Samsung fields stronger in-house chip-powered Galaxy to counter AI iPhone hype

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is equipping half of its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup with its upgraded in-house processor, the Exynos 2600, to counter rising expectations for Apple’s AI-powered iPhone 17 series and to showcase renewed confidence in its AI chipset design and manufacturing capabilities. The tech giant said the new Exynos delivers more than six times the neural processing power of Apple’s latest A-series chip. The move marks the first time in

October 21, 2025

Asian markets rally, KOSPI the world's best performer led by chip boom

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Major Asian stock markets closed mostly higher on Tuesday amid easing global trade tensions and improved investor sentiment, while South Korea’s benchmark index stood out as the world’s best performer of the month. In Seoul, the KOSPI closed at a fresh record of 3,814.69, up 1.76 percent from the previous session. The secondary KOSDAQ gained 1.89 percent to close at 875.77. Institutional investors drove the rally with strong buying despite conti

October 21, 2025

Korean defense firms join forces to boost KF-21 fighter jet exports

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Tuesday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and LIG Nex1 to strengthen the export competitiveness of the KF-21 fighter jet, the country’s 4.5-generation aircraft. Under the agreement, the companies will cooperate to reduce production costs, stabilize supply chains, and jointly market the aircraft overseas. The collaboration also includes sharing technology and mar

October 21, 2025

Naver, Kakao to deliver stronger Q3 as they bet on AI to defend Korean turf

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korea's leading platform operators Naver and Kakao are expected to post improved third-quarter earnings as they double down on artificial intelligence initiatives to defend their home market from global AI giants. Naver is embedding AI across its search, commerce and fintech operations, while Kakao is weaving the technology into its messenger, content and advertising services to boost data-driven profitability. The two are taking distinct appro

October 21, 2025

Kia opens assembly plant in Kazakhstan to boost Central Asia presence

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Kia said on Tuesday that it has opened a new automobile assembly plant in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. Built with an investment of about $310 million, the facility spans 630,000 square meters and can produce up to 70,000 vehicles annually. The plant has begun assembling the Sorento SUV and plans to add production of the Sportage model in 2026. Kia said the new plant would serve as a hub for meeting rising regional demand and advancing localization efforts i

October 21, 2025

South Korea's finance chief urges focus on AI transition at APEC ministers' meeting

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s Finance Minister, Koo Yun-cheol, called on Asia-Pacific nations on Tuesday to channel resources into artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic growth, urging policymakers to foster innovation and strengthen private-sector participation. “In the era of AI transformation, we must create an innovation-friendly environment and support the private sector,” Koo said at the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooper

October 21, 2025

Epson unveils new 'Lifestudio' projectors to tap booming home entertainment market

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Epson introduced a new line of home projectors on Tuesday, betting that South Korea’s growing appetite for streaming and large-screen entertainment will help sustain demand for high-end home viewing devices. At a press event in Seoul, Jun Morohoshi, head of Epson Korea, announced the launch of the Lifestudio Series, which features nine new projector models designed to blend functionality with lifestyle appeal. “South Korea is a key mark

October 21, 2025

Samsung weighs new 'control tower' as leadership reshuffle nears

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is considering reestablishing a central management body to coordinate its sprawling business divisions, as the conglomerate prepares for a major executive reshuffle next month. The move comes as Chairman Lee Jae-yong marks his third year at the helm with the company riding a resurgent semiconductor boom. Industry sources say Samsung plans to accelerate both its annual personnel reshuffle and a broader organizational restructurin

October 21, 2025

Kakao founder Kim Beom-su acquitted in SM Entertainment stock manipulation case

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - A Seoul court on Tuesday acquitted Kim Beom-su, founder of tech conglomerate Kakao, of stock manipulation charges tied to the company’s high-profile battle for control of SM Entertainment. The Seoul Southern District Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove that Kim conspired to manipulate SM Entertainment’s stock price during Kakao’s contested acquisition fight with Hybe, another major K-pop agency, in early 2023. Former Kakao inv

October 21, 2025

KOSPI fueled by red-hot SK hynix continues record rally; Asian stocks higher early Tuesday

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korean and Japanese shares extended gains on Tuesday, buoyed by red-hot semiconductor and energy stocks, sending a ripple effect across broader Asian markets. The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2 percent to 3,890, inching closer to the symbolic four-digit threshold. SK hynix continued its scorching run, breaching 500,000 won ($ 351.60), as investors piled in amid growing fear of missing out (FOMO) on a sustained memory chip rally. “SK hynix shar

October 21, 2025