South Korean shipbuilders surge on hopes of early industry super cycle SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s shipbuilding companies are bracing for what could be an earlier-than-expected industry super cycle, as surging orders for high-margin vessels and prospects of collaboration with the United States fuel investor optimism. The combined market capitalization of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries has more than doubled this year, reaching 92.1 trillion won (about $66 billion) as of Sep September 24, 2025

Samyang's global sensation 'Buldak' noodle sells over 8 billion packs SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Samyang Foods has announced a major milestone for its globally popular "Buldak" hot chicken flavor ramen series, with sales surpassing 8 billion units since its launch in 2012. The sales figure, which nearly matches the world’s population of 8.2 billion, underscores the brand's immense global success and its role in popularizing Korean cuisine, or "K-Food," around the world, the company said Wednesday. Exported to more September 24, 2025

China leaps on global corporate stage while Korean Inc. stagnates SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - China is rapidly widening its footprint in the global corporate landscape while the Korean Inc. has remained stagnant, according to an analysis by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). KCCI study of Forbes’ Global 2000 rankings showed that the number of Chinese firms on the list surged to 275 this year from 180 in 2015. By contrast, Korean names thinned from 66 to 62 over the same period. The U.S. population strengthened from 575 to September 24, 2025

IMF raises South Korea's growth forecast but warns of structural risks SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - The International Monetary Fund raised South Korea’s economic growth outlook for this year to 0.9 percent, up slightly from the 0.8 percent it projected in July. But the fund cautioned that the country must push ahead with structural reforms and long-term fiscal consolidation if it wants to strengthen its growth potential. The revised forecast came after the IMF's annual consultation with Seoul, conducted from Sept. 11 to 24. The fund l September 24, 2025

Seoul weighs phased investments, revenue sharing to counter US tariff demands SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Negotiations between Washington and Seoul over a $350 billion investment package remain mired in disagreement, delaying the conclusion of a deal that was expected to ease tariffs and deepen economic ties between the two allies. In July, the two countries reached a preliminary understanding to lower mutual tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, including reductions on automobiles, in exchange for South Korea committing to a massive investment in the September 24, 2025

South Korean casino operator embraces AI to transform industry SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Grand Korea Leisure, a casino operator known for its foreigner-only “Seven Luck” casinos, said on Tuesday it has established an “AI Innovation Team” to accelerate the gambling industry’s transition into artificial intelligence. The company, led by Chief Executive Yoon Doo-hyun, framed the initiative as a shift from earlier digital upgrades — which largely focused on efficiency through conventional IT — toward September 24, 2025

Celltrion acquires New Jersey plant for $330 million to mitigate tariff risks SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korea's Celltrion said Tuesday it had acquired an Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in New Jersey for about $330 million, a move aimed at expanding its U.S. presence and shielding the company from steep tariffs that could be imposed under the Trump administration. The 45,000-square-meter plant, which includes two production lines, will be operated by Celltrion USA. Chairman Seo Jung-jin said the purchase was part of a broader “Made in U September 23, 2025

Korean memory giants await super bumper years on AI harvest SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s memory giants and investors are betting on a looming chip super cycle that could prove the most lucrative and enduring yet, fueled by the surging appetite for artificial intelligence (AI). SK hynix is poised to lead the AI-driven memory race, having leapt ahead in conventional DRAM and seized the initiative in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component for powering AI chips. The company is expected to command at least half of September 23, 2025

Hyundai Capital launches financing services for car buyers in Indonesia SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korean financing company Hyundai Capital said Tuesday it had launched a new automotive finance company in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen its foothold in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing car markets. The joint venture, created with Indonesia’s Sinarmas conglomerate and Shinhan Bank Indonesia, will operate under the brand name Hyundai Finance. The company plans to offer a suite of services for car buyers, including deferred September 23, 2025

LIG Nex1 signs pact with Airbus to bolster air defense cooperation SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korean defense firm LIG Nex1 said Tuesday it had signed an agreement with Airbus Defense and Space to expand collaboration on integrated air defense systems. The agreement, finalized on Sept. 22 at LIG Nex1’s headquarters in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, builds on an earlier pact signed during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in 2023. Company officials said the latest deal aims to strengthen research in integrated a September 23, 2025