BOK chief says time to consider rate cut as inflation cools

Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong said Tuesday the time has come to "sufficiently consider" a rate cut as the nation's consumer inflation cooled. "In terms of stability of consumer prices, it is time to sufficiently consider lowering a benchmark interest rate," Rhee told reporters at a forum in Seoul. Rhee said the central bank would review an "appropriate timing" for a rate cut, in his strongest signal yet about a policy pivot. In a meeting of the parliamen

EconomySept. 3, 2024

Posco invests $40m to enhance graphite supply chain

Posco International, the trading and energy arm of Posco Group, announced Tuesday that it has signed a $40 million contract with Australian mining company Black Rock Mining to secure natural graphite, a key material for secondary batteries. The signing event was held on the sidelines of the joint annual meeting between the Australia-Korea Business Council and the Korea-Australia Business Council in Perth, Australia, Tuesday. The event was attended by Korea’s Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, A

CompaniesSept. 3, 2024

AmCham partners with Tools for Humanity for privacy protection

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea joined hands with Tools for Humanity, the developer of Worldcoin, to stress the importance of personal data protection in the era of artificial intelligence. On Tuesday, the two entities signed a memorandum of understanding at a ceremony held in Seoul, agreeing to launch the “#IAmHuman” campaign here, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal identity within an AI-driven economy. “The partnership is focused on promoting the p

EconomySept. 3, 2024

Agriculture expo offers glimpse into the future of rural areas

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will open “Korea Agri Expo 2024,” the largest agricultural exposition in the country, at aT Centre in Seoul on Thursday for a four-day run. Marking its sixth year, this annual event has been a platform for showcasing the diverse value and growth potential of agriculture and rural regions since its inception in 2019, ministry officials said Tuesday. Last year's exposition drew significant interest, attracting approximately 94,00

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

Daewoo E&C, CSCEC team up for global infrastructure projects

Daewoo Engineering & Construction said Tuesday it has signed a strategic partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation, the world’s largest construction company by revenue, to team up on international projects. The signing event was held Monday at the CSCEC’s headquarters in Beijing, where Daewoo E&C Chairman Jung Won-ju and CSCEC International Operations Chairman Gao Bo were present. Founded in 1957, CSCEC has held the top position in US weekly ENR's

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

Seoul shares close lower ahead of US jobs data

South Korean shares fell as investors took to the sidelines ahead of key US data. The local currency lost ground against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 16.37 points, or 0.61 percent, to close at 2,664.63. Trade volume was moderate at 291 million shares worth 8.8 trillion won ($6.56 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 458 to 416. Foreign investors turned net sellers, offloading a net 287.5 billion won worth of shares, one day after they ended a six-day

MarketSept. 3, 2024

Inflation falls to 2% target

South Korea may be nearing the end of its fight against inflation, as the rate of rising prices eased to the 2 percent target last month, backed by a retreat in the prices of international crude oil and farm produce, data showed Tuesday. The Consumer Price Index, a key gauge of inflation, advanced 2 percent on-year last month, according to Statistics Korea. It was the lowest advance since 1.9 percent in March 2021. CPI inflation, which remained at 1.9 percent in March 2021, reached its peak at 6

EconomySept. 3, 2024

Ripple CEO slams SEC chair to win back Korean investors

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of San Francisco-based Ripple Labs, on Tuesday sharply criticized US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler over the recently concluded legal tug-of-war with the regulator. Reflecting on Ripple’s recent legal win against the SEC, Garlinghouse doubted Gensler’s tenure would continue regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election, saying, "I'll make a gentleman's bet that won't happen," during a press conference

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

BMW’s Korean expansion driven by local sourcing, innovation

BMW Group emphasized Tuesday it has been actively involved in South Korea for the past three decades, focusing on sourcing parts from local companies, investing in infrastructure and contributing to corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company’s activities in the region reflect its commitment to maintaining and expanding its presence in the Korean market, the group said. In 2023, BMW Group purchased parts worth 6.53 trillion won ($4.86 billion) from Korean companies. This fig

MobilitySept. 3, 2024

Samsung rolls out artwork subscription service for premium TVs

Samsung Electronics introduced Tuesday an annual artwork subscription service for The Frame, the company’s premium TV, offering access to more than 2,500 pieces of art in a vivid 4K QLED display all year round. Samsung Art Store is the company’s digital curator service, delivering 4K-quality artworks from the most distinguished artists, museums and industry tastemakers. The subscription service is available on The Frame, the lifestyle TV that doubles as a digital canvas. It displays

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

Coupang pledges over 10,000 hires to boost local economy

South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang announced Tuesday that it will recruit more than 10,000 new personnel as part of its initiative to expand logistics facilities across the nation. This decision follows the company's March announcement of its plan to invest over 3 trillion won ($2.23 billion) in expanding its logistics operations, primarily focused on fulfillment centers, to enhance its one-day delivery service nationwide. The new fulfillment centers in Daejeon and Gwangju, expected to b

CompaniesSept. 3, 2024

Innocean to sponsor Pharrell William’s auction event

Innocean, a South Korean marketing communications agency under Hyundai Motor Group, announced Tuesday that it will serve as the main sponsor for the South Korean debut of Joopiter, the digital auction platform founded by global music and fashion icon Pharrell Williams. An exhibition of its latest online auction “Nothing But a ‘G’-Thang: The Art & Archive of G-Dragon” will offer an exclusive look into the personal archives of the K-pop icon G-Dragon’s career, fea

CompaniesSept. 3, 2024

Hyundai Motor to sponsor Korea-US-Japan leadership forum

Hyundai Motor Group announced Tuesday that it will sponsor the second Trilateral Executive Dialogue, or TED, a leadership seminar between South Korea, the United States and Japan, set to take place at Grand Hyatt Seoul on Wednesday. TED, which held its first gathering in San Francisco last year, aims to explore opportunities for democracy and shared prosperity through in-depth discussions on expanding the trilateral ties’ comprehensive mutual benefits such as economic development and natio

MobilitySept. 3, 2024

[Photo News] Kia showcases defense vehicles in Poland

Kia is bringing its latest military innovations to the European stage at the MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition 2024, being held from Tuesday to Friday in Kielce, Poland. The centerpiece is the European debut of the Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle (on the right). The KMTV excels in rugged terrain, with features like a 60 percent slope climb and 1-meter water fording. Kia is also displaying its Kia Light Tactical Vehicle bare chassis (on the left), featuring mine-resistant floors, which

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

[Photo News] US navy ship arrives for overhaul in Geoje

The USNS Wally Schirra, a critical US Navy logistics ship, is docked at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje facility on Monday for a three-month maintenance overhaul. The 210-meter vessel, which delivers supplies like ammunition and fuel to warships, will receive comprehensive maintenance, including engine repairs and hull inspections. This project marks Korea's first US warship maintenance deal. (Hanwha Ocean)

IndustrySept. 3, 2024

CJ to host K-culture gathering

South Korean food and entertainment giant CJ Group said Tuesday that it will host a celebratory event on Wednesday to mark the return of Frieze Seoul, the Korean franchise of the international art fair. This year, Frize Seoul is being held Wednesday to Saturday at Coex in southern Seoul. On the first day, CJ will invite some 400 global cultural figures from home and abroad to a special gathering. Participants include foreign and domestic art professionals such as curators from art galleries and

CompaniesSept. 3, 2024

Seoul shares open higher on large cap gains

South Korean shares opened higher Tuesday, helped by large cap gains amid growing hopes for a US rate cut. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 12.33 points, or 0.46 percent, to 2,693.33 in the first 15 minutes of trading. The index has closed higher for two consecutive sessions, with a growing number of investors expecting the United States to start cutting interest rates as early as this month. The US Federal Reserve is set to hold its rate-setting meeting on Tuesday and Wedne

MarketSept. 3, 2024

Hansung Motors appoints new CEO

Hansung Motors, one of the top official Mercedes-Benz dealers in South Korea, has appointed Marco Kim as its new CEO, the company announced Monday. Marco Kim brings extensive global expertise in the luxury automotive sector, having held key leadership and consulting roles with several prestigious car brands. Born in South Korea and raised in Australia, Kim holds a medical degree and an MBA from the University of Queensland. He later became a chartered accountant and joined Deloitte Motor Industr

MobilitySept. 2, 2024

Hanwha Industrial Solutions launches as new subsidiary under Hanwha Group

Hanwha Industrial Solutions officially launched Monday with a founding meeting at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul. The new company, established as a subsidiary of Hanwha Vision and Hanwha Precision Machinery, represents Hanwha Aerospace’s move to consolidate and lead Hanwha Group’s industrial solutions business. During the inaugural meeting, key agenda items included the formal establishment of the company, the appointment of leadership and the enactment of company bylaws. Ahn Soon-Hong,

CompaniesSept. 2, 2024

Blockchain platform Kaia aims to become ‘Asia's gateway to Web3’

Blockchain network Kaia, formed through the merger of platforms launched by Korean tech giants Line and Kakao, announced Monday it hopes to serve as a gateway between Web2 and Web3 in Asia and beyond. The merger between Kakao's blockchain platform Klaytn Foundation, and Finschia Foundation under Naver's affiliate Line Tech Plus was completed under the name “Kaia” on Thursday. The two platforms' respective tokens will be integrated under the name "Kaia," which

IndustrySept. 2, 2024