Value of 7-member boy band may surpass that of Messi, but military enlistment a risk factor, experts say

Confusion in South Korea‘s real estate market has continued with the transaction volume of Seoul apartments taking a dive while a buying drive by 30-somethings concerned over further price hikes remained strong last month, data showed Monday. According to data released by the state-run Korea Appraisal Board, a total of 6,880 apartment units changed hands in Seoul last month, down 57 percent from 16,002 in July. Apartment transactions reached a fever pitch in 2019 with the sales volume

The market value of South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Group has recovered to the 100 trillion-won ($85.9 billion) level after more than 28 months thanks to brisk sales of hydrogen and electric vehicles, data showed Monday. The total market capitalization of Hyundai Motor Co. and 11 other listed subsidiaries came to 100.2 trillion won as of Thursday, according to the data from the Korea Exchange. South Korea's leading automaker was valued at 39.3 trillion won, with No. 1 auto parts manufac

South Korean shares fell below the 2,400 mark on Monday, as lingering valuation pressure drove down the key index. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar to the highest level in eight months. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 23.01 points, or 0.95 percent, to close at 2,389.39. Trading volume was high at about 1 billion shares worth some 14 trillion won ($12.1 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 694 to 168. Foreigners sold a net 77 billion won, while re

The combined market capitalization of Hyundai Motor Group affiliates surpassed the 100-trillion won ($85.9 billion) mark last week on the back of market expectation on its strength in green vehicle technology, data showed Monday.  As of Thursday, the auto giant‘s 12 listed affiliates had a combined market capitalization of 100.2 trillion won, re-entering the 100-trillion-won club for the first time in 28 months, according to the Korea Exchange. Of the total, the combined market va

South Korean shares opened a tad higher Monday, led by chip and auto gains on the main bourse. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 5.67 points, or 0.24 percent, to 2,418.07 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 0.51 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix advancing 0.84 percent. Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, jumped 3.59 percent, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors leaped 3.97 percent. Internet portal giant Naver ga

Local brokerage believes versatile use of AI in financial services crucial for company’s competitiveness

Kospi logs second-best-performing major index among G20 nations after hitting record low in March

South Korea's stock market advanced a whopping 65 percent over the past six-month period despite the global virus pandemic, on the back of pharmaceutical and technology shares, data showed Sunday. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) on Friday ended at 2,412.40 points, up 65.5 percent from six months ago, according to the main bourse operator Korea Exchange (KRX). The country's stock rally marked the second-highest rise among G-20 countries, following Argentina's 87 percent

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that it is scheduled to accept new applicants for a program that offers office space for foreign financial firms at affordable prices in Yeouido, a financial hub in the city. The municipal government plans to run the Seoul International Financial Office on the 16th floor of the One IFC building. Eligible applicants include foreign or South Korean financial institutions, and finance-related international organizations or nonprofit corporations enter

The stock price of petrochemical-to-battery company LG Chem rebounded Friday after a sharp loss immediately after its announcement during trading hours Thursday that it would split off its battery operation. LG Chem shares climbed 3.3 percent in the Friday trading session. LG Chem is the fifth-largest stock on the main bourse, Kospi, with 47.1 trillion won ($40.6 billion) market cap. The slight recovery came after the Seoul-based company unveiled plans to carve out its battery unit under a ne

South Korean stocks snapped a two-session losing streak on Friday, helped by strong foreign buying that offset individuals' profit-taking rush. The Korean won rose against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 6.23 points, or 0.26 percent, to close at 2,412.40. Trading volume was moderate at about 744 million shares worth some 13.7 trillion won ($11.8 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 433 to 416. After a 1.22 percent drop in the previous session

The Military Mutual Aid Association, which provides pension services for military personnel, has been the most profitable mutual aid association in South Korea for the past three years, business data tracker CEO Score Daily said Friday. Currently, the nation has seven large mutual aid associations, including the Public Officials Benefit Association, the Korea Local Finance Association, the Police Mutual Aid Association and the Korean Teachers’ Credit Union. The MMAA’s return on

South Korean stocks opened higher Friday, led by a rebound in battery and bio heavyweights.  The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 6.03 points, or 0.25 percent, to 2,412.2 in the first 15 minutes of trading.  The KOSPI rebounded after the index lost 1.22 percent in the previous session.  Battery and biopharmaceutical large caps fared strong, while auto-related shares dipped.Leading chemical company LG Chem jumped 2.33 percent, a day after it announced its decisi

The International Olympic Committee has sent a congratulatory letter to life insurance firm Kyobo Life Chairman Shin Chang-jae, who has been appointed as the organizing chief for the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. While congratulating Shin’s appointment, Thomas Bach, the IOC president, expressed expectations for the quadrennial global sports event, which is scheduled to be held in Gangwon Province. “Considering the chairman’s contributions to youth sports and cult