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  Korea's top battery firms post losses as EV demand slump drags earnings SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s three major battery makers reported losses in the fourth quarter of 2025 as a prolonged slowdown in global electric-vehicle demand weighed on shipments. SK On posted an operating loss of 441.4 billion won in the October–December period and a full-year operating loss of 931.9 billion won. LG Energy Solution also recorded an operating loss of 122 billion won in the fourth quarter, swinging to a loss from a year earlier. Samsung January 28, 2026
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  Korean batteries built for cars are finding new lives — in orbit and inside humanoid robots SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - Korean battery makers are broadening their footprint beyond electric vehicles, expanding into space and humanoid robotics as global EV demand cools and major supply contracts unravel. The industry has slowed sharply in line with stalled EV sales. SK Innovation said Wednesday its battery unit SK On recorded fourth-quarter revenue of 1.46 trillion won ($1.03 billion) with an operating loss of 441.4 billion won. For 2025, SK On posted revenue of 6.98 trilli January 28, 2026
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  Seoul hails Beijing's move to dismantle dubious structure in West Sea SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - South Korea on Wednesday welcomed China's decision to remove one of a couple of structures installed along the West Sea, calling it "meaningful progress." In a statement, Cheong Wa Dae said the government "has continued talks with Beijing" over the dubious steel structures on the submerged shelf of Ieodo in the West Sea, which overlaps with maritime zones of both South Korea and China. "While actively protecting our maritim January 28, 2026
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  Solar project backed by Hyundai E&C enters full construction in Texas SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - A large-scale solar power project South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction is participating in has entered full construction in Texas following the completion of financing and preparatory work. The company said on Wednesday it held a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 27, local time, in Dallas for the "Lucy" project. The project is being developed by a consortium known as “Team Korea,” which includes Hyundai E&C January 28, 2026
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  Vehicles registered in Seoul decline for third straight year SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - The number of registered vehicles in Seoul has been declining, while the number of electric vehicles continues to rise. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the total number of registered vehicles in the capital stood at around 3.16 million last year, down 18,335 from the previous year, making Seoul the only city to see a decline, while other cities and provincial areas saw increases. It was the third consecutive decline, following 3.18 million January 28, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-52: Jin's solo run draws renewed spotlight in Mexico SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - BTS’ Jin has been named “2025 K-POP Artist” in Mexico for the second consecutive year, underscoring his rising solo profile in a country where even the president has publicly appealed for additional BTS concert dates on behalf of young fans. The title was awarded by House Radio, Mexico’s leading digital pop music station, as Jin’s solo work continues to gain momentum ahead of BTS’ full-group comeback. Jin&rs January 28, 2026
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  Korean stocks remain turbo-charged, local won returns to year-end level SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - Korean markets are on a roll, refreshing new heights, with traction added by overnight news from Washington hinting at room for compromise before it moves to slap higher tariffs on Korean exports. As of 10:30 a.m. Seoul time, the benchmark KOSPI jumped 1.6 percent to 5,165.03, extending its advance into uncharted territory. The KOSPI 200 climbed 1.6 percent to 757.5, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ surged 3.2 percent to 1,116.7, marking another strong push towa January 28, 2026
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  Incheon airport expands global reach with record number of airlines SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - Incheon International Airport has surpassed 100 airlines in operation for the first time since opening in 2001, underscoring its growing role as a regional aviation hub, operator Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) said on Wednesday. As of December, 101 airlines were operating at the airport, up from 47 at its opening, the company said. Seven new carriers were added last year, including Scandinavian Airlines. With the increase in airlines, I January 28, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-52: Jimin's 'Who' earns double platinum in Canada SEOUL, January 28 (AJP)-BTS member Jimin’s solo single “Who” received a Double Platinum Single certification on January 19, according to a music chart in Canada. Music Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA), grants certifications based on combined figures from digital downloads, streaming and physical single sales. For singles, Music Canada awards Gold certification at 40,000 units, Platinum at 80,000 units and Double January 28, 2026
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  Hyundai Mobis posts record annual revenue, profit in 2025 SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - Hyundai Mobis, South Korea's largest automotive parts maker, reported record annual revenue and operating profit on Wednesday, though quarterly net income declined sharply amid tariff pressures and rising costs. The company posted consolidated revenue of 61.12 trillion won ($42.67 billion) and operating profit of 3.36 trillion won for 2025, up 6.8 percent and 9.2 percent year-on-year respectively, according to a regulatory filing. For the fourth quar January 28, 2026