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KOSPI and Nikkei hit record highs as Asian stocks ride wave of foreign buying SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Asian shares surged Monday as South Korea’s KOSPI and Japan’s Nikkei 225 both closed at all-time highs, driven by renewed foreign buying and strength in semiconductor and industrial stocks. The benchmark Kospi jumped 2.57 percent to finish at 4,042.83, marking its highest close on record. Chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix once again led the advance, joined by shipbuilding and nuclear-energy plays. Samsung Electronics surged 3.24 percent to 102,000 won ($71.18), breaking the symbolic 100,000-won barrier for the first time, while SK hynix soared 4.9 percent to 535,000 won, also reaching a record high. According to the Wall Street Journal, the KOSPI has emerged as one of the world’s best-performing equity markets this year, rising nearly 70 percent and far outpacing the Nikkei’s 24 percent gain, Germany’s DAX at 22 percent, and Britain’s FTSE 100 at 18 percent. The MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index, which tracks both developed and emerging-market stocks, is up around 26 percent in 2025. Samsung and SK hynix together accounted for more than half of the Kospi’s total gain over the past four months, underscoring the dominance of Korea’s chip sector in the market’s surge. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 climbed 2.46 percent to a historic 50,512, lifted by defense and semiconductor stocks amid optimism over new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “Strong Japan” policy agenda. Kawasaki Heavy Industries jumped 9 percent to around 12,600 yen, while chip-testing equipment maker Advantest gained 6.5 percent to 18,200 yen. Elsewhere in the region, Taiwan’s TAIEX rebounded 1.68 percent to 27,993.63 after a holiday break, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.2 percent to just under 3,997 as of 4:15 p.m. (KST). The broad-based rally reflects growing investor confidence in Asia’s manufacturing and tech recovery, supported by global demand for artificial-intelligence infrastructure and easing concerns over U.S. interest rates. 2025-10-27 16:47:03 -
HOT STOCK: Samsung Heavy flies to 52-week high on multiple upsides SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Samsung Heavy Industries surged Monday to a new 52-week high on multiple catalysts — the successful domestication of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage-tank technology, speculation over a possible visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to its shipyard during APEC 2025, and a string of new orders. Shares of Samsung Heavy jumped about 16 percent to 28,800 won ($20.1) as of 3 p.m., nearly tripling from roughly 11,000 won at the start of the year. The rally followed the company’s announcement Monday morning that its first vessel equipped with the independently developed KC-2C liquefied LNG storage-tank system had completed a successful trial voyage. Until now, Korean LNG carriers had relied on the membrane-type containment systems exclusively licensed by France’s Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), forcing domestic shipbuilders to pay substantial royalties. According to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jung-ho, Korean shipbuilders paid a total of about 7.4 trillion won in royalties to GTT between 1995 and this year. Samsung Heavy’s KC-2C design is reportedly comparable to GTT’s membrane system but more efficient in both construction and operation — and, crucially, free from costly licensing fees. Investor sentiment was also lifted by a swelling orderbook. U.S. LNG company Delfin Midstream has chosen Samsung Heavy as contractor for its first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) production unit off the coast of Louisiana, with the second and third units expected to follow. FLNG facilities extract and liquefy gas at sea before loading it directly onto tankers — a technically demanding process requiring advanced offshore-engineering capabilities. The deal marks a major turning point for Samsung Heavy’s offshore-plant division, which has logged more than 1 trillion won in losses in recent years. The builder also secured a major FLNG order from Italy’s ENI Coral in July for a project in Mozambique, putting it close to meeting its annual order target. Should Delfin proceed with two more plants, the company is likely to achieve the target in full. Momentum is also returning to the container segment. Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine last week placed an order for seven container vessels — a welcome boost in a market where Chinese shipyards still command more than 70 percent of global capacity. According to IBK Securities analyst Oh Ji-hoon, Samsung Heavy’s third-quarter consolidated operating profit is expected to reach 120 billion won, up roughly 58 percent from a year earlier. “If the company secures the remaining FLNG and LNG contracts, it should comfortably hit its annual targets, with offshore-plant revenue leading the earnings improvement,” Oh said. Speculation that President Donald Trump may visit a Korean shipyard during his APEC tour further buoyed the sector. As of 3 p.m., HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 4.6 percent to 620,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean gained 3.3 percent to 139,500 won. Nam Chae-min, a researcher at Korea Investment & Securities, said Samsung Heavy “outlined multiple collaboration plans with U.S. shipowners during a recent conference call,” adding that a Trump visit could accelerate discussions on the MASGA Project, a proposed maritime-technology partnership between the two nations. 2025-10-27 16:46:55 -
HOT STOCK: Hyundai E&C uplifted by milestone nuclear energy deal in Texas SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Hyundai Engineering & Construction rose sharply Monday, touching as high as 71,000 won ($50) before closing at 69,100 won, up nearly 4 percent, as the KOSPI finished at a record high. The rally followed news that the Korean builder will play a key role in front-end engineering design for four large nuclear reactors in Texas, marking a major step toward entering the U.S. nuclear energy market. The project in Amarillo is part of a vast private power grid and artificial intelligence campus being developed by U.S. energy firm Fermi America. Hyundai’s contract covers site layout planning, cooling system assessments, and budgeting forecasts — work that underscores its deepening expertise and ambition to expand into high-value nuclear infrastructure overseas. Analysts say the deal could serve as a gateway for Hyundai’s broader participation in the U.S. energy transition and open the door to future construction or supply contracts through 2026. “This engagement reflects Hyundai’s strategic shift toward stable, high-capital energy projects in an evolving global market,” said Lee Joon-hyuk, a Seoul-based energy market strategist. Jun Jang-moon, senior analyst at KB Securities, described the partnership with Fermi as “a milestone project in the U.S. nuclear energy market.” He noted that although the agreement remains at the basic design stage, “the plan to build four large-scale nuclear reactors in the American market holds considerable significance,” adding that it could pave the way for a series of new project launches and investment inflows in the coming year. 2025-10-27 16:46:15 -
APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Iconic K-pop star G-Dragon has set the tone for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju with a playful 75-second promotional video featuring President Lee Jae Myung as a runway marshaller guiding arriving aircraft. Another K-pop figurehead, BTS leader RM, will carry the cultural baton, delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit before executives from 21 member economies, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. K-pop's prominent presence underscores how deeply it has become embedded in Korea's modern identity — now taking center stage on a platform once reserved for politics and trade. Alongside it, other arms of Korean soft power — food, beauty, and arts — are orchestrating a full-scale showcase for visiting global dignitaries. K-Food: from dinner table to global branding A royal feast with a contemporary twist, inspired by the Netflix hit "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," will be curated by Korean-American chef Edward Lee, famed for his Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," in partnership with chefs from Lotte Hotel. Beyond the banquet hall, food brands are vying for exposure. CJ CheilJedang will offer Bibigo cup rice, tteokbokki, and seaweed snacks at the APEC media center and delegate lodgings, while Nongshim is supplying 10,000 servings of Shin Ramyun in collaboration with Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," complete with on-site tasting booths. Lotte GRS will serve Angel-in-us Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the outdoor K-Food Zone, joined by Lotte Wellfood and Lotte Chilsung with Pepero, Chilsung Cider, and Icis water. OB Beer, exclusive sponsor of the CEO Summit, will pour Cass Fresh, Cass Zero, and Cass Lemon Squeeze from a rooftop booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Other local favorites include Whoo Ullim Water by LG H&H, Kyochon fried chicken, hy's Helicobacter Project Will probiotic drink, and Paris Baguette desserts like gotgam pound cake and seoritae castella. Food trucks from Kyochon Chicken, Cheongnyeon Dabang, and Okdongsik will circle the main venues to serve delegates a taste of Korea on the go. K-Beauty: tradition meets technology K-Beauty — a byword for innovation and refinement — will take over a hall at Hwangnyongwon, where LG Household & Health Care will exhibit its royal skincare line The History of Whoo Hwanyu, complemented by a live lacquerware demonstration by artisan Son Dae-hyun. Amorepacific will stage makeup shows and interactive experiences, while APR Corp. provides its Booster Pro device to international delegates. Makeup artist brand Jung Saem Mool introduces AI-powered iris color analysis for personalized beauty, and Gumi University hosts hands-on sessions under its K-Aesthetic program. Olive Young joins in with APEC-themed promotions at its Gyeongju stores, offering discounts and complimentary cleansers. Guests at Lahan Select Gyeongju will receive exclusive sample kits. Local fashion label Matin Kim, chosen as an official APEC partner, will distribute custom wallets and tote bags. The Korea Tourism Organization has also connected its Visit Korea platform to APEC's official site and opened a K-Goods Pop-Up at Gyeongju Station featuring souvenirs such as wine stoppers and "K-gat" ornaments — modern tributes to the traditional Korean hat made famous again through "KPop Demon Hunters." K-Arts: heritage in the global spotlight As night falls, Gyeongju — famed for its ethereal lighting — transforms into a living museum. The Hanbok Fashion Show will light up Woljeong Bridge under the theme "Mystery of a Thousand Years, Fly to Tomorrow." The show will weave together Korea's five heritage pillars — Hanbok, Hansik, Hanok, Hanji, and Hangeul — with AI-enhanced designs and Shilla-inspired royal costumes to show how tradition evolves into innovation. At the National Museum of Gyeongju, the exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" brings together all six royal crowns of Silla for the first time, alongside gold belts and ornaments that reveal the era's artistry and hierarchy. Meanwhile, at Gyeongju Expo Park, the National Jeongdong Theater Troupe will stage "Pure Heart," a digital reinterpretation of the folktale Simcheongjeon, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge media to celebrate devotion and modern creativity alike. 2025-10-27 16:45:45 -
APEC Week: Beyond Trump and Xi, APEC leaders bring diverse agenda SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju this week, global attention is fixed on the expected encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But away from the media spotlight, many of the region's other leaders are arriving with their own priorities — from digital transformation and green energy to demographic change and inclusive growth. According to APEC, this year's discussions will center on the three pillars of "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," building on ongoing work to strengthen digital transformation, respond to demographic shifts, and promote sustainable development. The Gyeongju meetings are also expected to explore ways to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, small business support, and the creative economy. This year's summit is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agenda is designed to address "the social and economic shifts brought by technology and aging populations" while fostering innovation and inclusive development across the region. Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is expected to focus on the challenges of an aging society and labor shortages, issues that Japan has been confronting for years. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is likely to emphasize digital connectivity and regional supply-chain resilience, continuing Singapore's long-standing role as a bridge for economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently promoted the formalization of informal economies, echoing APEC's goal of making growth more inclusive. From Latin America, Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is attending her first major multilateral meeting since taking office, with an emphasis on sustainable energy and green transition. Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Peru's President Dina Boluarte are also in attendance, maintaining Latin America's active participation in APEC policy discussions. In a statement to Aju Press, the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul said on Monday that Peru "fully shares the principles and values of APEC, particularly the promotion of trade and investment liberalization," adding that it continues to advance the priorities it set during its 2024 chairmanship — including the use of clean hydrogen, reducing food loss and waste, and supporting the transition of small and medium-sized enterprises from the informal to the formal economy. The embassy also said it "commends Korea's focus on demographic change, artificial intelligence, and cultural and creative industries," underscoring both countries' efforts to make APEC more relevant to everyday citizens. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is traveling to South Korea after visiting Malaysia, said in an October 22 statement published on the Beehive, the official website of the New Zealand Government, that his goal is to "deepen relationships with regional leaders and unlock new opportunities for New Zealand." He described the Indo-Pacific as "the world's most economically dynamic region with nine of our top ten trading partners" and said that building effective partnerships across it "is a top priority for this government." Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is expected to push for closer cooperation on infrastructure and energy transition, while Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to focus on green technology and free trade — both recurring themes in Canberra's regional agenda. 2025-10-27 16:39:03 -
HD Hyundai chairman signals possible US shipyard acquisition SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun said Monday the company is considering acquiring a shipyard in the United States, signaling a more assertive global expansion strategy under his new leadership. “We are well-prepared for U.S.-Korea shipbuilding collaboration and are considering acquiring a U.S. shipyard,” Chung told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit’s Future Tech Forum in Gyeongju. His participation in the forum marked his first public appearance since taking over as chairman on Oct. 17, succeeding HD Hyundai’s professional management system and ushering in a third generation of family leadership. Chung said the proposed acquisition would align with the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) project, a Korea-U.S. joint initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation in advanced shipbuilding and defense technologies. Chung also addressed speculation about a possible visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to HD Hyundai’s shipyard in Ulsan this week, saying, “Nothing is decided yet, but it could happen anytime.” At the keynote address, Chung said, since assuming the chairmanship, he has focused on uniting the group’s workforce and advancing innovation across its business units. He called for a “global innovation alliance” to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable shipping, digital manufacturing, and the broader maritime industry. Highlighting HD Hyundai’s technological capabilities, Chung noted that its subsidiary Avikus became the world’s first company to achieve autonomous navigation across the Pacific Ocean three years ago — a milestone he said is reshaping the future of marine operations. The company, he added, is addressing skilled labor shortages by developing “smart shipyards” equipped with advanced robotics and plans to introduce humanoid robots in the near future. The Future Tech Forum, part of the APEC CEO Summit, gathered global business leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss trends shaping the next generation of industries. HD Hyundai opened the forum, which features sessions on shipbuilding, defense, retail, artificial intelligence, digital assets, and future energy through Oct. 30. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 15:58:10 -
Global AI Frontier Symposium brings together world leaders in Seoul SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - KAIST said Monday that the National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Global AI Frontier Lab jointly hosted the "Global AI Frontier Symposium 2025" at Seoul Dragon City, drawing more than 500 participants from academia, industry, and government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Vice Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Baek Kyung-hoon attended the opening ceremony, along with IITP President Hong Jin-bae and other officials from South Korea and abroad. Two keynote speakers headlined the morning session: Yann LeCun, Turing Award laureate and professor at New York University, and Choi Ye-jin, professor at Stanford University and senior director at NVIDIA. LeCun spoke on the governance of AI research and the need for international cooperation, while Choi discussed how generative AI could evolve beyond existing scaling laws. Researchers from South Korea, the United States, Japan, France, and the United Arab Emirates presented their latest work and shared ideas for building stronger international research networks. The National AI Research Lab, led by Director Kim Ki-eung, and the Global AI Frontier Lab, co-directed by LeCun and Cho Kyung-hyun, unveiled key research outcomes from the past year. In his opening remarks, Minister Baek said that he hopes South Korea will move beyond being a strong technology nation to becoming a global leader in AI innovation. He called on the two labs to continue expanding international cooperation and nurturing a broader research ecosystem. The symposium featured two sessions. The first, titled "Foundations of Next-Generation AI," was chaired by KAIST Professor Yang Eun-ho and included presentations from Takeuchi Ichiro of RIKEN, Kam Tae-eui of Yonsei University, Park No-seong of KAIST, Lee Jae-ho of POSTECH, and Kartek Alahari of INRIA. The discussions focused on reliability frameworks, scientific foundation models, scaling limitations, and data-driven AI research. Running in parallel, the "Physical AI for Real-World Autonomy" session was chaired by POSTECH Professor Cho Min-su and explored topics such as self-supervised learning, reinforcement learning fairness, 3D vision models, and embodied agents. Speakers included Jean Ponce of ENS-PSL, Shim Hyun-jung of KAIST, and Ivan Laptev of MBZUAI. Industry experts from NAVER Cloud and POSCO Holdings joined panel discussions to explore how these research findings could be applied in real-world settings and lead to stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Kim Ki-eung, director of the National AI Research Lab, said the symposium was an important opportunity to showcase the past year's achievements and strengthen the foundation for international cooperation. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the National AI Research Lab serves as a central platform linking South Korea's AI research to the global stage, adding that KAIST will continue connecting academia, industry, and government through AI-driven innovation. Established in October 2024 with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and IITP, the National AI Research Lab is South Korea's largest AI research consortium. It brings together 45 professors and about 150 student researchers from KAIST, Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH, in collaboration with 12 Korean companies and 14 overseas institutions. The Lab also works with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seocho District to build a global AI ecosystem. Around 20 foreign researchers stay in South Korea for extended research programs, and the Lab regularly invites global experts to share the latest advances in AI. It has recently expanded its network by signing an MOU with Japan’s RIKEN and holding talks with AI institutions in Singapore to strengthen cooperation in AI governance and research. 2025-10-27 15:57:47 -
Ferry service along Han River to resume next week after monthlong inspection SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - A ferry service on the Han River, which was suspended just 10 days after its bombastic launch, will resume next week following a monthlong inspection, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Monday. Starting Nov. 1, the service will begin at 9 a.m., two hours earlier than before, and run until 9:37 p.m., offering 16 daily trips at 90-minute intervals. According to the city, more than 300 trial runs without passengers were conducted to enhance service quality and ensure safety. To prevent any service interruptions due to technical glitches or malfunctions, backup vessels will be on standby. Come spring, when the cold winter season recedes, service will increase to 32 trips a day, including express routes for commuters running every 15 minutes during the morning rush hours from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., connecting seven major stops from Magok in western Seoul, north of the Han River, to Jamsil in southern Seoul. Fares remain unchanged at 3,000 Korean won (about US$ 2.10) for adults, 1,800 won for teenagers, and 1,100 won for children. Alternatively, users can purchase a pre-paid card for an additional 5,000 won, which allows unlimited rides. More detailed information including any changes in schedules and operating hours, seat availability, and weather-related cancellations can be checked on traffic and navigation apps such as Naver Map and Kakao Map. City official Park Jin-young said, "We will continue working to improve service and safety, making it a reliable public transportation option for citizens." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 15:27:38 -
South Korea, Inter-American Development Bank plan AI cooperation hub SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korea and the Inter-American Development Bank have agreed to establish a cooperation hub focused on artificial intelligence, part of a broader effort to deepen economic and technological partnerships between South Korea and Latin America. The agreement came during the seventh Korea–Latin America Business Summit in Seoul, where Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. The two leaders signed a letter of intent outlining plans for collaboration in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and energy. Under the new framework, South Korea and the IDB will jointly develop an AI cooperation hub aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and helping Korean companies expand into Latin American markets. Koo said the initiative would serve as a platform for linking Korean technological expertise with regional development opportunities. Goldfajn congratulated South Korea on the 20th anniversary of its accession to the IDB and thanked Seoul for its continued support of Latin America’s development. The two sides also agreed to strengthen efforts to expand the presence of Korean professionals within the IDB. Goldfajn emphasized the importance of attracting more Korean talent to the institution, citing ongoing initiatives such as internship programs and a Korean-language website to increase engagement. Officials said the partnership reflects a growing convergence between South Korea’s technological ambitions and Latin America’s push to modernize key industries, marking a new phase in a two-decade relationship that has evolved from development aid to strategic collaboration. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:56:28 -
BTS's RM to speak at APEC CEO Summit this week SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - RM, the leader of K-pop juggernaut BTS, will deliver a keynote speech at the CEO Summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week. Although specific details remain under wraps, he is scheduled to speak for about 10 minutes on Wednesday, focusing on the country's soft power and how cultural creativity can nurture local industries. Over 1,700 global business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun, are expected to converge in the historic city to discuss the latest developments in technology as well as major global issues from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to energy and culture. RM previously spoke at the United Nations' General Assembly in 2018 as a global youth representative and delivered a message of hope during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, garnering international attention. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:33:23