The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: Feb. 19.
N. Korean POWs speak out on Russian deployment
Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces last month gave an exclusive interview to The Chosun Ilbo from a POW camp, marking the first media appearance of North Korean troops deployed to Russia.
Ri (26) and Baek (21), who served in the military for 10 and four years, were sent to Kursk in late 2023, believing they were going abroad for training. They revealed that North Korean security agents closely monitored their unit, spreading false claims that South Korean troops were targeting them with Ukrainian drones. Both, as only sons, feared for their families back home and had hoped to attend university after their military service.
Ri survived a brutal battle in the Kursk region, where he was injured and lost his comrades in drone and artillery attacks. He also mentioned that, during his 10 years of service, he never saw his parents and expressed deep longing for them.
JPMorgan raises Hanmi Semiconductor target by 52% on AI, HBM boom
JPMorgan has identified Hanmi Semiconductor as a top beneficiary of the AI boom and rising demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), raising its target price by 52.4% to 150,000 won ($104.21). Despite concerns over competition in the TC Bonder market, the bank expects steady demand, backed by major clients like SK hynix and Micron. Hanmi Semiconductor’s technological advancements, including fluxless TCB equipment, are projected to sustain its dominant market position and drive strong revenue and profit growth in 2025.
Samsung lags behind LG, Bosch in U.S. appliance rankings
Samsung Electronics ranked 21st out of 26 brands in Consumer Reports’ annual appliance reliability rankings, trailing competitors like LG, Whirlpool, and Bosch. The company performed especially poorly in kitchen appliances, with its dishwashers, refrigerators, and cooktops scoring among the lowest in consumer satisfaction and reliability. Samsung’s U.S. home appliance market share fell to 20.9% in 2024, slipping behind LG, while its revenue declined for a second consecutive year. Analysts warn that aggressive marketing or discounts to counter this trend could further pressure Samsung’s profit margins.
One minute, that’s all it takes to know about Korea. Click here ☞ https://page.stibee.com/subscriptions/305897
