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Industry

[South Korea-Japan Ties] Seoul should forge strategic industrial alliance with Tokyo, KOTRA chief urges Editor's Note: Aju Business Daily is publishing a special series to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. The series reflects on the renewed relationship between the two neighbors. SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - "If South Korea becomes a reliable partner in Japan's major manufacturing projects including semiconductors, hydrogen, ammonia, secondary batteries, and shipbuilding, the country's competitiveness in adv October 1, 2025
MBK Partners weighs exit from Korea Zinc SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Facing mounting scrutiny from lawmakers and civic groups, MBK Partners is considering selling its stake in Korea Zinc, a move that could alter control of one of the world’s leading producers of nonferrous metals. A person briefed on the matter said on condition of anonymity that MBK is “reviewing its control over Korea Zinc, with an exit strategy as one option.” The stake could be transferred to Young Poong, the company’s largest October 1, 2025
[Korea-Japan Ties] South Korea weighs FTA with Japan amid US protectionism Editor’s Note: Aju Business Daily is publishing a special series to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. The series reflects on the renewed relationship between the two neighbors. SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Facing growing protectionist pressures from Washington, South Korea is under increasing pressure to deepen economic ties with Japan as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. Calls are mounti October 1, 2025
Korean Auto Eyes Diversification, Localization Amid Tariff Stalemate SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s government and automaking conglomerate are tapping alternative markets and local sourcing as tariff talks with the United States drag on without conclusion. Hyundai Motor Group has rolled out contingency measures while negotiations remain in limbo. The automaker is leaning more on domestic suppliers, adjusting dealer incentives to avoid immediate consumer price hikes, and accelerating model launches in Europe. Hyundai Mobis, the g September 30, 2025
Business groups welcome end of criminal penalties for corporate missteps SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - The South Korean government's plan to abolish a criminal law clause that has long exposed corporate executives to prosecution for breach of trust drew strong support from business groups on Tuesday, who argued the change would reduce legal uncertainty and encourage investment. The government and ruling party said the clause — which allowed prosecutors to pursue executives for management decisions that resulted in losses, even absent September 30, 2025
Unequal match between Dunamu and Naver hinges on shareholder blessing SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s internet giant Naver and Dunamu, operator of Upbit—the world’s fourth-largest crypto exchange—are waging a war of nerves ahead of their $14 billion strategic tie-up through a stock swap, as they seek the blessing of their respective shareholders. Naver Financial, the fintech arm of the country’s dominant internet platform, has agreed on a share-for-share merger with Dunamu, which would bring the crypto powerho September 30, 2025
Samsung C&T secures key US certification in nuclear reactor design SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Samsung C&T said Tuesday its construction division had obtained a coveted nuclear design certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a step that could strengthen the South Korean company’s hand in the fast-growing market for small modular reactors. The certification, known as ASME-N, covers nuclear piping system design and is widely regarded as a benchmark for safety and quality in the nuclear industry. It verifies a c September 30, 2025
ADB holds South Korea's 2025 growth outlook at 0.8 percent SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s economy is expected to grow 0.8 percent this year, the Asian Development Bank said Tuesday, leaving its July projection unchanged as government stimulus measures help counter sluggish exports and a cooling property market. In its September Asian Development Outlook, the bank reiterated that fiscal and monetary easing should support a modest recovery in the second half of 2025. The bank had cut its April forecast of 1.5 percent grow September 30, 2025
LG Electronics pushes ahead with delayed India IPO, seeking fresh cash flow SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Tuesday it will complete the long-awaited listing of its Indian unit by year’s end, in a move aimed at both raising funds and positioning the company as a household name in one of its most dynamic markets. The company’s board approved the sale of a 15 percent stake in the Indian unit, or more than 101 million shares, and intends to file final documents with India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Boa September 30, 2025
INTERVIEW: S. Korea invests in rural resilience as climate extremes worsen SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korean farmers are feeling the intensifying pressures of climate change, from searing heat to destructive rains. Few know this better than Kim In-jung, the newly appointed head of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, who says the task before him is nothing less than safeguarding the nation’s food supply. “We are all experiencing the effects of climate change,” Kim said in an interview on Sept. 22. “This summer, September 30, 2025