South Korea\'s three major battery makers posted weak first-quarter results. LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI swung to operating losses, and SK On is also expected to remain in the red. Brokerages see the first quarter as a cyclical trough and expect a shift to profitability from the second quarter as energy storage system sales ramp up and electric-vehicle demand recovers. Key variables include the pace of ESS revenue recognition and normalization of North American production.

South Korea\'s fintech sector is moving beyond scale expansion and into a battle over profitability. Toss operator Viva Republica, Naver Financial and Kakao Pay posted their first combined annual net profit last year, with revenue also hitting record highs. Hecto Financial reported its best-ever results and is stepping up global business plans, including cross-border settlements and prepaid payments for foreign tourists visiting South Korea.