[Morning Briefing] Special Prosecutor to re-arrest Yoon for the second time today... NYSE closes higher on Apple investment

◆ Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor to re-arrest Yoon for the second time today... Will not hesitate to use physical force

The Min Jung-gi special prosecutorial team, investigating allegations related to Kim Keon-hee, will undertake a second execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Seok-yeol on the morning of the 7th. The team plans to bring him in by force to the interrogation room. Around 8 a.m. at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang-si, the team will once again attempt to execute the arrest warrant for former President Yoon. This comes six days after the first attempt failed. According to the special prosecutor, the initial attempt was thwarted because former President Yoon refused to cooperate and lay on the floor without even wearing a prison uniform. At that time, the team informed Yoon they would employ physical force if necessary for future execution. The Ministry of Justice announced that the previous day, Minister Jeong ordered staff at the Seoul Detention Center to “actively cooperate with the execution of the special prosecutor's arrest warrant in accordance with the law and principles to ensure strict and fair enforcement.” Former President Yoon has been detained at the Seoul Detention Center under the Rebellion Special Prosecutor since the 10th.

◆ NYSE closes higher as tech stocks rally on Apple's massive investment

All three major New York stock indexes showed gains. As Apple decided to make an additional $100 billion investment in the U.S., optimism fueled strong buying interest in tech stocks. On the 6th (Eastern Time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 44,193.12, up 81.38 points (0.18%) from the previous close on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The S&P 500 Index rose 45.87 points (0.73%) to 6,345.06, and the NASDAQ Composite Index finished 252.87 points higher (1.21%) at 21,169.42. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to announce later today at the White House that Apple will invest an additional $100 billion to expand domestic production. Following this news, Apple shares jumped 5.09%, and this surge spread warmth throughout all large tech firms with market capitalization above $1 trillion.

◆ Samsung Electronics to produce Apple's next-generation chip at U.S. foundry

Samsung Electronics has agreed to manufacture Apple’s next-generation chip at its semiconductor foundry in the U.S. On the 7th, Apple disclosed through a press release that, “Apple, in cooperation with Samsung, is developing innovative new chip manufacturing technologies—the first of their kind to be used worldwide—at Samsung’s semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas.” The statement continued, “By introducing this technology first in the U.S., the facility will supply chips that optimize power efficiency and performance, including for iPhones shipped globally.” Industry watchers believe the chip in question is an image sensor for next-generation iPhones. Park Yu-ak, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, mentioned in a report last month, “Through mass production of image sensors (CIS) for the iPhone 18 next year and the acquisition of new clients like Tesla, Samsung’s semiconductor division is expected to narrow its operating losses.” Samsung commented, “We cannot confirm client names or details.”

◆ LAFC officially announces the acquisition of Son Heung-min: 'Bringing Sonny here was our dream'

English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur officially announced the transfer of ‘captain’ Son Heung-min to LAFC of Major League Soccer (MLS) on the 6th (local time). Tottenham confirmed the move on its homepage with the headline, “Sonny leaves for LAFC in MLS.” Tottenham referred to “33-year-old Sonny” as one of the club’s greatest players since he joined in August 2015, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances—ranking fifth in club history. Chairman Daniel Levy called Son “one of the greatest-ever to wear the Lilywhite shirt, bringing joy during the past ten years, a talented footballer and an amazing person who inspired both the club and people around the world.” LAFC also issued an official statement on their website, announcing Son’s acquisition. LAFC stated he will take an international roster spot and will be eligible to play as soon as he receives his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

◆ Will Cho Kuk and Cho Hee-yeon be pardoned? Ministry of Justice to hold 'Liberation Day Special Pardon' review today

The Ministry of Justice will hold a pardon review committee meeting in preparation for the Lee Jae-myung government's first round of special pardons. At 2 p.m. on the 7th, the Ministry of Justice will convene at the Government Complex Gwacheon to review candidates for the Liberation Day (August 15) special pardon. The committee consists of three internal members—Minister Jeong Seong-ho (chair), Prosecutor Office Director Seong Sang-heon, and Supreme Prosecutors' Office Public Prosecution and Litigation Department Head Cha Beom-jun—and at least four external members. Once candidates for pardon and reinstatement are shortlisted, Minister Jeong will submit the results to President Lee Jae-myung, with the final decision to be made after deliberation at the State Council Meeting on the 12th. The main focus is whether Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, will be included. The President is said to be considering, up to the last minute, whether politicians will be included on the pardon list and, if so, who they will be. In addition, there is speculation in political circles that Cho Hee-yeon, former Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent, could be included.

◆ 'Triple Meeting: Trump to meet Putin and Zelensky as early as next week'

According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 6th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump intends to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week and soon after hold a three-way summit also involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. NYT cited sources stating that President Trump revealed this plan during calls with European leaders. Only Presidents Trump, Putin, and Zelensky are to attend the meeting; European leaders are not expected to participate, though sources claim they seemed accepting of the plan. NYT added that it's unclear if Presidents Putin and Zelensky have agreed, though Zelensky did take part in calls between President Trump and European leaders, later issuing a statement that he had spoken with President Trump, reiterating both his and European leaders’ stance that while war must end, it must be a “just peace.”

◆ 'Heatwave persists despite the official start of autumn; heavy rainfall expected in parts of Gangwon'

Despite it being Iptchu (the official start of autumn according to the lunar calendar) and Thursday, the heatwave continues. The Meteorological Administration forecasts very heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, mainly in the southern regions. Jeonnam and southern inland Jeonbuk, as well as Gyeongnam, will see morning rain; southern Gyeonggi, inland Gangwon, and inland Chungcheong will get rain through the morning; mountainous and east coast Gangwon and northeastern mountainous/northern east coast Gyeongbuk will get rain from morning through evening. Gyeongbuk may also have some morning showers. Rain on Jeju Island will last through the 8th. Expected precipitation: Jeju Island 20–60mm (80mm or more in some parts), northeastern mountains/northern east coast Gyeongbuk 5–30mm, Gangwon mountains 5–20mm, southern Gyeonggi, Gangwon east coast and inland, Jeolla, Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongnam about 5mm, Chungcheong less than 5mm. Most skies will be cloudy; morning low temperatures are expected to be 22–27°C and afternoon highs 28–34°C. Tropical nights (temperatures remaining above 25°C at night) may occur in some areas. Fine dust concentration will be “good” nationwide due to active air dispersion.

Cha Eun-ji, Korea Economic Daily, chachacha@hankyung.com