Journalist

김동영
Arthur I. Cyr
  • LG Chem posts 43% jump in Q3 operating profit on cost cuts, battery unit recovery
    LG Chem posts 43% jump in Q3 operating profit on cost cuts, battery unit recovery SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - South Korea's LG Chem reported a 42.6 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in operating profit for the third quarter on Friday, driven by its battery unit's improved performance and company-wide cost reduction efforts despite sluggish global demand. The chemical giant posted an operating profit of 679.7 billion won (around $476 million) for the July to September period, up 38.9 percent from a year earlier, while revenue fell 1.9 percent to 11.2 trillion won. LG Energy Solution, its battery-making subsidiary, contributed 601.3 billion won in operating profit with revenue of 5.7 trillion won. Operating profit grew by 34.1 percent year-on-year, while revenue fell 17.1 percent during the same period. "In the third quarter, we delivered improved earnings through growth across our diverse business portfolio, including the petrochemical division's return to profit, receipt of upfront payments from life sciences license-outs, and LG Energy Solution's performance improvement, as well as cost reduction activities along the entire value chain," Chief Financial Officer Cha Dong-seok said. "While challenging business conditions will persist due to weak global demand, we will overcome these difficult times by accelerating our shift toward a high-value, high-profit business portfolio and through new business development and operational optimization activities." Shares of LG Chem closed Friday 1.85 percent lower at 397,500 won. 2025-10-31 17:03:54
  • Korean tech giants vie to win attention with latest innovations at APEC
    Korean tech giants vie to win attention with latest innovations at APEC GYEONGJU, October 30 (AJP) - A trifold handset stole the limelight as South Korean tech heavyweights vied to impress global visitors with next-generation technologies showcased across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit venue in Gyeongju. All the familiar Korean corporate names — Samsung Group, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group and LG Electronics — mounted large-scale exhibitions at the Expo Park on Thursday, effectively offering a preview of what they may unveil at next year’s CES. Samsung Electronics drew the biggest crowds. Visitors passing through the company’s hypnotic digital columns were led into a hall of new foldables — the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 — and teased with a prototype "Tri-fold Phone." Resembling the latest Fold7 when shut, the unnamed model measures roughly 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters in thickness and expands to around 10 inches when fully unfolded. A company official said the device was "fully operational and market-ready," but declined to specify its launch schedule or price. Samsung's "Art Cube" installation also showcased curated works displayed on premium micro-LED panels, created in collaboration with artists Lee Kun-yong, Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic, Saya Woolfalk, and Marc Dennis, delivering a fully immersive digital experience. SK Group emphasized the hardware backbone of the AI era. Its pavilion featured next-generation liquid cooling systems for energy storage, capable of partial cooldown, alongside glass substrates for advanced chip packaging expected to boost data-processing speeds by up to 40 percent. Although drained of fluid for safety, drawer-like casings demonstrated how batteries and data servers would be submerged in non-conductive coolants beneath tempered glass layers. A magnified digital model of SK's HBM4 series stood beside the fingernail-sized actual chips. SK Telecom manager Kim Dong-young explained how 12 vertically stacked layers enable the chipset’s exceptional AI performance. Robotics dominated Hyundai Motor Group's exhibition. Compact robotic platforms for logistics and parking-assistance robots capable of maneuvering vehicles in tight spaces showed the group’s expanded ambitions beyond automobiles. An official said a nano-mobility device resembling a wheelchair had already been deployed this year to support patients with physical disabilities or in hospital settings. Hyundai also demonstrated through scaled models how magnetic couplings could enable modular rear units for its purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). Owners could switch between a passenger cabin, pickup-style cargo box or mobile workstation by attaching magnetized modules. The group further laid out its hydrogen roadmap — from production and distribution to mobility solutions spanning land, air and maritime applications. In a nearby pavilion, Hyundai displayed the latest Nexo hydrogen SUV, rolled out in June. LG Electronics constructed a towering chandelier made from 28 transparent "Signature OLED T" units. Arranged in a circular formation, the wireless OLED screens allowed 360-degree viewing. Periodically, panels unfolded to reveal the razor-thin displays, highlighting how high-resolution TVs can now be built into near-invisible structures. Global tech giant Meta also joined the Korean-led showcase, presenting its second-generation AI glasses developed with Ray-Ban. Slightly bulkier than standard eyewear, the frames supported full voice-controlled AI assistance. Commands beginning with "Hey Meta" — such as "Turn on Taylor Swift's Red" — triggered responses through open-ear speakers embedded in both temples. A high-resolution front-facing camera was positioned on the right side, paired with a light-emitting privacy indicator on the left to signal recording. Korean-language support, however, was still under development, a Meta staffer said, noting the need for updates such as Celsius-based temperature readings and integration with apps like KakaoTalk before domestic release. One section of the venue, the K-Business Square, displayed a compressed timeline of South Korea's industrial ascent — from war-torn recovery to manufacturing powerhouse — ending with today’s advanced automation where robotic arms now replace factory-line labor. Gyeongju-themed digital works dotted the venue. A tapering three-tier media pillar paid homage to Seokgatap, the city's iconic Buddhist pagoda, while a hexagonal kaleidoscope tunnel projected shifting Silla-era motifs, including the kingdom's signature smiling roof tiles. Tech startups also added their flair. One popular booth featured an AI sketching robot capable of holding a natural conversation while drawing a caricature in real time with its pen-gripping mechanical hand. 2025-10-30 17:05:51
  • APEC CEO Summit opens in Gyeongju with focus on AI, regional cooperation
    APEC CEO Summit opens in Gyeongju with focus on AI, regional cooperation GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The CEO Summit as part of as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit kicked off on Wednesday in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju, drawing top business leaders and political figures from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and sustainable growth. President Lee Jae Myung delivered the opening address at the Gyeongju Arts Center, emphasizing the summit's themes of connectivity, prosperity and innovation as leaders from economies representing 61 percent of global GDP gathered for the two-day forum. "Korea is a cherished American friend and close ally." Trump highlighted plans to revive American shipbuilding through partnership with South Korea. "Today, we're not really building ships and we're going to start. We're going to have a very thriving shipbuilding industry and we're working with South Korea very much," he said. Regarding the Philadelphia Shipyard, Trump said it would become "one of the most successful yards in the world." The CEO summit, themed "Bridge, Business, Beyond," will focus on regional economic integration, AI and digital transformation, sustainability, finance and investment, and bio-health sectors. South Korea's major conglomerate heads attended the opening ceremony, including Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun, and LG Group chairman Koo Kwang-mo. SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won, who leads business lobby Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serves as the summit's chair. International participants include Deloitte CEO David Hill, Google APAC Vice President Simon Kahn, and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is also among the participants, scheduled to give speech on Friday. 2025-10-29 16:48:59
  • VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit
    VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 officially launched on Wednesday, inviting esteemed business leaders not only from Korea but from across the globe to discuss pressing global agendas together. Outside the main hall stands a cultural ground dubbed "K-Wave Playground" for foreign delegates to catch a glimpse of Korean culture during the summit event. Standing right in front of the entrance, a skilled musician played the gayageum, a traditional zither with twelve strings. Meanwhile, visitors tried on outfits for Joseon court musicians at the musical instruments booth. "We're quite nervous for this event, but we hope the APEC CEO Summit visitors get to see how Joseon court musicians dressed up," said Shin Ye-won, a 23-year-old volunteer from Goyang. Colorful indigenous Korean paintings decorated walls of the 'K-Art' booth, pictures drawn both by professionals and amateurs alike. "It's the traditional 'Mi,' or beauty of our culture that we wish to share, our paintings drawn in modern-day times yet preserving the spirit of our ancestors," said Woo Sook-ja, a manager from the Korean Institute for Minhwa Research, as she pointed at the vibrant colors on the drawings. A full-spin photo and video station had staff helping guests change into hanbok, traditional Korean wear. "So many enjoyed hanbok, especially the ones we prepared that resemble those of Saja Boys from K-pop Demon Hunters," said Moon Yu-jin, a 25-year-old student participating as a volunteer. In hemisphere-shaped domes, other aspects of traditional Korean culture including hanji, traditional foods, and liquor were also on display. 2025-10-29 16:30:58
  • World Korean business leaders gather in Incheon for economic summit
    World Korean business leaders gather in Incheon for economic summit INCHEON, October 27 (AJP) - About 2,000 Korean business leaders from around the globe convened in Incheon for a four-day economic summit aimed at strengthening commercial ties between overseas Korean entrepreneurs and domestic firms. The 2025 Korea Business Expo Incheon opened Monday at Songdo, south of Incheon, drawing about 1,500 Korean businesspeople from abroad and 500 domestic participants including corporate executives and government officials. The four-day convention, running through Oct. 30, marks the largest international economic event since the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) established its headquarters in the port city. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok welcomed the delegates, highlighting the city's strategic position as a hub for Korean business networks. "Incheon, equipped with world-class airport and port facilities along with cutting-edge industrial infrastructure, will serve as the epicenter of Korean economic activity and the launching pad for K-business globalization," Yoo said at the opening ceremony. The mayor called on participants, including officials from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and several lawmakers, to forge sustainable partnerships that would enable small and medium-sized enterprises to expand overseas. The Incheon government is leveraging the event to bolster its image as an international business destination. Officials set up promotional booths showcasing the city's industrial capabilities and organized tours of advanced technology companies and global campus facilities for participants. A trade fair featuring 400 domestic companies, including 85 from Incheon, will run from Tuesday through Wednesday at the venue. The exhibitors will showcase products to overseas Korean business owners seeking new commercial opportunities. Inside Halls 1 and 2, Korean sellers were setting up booths, with items varying from cosmetics to heavy equipment for construction. "We already have buyers from ASEAN countries and the Middle East, but we hope to widen the spectrum even further," said Katherine Sung, CEO of foot care cosmetics firm Pedi:all. The convention's program also includes sessions on trade cooperation, investment briefings, a global startup competition and cultural performances. When asked how the convention may overlap with the APEC Summit during a private press conference on the sidelines by AJP, Park Jong-bum, chairman of the World-OKTA, acknowledged concerns but expressed optimism about potential synergies. "Many members live abroad, and several attendees are participating in both APEC and our convention. We expect a multiplier effect," Park said. 2025-10-27 20:30:12
  • Hyundai Motor steps on the gas in Indian foray as US and China turn inward
    Hyundai Motor steps on the gas in Indian foray as US and China turn inward SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating its push into India following last year's landmark $3.3 billion initial public offering of its Indian unit, positioning the country as a central pillar of its global growth strategy amid rising protectionism in the United States and China. "India is a strategic priority in Hyundai's global growth vision. India isn't just important to Hyundai's global strategy — India is Hyundai's global strategy," said Jose Munoz, president of Hyundai Motor, at the 2025 CEO Investor Day held in Mumbai last week. The inclusion of Mumbai in the company's first overseas investor roadshow this year underscores its new focus. Munoz announced that Hyundai plans to invest about 7.2 trillion won — roughly $5 billion — over the next five years, matching its cumulative investment in India over the past three decades. The group plans to introduce 26 new models, including its first hybrid vehicle designed specifically for Indian road and lifestyle conditions, as well as premium models under the Genesis brand. The "India pivot" strategy comes as the world's two largest auto markets, the United States and China, grow increasingly protectionist with contrasting tariff regimes and local subsidy incentives. India, meanwhile, has taken a different course — slashing its goods and services tax (GST) in September to cushion potential shocks from the 50 percent U.S. tariffs. Consumption taxes on small cars were cut from 29 percent to 18 percent, and on large vehicles, including SUVs, from 50 percent to 40 percent. New Delhi has also pledged to reduce import tariffs to 15 percent from 100 percent for automakers investing more than $500 million and launching electric vehicle production within three years. Beyond policy incentives, India's vast population of 1.4 billion and low vehicle ownership rate — just 7.5 percent — make it a "blue ocean" for global automakers. The country now ranks third worldwide in vehicle sales behind China and the U.S., with its electric and hybrid markets expanding rapidly. The government's latest GST 2.0 reforms, which further trimmed small-car taxes by up to 13 percent, are expected to boost consumption even more. India's appeal also lies in its manufacturing competitiveness. According to the International Monetary Fund, India's per capita GDP stood at $2,396 last year — less than one-fifth of China's $13,306 — while its median age of 29.8 years makes it one of the youngest major economies. In contrast, Japan's median age is 49.9, South Korea's 45.5, China's 40.2, and the U.S.'s 38.9. This youthful demographic provides both abundant labor and long-term consumer potential. "Hyundai initially found success in India with compact cars — affordable pricing and reliable after-sales service built strong brand trust," said Lee Soon-cheul, professor at the Department of Indian Studies at Busan University of Foreign Studies. "As India's per capita income rises, car demand will expand further, particularly since public transport infrastructure remains underdeveloped and roads poorly maintained." Hyundai Motor India (HMI), which went public last year in India's largest IPO to date, boasts a net profit margin of 8 to 9 percent — the highest among Hyundai's overseas operations. In September, HMI sold 70,347 vehicles, up 10 percent from a year earlier. SUV sales reached a record 37,313 units, accounting for 72.4 percent of domestic sales, while exports of 18,800 units marked a 33-month high. Sister brand Kia India posted 22,700 sales during the same period, up 15.8 percent. Both Hyundai and Kia are projected to achieve record annual sales in India this year. Production capacity is expanding in step with sales. Hyundai, which currently operates two plants in Chennai, will open a new facility next year in the western city of Pune, adding 250,000 units of annual capacity and pushing its total Indian output above one million vehicles. Industry analysts expect Hyundai's local production to rival that of Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors. In January, the company appointed Tarun Garg as the first Indian chief executive of HMI in its 29-year history — a move credited with sustaining record sales and overseeing the successful IPO. But bumpy roads lie ahead. "India offers affordable yet skilled labor and a vast market for carmakers, but weak infrastructure and tensions between central and state governments may pose difficulties for Korean firms," said Kim Jai-june, professor emeritus at the College of Economics and Commerce at Kookmin University. "Hyundai will also need to navigate shifting environmental regulations, high tax rates, protectionist trade policies, and legal uncertainties in India," Kim added. Despite its rapid growth, India's modest GDP per capita, wide income disparity, and uneven consumer spending continue to limit purchasing power. Industry observers estimate that only about 280 million of India's 1.4 billion people earn more than $10,000 a year — a reminder that while the Indian market is vast, it is far from uniformly affluent. Still, with narrowing options as the U.S. and China turn increasingly inward, Hyundai Motor's best bet for mid-term growth may rest on India’s demographic vitality and reform-driven momentum — a gamble that could define the next chapter of its global expansion. 2025-10-23 15:19:31
  • Koreas telecom trio exposed in widening cybersecurity lapses
    Korea's telecom trio exposed in widening cybersecurity lapses SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - South Korea's pride as an ICT powerhouse has taken another blow after LG Uplus joined SK Telecom and KT Corp. in suffering major security compromises this year, deepening public concern and demanding sober reckoning over corporate attention to cybersecurity. Security spending accounted for only about 6.3 percent of total IT investments by 773 Korean companies, according to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA)'s information security disclosure. The global average stands around 11 percent. Among the nation's wireless trio, SK Telecom, which recently suffered a SIM card hacking incident, allocated just 4.2 percent of its IT budget to information security, the lowest among the three. KT spent 6.3 percent and LG Uplus devoted 7.4 percent on cybersecurity in 2024. "We need to break away from past practices. Security officers at companies like LG Uplus tend to have little authority. They're not in core business divisions, so they remain peripheral, but security must be treated as more important and given proper authority," said Kim Ki-hyung, a professor at Ajou University's Department of Cyber Space. Regulations also aren't sufficient, experts add. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPC) covers details comprehensively but its penalties are slap on the wrist compared to international rules. Europe's General Data Protection Regulation imposes fines for severe data breaches reaching 20 million euros or 4 percent of a company's global annual turnover, whichever proves higher. SK Telecom's fine of 134.8 billion won – the largest under the PIPC – following a major breach this year amounts to just 1.05 percent of the company's annual revenue of 12.8 trillion won last year. "Global standards for data breaches remain far higher than Korea's. Our situation is quite ambiguous," said Kim. LG Uplus became the latest flashpoint when it reversed course Tuesday and agreed to formally report a suspected cyberattack to authorities after initially denying any breach. The company detected suspicious activities as early as July but refused to file mandatory incident reports, arguing that no confirmed data compromise had occurred. "While a data breach has not been confirmed, there are suspicions and circumstances that warrant a proactive response," a company spokesperson said, adding that the on-site investigation launched by the ministry remains ongoing with no confirmed evidence of hacking yet established. Lee Sang-joong, president of the KISA, called the string of hacking incidents as "an unprecedented cybersecurity crisis" and emphasized that "securing digital trust is a national responsibility" during a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly on Tuesday. Lee added that the KISA now plan legal reforms empowering authorities to launch investigations at the first sign of hacking, with significantly heavier penalties for companies that delay or fail to report cyber intrusions. "The data leakages should be viewed as a growth process for South Korea. We have a neighboring country (North Korea) with world-class hacking capabilities, and these incidents should heighten corporate vigilance and drive improvement," said Kim. 2025-10-22 15:43:24
  • Naver, Kakao to deliver stronger Q3 as they bet on AI to defend Korean turf
    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 approaches: Naver builds on homegrown technologies, while Kakao leverages partnerships with foreign AI developers to accelerate its catch-up. "In terms of operational stance, Naver puts more weight on business-to-business operations, while Kakao focuses on individual user interaction and feedback, making it stronger in everyday AI use," said Lee Seung-man, professor of artificial intelligence at Seoul Cyber University. "It's hard to compare the two directly, but both are taking different directions in AI integration." Naver's data management arm, Naver Cloud, recently partnered with SK hynix to secure next-generation memory chips aimed at improving AI service response times and reducing costs. The collaboration marks another step in linking software and hardware development across Korea's AI ecosystem. For its flagship search service, Naver introduced AI Briefing, a generative search assistant similar to Google's AI features, and Smart Lens, an image-based exploration tool launched in July to strengthen visual search capabilities. Naver also unveiled HyperCLOVA X Think, an agentic AI model built on its proprietary large language model, HyperCLOVA X. The model has scored higher than domestic peers and leading open-source alternatives in reasoning benchmarks. Its fintech arm, Naver Financial, plans to merge AI with blockchain through a partnership with Dunamu, proposing the issuance of stablecoins on Dunamu's Giwa Chain, which could link directly to Naver Pay. The company is expected to unveil a full roadmap of its AI integration across search, commerce, content and cloud services at its DAN25 conference next month. Kakao, by contrast, has chosen a faster and safer route — integrating OpenAI's GPT-5 into its flagship messaging app KakaoTalk, marking the first direct collaboration of its kind worldwide. Beyond chatbot features, the latest overhaul introduces Instagram-style feeds, new chat-room folder functions, extended message editing up to 24 hours, and AI-powered voice call summaries. In addition, Kakao is deploying its own lightweight on-device AI model, Kanana, with 1.3 billion parameters, reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure and enabling context-aware user experiences. Complementing its OpenAI partnership, Kakao plans to launch its own AI agent features by November. Industry watchers believe Kakao's 49.1 million monthly active users position the firm to scale globally and strengthen its data competitiveness through ChatGPT integration. "KakaoTalk is poised to grow meaningfully as the world's first messenger-based AI super app," said Choi Seung-ho of DS Investment & Securities. As the search market rapidly shifts from portals to conversational interfaces, Kakao aims to build an AI learning ecosystem around KakaoTalk, evolving into a commerce and content hub powered by user data. Its ultimate goal is to connect AI agents with its in-house and partner platforms, gaining network and first-mover advantages. If fully implemented, users could soon request music through AI agents and receive curated playlists from Melon, Kakao's music streaming unit, without leaving KakaoTalk. "Starting from 2026, the integration of KakaoTalk and AI could create new subscription or ad-based business models," said Jung Ho-yoon, analyst at Korea Investment & Securities. "AI benefits will cascade from hardware to cloud services and eventually to consumer-facing companies. The long-term business potential remains broad." Lee added that government support is likely, noting President Lee Jae Myung's repeated emphasis on sovereign AI, with Naver's HyperCLOVA X serving as Korea's representative model. "All IT technologies operate within government regulatory sandboxes, and both Naver and Kakao are adept at aligning with policy directions. Both are on strong growth trajectories," he said. Naver and Kakao are scheduled to release their third-quarter results on November 5 and 7, respectively. Their shares are trading 7.29 percent and 4.57 percent higher over the past three months, reflecting investor confidence in their AI drive. 2025-10-21 16:39:58
  • Kakao founder Kim Beom-su acquitted in SM Entertainment stock manipulation case
    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 investment chief Bae Jae-hyun and Kakao Entertainment were also cleared of all charges. “While Kakao considered acquiring SM Entertainment’s management rights, it is difficult to conclude this was an imperative situation,” presiding judge Yang Hwan-seung said in the ruling. “The evidence presented by prosecutors is insufficient to establish that discussions of market manipulation conspiracy took place.” Prosecutors had argued that Kim directed subordinates to place strategic buy orders designed to keep SM’s share price above Hybe’s tender offer, effectively preventing the rival from gaining control. But the court found that Kakao’s trading activity differed “considerably” from typical manipulative patterns in both timing and execution, concluding there was no intent to artificially maintain prices. After the verdict, Kim expressed relief, saying he hoped the decision would allow Kakao to “emerge from the shadow of stock manipulation allegations that have hung over the company.” Prosecutors said they would review the ruling before deciding whether to appeal. Kakao shares rose 3.9 percent to 61,100 won as of 1:24 p.m. following the decision. 2025-10-21 13:29:45
  • South Korean business chiefs hold unprecedented golf summit with Trump
    South Korean business chiefs hold unprecedented golf summit with Trump SEOUL, October 19 (AJP) - South Korea's top business leaders held an unprecedented seven-hour meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club on Saturday, local time, as Seoul scrambles to address mounting concerns over tariffs and trade ahead of a crucial summit. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan attended the gathering at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, according to the White House and industry sources. The meeting marked the first time South Korean chaebol chiefs have collectively engaged with a U.S. president in such an informal setting, underscoring the urgency Seoul places on securing favorable trade terms. Trump's limousine entered the golf course at 9:15 a.m. local time and left at about 4:50 p.m., spending about seven and a half hours at the venue before returning to his Mar-a-Lago estate, the White House said. The Korean executives traveled together by airport shuttle bus, people familiar with the matter said. While it remained unclear whether Trump played rounds with the Korean leaders, the extended duration suggested ample opportunity for discussions over lunch or between games. Industry watchers said the talks likely centered on South Korean investment commitments in the United States and concerns over potential tariffs affecting semiconductors, automobiles, batteries and shipbuilding. The golf summit comes as Seoul's economic and trade officials have mobilized in the U.S. for intensive negotiations ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this month, where a bilateral agreement could be finalized. 2025-10-19 16:58:28