo AI and Naver integration via Pleos Connect at Busan Mobility Show, with a larger cabin and 26hp engine boost. Orders begin Q3 2026.

GM Korea (NYSE: GM): 86.5% Strike Vote, 85% Output US-Bound

SK Hynix Sets July 10 Nasdaq Debut, Aiming to Raise Up to $29 Billion in Record ADR Sale

Naver Opens AI Tab to 50 Million Daily Users, Aims to Turn Search Into a Transaction Layer

Naver (035420.KS) rolls out HyperClova X-powered AI Tab to all 50M daily users after 4M-user beta. Product card CTR hit 20%+; real estate and health agents planned for H2 2026.

UK Backs Hanwha Ocean (042660.KS) in $43B Submarine Race

Ecopro BM (247540.KQ) $341M Bond Put Looms; LG Chem PRS Eyed

onsemi's $7B Synaptics Deal Reshapes Edge-AI Chips for Korea

Apple Presses White House for CXMT Chip Clearance, Posing First Competitive Threat to Samsung and SK Hynix's Apple Account

Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for assurances that China's CXMT will not be added to the Entity List, a move that would open the door for Chinese DRAM in Apple devices and challenge Samsung (005930.KS) and SK Hynix (000660.KS), which together control ~70% of global DRAM supply. Memory prices have quadrupled over three quarters, prompting Apple to raise product prices by USD 100–500.

Hanwha Vision Q1 2026: Operating Profit Falls 55% as Bundang HQ Acquisition Adds KRW 308B in New Debt

Hanwha Vision (489790.KS) reported Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 22.1B, down 55.3% YoY, as a KRW 307.9B Bundang headquarters acquisition added heavy non-cash financial charges and industrial equipment losses widened.

Samsung Biologics Unveils Four Drug Delivery Platforms at BIO USA 2026, Targeting Technology Licensing as New Revenue Pillar

Samsung Biologics presented four proprietary drug delivery platforms at BIO USA 2026, signaling a push into technology licensing to diversify revenue beyond contract manufacturing.

LG Innotek Eyes Record H2 as AI Substrate Revenue Poised to Surge 14x by 2030, KB Securities Maintains KRW 2M Target

KB Securities maintains BUY on LG Innotek with KRW 2M target as AI substrate FC-BGA revenue is set to grow 14-fold to KRW 2T by 2030; Q2 2026 operating profit forecast at KRW 202.8B, 18x year-over-year.

BYD Launches Korea's First PHEV at KRW 37.5 Million, Challenging Hyundai and Kia at Busan Mobility Show

BYD Korea unveiled the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show on Thursday, marking its first PHEV launch in Korea at KRW 37.5 million — a direct price challenge to Hyundai Motor and Kia's dominant mid-size SUV lineup.

Second Worker Dies at S-Oil's USD 7B Shaheen Site as Soil Collapse Strikes Hyundai E&C Package

A soil collapse killed one worker at Hyundai E&C's package at S-Oil's KRW 9.3 trillion Shaheen ethylene complex in Ulsan, the second fatality at the site in 31 days.

Samsung and Korea Grid Operator Sign Nation's First Carbon-Free Electricity Certification for Semiconductor Factories

Samsung Electronics and Korea Power Exchange ink Korea's first carbon-free electricity certification for semiconductor factories, targeting AI-era supply chain ESG requirements.

Hyundai Motor and KAI Restart South Korea's eVTOL Race After Supernal Pause, Target 2034 Commercial Launch

Hyundai Motor Group (005380.KS) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI, 047810.KS) sign MoU to jointly develop eVTOL aircraft, reviving the stalled Supernal program with a new 2034 commercial target after a September 2025 pause and 80% workforce cut.

Hyosung Corp Posts 15.6% Operating Profit Jump in Q1 2026 as IT and Pump Units Surge

Hyosung Corporation (004800.KS) Q1 2026 operating profit rose 15.6% YoY to KRW 94.6B despite a 4.3% revenue decline, as IT/ATM and pump manufacturing margins expanded sharply.

Hanmi Semiconductor Targets TSMC Supply Chain With FC Bonder 3.5, Breaking Into AI Chip Foundry Market

Hanmi Semiconductor (042700.KQ) launched FC Bonder 3.5 for 2.5D AI chip packaging, targeting global foundries and OSATs with 340mm substrate support.

Seoul Extends Electricity and Gas Rate Freeze Through Year-End, Deepening KEPCO's KRW 206 Trillion Debt Trap

South Korea freezes electricity and gas rates for H2 2026, extending KEPCO and Korea Gas Corporation cost recovery delays as the government prioritizes inflation control.

Douzone Bizon Posts 62% Operating Income Jump in Q1 2026 as AI-ERP Strategy Pays Off

Douzone Bizon (012510.KS) Q1 2026: revenue KRW 116.6B (+18.2% YoY), operating income KRW 35.0B (+62.2%), net income KRW 22.8B (+90.1%). AI-ERP strategy and Jeju Bank entry.

South Korea Logs First-Ever 10 Million Foreign Arrivals in H1 2026, Monthly Tourist Card Spending Hits USD 1.3 Billion Record

South Korea welcomed over 10 million foreign visitors by June 20, 2026—the first time ever before mid-year. Monthly card spending hit USD 1.3B (+47%), with KCTI forecasting 22 million full-year arrivals.

Kakao Union Sets June 29 'Log-Out Day' as Full Work Stoppage, Wage Talks Still Stalled

Kakao Corp's union will proceed with a full-day work stoppage on June 29 across five group entities, as wage negotiations remain deadlocked after the company's first-ever strike on June 10.

KB Financial Posts 11.5% Profit Surge in Q1 2026 as Fee Income Jumps 45%

KB Financial Group Q1 2026 net profit rose 11.5% YoY to KRW 1.89 trillion, with fee income surging 45.5%. KB Securities net profit nearly doubled. CET1 at 14.93%, KRW 600B buyback approved.

KRX Puts Brakes on Weekly Options for Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution as KOSPI Volatility Forces Rethink

South Korea's Korea Exchange indefinitely postpones the June 29 launch of weekly single-stock options for Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and LG Energy Solution amid a 10% KOSPI decline and USD 13.2 billion in foreign outflows.

LS GreenLink Breaks Ground on World's Tallest Submarine Cable Tower in Virginia, Targeting AI-Driven Power Grid Market

LS Cable & System unit LS GreenLink breaks ground on a 201-meter VCV tower in Chesapeake, Virginia — set to become the US largest submarine cable plant, targeting AI data center power demand by 2028.

Boston Dynamics Commits USD 100M to Waltham Robotics Campus, Putting 1,250 Jobs and Atlas Mass Production on Track for Hyundai Factories

Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary Boston Dynamics is investing USD 100M in a 323,000 sq ft campus in Waltham, MA, targeting 1,250 new jobs by 2033 and Atlas humanoid robot mass production for 25,000-unit Hyundai factory deployments from 2028. Massachusetts awarded a USD 25M EDIP grant. HL Mando (204320.KS) and Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) are key listed proxies.

Korea's KRW 1,100 Trillion Pension Giant Faces USD 43.5 Billion Selling Overhang as KOSPI Rally Breaches Domestic Equity Cap

South Korea's National Pension Service sold USD 920M in four days and may need to offload up to USD 43.5B more as the KOSPI's 94% rally pushed domestic equity weight above 30%, breaching a 28.8% ceiling before the June 30 grace-period deadline.

Korea's 'Korea Discount' Cure Freezes IPO Market: HD Hyundai, LS, SK Ecoplant Shelve USD 6 Billion in Listings as Dual-Listing Rules Stall

South Korea's dual-listing ban has paralysed the KOSPI IPO pipeline — 2026 H1 fundraising collapsed 91% to USD 700M as HD Hyundai Robotics (USD 5.4B), SK Ecoplant, and LS Group shelve major listing plans.

KCC Corporation Q1 2026: Net Income Surges 393% to KRW 217B as Investment Gains Overshadow Flat Revenue and Declining Operating Profit

KCC Corporation (002380.KS) reports Q1 2026 net income of KRW 217 billion, up 393% year-on-year, driven by KRW 562 billion in financial income from its Momentive Global investment, while operating profit fell 14.8% on rising SG&A costs.

GS Group Enters 1.2 GW AI Data Center Race, Leverages Power-Plant Co-Location to Challenge Tech-First Rivals

GS Group is in talks with the South Korean government to build two 1.2-gigawatt AI data centers, leveraging its power generation and construction arms for a vertically integrated push.

Celltrion Remsima SC Commands 31% EU5 Market Share as Phase 3 Crohn's Data Affirms 44-Week Efficacy

Celltrion presented 44-week Remsima SC Phase 3 Crohn's data at AOCC&IMKASID 2026 in Seoul. The subcutaneous biosimilar holds a 31% EU5 market share in Q4 2025 and US Zimpetra prescriptions tripled in Q1 2026 year-on-year.

TKG-IMM Consortium Takes Control of April Bio in KRW 346.8 Billion Capital Raise, Targets KRW 20 Trillion Market Cap in Five Years

TKG Huchems and IMM Investment are set to control April Bio after a KRW 346.8 billion capital raise, fueling an aggressive push toward a KRW 20 trillion market cap within five years.

Youngone Corp Net Profit More Than Doubles in Q1 2026 on FX Windfall and OEM Rebound

Youngone Corp (111770.KS) net profit surged 113.2% YoY to KRW 149.7B in Q1 2026, driven by a KRW 58B FX translation windfall and strong OEM demand from The North Face, Lululemon and Patagonia.

KakaoBank to Acquire Masten Capital for KRW 24.1 Billion, Enters Capital-Finance Race With Auto Loan Ambitions

KakaoBank (323410.KS) will pay KRW 24.1 billion for a 100% stake in Masten Capital, marking its entry into Korea's auto and installment finance market by year-end 2026.

Korea's Presidential Chip Push: Samsung, SK Hynix to Sign KRW 300T Honam Cluster June 29 as Yongin Fast-Tracked a Decade

President Lee meets Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong June 25 to finalize KRW 300T+ Honam semiconductor cluster, signing set June 29-30 in Gwangju. Yongin mega-cluster pulled forward by a decade to 2034-35 alongside Samsung KRW 110T capex commitment.

Samsung and LG Race to Build the USD 176 Billion AI Modular Home Market

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are racing to dominate a USD 176 billion smart housing market by bundling AI, HVAC, and modular prefab homes — a pivot beyond traditional white goods.

KOSPI Eyes Historic 9,000 as SK Hynix Extends Market-Cap Crown on Micron Earnings Beat

South Korea's KOSPI surged 5.6% toward 9,000 on Thursday as SK Hynix jumped 11.6%, extending its new role as Korea's largest listed company after Micron's AI-driven earnings beat.

Samsung C&T Posts 7.5% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Net Income Jumps 15.9% on Bio Surge

Samsung C&T Q1 2026: Revenue KRW 10.47T (+7.5% YoY), OP KRW 720.4B (-0.6%), Net Income KRW 1.086T (+15.9%). Bio segment drove 67% of operating profit. Construction backlog KRW 92.4T.

Korea Unveils First-Ever 'Korea Rising' Session at BIO 2026 as Celltrion Bets on AI-Drug Pivot and ABL Bio Eyes Global Licensing

Korea debuts 'Korea Rising' session at BIO 2026 as Celltrion pivots to AI drugs and ABL Bio seeks global licensing deals, while KB Investment warns Korean biotechs to form US subsidiaries to access institutional capital.

Samsung Biologics CEO Reaffirms 15-20% Growth Target at BIO USA 2026, Advances Rockville Ramp and Netherlands Hub

Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim unveiled a three-pillar global expansion at BIO USA 2026: Rockville integration (USD 280M, 60,000L), Netherlands hub (Q3 2026), and Songdo Plant 6 decision by year-end, targeting 1.3 million liters by 2032.

Hanwha Aerospace Signs UAE Teaming Deal to Build K9 Howitzer Locally, Deepening Middle East Defense Footprint

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace signed a teaming agreement with UAE's Generation 5 Holding at Eurosatory 2026 to produce the K9 self-propelled howitzer locally in the UAE, extending its Middle East defence footprint.

Samsung's Financial Affiliates Cross KRW 100 Trillion in Capital for First Time as Stock Rally Drives Unrealized Gains

Samsung Life, Samsung Fire, Samsung Card and Samsung Securities collectively surpassed KRW 100 trillion in capital for the first time at end-2025, with a KRW 31 trillion gain accounting for nearly thr

Korea's Big-Three Department Stores Each Poised to Cross KRW 1 Trillion in Foreign Sales as Tourism Hits 10 Million Ahead of Schedule

Hyundai Department Store, Shinsegae, and Lotte are each on track to surpass KRW 1 trillion in foreign-customer sales in 2026 as inbound tourism to Korea reached 10 million visitors ahead of schedule and K-wave demand drives luxury and fashion spending.

Samsung Electronics Weighs KRW 90 Trillion Buyback as Memory Export Boom Signals Q2 Earnings Beat

Samsung Electronics surged 9.84% after Yonhap reported a KRW 90 trillion (USD 59B) share buyback plan, while NAND export prices surged 822% YoY and Nomura raised its target price to KRW 670,000.

SK Hynix Confirms Nasdaq ADR Listing on July 10, to Raise Up to KRW 45.5 Trillion for Yongin Chip Cluster

SK Hynix board approved a Nasdaq ADR listing on July 10, issuing 17.79 million new shares worth KRW 45.5 trillion (~USD 29B) to fund the Yongin chip cluster, Cheongju packaging fab, and EUV tools. The deal would top Alibaba's record 2014 US offering.

HD Construction Equipment Launches DEVELON 20-Ton Excavator at Pune Hub, Targets 23,000-Unit Middle East/Africa Market as Regional Sales Jump 68%

HD Construction Equipment (267270.KS) launched its new DEVELON 20-ton excavator at its Pune, India manufacturing hub on June 24, targeting the Middle East and Africa as regional sales surged 68.1% in 2026.

EcoPro Materials Swings to Profit in Q1 2026 as Indonesian Smelter Consolidation Drives 22% Revenue Jump

EcoPro Materials posts Q1 2026 consolidated operating profit of KRW 15.7B, reversing a KRW 14.8B loss a year earlier, as the first-time consolidation of PT Green Eco Nickel drives revenues 22% higher to KRW 166.5B.

Hyundai Mobis Q1 2026: Revenue Up 5.5% to KRW 15.6T, Net Income Slides 14% on Equity-Method Gap

Hyundai Mobis posted Q1 2026 revenue of KRW 15.56 trillion (+5.5% YoY), with operating profit up 3.3%, while net income fell 14.4% on lower equity-method gains from affiliates.

Samsung SDI Issues Equipment Orders for Indiana ESS Conversion, Targeting 31 GWh LFP Capacity as EV Demand Slumps

Samsung SDI issues LOI and purchase orders to Korean equipment makers including Innometry and Phil Energy to convert three StarPlus Energy lines from EV to ESS LFP battery production.

Lotte Shopping Q1 2026: Operating Profit Surges 71% as Cost Discipline Offsets Soft Demand

Lotte Shopping (023530.KS) posted Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 252.9 billion, up 70.6% year-on-year, as cost controls and cinema recovery offset modest top-line growth of 3.6%.

K-Beauty M&A Trap: Western Giants Watch Brands Wither as Domestic Players Eye Buybacks

Unilever, Estée Lauder, and L'Oréal paid billions for Korean beauty brands only to watch earnings decline. Now domestic operators are buying back at deep discounts.

Flashlight Capital Takes USD 40 Million Stake in Samsung Affiliate S-1 Corp, Demands Independent Directors and Cash Return

Activist fund Flashlight Capital discloses a USD 40 million (approximately 2%) stake in S-1 Corporation (012750.KS) and issues a five-point governance overhaul plan targeting Korea's largest security company, citing a 3.3x EV/EBITDA valuation versus 12.0x for domestic peer SK Shieldus.

Kia Union Demands KRW 2.72 Trillion Bonus and Veto Over Robot Deployment as Korea's Yellow Envelope Act Takes Hold

Kia Corp's union has demanded KRW 2.72 trillion in bonuses and veto power over spending plans and new vehicle programs, citing Korea's Yellow Envelope Act effective March 2026.

POSCO DX Q1 2026: Operating Profit Collapses 84% as Parent Group's Capex Pullback Deepens

POSCO DX reported Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 3.7 billion, down 84% year-on-year, as revenue fell 18.6% to KRW 241.5 billion amid reduced capital spending across the POSCO Group.

South Korea Stays in MSCI Emerging Markets for Third Straight Year as Won Convertibility Gap Delays USD 24 Billion Inflow to 2028

MSCI keeps South Korea classified as an emerging market in its 2026 review, citing limited Korean won convertibility. A developed-market upgrade—worth an estimated USD 24 billion in passive fund inflows—is now deferred to 2028 at earliest.

Microsoft and Chevron Sign 20-Year Power Deal for 2.67 GW Texas AI Data Center, Boosting Korean Memory Demand Outlook

Microsoft and Chevron have signed a 20-year power supply agreement to develop Project Kilby, a proposed West Texas AI data center with 2.67 GW of capacity — one of the largest in the US. The deal, backed by Engine No. 1 ESG fund, targets a 2028 production start and signals sustained hyperscaler demand for Korean HBM and DRAM chips from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

U.S. Solar Makers Seek Anti-Circumvention Probe Into Hanwha Qcells' South Korean Cell Imports

A U.S. coalition led by Canadian Solar, SEG Solar, and Heliene filed an anti-circumvention probe petition against Hanwha Qcells on June 18, 2026, alleging the Korean solar maker evades Chinese anti-dumping tariffs by routing cell production through South Korea.

Toyota and BYD Target Korea's Vacant PHEV Market at Busan Show as Hyundai Motor Sits Out

Toyota and BYD are staging competing PHEV launches at the Busan International Mobility Show (June 26–July 5, 2026), targeting a domestic market niche that Hyundai Motor and Kia have vacated since 2021. Korean PHEV registrations fell 26% year-on-year to 4,745 units in Jan-May 2026, accounting for just 0.8% of the domestic auto market.

Hanmi Semiconductor Bets KRW 50 Billion on SpaceX, Citing AI and Satellite Demand as Long-Term Growth Rationale

Hanmi Semiconductor (042700.KQ) disclosed a KRW 50 billion open-market purchase of SpaceX shares, equivalent to 7.24% of its shareholders' equity, citing explosive AI and satellite demand as the long-term growth rationale.

Krafton Bets KRW 50 Billion on HyperAccel's LPU Chips to Cut AI Inference Costs, Marking Rare Game-to-Chip Move

PUBG maker Krafton is investing KRW 50 billion in Korean AI chip startup HyperAccel's Series B, backing LPUs designed to cut LLM inference costs by 90% versus Nvidia GPUs.

Kakao Pay Buys Out Kakao Pay Securities for KRW 173 Billion, Ending Dual-Listing Overhang and Clearing Path for Stablecoin Push

Kakao Pay will spend KRW 172.98 billion to lift its stake in Kakao Pay Securities from 72.93% to 100% by July 20, removing dual-listing concerns and accelerating its stablecoin and STO strategy.

Hanwha Life Insurance Posts 29.5% Jump in Q1 2026 Operating Profit; K-ICS Solvency Ratio Rises to 162.1%

Hanwha Life (088350.KS) posted KRW 480.8 billion in consolidated operating profit in Q1 2026, up 29.5% year-on-year, as new-contract CSM hit KRW 610.9 billion and its K-ICS solvency ratio improved 4.6 percentage points to 162.1%.

KOSPI Plunges 9.99%, Triggering Circuit Breaker, as Samsung and SK Hynix Each Lose Over 12% in Largest Single-Day Crash of 2026

South Korea's KOSPI fell 9.99% to 8,203.84 on June 23, 2026 — its steepest single-day drop of the year — as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix each shed more than 12%, triggering a full circuit breaker halt.

LG Chem Commits KRW 15 Trillion to R&D by 2035, Targeting Semiconductor Packaging and Robotics Materials

LG Chem commits KRW 15 trillion (USD 9.74 billion) in R&D through 2035, with 70% targeted at semiconductor, EV, and robotics materials and 30% at anticancer drugs, as the company pivots from petrochemicals to high-margin specialties.

Samsung and SK Hynix Target Hundreds of Trillions of Won in Honam and Chungcheong Semiconductor Clusters as Minister Urges Speed

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reviewing plans to build semiconductor fab clusters in Honam and Chungcheong regions, with investment discussed at hundreds of trillions of won as Korea's industry minister urges speed.

Kakao Unveils Kanana Agentic AI at KPAIX 2026, Positions KakaoTalk as Korea's Government Service Gateway

Kakao Corp. (035720.KS) unveiled its Kanana agentic AI at KPAIX 2026 in Goyang, partnering with South Korea's government to turn KakaoTalk into a national AI service hub while launching Commerce Catalog Advertising.

Samsung Electronics HBM4 Sales Top USD 1 Billion Four Months After Launch as Nvidia Vera Rubin Demand Accelerates

Samsung Electronics crossed the USD 1 billion milestone in HBM4 chip sales just four months after its February 2026 launch, targeting USD 1.2 billion by month-end as Nvidia Vera Rubin ramps.

JB Financial Group Posts Q1 2026 Net Profit of KRW 166.1 Billion as Net Interest Income Rises 8.5%

JB Financial Group posted Q1 2026 net profit of KRW 166.1B (+2.1% YoY), with net interest income growing 8.5% and provisions declining 9.7%.

CJ Corporation Q1 2026: Revenue Climbs 8% but Operating Profit Slides 13% as BIO Segment Stumbles

CJ Corporation posted Q1 2026 consolidated revenue of KRW 11.45 trillion (+8.0% YoY) but operating profit fell 13.2% as the BIO amino acid segment's profit collapsed 62.3% year-on-year.

SK Biopharmaceuticals Signs USD 2.5 Billion AI Drug Discovery Deal With Insilico Medicine at BioUSA 2026, Expanding CNS Reach Beyond Epilepsy

SK Biopharmaceuticals (326030.KS) signed a USD 2.5 billion AI drug discovery deal with Insilico Medicine at BioUSA 2026 to develop neuroimmune CNS therapies, as 51 Korean biotech firms set new partnership benchmarks at the San Diego event.

South Korea Wins Softer EU Steel Quota Carve-Out Days Before July 1 Cutoff, Shielding POSCO and Hyundai Steel

South Korea secured preferential treatment under the EU new steel safeguard regime effective July 1, 2026, protecting POSCO and Hyundai Steel from the full 46% duty-free quota reduction targeting global exporters.

SK Hynix Eyes Nasdaq ADR Debut by August, Targets Up to USD 20 Billion as AI Memory Gains Peak

SK hynix (000660.KS) plans to list American Depositary Receipts on Nasdaq as early as July 2026, targeting proceeds of USD 14 to 20 billion to fund AI memory expansion.

LG Energy Solution Debuts Polish-Made JF2S Battery at ESS Europe 2026, Targeting AI Data Center Power Market

LG Energy Solution showcases JF2S DC Link 5.0 (~5 MWh, Polish LFP), JP6 UPS and 2170 BBU at Messe Munich (Jun 23-25), backed by USD 1.6B DTE Energy deal and KRW 3.4T in 2026 ESS contracts.

Samsung Display, LG Display Begin Apple H2 2026 OLED Mass Production as BOE Is Shut Out of Premium Lineup

South Korea's Samsung Display and LG Display have begun mass production of OLED panels for Apple's entire H2 2026 lineup, securing over 228 million units combined. BOE was excluded from iPhone 18 Pro supply after LTPO+ quality failures at its Mianyang facility.

CJ CheilJedang (097950.KS) Q1 2026: Operating Profit Slumps 28.5% on Cost Expansion, Net Income More Than Doubles on Tax Relief and Divestiture Gains

CJ CheilJedang posted operating profit of KRW 238.1 billion in Q1 2026, down 28.5% year-on-year, as SG&A costs rose 5.4% and BIO segment margins contracted. Net income surged 108.8% to KRW 119.8 billion on tax normalisation and a KRW 15.1 billion discontinued-operations gain.

Samsung Biologics Secures KRW 149.1 Billion in CMO Add-Ons as Union Plans Independence Vote

Samsung Biologics disclosed two DART-filed CMO contract expansions totaling KRW 149.1 billion in June 2026, lifting its cumulative backlog to ~USD 10.4 billion, even as the labor union prepares a vote to exit Samsung Group's conglomerate union.

Hyundai Glovis (086280.KS) Q1 2026: Revenue Hits KRW 7.81 Trillion on Auto Logistics Surge, Operating Profit Up 3.9%

Hyundai Glovis (086280.KS) posted KRW 7.81 trillion in Q1 2026 revenue (+8.2% YoY) with operating profit up 3.9% to KRW 521.5 billion. Net income fell 14.4% on non-operating headwinds. Fleet expansion: 37 LNG car carriers on order.

Samsung E&A (028050.KS) Q1 2026: Operating Profit Surges 20% as Middle East Demand Reshapes Revenue Mix

Samsung E&A Q1 2026 quarterly results: operating profit up 19.6% YoY to KRW 188.2bn; Middle East revenue surges 33% to 58% of total sales; backlog at KRW 17.8tn.

Daehan Shipbuilding (439260.KS) Surpasses 2026 Order Target and Logs Sixth Straight 20%-Plus Margin Quarter on Suezmax Dominance

Daehan Shipbuilding (439260.KS) posted Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 82.6 billion at a 26.8% margin — its sixth consecutive quarter above 20% — as Suezmax specialization and US-Iran tensions drive record tanker demand. The company has already exceeded its 2026 annual order target with 13 vessels secured and is pursuing US Navy MRO certification.

Kakao Games Installs LINE Yahoo-Backed Co-CEOs, Denies Merger With LINE Games; Stock Jumps 15%

Kakao Games (293490.KS) held an EGM on June 22 to install Kim Taehwan and Lee Si-woo as co-CEOs under new parent LAAA Investment (LY Corp.), which injected KRW 300B via equity and convertible bonds. A potential merger with LINE Games was ruled out for now; Southeast Asia is the stated growth target. Shares jumped 15.9% on the session.

SK Hynix Dethrones Samsung Electronics as KOSPI's Top Market Cap for First Time in 27 Years

SK Hynix briefly surpassed Samsung Electronics on June 22 to become South Korea's largest company by market cap — a milestone unseen since 1999 — as its AI-driven HBM dominance sent shares to a record KRW 2,945,000.

South Korea's FSS Chief Regrets Approving Samsung, SK Hynix Leveraged ETFs as Retail Investors Bear Up to KRW 10 Trillion in Brokerage Fees

South Korea's FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin expressed sharp regret over the May 27 approval of 2x single-stock leveraged ETFs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, warning cumulative trading commissions may reach KRW 5–10 trillion while retail investors—holding 92% of the KRW 14 trillion combined AUM—bear most of the risk. Regulators are studying five curbs including tighter monitoring, credit controls, and possible restrictions on future approvals.

South Korea's FSS to Release Banking Governance Reform Before KB Financial Shortlist, Introducing Three-Term Chairman Limit

South Korea's FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin says a governance reform plan capping bank holding company chairmen at three consecutive terms will be released before KB Financial's July 3 shortlist selection.

Iljin Electric (103590.KS) Q1 2026: Operating Profit Surges 49% as Grid Infrastructure Boom Lifts Cable and HV Equipment Demand

Iljin Electric posted Q1 2026 operating profit of KRW 50.8 billion, up 49.1% year-over-year, as ultra-high-voltage cable and GIS demand surge on grid infrastructure investment.

Hanon Systems Q1 2026: Operating Profit Jumps 361% on Margin Recovery

Hanon Systems (018880.KS) posted Q1 2026 consolidated operating income of KRW 97.2 billion, up 361% year-on-year, as revenue rose 5% to KRW 2,748 billion.

KakaoPay Loses Court Battle Over Alipay Data Transfers, Cementing KRW 19 Billion in Fines

A Seoul court rejected KakaoPay's challenge to a KRW 12.98 billion FSS fine for routing 54.2 billion personal credit records through China's Alipay without user consent, cementing a combined KRW 18.9 billion regulatory bill and setting a sector-wide data-sharing precedent.

Hanwha Ocean Enters Final Stretch of C$60B Canada Submarine Race, Decision Due Mid-July

South Korea's Hanwha Ocean (042660.KS), partnering with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180.KS), has advanced to the decisive final stage of Canada's landmark Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP),

SKC Posts KRW 305 Billion Operating Loss in FY2025 as Battery Foil Surges, Credit Ratings Cut

SKC (011790.KS) reported a KRW 305 billion operating loss for FY2025, with net losses hitting KRW 719 billion as financing charges and write-downs mounted despite a 59% surge in its battery copper foil unit.

Woori Financial Adds ₩10 Trillion to Growth and Inclusive-Finance Targets, Tripling 2026 Safety-Net Goal

Woori Financial Group expanded its Future Shared Growth Project by ₩10 trillion (USD 6.5 billion), lifting the 2026 inclusive-finance target nearly threefold to ₩3.5 trillion and scheduling ₩400 billion in debt write-offs.

Hanwha Lifts KAI Stake to 9.04%, Eyes 12% by Year-End in Korean Aerospace Consolidation Bet

Hanwha Group becomes KAI second-largest shareholder at 9.04%, spending KRW 625B. Board approves KRW 500B more targeting 12% by year-end. Hanwha Aerospace stock falls 6.48%.

Korean Biotech Giants Descend on BIO USA 2026, Targeting CDMO Contracts and AI Drug Discovery Deals

Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, SK Biopharmaceuticals and Lotte Biologics are among 51 Korean firms at BIO USA 2026 in San Diego, targeting CDMO contracts and AI drug discovery deals as BIOSECURE Act reshapes global manufacturing demand.

Hyundai Motor Group to Acquire SoftBank's Remaining 9.65% Stake in Boston Dynamics for USD 325 Million

Hyundai Motor Group is set to acquire SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for USD 325 million, completing full ownership of the robotics firm ahead of a potential Nasdaq IPO in 2027.

Shinsegae Posts 50% Operating Profit Surge in Q1 2026 on Duty-Free Rebound and Premium Retail Strength

Shinsegae's Q1 2026 consolidated operating profit surged 49.5% year-on-year to KRW 197.8 billion as duty-free revenues rebounded and department store sales grew 10.9%.

Samsung Targets HBM4 Long-Term Supply Deals With Nvidia and AMD After World-First HBM4E Samples

Samsung Electronics held its twice-yearly strategy meeting on June 18, with Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyeon leading discussions on HBM4 and HBM4E supply roadmaps and long-term agreements with Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Google.

LG Group Sends 30-Exec Team to Nvidia HQ to Advance M.A.P. Alliance Across Robotics, AI Data Centers, and Mobility

LG Group's ~30 executives head to Nvidia's California HQ on June 24, deepening a three-pillar M.A.P. (Mobility, AI Infrastructure, Physical AI) alliance that spans LG Electronics, LG Innotek, LG CNS, LG Energy Solution and LG Uplus.

SK Square Hits Record ₩1.891 Million Intraday, Outpacing SK Hynix as Index Cap Drives Proxy Demand

SK Square's shares touched a record intraday high of ₩1,891,000 in June, climbing 44% on the month as a 10% index weight cap on SK Hynix pushes institutional investors toward the holding company.

LG Energy Solution Hits 100,000 Global Patent Mark, First Battery Maker to Reach the Milestone

LG Energy Solution surpassed 100,000 global patent applications, becoming the first battery company in the world to reach the milestone, backed by record R&D spending of ₩1.33 trillion in 2024.

Kia Plans to Phase Out Granbird Bus After 55 Years as Chinese Rivals and Emissions Costs Bite

Kia Corp plans to discontinue its Granbird large bus within two years, ending 55 years of commercial vehicle production as Chinese rivals and stricter emissions rules squeeze margins.

JoongAng Group's Five Affiliates Enter Court Rehabilitation as JTBC's ₩700 Billion Sports-Rights Bet Unravels

JoongAng Ilbo filed for creditor-led workout on June 19 while JTBC and four affiliates sought court rehabilitation, triggered by a failed USD 500 million Olympic and FIFA broadcasting rights deal. Around ₩500 billion in PE capital faces uncertain exits.

Korea Gains a Point on MSCI Scorecard, but Wednesday's Reclassification Review Is the Real Test

MSCI cut Korea's minus-rated accessibility categories to five from six, upgrading investment-instrument availability. The annual classification review on June 23 will determine whether Korea re-enters the developed-market watchlist for the first time since 2014.

LG Display Headed for Another Q2 Loss, But Samsung Securities Lifts Target to ₩17,000 on a Restructuring Read

Mirae Asset Faces Extended FSS Probe After SpaceX IPO Delivers Zero Shares to Korean Investors

South Korea's FSS has extended its probe into Mirae Asset Securities after the brokerage received zero SpaceX IPO shares despite planning a USD 312.5 million allocation. The firm launched a ₩1 billion Customer Care Program for affected investors.

Doosan (000150.KS), LG CNS Sign AI and Data-Center MOU

SK Hynix Eyes August Nasdaq ADR Debut, Targeting USD 14 Billion in New Shares

SK Hynix is targeting an August Nasdaq ADR listing that could raise up to USD 14 billion, with SEC approval expected around June 22. The offering would make SK Hynix the first Korean chipmaker directly tradable on a U.S. exchange.

Foreign Ownership of KB Financial Tops 80% for First Time Since 2008, Reframing Chairman Reappointment

Foreign investors now own more than 80% of KB Financial Group for the first time since the holding company was established in 2008, bolstering Chairman Yang Jong-hee reappointment prospects.

Samsung C&T (028260.KS) Surges 13% on Dividend Overhaul

Hyundai Rotem Seals ₩748.2 Billion, 20-Year Morocco Maintenance Pact, Lifting Korea's Total Rail Bet Near ₩3 Trillion

Hyundai Rotem sealed a KRW 748.2 billion (USD 487.3M) 20-year maintenance contract with ONCF, pushing Korea's total Morocco rail commitment to ~KRW 2.98 trillion ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Trump-Backed Apple-Intel Chip Pact Adds a Rival to Samsung's Foundry Comeback

President Donald Trump said on June 18 that Apple has agreed to "design and manufacture chips in the U.S." with Intel, a post on his Truth Social account that sent Intel shares up $12.72, or 10.5%, to $133.82 the same day (CBS News). Neither company confirmed the arrangement: Apple did not respond t

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Extends Record Rally as AI Server MLCC Demand Runs 10–20x Smartphones

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (009150.KS) hit a 52-week intraday high of ₩2,192,000 as AI servers demand 10–20x more MLCCs than smartphones, pitting it ag

Japan's LY Corp Closes Kakao Games Takeover, Taking 33.43% Control Stake

Kakao Games (293490.KS), the listed game-publishing arm of Korean internet conglomerate Kakao, disclosed on June 19, 2026 that control has formally passed to a Japanese owner. LAAA Investment, a speci

KOSPI Tops 9,000 for First Time, Led by Just Two Chip Stocks

South Korea's KOSPI (the country's benchmark stock index) closed above 9,000 for the first time on June 18, finishing at 9,063. 84, up 199.

Korean Air Pegs ₩900 Billion–₩1 Trillion Price Tag on Asiana Integration, Targets Breakeven by End-2028

Korean Air estimates ₩900 billion to ₩1 trillion to integrate Asiana Airlines, with ₩300 billion in annual synergies expected to offset costs by end-2028 to early 2029.

Pulmuone Extends 11-Year U.S. Tofu Lead as Jan–May Sales Climb 16.8% to ₩107.8 Billion

Pulmuone Foods USA logged ₩107.8 billion in Jan–May 2026 U.S. tofu revenues, up 16.8% year on year, as water-pack and high-protein formats drive record-pace sales across 15,000 U.S. stores.

KakaoPay, Toss Pay Pull Payment Services From Megabox as Court Freeze Locks Out Refunds

KakaoPay and Toss Pay pull payment gateway services from Megabox after Seoul Bankruptcy Court freezes JoongAng Group assets. Megabox carries 2,212% debt-to-equity ratio after 6 consecutive loss years.

Samsung's System LSI Guides to Annual Loss Despite Record Q1 Revenue as SoC Drag Persists

The head of Samsung Electronics' (005930

Intel Hires Former SK Hynix CEO Seok-Hee Lee to Run Its Advanced Packaging Push

Intel named former SK Hynix president Seok-Hee Lee as EVP of Intel Foundry, putting the Korean memory veteran in charge of advanced packaging as Intel chases profitable foundry revenue.

Kia to Retire Granbird After 60 Years as Chinese EV Buses and Emissions Rules Squeeze Korea's Last Diesel Coach Maker

Kia will discontinue its Granbird large bus within 1-2 years, ending a 60-year legacy as Chinese EV buses and emissions rules make the diesel coach unprofitable.

IMM PE Seals ₩1.11 Trillion Deal to Take 80% of CGBio, Betting on USD 1.6 Billion in U.S. Medical Device Sales

South Korea Jumps to 21st in IMD World Competitiveness, Second-Highest Ever as Business Efficiency Surges 10 Spots

South Korea climbed six spots to 21st among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, its second-highest result ever, driven by a 10-place surge in business efficiency and a rise to 15th in infrastructure.

LG Chem Partners with UK's LabGenius to Halve Cancer Antibody Discovery Timeline, Eyes Triple-Digit Milestones

LG Chem and UK-based LabGenius Therapeutics have signed a multi-year collaboration to develop AI-designed cancer antibodies using the EVA platform, with potential triple-digit million USD milestones.

POSCO International Seals ₩1.3 Trillion Indonesia Palm Bet With PT.PAR Launch, Targets Double Profit

POSCO International formally launched PT Prime Agri Resources in Jakarta on June 18, completing its palm oil value chain across 154,000 hectares in Indonesia and targeting double operating profit in 2026.

Korean Banks' JoongAng Group Exposure Tops ₩800 Billion as Receivership Tests Record Earnings

Five JoongAng Group units, including JTBC, sought court rehabilitation after a ₩700 billion sports-broadcast-rights bet went wrong. Hana Bank holds the largest exposure at ₩307 billion; analysts project limited provisioning impact on Korean lenders.

U.S. Poised to Scrap Biosimilar’s ‘Interchangeable’ Hurdle — Celltrion and Samsung Bioepis Stand to Gain Most

The bipartisan Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) and parallel FDA guidance would cut Korean drug makers’ development costs 70–90% and shorten timelines by up to four years.

Gaon Cable's U.S. Busduct Backlog Tops ₩5 Trillion as AI Data Center Deals Drive 2026 Orders to Double

LS Cable subsidiary Gaon Cable has amassed ₩5 trillion in U.S. AI data center busduct contracts via LSCUS, with 2026 orders set to double to ₩200 billion ($131M) as gen-AI firms join its customer base.

SK Hynix Ships HBM4E 12-High Samples, Defends HBM Lead

SK Hynix has shipped 12-layer HBM4E samples running at 16 Gbps per pin with 48GB capacity, advancing the HBM4E competition as KOSPI closes at a record 8,864.

Samsung Wins VLSI Best Paper for 3D Stacked Transistor

Samsung Electronics won Best Paper at VLSI Symposium 2026 for a 3D stacked transistor at a record 42nm gate pitch, doubling logic chip transistor density on the same die area.

KOSPI Closes Above 9,000 for the First Time Ever as Chip Rally Masks a Broad Market Divide

South Korea's KOSPI closed at 9,063.84 on June 18, 2026, crossing 9,000 for the first time in history as SK Hynix surged 6.51% and Samsung rose 4.62%, while 810 of 928 constituent stocks declined.

Kakao Resumes Wage Talks Days Before June 29 'Log-Off' Strike

Kakao (035720.KS), operator of KakaoTalk — South Korea's dominant messaging and super-app platform — returned to the bargaining table on June 17 for its first wage talks since a June 10 walkout, th...

Korea's FSC Calls for Swift Mandatory Tender Offer as Academics Demand Full Buyout Rule

Korea's Financial Services Commission Vice Chairman urges rapid mandatory tender offer legislation as academics push for a full 100% buyout obligation, targeting H2 2026 enactment.

Korea's 'Seohak Ants' Outbuy US Retail Investors Fivefold on SpaceX's Debut Day, Pouring ₩1.2 Trillion Into Shares

South Korean retail investors bought ₩1.2 trillion ($885 million) in SpaceX shares on its Nasdaq debut — more than five times what US retail investors purchased on the same day.

TSMC Glass-Substrate Data Narrows Korea's First-Mover Window

TSMC has for the first time disclosed validation data for glass substrates aimed at next-generation AI-chip packaging, narrowing the window for Korean suppliers Samsung Electro-Mechanics, LG Innotek a

Posco Opens Korea's Largest Electric Arc Furnace, Launches Rare Gas Unit That Can Supply 52% of Domestic Semiconductor Demand

Posco completed Korea's largest electric arc furnace (2.5M tons, 600B won) and launched a rare gas plant that can cover 52% of domestic semiconductor demand for neon, krypton, and xenon.

Hyundai Steel and LSU Seal Research Pact Tied to USD 5.8 Billion Louisiana Steel Mill, POSCO Taking 20% Stake

Hyundai Steel and LSU signed a Master Research Agreement on June 17 for a USD 5.8 billion EAF mill in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, with POSCO backing a 20% stake worth USD 582 million and commercial launch targeted for 2029.

Hugel's PE Owner Refinances ₩765 Billion Rather Than Cash Out, Signaling a Longer Hold

CBC Group, an Asia-focused healthcare private-equity firm and the controlling shareholder of Hugel (145020.KQ), Korea's largest medical-aesthetics company specializing in botulinum toxin and hyaluroni

Samsung Union Puts Chairman to a Vote Amid Bonus Backlash

Samsung's largest union holds confidence vote on chairman after May wage deal's chip-tilted bonus structure drove 20,000 members to quit.

ABL Bio Gastric Cancer Drug Wins FDA Fast Track as Phase 3 Launch Nears

ABL Bio's bispecific antibody Givastomig received FDA Fast Track designation for HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer on June 16, accelerating its path to a Phase 3 trial opening in Q4 2026.

SK Group Tops ₩2,000 Trillion — and 94% Rides on SK Hynix

SK Group — South Korea's second-largest conglomerate by market value, anchored by memory-chip maker SK Hynix — saw the combined market capitalization of its lis

Hanwha Ocean Bids for Canada's USD 44 Billion Submarine Fleet as Ottawa Weighs Final Choice Between Korea and Germany

Canada is set to pick between South Korea's Hanwha Ocean and Germany's TKMS for a USD 43.5 billion submarine contract — the largest Korean defense export ever if won. Decision expected June 2026.

Samsung Retakes North American Mini-LED TV Lead From Hisense — But the World Cup Quarter Will Settle It

Samsung Electronics captured 40% of North America's mini-LED TV market in Q1 2026, surpassing Hisense's 27% and reversing a narrow 2025 loss.

Lotte Shopping Hits 52-Week High as Korea's Department Stores Post Up to 13% Single-Day Gains on Tourist Boom and Semiconductor-Belt Wealth Effect

Lotte Shopping surged 13.3% to a 52-week high and Shinsegae gained 8.7% on June 16 as record foreign tourism and semiconductor bonus spending push Korea's big-three department store operators toward f

SK Telecom Denies China-Link Behind US Anthropic AI Ban

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Labor Panel Orders Hyundai Motor Into Direct Talks With Subcontractor Unions in Korea's First Yellow Envelope Ruling

South Korea's Ulsan labor commission ruled Hyundai Motor must bargain directly with 1,675 subcontracted workers — the first test of the March 2026 Yellow Envelope law, with manufacturing-wide implications.

Hanwha Lifts KAI Stake to 9.04%, Locks In No. 2 Spot With a USD 332 Million Purchase

Hanwha Group combined holdings in Korea Aerospace Industries reached 9.04% on Monday, making it the second-largest shareholder as the group declared management-participation intent and approved another USD 332 million tranche.

Kakao Embeds ChatGPT in KakaoTalk Chats for 49 Million Korean Users

Kakao has launched a ChatGPT chatbot inside KakaoTalk chat rooms, letting 49 million South Korean users access OpenAI AI without leaving the app.

Samsung-Boston Dynamics Stake Talk Is a Brokerage Scenario, Not a Deal — and Samsung Calls It 'Groundless'

What actually happened

Lee Dong-chul Leads Korea's Card Lobby on Stablecoin Push

Lee Dong-chul, the former vice chairman of KB Financial Group — one of South Korea's largest financial holding companies, listed in Seoul as 105560.KS

Hanmi's Peptide Obesity Drugs Target GLP-1's Muscle-Loss Gap at ADA 2026

Hanmi Pharmaceutical (128940.KS), one of South Korea's most R&D-intensive drugmakers — which spent 14.8% of 2025 revenue on R&D and has led domestic outpatient prescription sales for eight con

Genesem Jumps 15% on Second SK hynix Back-End Equipment Order in Two Months

Shares of Genesem (제너셈; KOSDAQ: 217190), a Korean special-purpose machinery maker that builds semiconductor back-end (packaging and test) equipment, surged as much as roughly 15% on June 16 after d...

Samsung Biologics Returns to BIO USA for 14th Straight Year, Backed by Record Revenue and a $21 Billion Order Book

Samsung Biologics (207940.KS), the Songdo-based contract drug manufacturer that ranks as the world's largest biopharmaceutical producer by installed c

Samsung Securities, Hyundai, and LG Electronics Backed Tenstorrent — Now Qualcomm Is Circling at Up to $10 Billion

Qualcomm is in talks to acquire AI chip startup Tenstorrent at $8-10B. Three Korean firms — Samsung Securities, Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics — led its $693M Series D at a $2.6B valuation and stand to earn a 3-4x return.

Samsung Opens 9th C-Lab Outside Cohort for AI, Robotics

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), Korea's largest company and the world's biggest memory-chip and smartphone maker, on June 15 opened applications for the ninth

SK Plasma Breaks Ground on ₩900B Turkey Plasma Plant, Targeting European Drug Markets

SK Plasma and Turkish Red Crescent began construction of a ₩900 billion plasma fractionation facility in Ankara on June 15, marking South Korea's largest plasma

Korea's New Bio 'Control Tower' Holds First CEO Sit-Down — The Real Test Is a Strategy Due This Month

Korea's National Bioinnovation Committee held its first CEO meeting with pharma leaders on June 15, 2026. The real test comes with the Bio Innovation Strategy expected before end of June.

Korea Investment Adds Auto-Investing Notes to KakaoBank App

On June 15, two of Korea's largest brokerages made the same bet on the same day: that the cheapest way to reach retail savers is to rent the audience of Kakao's consumer apps rather than build their o

LG Energy Solution Courts US AI Talent as Q1 Losses Persist

LG Energy Solution (373220.KS), the world's third-largest electric-vehicle battery maker, held its annual Battery Tech Conference (BTC) — a recruitment-linked event that invites graduate-level researc

Korean Chips Jump 4-6% as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Reopens Hormuz, Lifting KOSPI Past 8,500

South Korea's chipmakers led a broad risk-on surge on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that negotiations on a memorandum of understanding (MOU)

Celltrion Adds Two Cancer Biosimilars in Vietnam

Celltrion is widening its footprint in Vietnam, a small but fast-growing Southeast Asian market — a move that tells investors more about strategy than about this quarter's revenue.

Foreign Investors Trade $4.4B via Korea's Omnibus Accounts

Forest Partners Backs Battery 'Foundry' JR Energy Solution at ₩100 Billion in EV-Downturn Bet

Forest Partners, a Seoul-based private equity firm, has invested more than ₩10 billion ($7.3 million) in JR Energy Solution, a battery contract manufacturer fou

Samsung Electro-Mechanics, LG Innotek Set for Q2 Record as AI Substrate Squeeze Deepens

SEMCO Q2 operating profit seen +79% to KRW380.7B; FC-BGA demand outstrips supply by over 50% with no new capacity before 2028. LG Innotek FY26 OP est. KRW1.1T.

Overnight Lines Return as CJ Olive Young Opens Second U.S. Outpost Near Beverly Hills

CJ Olive Young opened its second U.S. store at Westfield Century City on June 13, 2026, as the USD 2 billion U.S. K-beauty market grew 37% in 2025 — the retailer now eyes a third California location a

Hyundai Motor Group Advances to 11.8% U.S. Market Share Through April as Hybrids Absorb Tariff Shock

Hyundai Motor Group claimed 11.8 percent of the U.S. auto market in the first four months of 2026, up one percentage point year-on-year, as hybrid sales surged 66 percent in January and a bilateral trade deal cut the tariff rate from 25 to 15 percent.

Shinhan Folds Its Super-App Into SOL Bank as Korea's Lenders Reignite the Platform War

Shinhan Financial Group (055550.KS), Korea's second-largest financial holding company by assets, will relaunch its all-in-one "Super SOL" platform on June 17, but the new version quietly concedes that its first attempt missed. Rather than maintain a standalone super-app, Shinhan is embedding card, securities and insurance functions directly into SO

K-Biotech's Animal-Free Pivot: Samsung Biologics and Peers Race to Meet New FDA and EU Drug Rules

The EU and FDA are converging on a phaseout of animal testing in drug development, creating a new competitive arena where Samsung Biologics and a cohort of Korean biotech firms are building organoid and AI capabilities to stay ahead.

SK Hynix Eyes August U.S. ADR Debut, Eyes USD 14 Billion as HBM Crown Meets Capital Markets

SK Hynix (000660.KS), the world's second-largest memory chipmaker and dominant supplier of high-bandwidth memory to AI data centers, is targeting an American De

KOSPI's 109% Rally Masks a K-Shaped Market: 31% of Stocks at New Lows as Two Chipmakers Claim 72% of Gains

As the KOSPI hits record highs near 8,800, market breadth has collapsed: 31% of listed stocks are at 52-week lows while Samsung and SK Hynix alone account for 72% of year-to-date gains.

Samsung SDI's Data Center Bet Begins to Pay Off as Q1 Loss Narrows 64%

Samsung SDI narrowed its Q1 2026 operating loss 64% to ₩155.6B as AI data center battery backup demand and US ESS shipments drove battery revenue up 13%. US capacity booked through 2027.

Korea ICT Exports Shatter Monthly Record at $47.79 Billion in May as AI Server Demand Marks Third Consecutive $40B-Plus Month

South Korea's May ICT exports soared 128.9% year-on-year to a record $47.79 billion, driven by semiconductor shipments that surged 169.2% to $37.16 billion on AI server demand.

SK Telecom, NTT, and Chunghwa Telecom Launch USD 500 Million IOWN AI Fund to Back Asia's AI Infrastructure

SK Telecom, Japan's NTT, and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom announced on June 10 a joint $500 million (approximately ₩760 billion) fund targeting artificial intellig

LG Electronics Opens Korea's First Humanoid Robot Data Factory, Deploys 300 CLOiD Units by Year-End

LG Electronics has converted its 33,000-sqm Yangjae R&D campus into Korea's first humanoid robot data factory. The company is committing more than KRW 400 billion through 2030, deploying 100 CLOiD humanoid robots in July scaling to 300 by year-end, with a 2028 commercial home-robot launch target.

Hanwha Ocean Wins ₩7.8T Destroyer Program as Rival’s Data-Leak Penalty Overturns Technical Lead

South Korea’s KDDX program has selected Hanwha Ocean as preferred bidder, awarding ₩7.8 trillion in destroyer contracts even as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries led on pure technical merit—until a court-upheld security deduction rewrote the score sheet.

Korea Launches First Joint FX-Bank Probe in 14 Years as Won Slides to 17-Year Low

Korea's BOK and FSS launched their first joint examination of FX banks since 2012, as the won slid to KRW 1,555.2 — a 17-year low — prompting warnings of imminent rate hikes to defend the currency.

Samsung Foundry in Talks to Build Google's Icefish TPU I/O Die as TSMC Runs Full

Samsung Electronics' contract chipmaking unit is in talks to produce the memory I/O die for Google's 10th-generation AI chip 'Icefish' using its 2-nanometer process, with mass production targeted as early as 2028.

Korean Brokerages Earn ₩4.33 Trillion in One Quarter — Nearly Half of 2025's Record Year

South Korea's 61 securities firms earned ₩4.33 trillion ($2.63 billion) in Q1 2026 — 44.9% of the industry's full-year 2025 record — driven by a 333% surge in KOSPI trading volume. Mirae Asset became the first Korean brokerage to top ₩1 trillion in a single quarter.

Korea-Italy Roundtable Yields Aerospace, Grid, Pharma Deals

Korean and Italian business leaders turned a state-visit photo opportunity into signed commercial deals on Friday, including aerospace, grid and pharma agreements. Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong attended.

Korea's Record KRW 624.7B Fine Hits Coupang Over 37.5M-User Data Breach; Stock Surges 14%

Korea's PIPC imposed a record KRW 624.7 billion privacy fine on Coupang — nearly equal to its full-year 2025 operating profit — over a data breach affecting 37.5 million users. The stock closed up 14.25% on the day, suggesting markets viewed the ruling as the worst-case scenario now quantified.

SpaceX Record IPO Revives Tesla Merger Talk, Korea Exposed

SpaceX's record USD 75B IPO debuted up 11%, reigniting Tesla merger speculation. Korean retail investors hold USD 24.74B in Tesla as LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI supply Tesla's battery chain.

SK Hynix HBM Fab M15X Catches Fire Again — Second Cheongju Blaze in 11 Days, No Output Hit

SK Hynix reported a second fire in 11 days at its Cheongju M15X fab — the HBM4 plant anchoring Nvidia supply. Six workers hospitalized; the company says no production was interrupted.

Nomura Calls Korea’s Chip Supercycle “Just Beginning,” Lifts KOSPI Target to 11,000 as Foreigners Snap 24-Day Sell-Off

Nomura Securities declared at a Seoul briefing on June 12 that South Korea's semiconductor supercycle has “only just begun” — even as the KOSPI was still digest

Celltrion Touts HER2 Bispecific Cancer Data, Eyes FDA Fast-Track in 2026

Celltrion (068270.KS), one of South Korea's two largest biopharmaceutical companies by revenue alongside Samsung Biologics and best known for biosimil

Dongtan Home Prices Jump 7%, Korea Eyes Curbs Near Samsung

Home prices in Dongtan, a planned new town in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province that serves as a key dormitory district for Samsung and SK hynix chip worker

London Lists 3x Samsung, SK Hynix ETPs After Korea 2x Slump

Leverage Shares, a global issuer of leveraged exchange-traded products (ETPs), began trading two triple-leveraged single-stock products on the London Stock Exch

Samsung Pushes Foundry Breakeven to 2028 as TSMC Gap Widens to 11x

Samsung Electronics (005930.

Hanmi Semiconductor (042700.KQ) Bets ₩50B on SpaceX Pre-IPO

South Korean HBM bonder maker Hanmi Semiconductor will buy ₩50 billion ($36.5 million) of SpaceX shares ahead of its Nasdaq IPO, betting on Elon Musk's Terafab semiconductor complex.

LG Energy Solution Ends Sunwoda Patent Fight in Licensing Deal

LG Energy Solution (373220.KS), Korea's largest electric-vehicle battery maker, has converted a two-year cross-border patent war into a license agreement with Chinese cell maker Sunwoda — but the f...

Kospi Jumps 4.6% on Iran Truce Hopes as Foreigners Return

South Korea's Kospi surged 4.6% to 8,123 on Friday as Trump claimed a US-Iran ceasefire. Samsung and SK Hynix led chip stocks higher; foreigners turned net buyers for the first time in 25 sessions.

Samsung, SK Hynix Weigh Chip Plants in Korea's Southwest — But Both Deny Any Decision

A wave of reports that Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world's largest memory-chip maker, and SK Hynix (000660.KS), the world's top supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), are weighing major ...

LG Innotek Stakes Over ₩2 Trillion on AI Chip Substrates as Gumi Lines Hit 92% Utilization

LG Innotek, the LG Group affiliate that is Korea's largest camera-module maker and one of its two major semiconductor-substrate suppliers, plans to invest more

Seoul Court Upholds KakaoPay's ₩5.97 Billion Fine Over Alipay Data Transfers

A Seoul court has rejected KakaoPay's bid to overturn a privacy fine for sending tens of millions of users' data to China's Alipay—a ruling that matters far more for what it validates than for the cas

Korea Orders Weverse, Kakao to Scrap No-Refund K-pop Terms

South Korea's antitrust regulator has ordered the operators behind the country's biggest K-pop fan platforms to rewrite paid-membership contracts that blocked refunds and barred cancellations, a consu

LG Chem Defends Eutropin, Korea's No. 1 Growth-Hormone Brand

LG Chem releases 14-year observational data on growth hormone Eutropin, confirming 0.2% serious adverse reaction rate and stable thyroid/glucose markers, as new EcoPen device aims to defend Korea's top pediatric growth-hormone franchise.

Samsung Opens Its Workforce to ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude as Altman Heads to Suwon

Samsung Electronics opens ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to its DX division starting June 12, as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman heads to Suwon and Seoul for AI partnership talks with Samsung, Kakao, and Naver.

SK Hynix (000660.KS) Nears US ADR Listing, $14B Raise Eyed

Kakao Ex-CEO Wins Second Acquittal in Baram Buyout Case

Seoul High Court dismissed prosecutors' appeal, upholding the not-guilty verdict for former Kakao Entertainment CEO Kim Sung-su on breach-of-trust charges over the 2020 Baram Pictures acquisition.

SK Hynix to Triple Wafer Capacity by 2034, Eyes Overseas Fabs

SK Hynix (000660.KS), Korea's second-largest chipmaker by revenue and the world's leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers,

Apple Halts Siri AI in EU — Korea's iPhone Suppliers Exhale

Korea to Scrap Banks' 'Network Separation' Rule by Year-End

Samsung, SK hynix Drive an HBM Equipment 'Supercycle'

AI demand has turned HBM memory into a capital-spending story: UBS projects wafer-fab-equipment revenue at USD250B by 2028 as Samsung and SK hynix race to build new packaging fabs.

KB Securities: CXMT IPO a 'Catalyst,' Not a Threat for Samsung

South Korea's KB Securities, one of the country's largest brokerages, told clients on June 10 that the looming initial public offering of Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) — China's largest DRAM mak

Samsung Shareholders Sue for Register Access in Bonus-Pool Dispute

Act, a Korean certification-based platform that organizes minority investors into shareholder associations, said on June 10 it has filed a court injun

Samsung (005930.KS) Anchors $175M Element Biosciences Round

Kakao Faces First Strike; the Real Risk Is the Pay Formula

Kakao (035720.KS) — operator of KakaoTalk, the messaging-and-payments app on which roughly 49 million South Koreans depend (Tech Times) — faced the first walkout in its history on Wednesday, June 10,

Samsung, SK Hynix Weigh Regional Chip Plants as Korea's Cluster Law Nears

Samsung and SK Hynix are reviewing sites in Honam and Chungcheong for new chip packaging fabs as Korea moves to restrict capital-area semiconductor clusters.

KB Financial Drafts 3-Year Strategy as Yang Eyes Second Term

KB Financial Group, Korea's largest financial holding group by net profit, has begun drafting a fresh mid-to-long-term strategy at the very moment it opens the contest to choose its next chairman — a

KakaoBank Hires Hyundai M&A Veteran to Lead Overseas Push

KakaoBank (035720.KS), South Korea's largest internet-only bank by users, has hired a career Hyundai Motor Group M&A executive to lead its overseas expansion — a signal that the lender intends to grad

Kakao Faces First Strike June 10, but Bonus Gap Is Narrow

Kakao workers will stage the company first-ever strike on June 10, a four-hour partial walkout over bonuses, but the cash gap between the two sides is smaller than the historic headline suggests.

Pentagon China Military List: An Edge for Korean Chipmakers

The U.S. Department of Defense on June 8 (Washington time) added Alibaba, Baidu and electric-vehicle maker BYD to its Section 1260H list of "Chinese military companies" operating in the United States, expanding the roster to 188 entities (Reuters via Seoul Economic Daily; The Next Web; etnews, chosu

SK hynix Orders ₩44.2B HBM4 Griffin Bonders From Hanmi

SK hynix ordered HBM4 production equipment worth ₩44.2 billion ($28.7 million) from Hanmi Semiconductor, Korea's dominant maker of HBM thermo-compression bonders.

Dual Sidecars Fire as Korea's KOSPI and KOSDAQ Erase Black Monday Losses

South Korean equities triggered consecutive buy-side sidecars Tuesday as the KOSPI and KOSDAQ staged a sharp recovery from Monday's 8.29% plunge, with Samsung and SK hynix reclaiming key price levels.

Samsung Deploys ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude Group-Wide

Samsung Electronics officially launches its company-wide AI transformation, deploying ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude across all affiliates in June 2026.

SK Hynix ETF (000660.KS) Plunges 37% on Market-Maker Glitch

Concrete Strike Threatens Samsung (005930.KS), SK Hynix Fabs

Concrete Strike Threatens Samsung, SK Hynix Fab Construction

Greater Seoul concrete mixer truck drivers went on strike June 8, 2026, raising concerns about construction delays at Samsung and SK Hynix semiconductor fabs in Gyeonggi.

KOSPI Sinks 8.3% on U.S. Chip Shock — Won Decides Next

Hana (086790.KS) $647M Dunamu Buy Stirs Kbank-Upbit Renewal

Foreign Selloff Hits Record ₩103tn; Won at 17-Year Low

South Korea's won touched its weakest level since the 2009 financial crisis as foreign investors net sold a record ₩103.

Samsung Bonus Revolt Spreads to Profitable Affiliates

Samsung Group's pay dispute is no longer confined to its chip-making flagship. Less than three weeks after Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) reached a landmark bonus deal with its union, the discontent has jumped to profitable affiliates whose workers say they are being left behind, raising the questi