Crypto

Won stablecoin pilots enter proof stage as industry tie-ups accelerate

Partnerships among banks, fintechs, platforms and blockchain firms around won-denominated stablecoins are accelerating in the second half, with payment and settlement use cases moving into more concrete pilot tests. Companies are running proofs of concept on real-time settlement, on-chain payment flows and links between digital wallets and existing card networks. Cross-border remittances are also emerging as a key testing area. Debate continues over regulation, including issuers, reserve assets and approval requirements.

AI & Enterprise

Hecto Innovation first-half sales top 200 billion won for first time as multi-growth engine strategy gains traction

IT information services company Hecto Innovation said it surpassed 200 billion won in consolidated first-half sales for the first time since its founding. It posted 2026 first-half revenue of 215.1 billion won and operating profit of 27.4 billion won, up 18.6 percent and 9.1 percent from a year earlier. Second-quarter revenue rose 12.0 percent while operating profit fell 4.0 percent, which it attributed to new service launches and preemptive investment.