Global chipmakers race to secure HBM talent amid AI boom

SEOUL, February 17 (AJP) - SK hynix and Micron Technology are ramping up efforts to enhance their high-bandwidth memory (HBM) capabilities through internal restructuring and aggressive external recruitment, as demand for AI-driven HBM chips continues to rise. SK hynix has introduced an internal Career Growth Program focused on HBM design, advanced packaging development, AI infrastructure, and customer quality management. The company is also transferring DRAM process engineers to i

February 17, 2025

Korean business delegation heads to Washington amid trade tensions

SEOUL, February 17 (AJP) - A high-profile delegation of South Korean business leaders, led by Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), is set to visit Washington this week, marking the first major private-sector mission since President Donald Trump began his second term. The visit comes as the Trump administration signals plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on nations with value added tax (VAT) systems, a move that could affect South Korea’s

February 17, 2025

SK chief meets Viet Nam's communist party chief to discuss energy cooperation

SEOUL, February 16 (AJP) - SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has met with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, to discuss strengthening cooperation in the energy sector and fostering bilateral ties. Chey, who also serves as the chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met with Lam in Hanoi on Friday, according to a report by Viet Nam’s state-run news agency VNA. “SK Group possesses world-class capabilities in the energy sector, and

February 16, 2025

Trump to unveil automobile tariffs on April 2

SEOUL, February 15 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he plans to unveil tariffs on imported automobiles on April 2, a move that could directly affect South Korea’s car exports to the U.S. Responding to a reporter’s question about the timeline for the auto tariffs, Trump asked his aide, "We're going to do it on April 2, I think. Is that right?" The official confirmed, "That's right." He made the remarks during a White Hous

February 15, 2025

Hanmi Science leadership dispute ends as founder's widow takes helm

SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - A protracted leadership dispute at Hanmi Science, the holding company of South Korean pharmaceutical firm Hanmi, has drawn to a close with the appointment of Song Young-sook as its sole chief executive officer. The board of directors announced Friday that Song, the widow of Hanmi’s late founder, Im Sung-ki, will replace Im Jong-hoon as CEO. The decision comes nine months after Song stepped down from her position as co-CEO last May. In a further

February 14, 2025

US bill on naval ship construction could open doors for Korea's shipbuilders

SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s shipbuilding industry is expressing cautious optimism following the introduction of a bill by Republican U.S. senators that would permit naval vessels to be built by allied nations. Since 1965, U.S. law has required all military ships and key components to be constructed domestically by American workers. However, the proposed legislation would allow the U.S. to contract naval shipbuilding to nations with which it has a mutual defen

February 14, 2025

Korean shipbuilder unveils nuclear-powered container ship design

SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has unveiled its first design for a nuclear-powered container ship, incorporating Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, at the Houston Maritime Nuclear Summit. The vessel, which has received an approval from the American Bureau of Shipping, eliminates the need for internal combustion engines and fuel tanks, repurposing the traditional engine room space for additional container storage. The design also fe

February 14, 2025

Social media linked to surge in overseas shopping fraud

SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - A sharp rise in online shopping fraud linked to overseas direct purchases has been reported by South Korea’s consumer watchdog, with a majority of cases originating from social media advertisements. The Korea Consumer Agency said Friday it found that 82.3 percent of fraud victims accessed fraudulent shopping sites through social media content or targeted advertisements. Instagram was the most common platform associated with these scams, accounti

February 14, 2025

Acting president signals willingness to discuss extra budget

SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - Acting President Choi Sang-mok said Thursday that the government is open to discussions on a proposed supplementary budget, as concerns grow over economic uncertainty. “With a national policy consultation meeting on the agenda, it would be useful to discuss the fundamental principles of the supplementary budget,” Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, said during a National Assembly session on econ

February 13, 2025

Trump's tariff war threatens South Korea's economic backbone

SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war is sending shockwaves through South Korea’s export-driven economy, as tariffs now extend beyond steel and aluminum to key industries such as automobiles and semiconductors. Trump announced Sunday that the United States would impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports from March 12, without exception. He also signaled that additional tariffs on automobiles, semiconductors,

February 13, 2025