Main News at 12

1. SK Hynix maintained top-tier profitability in the semiconductor industry by recording an operating profit of 60.5 trillion won and an operating profit margin of 76% in the second quarter of this year. However, the stock market, which plunged yesterday, showed a sharp decline again today, triggering sell sidecars for both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ.

2. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi announced that 13 people have been confirmed dead so far due to a strong earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. As rescue operations entered their second day, damage such as building collapses and damaged roads continues to increase.

3. In response to National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik's remark that allowing a sitting president to serve consecutive terms is a matter of public choice, the People Power Party protested, claiming that the true intention behind extending the administration has been exposed. As the fallout from the remark grew, the Blue House emphasized, "Under the Constitution, constitutional amendment allowing a sitting president to serve consecutive terms is practically impossible."

4. A total of eight people, including former and current financial newspaper reporters and accountants, have been handed over to trial on charges of making 9.3 billion won in illicit gains by boosting stock prices through feature stock articles and other methods.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.