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    Busan Mobility Show seeks breakthrough as popularity fades

    The 2026 Busan International Mobility Show opens Friday amid a deepening identity crisis, as experts and industry officials warn that the biennial auto exhibition risks becoming an expensive, fragmented marketing showcase for only a handful of carmakers. While eight global brands including Hyundai Motor, Kia, BMW Korea and BYD Korea will occupy the exhibition floors, the glaring absence of major players such as Mercedes-Benz Korea, Renault Korea and KG Mobility, highlights the event's declining appeal. The limited lineup for the show reflects a broader challenge facing auto shows worldwide, as manufacturers increasingly favor digital product launches and dedicated brand events over large-scale exhibitions. Industry experts have repeatedly warned that without a radical pivot toward a specialized, tech-driven identity such as a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) or software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the Busan event faces the same obsolescence that has recently claimed legacy exhibitions abroad. Despite such recommendations, this year's Busan International Mobility Show is expected to lar

    4 MIN READBy Lee Min-hyung
    Busan Mobility Show seeks breakthrough as popularity fades
  • Companies

    NC AI debuts next-gen 3D model with top benchmark scores

    2 MIN READBy Jhoo Dong-chan
    NC AI debuts next-gen 3D model with top benchmark scores
  • Companies

    Everland releases first photos of 3-week-old giant panda cub

    2 MIN READBy Jhoo Dong-chan
    Everland releases first photos of 3-week-old giant panda cub
  • Companies

    Stray Kids' Felix named global ambassador for Korean fried chicken campaign

    1 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    Stray Kids' Felix named global ambassador for Korean fried chicken campaign
  • Banking & Finance

    Rising leveraged investments pose threats to financial stability: BOK

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Rising leveraged investments pose threats to financial stability: BOK
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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

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Companies

Renault Korea unveils Filante luxury SUV for 1st time globally

Renault Korea on Tuesday unveiled the Filante, its luxury SUV, for the first time globally, pinning high hopes on the coupe-style model to elevate the carmaker’s premium image. The new flagship crossover SUV was developed under Renault’s Aurora 2 project. The French carmaker’s first Aurora project produced the megahit Grand Koleos hybrid SUV. Launched in 2024, the model has recorded more than 60,000 cumulative sales here and abroad. The Filante luxury SUV will be produced at Renault Korea’s plant in the southern port city of Busan. The unprecedented success of the Grand Koleos has elevated Korea’s strategic importance for Renault, positioning the country not only as a key sales market but also as a production hub for its flagship models. “Renault Filante is the innovative and bold crossover SUV featuring the carmaker’s technological strength and human-first philosophy,” Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paris said during a media event. “The vehicle will satisfy a high standard for Korean customers, while at the same time helping level up the Renault brand’s premium value in t

Jan 13, 2026By Lee Min-hyung
Renault Korea unveils Filante luxury SUV for 1st time globally
Companies

Nvidia officials expressed intent to offer Korea priority supply of next-gen GPUs: vice minister

U.S. tech giant Nvidia officials have expressed their intent to offer Korea priority in supplying its next-generation Vera Rubin graphics processing units (GPUs), a senior Seoul official said Tuesday. Second Vice Science Minister Ryu Je-myung made such a remark in a social media post recalling his recent visit to Nvidia's headquarters in the U.S. after attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas. "Nvidia officials pledged early supply of its Blackwell GB300 GPUs, as well as priority supply to Korea of the Vera Rubin series, which is scheduled to enter mass production in 2027," Ryu said. The vice minister said he was personally guided by Madison Huang, the daughter of Nvidia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang. "As the opportunity to use the latest GPUs ahead of others plays a very important role in competition over AI models, such a promise is meaningful," he added. In October, Nvidia announced a plan to supply up to 260,000 GPUs to Korea in partnership with the government and major companies to build large-scale AI factories in the country. Ryu also shared his e

Jan 13, 2026By Yonhap
Nvidia officials expressed intent to offer Korea priority supply of next-gen GPUs: vice minister
Banking & Finance

Gov’t move to limit crypto exchange ownership draws industry backlash

The country’s cryptocurrency industry is pushing back against the government’s plan to cap ownership stakes of major shareholders in domestic crypto exchanges, market watchers said Tuesday. This sets the stage for a political clash as main opposition party lawmakers prepare to hear the concerns of the crypto exchanges and discuss the issue amid legislation of the digital asset bill. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) seeks to cap the ownership stake limit to 20 percent, a threshold applied to alternative trading systems (ATS) under the laws governing capital markets. It reflects concerns that a small number of founders and major shareholders could exert excessive control over exchange operations, while large fee revenues are oriented toward a few individuals. However, the industry argues that this forced ownership restructuring would undermine management accountability at the expense of Korea’s competitiveness in the global digital asset market. Whether the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) will side with the exchanges during Wednesday’s policy conference will determi

Jan 13, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Gov’t move to limit crypto exchange ownership draws industry backlash
Banking & Finance

Gov't faces backlash over STO exchange licensing amid startup exclusion concerns

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is facing growing backlash over its preliminary approval process for operators of over-the-counter trading platforms for security tokens, as Lucentblock, a startup that operates a real estate fractional investment platform, has strongly objected after being placed at risk of exclusion, industry officials said Tuesday. The startup said it has been “driven to the edge of shutdown by entrenched interests,” while critics warn that sidelining startups that have built expertise over the years under government-backed nurturing policies would directly contradict the Lee Jae Myung administration’s commitment to promoting innovative sectors. With bipartisan-backed legislation on security token offerings (STOs) advancing in the National Assembly, the market is poised for a formal launch this year. STOs integrate fractional investments — shared ownership and profit rights in real-world assets such as real estate and art — into the formal financial system through blockchain infrastructure. According to industry insiders, the FSC shortlisted two conso

Jan 13, 2026By Jun Ji-hye
Gov't faces backlash over STO exchange licensing amid startup exclusion concerns
Tech & Science

Nexon’s ARC Raiders sales top 12.4 mil. 10 weeks after launch

ARC Raiders, a multiplayer extraction adventure developed by a Nexon studio, has sold more than 12.4 million copies just 10 weeks after the game’s official launch last October. According to Nexon, ARC Raiders’ accumulated sales reached 12.4 million units across PC and console platforms as of early this month. Peak concurrent players also hit 960,000 this month, putting the game on an unprecedented early success track for a title released by a Korean company. Developed by Stockholm-based Embark Studios, ARC Raiders won Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards last month, one of the world’s most prestigious gaming awards. It was the first time a Korean company’s game won the award since 2017, when Krafton’s PUBG: Battlegrounds won the same honor. It was also named Most Innovative Gameplay at the 2025 Steam Awards hosted by Steam, the world’s largest gaming platform. Nexon first invested in Embark Studios in 2018 and fully acquired the company in 2019. “We are incredibly pleased with the strong retention and enduring enthusiasm players in all major markets worldwide have shown

Jan 13, 2026By Nam Hyun-woo
Nexon’s ARC Raiders sales top 12.4 mil. 10 weeks after launch
Companies

Naver Plus Store gains momentum after Coupang data breach

Naver Plus Store is emerging as a key beneficiary of Coupang’s massive data breach, with rising consumer unease fueling a sharp increase in traffic and transactions on the e-commerce platform. The momentum, amplified by year-end shopping demand, has lifted expectations for solid fourth-quarter earnings at Naver. Naver’s fourth-quarter revenue for 2025 is projected to rise about 13 percent from a year earlier, while its commerce division is expected to grow even faster, posting a 37 percent year-on-year jump driven by higher transaction volumes and increased commission rates. As Coupang grapples with public backlash over its handling of a massive data breach, Naver has positioned itself as a credible alternative, attracting shoppers with faster delivery options and an expanded range of services. According to industry tracker IGAWorks, Naver Plus Store’s monthly active users climbed more than 11 percent in December compared to the previous month, surpassing 6.3 million. Shopping traffic on the platform jumped over 20 percent in a single week in early December, while transaction count

Jan 13, 2026By Lee Gyu-lee
Naver Plus Store gains momentum after Coupang data breach
Companies

Korean Air unveils renovated lounge at Incheon Int'l Airport with special ramyeon zone

Korean Air on Tuesday unveiled its newly renovated lounge at Incheon International Airport, Korea's main gateway, featuring a special zone for ramyeon and other convenience facilities for its air travelers. The Prestige East Lounge at Terminal 2 of the airport in Incheon spans 1,553 square meters and is designed to resemble a luxury hotel lounge. The facility officially opens Wednesday. It features upgraded buffet and live cooking stations, dining areas, shower facilities and dedicated work spaces for business travelers, the airline said. The lounge's new zone for ramyeon, or Korean instant noodles, allows passengers to customize and prepare domestic noodle brands via automated machines. The Korean flag carrier also strengthened related digital services, introducing advance lounge reservations via its website and mobile app. Real-time crowd level information and mobile queuing services are also provided.

Jan 13, 2026By Yonhap
Korean Air unveils renovated lounge at Incheon Int'l Airport with special ramyeon zone
Banking & Finance

Borrowers frustrated over expanded debt relief for low-income earners

When Seoul office worker Lee Jun-ho, 40, learned that some low-income borrowers could have debts of nearly 50 million won written off after repaying only a fraction — as little as 2.5 million won — his reaction was not relief but frustration, a sentiment shared by many working professionals. “It felt like punishment for trying to hang on, meeting monthly interest payment and saving money to repay the principal,” he said. He took out the loans and has since made his payments diligently. “I work full time, wear a suit every day, and still owe what I owe. But because I’m not classified as ‘vulnerable,’ I get zero relief? I’ve never defaulted. I'm just working hard to survive. Now I see headlines like that and it makes me question whether it is worth it at all.” Lee has a mortgage and credit card loans, not to mention his wife and two children to support. “My salary looks fine on paper, but after monthly interest, living expenses and everything, there’s nothing left,” he said. “People like me are invisible in this system. We’re too ‘normal’ to qualify, I gues

Jan 13, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Borrowers frustrated over expanded debt relief for low-income earners
Companies

ExclusiveVolkswagen denies role in Canadian submarine bid

Volkswagen has made it clear that it has no involvement in the ongoing competition between shipbuilders from Korea and Germany to secure an order for 12 patrol submarines for the Canadian military, valued at 60 billion Canadian dollars ($43 billion). The carmaker specifically denied any cooperation with TKMS or any intent to help the German shipbuilder win the bid. “We want to clarify our position and prevent our investment in Canada’s battery plant from being misinterpreted as an attempt to help TKMS win the submarine contract,” Volkswagen’s German headquarters told The Korea Times Monday in an email sent via its local PR agency. “Volkswagen Group’s investment in the Ontario battery plant is an independent decision made as part of the group’s electrification strategy.” The statement came after it was revealed that Ottawa referenced Volkswagen’s planned investment when trying to persuade Seoul to have Hyundai Motor invest in Canada’s automotive industry in exchange for the massive submarine contract. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik confirmed earlier this mont

Jan 13, 2026By Park Jae-hyuk
Volkswagen denies role in Canadian submarine bid
Companies

US lawmaker warns of 'consequences' for hostile actions against US firms after talks with Seoul official

WASHINGTON — A U.S. lawmaker said Monday that there are "consequences" for state-sponsored "hostile actions" toward American companies after he met with Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo amid intense scrutiny of e-commerce giant Coupang Inc. in Seoul over a massive data leak. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) made the remarks in a social media post following the meeting with Yeo, who was in Washington as part of efforts to address U.S. concerns over Korea's regulatory efforts about online platforms, as well as the data leak incident surrounding Coupang, a U.S.-listed firm. "My bottom line: There are consequences for state-sponsored hostile actions towards American companies and American citizens," Issa wrote on X, apparently suggesting that U.S. tech firms are unfairly treated in Korea. Issa also said that during a "good" discussion with Yeo, he made clear that the "unjustified targeting of American technology companies and unfair treatment of Coupang by the Lee administration are not acceptable, especially from a friend of 70 years." "Korea is a vital ally, but I will work with my colleagues

Jan 13, 2026By Yonhap
US lawmaker warns of 'consequences' for hostile actions against US firms after talks with Seoul official
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