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Business K-Food Goes Global: Korean Food Service Brands Ride the Hallyu Wave
Korean food service brands are expanding their global footprint on the back of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), according to the Survey on the Overseas Expansion of Korean Food Service Companies, released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) on February 6. MAFRA reported on January 12 that total K-Food+ exports reached USD 13.6 billion in 2025, a 5.1% year-over-year increase. That broke down to USD 10.4 billion from agri-food products and USD 3.22 billion from agro-industry products (smart farms, agricultural equipment, pet food, veterinary medical products, etc.). Both figu
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-23 15:21
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Business Korea Auto Industry Posts Double-Digit Gains Across All Key Indicators in January 2026
In January 2026, automobile export volume increased 23.4 percent year-on-year, with domestic sales up 14.0 percent, and production up 24.1 percent. There were three fewer working days in January 2025 than in 2026 since the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday fell on January 25–30. Nevertheless, the strong growth in eco-friendly vehicle exports remained clearly evident. Automobile exports totaled USD 6.1 billion, up 21.7 percent year-on-year, the second-highest January export value on record. Eco-friendly vehicle exports accounted for 42 percent of the total, led by hybrid vehicles at USD 1.7 billion (
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-19 17:41
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Business Korea's ICT Exports Soar 78.5% to Record $29.1 Billion
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced on February 13, 2026, that Korea’s information and communication technology (ICT ) exports in January totaled USD 29.1 billion, up 78.5 percent year-on-year. Imports rose 20.0 percent year-on-year to $14.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $15.0 billion. In January 2026, ICT exports posted the highest January total and year-on-year growth on record. The increase reflected expanding global demand for AI infrastructure and the ongoing shift toward higher-specification ICT devices. IC
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-17 11:21
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Business Samsung Electronics Mass-Produces World's Highest-Performance HBM4
Diplomacy Journal shJung | Samsung Electronics announced the world's first mass production shipment of HBM4, a key component in the artificial intelligence industry. Samsung, which has lagged behind in the HBM market, has seized the opportunity to once again dominate the market with this HBM4 shipment. Samsung Electronics Vice President of Memory Development Hwang Sang-joon stated, "Samsung Electronics' HBM4 breaks the mold of previous, proven processes by applying cutting-edge processes like 1c DRAM and Foundry 4nm." "By securing sufficient room for performance expansion through process compe
- shJung 기자
- 2026-02-12 16:46
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Business KGCCI, SAVI, and OAO Partner to Bring AI Technology to Inclusive Marathon
The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) announced on February 9 that it has signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Association of the Visually Impaired (SAVI) and Korea-based OAO, a wellness and fitness service provider, to collaborate on social contribution initiatives that combine sports and technology. The MOU also calls for jointly organizing the next “Harmony Marathon with the Visually Impaired." The signing ceremony was held on February 3 at KGCCI’s office in central Seoul. Key stakeholders in attendance included KGCCI CEO Marie Antonia vo
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-09 12:13
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Business Samsung Electronics to Distribute 1.3 Trillion Won in Q4 Special Dividends
Samsung Electronics will distribute 1.3 trillion won in special dividends based on its fourth-quarter 2025 results. The move further strengthens the company's shareholder return policy in conjunction with the implementation of the separate taxation system for dividend income, and satisfies the government's requirements for listed companies that are designated "high-dividend" providers. Samsung Electronics announced through a disclosure on January 29 that "in accordance with our 2024–2026 shareholder return policy, we have decided on a Q4 special dividend in addition to our regular quarterly di
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-01-29 11:33
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Business BAVIK Hosts 2026 New Year Event, Beginning New Chapter in Korea-Vietnam Economic Cooperation
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee | The Korean-Vietnamese Business Association (BAVIK) held its New Year event on January 25, bringing together major business leaders from both Korea and Vietnam. The event was organized by Jeon Yong-heon, Chairman of the Korea-Vietnam Forum, and was particularly notable for the large attendance of young Vietnamese entrepreneurs, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Vietnamese attendees included Vietnam’s Ambassador to Korea Vu Ho, BAVIK Chairman Dao Tuan Hong, Vice Chairman Nguyen Viet Phong, and Vice President Won Jeong-min. Tran Khanh Van, Vietnam News Agen
- 관리자 기자
- 2026-01-28 12:24
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Business Forum in Seoul Aims to Strengthen Indonesia–Korea Investment Partnership
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall | On the morning of January 19, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy Ali Andika Wardhana gave opening remarks for the “2026 Indonesian Day Business Forum.” The event was held in the Conrad Seoul Hotel in the Yeouido financial district and was sponsored by Korea’s KB Bank; PT Suryacipta Swadaya, a major Indonesian development company; PT Bank KB Indonesia Tbk; and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The forum brought together Indonesian government representatives, businesses, and investors to explore trade, investment opportunities, and cross-b
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-01-21 13:33
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Business Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to Fully Cultivate 500 Export Stars
Diplomacy Journal shJung | The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will begin recruiting companies for the K-Export Star 500 project on the 16th of this month, aiming to foster 500 star companies with exports exceeding $10 million, the backbone of Korea's exports. Recently, South Korea's exports have surpassed $700 billion for the first time, demonstrating quantitative growth. However, 84% of exports are concentrated in the top 1% of companies, highlighting the urgent need to improve the export structure through systematic fostering of small and medium-sized enterprises (S
- shJung 기자
- 2026-01-16 18:28
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Business Hanwha accelerates 'two-track management' with spin-off
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon Young | Hanwha Corporation is implementing a spin-off into two entities: one corporation comprising the existing defense, shipbuilding, energy, and finance operations and a new entity encompassing Hanwha’s tech and lifestyle businesses. The strategy aims to simultaneously enhance corporate value and shareholder value by establishing strategic planning tailored to each business group's characteristics and building a rapid decision-making system. Hanwha Corporation announced on January 14 that its board of directors has approved the spin-off. The process is scheduled
- 이존영 기자
- 2026-01-15 10:34
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Business (Exclusive) Aifeex, a global multi-level Ponzi scam
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju Lured investors with false advertising of a NASDAQ listing... Withdrawals currently suspended - Damages estimated at hundreds of billions of won, with serious impact on ordinary citizens, including the elderly and housewives. Recently, Aifeex LTD, which lured investors with promises of high returns under the guise of an "AI-based automated fund system," has been revealed to be facing a massive redemption suspension, marking the end of a typical Ponzi scam. Aifeex operates in Korea, the United States, China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, raising concer
- Lee Gil-ju 기자
- 2025-12-02 14:54
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Business KB Bank Indonesia hosts 'KB Bank Economic Outlook 2026'
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo KB Bank Indonesia ("KBI"), a subsidiary of KB Kookmin Bank, held "KB Bank Economic Outlook 2026," a forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov. 27 to forecast Indonesia's economic and political landscape ahead of 2026. The forum was held under the theme "Navigating Indonesia's Next Growth Wave: Economic Outlook and Political Landscape 2026." Key speakers included Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC/DEN) and Special Advisor to the President; Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Indonesian sovereign wealth fund
- Lee 기자
- 2025-12-02 11:35
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Business Korea nears 1,000 high-growth “Venture Billion” companies in sales
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) with the Korea Venture Business Association hosted the 2025 Venture Billion Ceremony on 27 November, at EL Tower in Seoul. ”Venture Billion” refers to Korean venture companies that record annual revenues of at least KRW 100 billion (approximately USD 70 million). The ceremony served as a signature event on the second day of Korea’s inaugural Venture Week (November 26 – December 2), bringing national recognition to companies that achieved and maintained annual revenues of KRW 100 billion as of the end of 2024. Since the ve
- Lee 기자
- 2025-12-01 16:52
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Business Hanwha Aerospace signs a 705 billion won contract with DAPA
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Hanwha Aerospace, a subsidiary of Hanwha Group, has signed a 705 billion won contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the mass production of the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system, a central component of South Korea’s layered air and missile defense architecture. Under the pact, Hanwha Aerospace will manufacture and deliver L-SAM launchers and anti-ballistic missiles to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces through 2030. By adding a higher-altitude interception layer, the system enables earlier engagement of incoming ball
- Kayla Lee 기자
- 2025-12-01 15:39
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Business LG Electronics signs a strategic partnership with Expo City Dubai
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo LG Electronics signed a strategic partnership with Expo City Dubai – a city borne out of the Dubai government-backed 2020 World Expo – to collaborate on the development of a next-generation smart city on Nov. 19. The agreement was signed by William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics and Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai. The partnership builds on discussions at the Korea–UAE Business Roundtable, where both governments agreed to deepen cooperation in AI-powered service development and AI infrastructure. It also further deepens LG’s
- Lee 기자
- 2025-12-01 14:52
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1
Korea and Brazil Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership After 67 Years
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2
Korea Observes Board of Peace Event, Reviews Options
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3
Korea Auto Industry Posts Double-Digit Gains Across All Key Indicators in January 2026
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4
Korea Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Brazil's Lula
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5
Korea and India Chart New Course for Economic Partnership
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6
Tokayev’s U.S. Visit Advances Kazakhstan’s Economic Agenda
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2026-02-26 11:23
February 18-19 USFK Drills over Korea's West Sea Lead to Conflicting Accounts
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2026-02-25 12:02
Korea Bets on Human Capital for Its Carbon Neutrality Agenda
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2026-02-25 10:21
Tokayev’s U.S. Visit Advances Kazakhstan’s Economic Agenda
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2026-02-24 11:10
Korea and Brazil Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership After 67 Years
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2026-02-24 10:35
Korea Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Brazil's Lula
Address: Doosan We've Pavilion 1203, Sambong-ro 81, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Date of first registration: Founded in 1996 as UN News, changed its name to The Diplomatic Journal in 2009
Registration No.: Jongno Ra00125/ Registration Date: 2009-04-14/ Registration Number: Seoul 아54606 / Registration Date: Dec. 13, 2022
Publisher: Damwha Media Group Chairman Lee Jon-young
Editor in Chief: Lee Jon-young/ Vice Chairman: Chung Bo-won/ Standing Advisor Lee Keon-chan / Senior Editorial Writer Ko Jae-hwe / Editorial Writer Lee Se-hoon / Cultural Editor Lee Joon-seok/ Political Editor Lim Han-choong/ U.S. Branch Head Kim Joon-bae/ Business Editor Kayla Lee
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UPDATE: 2026년 02월 26일 11시 23분