AI now essential in Korea's job market for both recruiters and applicants SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming indispensable in South Korea’s job market, with four out of five companies now using AI tools in their hiring processes and a growing majority of job seekers relying on AI to boost their recruitment chances. The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Employment Information Service on Tuesday released the second part of their 2025 Corporate Hiring Trends Survey, conducted from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. The survey covered HR managers at the top 500 companies by revenue and 3,093 young employees across 17 regions, focusing on AI usage in human resources. Among the 396 companies that responded, 86.7 percent use AI tools in HR either officially or unofficially. Of the 163 companies using AI formally, 52.8 percent apply it in hiring, followed by training (45.4 percent) and handling HR inquiries (45.4 percent). Among the 86 firms using AI specifically for hiring, 69.8 percent rely on AI-based aptitude or competency tests. Nearly half use AI to review application documents (46.5 percent) or during interviews (46.5 percent). Looking ahead, 74.5 percent of companies plan to adopt or further expand AI tools in hiring — with most focusing on AI-based tests (67.5 percent), document screening (63.4 percent), and managing the overall recruitment pipeline (55.6 percent). By contrast, 25.5 percent have no plans to introduce AI, mainly due to concerns over fairness and objectivity (36.6 percent) or a belief that final hiring decisions should remain human-led (19.8 percent). On the applicant side, 42.3 percent of young job seekers have used AI tools — mostly for writing résumés and cover letters (77.2 percent), interview preparation (36.4 percent), and company research (31.0 percent). Of them, 86.6 percent said AI tools were helpful. AI use is also spreading among young employees at work: 61.8 percent reported using AI for tasks like research and idea generation (63.6 percent), document creation (58.1 percent), and data analysis (35.4 percent). The government plans to introduce ethical guidelines and checklists for AI-based hiring by the end of the year and expand AI-related training for young people through programs such as the Tomorrow Learning Card. “As the AI ecosystem evolves rapidly, its use in hiring is diversifying,” said Lim Young-mi, Director of Employment Policy. “The government will support companies in adopting AI for fairer hiring and create more opportunities for young people to build AI-related skills.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 13:54:41

Hyundai Motor Group to set up battery research center in Anseong SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled plans to build a major battery research and development hub in Anseong, south of Seoul. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday for the “Future Mobility Battery Anseong Campus,” located in the city’s fifth industrial complex. Construction began in January, with Hyundai investing 1.2 trillion won in a facility spanning 197,000 square meters. Completion is targeted for late 2026. The Anseong campus will be Hyundai’s first large-scale R&D center dedicated entirely to battery technologies. The facility will house advanced testing equipment to evaluate battery performance, durability and safety under real-world operating conditions, reflecting the industry’s intensifying focus on battery innovation as competition in electric mobility deepens. Hyundai said the center will spearhead development of high-performance lithium-ion cells for next-generation electric vehicles, while expanding research into future mobility fields including robotics and advanced air mobility. The company expects the project to reinforce South Korea’s battery ecosystem and bolster national competitiveness in the global EV race. The initiative follows Hyundai’s August agreement with the country’s major battery makers — LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On — to collaborate on technologies aimed at improving EV battery safety. The partnership is part of the broader “K-battery” alliance designed to enhance domestic cooperation in key mobility technologies. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 13:38:35

Nexon shares fly in Tokyo with cap nearing $20 bn on strong pipeline SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Tokyo-listed shares of South Korean game publisher Nexon have hit their highest level since 2021, sending its market valuation of around $20 billion as investors rally behind its live-service games and global expansion strategy of CEO Lee Jung-hun. Nexon shared closed Thursday at ¥3,768 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, lifting its market cap above ¥3.1 trillion (around $19.8 billion) and extending an upward trend that began after its strong third-quarter earnings announcement on Nov. 11. The surge reflects growing market confidence in Lee’s roadmap, first outlined at the Tokyo Capital Market Briefing in September last year. The strategy aims to extend the lifecycle of existing hit franchises while aggressively developing new IP, setting a target of ¥750 billion in sales by 2027. Since its announcement, Nexon’s market value has increased by more than 30 percent, underscoring the degree to which investors view Nexon as a global IP powerhouse rather than a Korea-centric game publisher. Live-service games remain a major engine of growth. MapleStory revenue tripled year over year, driven by user-focused updates and closer community communication, while Dungeon & Fighter and the FC sports franchise continued to deliver steady performance. Nexon also widened its portfolio with cross-genre hits such as the indie-style adventure Dave the Diver and the subculture favorite Blue Archive, reinforcing its ability to sustain multiple audiences and platforms simultaneously. This year, Nexon’s “horizontal growth” has come into clearer focus as the company evolved into a multi-platform publisher spanning mobile, PC, and console. Mabinogi Mobile, released in March, captured the original game’s spirit and won the Grand Prize at the 2025 Korea Game Awards. First Berserker: Kazan, also launched in March, secured top honors for creativity and technical achievement. In the second half, Swedish subsidiary Embark Studios released Arc Raiders globally on Oct. 30, selling more than four million copies by mid-November. The idle RPG Maple Growing, launched on Nov. 6, delivered strong initial momentum, adding further diversity to Nexon’s gaming ecosystem. Looking ahead, Nexon is preparing a robust pipeline intended to carry its momentum into the next several years. Vindictus: Defying Fate, a leading demo at Steam Next Fest in June, has demonstrated the potential for extending the Mabinogi IP into new markets. New titles tied to the Dungeon & Fighter universe—including Project Overkill and Dungeon & Fighter: Arad—are scheduled for release through 2027. The company is also developing new IP such as the zombie-survival title Paradise: LAST PARADISE and Nexon Games’ narrative-driven Uchi the Wayfarer. “We plan to accelerate growth across both core franchises and new IPs under our expansion strategy,” CEO Lee said during the third-quarter earnings call, emphasizing that a diversified and globally scalable portfolio will reinforce Nexon’s long-term stability in the international market. Japanese securities analysts expect Nexon to post record fourth-quarter and annual results, forecasting continued momentum in both live-service revenue and new releases. With its expanded global pipeline and renewed franchise strength, Nexon is increasingly viewed as a regional IP leader reshaping the trajectory of Korea’s gaming sector. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 13:14:09

Asian stocks open lower as Wall Street closes for Thanksgiving SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI opened lower on Friday morning, dropping 1 percent to 3,947.53. The decline was driven by foreign investors offloading shares worth a net 260.9 billion Korean won (US$17.8 million), while domestic retail and institutional investors bought a net 258.1 billion won and 9.4 billion won, respectively. But the tech-heavy junior KOSDAQ began the day higher, gaining 3 percent to 906.31 and extending a three-day upward trend. Among blue chips, Samsung Electronics lost 2 percent to 101,400 won ($69) and SK hynix declined 1.5 percent to 536,000 won. Shares of LG Energy Solution dropped 5.4 percent to 414,500 won, while Samsung Biologics shed 1.3 percent to 1.62 million won. Doosan Enerbility slipped 0.8 percent to 77,000 won. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries retreated 2.9 percent, Hanwha Aerospace fell 1.5 percent, and Naver dropped 2.4 percent. By contrast, automakers edged higher. Hyundai Motor rose 0.8 percent to 263,500 won and Kia added 0.3 percent to 114,350 won. Entertainment stocks rose across the board. The country's entertainment behemoth HYBE climbed 1.2 percent to 301,000 won, JYP Entertainment jumped 3.7 percent to 67,600 won, SM Entertainment 3.1 percent to 105,500 won, and YG Entertainment 3.4 percent to 64,300 won. Meanwhile, U.S. markets were closed overnight for the Thanksgiving holiday, with both equity and bond trading shut for the federal observance. In Japan, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 declined 0.2 percent to 50,053.85, about an hour after the day's trading session. Major Japanese companies had a mixed start, with shares of Toyota Motor slipping 0.2 percent to 3,131 yen ($20) and SoftBank Group dropping 1 percent to 16,670 yen. Meanwhile, Honda Motor rose 1.1 percent to 1,575 yen, and Nintendo gained 1 percent to 13,305 yen. In China, Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.4 percent shortly after the open to 3,861.68, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 0.2 percent to 25,882. 2025-11-28 11:46:31

Lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae accused of sexual assault SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae of the ruling Democratic Party has been embroiled in a sexual assault scandal after a complaint was filed with police. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Jang allegedly sexually harassed a woman at a gathering in Seoul late last year. Jang immediately denied the allegations, posting a message on Facebook saying, "I will firmly respond including legal action against these false accusations." In response to the allegations, the party's leader Jeong Cheong-rae has ordered an internal investigation. Meanwhile, rumors have been circulating that Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the minor centrist Reform Party, was also at the gathering. Lee has vowed to take legal action for defamation against those spreading what he called "false information." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 11:09:18

Fresh cold snap grips nation SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A cold snap swept across the country on Friday, with morning temperatures dropping below zero and strong winds making it feel even colder. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, cold air from the northwest caused temperatures to plunge below the seasonal average. In some central regions, temperatures fell 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, compared to the previous day. While temperatures are forecast to rise slightly in the afternoon, most regions will see fluctuations of over 10 degrees Celsius between morning lows and daytime highs. Daytime highs are expected to range from 5 to 12 degrees, with Seoul at 7 degrees, Daejeon at 9 degrees, Daegu at 10 degrees, and Busan at 12 degrees. Most regions will see winds exceeding 55 km/h, with gusts over 70 km/h expected in the mountainous areas of Gangwon. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 10:40:20

Hanwha Ocean secures $725 million order for 4 container ships from HMM SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean announced Friday that it has secured a $725 million (1.07 trillion won) order from HMM to build four container ships. The deal is part of HMM’s broader strategy to transition to eco-friendly vessels and bolster the competitiveness of South Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding sectors. Hanwha Ocean said it will leverage its advanced container ship construction technology and extensive project experience to deliver high-value vessels. This latest order brings Hanwha Ocean’s total confirmed ship orders to 41, including 17 very large crude carriers, 17 container ships, six LNG carriers, and one icebreaker research vessel, with a combined value of approximately $7.7 billion. The company’s growing order book reflects strong demand for advanced and environmentally friendly vessels amid rising global shipping regulations and the industry’s shift toward decarbonization. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 10:24:17

South Korea forms council to speed up development of next-generation aircraft engine SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea is accelerating efforts to develop next-generation aircraft engines. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Friday it, together with related government bodies, inaugurated a council to review development plans for advanced propulsion systems for future fighter jets and streamline cooperation across ministries. Only a handful of countries — including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia — possess homegrown aircraft engine technology. The sector requires heavy investment, long development timelines and strict regulatory oversight, making it one of the most strategically sensitive areas in defense manufacturing. Officials say domestic development could significantly cut maintenance costs currently paid to overseas suppliers and strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean-built fighter aircraft. In January, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) set out a preliminary roadmap for the program, outlining priorities such as workforce training and the establishment of core infrastructure. The newly formed council will work to avoid budget duplication among agencies and will hold regular discussions on major R&D challenges. Lee Sun-hye, a senior official at the trade ministry, said technological self-reliance and supply-chain stability were essential for the program’s success. Choi Seung-wook of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stressed that securing proper certification would be crucial for both domestic deployment and overseas sales. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 10:17:57

PHOTOS: Seoul Station marks 100 years of history SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Seoul Station is marking its 100th anniversary this year with a commemorative exhibition that revisits the landmark’s century-long transformation and its role in Korea’s modern history. First opened in 1925 as Gyeongseong Station, the building has borne witness to some of the most significant chapters of the nation’s past — from Japanese colonial rule and the push for modernization to liberation, national division, industrialization and democratization. The old station building was closed in 2004 and later reopened in 2011 as a cultural complex now known as Culture Station Seoul 284. The anniversary exhibition, held inside the historic structure where personal memories and national history converge, runs through Nov. 30. It traces the evolution of the original station over the past century and is organized around three themes: past, present and future. One highlight is the display of an original manuscript of the Great Dictionary of the Korean Language, discovered in a station warehouse shortly after Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule in 1945. Curators say the artifact adds historical resonance to the exhibition’s broader look at the station’s enduring legacy. 2025-11-28 10:07:10

Korea's Oct factory output dips steepest in 5 years on chipmaking cutback SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s industrial output shrank at the steepest rate in five years in October on a sharp contraction in semiconductor activity that again underscored the economy’s heavy dependence on chipmaking, government data showed Friday. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics Industrial Output data, mining and manufacturing output declined 4 percent on month, the steepest drop since 7.5 percent in May 2020, and 8.1 percent on year, the sharpest since 8.3 percent in April 2023 amid global supply disruptions. The slump was led by semiconductors, where output plunged 26.5 percent on year — the biggest contraction in 43 years. The fall reflects a tightening supply of legacy chips as Korean foundries divert capacity toward long-term AI and data-center clients and higher-performance semiconductor lines. Weakness extended beyond manufacturing. Service-sector output slipped 0.6 percent on month, contributing to a 2.5-percent overall industry-wide decline, the largest drop since February 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. 2025-11-28 09:27:25