Hanwha Ocean said Friday it withdrew its police complaint against rival HD Hyundai concerning the bidding process for the 8 trillion won ($5.7 billion) next-generation Korean destroyer (KDDX) project. In March this year, the shipbuilder filed a complaint requesting an investigation into HD Hyundai executives’ involvement in leaking Hanwha Ocean’s confidential materials related to the KDDX bid, hosted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, in 2013. Nine HD Hyundai employee

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has reportedly engaged in discussions with Samsung Electronics to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities into Samsung’s electronic devices, according to a report Friday. This move could position OpenAI as a potential challenger to Google, the leading player in the browser and search markets. The discussions were said to mirror a recent agreement between OpenAI and Apple, where OpenAI’s technology powers Apple Intelligence features on new device

The Ministry of National Defense has refuted claims that BTS member V, or Kim Tae-hyung, received preferential treatment while serving in the military that allowed phone use during prohibited hours. The allegations surfaced recently after former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin mentioned in an interview that she had received a text message from V last year while he was in the military. On Thursday, the ministry addressed the complaints filed with the military police regarding suspicions that V used a mobile

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted a seminar Wednesday in Seoul, partnering with local law firm Kim & Chang to explore key trade and tariff policy changes expected under a second Trump administration. The session, which drew attendance from local companies seeking to navigate the evolving US-Korea economic relationship, focused on anticipated shifts in US trade policy and their implications for Korean businesses. "Given President Trump’s campaign promises and his fir

South Korean stocks rose nearly 1 percent to top 2,500 points Friday as foreign investors returned to net buyers for the first time in 11 sessions. The local currency fell to surpass 1,400 won against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 20.61 points, or 0.83 percent, to close at 2,501.24. It is the first time that the main index topped the 2,500-point threshold since it ended at 2,531.66 on Nov. 11. Trade volume was moderate at 534.9 million shares worth 7.8 tri

If his jail term stands, the ex-justice minister will lose his legislative seat

A recent state-conducted health survey revealed a significant drop in smoking and alcohol consumption among South Korean teenagers over the past 20 years, but other negative trends in mental health and dietary habits are emerging. The Ministry of Education and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed Friday that the “current smoking rate,” -- measuring students who smoked at least once in the past month -- dropped from 11.8 percent in 2005 to 3.6 percent this year. Simi

Turning South Korean cities into a barrier free, mobility-friendly tourist destination will be one of the major objectives of Korea Tourism Organization next year. According to the KTO, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the travel organization will be accepting applications from metropolitan cities and local governments that are aimed to improve convenience for tourists, starting from Friday to Jan. 16. KTO is scheduled to name a third barrier-free tourism area, following Gangneung