Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Asian markets mixed as China rallies; Korea, Japan slip on policy concerns SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Asian equities were mixed on Monday morning, with declines in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan contrasting with broad gains in China. South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.35 percent to 3,911 as of 10 a.m., pressured by institutional selling. Institutions offloaded 132.1 billion won ($90 million), while foreign investors sold a modest 4 billion won as they monitored market direction. Retail investors bought 162.1 billion won, seeking to take advantage of the dip. Shares of heavyweight chipmakers were steady. Samsung Electronics rose 0.1 percent to 100,600 won, while SK hynix edged up 0.28 percent to 531,500 won. Power equipment makers slumped sharply on concerns that North American shipments have peaked and margins are topping out. HD Hyundai Electric fell 4.65 percent to 739,000 won, while Hyosung Heavy Industries tumbled 5.94 percent to 1,789,000 won. Auto stocks also weakened, with Hyundai Motor sliding 2.49 percent to 255,000 won amid continued foreign selling as investors reassess risks tied to potential U.S. tariffs of up to 15%. Shipping names advanced after November export data showed an 8.4 percent year-on-year rise to a record high. HMM gained 4.5 percent to 20,000 won, and Pan Ocean climbed 4 percent to 3,920 won. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ reversed course on expectations of fresh government support, rising 1.6 percent to 930. Cybersecurity stocks rallied across the board after a series of high-profile breaches, including the exposure of 30 million customer records at e-commerce giant Coupang. Softcamp surged by the daily limit, jumping 30 percent to 1,682 won. AhnLab rose 2.3 percent to 61,600 won, while ESTsoft added 3.9 percent to 19,140 won. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dropped 1.6 percent to 49,450 as traders weighed the possibility that the Bank of Japan could freeze or raise rates at its upcoming policy meeting — moves that could delay fiscal stimulus proposed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet. Banking stocks firmed on expectations of higher interest rates. Chiba Bank climbed 1.92 percent to 1,676 yen ($10.8), while Shizuoka Financial Group advanced 1.6 percent to 2,300 yen. Major exporters weakened, with Toyota down 1.1 percent to 3,099 yen and Sony sliding 2.7 percent to 4,452 yen. Chip and technology suppliers continued to face pressure. Testing equipment maker Advantest plunged 4.6 percent to 19,620 yen, while Ibiden dropped 2 percent to 11,640 yen. Taiwan’s TAIEX traded 0.3 percent lower at 27,550. TSMC slipped 0.7 percent to 1,430 Taiwan dollars ($45.5), and Hon Hai Precision fell 1.1 percent to 223 Taiwan dollars. MediaTek bucked the trend, rising 3.6 percent to 1,445 Taiwan dollars on optimism over its expanded AI partnership with Alphabet and stronger-than-expected demand for its Dimensity 9500 smartphone chips. Mainland Chinese markets advanced across the board. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.41 percent to 3,904, while the Shenzhen Component gained 0.85 percent to 13,085. Investor expectations for additional stimulus grew amid signs of prolonged economic weakness, including the decision by major developer Vanke Group to seek extensions on maturing bonds and the yield on Chinese Treasury bonds falling below that of Japan for the first time. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 1.13 percent to 26,150, rebounding from sentiment pressure following last week’s deadly incident in Tai Po and supported by optimism over China’s expected economic measures. 2025-12-01 11:13:27 -
Labor Ministry to inspect Coupang's warehouses after recent massive data breach SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - E-commerce giant Coupang's logistics centers and delivery warehouses will be inspected next week, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Monday. The move follows a surprise inspection by Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon at a logistics center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province last week, shortly after a major data breach was detected. The inspection, set to begin next Wednesday, will cover Coupang's four logistics centers and three warehouses affected by the recent breach, as well as five delivery agencies contracted with the company. The ministry will assess night shifts including work hours, health checkups, and rest areas. If any risks or deficiencies are found, relevant measures will be imposed for improvement. Depending on the findings, the ministry may extend inspections to other logistics centers and delivery hubs. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 10:58:45 -
South Korean hotels ride wave of Chinese Gen Z travelers SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s hotel scene is in the midst of a renaissance, energized by a surge of overseas travelers who are filling rooms, lifting revenues, and reshaping the country’s hospitality landscape. At the center of this revival is the return of Chinese tourists — once South Korea’s largest visitor group — whose comeback is accelerating faster than many in the industry anticipated. More than 14 million foreign tourists arrived in the first nine months of the year, a 16 percent jump, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Nearly four in ten were from China, where renewed visa-free group travel and a wave of Korean pop-culture enthusiasm, particularly among Gen Z, are fueling demand. Officials expect Chinese arrivals to climb to 6.6 million next year, inching closer to pre-THAAD levels. Inside South Korea’s hotels, the effects are unmistakable. Luxury properties have nearly regained their pre-pandemic occupancy rates, and average daily room prices have climbed to an all-time high of 306,000 won. Investors are also taking notice: hotel transaction volumes jumped 20 percent last year to 2.16 trillion won, signaling renewed confidence in the sector. Glad Hotels, a brand under DL Group, has emerged as one of the clearest winners. By tailoring its marketing to young Chinese and female travelers in their 20s and 30s, the chain posted record quarterly results — 27.5 billion won in sales and 9.4 billion won in operating profit. Its Mapo location, set amid bustling cafés and cultural spots, has become a favorite backdrop for visiting Gen Z tourists documenting their trips on social media. Industry executives say prime locations such as Yeouido, Gangnam Coex Center, and Mapo have become “strategic assets,” attracting international tourists and younger guests who are willing to pay premium rates. Analysts believe the tailwinds will last for years. “South Korea is benefiting from a structural rise in travel demand,” said Hana Securities researcher Lee Ki-hoon. “A limited hotel supply pipeline, combined with the global spread of K-content, will support record earnings at least through 2027.” He added that any further relaxation of visa rules would provide another lift, particularly from China. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 10:17:15 -
South Korean asset management firms' Q3 profit surges 128 percent year-on-year SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s asset management industry expanded in the third quarter, with total assets under management (AUM) rising 3.9 percent from the previous quarter to 1,868.8 trillion won (about $1.27 trillion). Fund deposits grew 5 percent to 1,226.8 trillion won ($835 billion), while investment advisory contracts increased 1.8 percent to 642 trillion won. Funds recorded gains across major categories: equity funds reached 149.5 trillion won, bond funds 105.8 trillion won, and derivative funds 70 trillion won. Industry profitability strengthened sharply. Net profit jumped 128.5 percent year-on-year to 944.7 billion won, while operating profit climbed 154.9 percent to 996.3 billion won. Return on equity improved 1.3 percentage points to 21.9 percent. An official from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) said that improved government policies and stronger market performance helped lift stock indices and support profitability. However, the regulator noted the continued dominance of ETF-related public funds and widening performance gaps among firms. Nearly 80 percent of industry-wide net profit in the third quarter was concentrated among the top 30 companies. The number of asset management firms increased by five to 505, with total employment reaching 13,626, up 119 from the previous quarter. Among 501 firms assessed, 299, or 59.7 percent, were profitable. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 10:08:15 -
Chip boom lifts South Korea's November exports 8.4 percent SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s exports rose more than 8 percent in November from a year earlier, extending their growth streak to six consecutive months and putting the country on course to reach an annual export of $700 billion for the first time. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Monday that outbound shipments reached $61.04 billion in November, up 8.4 percent on-year. Average daily exports, adjusted for working days, climbed 13.3 percent to $2.71 billion, the highest level ever recorded for the month. Cumulative exports from January to November totaled $640.2 billion, an increase of $17.9 billion from a year earlier and surpassing the previous January–November record set in 2022. Semiconductors once again led the expansion. Chip exports surged 38.6 percent to $17.26 billion, buoyed by strong demand for high-value memory products used in data centers. The sector’s cumulative shipments reached $152.6 billion, already exceeding last year’s full-year total of $141.9 billion. Automobiles also performed strongly, with exports up 13.7 percent to $6.41 billion, bringing year-to-date shipments to a record $66.04 billion. Wireless communication devices rose 1.6 percent to $1.73 billion, while secondary battery exports edged up 2.2 percent to $670 million. Imports increased 1.2 percent to $51.3 billion in November. Energy imports dropped 18.4 percent to $8.72 billion, but non-energy imports rose 6.4 percent to $47 billion. As a result, South Korea posted a $9.73 billion trade surplus, widening by $4.17 billion from the previous year. The cumulative surplus for the first 11 months reached $66.07 billion, up $14.23 billion on-year. “November exports continued their upward trend for six months, demonstrating the resilience of Korean companies amid rising global protectionism,” Trade Minister Kim Jeong-gwan said in a press release. He added that the tariff deal with the U.S. could help ease uncertainties surrounding exports to the U.S. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 09:49:34 -
Coming-of-age indie film becomes this year's biggest sleeper hit SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - Low-budget film "The World of Love" has attracted over 150,000 viewers since its release in late October, becoming this year's biggest sleeper hit. According to the Korean Film Council, the 119-minute film directed by Yoon Ga-eun, reached the impressive milestone as of the end of November, consistently attracting viewers. The film's success has been driven by strong word of mouth, with viewers and critics alike praising it, despite the absence of a star-studded cast or major promotional activities. "The World of Love," which earned critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, revolves around a teenage girl who becomes isolated and ostracized after refusing to participate in a school-wide petition. 2025-12-01 09:41:25 -
Subway workers in Seoul go on partial strike SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - Commuters may have to brace for some delays as unionized workers in Seoul launched a partial strike, Seoul Metro said on its website on Monday. Seoul Metro, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, apologized for any inconvenience. It would involve operational slowdowns such as delayed door closures and reduced train speeds, likely causing disruptions for commuters during the morning and evening rush hours. The move came after Seoul Metro's labor union voted in favor of a strike last week. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations to narrow differences, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. Unionized workers are threatening a full-scale strike next week unless their demands for higher wages, the hiring of additional staff, and a halt to large-scale layoffs and pay cuts are met. 2025-12-01 09:16:02 -
SingCham Korea prepares Golden Ticket year-end event for 50th anniversary of ties SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - The Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Korea is preparing to host its Golden Ticket year-end event next week as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The event will take place on December 5 at Floating Island’s Vista Hall in Seoul. It follows SingCham Korea’s year-end gala event held last year at Signiel Seoul, where more than 200 guests from the business, diplomatic and cultural sectors gathered for an evening that underscored the chamber’s growing profile in South Korea. Singapore and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1975, making 2025 the 50th year. SingCham Korea said the anniversary offers an opportunity to bring the business communities of both countries closer. In its event material, the chamber also noted the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, a step that outlines cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green industries and defense-linked technology. The upcoming Golden Ticket event is expected to draw business leaders, diplomats and representatives from Singaporean companies active in Korea. Guests will be served a course dinner, with the chamber noting that the evening will provide space for networking and engagement. The Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Korea is a non-profit organization that supports Singaporean businesses in Korea and promotes trade, investment and community links. The chamber said it plans to expand its activities throughout the anniversary year. 2025-11-30 17:00:28 -
Retail investors not to blame as NPS drives bigger dollar demand SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - Growing attention has been placed on Korean retail investors pouring money into U.S. stocks, with some blaming their buying streak for the recent jump in the exchange rate. New data, however, show that the National Pension Service has been buying far more overseas equities, reinforcing the view that individual investors are not the main driver of the won's weakness. According to Bank of Korea figures released on November 30, overseas equity purchases categorized as "general government" reached 24.514 billion dollars in the first three quarters of the year. The central bank noted that this category generally reflects the National Pension Service. The amount is nearly double the 12.785 billion dollars recorded a year earlier. A separate category used to indicate individual retail investors, "non-financial corporations and others," showed offshore stock purchases of 16.625 billion dollars in the same period. That figure was up 74 percent from last year, but still smaller than the pension fund's buying. The gap between the two groups has widened. Last year, the National Pension Service bought about 1.3 times more overseas equities than retail investors during the January to September period. This year, the ratio has risen to about 1.5 times. When measured against all offshore equity purchases by Korean residents, the pension fund accounted for about 34 percent, compared with 23 percent for individuals. Retail activity has still been unusually strong. Data from the Korea Securities Depository show that individual investors bought a net 12.337 billion dollars in overseas stocks during October and November. October alone reached a record 6.813 billion dollars, followed by 5.524 billion dollars in November. If combined with earlier Bank of Korea data, retail investors' total offshore buying could reach 28.962 billion dollars through November. This figure is a simple addition of the two sets of data. The rise in retail demand coincided with a sharp climb in the exchange rate. After staying below 1,400 won per dollar in August and September, the currency began strengthening in the holidays and then reversed course in October. On November 24, it touched 1,477.3 won in intraday trading, the highest level since April 9. Many analysts say the exchange rate reflects a wider set of pressures beyond retail investor behavior. They point to the high cost of U.S. investments, the parallel weakness in the yen and the won, and foreign investors selling Korean stocks. In their view, retail buying is only one piece of the market, and the larger shifts are being driven by broader economic conditions. 2025-11-30 15:11:41 -
Super-aged South Korea sees record share of one-person households SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - South Korea's population structure is shifting faster than expected as the share of one-person households climbed to a new high last year and the number of older adults passed the 10 million mark for the first time. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's annual social security statistics released on November 30, the number of people living alone reached 8.045 million in 2024, accounting for 36.1 percent of all households. The steady rise reflects long-term changes in living patterns, including delayed marriage, lower birthrates and a growing preference for independent living. In 2015, one-person households made up 27.2 percent of all homes, or 5.2 million. The figure passed 30 percent in 2020 at 6.64 million and has increased each year since. If current trends continue, the ministry projects that single-person households will reach 8.55 million in 2027, 9.71 million in 2037 and approach 9.94 million in 2042. The country's aging curve is steepening at the same time. Last year, the number of people aged 65 or older reached 10 million, the highest on record. Older adults now make up 20.1 percent of the population, placing Korea in what officials classify as a super-aged society. The demographic shift is expected to influence everything from labor supply to social spending in the years ahead. The decline in younger families is most visible in early childhood services. The number of childcare centers nationwide has fallen steadily for more than a decade, dropping from 43,770 in 2013 to 30,923 in 2022 and 28,954 in 2023. By last year, the total had declined further to 27,387. While the overall number has shrunk, the share of public childcare centers has grown, accounting for 23.8 percent of all facilities last year. Private education spending also continued to rise. The proportion of students receiving private tutoring reached 80 percent in 2024, up from 78.5 percent a year earlier. Average monthly spending on private education was 474,000 won per student. High school students spent an average of 520,000 won, middle school students 490,000 won and elementary school students 440,000 won. The number of practicing doctors totaled 109,274 last year, down 4.7 percent from 114,699 the previous year. Koreans continued to see doctors far more frequently than people in other advanced economies. Based on 2023 data, the average number of annual doctor visits per person was 18, compared with the OECD average of 6.7. Government spending on social welfare, health and related services came to 237.6 trillion won last year, equal to 36.2 percent of all national expenditures. The Ministry of Health and Welfare publishes its annual statistical report under the Framework Act on Social Security, compiling data from national surveys and administrative records to analyze trends across household structure, income and employment security and access to social services. 2025-11-30 14:09:27