Photo=Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics is expanding its digital wallet service in Japan, adding new features to better compete in one of Asia’s most mature mobile payment markets. The company announced this week that it has integrated support for JCB credit cards, NTT Docomo’s d Payment and d Point systems, and PGM Points used for golf course reservations. The additions allow

(Photo=ATTRAKT) A high-profile legal showdown is looming in South Korea’s entertainment industry as indie label ATTRAKT prepares to face Warner Music Korea in court over allegations of artist tampering involving rising K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. The Seoul Central District Court has scheduled the first hearing for September 11. ATTRAKT is seeking $14.4 million in damages, claiming that Warner Music

(Photo=BoA Facebook) BoA, often referred to as the “Queen of K-pop” and a longtime artist under South Korea’s SM Entertainment, is celebrating her 25th debut anniversary with the release of her 11th studio album, Crazier, on August 4. The album features 11 tracks, including the title track “Crazier,” self-written songs such as “It Takes Two” and “How Could,” and a

(Photo=Ediya, The Venti) Ediya Coffee and The Venti—two of South Korea’s leading value-oriented coffee chains—are accelerating their global expansion as the domestic market reaches saturation. Amid a growing divide between upscale specialty cafés and large franchises, these homegrown brands are now pushing beyond Asia into North America and the Middle East in search of new growth opportunities. Several media outlets

(Photo=Jorge Chávez International Airport) South Korea’s global home appliance and technology company, LG Electronics, is accelerating its expansion in the Global South with a major HVAC supply deal for Peru’s new Jorge Chávez International Airport—one of Latin America’s largest infrastructure projects. Several media outlets reported on August 4 that LG Electronics’ Peru subsidiary supplied more than 500 advanced HVAC units