Korean regulators face scrutiny as stock market volatility persists

As South Korea's stock market continues to swing sharply between steep losses and strong gains, questions are mounting over the effectiveness of financial authorities' response. The Kospi, which plunged more than 7 percent on Thursday, edged up around 1 percent in early trading Friday. The benchmark index closed at 5,668.05, up 2.05 percent from the previous session, after opening at 5,653.99, up 1.8 percent. Meanwhile, the Kosdaq surged as much as 5 percent intraday, triggering a buy-side sidec

2026-10-16 16:22:36:00

Kurly revisits IPO as profits improve, Naver backing grows

Online Korean grocery platform Kurly is reviving plans for an initial public offering as improving profitability and a partnership with Naver strengthen its valuation prospects, potentially opening an exit route for long-standing investors. According to market sources Wednesday, Kurly has been holding regular discussions with its IPO underwriters — Korea Investment & Securities, NH Investment & Securities and JPMorgan — over a possible listing. "We continue to hold regular meetings with our unde

2026-10-14 15:16:42:00

Foreign selloff sends Kospi down 5.5% as chip giants tumble

Foreign investors' relentless selling sent South Korea's Kospi plunging more than 5 percent Tuesday, briefly pushing the benchmark below 6,000 as sustained capital outflows overshadowed strong semiconductor earnings and raised concerns over the market's outlook. The Kospi closed at 6,035.35, down 5.46 percent, after slipping below 6,000 intraday before recovering some losses in the afternoon. The plunge triggered a sell-side sidecar for the first time in nearly two months, temporarily suspending

2026-10-13 16:21:09:00

Korea confirms FSC relocation to Sejong in 2027

South Korea's top financial policymaking body will relocate from Seoul to Sejong in the second half of 2027, extending the government's decentralization drive to financial regulation despite industry concerns over weaker oversight and a potential talent exodus. The Financial Services Commission was included in the government's second round of central government agency relocations announced Tuesday, after being excluded from an initial list last month. The FSC, which oversees financial policy, ba

2026-10-13 15:25:23:00

Solidigm IPO sparks debate over SK hynix shareholder value

SK hynix's potential US listing of its NAND flash subsidiary Solidigm is dividing investors over whether the move could unlock hidden value for the South Korean chipmaker or dilute the interests of existing shareholders. According to investment banking sources on Sunday, Solidigm has held meetings with several investment banks to discuss underwriters for a potential US listing. Market watchers estimate it could be valued at up to $150 billion and raise as much as $15 billion. Solidigm was establ

2026-10-11 15:24:03:00

Eight stocks remain frozen despite pause in delisting proceedings

South Korea’s financial regulators and the Korea Exchange have tightened delisting rules, but a court raised procedural concerns just three months later. The exchange has paused further delistings, but trading remains suspended for eight companies, leaving shareholders unable to sell their shares. The Korea Exchange said Wednesday it would defer further delisting procedures for companies designated as administrative issues for failing to meet minimum market capitalization requirements. As of Thu

2026-10-09 17:56:44:00

FSC chief says MBK sanctions under review; final decision awaited

Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon said authorities are reviewing potential sanctions against MBK Partners over the Homeplus liquidity crisis and will handle the matter strictly in accordance with the law and principles. Lee made the remarks during a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on Thursday, saying authorities were reviewing the case and would take a strict approach. “We are reviewing the relevant details and opinions,” Lee said in r

2026-10-09 15:06:09:00

Lamborghini unveils 2 hybrid models in Korea in Asia-Pacific debut

Lamborghini unveiled two high-performance plug-in hybrid models in South Korea on Thursday, marking their Asia-Pacific debut. The Italian automaker showcased the Urus SE Performante and Revuelto SV for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region at Lamborghini Day Korea, held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul. The Urus SE Performante combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering 812 horsepower and 1,000 newton-meters of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per

2026-10-09 14:21:45:00

Big AI ambitions, cautious lenders: Naver’s $10b financing test

Naver’s plan to build one of South Korea’s largest AI data centers in Sejong has heavyweight names behind it: Nvidia, global asset manager Brookfield and potentially some of the country’s biggest banks and securities firms. Yet financing a $10 billion AI infrastructure project is proving anything but straightforward. Naver and Brookfield are discussing up to $9 billion in financing for the first phase of an expansion of Naver’s Gak Sejong AI factory, which would increase its capacity to 200 mega

2026-10-08 11:17:54:00

Trump says $8.4 billion oil project included in Korea deal

US President Donald Trump said Friday that an $8.4 billion enhanced oil recovery project is included in a deal with South Korea. “I am thrilled to announce the Republic of Korea Deal keeps getting BETTER! 8.4 Billion Dollars for an enhanced Oil Recovery Project,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account. “Producing more Oil and Gas means American Energy Dominance and Energy Security in the World for the Future!” he added. Enhanced oil recovery, or EOR, refers to techniques used to increa

2026-10-02 22:24:08:00