Korean transformer exports, stocks hit record highs on global AI power demand SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - South Korea's gains from the accelerating global shift toward artificial intelligence are extending beyond semiconductors. Exports of ultra-high-voltage transformers surged to a record high last year, driven by aggressive investment in power infrastructure for data center expansion worldwide. Exports of transformers rated at 10,000 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) or higher reached $1.3 billion last year, according to the Korea International Trade Association. It January 21, 2026

Nomura flags heavy US investment burden for Samsung Electronics, SK hynix SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics and SK hynix may need to invest between 100 trillion won and 120 trillion won ($74–89 billion) in the United States from 2027 to 2030 to secure tariff exemptions, according to a new analysis by Nomura Securities. That would translate into annual investment of about 25 trillion won to 30 trillion won, or roughly a quarter of the two companies’ combined annual memory chip capital expenditure, estimated at 120 trillion won January 21, 2026

Incheon signs MOU with U.S. Kessler Collection for I-CON City project in Cheongna SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Incheon City on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. hospitality company The Kessler Collection and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to jointly pursue a $1.4 billion culture and tourism complex in Cheongna International City. The agreement was signed at Incheon City Hall by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Richard C. Kessler, chairman and founder of The Kessler Collection, and Kang Oh-soon, head of LH’s Regional Balanced Develop January 21, 2026

Jeju Air bans in-flight use of portable battery packs SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier Jeju Air said on Wednesday it will ban the use of portable battery packs on board its aircraft starting Jan. 22, citing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. The measure applies to all passengers on domestic and international flights and prohibits using portable battery packs to charge devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers during flights. Under existing transport ministry guidelines, charging portable batte January 21, 2026

Com2uS baseball games top 1 trillion won in cumulative revenue SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Com2uS said on Wednesday that cumulative revenue from its baseball game titles has exceeded 1 trillion won ($750 million). The company attributed the milestone to the expansion of its lineup of officially licensed baseball titles tied to major leagues including the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and Major League Baseball (MLB), beginning with the 2015 launch of Com2uS Pro Baseball 3D. Com2uS cited steady growth in user January 21, 2026

Hanwha Ocean wins $550 million orders for 2 LNG carriers SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Hanwha Ocean has secured new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier orders, adding to a solid start to the year as the South Korean shipbuilder focuses on high-value vessels. In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, the company said it signed shipbuilding contracts for two LNG carriers with a total value of 738.3 billion won ($550 million). The vessels will be delivered sequentially, though no timetable was disclosed. Including the latest contracts, Hanwha Oc January 21, 2026

LG CNS expands AI transformation into pharma, bio sectors with government and private contracts SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - South Korean IT services firm LG CNS is accelerating its push into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, securing a major government contract and completing an AI-powered automation system for drugmaker Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical. The company will participate in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's R&D project for clinical and preclinical drug development, a four-year, three-month initiative backed by about 37.1 billion won ($25 million) January 21, 2026

Hanwha Ocean taps ex-Canadian Navy officer to lead local subsidiary SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Ocean has appointed Canadian defense specialist Glenn Copeland to head its local subsidiary as the shipbuilder intensifies its bid for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project, a program the company said could be worth up to 60 trillion won ($45 billion). Hanwha Ocean has established Hanwha Defense Canada to pursue the contract, and said Copeland’s appointment will allow it to step up engagement with Canadian authorities. January 21, 2026

SK Innovation brings KHNP into TerraPower deal to expand global SMR business SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - SK Innovation said on Wednesday it has sold part of its stake in U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) developer TerraPower to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), strengthening a three-way partnership aimed at expanding in the global next-generation nuclear power market. The transaction marks the first direct investment by a South Korean state-run energy company in a global SMR developer. Financial terms were not disclosed. TerraPower, founded in 2008 January 21, 2026

Samsung Display supplies OLED cockpit, rear screens for Zeekr's flagship SUV SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Samsung Display said Wednesday it is supplying three types of automotive OLED displays for the flagship luxury SUV from Chinese electric-vehicle brand Zeekr. The Zeekr 9X has ranked first in China’s large-SUV segment priced at around 500,000 yuan ($70,000) for two consecutive months since November, according to the company. Under the deal, Samsung Display is providing a 16-inch center information display, a 16-inch front passenger display and a January 21, 2026