Global Companies in Korea — 2026-10-18
Following October 16, 2026, massive foreign capital outflows from the South Korean stock market have continued, widening market volatility and triggering circuit breakers. Meanwhile, global fashion brand Minutemute is stepping up its consumer market push in South Korea by opening a new store in Hannam-dong, Seoul, while the U.S. Department of Labor's crackdown on H-1B visa fraud is forcing South Korean companies expanding into the U.S. to rethink their visa strategies.
Global Companies in Korea — 2026-10-18
Top developments
Minutemute opens new store in Hannam-dong, Seoul
Global bag brand Minutemute officially opened a new offline store in Hannam-dong, Seoul on October 17, 2026. Alongside the opening, the brand revealed its '2026 Winter Vacation' collection, expanding its offline touchpoints in the South Korean market. This demonstrates how overseas brands continue to expand their physical store footprint targeting premium consumers within South Korea.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) sanctions 8 companies over H-1B and PERM fraud
On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) took unprecedented enforcement action against eight employers regarding H-1B visa and Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) fraud. This action, taken against the backdrop of Executive Order 14431, is prompting South Korean companies planning or operating expansions in the U.S. to comprehensively re-evaluate their visa compliance strategies.
Celltrion JAL emphasizes Japan market expansion strategy
During an interview in Kyoto, Japan on October 15, Kim Ho-woong, head of Celltrion's JAL (Japan, Asia, Latin America) division, outlined a Japan market expansion strategy centered around Omlicro. Emphasizing 11 years of infrastructure as a competitive edge following market preemption in Japan, he signaled the strengthening of South Korean biotech companies' market positions globally, particularly in Japan.
Deals, expansion & investment
No new large-scale M&A or new factory investment announcements were identified within the period of October 16–18, 2026. However, Minutemute's Hannam-dong store opening can be interpreted as an investment in expanding its existing offline network.
Regulation & market context
Foreign capital outflow from South Korean stock market and circuit breaker triggered
Foreign capital exodus from the South Korean stock market has been accelerating recently. Approximately $1310 billion in foreign capital has withdrawn this year, leading to market instability and triggering a circuit breaker. As share buybacks by two semiconductor conglomerates approach completion, retail investors' loan balances are also showing a downward trend.
EU agrees on automotive industry competitiveness enhancement strategy
Germany and France have reached a surprise agreement on a new strategy to boost the competitiveness of Europe's automotive industry. The UK is also included in the 'Made in Europe' scope, marking a move to step up containment against China. This could indirectly impact the supply chain strategies of global auto parts and finished product companies targeting the South Korean and Asian markets.
On the radar
- Palantir Pop-up Store: Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is scheduled to host its second pop-up store in Seoul on October 22–23, though as of the writing of this article (October 18), the event has neither been held nor concluded yet. (Based on October 12 announcement materials)
- 2026 Seoul Foreigner Job Fair: Scheduled to be held at SETEC in Seoul on November 18, matching is expected between South Korean companies seeking global talent and foreign applicants. (Notice from October 13)
By the numbers
- Foreign capital outflow: Approximately $1310 billion in foreign capital has withdrawn from the South Korean stock market as of 2026.
- Retail investor loan balances: Decreased from a peak of 38.6 trillion won in June to approximately 33 trillion won.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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