Industry

  • Korean firms show strong interest in foreign hiring, favoring Vietnamese workers
    Korean firms show strong interest in foreign hiring, favoring Vietnamese workers SEOUL, November 14 (AJP) - A survey of 557 South Korean companies by career platform Saramin and foreign recruitment service Comate revealed that 73.4 percent are willing to hire foreign workers, with Vietnamese nationals being the most preferred at 31.3 percent, followed by Central Asians at 20 percent and Filipinos at 18.6 percent. The hiring intention was highest among companies with 50-100 employees at 74.5 percent, while 84.2 percent of companies experiencing labor shortages ex November 14, 2024
  • Korea Zinc cancels controversial share sale; chairman to step down as board chief
    Korea Zinc cancels controversial share sale; chairman to step down as board chief SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Korea Zinc on Wednesday withdrew its plan to sell new shares worth 2.5 trillion won (US$1.77 billion) amid regulatory scrutiny and shareholder pushback. The world's largest smelter announced the share issue Oct. 30 to fend off a takeover attempt by its largest shareholder, Young Poong, and MBK Partners. "We humbly accepted concerns from shareholders and market participants that we hadn't anticipated when we initially decided on the public o November 13, 2024
  • Chinas BYD to enter Korean EV market in early 2025
    China's BYD to enter Korean EV market in early 2025 SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - China's largest electric vehicle maker BYD Co. announced on Wednesday its plans to launch passenger vehicles in South Korea in early 2025. The company, which surpassed 3 million units in global eco-friendly vehicle sales last year, is currently finalizing its dealer networks and seeking regulatory approvals for its vehicles, subsidiary BYD Korea said. Industry sources expect the Seal, a mid-sized sedan, to be BYD's first model in South Korea, wi November 13, 2024
  • AMCHAM Korea raises 120 million won for student aid in annual fundraiser
    AMCHAM Korea raises 120 million won for student aid in annual fundraiser SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea announced Wednesday that it raised about 120 million won (US$85,360) at its annual fundraising dinner to support university scholarships. Thirty-five CEOs and executives served dinner and wine to 430 attendees at the 17th AMCHAM CEO Service Night organized the previous day by the Partners for the Future Foundation under AMCHAM Korea. "Together, we are building a brighter future, and I'm proud to be part November 13, 2024
  • KT successfully launches new communication satellite into orbit
    KT successfully launches new communication satellite into orbit SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - KT SAT, a Korean satellite service firm, said Tuesday that its new communication satellite was successfully launched and placed into orbit. The Koreasat-6A satellite, KT SAT's first launch in seven years, lifted off aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket at 12:22 p.m. (U.S. time) Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The geostationary satellite deployed about 35 minutes after lift-off, according to the company affiliated with telec November 12, 2024
  • GS E&C wins subway tunnel contract in Melbourne
    GS E&C wins subway tunnel contract in Melbourne SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - GS Engineering & Construction's Australian subsidiary has secured a subway tunnel construction contract worth around AU$570 million (US$375.8 million) in Melbourne. The project involves constructing nearly 10 kilometers of tunnels using specialized tunnel-boring machines designed to excavate tunnels through rock or soil, as part of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East. The deal also includes the construction of 39 escape routes and two underground November 11, 2024
  • Czech delegation visits South Korea to negotiate nuclear power plant project
    Czech delegation visits South Korea to negotiate nuclear power plant project SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - A delegation from the Czech Republic arrived in South Korea on Monday for a two-week visit to negotiate the construction of a new nuclear power plant, according to the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). In July, a Korean consortium led by KHNP was selected as the preferred bidder for the Dukovany nuclear power plant project, which is valued at around 24 trillion won (US$17.1 billion). During their visit, the delegation of more than 60 peo November 11, 2024
  • LG Energy Solution to supply batteries for SpaceXs Starship: reports
    LG Energy Solution to supply batteries for SpaceX's Starship: reports SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - South Korea's leading battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution, is reportedly set to supply batteries for spacecraft developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX. According to news reports, the company's cylindrical lithium-ion batteries will power SpaceX's next-generation Starship, which completed its fifth orbital test flight last month. SpaceX, which has traditionally relied on in-house battery production, plans to use the spacecraft for its Mars November 11, 2024
  • Nature Republic reports strong growth in Philippines, Mongolia
    Nature Republic reports strong growth in Philippines, Mongolia SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Nature Republic reported its California Aloe Sun Stick sales tripled in the Philippines this year while the South Korean cosmetics retailer expanded its premium skincare line in Mongolia. The company, with 31 stores in the Philippines, held successful pop-up events in Manila in June and at Mongolia's Shangri-La Mall in May. It plans to open its 11th Mongolian store in November, featuring premium products including the Ginseng Royal Silk Gold Watery November 8, 2024
  • Naver reports record-high Q3 operating profit
    Naver reports record-high Q3 operating profit SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Korean tech giant Naver reported a record-high operating profit for the third quarter on Friday. The nation's largest internet portal announced that its consolidated revenue for the July to September period reached 2.7 trillion won ($1.9 billion), with an operating profit of 525.3 billion won and a net profit of 530.1 billion won. Compared to the same period in 2023, revenue increased by 11.1 percent. Operating profit and net income grew by 38.2 perc November 8, 2024