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

MakinaRocks first-half sales hit 7 billion won, up 168 percent year-on-year

Physical AI company MakinaRocks said on Thursday its consolidated first-half revenue rose 168 percent from a year earlier to 7 billion won. Its operating loss narrowed 28 percent to 4.2 billion won. New orders in the first half exceeded 20 billion won, more than triple the year-earlier level, and surpassed last year’s full-year total. The company also said its financial structure improved after a KOSDAQ listing in May.