Korea Daily News (September 4, 2024)

Politics

1. Korea-U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue: Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, despite changes in the administrations of the U.S. and Japan.
2. Criticism of President Yoon’s Absence from the National Assembly Opening Ceremony: Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol for skipping the opening ceremony of the 22nd regular session of the National Assembly, comparing his mindset to that of former authoritarian regimes.
3. Democrats’ Attack on Trump: The Democratic Party is using a language strategy to criticize Trump, labeling him as “weird” without distorting his image.
4. Ukraine’s Cabinet Shake-up: Ukraine is set to undergo a major cabinet reshuffle, citing failures in military command during the ongoing war with Russia.

Economy

1. KCC Stock Price Increase: KCC’s stock price rose by 4.71%, currently trading at 305,500 KRW.
2. Domestic Economic Highlights: MK Signal analyzed hot issue stocks, with WeMade and Galaxia SM identified as key Golden Cross stocks.
3. Honda Korea Launches Pilot SUV: Honda Korea launched the ‘Honda Pilot Black Edition,’ featuring a luxurious black color design.
4. Lotte Rent-a-Car Chuseok Promotion: Lotte Rent-a-Car announced a promotion for short-term rental customers ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
5. Decline in Imported Car Sales: The Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association reported a 4.7% decrease in new registrations of imported passenger cars in August.

Stocks and Investments

1. Monthly Dividend ETFs: Hanwha Asset Management and Shinhan Asset Management have distributed their first dividends through monthly dividend ETFs, showing strong asset growth.
2. Gyeonggi Bus Drivers Wage Increase Agreement: Bus drivers in Gyeonggi Province have agreed on wage increases aiming to reach Seoul levels by 2026.

Corporations and Industry

1. Samsung HBM Memory: Samsung Electronics is drawing industry attention by supplying 5th generation HBM3E memory to Nvidia.
2. Continuous Profit Records by Major Corporations: SK Telecom, Hyundai Mobis, and other major companies have reported continuous profit streaks.
3. Diageo Korea Luxury Brand Marketing: The luxury tequila brand Don Julio, under Diageo Korea, launched the ‘Por Amor’ campaign with model Choi Sora.

Real Estate

1. High Demand for Seoul Seongdong District Apartment: The ‘Lachervo Prugio Summit’ apartment in Seongdong District received over 17,000 applications, indicating high demand.
2. Decrease in Jeonse Transactions, Increase in Sales: As Jeonse (long-term rental) transaction volumes decline in the metropolitan area, apartment sales transactions are on the rise.
3. Balcony Extension Option Trend: Construction companies are increasingly designing floor plans with balcony extensions in mind.

International

1. U.S. Democratic Election Strategy: Vice President Kamala Harris is highlighting her economic management skills while criticizing Trump’s tax cuts.
2. Early Christmas Season Announcement in Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela mentioned Christmas in September, attempting to quell economic unrest.
3. iPhone 16 China Launch Issues: Apple is facing delays in the release of iPhone 16 in China due to the country’s AI regulations.

Society

1. Deepfake Illegal Video Distribution Issue: The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency arrested a high school student involved in the distribution of deepfake videos; however, there are no legal means to punish the buyers, raising concerns.
2. Emergency Room Staffing Crisis: The government has deployed military doctors and public health officers to address emergency room operation issues.

Entertainment and Culture

1. NewJeans Fans’ Open Letter: Fans of NewJeans sent an open letter to HYBE and ADOR, demanding the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin.
2. Frieze Seoul 2024: The Shilla Hotel in Seoul is hosting art exhibitions and cultural events in conjunction with ‘Frieze Seoul 2024.’

Gaming

1. Nexon’s Global Strategy Announcement: Nexon held its first large-scale IR event in Tokyo, Japan, unveiling its global growth strategy and three new games.
2. Pokemon Black & White Remake Rumor: Fans are excited as trademarks filed by Nintendo suggest a possible remake of Pokémon Black & White.
3. Epic Games Store Sale: Epic Games Store is holding a ‘Late Summer Sale,’ offering up to 75% off on various popular games.
4. Smilegate’s Epic Seven 6th Anniversary Event: Smilegate launched ‘Epic Dash,’ offering various events and benefits to celebrate the 6th anniversary of ‘Epic Seven.’