Poultry imports from Brazil suspended over bird flu concerns SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - South Korea has suspended imports of poultry from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the South American nation. The suspension, which took effect for shipments departing Brazil on or after May 16, includes hatching eggs, table eggs, day-old chicks, poultry meat and related products, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Monday. For shipments made after May 1 but before the ban's effective date, authorities will conduct avian influenza tests before granting entry. As of Sunday, 844 tons of Brazilian chicken across 37 shipments are awaiting inspection at South Korean ports. Government officials played down immediate concerns, saying the incubation period for HPAI is unlikely to affect those shipments. “The short-term impact on domestic chicken supply and prices is expected to be limited,” the ministry said in a statement. Ministry officials noted that suppliers generally keep a two-to-three-month inventory, which is expected to buffer against immediate price increases. Still, the ministry held an emergency meeting with importers and poultry processors on Sunday to explore alternative supply sources and assess global market conditions. The United States, Thailand, and China are being considered as possible substitutes for Brazilian chicken. Officials also said they are reviewing the potential use of tariff quotas to stabilize prices and maintain supply. “Discussions about implementing tariff quotas will only take place if supply disruptions and price increases persist beyond a certain threshold,” a ministry spokesperson said. The government does not expect the ban to affect major franchise chicken restaurants, which primarily rely on domestically sourced poultry. The suspension is more likely to impact institutional food services and some retail segments that depend on imported poultry for processed items such as wings, drumsticks and skewers. The market remains watchful. During the 2017 “rotten chicken” scandal involving Brazil, domestic chicken prices rose 8 to 10 percent within a month. “We will closely monitor market conditions in cooperation with industry stakeholders to avoid excessive reactions,” the ministry said, adding that increased domestic production could be encouraged if necessary. 2025-05-19 16:20:42

Samsung OLED TVs receive Nvidia G-SYNC Compatible certification SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said its 2025 OLED television lineup has received Nvidia’s "G-SYNC Compatible" certification, a move the company says reinforces its position in the high-end gaming display market. The certification, which ensures smoother gameplay by synchronizing the TV’s refresh rate with a connected graphics card’s frame rate, is the latest in a series of gaming-focused upgrades. The announcement follows Samsung’s earlier achievement as the first TV maker to earn AMD’s "FreeSync Premium Pro" certification, further establishing its OLED displays as competitive gaming platforms. The G-SYNC technology is designed to minimize common visual disruptions such as screen tearing and stuttering, particularly when TVs are used with high-performance PCs or gaming consoles. The feature is aimed at enhancing the visual stability of fast-paced gaming environments. Samsung’s 2025 OLED TVs include a range of features targeting gaming enthusiasts. These include AI Auto Game Mode, which automatically adjusts visual and audio settings for different genres; Motion Xcelerator with refresh rates up to 165Hz; and a Game Bar interface for real-time adjustments. The televisions also support Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and house Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a platform offering cloud and console gaming content. While the new OLED lineup emphasizes gaming, Samsung is also promoting broader entertainment and lifestyle features. These include AI-driven image processing that tailors audio and picture quality based on the type of content being viewed, and Glare-Free technology, which reduces reflections for improved viewing in various lighting conditions. Smart home integration is another area of focus. With SmartThings support built in, the TVs can serve as a control center for connected appliances and devices throughout the home. 2025-05-19 15:25:04

Tech industry turns gaze to Taiwan as Computex 2025 opens SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - The global technology and semiconductor sectors are converging on Taiwan this week as Computex 2025, Asia’s largest information technology trade show, opens Tuesday with heightened anticipation surrounding a keynote address by Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang. The four-day event, organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taipei Computer Association, will be held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Roughly 1,400 companies from 29 countries are expected to participate, filling more than 4,800 booths. Founded in 1981 as a showcase for Taiwanese computer manufacturers, Computex has evolved into a global stage where tech giants unveil cutting-edge developments — increasingly in artificial intelligence. The transformation reflects Taiwan’s emergence as a global semiconductor hub, home to critical players like TSMC, and a national strategy aimed at establishing leadership in AI technologies. Industry analysts say the surge in AI applications and the growing dominance of firms such as Nvidia, AMD, and TSMC have made Computex a must-attend event for the global tech elite. Visitors have already begun arriving for pre-event forums ahead of the official opening, with the spotlight firmly on Huang. His keynote is expected to outline Nvidia’s evolving AI roadmap, and may include announcements of next-generation chips or platform technologies. Qualcomm Chief Executive Cristiano Amon and Supermicro CEO Charles Liang will also deliver keynote addresses during the week. Nvidia is set to hold a global press conference on Wednesday, where Huang may respond to questions on regulatory approvals for Samsung Electronics’ high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips and the implications of U.S. trade policy shifts. South Korea’s SK hynix will return for a second year with its own booth, and Samsung Display will make its debut at the show. Organizers expect attendance to exceed 80,000, mirroring last year’s turnout. 2025-05-19 11:22:42

Lotte Mart enters Singapore market through FairPrice partnership SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Lotte Mart has entered the Singapore market through a strategic partnership with FairPrice, the city state’s largest retailer. The company opened its first store in the country this week, adopting a shop-in-shop format within the FairPrice Extra outlet at VivoCity, one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls. The launch marks Lotte Mart’s first expansion into a new Southeast Asian market in 17 years, following its entry into Vietnam and Indonesia in 2008. Company executives said the move reflects a broader effort to establish Singapore as a strategic hub for regional operations. An opening ceremony held Thursday was attended by Kang Sung-hyun, chief executive of Lotte Mart and Lotte Super, Shin Yu-yeol, who leads the Future Growth Division at Lotte Holdings, and Vipul Chawla, CEO of FairPrice Group. “This is a meaningful step for us,” Kang said. “With our overseas business expertise, we aim to firmly establish ourselves in Singapore while promoting K-food and positioning the market as an export base for our private-label products across Southeast Asia.” The venture also marks Lotte Mart’s first use of a shop-in-shop model in its international operations — a strategy that allows the brand to leverage FairPrice’s extensive logistics infrastructure and consumer base to generate stable revenue streams. As part of the rollout, Lotte Mart will distribute around 100 private-label products across more than 100 FairPrice outlets. The products will be available throughout the city state, benefiting from FairPrice’s expansive retail footprint. 2025-05-16 15:33:18

Korea's top companies see 17% increase in first quarter operating profits SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest corporations reported a sharp rise in operating profits in the first quarter of 2025, buoyed by a resurgence in the IT electronics sector, according to data released Friday by corporate tracker CEO Score. Among the nation’s top 500 companies, operating profits rose 17.1 percent year-over-year, climbing to 60.96 trillion won (approximately $44.6 billion) from 52.07 trillion won during the same period in 2024. The findings are based on earnings from 342 firms that submitted quarterly results. Overall sales increased 3.8 percent to 814.60 trillion won. SK hynix led the surge, recording an operating profit of 7.44 trillion won — a dramatic jump from 2.89 trillion won a year earlier — amid a rebound in semiconductor demand. Samsung Electronics ranked second with 6.69 trillion won in operating profit, while Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Hyundai Motor, and Kia followed with 3.75 trillion won, 3.63 trillion won, and 3.01 trillion won, respectively. The performance marks a notable turnaround for SK hynix, which also posted the largest year-on-year increase in operating profit, adding 4.55 trillion won. KEPCO followed with a 2.45 trillion won gain, while Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Hanwha, and Hanwha Aerospace also reported significant improvements. However, not all sectors shared in the recovery. Samsung SDI posted the largest operating loss at 4.34 trillion won, as the battery manufacturer faced mounting production costs and weaker demand. Other major losses came from L&F (-1.40 trillion won), Lotte Chemical (-1.27 trillion won), SK Energy (-1.26 trillion won), and HD Hyundai Chemical (-1.19 trillion won). The petrochemical industry was particularly hard hit. Five of the 10 companies with the largest declines in operating profit belonged to the sector, reflecting global headwinds including weakening demand, shrinking refining margins, and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. 2025-05-16 14:41:05

Presidential candidates vow to expand high-speed underground rail nationwide SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Two leading contenders in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election have pledged to extend the country’s high-speed underground commuter rail system far beyond the capital, positioning rapid transit as a central campaign promise. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party both unveiled plans to expand the Great Train Express (GTX) system, a high-speed undergroun rail network in the Seoul metropolitan area. Each candidate has incorporated nationwide rail expansion into their 10-point policy platforms, aiming to connect distant regions through a system modeled after the GTX system. Both candidates argue that extending rapid transit to five major regions across the country would help disperse the concentration of economic and social activity around Seoul, a longstanding concern in South Korea’s regional development policy. Lee’s proposal focuses on expanding service in the Seoul area and to the southeast region, Daegu-North Gyeongsang, the central region, and Honam. He also pledged timely completion of the GTX-A, B, and C lines, with potential extensions reaching outer metropolitan areas and Gangwon Province. New routes, labeled GTX-D, E, and F, would be developed in phases. Kim, similarly, has framed a “country connected by GTX” as a key policy pillar. His plan envisions an express rail network linking five major metropolitan areas, continuing a trend toward megacity integration championed by the Yoon administration in early 2024. Their shared emphasis on high-speed rail reflects growing bipartisan support for addressing urban-rural divides. Currently, disparities in transit access between the capital and outlying regions are stark. The Seoul area operates 11 metropolitan rail lines, including the GTX-A. By contrast, non-metropolitan regions are served by just two lines, both connecting Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Rail accounts for 27.1 percent of intercity travel in the capital region, compared with only 0.4 percent in Gwangju-South Jeolla, and under 10 percent in most other regions. Still, the ambitious expansion faces significant financial and logistical challenges. Building rapid transit lines costs approximately 71.2 billion won per kilometer — more than double the cost of metropolitan roads and over 10 times that of Bus Rapid Transit systems. The first three GTX lines alone carry a projected price tag of nearly 12 trillion won. Experts remain cautious. A Korea Transport Institute survey of 15 transportation scholars cited “insufficient railway demand in provincial areas” as the foremost concern. As rural populations decline, critics warn that costly infrastructure may not be sustainable. Professor Lee Su-beom of the University of Seoul noted that rail systems face steep operational costs, particularly in energy use, and predicted inevitable deficits without stronger government subsidies. To make nationwide expansion viable, the institute concluded, central government support would need to rise by at least 10 percentage points to compensate for declining contributions from local governments. 2025-05-16 10:58:00

Lip products lead charge in K-beauty innovation Editor's Note: This is the third article in our series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - In the ever-evolving world of Korean beauty, or K-beauty, few items command as much attention as lip products. From the glossy aisles of Olive Young — the nation’s ubiquitous health and beauty chain — to social media feeds around the globe, Korean lipsticks and tints have earned cult status, thanks to their innovative formulas, thoughtful color ranges, and accessible price points. Unlike global bestseller lists, which often skew toward the most promoted or exported products, a closer look at what Korean consumers actually reach for reveals a different story — one that international shoppers would do well to pay attention to. The enduring popularity of lip products in South Korea can be traced to both practicality and aesthetic transformation. Lips, unlike the rest of the skin, lack sebaceous glands and therefore require external hydration. At the same time, lip color remains one of the most cost-effective ways to change an entire look with a single swipe — a fact not lost on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, whose Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment became an overnight success, or Kylie Jenner, whose Lip Kits continue to dominate the U.S. market. Korean lip products, however, are distinguished not just by celebrity influence, but by a commitment to innovation. Brands have rapidly evolved beyond their earlier, more limited palettes — once shaped by a relatively homogeneous population — to embrace a wider spectrum of skin tones and personal style preferences. A growing interest in personal color theory and a shift toward more inclusive beauty standards have helped fuel this transformation. One standout is 3CE’s Shine Reflector, a lip gloss launched in March 2023 that quickly sold out nationwide. Its high-shine finish and rich color payoff have made it a favorite both online and in stores, bolstered by a collaboration with YouTuber Minsco. “Nowadays, many people are looking for this when they are in need of a shiny lip,” said an Olive Young spokesperson. The shade "Opal Shower" in particular, which works well layered over other colors, has become a top pick for travelers seeking versatile, space-saving beauty products. For those looking to streamline their beauty routines while abroad, the Shine Reflector offers a practical one-step solution — gloss and pigment in a single tube. It’s also well-suited to Seoul’s photogenic urban landscape, where an impactful lip can elevate a travel snapshot from casual to chic. Meanwhile, Peripera’s Ink Mood Glowy Tint, also released in 2023, has expanded to more than 30 shades, a boon for those navigating their “seasonal color type” or seeking hues that suit deeper skin tones. The brand is known for its affordability and trend-sensitive releases, though its habit of retiring shades quickly can frustrate loyal users. A word to the wise: if you find a color you love, consider buying backups. Less prominent but equally worthy of note is Colorgram’s Tanghulu Tangle Tint, a product with a more discreet retail presence but a loyal following. Launched by ABLE C&C — the company behind Missha — the brand targets Gen Z consumers with smaller, more portable packaging. While its shade range is narrower, the formula’s adhesive yet featherweight texture offers impressive shine in a single coat, making it ideal for quick touch-ups and budget-friendly gifting. Then there’s Romand’s Glasting Color Gloss, a line that captured the glossy-lip zeitgeist with standout shades like 01 Peony Ballet and 02 Nutty Vague. Both strike a delicate balance: shiny but not sticky, saturated but wearable. “Peony Ballet has such a pretty color,” said Kyu, a woman in her 20s living in Seoul. “For someone with dry lips and excess dead skin, Romand’s gloss is thick but not too runny, so it doesn’t flow and has a nice adhering feeling to the lips.” These are not the lip products that typically dominate international bestseller lists — which often reflect marketing reach more than local popularity. Instead, they represent a cross-section of what Korean shoppers genuinely value: well-formulated, aesthetically compelling, and often ahead of the trend curve. For international tourists, a visit to Olive Young offers more than just a retail stop — it’s an entry point into a beauty culture that blends innovation with accessibility. These lip products, each with their own story, serve as small but meaningful souvenirs: a swipe of gloss, a pop of tint, and a reminder of why Korean beauty continues to captivate the world. 2025-05-16 10:20:02

Samsung Electronics collaborates on boy band RIIZE's debut album 'ODYSSEY' SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has joined forces with RIIZE, a rising K-pop group under SM Entertainment, to promote the band's debut album, “Odyssey." The partnership includes the production of a 40-minute premiere video — unveiled Wednesday on the international fan platform Weverse — that features all 10 tracks from the upcoming album, set for release on May 19. The video weaves together coming-of-age narratives with appearances by several of Samsung’s newest products, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy Ring, the Music Frame, and the BESPOKE AI hybrid refrigerator. RIIZE, a six-member boy band that debuted in 2023, has garnered a global following with songs that explore youth, ambition, and personal growth. In the premiere video, those themes are paired with Samsung’s brand messaging around innovation and aspiration, portraying what the company described as “growing together and realizing dreams.” The collaboration also includes a series of short-form videos that will roll out on RIIZE’s official Instagram account beginning May 22. These clips will spotlight the group’s use of Samsung’s Galaxy AI features. Samsung launched a K-pop artist support initiative last year as part of an effort to bolster South Korea’s cultural influence abroad while positioning its products within that expanding global narrative. The initiative continues to grow through partnerships with both domestic and international talent. “We hope RIIZE, as brand ambassador, will help amplify our message of realizing dreams together,” said Park Jung-mi, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Global Marketing Office. “At Samsung, we aim to support our customers’ aspirations through the power of AI and innovation.” 2025-05-15 15:52:02

Hanwha finalizes $637 million acquisition of catering firm Ourhome SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hanwha Group has completed its acquisition of catering firm Ourhome for 869.5 billion won (approximately $637 million), expanding its presence in the food services sector in one of the country’s most notable recent mergers. The deal, announced Thursday by Hanwha Hotel & Resort, gives the conglomerate a controlling 58.62 percent stake in Ourhome, marking the end of a seven-month negotiation and due diligence process that began in October. The acquisition was spearheaded by Kim Dong-seon, vice president of Hanwha Hotel’s Future Vision Division and the youngest son of Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon. With the transaction now complete, Ourhome officially becomes part of the sprawling Hanwha corporate family. The merger has drawn attention within the South Korean business community for what some analysts have described as “a shrimp swallowing a whale,” referencing the disparity in size between the two companies. Ourhome, a leading player in catering and food distribution, reported revenue of 2.24 trillion won in 2023 — more than double Hanwha Hotel & Resort’s 750.9 billion won in sales during the same period. To facilitate the acquisition, Hanwha Hotel & Resort established a special purpose vehicle, Woorijib f&b, earlier this year. Regulatory approvals for the deal were secured from both domestic and international authorities last month. Hanwha said it plans to integrate Ourhome’s scale and distribution capabilities with its own expertise in food service, drawing on nearly three decades of experience in the sector through its subsidiary Hanwha Foodtech. “We will lead the transformation of both domestic and global food markets together with Ourhome, which has shown excellence in catering and food distribution,” a Hanwha Hotel & Resort spokesperson said in a statement. The company also emphasized plans to accelerate automation in commercial kitchens and pursue collaborations with other Hanwha affiliates, viewing technological innovation as key to shaping the future of the food industry. 2025-05-15 13:38:09

Korea's agricultural giant balances tradition with global ambition Editor's Note: This article is the 18th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest agricultural cooperative and financial group, NongHyup (NH), is navigating a volatile landscape in 2025, shaped by climate disruptions, demographic shifts, and rising global tensions. According to a recent report from the NH Future Strategy Research Institute, the organization is confronting a web of challenges: erratic weather patterns impacting food supply chains, unstable agricultural prices, rural depopulation, and renewed geopolitical friction amid the second Trump administration in the United States. In response, NongHyup is doubling down on food security, managing domestic rice supplies, and working to boost the global profile of Korean food products. Legacy of rural support Founded in 1958, NongHyup was created to empower farmers following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. At the time, rural communities were burdened by weak infrastructure and limited access to capital, leaving agricultural production fragmented and inefficient. The cooperative has since evolved into a national institution rooted in its 2.05 million-member base, with 1,111 agricultural and livestock cooperatives operating across the country. Its central body, the NongHyup Central Association, oversees a broad portfolio that includes eight headquarters divisions, 34 departments, and specialized units. NongHyup operates under a dual structure: NH Economic Holdings, which manages distribution, food, and chemical subsidiaries; and NH Financial Holdings, which oversees banking, insurance, securities, and asset management arms. This hybrid model allows NongHyup to deliver both agricultural and financial services to farmers and rural residents, creating a rare synergy between the farm and the financial system. NH Bank and its sister firms not only provide credit and investment tools but also offer social and logistical support across the agricultural supply chain. Under the leadership of Kang Ho-dong, Chairman of the Central Association; Lee Seok-jun, Chairman of NH Financial Holdings; and Kang Tae-young, President of NH Bank, NongHyup has emphasized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy. “The core of future preparation is AI and ESG,” Lee said in a recent speech, highlighting the organization’s ambition to fuse cooperative ideals with cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices. As part of this pivot, NH NongHyup Bank is accelerating its international expansion. The bank plans to upgrade its London office into a full-service branch and establish a strategic foothold in Singapore. Additional branches are in the works in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Since launching its global division in 2017, NH has opened offices in New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Beijing, Noida (India), and across Southeast Asia. The expansion is beginning to pay off. In the past year alone, NH NongHyup Bank’s overseas assets have grown by 39 percent. The bank aims to generate 150 billion won in international profits by 2030, with overseas operations already surpassing 100 billion won in net income for the first time. NH Financial Holdings Chairman Lee Seok-jun/ Courtesy of NongHyup At the 2025 Global Strategy Council, NH executives made clear that the group intends to move beyond its traditional “fast follower” posture. Instead, they aim to become a “first mover,” aggressively pursuing new business and investment opportunities. “We cannot close the gap with global leaders by simply following in their footsteps,” said Jo Jung-rae, Vice President of NH Financial Group. “Risk management and speed in seizing new opportunities must define our approach.” That strategic agility builds on a history of bold corporate moves, including the 1998 acquisition of Namhae Chemical for 300 billion won, the 2014 purchase of seed firm Nongwoo Bio, and the acquisition of Woori Investment & Securities for over 1 trillion won. In 2003, NH partnered with France’s Amundi to launch NH Amundi Asset Management, expanding its global reach in asset management. The organization faces scrutiny over governance and ethical lapses. NH Bank has come under fire for improper lending practices and recurring financial missteps. Critics have raised concerns over politically influenced executive appointments, particularly at subsidiaries like NH Life Insurance. There have also been reports of workplace harassment and wrongful dismissals at some regional branches. Farmer advocacy groups have also voiced frustration over persistent agricultural price declines and what they see as insufficient reforms in distribution channels. As it eyes the future, NongHyup is seeking to balance tradition with transformation. Its long-term strategy centers on blending cooperative values — mutual aid, community development, social responsibility — with the demands of a modern, competitive economy. That includes deepening ESG adoption, investing in digital innovation, expanding its global presence, and supporting farmers in navigating the new realities of climate change, market volatility, and global supply chain shifts. In a country where agriculture still plays a vital — if shrinking — role, NongHyup’s ability to evolve may well determine the fate of Korea’s rural communities in the decades ahead. 2025-05-15 11:02:52