SK Bioscience hosts Hilleman Institute board in Korea to deepen vaccine collaboration SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The board of the Hilleman Institute, a leading global vaccine research organization, visited SK Bioscience’s headquarters on Tuesday to explore deeper cooperation in vaccine development and manufacturing, the company said Wednesday. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening strategic ties between the two organizations. It was the first time the Hilleman Institute’s board — established by pharmaceutical giant MSD and the U.K. October 29, 2025

Bank of Korea chief warns of risks from won-based stablecoin SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong voiced caution on Wednesday over the potential introduction of a won-denominated stablecoin, warning that such a digital currency could trigger capital outflows and heighten volatility in the currency market. “Many people might take the won stablecoin abroad, which is worrisome,” Lee told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit, stressing that a hasty rollout could pose financial stability risks. October 29, 2025

Hanmi Semiconductor chairman increases stake in sign of confidence SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Hanmi Semiconductor said Wednesday that its chairman, Kwak Dong-shin, will buy 5 billion won (about $3.7 million) worth of company shares using his own funds. The purchase, expected to be completed by Nov. 26, will bring Kwak’s total personal investment in Hanmi shares since 2023 to 47.3 billion won, raising his stake from 33.47 percent to 33.50 percent. Hanmi Semiconductor is a global leader in TC bonder equipment — technology critical t October 29, 2025

South Korea sees births rise for 14th straight month SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - South Korea recorded an increase in births for the 14th consecutive month in August, according to new government data released Wednesday. The National Data Office said 20,867 babies were born in August, a 3.8 percent increase from a year earlier. Births rose in 12 of the country’s 17 major regions, including Seoul and Busan, though declines continued in Daejeon, Sejong and several smaller provinces. The birth rate climbed to 4.8 per 1,0 October 29, 2025

AI data centers are 'strategic national assets': Naver chief SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Naver’s chief executive, Choi Soo-yeon, urged greater institutional and policy support for artificial intelligence data centers, calling them essential to the next stage of digital development in South Korea. Speaking Wednesday at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, Choi emphasized that AI data centers had become foundational infrastructure for the global economy and said governments should treat them as strategic national assets. “The AI October 29, 2025

Asian shares mostly higher early Wed; KOSPI and Nikkei lead on chip momentum SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Asian markets were mostly higher early Wednesday, with Seoul and Tokyo continuing to set the pace for the region on the back of strong third-quarter earnings and ongoing enthusiasm for AI-related chips. Sentiment was also supported ahead of a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut expected at this week’s FOMC meeting. Korea’s benchmark KOSPI rose 0.7 percent to hover around 4,040 after jumping 1.27 percent earlier, driven by a fresh rally in October 29, 2025

Kia's electric van sets Guinness World Record for longest drive on single charge SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - South Korean automaker Kia said on Wednesday that its PV5 Cargo electric van has set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by a light commercial electric vehicle on a single charge, covering 693.38 kilometers, or about 431 miles, while carrying a full load. “The Guinness World Record achieved by the PV5 Cargo demonstrates Kia’s vision to provide new mobility solutions beyond transportation,” said Song Ho-sung, the c October 29, 2025

UPDATE: SK hynix reaps record $8 billion Q3 OP, gears up for aggressive capex (Updated with comments from conference call) SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - SK hynix plans to “significantly” ramp up facility investment next year after reporting a milestone operating profit of $8 billion in the third quarter, reinforcing its ambition to stay at the forefront of the global AI transition and ride what it calls an “unprecedented super cycle.” The Korean memory giant on Wednesday reported an operating profit of 11.38 trillion won ($ October 29, 2025

Asian shares broadly down Tuesday as Seoul, Tokyo retreat on profit-taking SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - Asian markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday, with Korea and Japan pulling back after their record-setting rally in the previous session. Korea’s benchmark KOSPI fell 0.8 percent to close at 4,010.41, pressured by heavy foreign selling. Overseas investors offloaded 1.64 trillion won ($1.14 billion) worth of shares, while retail investors bought 1.57 trillion won and domestic institutions added 311.4 billion won, signaling broad profit-taking after a October 28, 2025

Wemade rolls out 'Legend of YMIR' worldwide, blending epic battles with crypto rewards SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Wemade announced on Tuesday the global launch of its new multiplayer online role-playing game, Legend of YMIR. The game is now available in 170 countries, excluding South Korea and China. Set in a mythical world torn apart after the fall of the gods, Legend of YMIR follows warriors fighting to restore order amid chaos. Players can engage in large-scale server battles and experience a new “Partners Server” model, w October 28, 2025