The KOSPI, which had risen for two consecutive days, is expected to open lower on September 2 due to the weak performance of U.S. stocks.On September 1 (local time), fighting resumed between the U.S. and Iran, leading to declines across all three major U.S. stock indices on the New York Stock Exchange.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.79%, while the S&P 500 dropped by 0.71%. The Nasdaq Composite also decreased by 1.03%. Investor sentiment was dampened following additional U.S. airstrike

As the domestic stock market continues to thrive, the number of registered individual professional investors has seen a sharp increase.On September 2, Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, revealed data from the Financial Investment Association indicating that as of the end of July this year, there were a total of 26,282 individual professional investors.This marks an increase of 3,787 (16.8%) from the end of last year, when the count was 22,495.Indivi

Domestic banks saw their non-performing loans increase by over 1 trillion won in the second quarter of this year. Notably, corporate loan defaults surged to their highest level, with significant increases in new defaults among small businesses.According to a report released by the Financial Supervisory Service on the status of non-performing loans at domestic banks as of the end of June 2026, the non-performing loan ratio rose to 0.63%, up 0.03 percentage points from 0.60% at the end of March.Th

National team forward Hwang Hee-chan is leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have been relegated to the English Championship, to join Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga.On September 2, Schalke announced on their official website that they have signed Hwang on a one-season loan from Wolverhampton. The contract runs until June 30, 2027.According to local media reports, the loan agreement includes an option for Schalke to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €3 million (approximately $4.78 million) a

Gaon Cable is expanding the application of its low-friction cables, validated in semiconductor factories, to artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The company aims to broaden its data center business, which has primarily focused on bus ducts, to include low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) cables, targeting the growing demand for AI power infrastructure in North America.On September 2, Gaon Cable announced that it will extend the use of its low-friction cables for distribution in AI dat

LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) is launching a large-scale public recruitment drive for the second half of 2026. The company announced on September 1 that applications for new hires and interns will be accepted until the 13th, while experienced candidates can apply from the 7th to the 27th through the recruitment website. LIG D&A is seeking talent in various fields, including missile systems, maritime, satellites, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. The company plans to hire over a hu

Tensions in the Middle East have driven up international oil prices, causing global financial markets to shake. Concerns that rising oil prices could increase inflationary pressures and complicate interest rate cuts in major economies led to simultaneous declines in stock and bond prices.According to the International Financial Center, on September 1 (local time), Brent crude surged 4.60% to $94.65 per barrel. Ongoing military clashes between the U.S. and Iran have raised fears of disruptions to

The film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has maintained its position at the top of the North American box office for five consecutive weeks, continuing its strong performance.According to Box Office Mojo, as of September 1, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has held the number one spot in its fifth week of release in North America.The film has grossed a total of $890 million in North America, nearing the $900 million mark. If it surpasses this threshold, it will become the second highest-grossing film in

Instax, the instant camera brand, is continuing the excitement from its recent pop-up in Busan with a new event in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Fujifilm Korea announced that Instax will participate in the '29CM x Loft' pop-up store from September 2 to 6, marking its exclusive presence as the only camera brand in a stationery-focused event.This pop-up is a collaboration between 29CM, a fashion and lifestyle platform operated by Musinsa, and Loft, a Japanese stationery and lifestyle goods store. Instax wi