South Korean game makers' second-quarter results are expected to diverge based on profits generated by existing intellectual property rather than whether they released new titles. Krafton and NC, which own PUBG and Lineage, are forecast to post sharp gains helped by new titles and acquisitions. Netmarble is expected to see weaker profitability due to marketing and IP fees, while Nexon expects a pause as some key titles soften despite stable live services.

Big Tech, financial firms and payment companies in South Korea are widening digital-asset initiatives by teaming up with global blockchain companies. Kakao Group and Toss and Toss Bank are working with Circle to review stablecoin-based payment and settlement infrastructure and tokenised financial services. Banks are developing cross-border remittance and payment models. Separately, the top four financial holding groups posted combined first-half net profit above 11 trillion won, while regulators step up group-level oversight of fintech expansion.