Korean Inc. in a rush to retire shares but risks losing key management tool SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) — South Korea’s largest companies have rushed to retire 36.3 trillion won ($25 billion) worth of treasury shares in the first quarter of 2026 under a new Commercial Act amendment, but analysts warn the mandatory move may do little to improve corporate value while stripping management of a key strategic tool. A string of blue-chip firms including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Samsung C&T have unveiled large-scale treasury share cancellation March 12, 2026

Iran war may feel closer at home for South Korea and Japan if conflict stretches SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - The war with Iran may be unfolding thousands of kilometers away, but for U.S. allies in Northeast Asia it could begin to feel much closer if the conflict drags on. Questions are emerging in Seoul and Tokyo over whether Washington could eventually ask its key regional allies — South Korea and Japan — to support operations tied to the conflict, particularly given their reliance on energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the presenc March 12, 2026

Asian stocks weaken as oil prices climb toward $100 amid Hormuz attacks SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) — Asian stock markets ended mostly lower Thursday as oil prices surged toward the $100 mark following renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, heightening concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Crude prices climbed sharply after a series of attacks on commercial vessels near the strategic waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 4.8 perc March 12, 2026

Canada unlikely to split $40B submarine contract between Korea and Germany SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Canada is unlikely to divide its planned multibillion-dollar submarine procurement between South Korea and Germany despite speculation in local media, as analysts say a split contract would drive up costs and complicate naval operations. The idea of awarding portions of the project to both bidders — sometimes described as a “6+6” split procurement — has circulated in Canadian media as Ottawa weighs final proposals from a South Korean c March 12, 2026

Nat'l Assembly passes bill to implement investment pledges under trade deal with US SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - A bill outlining South Korea's massive investment pledges to the U.S. was passed at a plenary session in the National Assembly on Thursday. Of the 242 lawmakers present, 226 voted in favor, eight against and another eight abstained, clearing the way for South Korea's pledges to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. as part of a broader trade deal reached between the two countries last fall. The bill would provide a legal framework to establish a fund March 12, 2026

K-battery makers bet on premium to fight EV slump and China dominance SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - South Korea's battery industry is doubling down on premium technologies — from high-nickel chemistries to all-solid-state prototypes and advanced cell engineering — as it seeks to outpace Chinese rivals and move beyond the slowing electric-vehicle market. The strategic pivot was on full display at the InterBattery 2026, the three-day exhibition that opened Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul. The 14th edition of the show drew 667 compan March 12, 2026

Samsung's agentic-AI flagship posts record presales, software edge in premium market SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics’ latest AI-strong flagship is off to a bar-raising debut, signaling a shift in the premium handset race from hardware specifications toward practical artificial intelligence features. The Galaxy S26 series, launched Wednesday in more than 120 countries including South Korea and the United States, logged 1.35 million preorders in its home market, the highest ever for the Galaxy S lineup. Industry observers say the strong earl March 12, 2026

Director Jang Hang-jun treats fans to coffee to celebrate his box-office success SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Director Jang Hang-jun shared the joy of his latest film’s huge box-office success with an up-close, personal event for Seoulites in central Seoul on Thursday. Jang served around 200 cups of coffee in front of the Korea Press Center, expressing his gratitude to his fans. The event was arranged as a gesture of appreciation after period film "The King's Warden" attracted over 10 million moviegoers, about a month after its release on Feb March 12, 2026

South Korea to face Dominican Republic in WBC quarterfinals in Miami SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - South Korea will face the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Miami later this week. The formidable Dominican Republic wrapped up the quadrennial tournament's regional matchups by defeating Venezuela 7‑5 at loanDepot park in Miami on Wednesday, extending its undefeated run to advance to the quarterfinals as the top finisher in its group. With the win, the Dominican Republic is now set to face South Korea at th March 12, 2026

BTS Comeback D-9 — Spotify sets Han River cruise for immersive "SWIMSIDE" fan event SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - As BTS counts down to the release of its comeback album ARIRANG, Spotify is taking the anticipation off the screen and onto the Han River. The streaming platform is launching “SWIMSIDE,” an immersive fan campaign built around BTS’s upcoming title track “SWIM,” which is set for release with the album on March 20 at 1 p.m. KST. At the heart of the campaign is the “Spotify × BTS SWIMSIDE Cruise,” a themed even March 12, 2026