[THE INVESTOR] The demand projection for corporate bonds to be issued by Halla Group’s Mando Corp. reached 510 billion won ($433.2 million). The amount was five times more than the estimated issuance target, according to financial sources on June 15. The projection was made to review the demand for 100 billion won worth of 3-year corporate bonds.The Korean parts-maker Mando made headlines after it was reported it would partner with Tesla Motors to jointly develop key technologies for the automak

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean stocks fell for five straight sessions on June 15 as sentiment was down on the possibility over Britain leaving the European Union. Investors were also sitting on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Reserve‘s rate decision. The Korean won fell slightly against the U.S. dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 3.2 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 1,968.83. Trade volume was at 371.5 million shares worth 4.49 trillion won ($3.82 billion), with loser

Investors express little interest in public companies under continued government control

Regulators remain opposed to offshore currency exchange for market stability　

[THE INVESTOR] LINE Corp., the messaging app arm of South Korea’s popular web portal Naver, has not been paying dividends to its shareholders and Seoul headquarters, according to documents on June 15. According to documents recently submitted to Tokyo’s main bourse operator, the Japan Exchange Group Inc. and the U.S.-based Securities and Exchange Commission, LINE has never issued dividends since it was launched in 2000. On the issue, the company elaborated about its dividend plans in the submitt

[THE INVESTOR] South Korea failed to put its stock market back on Morgan Stanley Capital International review list of developed market index candidates after failing to accept requirements from the widely followed global index provider, the financial regulator said Wednesday. MSCI cited the absence of an around-the-clock market to exchange Korean won with other currencies and delays in Seoul‘s packages of financial reforms that will take effect after 2017, as some of the main reasons, the Financ

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean government authorities have rejected some of the requirements issued by Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc. for joining its list of developed market index candidates.“Requests, such as operating an around-the-clock market to exchange Korean won is going to be tough,” said FSC Vice Chairman Jeong Eun-bo. “This is owing to Korea’s high reliance on exports, making market stability an important factor.” On June 14, MSCI said the Seoul bourse had failed to make it to

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean shares opened lower June 15 in light of growing “Brexit” rumors and investors adopting an uncertain attitude while waiting for the decision on rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index slid down by 0.87 point, or 0.04 percent, to 1,970.16 in the first 15 minutes of trading. As decision on the U.S rate has been inching toward finalization since June 14, investors are keen on receiving more information on the matter. (Yonhap)Mark

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean stocks fell for four straight sessions on Tuesday as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve‘s meeting amid concerns over Britain’s possible exit from the European Union. The Korean won edged up against the U.S. dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index shed 7.05 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 1,972.01. Trade volume was moderate at 434.38 million shares worth 4.91 trillion won ($4.19 billion), with losers far outnumbering winners 546 to 259.(Yonh

[THE INVESTOR] The government will partially open the nation’s state-controlled energy supply market to the private sector, as part of comprehensive restructuring plans for public firms accused of inefficient management and high debt levels, officials said Tuesday.In a workshop meeting led by President Park Geun-hye, chiefs of state firms also vowed to reduce non-core work and list a total of eight power suppliers to attract fresh funds and improve management transparency.　Chiefs of state firms

[THE INVESTOR] Lotte Group companies’ market capitalization dropped by more than 400 billion won ($340 million) on June 14, the second trading day since the corruption probe began.On June 10, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office began an extensive corruption probe on the conglomerate. The authorities believe that Lotte founder Shin Kyuk-ho and other family members have embezzled billions of won from the group.  The Investor.According to market data, the nine listed Lotte firms’ market

[THE INVESTOR] The Korean government is making a last-ditch effort to get its stock market included in the top grade of global market indices, government officials said on June 14. The key decision by New York-based index provider MSCI on the potential inclusion of Korea on its developed market index is to be announced on June 15 (Korea time). To request the upgrade, a delegation of officials from a financial regulator and economic ministries, recently visited MSCI’s office in Hong Kong, accordi

[THE INVESTOR] Eight of Korea’s state-run energy companies, including subsidiaries of Korea Electric Power Corporation, will push for initial public offerings from the first half of 2017, the government said on June 14. The Korean government announced the plan as part of its broader corporate restructuring efforts on public energy and resource development firms against the backdrop of low international oil prices. Under the scheme, five subsidiaries wholly owned by KEPCO, including Korea South-E

[THE INVESTOR] Korea’s stock market will see mega initial public offerings during the second half this year with subsidiaries of large conglomerates like Samsung and Lotte poised to fuel the IPO market.  Given that companies commonly push for public listing after posting half-year earnings in June, more deals will fill up this year’s upcoming IPO calendar, following the robust first half, thanks to the stock market that is recovering from negative sentiments.As of June 8, a total of 15 companies