[South Korea-Japan Ties] Seoul should forge strategic industrial alliance with Tokyo, KOTRA chief urges Editor's Note: Aju Business Daily is publishing a special series to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. The series reflects on the renewed relationship between the two neighbors. SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - "If South Korea becomes a reliable partner in Japan's major manufacturing projects including semiconductors, hydrogen, ammonia, secondary batteries, and shipbuilding, the country's competitiveness in adv October 1, 2025

MBK Partners weighs exit from Korea Zinc SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Facing mounting scrutiny from lawmakers and civic groups, MBK Partners is considering selling its stake in Korea Zinc, a move that could alter control of one of the world’s leading producers of nonferrous metals. A person briefed on the matter said on condition of anonymity that MBK is “reviewing its control over Korea Zinc, with an exit strategy as one option.” The stake could be transferred to Young Poong, the company’s largest October 1, 2025

TRAVEL: A trip to Banguris Homestay, an authentic Malaysian experience to the core KUALA LUMPUR, October 1 (AJP) - Located in Selangor, one of Malaysia's largest states, the Sepang District is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. Deeper within the district lies Banguris Homestay, a village dedicated to showing guests how real Malay people live. With around 20 government-certified houses available for homestays, visitors can enjoy naturally ventilated rooms and authentic Malaysian food. The town boasts near-zero crime rates, and most households October 1, 2025

Lee to hold talks with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Seoul SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung is meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the presidential office in Seoul on Wednesday. During the meeting, Lee is expected to seek Altman's advice on Soth Korea's strategy for transitioning to the artificial intelligence (AI) era, while encouraging collaboration with domestic companies and greater investment in the country. Lee has prioritized making South Korea one of the world's top three AI powerhouses and is acti October 1, 2025

[Korea-Japan Ties] South Korea weighs FTA with Japan amid US protectionism Editor’s Note: Aju Business Daily is publishing a special series to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. The series reflects on the renewed relationship between the two neighbors. SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Facing growing protectionist pressures from Washington, South Korea is under increasing pressure to deepen economic ties with Japan as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. Calls are mounti October 1, 2025

Korean Auto Eyes Diversification, Localization Amid Tariff Stalemate SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s government and automaking conglomerate are tapping alternative markets and local sourcing as tariff talks with the United States drag on without conclusion. Hyundai Motor Group has rolled out contingency measures while negotiations remain in limbo. The automaker is leaning more on domestic suppliers, adjusting dealer incentives to avoid immediate consumer price hikes, and accelerating model launches in Europe. Hyundai Mobis, the g September 30, 2025

Business groups welcome end of criminal penalties for corporate missteps SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - The South Korean government's plan to abolish a criminal law clause that has long exposed corporate executives to prosecution for breach of trust drew strong support from business groups on Tuesday, who argued the change would reduce legal uncertainty and encourage investment. The government and ruling party said the clause — which allowed prosecutors to pursue executives for management decisions that resulted in losses, even absent September 30, 2025

Korea shrugs off Trump's tariff threat on foreign-made films SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea's film industry officials and legal experts largely brush off U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat about slapping tariffs on movies filmed outside the American soil. Speaking on Monday, Trump said his administration would levy "100 percent tariffs" on films that were not fully produced within the United States, repeating a proposal he first raised in May. South Korea's national film agency, the Korean Film Counci September 30, 2025

Korea bets on visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists to boost inbound spending SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Korea, grappling with yawning travel deficit, pins high hopes on the temporary visa waiver for Chinese group tourists to aid the balance sheets of the government as well as domestic retailers. The travel balance of payments in the national current account has been in the red since 2000 as more go out and spend than those coming in. The deficit totaled $7.2 billion as of July this year, slightly eased from $7.9 billion a year earlier on the rise of fore September 30, 2025

N. Korea returns to UN podium, building up diplomatic portfolio SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - North Korea has returned to the United Nations for the first time in seven years, suggesting renewed confidence after the powerful display of its leader standing alongside the heads of China and Russia earlier this month. Taking the podium at the UN General Assembly on Monday, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong openly defied UN resolutions, reiterating that Pyongyang would "never give up nuclear weapons under any circumstances.&q September 30, 2025