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March 5 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s major game companies are rolling out more aggressive shareholder return plans, raising dividends and canceling shares as they try to strengthen investor confidence amid uncertainty over new title launches.

The gaming sector often sees sharp swings in earnings depending on whether new releases succeed. Analysts say clearer long-term payout policies can help stabilize market expectations and could support higher valuations if performance improves.

Krafton said it will spend more than 1 trillion won ($675 million) on shareholder returns through 2028, about 44% more than its previous three-year plan of 693 billion won ($468 million).

The company also plans to pay cash dividends totaling 300 billion won ($203 million) over three years, or 100 billion won ($68 million) a year. It said the payout will be structured as a capital reduction dividend for small shareholders, which can reduce tax burdens under Korean rules.

Krafton also said it will buy back more than 700 billion won ($473 million) of its own shares and cancel all of them, a move aimed at improving capital efficiency.

Netmarble said it will pay 71.8 billion won ($48.5 million) in cash dividends, or 876 won per share, roughly equal to about 30% of controlling shareholder net profit. It also plans to cancel 4.7% of shares it already holds.

Netmarble set a longer-term target of lifting its shareholder return ratio to about 40% by 2028.

Mid-sized publishers are also stepping up returns. Com2uS canceled 5.1% of shares it held earlier this year and approved a 14.8 billion won ($10.0 million) cash dividend. The company said five executives, including CEO Nam Jae-kwan, also purchased a combined 13,210 shares.

Neowiz said it plans to return 20% of consolidated operating profit to shareholders under a mid- to long-term policy. Based on 2025 results, that would amount to about 12 billion won ($8.1 million), delivered through a mix of share buybacks, share cancellations and dividends.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260306010001594

BARRY Manilow has been forced to reschedule his shows AGAIN after undergoing cancer surgery following his diagnosis in December.

The veteran singer, 82, has delivered a health update to fans while revealing he will have to push back his tour dates.

In his post, Barry revealed he was rescheduling his first batch of arena shows, which were due to begin in a matter of days.

He explained that the shows that are being canceled are the February 27 up until March 17 shows, on the order of his surgeon.

Barry then delivered some happy news when he said he would likely be able to do the Vegas shows at the very end of March, and the second batch of arena shows at the beginning of April.

“I’m SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first arena shows, again,” Barry added.

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The full statement read: “Hi everyone, Barry here.

“Just got home from visiting the surgeon. Very depressing visit.

“I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.”

Barry added that he told his surgeon that he was sure he would be able to do the arena shows in a few weeks, but the surgeon shook his head.

ROCK band The Enemy have been forced to cancel a string of gigs after a “medical emergency” as they issue an apology to their fans.

The group have revealed that their Glasgow and Edinburgh shows for tonight and Tuesday have been cancelled.

Taking to Instagram to share the news, their management posted a statement on their behalf.

It read: “Due to a family medical emergency within the band, they have had to rush back home and both tonight’s show at King Tut’s Glasgow and tomorrow night at The Caves Edinburgh have been cancelled.

“Refunds will be issued within the next 24 hours.

“We are so sorry for the disappointment caused, your support means the world to the band, thank you on their behalf for being so understanding of the circumstances. Many thanks, Management,” they signed off.

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The group are still currently scheduled to perform at Brudenell in Leeds on Friday 27 and 100 Club in London on March 4.

Their beloved fans rushed to the comments section to send them their well-wishes as they navigate the emergency.

One concerned fan penned: “Hope all is well. Family should always come first. The shows can wait.”

Another understanding social media user commented: “Sending loads of love, hope everything is ok. Family is always first priority.”

Somebody else said: “Gutted. Hope everything is ok though,” while a fourth added: “Sorry to hear this, family first.”

The English indie rock band was formed in Coventry back in 2006 and consists of members, Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts.

The Enemy’s debut album, We’ll Live and Die in These Towns was released in 2007 and went straight to number one in the UK Albums Chart.

They followed this up with a further three albums and are gearing up for their fifth studio album, Social Disguises, which releases this week.

After disbanding in 2016, the trio reunited in 2022 for two reunion shows in their hometown of Coventry as well as embarking on a UK tour.

While Tom is on lead vocals as well as guitar, piano and strings, Andy is on bass guitar and vocals and Liam is in charge of drums.

The group revealed earlier this month they’re releasing their newest album, Social Disguises.

Taking to Instagram, they penned: “We can officially say that there is a brand new album by The Enemy being released THIS MONTH.

“It’s been a while since last time we said that!

“Massive love to everyone who’s listened to singles and pre-ordered the record! Go get yours from our website.”

This Summer is also set to be a good one for the band’s fans as they’ve been lined up to play Tramlines in Sheffield, Y Not? Festival in Derbyshire and Victorious Festival in Portsmouth.