JUNEASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9SOUTH KOREA SLAPS COUPANG WITH RECORD FINE OVER MASSIVE DATA LEAKSouth Korea has imposed a record fine of 625 billion won, ($409 million) on e-commerce giant Coupang over what authorities describe as the country's largest-ever data breach. The penalty, announced by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), is the biggest fine ever issued for a privacy violation in the country.The decision follows an extensive investigation into a breach that reportedly exposed the personal information of more than 33 million customers, nearly two-thirds of South Korea's population. According to regulators, Coupang failed to identify the breach quickly and did not report it within the legally required time frame. Japan has begun preparations to establish a new organization aimed at strengthening the country's defense industry through measures including the promotion of defense equipment exports, support for start-ups, and improvements to industrial infrastructure, according to government sources.The proposed body is expected to take the form of an independent administrative agency that would foster cooperation between government ministries and private companies. Officials believe the initiative will help modernize Japan's defense industry amid growing global security uncertainties. Taiwan-based BizLink Holding has agreed to acquire Singapore's Interplex Datacom for US$850 million in cash, a move aimed at expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) data center market. The deal reflects increasing competition among technology firms to strengthen their capabilities as demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise.The acquisition, announced on Wednesday, could rise to nearly US$900 million, as the agreement includes an additional payment of up to US$50 million based on future performance targets. Interplex Datacom is currently owned by Ennovi, a Singapore-headquartered engineering company backed by investment funds managed by Blackstone. JAPAN PLANS NEW DEFENSE AGENCY TO EXPAND MILITARY EXPORTSBIZLINK ACQUIRES INTERPLEX DATACOM IN $850M AI PUSH DEALBYD TO LAUNCH HYBRID CARS IN SOUTH KOREA IN 2026 MARKET EXPANSIONChinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD is set to introduce hybrid cars in South Korea in 2026, signaling a major step in its effort to expand its footprint in one of Asia's most competitive automotive markets.The move reflects BYD's broader strategy of offering more vehicle choices to consumers as demand for electric mobility continues to evolve. While the company has built its reputation on fully electric vehicles, it is now increasingly investing in hybrid vehicle technology to appeal to buyers who want better fuel efficiency without fully relying on charging infrastructure.South Korea, home to automotive giants Hyundai and Kia, has long been a difficult market for foreign carmakers to penetrate. However, BYD appears confident that growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles and eco-friendly cars could create new opportunities for the company.
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