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Latest business news, delivered in a 2-minute read
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Quick Read In series
Latest business news, delivered in a 2-minute read
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Samyang’s fiery comeback explained in 2 minutes
TSamyang Foods, South Korea’s pioneer in instant ramyeon, found itself tasting defeat in the 1980s, when Nongshim stirred up the market and expanded into the nation’s dominant noodle maker. Yet, with o
Ascent of new K-beauty big 3 in 2 minutes
The long reign of K-beauty’s old guard — Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care and Aekyung Industrial — no longer holds in today’s context. In their place, a new trio has emerged: APR, d’Alba Global and Goodai Global. All are steered by male CEOs born in the 1980s, each pursuing distinct strategies but all pushing toward the same global spotlight.
Sept. 4, 2025 - 13:55:58
Korea’s sizzling burger market in 2 minutes
Korea’s appetite for burgers — which in local parlance is not limited just to beef — as a staple meal has never been stronger, with the market’s value climbing from 2.1 trillion won ($1.51 billion) in 2014 to a projected 5 trillion won this year, according to market research firm Euromonitor. While both international and domestic chains race to capture a bigger share of the market, a clear pattern is taking shape: international brands localize, while domestic players go global.
Aug. 25, 2025 - 10:50:58
Probe into ‘Hitman’ Bang Si-hyuk, explained in 2 minutes
Though Bang Si-hyuk, the K-pop mogul behind BTS, has enjoyed enormous success with Hybe’s global rise and a personal fortune nearing 3.5 trillion won ($2.5 billion), his career now faces one of its toughest tests. Korea’s regulators have launched a rare multiagency probe into alleged stock manipulation tied to the 2019 initial public offering of Hybe (then Big Hit Entertainment). The legal storm threatens both his reputation and the company’s credibility.
Aug. 18, 2025 - 15:50:17
Hyundai's US tariff headache, explained in 2 minutes
The new 15 percent tariff deal between South Korea and the US is forcing Hyundai Motor Group to fundamentally rethink its strategy in its second-largest market. With the loss of its zero-tariff edge under the South Korea-US free trade agreement, the Korean auto giant is now grappling with tough choices — from adjusting vehicle prices to relocating production of key models from Korea to the US.
Aug. 6, 2025 - 16:03:33
Korea’s anti-obesity drug race in 2 minutes
A lot of people are trying to lose weight for a healthier life, a better appearance or self-satisfaction — but losing weight is not all that easy. For those struggling to cut fat, anti-obesity medications are practically magical. With the global weight-loss drug market expected to reach $150 billion in 2035, Korean pharmaceutical companies are rushing to come up with their own anti-obesity medications. Here’s how far they have come so far.
Aug. 4, 2025 - 14:54:05
More than seaweed: Unwrapping gim in 2 minutes
Once a savory companion to rice on Korean tables, Korean dried seaweed, or gim, has risen to global fame. Yet do you really know about it -- and if so, how much? Discover more below: The expanding role of gim in Korea’s economy, and, in parallel, the nation’s growing role in harnessing it for a more sustainable food future and climate action. Companies leading innovation in land-based farming: Companies leading innovation in land-based farming:
July 23, 2025 - 17:06:11
Stimulus coupons: An FAQ in 2 minutes
1st round: 2nd round: Korean nationals: Foreign nationals: Small retailers with annual sales under 3 billion won are eligible. These include: Not eligible: Large retailers, online malls, corporate-operated franchise stores, luxury goods shops, duty-free shops, and non-purchase expenses such as taxes and utilities 1st round of applications: July 21 to Sept. 12 2nd round of applications: Sept. 22 to Oct. 31
July 14, 2025 - 10:52:58
Where did Korea’s city cars go? Find out in 2 minutes
Once a major force in Korea’s auto market, city cars — with engines under 1,000 cubic centimeters and priced around 10 million won ($7,330) — are rapidly disappearing from Korean roads. The segment, which saw annual sales of over 200,000 units and left iconic models like the Tico and Matiz, has continued to decline, dropping another 32 percent to just 36,989 units in the first half of 2025. City cars remain popular in Korea’s used car market, especially among novice drivers for their ease of dri
July 8, 2025 - 10:53:53
K-defense surge: 5 stocks to know in 2 minutes
Korean defense companies have enjoyed a surge over the past year, scoring a series of mega-deals with foreign countries to export their defense systems. Below, we've covered the basics of the five major players — Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries and Poongsan — by order of market capitalization as of June 20, 2025.
June 20, 2025 - 16:37:25
K-beauty’s US crown under tariff strain in 2 minutes
Korean beauty, born from local culture, is now soaring on a global scale. Its triumph is most vividly illustrated in the US, where it became the top cosmetics exporter in 2024, surpassing former leader France for the first time. Despite this meteoric rise, however, a question remains: How far can K-beauty go at this pivotal juncture, now clouded by looming tariffs? • Global K-content wave meets lab-developed innovation, popularized through e-commerce • Localized, high-quality products with clean
June 9, 2025 - 08:22:37
Fall & fight of star chef Paik Jong-won in 2 minutes
Albeit not Michelin-starred, Korean restaurateur and celebrity chef Paik Jong-won is arguably the country’s most famous culinary figure. Known for his easy-to-follow cooking, built on humor and pragmatism, he has become something of a national uncle, always ready with foolproof recipes. But this year marks a turning point in his uphill career, as he faces a string of setbacks and mounting scrutiny, gradually stepping out of the frame after more than a decade in the media spotlight.
May 19, 2025 - 11:13:40
Rise of Korea’s dollar store Daiso explained in 2 minutes
As a place where affordability meets variety, Korean dollar store chain Daiso has ridden a steep growth trajectory over its three decades of history. The store’s value proposition shines even brighter amid soaring inflation, with virtually every category in stock at affordable prices between 1,000 won ($0.70) and 5,000 won -- from everyday essentials to small luxuries that provide a sense of indulgence. Last year, Daiso’s annual revenue nearly reached 4 trillion won, coming in at 3.96 trillion w
May 4, 2025 - 10:00:00
Homeplus’ financial crunch explained in 2 minutes
The Seoul Bankruptcy Court approved South Korea's No. 2 supermarket chain Homeplus' corporate rehabilitation request just 11 hours after filing on March 4. The company called it a preemptive move to manage short-term debt after a credit downgrade. On Feb. 28, Korea Investors Service downgraded Homeplus’s credit rating from A3 to A3- due to weak profitability and high debt. After court-approved rehabilitation, it dropped to D on March 4. However, concerns over Homeplus' financial health have deep
March 14, 2025 - 14:09:18
Choco Pie’s global success explained in 2 minutes
Choco Pie, a round cake-like snack with a marshmallow filling and chocolate coating, is the brainchild of South Korean confectionery maker Orion. Branded with the Chinese character for "jeong" — a deep sense of affection and hospitality — the proiduct carries a distinct Korean essence that embodies the core value of sharing love. Now, far beyond its homeland, the treat has won over more non-Koreans, selling more overseas than in the birthplace of jeong. History of marshmallow cookie 1956: Lee Ya
March 10, 2025 - 11:09:44
A decade in limbo: Hyundai Motor's skyscraping dreams in 2 minutes
At Hyundai Motor Group, plans have been in the works for over a decade to build the Global Business Complex -- a set of skyscrapers that would serve as the global auto conglomerate’s new headquarters -- in southern Seoul’s wealthy Gangnam district. But that dream has not yet been realized as the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Hyundai Motor have been unable to reach an agreement on the GBC construction plan, repeatedly going back and forth with new proposals and demands. Here’s how the tug-of-
March 5, 2025 - 13:18:22
