South Korea's Sept exports at 3-year high and Q3 all-time high

SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s exports surged nearly 13 percent in September from a year earlier, extending growth for the fourth straight month on strong demand for semiconductors and automobiles, despite tariff-related setbacks in the United States. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, outbound shipments totaled $65.95 billion, up 12.7 percent on-year and the highest monthly tally since March 2022. For the July–September period, export

October 1, 2025

Kakao rolls out 'Kakao Travel Pack' in 16 languages

SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Kakao announced on Monday it will run a 'Kakao Travel Pack', mobility services in 16 languages, aiming at foreign visitors. The campaign aims to assist the increasing number of tourists expected due to global content popularity and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The 'Kakao Travel Pack' includes KakaoTalk, KakaoMap, and K-Ride, services popular among foreigners. KakaoTalk supports 16 languages, including English, Jap

October 1, 2025

LG Elec eyes $1.8 bn Indian IPO, third largest in India for 2025

SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The Indian unit of South Korea’s household white-goods giant LG Electronics has set its initial public offering (IPO) price band at ₹1,108 to ₹1,140 per share, targeting up to $1.8 billion in proceeds. The listing, scheduled for Oct. 14, marks the third-largest IPO in India this year and second largest Korean IPO in the country following last year’s $3.3 billion Hyundai Motor India listing. Like Hyundai, LG’s IPO wil

October 1, 2025

South Korea, US agree to launch dedicated visa desk in Seoul

SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - South Korea has agreed with the U.S. to set up a dedicated visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to streamline visa processes for South Korean companies investing in the U.S. The decision was made after the two sides met in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for their first meeting since forming a working group to address the issue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said the desk is expected to launch sometime in October, with details to be announced on th

October 1, 2025

[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