Korean Air Extends Incheon-Dubai Flight Cancellations Through April 19 Korean Air said Tuesday it has extended cancellations on its Incheon-to-Dubai route through April 19. The airline took emergency turnaround and cancellation measures for flights KE951 and KE952 starting Feb. 28 after the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Before the airstrikes on Iran, Korean Air was the only South Korean carrier operating a Middle East route, flying round-trip to Dubai seven times a week. The suspension had been set to run through March 5, but cancellations have continu March 17, 2026

Korea Petrochemical Sector Exposed as Russia, Middle East Naphtha Supplies Tighten South Korea’s petrochemical industry has been laid bare by the latest naphtha crunch, with experts pointing to a fragile supply chain now squeezed on multiple fronts. With imports of Russian naphtha already blocked and Middle Eastern supplies disrupted by war risks, the sector is facing what industry officials describe as a potential collapse in operations. While restarting Russian naphtha imports is cited as the most direct remedy, analysts say it is effectively impossible for South Korea March 17, 2026

Hyundai Mobis Lowers Board Entry Bar Under Revised Commercial Act, Raising Governance Risks Hyundai Mobis has amended its articles of incorporation in line with South Korea’s revised Commercial Act, a move expected to lower barriers for activist funds and minority shareholders seeking seats on the board. As a key affiliate in Hyundai Motor Group’s governance structure, the changes are fueling concerns that risks could grow during any future groupwide governance overhaul. At its 49th annual shareholders meeting held March 17 at GS Tower in Seoul’s Gangnam district, Hyundai Mobis March 17, 2026

Hanwha Aerospace Buys Nearly 5% Stake in KAI, Deepening Defense Ties Hanwha Group’s move to secure nearly 5% of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is drawing attention in the defense industry, as it could strengthen Hanwha’s position in fighter-jet production through closer cooperation with the aircraft maker. Industry officials said Tuesday that Hanwha Aerospace recently bought a 4.41% stake in KAI. Combined with the 0.58% held by Hanwha Systems, the group’s total stake stands at 4.99%. It marks Hanwha Aerospace’s first KAI share purchase in about seven yea March 17, 2026

SK Biopharm JV, Samjin Pharma, Hecto Group, Medytox and Gil Medical Center updates SK Biopharm JV Mentis Care begins joint research with Emory School of Medicine on AI seizure detection and real-time prediction SK Biopharm said March 17 that its joint venture, Mentis Care, has started a joint study with Emory University School of Medicine to develop an artificial intelligence model to detect seizures and predict them in real time. The two-year project aims to build a general-purpose AI model that can be used across settings, from precision hospital equipment to wearabl March 17, 2026

Hong Myung-bo’s South Korea to use Ivory Coast, Austria friendlies as final World Cup audition With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America about three months away, competition inside Hong Myung-bo’s South Korea squad is intensifying. Hong has repeatedly stressed that the final roster is not set, setting up what amounts to a last-round audition for players seeking a World Cup place. South Korea (No. 22 in the FIFA rankings) will play Ivory Coast (No. 37) at 11 p.m. March 28 (Korea time) at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England. The team then faces Austria (No. 24) at 3:45 a.m. April March 17, 2026

Daehan Shipbuilding Wins $1.3 Billion Won Order for One Suezmax Crude Oil Tanker Daehan Shipbuilding said it is continuing a strong run of new orders since the start of the year. The company said Tuesday it signed a shipbuilding contract on March 16 with an Oceania-based shipping company to build one Suezmax-class crude oil tanker worth about 130 billion won. Including the latest deal, Daehan Shipbuilding said it has won orders for a total of nine vessels so far this year, surpassing 82% of its annual order target. The customer first signed with Daehan Shipbuilding March 17, 2026

KB Kookmin, Shinhan to Launch Online Refinancing for Sole Proprietor Credit Loans Online refinancing for sole proprietors’ credit loans is now allowed, and competition among banks is picking up.  According to the financial industry on the 17th, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank will begin offering refinancing services for sole proprietors’ credit loans starting on the 18th.  At KB Kookmin Bank, the maximum loan amount eligible for refinancing is 300 million won through branches and 200 million won through non-face-to-face channels. All customers who refinance into KB K March 17, 2026

Korea’s Hwarang Art Fair to Open at Record Scale With 169 Galleries South Korea’s longest-running art fair, the Hwarang Art Fair, will return this spring at its largest scale yet, with 169 leading domestic galleries taking part. Lee Seong-hoon, chairman of the Korea Galleries Association, said at a news conference Tuesday at the Seoul Press Center that the fair will “spotlight 19 artists through expanded solo booths.” He added, “We have prepared docent programs and special exhibitions so visitors can appreciate the works more deeply.” The fair, March 17, 2026

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea launches dedicated review team for productive finance IBK Industrial Bank of Korea said Tuesday it will operate a dedicated review team for “productive finance” to support innovative growth among small and midsize companies. The new team was created to respond quickly to funding needs at innovative firms in semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotech and artificial intelligence, the bank said. It is staffed by 40 specialists, including credit reviewers, certified public accountants and analysts, to speed and streamline lending decisions. T March 17, 2026