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  Asian stocks rise broadly; KOSPI scales new heights, SK shares mixed SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Asian stocks traded broadly higher on Thursday, buoyed by renewed bets on another U.S. rate cut, with South Korean shares testing fresh record highs amid optimism over an imminent U.S.–Korea trade deal and a stronger-than-expected chip boom. The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.7 percent to 3,718.93 as of midday, crossing the 3,700 mark for the first time ever. Investor sentiment improved on expectations that trade negotiations between Seoul and Washington October 16, 2025
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  Naver partners with United Korea Founders to expand global tech footprint SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korean internet giant Naver has teamed up with United Korea Founders, North America's largest Korean entrepreneur network, to strengthen ties with the global startup ecosystem and secure new growth engines in emerging technologies. Naver and Naver Webtoon announced they would participate as official sponsors in UKF's three-day KOOM Festival starting Wednesday in New York. UKF, a non-profit organization, brings together Korean entrepreneurs October 16, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Ancient historic city of Gyeongju lights up ahead of APEC summit SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit just around the corner, rehearsals and other preparations are underway in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju. One project involved a 15 billion Korean won investment to enhance nighttime scenery around an artificial lake in Bomun, a popular tourist destination in the historic city. At a pre-event called the "Festival of Light" held on Wednesday ahead of the summit to be held October 16, 2025
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  Hanwha to unveil next-generation AI weapons at ADEX 2025 SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Group plans to unveil a suite of AI-driven defense systems designed to address manpower shortages and enhance battlefield efficiency. The group said Thursday Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean will jointly participate in the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, to be held Oct. 20–24 at KINTEX in Ilsan, northwest of Seoul. The companies plan to showcase more than 10 thematic z October 16, 2025
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  Korean builders face $9 billion PF maturities and govt judgment in Q4 SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) — South Korean construction firms reeling from a prolonged industry slump are on edge as 13 trillion won ($9.4 billion) in real estate project financing (PF) debt comes due in the fourth quarter, with the government set to decide next month which projects to rescue or wind down. According to the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, PF bonds worth 13.48 trillion won mature between October and December. Of tha October 16, 2025
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  SK chief's divorce case sent back to lower court SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The Supreme Court of Korea on Thursday sent the high-profile divorce case of SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won and his estranged wife Roh Soh-yeong back to the high court. The top court found flaws in the lower courts' assessment of Roh's contribution to the conglomerate's growth, ruling that some 30 billion Korean won (US$21 million) in slush funds from Roh's father, the late former President Roh Tae-woo, which were funneled into SK Group, can October 16, 2025
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  CJ ENM, Warner Bros. Discovery join hands for K-content production SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea's CJ ENM and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the global presence of Korean entertainment, Thursday, underscoring the growing influence of K-content on international audiences. Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly plan and produce original Korean programming while expanding distribution through Warner Bros. Discovery’s global platforms. The collaboration includes the la October 16, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Why Seoul is hiker's paradise SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Seoul, a dazzling metropolis, holds a secret weapon for escaping the urban bustle: its surrounding peaks. Unlike most megacities, Seoul’s mountains are easily accessible via its subway system, offering hikers a quick dose of nature, sweeping city views, and a deep dive into Korean history. Even on a busy weekday, a nature escape is just a short trip away. Mountains like Naksan, Inwangsan, Namsan, and Baegaksan — often integral par October 16, 2025
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  Top court set to deliver ruling in SK chief's divorce case SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The Supreme Court of Korea is set to deliver its final ruling on Thursday for a high-profile divorce case between SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won and his estranged wife Roh Soh-yeong. The court will decide whether to uphold or overturn the previous ruling that ordered Chey to pay Roh 1.38 trillion won (approximately US$970 million) in asset division and 20 billion won in alimony, making it the most expensive divorce case in the country's history. Th October 16, 2025
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  SK Enmove forms joint venture in India for lubricant business SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea’s SK Enmove has joined hands with India’s Gabriel India Limited to form a joint venture to expand its lubricant business in India. The agreement, signed Sept. 15 at SK’s Seorin headquarters in central Seoul, establishes SK Enmove Gabriel India, with SK Enmove holding a 51 percent stake and Gabriel India owning the remaining 49 percent, according to SK Enmove, Thursday. The venture plans to introduce a full range of produ October 16, 2025