HOT STOCK: Hanwha Ocean surges on LNG boom, defense tech spotlight SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Shares of Hanwha Ocean are sailing full speed ahead, buoyed by a swelling orderbook for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and upbeat earnings expectations. The stock traded 3.7 percent higher at 137,100 won ($95) as of 10:15 a.m. Thursday in Seoul, after soaring nearly 10 percent the previous day. Hanwha Ocean has gained more than 20 percent so far this month, reflecting investor optimism over robust third-quarter results and sustained global demand for LNG carriers. The rally accelerated following the company’s strong showing at Seoul ADEX 2025, where it unveiled AI-driven naval technologies, and amid reports that South Korea’s trade envoy urged China to lift sanctions affecting Hanwha Ocean’s U.S. affiliates. Investor sentiment was further boosted by the government-backed K-Shipbuilding Tech Alliance and expectations of strong quarterly earnings fueled by a steady stream of LNG and special-purpose vessel orders. The convergence of defense export hopes, policy support, and easing geopolitical pressure has propelled Hanwha Ocean to its highest level in over a year, outpacing most large-cap stocks on the Kospi. The company’s shares have more than tripled from their annual opening of 37,800 won after taking the banner “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again”—the flagship slogan of South Korea’s U.S. investment drive announced during President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Washington in August. Hanwha Ocean is set to release its third-quarter earnings on Monday, with analysts projecting an operating profit nearly three times higher than a year earlier. The frenzy over shipbuilding shares underscores a growing bet on a new seaborne boom. “Shipbuilding is a cyclical business, typically following 20- to 30-year patterns,” said Lee Eun-chang, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. “The last peak came in 2011. Under ordinary circumstances, the next boom might not arrive until around 2040, but shifts in global energy policy and geopolitics are reshaping the timeline.” While Korean shipbuilders may not fully regain their dominance over China, Washington’s moves to curb Chinese shipbuilding practices could open fresh opportunities for Korean yards, Lee added. Eom Kyung-ah, a shipbuilding and shipping industry analyst at Shinyoung Securities, pointed to the growing anticipation ahead of the APEC Summit, noting that U.S.–Korea cooperation in shipbuilding is emerging as a key agenda item—with Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries positioned as central players. 2025-10-23 11:30:07

Asian shares in positive, Seoul and Tokyo lead gains on tech and battery upside SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Major Asian stock markets remained broadly positive Wednesday, with Seoul and Tokyo taking the lead, although at moderated pace from recent rallies. In Seoul, the KOSPI advanced 0.7 percent to 3,815, while the KOSDAQ gained 0.9 percent to 1,146 as of midday. Bellwether Samsung Electronics extended gains, whereas SK hynix slipped on profit-taking after briefly touching the 500,000-won threshold. Petrochemical and battery material stocks led the winners on expectations of stronger quarterly earnings — Isu Chemical hit the daily ceiling of 30 percent, and EcoPro surged 12 percent. Tokyo’s market extended gains on expectations of pro-growth economic policies under incoming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Nikkei 225 jumped 2.46 percent to 42,849.67, driven by technology and export-oriented firms poised to benefit from continued monetary easing and fiscal expansion. In China, the Shanghai Composite Index inched up to 3,870.75 amid easing U.S.–China trade tensions and renewed government stimulus. The Shenzhen Component Index also opened higher, extending its 2-percent gain from the previous day. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced on optimism over high-level trade talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping slated for later this month. Elsewhere, Taiwan’s TAIEX added 0.5 percent on tech strength, Vietnam’s VN Index rose 0.58 percent to 1,606 led by financials, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite edged down 0.2 percent on profit-taking after recent rallies. 2025-10-22 13:11:55

Red-hot streak of Korean chip stocks spills over to downstream suppliers SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s semiconductor rally shows no sign of slowing, as record gains by memory giants ripple through the broader chip value chain, drawing in downstream suppliers and equipment makers amid growing concerns over a looming memory shortage in the AI era. Memory bellwethers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix both came close to symbolic six-digit milestones—100,000 won and 500,000 won, respectively. Samsung Electronics closed Tuesday 0.4 percent lower at 97,700 won ($68) after touching 99,800 won, while SK hynix fell 0.9 percent to 481,000 won after reaching an intraday high of 502,000 won. Their bull run lifted suppliers across the Kosdaq and main exchange KRX. Wonik Holdings, which makes chipmaking equipment and materials, slipped 2.7 percent to 25,250 won on profit-taking after soaring 77 percent this month and more than tenfold from its December low of 2,135 won. Hanmi Semiconductor, a key backend equipment producer, gained 55 percent this month on strong demand for its advanced tools used in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production. Eugene Tech, which supplies to all three DRAM majors—Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron—ended Tuesday at a record 89,600 won after an intraday high of 92,000 won, tripling from a 52-week low of 30,300 won. Analysts widely agree that the sector is entering a new chip super cycle, fueled by surging AI-related demand, constrained supply, and state-led investment in advanced industries. A recent government task force unveiled a 5.7 trillion won national growth fund to support AI and deep-tech startups and strengthen semiconductor and robotics ecosystems. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global economy, and South Korea’s semiconductor industry will remain at the center of this transformation,” said Kang Sung-jin, professor of economics at Korea University. “The rise of AI in the Fourth Industrial Revolution has made semiconductors indispensable, sustaining bullish momentum in equities. Ongoing U.S.–China tensions also enhance Korean firms’ competitiveness in the U.S. market.” Lee Jong-hwan, professor of system semiconductor engineering at Sangmyung University, noted that both memory and non-memory chips are increasingly vital as AI applications diversify. “AI chips are driving explosive demand across the board,” he said. “Non-memory semiconductors—made by foundries like TSMC and Samsung—are just as crucial for AI systems.” Lee added that the real profits in the AI age come from the hardware, not software. “The firms actually making money are the semiconductor manufacturers enabling AI functionality,” he said. “Today’s strong stock performances by SK hynix and Samsung reflect exactly that.” Calling earlier “AI bubble” fears misplaced, Lee predicted the current uptrend would persist as AI adoption accelerates. He urged continued investment in fabs, workforce, and overseas capacity. “Samsung and SK hynix should sustain aggressive semiconductor investment—both domestically in the Yongin cluster and abroad to navigate U.S. trade and tariff risks. Equipment and materials players will rise in tandem.” 2025-10-21 17:55:46

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 continued foreign selling pressure. Technology stocks led the gains, with SK hynix jumping 4.2 percent to a new high of 485,500 won and Samsung Electronics edging up 0.2 percent to 98,100 won. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3.12 percent to 49,186, supported by optimism over political stability and anticipated fiscal stimulus. Tech and AI-related shares, including SoftBank, Advantest, and Tokyo Electron, were among the top gainers. In Taipei, the TAIEX rose 386.26 points, or 1.41 percent, to close at 27,688.63, lifted by semiconductor stocks such as TSMC, which gained 2.07 percent. Vietnam’s VN-Index also advanced, supported by foreign inflows and resilient domestic investor sentiment despite recent volatility. The index closed near 1,700 points, buoyed by expectations of a market reclassification that could draw greater foreign investment. The rally across Asian markets underscores a cautiously optimistic tone, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and sustained momentum in the region’s semiconductor and technology sectors. 2025-10-21 17:53:37

Asian markets rise on hopes of pro-stimulus government in Japan SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Asian equities advanced on Monday, lifted by optimism that Japan may soon usher in a pro-stimulus government — a prospect that helped counterbalance mixed economic signals from China and cautious sentiment across the region. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI index gained 1.3 percent, supported by renewed optimism over a tariff deal with Washington and resilient semiconductor exports. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also edged higher, though gains were more muted, as investors selectively bought shares of exporters and technology firms. In China, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent after the government reported third-quarter growth of 4.8 percent year-over-year, slightly above expectations. Industrial production also exceeded forecasts, rising 6.5 percent. Yet, persistent weakness in the property sector and sluggish consumer confidence tempered the market’s advance. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 2.5 percent, buoyed by improved risk appetite amid easing U.S.–China trade tensions and optimism over Japan’s political outlook. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3 percent to a new high after reports that the ruling coalition had secured enough support to pave the way for Sanae Takaichi to become prime minister. Investors interpreted the development as a sign that Tokyo would maintain — or even expand — its fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, reinforcing confidence across regional markets. 2025-10-20 17:46:00

Korea's job growth in September hits 19-Month high, manufacturing still tepid SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - South Korea saw the largest job addition in 19 months in September, driven mainly by service-sector hiring under government stimulus measures, while manufacturing and youth employment remained sluggish, data showed Friday. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the number of employed people aged 15 and over reached 29.15 million in September, an increase of 312,000 from a year earlier. It was the largest on-year gain since February 2023, when employment rose by 329,000. The headline employment data has stayed positive throughout the year, but gains were uneven across sectors and age groups. Employment among young people aged 15 to 29 fell by 146,000, marking the steepest decline among all age groups. Workers in their 50s also continued to lose jobs for the ninth consecutive month. In contrast, those aged 60 and older added 380,700 positions, more than offsetting the declines in younger cohorts. By industry, the largest job gains were seen in health and social welfare services, which added 304,000 positions (a 10.1 percent increase), followed by arts, sports and recreational services with 75,000 (up 14.5 percent) and education services with 56,000 (up 2.9 percent). The nation’s traditional backbone sectors continued to shed workers. Construction lost 84,000 jobs (down 4.1 percent), and manufacturing contracted by 61,000 (down 1.4 percent). The agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector also saw a sharp fall, losing 146,000 jobs (down 9.1 percent). Among self-employed workers, those with employees increased by 30,000, partly reflecting government support programs such as livelihood recovery subsidies. In contrast, self-employed without employees declined by 80,000, and family workers decreased by 20,000. The number of unemployed persons stood at 635,000, up 12,000 from a year earlier, led largely by workers in their 30s to 50s. Meanwhile, the population classified as “inactive,” who have given up job hunting, increased by 42,000 (up 1.7 percent) to 2.52 million. On a brighter note, the number of inactive people aged 15 to 29 and those in their 30s fell by 34,000 and 12,000, respectively. 2025-10-17 15:36:19

Asian shares mixed on profit-taking after chip rally, U.S. bad loan concerns SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Asian markets opened mixed on Friday as investors weighed renewed credit market jitters in the U.S. and the region’s ongoing chip rally. In Seoul, the KOSPI slipped 0.53 percent to 3,728.50 as profit-taking set in after a bullish run to record highs. The secondary Kosdaq also traded lower. Samsung Electronics edged down 0.2 percent while SK hynix was flat, even as Taiwan’s TSMC reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. Automakers extended gains on optimism over a Korea–U.S. settlement on auto tariffs. Hyundai Motor rose 1.24 percent and Kia added 0.72 percent, supported by robust U.S. sales. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened slightly lower amid cautious sentiment following Wall Street’s overnight decline on reports of bad loans at two U.S. banks. An adjustment by the Osaka Exchange to restore standard price limits for options trading also dampened volatility expectations. China’s Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.10 percent to 3,916.20, lifted by gains in property and energy shares after the IMF upgraded Asia’s 2025 growth outlook and highlighted China’s recovery momentum. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index opened mildly higher, supported by rebounds in tech and property stocks, though lingering U.S.–China trade tensions capped broader gains. In Taipei, the TAIEX fell 247.96 points to 27,399.91, pressured by foreign investor selling and fading enthusiasm for AI chip stocks. 2025-10-17 11:38:16

Asian Culture Calendar SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea Oct. 16 - Nov. 9 Seoul Performing Arts Festival Oct. 1 - Dec. 14 Scent of Korea in Silla Oct. 20 -29 Seorabeol Pungnyu (APEC Commemorative Performance) Oct. 18 - 22 Road Theater (Film and Drama Shooting Location Tour) China Oct. 24 - 26 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championship Japan Oct. 22 Jidai Matsuri Oct. 27 - Nov. 5 Tokyo International Film Festival Taiwan Oct. 24 - 27 Art Taipei Fair Thailand Oct. 20 - 29 Thailand Vegetarian Festival Indonesia Oct. 19 -25 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Oct. 23 -25 Gandrung Sewu Festival Oct. 25 -26 Indonesia Comic Con Oct. 29 - Nov. 2 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Singapore Oct. 31 - Mar. 29, 2026 Singapore Biennale 2025-10-16 17:06:18

Asian stocks rise broadly; KOSPI scales new heights, SK shares mixed SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Asian stocks traded broadly higher on Thursday, buoyed by renewed bets on another U.S. rate cut, with South Korean shares testing fresh record highs amid optimism over an imminent U.S.–Korea trade deal and a stronger-than-expected chip boom. The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.7 percent to 3,718.93 as of midday, crossing the 3,700 mark for the first time ever. Investor sentiment improved on expectations that trade negotiations between Seoul and Washington are nearing a breakthrough, spurring foreign buying led by institutional inflows. Heavyweights such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor hit new highs, while the KOSDAQ rose 0.24 percent to 866.82, reflecting steady gains among small-cap tech firms. Shares of SK Group affiliates were mixed after the Supreme Court sent back the $1 billion divorce settlement case between Chairman Chey Tae-won and his estranged wife to a lower court. SK hynix jumped 5.8 percent, while SK Networks fell 1.7 percent. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 advanced 0.83 percent to 48,068.35, lifted by broad-based gains in tech and export-oriented shares. Mainland Chinese stocks rebounded strongly, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising 1.22 percent, reclaiming the 3,900 level. Taiwan’s main index was little changed, supported by optimism over the island’s tech sector and the debut of Song Chuan Precision Co., Ltd. on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, which boosted turnover expectations. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index edged higher alongside gains in mainland China, though investor caution lingered amid uncertainty over global interest rate trajectories and regional export trends. 2025-10-16 12:48:32

SK chief's divorce case sent back to lower court SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The Supreme Court of Korea on Thursday sent the high-profile divorce case of SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won and his estranged wife Roh Soh-yeong back to the high court. The top court found flaws in the lower courts' assessment of Roh's contribution to the conglomerate's growth, ruling that some 30 billion Korean won (US$21 million) in slush funds from Roh's father, the late former President Roh Tae-woo, which were funneled into SK Group, cannot be considered assets jointly accumulated by the couple. The court clarified that such illegally raised funds constitute bribes and therefore cannot be subject to property division, requiring a recalculation of the couple's marital assets. The court also determined that stocks or cash donated or disposed of by Chey in the course of managing the conglomerate cannot be subject to division if they are no longer held. However, the court finalized its order for Chey to pay 2 billion won in alimony, dismissing his appeal. Thursday's partial referral to the lower court came after the appellate court, which overturned the previous ruling in May last year, ordered Chey to pay Roh 1.38 trillion won (about US$970 million) in property division and 20 billion won in alimony, marking it as the most expensive divorce case in the country's history. In the first trial in December 2022, Roh sought 50 percent of Chey's shares in SK Holdings, the conglomerate's parent company, but the court upheld Chey's argument that she had not contributed to his acquisition of the shares, which he inherited from his father. SK Group appeared relieved by the court's decision to remand the case in favor of Chey, allowing him to avoid the worst-case scenario of having to sell off stakes in SK affiliates to pay astronomical sums to Roh, which could have jeopardized his control over the conglomerate. "We respect the court's decision," Chey's legal representatives said in a press release, adding, "It is fortunate that the misunderstandings and factual errors in the appellate court's ruling have been rectified." But looming uncertainties over the prolonged divorce settlement sent SK shares tumbling, down 5.62 percent from the previous trading session to close at 218,500 won. Chey is the chief of the country's second-largest conglomerate after Samsung. The couple married in September 1988 and have three children between them. In December 2015, Chey revealed that he had a child out of wedlock and later filed for divorce in July 2017 as the two failed to agree on the terms of separation. 2025-10-16 10:41:37