Samsung Life reported first-half net profit attributable to controlling shareholders of ₩1.89 trillion, up 35.8% from a year earlier, as stronger investment gains offset weaker insurance income, while second-quarter net profit fell 9.1% to ₩689.9 billion and missed brokerage estimates and market consensus. The insurer said its capital position supports more aggressive overseas expansion in Thailand, China, other Asian markets and developed markets such as the United States, and said it did not join final bidding for KDB Life Insurance because expected synergies were limited. After the weaker quarter, Hanwha Investment & Securities cut its target price to 336,000 won from 346,000 won and lowered earnings forecasts, while Samsung Securities and NH Investment & Securities also reduced targets, citing deteriorating insurance earnings, higher claims, variable insurance hedge losses and the lack of a concrete shareholder return plan tied to Samsung Life's Samsung Electronics stake.