Kim Jung-kwan

Built World

Backed KHNP's decision publicly

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the state-run operator, ended contract talks on October 29 with the Daewoo E&C-Doosan Enerbility consortium over the Dukovany nuclear plant in the Czech Republic. The sides could not agree on key contract terms, and KHNP says the gap exceeds 1 trillion won, roughly $850 million by Aju Press's conversion.

Updated Nov 1

Money Moves

In office

South Korea exported $115.3 billion of goods in October, 93.7% more than a year earlier. That is the fastest annual growth in any month since January 1974, according to the trade ministry. Semiconductor shipments did most of the work, reaching $56.4 billion, up 259%. Computer exports rose 497% to $5.85 billion as server demand for AI services expanded.

Updated Nov 1

Money Moves

Says commercial viability is Korea's primary criterion; no investment amount decided

South Korea still has not committed a dollar to Alaska LNG. Nearly three weeks after President Trump announced a $54 billion Korean investment, Seoul says it will decide only after the developer makes a final investment decision and the project proves commercially viable.

Updated Oct 20