Financial watchdog calls on securities firms to draw up 'contingency' plans against market volatility

South Korea's financial watchdog called on securities firms Thursday to draw up contingency plans as market volatility is likely to increase amid martial law-related political turmoil. The local financial markets were roiled on Wednesday by President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law late Tuesday, which was lifted hours later after a parliamentary vote to block the decree. Earlier in the day, the opposition-controlled National Assembly introduced a motion to impeach

EconomyDec. 5, 2024

S. Korean economy expands 0.1% in Q3; politics to have limited impact on growth: BOK

The South Korean economy expanded by 0.1 percent in the third quarter of 2024 amid weak domestic demand and slower export growth, central bank data showed Thursday. The country's real gross domestic product -- a key measure of economic growth -- increased 0.1 percent in the July-September period from the previous quarter, matching an earlier estimate, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea. The figure was markedly lower than the market expectation of a 0.5 percent gain. The ec

EconomyDec. 5, 2024

Seoul shares open lower amid political turmoil

Seoul shares opened lower Thursday as investors remain worried over political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived attempt at martial law. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 10.64 points, or 0.43 percent, to 2,453.36 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Late Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law, accusing the main opposition Democratic Party of being "anti-state forces" paralyzing the operation of the nation with impeachment motions and a downsized bud

MarketDec. 5, 2024

Samsung Electronics enhances chip strategy with new CFO

Samsung Electronics carried out a year-end executive reshuffle and organizational restructuring on Wednesday, naming new leaders for key roles including chief financial officer. Samsung appointed Park Soon-cheol, executive vice president of the corporate management team at the tech giant, as its new CFO. The 58-year-old financial expert has extensive experience across various divisions at the tech giant, including Samsung’s now-disbanded control tower, the future strategy office, as well a

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Korea’s sovereign rating unscathed by martial law saga

S&P Global Ratings said Wednesday that South Korea’s sovereign credit rating won’t be hurt by the brief imposition of martial law in the country the previous night. “There is no substantial reason to change Korea’s current rating since the martial law was relieved in a few hours and the country’s economy is fundamentally sound,” Kim Eng Tan, senior director of Asia-Pacific sovereign ratings at S&P, said during a seminar jointly held with NICE Investors

EconomyDec. 4, 2024

Seoul shares dip 1.5% amid martial law-triggered political turmoil

Seoul shares sank by almost 1.5 percent Wednesday amid political chaos as opposition parties moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over the declaration of martial law overnight before he reversed the decision hours later. The Korean won fell sharply against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 36.1 points, or 1.44 percent, to close at 2,464.00. Trade volume was heavy at 661.09 million shares worth 13.07 trillion won ($9.26 billion), with losers outpacing winners

MarketDec. 4, 2024

Martial law crisis stokes fears among food, beauty exporters

The unexpected martial law declaration late Tuesday by President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was lifted just two and a half hours later, left South Korean export-driven businesses fearing its impact on their global expansion. In particular, food and beauty companies, which have found renewed growth in overseas markets amid a stagnating domestic economy, voiced concerns about whether the incident might tarnish Korea’s reputation abroad and harm export performance. "We received multiple calls

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Korea faces new test of credibility in global supply chain

Although South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's surprise declaration of martial law did not make it even through the night, such political unrest in a country home to leading tech giants could result in long-term market fallout, potentially weakening Korea's role in the global supply chain of critical technologies such as chips, experts said Wednesday. In the hours after martial law was declared, the Korean won fell to its lowest level against the US dollar in three years, while Korea-

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Are Naver, Kakao freezes inevitable in emergencies?

Naver and Kakao, the nation’s top two internet companies, suffered malfunctions for hours due to a spike in traffic after President Yoon Suk Yeok issued his short-lived martial law decree. After Yoon made the sudden declaration at 10:23 p.m. on Tuesday, the Naver Cafe platform for community discussions experienced access issues on smartphones, which were resolved after midnight. Even after access normalized, some functions such as posting and editing comments experienced disruptions until

TechnologyDec. 4, 2024

Political crisis jolts Korean market but recovery shows resilience

South Korea’s financial markets avoided a feared meltdown on Wednesday, recovering quickly after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared -- and just six hours later lifted -- martial law in response to political tensions. Swift intervention from the National Assembly and financial authorities helped calm the initial panic, but questions about political stability continue to weigh on investors. The benchmark Kospi index plunged as much as 2.31 percent during morning trading, bottoming out at 2,442

MarketDec. 4, 2024

South Korea braces for prolonged market turmoil, pledges 'unlimited liquidity'

Six hours of unexpected martial law have rattled local markets, with volatility expected to persist despite the lifting of the emergency measure. In response to potential aftershocks, local authorities have pledged comprehensive actions to ensure normal operations and stabilize volatility, including the government's commitment to injecting "unlimited liquidity." "The foreign exchange market and overseas trading of Korean stocks, unsettled by last night’s martial law dec

EconomyDec. 4, 2024

Corporate Korea on edge after overnight martial law turmoil

Korea’s leading conglomerates are keeping close tabs on the aftermath of the country’s first martial law declaration since 1979 as they look to minimize potential damage from the political rift. According to industry officials on Wednesday, executives at Samsung affiliates gathered throughout the night to determine a response after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law at around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. Samsung officials held emergency meetings the following morning. SK has been cl

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Smilegate makes strategic investment in Absurd Ventures

Crossfire and Lost Ark developer Smilegate said Wednesday that it had made a strategic investment in Absurd Ventures, a media and entertainment firm in the US, aiming to expand its presence in the global market. The size of the investment was not revealed immediately. Absurd Ventures was founded last year by Dan Houser, who spent over 20 years at Rockstar Games as the creative director for iconic game series like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. Houser is now focused on creating success

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Stocks tied to political leaders surge following martial law repeal

Shares in companies linked to prominent South Korean political figures surged Wednesday, following the repeal of martial law and a renewed impeachment push against President Yoon Suk Yeol. The sharp rise in stocks seen as politically affiliated appears to be attributed to President Yoon's precarious position following his declaration and subsequent revocation of martial law. As Yoon's grip on power weakens, investors are increasingly betting on stocks linked to prominent presidential

MarketDec. 4, 2024

Kakao shares jump on expectations of regulatory easing

Shares of Kakao Corp., one of South Korea’s top tech companies, jumped on Wednesday as political instability surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol shook the nation. The stock surged 6.87 percent as of 11 a.m., trading at 45,900 won ($32.40), as investors appeared to bet on a potential easing of regulatory pressure on the company. Kakao shares had a rocky start, opening 1.75 percent lower at 42,200 won amid market uncertainty following President Yoon’s surprise declaration of emergency

CompaniesDec. 4, 2024

Korea, Kyrgyzstan collaborate on forestry to combat climate change

The Korea Forest Service announced Wednesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kyrgyz Republic to enhance cooperation on forestry issues amid the growing impacts of climate change. Kyrgyzstan is grappling with deforestation and forest fires exacerbated by dry weather and overgrazing, highlighting an urgent need for international collaboration. Under the agreement, Korea plans to leverage its forestry expertise to boost joint efforts in forest restoration, seed conservation and

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Kia Sorento becomes Korea's best-selling car of the year

The Kia Sorento has become the best-selling car in South Korea this year, marking the first time a recreational vehicle has led domestic car sales. As of November, the Sorento recorded 85,710 units sold, according to data from Korea’s five automakers. Following closely were Kia’s Carnival with 75,513 units and Hyundai’s Santa Fe with 70,912 units, highlighting a significant shift in consumer preferences toward RVs. This marks a milestone for Kia, which has been part of Hyundai

MobilityDec. 4, 2024

Korean stocks open lower after short-lived martial law declaration

South Korea’s financial markets tumbled on Wednesday following a night of political chaos, as President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law only to withdraw the measure just hours later under pressure from lawmakers. The Kospi, South Korea’s main stock index, opened 1.8 percent lower at 2,454.68, a drop of 45.42 points. The tech-heavy Kosdaq also fell 1.8 percent, opening at 678.35. In currency trading, the South Korean won weakened significantly. The exchange rate surged to 1

CompaniesDec. 4, 2024

Seoul workers at global firms heave sigh of relief

Multinational companies doing business in Korea were thrown into confusion overnight as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a drastic decision that was rescinded just six hours later. Most firms swiftly responded by issuing emergency notices, instructing employees to work remotely, while their headquarters closely monitored the situation by directing their Korean teams to report on the potential ramifications. "We stayed up all night monitoring fluctuating exchanges rates," s

IndustryDec. 4, 2024

Seoul shares open lower after short-lived martial law attempt

Seoul shares opened lower Wednesday as political uncertainties arose after President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted a short-lived attempt at martial law. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) fell 25.95 points, or 1.04 percent, to 2,474.15 in the first 15 minutes of trading. On late Tuesday, Yoon declared an "emergency martial law," accusing the main opposition Democratic Party of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities. But Yoon l

MarketDec. 4, 2024