State-run banks deny outside pressure over ‘Assassin(s)’ investment

South Korea’s two state-run banks denied on Saturday that outside pressure influenced their investment in the controversial historical film “Assassin(s),” saying the decisions were made independently. Industrial Bank of Korea said it decided to invest in the film after conducting its own internal review, while Korea Development Bank said it had only contributed capital to a fund and was not involved in the fund manager’s investment decisions. IBK said the investment went through the same review

2026-10-03 17:04:58:00

Shark returns to Busan waterway after second rescue bid fails

A second attempt to steer a 3.5-meter shark out of an artificial waterway in Busan failed within a day after the animal crossed a large net barrier and returned to its usual spot in the channel on Saturday. The shark, nicknamed “Bukang-i,” crossed over a net installed inside a waterway at North Port Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan at around noon, according to officials. The Busan Coast Guard and other authorities had installed a 50-meter-long, 6.8-meter-high net near the park’s fourth pedestri

2026-10-03 15:08:49:00

Faker celebrates back-to-back Asian Games gold

South Korea’s League of Legend players, including esports star Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as “Faker,” attend a gold medalists’ press conference at Korea House in Nagoya, Japan on Saturday, after winning the title at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. South Korea defeated Taiwan 3-0 in Friday’s final at Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, securing its second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in League of Legends, following its victory at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. Faker, 30, said winni

2026-10-03 12:10:22:00

Trump pressures South Korea to commit to Alaska LNG project

US President Donald Trump warned that South Korea could face higher costs unless it quickly commits to investing in a massive liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, escalating pressure on the Asian ally, which says the investmet has not yet been finalized. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump rejected suggestions that he had prematurely announced Seoul’s participation in the Alaska LNG project earlier this week. "I didn't jump ⁠the gun. I mean, they were there ‌and they we

2026-10-03 11:35:28:00

Porsche unveils Cayenne Coupe Electric in Korea

Porsche Korea unveiled the new Cayenne Coupe Electric in South Korea on Friday, blending SUV practicality with sportier coupe styling as the German luxury sports carmaker expands its EV lineup. The vehicle debuted at a preview event ahead of Porsche Vibe Seoul, a two-day brand event opening Saturday at Oil Tank Culture Park, a former oil storage facility in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, that was transformed into a cultural venue. Friday's unveiling follows the Korean debut of the Cayenne Electric SUV

2026-10-02 20:29:53:00

Hyundai rolls out all-new Tucson in New York

Hyundai Motor unveiled the all-new Tucson in New York on Thursday, aiming to bolster its global market position with a bestselling compact SUV that now features bold styling, an upgraded hybrid system and artificial intelligence-powered infotainment. The South Korean carmaker held the world premiere of the fifth-generation Tucson, marking its first full redesign in six years, for global media and influencers. "Millions of families around the world count on the Hyundai Tucson, and this is the bes

2026-10-02 12:57:56:00

Texas power project puts Korean battery makers in spotlight

South Korean battery makers could find fresh opportunities in the US energy storage market as Seoul's decision to invest in a multibillion-dollar gas-fired power complex in Texas underscores growing demand for reliable electricity to power artificial intelligence data centers. On Wednesday (US time), US President Donald Trump announced plans for South Korea to invest $200 billion in US projects under Seoul’s broader $350 billion strategic investment package agreed as part of a trade deal with Wa

2026-10-01 15:24:44:00

Hyundai Mobis to sell lighting business to OPmobility in W600b deal

French auto parts supplier OPmobility has agreed to acquire Hyundai Mobis' automotive lighting business in a deal valued at 600 billion won ($443.8 million), as the South Korean supplier seeks to sharpen its focus on core operations and future growth. Hyundai Mobis, an auto parts maker under Hyundai Motor Group, said Wednesday its board approved a plan to spin off its lighting division into a separate entity and sign a share purchase agreement with OPmobility for its sale. Hyundai Mobis did not

2026-09-30 18:05:40:00

[Photo News] Hyundai Motor chief backs Korean archers

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun (center), who also serves as president of the Korea Archery Association, poses with members of South Korea's national archery team during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. Chung traveled to Japan to encourage the athletes, urging them to trust their preparation and compete with confidence. Hyundai Motor Group and the association have provided tailored support, including exclusive accommodations, a dedicated rest area and Korean meals. (K

2026-09-30 15:21:37:00

GM’s Buick makes Korea debut with Electra E7

General Motors' premium brand Buick made its South Korean debut Wednesday, unveiling the Electra E7 midsize plug-in hybrid SUV as the US automaker seeks to strengthen its presence in the local market. The Buick Electra E7 was introduced at a media showcase at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, marking the 120-year-old American brand’s formal entry into the Korean market. Sales are scheduled to begin in November. Buick will join Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in GM’s South Korean portfolio, expanding

2026-09-30 14:52:42:00