Yonhap News Summary

The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday

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■ (3rd LD) SK hynix logs record profit in Q3 on AI chip supercycle

SEOUL -- SK hynix Inc. said Wednesday its revenue and operating profit reached record highs in the third quarter, driven by robust demand for memory chips amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, while announcing a shareholder return program worth more than 100 trillion won (US$75.3 billion) for 2026.

Operating profit soared 557.2 percent from a year earlier to 83.33 trillion won in the July-September period, while revenue surged 327.9 percent on-year to 104.61 trillion won, according to the company's regulatory filing.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028001653320?section=economy-finance/economy

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■ Former USFK commanders raise concerns over command structure after OPCON transfer

WASHINGTON -- Two former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commanders on Tuesday raised concerns that South Korea's envisioned wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer could weaken the bilateral alliance and undermine military effectiveness if Seoul and Washington fail to preserve a robust combined command structure.

In an online symposium hosted by the Institute for Corean-American Studies, retired Gen. Walter Sharp warned that changes to the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) following the transfer could have implications for the longstanding alliance.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028003800315?section=search

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■ (LEAD) South Korean financial firms confirm data breach of customer data

SEOUL -- Daishin Securities, Mirae Asset Global Investments and crypto exchange Bithumb all reported data breaches involving customers Wednesday.

Of the firms that reported leaks, Daishin said personal information of 38,490 customers was hacked.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028002751320?section=search

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■ (2nd LD) Special counsel launches inspection of local election ballots stored at Seoul handball arena

SEOUL -- A special counsel team on Wednesday launched an inspection of ballot papers stored at a handball arena in Seoul as part of its probe into an unprecedented shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections.

Special counsel Lee Tae-han's team entered the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in southeastern Seoul to examine 2.47 million ballots, surveillance camera footage and other material, and check for possible irregularities in connection with the elections.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028003051315?section=search

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■ Lee warns against 'irresponsible extremism' jeopardizing reforms

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday warned against "irresponsible extremism" that he said is demanding excessive reform, insisting such extremism may jeopardize effective reforms.

Lee made the remarks on the social platform X in response to a user demanding he apologize for describing his critics as "irresponsible extremists."

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028002000315?section=search

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■ Gov't to require firms to deposit severance funds with financial institutions

SEOUL -- South Korea will push to make it mandatory for businesses with 100 or more employees to deposit funds for severance payments with external financial institutions starting in 2028 to prevent nonpayment, the finance ministry said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy discussed the plan during a meeting of economy- and science-related ministers, aiming to have affected businesses begin preparations in 2027 for full implementation the following year.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028003900320?section=search
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