Game developer Krafton posts robust revenue in Q3 SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - Game developer Krafton has posted a hefty 870.6 billion Korean won (US$605 million) in its third-quarter revenues, up 21 percent from a year earlier, driven by robust growth in its PC and mobile gaming operations. According to a regulatory filing released on Tuesday, the maker of "PUBG: Battlegrounds" saw its quarterly operating profit rise 7.5 percent year-on-year to 348.6 billion won. The strong quarterly performance pushed nine-month cumulative operating profit to a record 1.05 trillion won, the first time the company has surpassed the 1 trillion won milestone since its founding. Krafton attributed the surge to its PC platform, with revenue surging 29 percent year-on-year to hit a quarterly record of 353.9 billion won, fueled by the popularity of the PUBG franchise and various collaborations with popular artists and auto brands. Its mobile division also generated 488.5 billion won, largely due to record performance from the Battlegrounds series, exclusively available in India. To grow its popular battle royale game, the developer plans to expand ongoing IP collaborations and upgrade it into a next-generation platform with a new game engine and more diverse, user-engaging content. Krafton is also working on about a dozen new projects, with plans to unveil "Palworld Mobile" at the annual G-STAR gaming exhibition in Busan, slated for Nov. 13. "We will continue to strengthen our specialized capabilities while expanding our IP lineup across various genres," Krafton said. It added that it is building a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cluster worth 100 billion won and developing a 500-billion-parameter foundation model in partnership with SK Telecom as part of its strategy to become a leading company in the AI-led era. Even with strong performance, Krafton's shares fell slightly, closing at 279,000 won, down 0.18 percent from the previous session. 2025-11-04 16:48:50

Korean streamer TVING to launch K-content hub on Disney+ in Japan SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - South Korean streaming platform, TVING, said Tuesday it has formed a partnership with Disney+ to enter the Japanese market. TVING said it will launch the “TVING Collection on Disney+” in Japan, offering a curated lineup of original Korean series, including Transit Love, Pyramid Game, and Yumi’s Cells, along with other popular titles from CJ ENM, its parent company. Japan is one of the world’s largest and most competitive streaming markets. According to market research firm Precedence Research, Japan’s over-the-top (OTT) streaming market was valued at about $8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by 22.5 percent annually through 2034. Japanese audiences are also among the most active consumers of Korean dramas and reality shows in Asia. Disney+ held a 9 percent share of Japan’s streaming market last year, up 34 percent from 2022, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. It trails Netflix (21.5 percent), local platform U-Next (17.9 percent), Amazon Prime Video (13.1 percent), and sports streaming service DAZN (9.4 percent). Instead of launching its own platform in Japan, TVING adopted a “shop-in-shop” model, integrating its content within Disney+ to increase exposure and reduce financial risk — a strategy similar to its earlier collaboration with Apple TV. Industry analysts say the approach allows TVING to expand its global footprint without the heavy costs of operating an independent service abroad. For Disney+, the partnership reflects a growing emphasis on localization and regional storytelling. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in Japan this year, the company has sought to attract younger and more diverse audiences by pairing its blockbuster franchises with popular Asian originals. “Partnering with Disney, a company with a long and storied legacy, offers an opportunity to showcase TVING’s content effectively to Japanese viewers,” said Choi Joo-hee, TVING’s chief executive. “We aim to bring compelling Korean stories to audiences around the world, beyond our domestic success.” Tamotsu Hiiro, CEO of the Walt Disney Company Japan, said the collaboration “marks an important milestone” as Disney+ broadens its content mix. “By combining Korean storytelling with Disney’s global blockbusters and local hits, we hope to deliver a richer viewing experience for Japanese audiences,” he said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 16:38:39

Prosecutors raid Korea Zinc, brokerages in expanding stock issuance probe SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - South Korean prosecutors carried out additional raids on Korea Zinc and securities firms involved in the company’s stock issuance plan, widening an investigation into alleged violations of capital market laws. A joint investigation team of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Jin-ho, searched Korea Zinc’s headquarters and other locations on Tuesday, seizing computers and internal records. Investigators also raided the offices of Mirae Asset Securities, the lead underwriter, and KB Securities, a co-underwriter, as well as certain departments at Hana Bank. The probe centers on allegations that Korea Zinc, one of the world’s largest zinc smelters, may have engaged in unfair trading practices related to its 2.1 trillion won ($1.5 billion) stock issuance plan announced on Oct. 30 last year, shortly after a share buyback. Authorities suspect the firm may have concealed plans to use the new share sale to finance the earlier buyback. Mirae Asset is reported to have begun due diligence for the offering on Oct. 14, despite Korea Zinc’s public statements that it had no plans to alter its financial structure following the repurchase. The Financial Supervisory Service, citing concerns over possible investor confusion, ordered Korea Zinc to revise its securities filing, prompting the company to withdraw the issuance on Nov. 13. The Financial Services Commission later referred the case to prosecutors, citing potential violations of capital rules. Tuesday's searches follow earlier raids in April, when prosecutors seized documents from six corporate offices — including Korea Zinc, Mirae Asset, and KB Securities — and five residences linked to the case. Prosecutors are examining whether executives at Korea Zinc or its financial partners coordinated to mislead investors or profit from undisclosed information ahead of the planned stock sale. Korea Zinc shares closed down 3.07 percent, or 32,000 won, at 1,011,000 won on Tuesday. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 15:42:59

Former President Moon Jae-in to promote his bookstore on YouTube SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - Former President Moon Jae-in is planning to appear on a YouTube channel to promote his bookstore, a former close aide revealed in a radio program on Tuesday. Tak Hyun-min, Moon's former protocol secretary and now a professor at Mokpo National University, said that Moon is preparing to share his thoughts and connect with followers on the channel, where he will appear regularly along with Tak to introduce a couple of books each week. Episodes on the channel are expected to be filmed in Seoul or at his bookstore in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, which he has been running since leaving Cheong Wa Dae in May 2022 after completing his presidential term. The first episode featuring Moon is set to be available later this month. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 15:40:06

POST-APEC: Korea gains major traction in AI push with Nvidia backing SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - South Korea — once considered a latecomer in the race to artificial intelligence — has rapidly gained global momentum by leading regional governance discussions and securing tens of billions of dollars in investment tied to next-generation chips, hyperscale data centers, and physical AI infrastructure. Its hosting of the APEC Summit and CEO meetings served as a global stage, pulling in top players such as OpenAI, Nvidia, Samsung Electronics, and SK hynix — collectively representing the supply chain powering the AI supercomputing era. South Korea has lined up high-profile commitments worth more than $20 billion across AI data centers, chip supply pipelines, AI agents, and robotics-related platforms over the past two weeks alone. Of that, Nvidia's promised supply of next-generation GPUs — up to 260,000 units — represents nearly $10 billion in hardware firepower, enough to build five to six massive supercomputing centers. During a 20-minute address at the APEC CEO Summit, Nvidia founder Jensen Huang said the reservation of Blackwell-generation GPUs for Korea reflects his "deep confidence" in the country's future in AI. "Korea has the software expertise, deep technical capability, and manufacturing capability to become a powerhouse in AI and robotics," Huang said. Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman also announced plans to invest over $5 billion in Korea by 2031 to expand AI-related cloud infrastructure. He held separate talks with the chiefs of Lotte Group, GS Group and LG Electronics to discuss enterprise cloud acceleration. Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT additionally signed an MoU with the United States on cooperation in AI, next-generation communications, biotechnology, quantum science and space. As host, South Korea secured a consensus among all 21 APEC member economies to adopt the APEC AI Initiative — the first collective AI framework proposed within the group. Member countries agreed to cooperate on safe AI transformation, with public, private and academic sectors jointly developing infrastructure and governance guidelines. The momentum is striking given that Korea only enacted its basic AI law last year. President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, has been aggressively positioning Korea at the forefront of AI governance and industrial adoption. In his budget pitch at the National Assembly Tuesday, he called next year's spending plan "Korea's first budget for the AI era," allocating 10.1 trillion won for AI — more than triple this year's level. Lee plans to invest 6 trillion won over five years in AI transformation across robotics, automobiles, shipbuilding, semiconductors, appliances and smart factories. The government will also expand AI use in public services, train 11,000 advanced AI specialists, and support nationwide adoption of AI skills for all citizens. Huang's commitment of 260,000 GPUs — a dramatic increase from Korea's current stock below 100,000 — could fundamentally reshape the country's AI compute landscape. The GPU, often described as the "crude oil of the AI age," is the primary power source for model training, inference and physical AI applications. The Nvidia supply alone, estimated at over $7 billion, gives Korean tech companies a rare opportunity to turbocharge domestic AI model development and platform competitiveness. OpenAI echoed that sentiment in an Oct. 23 report: "With its world-class technology ecosystem, strong industrial and digital infrastructure, and globally respected talent, Korea has all the foundations to become one of the next great AI powerhouses." Despite the optimism, Korea's AI trajectory faces potential geopolitical headwinds. In a CBS interview aired Nov. 2, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he could restrict Nvidia's Blackwell chips from being exported outside the United States. "We don't give the Blackwell chip to other people," Trump said. The comment was directed at China, but experts warn the timing — coming just days after Nvidia's large-scale commitment to Korea — could raise uncertainty over future export rules or licensing conditions. 2025-11-04 15:35:31

Dismantling work begins on South Korea's long-shuttered nuclear reactor SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Doosan Enerbility has begun dismantling South Korea’s first commercial nuclear reactor, which was shut down in 2017. The company said on Tuesday that it signed a contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to remove non-controlled area facilities at the Kori Unit 1 plant, located near the southeastern city of Busan. The project represents the first phase of dismantling Kori Unit 1, which began operations in 1978 and was permanently shut down in 2017 due to safety concerns. The government approved its final decommissioning plan in June, paving the way for physical dismantling work to begin. Doosan Enerbility, leading a consortium with HJ Heavy Industries and KEPCO KPS, will remove secondary systems — including turbines, piping and auxiliary equipment — by 2028. The signing ceremony in Seoul was attended by Jo Seok-jin, vice president of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Kim Jong-doo, president of Doosan Enerbility’s nuclear business group. “This project carries historical significance as the first dismantling of a commercial nuclear power plant in Korea,” Kim said in a statement. “We are committed to leveraging our decades of expertise to ensure its safe and successful completion.” Doosan Enerbility has positioned the project as a springboard for expanding its presence in the global nuclear decommissioning market. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the number of reactors permanently shut down worldwide is projected to rise from 214 to 588 by 2050, as more countries retire aging nuclear facilities. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 15:13:51

HOT STOCK: Samsung SDI shares jump on report of Tesla battery deal SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Shares of Samsung SDI climbed more than 4 percent in afternoon trading on Tuesday following a news report that the South Korean battery maker may supply more than 3 trillion won ($2.08 billion) worth of energy-storage system batteries to Tesla over the next three years. As of 2:20 p.m. in Seoul, Samsung SDI’s stock was up 4.1 percent at 340,500 won, extending gains after the report circulated in local media. The company, a unit of Samsung Group, develops rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, energy-storage systems and IT devices, as well as electronic materials for semiconductors and displays. The report said Tesla’s demand for energy-storage systems, or ESS, has grown rapidly amid heavy investment in artificial intelligence data centers — prompting the U.S. electric vehicle maker to seek additional battery suppliers. If finalized, the deal could involve batteries produced at Samsung SDI’s factory under construction with Stellantis in Kokomo, Indiana, according to the report. When the Indiana project was announced in October 2023, CNBC reported that the two companies planned to invest about $3.2 billion in the facility. Industry analysts estimate that the potential Tesla supply agreement could reach an annual capacity of roughly 10 gigawatt-hours. Samsung SDI, however, denied that a deal had been concluded. “Reports suggesting that a deal between the two companies had been finalized are not true,” a company spokesperson said. “Negotiations are still underway, and the company has issued a regulatory filing to clarify the matter.” The market reaction also lifted sentiment toward Samsung SDI’s suppliers, including EcoPro BM, which produces cathode materials used in the company’s batteries. EcoPro BM reported an operating profit of 50.7 billion won ($36.6 million) for the third quarter, marking its third consecutive quarterly profit, driven by higher sales of energy-storage materials and investments in nickel refining projects in Indonesia. EcoPro BM, which also supplies SK On, said its 10 percent stake in an Indonesian nickel smelting project has helped stabilize raw material sourcing and improve profitability. The company expects further growth once its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, begins operations. 2025-11-04 14:36:28

Unification minister sends condolences to former North Korean figurehead SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of North Korea's former perennial nominal head of state Kim Yong-nam. In a statement, Jeong said, "We express our condolences over Kim's death and extend our deepest sympathies to his family on behalf of the government," adding that Kim had led the North Korean delegation to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, contributing to inter-Korean dialogue. Jeong also recalled meeting him in Pyongyang in June 2005 and September 2018, during which they discussed ways to improve inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. With inter-Korean communication channels currently severed, the ministry opted to release a public statement rather than send a condolence message, according to a ministry official. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 14:34:31

South Korea's Samsung Biologics hits record $4 billion in annual orders SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics said on Tuesday that it has surpassed last year’s total orders, securing 5.5 trillion won (about $4 billion) in contracts so far this year — the highest annual performance since the company was founded. The announcement came as the South Korean biopharmaceutical manufacturer disclosed a new 275.9 billion won deal with a European drugmaker, adding to a string of large contracts signed in 2024. The company has completed eight new or expanded agreements this year, including a record 2 trillion won contract in January and another worth 1.8 trillion won with a U.S. pharmaceutical company in September. Samsung Biologics said its cumulative order volume now exceeds $20 billion (28.7 trillion won), underscoring its growing role as one of the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). The company counts 17 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical firms among its clients. To meet surging global demand for biopharmaceutical production, Samsung Biologics has continued to expand its manufacturing capacity. The company’s fifth plant, which began operations in April, has increased total capacity to 784,000 liters — the largest single-site production capability in the world. The company also cited a 99 percent batch success rate and 394 regulatory manufacturing approvals from agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency as of October. “This achievement is a result of customer trust and our focus on quality-driven management, achieved through close collaboration with our global partners,” said John Rim, the company’s chief executive, in a statement. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 14:00:08

OPINION: Greece and Korea: A living dialogue between civilizations SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Throughout history, countless thinkers and philosophers have drawn inspiration from ancient Greece. Among them, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) held a lifelong admiration for Greek civilization, seeing in its art, philosophy, and culture the supreme ideals of beauty, harmony, and humanity. He once proclaimed, “Become like the Greeks! They lived divinely.” Inspired by such timeless admiration, my own fascination with Greece was awakened by the exhibition “The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece,” sponsored by The Chosun Ilbo and presented with treasures from the British Museum at the National Museum of Korea in 2010. Among its 135 masterpieces—sculptures, bronzes, and painted vases—I came to see the human body as the Greeks once did—not simply as flesh and form, but as an enduring expression of beauty, harmony, and meaning. I recently had the honor of meeting H.E. Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, at a welcoming luncheon held on August 27 at Hotel Naru, Mapo in Seoul, graciously hosted by H.E. Mr. Loukas Tsokos, Ambassador of Greece to the Republic of Korea. Our conversation reaffirmed Greece’s deep dedication to promoting cultural exchange and sustainable tourism, as well as its growing partnership with Korea in the travel sector. Greece stands as a land of timeless allure, where distinctive ancient cultural heritage sites and historic cities blend gracefully with sunlit coastlines, eco-tourism trails, and a vibrant modern society. It is a nation where tradition and modernity meet in harmony, and where every journey transcends leisure—becoming a passage through philosophy, history, and the living spirit of culture. Accessibility is also an important priority. The Greek government is working closely with airlines, and the Ministry of Tourism is currently in discussions with Korean Air to establish the first direct flights between Athens and Incheon. Such an initiative would not only make Greek destinations more accessible to Korean travelers but also strengthen cultural and human exchanges—serving as a symbolic bridge linking the two nations through shared values and friendship. Beyond tourism, the resonance between Greece and Korea runs deeper, reflecting a mutual appreciation for history, culture, and universal ideals. Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, is celebrated for its philosophical traditions, theatrical genius, and foundational contributions to science, mathematics, democracy, and the Olympic Games. Universal values such as human rights, freedom, and justice trace their roots to ancient Greece—principles that continue to inspire nations around the world, including Korea, in their pursuit of peace and progress. Remarkably, traces of Hellenic culture appear in Korea’s history, visible in artifacts that reflect distant influences and long-standing cultural exchanges. Currently, the National Museum of Korea, steward of the nation’s heritage, preserves countless relics, including a remarkable Greek-influenced artifact—a phoenix-shaped glass bottle from the tomb of Hwangnamdaechong in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Standing 25 cm tall, this 5th–6th century bottle was unearthed in 1975 as fragments and later restored in the 1980s. Its form closely resembles the Greek Oinochoe (wine pitcher). The egg-shaped body, wavy spout, and delicate blue glass bands combine Silla artistry with Mediterranean craftsmanship, reflecting the rich cultural and trade exchanges that once traveled along the Silk Road. Modern history, too, binds the two nations. Following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Greece dispatched more than 10,000 troops as part of the United Nations Allied Forces. Their sacrifice and humanitarian spirit made a profound contribution to defending Korea’s freedom and democracy—a noble gesture deeply cherished and remembered by the Korean people. Presently, as Greece seeks to strengthen ties with Korea through tourism, the endeavor carries deeper meaning. It is not simply about leisure or commerce, but about honoring centuries of cultural connection and reaffirming a friendship forged in sacrifice. Tourism, in this sense, becomes a bridge of empathy, understanding, and shared values. As direct flights draw the two nations closer, the horizon of cooperation widens beyond tourism to embrace cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and enduring people-to-people bonds—the true bedrock of their relationship. The worldwide resonance of K-culture has not escaped Greece’s notice and may well serve as a vibrant bridge for deeper tourism and cultural partnership. Two months after the visit of the Greek Minister of Tourism to Korea, the “Greek Day in Seoul” event was held at Yiayia and Friends in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on October 30. The occasion offered a delightful celebration of authentic Greek products, cuisine, and wine. Guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. Konstantinos Daskalopoulos, Counsellor and Head of the Economic Diplomacy Department at the Greek Embassy in Seoul. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Greece and its vibrant culinary culture. As the lingering taste of Greek wine, Grande Reserve (2019), caressed my palate, my spirit seemed to commune with the soul of ancient Greece, transported back to the bygone days when the Hellenic world shone as the cradle of art, wisdom, culture, and harmony. The majority of guests at the event were excited to learn about plans to establish the first direct flights between Athens and Incheon in the near future. Although Korea and Greece may be geographically distant, the two nations share a profound respect for culture, tradition, and hospitality. As I reflected on my encounter with Minister Kefalogianni, I was reminded that tourism transcends leisure — it is a living dialogue between civilizations. As a Korean who has long admired Greece’s distinctive cultural legacy, I believe our two nations stand at the threshold of a renewed partnership. The truest form of diplomacy lies in the warmth of people-to-people exchange — in those encounters that bridge hearts across borders and generations. By deepening these enduring bonds of friendship and trust, we not only honor the connections of the past but also open new pathways toward a future illuminated by empathy, mutual respect, and shared values. 2025-11-04 13:46:48