M&A Market Sees 'Mega Deal Disappearance' as Stock Buyback Payments Plunge 83%... Where Will Stock Prices Head?
South Korea's listed company M&A market is facing an unprecedented cold spell in the first half of this year, with stock buyback payments distributed to shareholders plummeting over 80% from a year ago. This clearly suggests that along with the disappearance of large-scale transactions, the overall vitality of the M&A market has been significantly dampened. According to the Korean Securities Depository announcement on July 22, 2026, regarding the 'First Half of 2026 Corporate Acquisitions and Mergers (M&A) and Stock Purchases,'
2026.07.22
K-biohealth records 'record-breaking surge' of $16.12 billion in H1 exports... K-beauty and pharmaceuticals captivate Western markets
South Korea's biohealth industry has set a record for the largest half-year export performance with $16.12 billion in H1 2026, demonstrating remarkable growth of 17.5% compared to the same period last year, once again proving the strength of 'K-biohealth' in the global market. South Korea's biohealth industry exports in H1 2026 recorded a record half-year high of $16.12 billion, marking a 17.5% increase year-over-year, according to the Korea Health Industry Development Institute.
2026.07.21
'War Without Soldiers' Begins... Ukraine Completely Destroys Russian Positions with Robots and Drones
Ukraine's claim that it completely neutralized Russian military positions using only unmanned forces without a single soldier announced the prelude to a 'war without infantry' to the world in July 2026. According to a U.S. Forbes report, Ukraine's 33rd Independent Assault Brigade announced on July 17 (local time) that it successfully completed an operation to neutralize Russian positions that had infiltrated Ukrainian front lines. This operation is
2026.07.21
Coloron Tissue Gene's 'TG-C' Clinical Setback Triggers 30% Stock Plunge... Will 'Invossa Nightmare' Repeat?
Coloron Tissue Gene [950160]'s osteoarthritis treatment 'TG-C' failed to achieve meaningful efficacy in the first phase of U.S. Phase 3 clinical trials, causing the stock to plummet nearly 30%. The company has characterized the failure as "half a success," attributing it to placebo effects and acknowledging commercialization delays, but with shadows of the past 'Invossa' scandal looming, the company is pinning its last hopes on Phase 2 results to be released in October. Coloron Tissue
2026.07.21
Samsung Electronics downsizes workforce ahead of U.S. headquarters relocation
Samsung Electronics has implemented workforce reductions focused on its U.S. consumer appliance business. The measure was carried out within Samsung Electronics America (SEA), which handles consumer products including displays, smartphones, and home appliances, with employees in New Jersey and Texas regions reportedly affected.
2026.07.20
Americano Orders Surge 60%↑...Baemin's First Half Food Delivery Trends
In the first half of 2026, the most exceptional growth items on the Baemin app were the 'national beverage' Americano and the 'hearty meal' hamburger. Americano orders surged 60% compared to last year, while hamburgers jumped 46.5% compared to two years ago, revealing the core of rapidly changing dining trends. Woowa Brothers released on July 19, 2026, order data from Baemin's own platform from January to May 2026,
2026.07.19
K-Beauty Jackpot! 10 Cosmetic Companies from Chungcheongbuk-do Score "15.6 Billion Won" Export Deal in US
Ten cosmetic companies from Chungcheongbuk-do secured massive export contracts worth 15.6 billion won at the '2026 Cosmoprof Exhibition' held in Las Vegas, USA from July 13-15, once again showcasing the strength of K-Beauty to the world. The '2026 Cosmoprof Exhibition' held in Las Vegas, USA from July 13-15 is North America's largest B2B (business-to-business) trade fair that has continued since 2003.
2026.07.18
AI 'Weapons-Grade Control' Warning...Ha Jeong-woo "Excess Tax Revenue to Youth and Local Regions"
At the '2026 Korea Economic Association Management Jeju Summer Forum' held at Lotte Hotel Jeju today (18th), Ha Jeong-woo, former presidential senior secretary for AI future planning at the Blue House, defined the AI era simultaneously as a crisis of 'job reduction' and 'weapons-grade export controls' and an opportunity for Korea, a 'memory powerhouse,' to lead. He captured the attention of approximately 400 business executives with a bold proposal to invest excess tax revenue in youth and regional development. Former Secretary Ha
2026.07.18
T1's Doran Overcomes Slump, Eyes EWC Finals with Determination... Challenges KC Today
T1's top laner 'Doran' Choi Hyun-jun, who successfully advanced to the EWC (esports World Cup) semifinals, declared "I've already overcome the disappointment from MSI" and "Slump overcome," showing strong determination toward reaching the finals. On July 17 (local time), T1 swept Korean team Hanwha Life esports with a set score of 2:0 in the EWC playoffs quarterfinals held at Porte de Versailles Exhibition Hall in Paris, France,
2026.07.18
KOSPI Up, KOSDAQ Down - Market Divergence Deepens...Is KOSDAQ's Rebound Just a Fleeting Dream?
Despite KOSPI's gains this year, KOSDAQ has retreated roughly one out of every four trading days, intensifying market imbalances. Analysts note that despite semiconductor-related stocks in the top 100 KOSDAQ-listed companies surging 88% over the past year, the index has surrendered all of its early-year gains, losing its unique growth momentum. As of July 18, 2026, the KOSDAQ market has become entrenched in an "asymmetric" pattern where it declines when KOSPI rises
2026.07.18
GIST to Invest 75 Billion Won, Becomes National Hub for University AI Research
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) has been selected as the lead institution for a large-scale national project worth 75 billion won, positioning itself as a key hub to lead artificial intelligence (AI)-based science and technology research across universities nationwide until 2034. GIST was finalized today (16th) as the lead institution for the infrastructure development section of the 'AI-Based University Science and Technology Innovation Project' by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. This initiative
2026.07.16