Korean Companies in Southeast Asia — 2026-09-14
Hyundai Motor Group has invested in US-based nuclear fusion firm Commonwealth Fusion Systems, signaling a strategic pivot toward future energy technologies that may influence its long-term manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Lock&Lock reported that Southeast Asia surpassed South Korea and China in revenue for the first time in the first half of 2026, with Vietnam emerging as a key market model for expansion into Thailand and Indonesia.
Korean Companies in Southeast Asia — 2026-09-14
Top developments
Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group recently invested in Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a US-based nuclear fusion company backed by Bill Gates. This investment aims to secure future energy supplies and develop fusion power plants, with grid connection targeted for the early 2030s. While this is a global move, it reflects a broader strategy by Korean conglomerates to diversify away from traditional manufacturing dependencies, potentially impacting future energy sourcing for their Southeast Asian operations
Lock&Lock
Lock&Lock reported a significant shift in its revenue geography: for the first half of 2026, Southeast Asia generated more revenue than both South Korea and China. Vietnam has become a critical hub for the company, with its sales model now being replicated in Thailand and Indonesia. This trend highlights the increasing importance of the ASEAN consumer market for Korean lifestyle brands, moving beyond just manufacturing costs to key sales territories
Deals, expansion & investment
No new Korean corporate deals or plant openings specifically dated after September 12, 2026, were found in the current search results. Recent major investments (such as HD Hyundai Heavy’s engine facility and Samsung’s chip packaging plans) were announced prior to the 24-hour cutoff window.
Regulation & market context
No new regulatory changes affecting Korean companies in Southeast Asia were published within the last 24 hours. Existing frameworks such as Vietnam’s Resolution 50-NQ/TW and Thailand’s recent tax incentives for tech IPOs remain in effect but have no new updates from yesterday or today.
On the radar
- Vietnam ICT Market Growth: A report released today (September 14, 2026) projects Vietnam’s ICT market to reach USD 15.98 billion by 2031. While not exclusively Korean, this growth is expected to drive demand for SaaS and IT services where Korean tech firms are active competitors
- FPT Korea Performance: Vietnamese tech giant FPT Korea, which serves major Korean clients like LG, SK, and Hanwha, continues to expand its workforce. Though the specific article is slightly older (Sept 9), it remains a key indicator of the deepening IT service ties between Vietnam and Korean conglomerates
By the numbers
- USD 15.98 Billion: Projected size of Vietnam’s ICT market by 2031, driven by smart city and AI investments
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