Korea Daily News (November 6, 2024)

Politics

  • North Korean Troop Deployment Confirmed: Ukrainian President Zelensky revealed North Korean involvement in the war, urging the international community for additional support.
  • U.S. Election Conspiracy Theory: Former President Trump held a rally in Philadelphia, claiming widespread voter fraud, while candidate Harris also held interviews and rallies.
  • G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement: G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing concern over North Korea’s participation in Ukraine.
  • Democratic Party Broker Recording Released: The Democratic Party released a broker’s recordings, raising suspicions of improper ties with the opposition.
  • Utah Opens Asia Trade Office: Utah’s governor inaugurated an Asia trade office in Seoul, demonstrating a commitment to fostering cooperation with South Korea.

 

Economy

  • Coupang Records Highest Quarterly Performance: Third-quarter revenue surpassed 10 trillion won, turning a profit from the previous quarter.
  • Kakao Pay Profitability Issues: Kakao Pay’s profitability improvement has been slower than expected, with no target stock price presented.
  • HYBE Target Price Maintained: With the potential for BTS to resume group activities in 2026, HYBE’s target price remains set at 300,000 won.
  • NVIDIA Stock Rises: NVIDIA’s stock increased by 2.84% on U.S. Election Day, reclaiming its position as the world’s most valuable company.
  • Korea Investment & Securities Maintains Neutral on Kakao Pay: Due to slower-than-expected profitability improvements, the investment recommendation remains neutral.

 

Society

  • Lotte World Discount for Exam Takers: Lotte World offers up to 57% off for college exam takers from November 14 to 30.
  • Gwanggyo Reservoir Accident: A woman was injured by a deer antler at Gwanggyo Reservoir and was rescued by emergency responders.
  • Buddhist Monk Hyegyo Passes Away: Monk Hyegyo, known for his missionary work in Gangnam, passed away at the age of 80.
  • HereOtte ESG Plogging Project Concludes: Travel platform HereOtte hosted three environmental plogging events with over 3,000 participants.
  • Seoul Investigates Illegal Debt Collection: Seoul city begins an investigation into illegal debt collection practices affecting residents.

 

International

  • Russia Sabotage Suspected: Russia is suspected of involvement in a parcel fire incident in Poland.
  • U.S. Election Predicted to be Close: A tight race is anticipated between Trump and Harris as voting proceeds.
  • Trump Claims Election Fraud: Tensions rise as Trump alleges election fraud in Philadelphia.
  • Trump Campaigns at Palm Beach Polling Station: Trump expressed confidence in his victory in Florida on Election Day.
  • Utah Opens Trade Office in Seoul: Utah strengthens ties with South Korea through a newly established trade office in Seoul.

 

Technology/IT

  • OpenAI Launches Search Feature: OpenAI’s ChatGPT introduces a search feature, processing 230 million monthly queries.
  • Smilegate Releases New Emoticons: Lost Ark’s new emoticons are welcomed by fans.
  • Netflix to Release ‘Squid Game’ Season 2: The second season of ‘Squid Game’ is set for global release on December 26.
  • Notion Introduces AI for Collaboration: Notion enhances productivity by adding AI functionality to its platform.
  • Generative AI for Video Summaries: Amazon launches a generative AI service to summarize movies and TV show plots.

 

Games

  • Lineage W New World Release: Character creation for the new “Skull World” in Lineage W opens ahead of its November 13 official release.
  • Pokemon Go Pop-Up Booth: A pop-up booth featuring Dynamax Pokemon opens at Gangnam Express Bus Terminal.
  • Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Ends: Capcom successfully concludes the beta test for its latest Monster Hunter series game.
  • Riot Games Collaborates with Netflix: Riot Games collaborates with Netflix in celebration of the upcoming release of Arcane Season 2.
  • Wemade Releases Quarterly Results: With increased revenue from the Mir IP, Wemade reports 214.4 billion won in sales and a return to profitability.

 

Finance

  • Korea Investment & Securities Maintains Neutral on Kakao Pay: Given Kakao Pay’s slower-than-expected profitability improvements, the recommendation remains neutral.
  • Hana Tour Raises Target Price: Hana Tour raises its target price, expecting a boost from Jeju Air’s visa exemption policy.
  • Hana Securities Maintains HYBE Target Price: HYBE’s third-quarter earnings rise, with a target price of 300,000 won maintained.
  • Lowering of Foreign Investment Threshold: A bill to reduce barriers for foreign investment in Saemangeum aims to stimulate growth.
  • Top 5 Banks Increase Loans to Large Corporations: Over the past year, large corporate loans have increased by 20%, with slower growth for SMEs.

 

Real Estate/Construction

  • New Small City in Seoul’s Greenbelt: A new small city accommodating 20,000 households is planned in the greenbelt area of Seocho’s Naegok-dong.
  • Pizza Hut Korea Files for Rehabilitation: Pizza Hut Korea seeks corporate rehabilitation after losing a franchise lawsuit.
  • Daegu’s Competitive Real Estate Prices: Affordable housing prices and support for infertility treatment drive population inflows.
  • Real Estate Center Hosts Elder Care Facility Seminar: A seminar on elder care facility development and management is held in response to government policies on aging.
  • U.S. Mortgage Market Stabilizes: The mortgage market in the U.S. shows improvement as major lenders report increased profits.

 

Culture/Arts

  • UNESCO Recommends Korean Fermentation for Heritage Status: Traditional Korean sauce-making is recommended for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
  • Madang Nori 10th Anniversary Performance: The National Theater hosts a special show celebrating 10 years of Madang Nori productions.
  • Exhibition by Korean-American Metalsmith Kim Hong-ja: Korean-American metalsmith Kim Hong-ja opens a solo exhibition in the U.S.
  • Musical ‘Gwanghwamun Sonata’: A musical themed around singer Lee Moon-sae’s songs is set to open.
  • Sofitel Wedding Showcase: Sofitel offers a wedding concept inspired by Renoir’s works to future brides and grooms in 2025.

 

Sports

  • T1 Commemorative Promotion: T1 launches a special gift box promotion to celebrate their Worlds victory.
  • KBO Defense Award Nominees Announced: Baseball fans show keen interest as nominees for the 2024 KBO Defense Award are revealed.
  • T1 Collaborates with SteelSeries: To commemorate their Worlds win, T1 releases a special promotion with SteelSeries.
  • Korean Air Hosts Golf Tournament: Korean Air announces the schedule for its domestic golf tournament.

 

Health/Medical

  • Hydroxychloroquine Cancer Research: Research suggests hydroxychloroquine may be effective in treating ovarian and colorectal cancers.
  • Debate on Raising Retirement Age: Studies explore the economic impacts of extending the retirement age amid an aging population.
  • Youth Health Promotion Policy: The government enhances health promotion programs and support for adolescents.
  • Malaria Drug Repurposed for Cancer Treatment: Hydroxychloroquine shows potential as a low-cost cancer treatment option.
  • Healthy Aging Report Published: The government releases a comprehensive plan to promote healthy aging among seniors.