Seoul city may not share the characteristics of a competitive financial centre in the manner of Singapore or Hong Kong. Regardless, it's a fast-growing financial centre with its fairs share of ups and downs. Among Seoul's strengths are militant unions and labour regulations. However, the South Korean government is trying to attract foreign firms, taking advantage of the country's capital investments and opportunities. As a rule, many companies typically consider investing in markets that have the potential for significant opportunities.

Interestingly, in June 2021, South Korea's exports surged significantly by 39.7%; - mostly on chip and car demand. The exports surge marked the fourth consecutive month characterized by double-digit growth statistics. Despite this being a reduced pace, the situation has been helped by impressive economic recovery in Korea's major markets. As noted, this growth was marked by strong demand for cars and memory chips.

Further, Korean exports surged by an encouraging 39.7%; rate in June compared to a similar period just 12 months before. The trade ministry data also indicated that- at $54.80 billion- this was actually the third-largest ever recorded value. The value surpassed the 33.6%; average of the more than 17 economic estimates by Reuters. It also marked the 8th consecutive month of growth.

Korean exports notably experienced a sharp increase in May 2021-46%;; this was the sharpest increase since 1988. The entire nation closely watched the monthly economic data since this was widely regarded as the global trades' bellwether. Through the sale of semiconductors overseas, this represented the country's top export commodity. The 34.4%; growth indicated an improved performance and had remained steady for the 12th month in a row. Exports from petrochemical products and cars had also surged by 68.5%; and 62.5%;, respectively. Further, the data indicated Korea's imports grew exponentially by 40%; in June; this exceeded earlier forecasts that showed a 33%; jump. At the same time, the trade surplus remained steady at $4.44 billion compared to the $ 2. 94 billion the previous month. Earlier on, Korea's Ministry of Finance sharply upgraded the 2021 growth forecast to 4.2%;; this was an 11%; high, marked by an 18.5%; increase in total exports. Overall, this data guarantees Seoul's place as Asia's economic hub; yes, things are undergoing a positive turn.

Asset Management and Financing

The South Korean government has lately promoted the National Pension Service; this is simply the public pension plan. It has promoted the demands for government assets management. With more than $600 billion ( 700 trillion won) worth of assets under management, this is- clearly- the world's 3rd largest public pension plan.

A member of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) who heads the international affairs department reveals this: ";The market portion that foreign firms occupy here remains small; this shows there are ample opportunities for businesses."; He continues: ";Korea's assets management services market has continued to grow rapidly over the years. At the same time, Korea has experienced a significant influx of foreign entities in this sector. ";

";Undoubtedly, as one of the world's leading economies, Korea has much to offer to the world. Our industries are fast-growing and increasingly promising,"; the official added. ";The fact that our industries are rapidly growing is a good indicator that there'll be new demands for increased financing. This further means Korean businesses in most sectors will need more financing,"; he said.

Dynamic fintech industry

Korea boasts an advanced fintech as well as a fine IT infrastructure. Naturally, this creates synergy with foreign firms that want to enter the Korean market. For example, recently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) took steps to open a special fintech lab on Yeouido. It currently houses 70 startups- 24 of these are foreign, and 46 are local. All these have collectively attracted $30 billion-plus worth of investments. By the end of 2019, there were 27.6 billion won in sales. An SMG economic policy official said that the entire Asian continent has positively acknowledged Korea as an IT testbed. This data derives from the mobile-based services development and penetration rate. The official said this in direct reference to the local digital lender (KakaoBank's) resounding success. Many foreign startups now seek to test their mobile-based services in Korea first before taking them to other countries. The official said this is best illustrated by the number of foreign companies that are now stationed at the Seoul Fintech Lab. The lab hosts various countries' startups (including the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada).

If you’re planning to have a Seoul-searching and want to go to a place to chill, taste some good foods, etc. Then check out these restaurants and cafes owned by your favorite K-pop Celebrities. It is now the chance for you to fangirl/fanboy while you’re in their café/restaurants. But be mindful and respect their boundaries and privacy once they are inside their own cafes/restaurants to visit.

Viva Polo — EXO’s Chanyeol (in photo).

Viva Polo, an Italian-themed restaurant owned by no other than EXO’s Chanyeol. It has a lot of branches around Seoul. But rumors are said that Chanyeol is most likely spotted at the Gangdongu branch in Myeongdong. The interior of the restaurant is covered by Chanyeol and EXO’s photos. Also with Fan-arts and autographs with the members. Viva Polo’s menu is pasta, pizza, risotto, etc.

Kamong — EXO’s Kai.

The name KAMONG was taken from EXO’s Kai + Monggu (Kai’s dog) = KAMONG. This café was set up by Kai for his sister. KAMONG is a modern-day themed café located near Gangnam station and features three glass walls, making the visitors have a street view while enjoying their foods and coffee. The menu consists of Bingsu, smoothies, waffles, coffee, tea, etc. They also sell mugs, tumblers, and also handmade cookies.

Kona Beans — Super Junior’s Leeteuk, Sungmin, and Kyuhyun.

It is a Hawaiian-themed café that is currently run by Leeteuk’s mom. It was also mentioned that Kyuhyun and Sungmin’s moms were also involved in running the café. This café got this cozy-vibe having cushion chairs and benches to help the customers and visitors feel comfortable and at ease. The coffee that is served is made up of Kona bean. Also, the tea comes in a variety of flavors such as Peppermint and Jasmine. The café also has a lot of Super Junior vibes and memoirs. Truly a heaven-feels especially for ELFs.

Midnight in Seoul – 2AM’s Jo Kwon.

The café is located in Gangnam. Decorated in a funky yet stylish theme having pink walls and different kinds of cereal boxes. The menu consists of 40 different types of cereals with your choice of toppings – marshmallows, nuts, fruits, etc.

Nerd on Earth – 2AM’s Seulong.

This bar owned by 2AM’s Seulong became one of the most popular bars in Itaewon after its opening. Nerd on Earth allows guests to bring in their pets since Seulong loves dogs!

The interior design is much more aesthetically pleasing in the eyes. It is dark yet mystical as it is being lit by blue lights and dim red. The rooftop terrace has a view of Itaewon.

The menu of this bar including "Nerd Wrap" which consists of argula leaves, dried tomato, and ricotta cheese; Beef Brisket Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup, and of course, their colorful alcoholic beverages. The best way to end the night in Itaewon is to visit here.

Yogorino Caffe – Zico

You knew him as the one who made the song "Any Call" and went viral not only in Korea but also around the world. Zico owned an ice cream shop located in Hongdae. It is easier to find as Yogorino Caffe is located among various boutiques and small restaurants in Hongdae. The interior of this ice cream shop feels cozy and warm, regardless of the weather which makes the customer enjoys their ice cream. The menu of this café includes frozen yogurts and ice cream along with hot and cold beverages such as Americano and my favorite sparkling juice.

Café Dudart – Jay Park.

Located in Apgujeong’s Rodeo Street area, this café is such a place for Jwalkerz and AOMG fans all over the world to visit. Also, limited edition collections from AOMG are available to purchase. Food and Beverages such as coffee and baked goods such as cake are available to order.

Inchang Octopus – INFINITE’s Dongwoo.

It is located in Guri. This restaurant is filled with Dongwoo’s photos, fan gifts, autographs, and memorabilia. Not only that, Dongwoo’s father is known to personally greet and serve guests with meals such as pork belly, and of course, octopus! A must-visit for Inspirits out there.

AND Here – BIGBANG’s Seungri.

It has two branches in Korea. One in Busan and in Seoul. Both have a lot of visitors and customers around the world. VIPs, this is a must-visit café on your list. It was also featured during BIGBANG’s VLive before. The interior is decorated with BIGBANG’s stuffed animals (KRUNK to be specific), BIGBANG’s signed cups/mugs, and any other memorabilia in which customers and visitors are allowed to purchase. The menu here includes coffee, sweet tea, wine, and champagne. Don’t forget to have and purchase their waffles.

Untitled, 2017 – BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON.

You heard it right. It’s not the Untitled, 2014 song. But it’s the name of G-DRAGON’s café. Located in Jeju Shinhwa World, It is one of the must-go places when you get the chance to travel outside Seoul and visit Jeju Island in Korea. GD was personally involved in creating and designing the interior of this café.

After the record-breaking Love Yourself: Her Album from the K-pop group BTS, BTS announced last October 31, 2017, that they collaborated with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) in an anti-violence campaign "Love Myself".

"Love Myself" made the BTS the first Korean artist to raise funds as a part of a global campaign.

According to the project's official website, BTS together with the K-pop group's label Big Hit Entertainment, they collaborated into a two-year partnership with the Korean Committee for UNICEF on November 1, 2017. They joined forces in sponsoring #ENDViolence, a UNICEF hashtag campaign based around making the world a safer place so the children and teenagers will be able to live happily and healthy, without the fear of living in violence.

Over the next two years, they pledge 500 million KRW (around $447,400 as of October 31 rates) to the UNICEF campaign. They will also donate 3% of the "Love Yourself" series physical album sales income. All the sales and official goods income related to Love Myself campaign and additional donations to UNICEF will also be put towards #ENDViolence.

The Love Myself #ENDViolence campaign also corresponds to BTS lyrics messages, together with a number of the band's songs as it addressed societal messages. BTS discography focuses on themes such as mental health issues, suicide, nihilism, and K-pop idol system, and also about female empowerment. In September 2017, their fifth EP album "Love Yourself: Her" features theme such as love, loss, friendship, and even death was released. BTS continued to promote social messages in its songs.

Before they unveil the website campaign, BTS members shared selcas (selfies) on their Official Twitter account (BTS_twt) using #LoveMyself as a hashtag, giving the ARMYs and the others a heads-up ahead of the announcement.

In January 2018, BTS introduced a donation platform, in partnership with KakaoTalk as well as official stickers for the campaign. Then in June 2018, BTS and Japan committee for UNICEF announced their partnership in the partnership agreement ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan. BTS delivered a speech about the "Love Myself" campaign in the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018, with RM spoke behalf of the group, with the other members, are behind him. It was reported January 17, 2018, global accumulated funds received for the campaign are 106 million KRW. Overall, around KR? 606 million was raised. In November 2018 it was announced that over KR? 1.6 billion had been raised by the organization, or $1.4 million USD As of June 30, 2019, the campaign's global accumulated funds total stands at KR? 2.4 billion.

The campaign is funded in the following ways:

KR? 500 million donated by Big Hit Entertainment and the seven members of BTS

3% of all income from physical album sales of the Love Yourself series, including Love Yourself: Her, Love Yourself: Tear, and Love Yourself: Answer

100% of all sales of official Love Myself campaign goods

Part of the income from the sales of official KakaoTalk Give-ticon and LINE stickers for the Love Myself campaign

Kakao's contribution platform "Together Value with Kakao"

Naver's online donation platform "Happy Bean" Donations received through donation desks installed by UNICEF

The proceeds will be used to support young victims of school violence, domestic violence and sexual assault around the world. It will also support education programs for local communities to aid violence prevention.

BTS (?????), also known as Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member South Korean boy band that debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. They are originally a hip-hop group, which their music style evolved in a wide genre range. Their songs mainly focused on personal and social issues, with the theme of mental illness, health, social youth, loss, journey of loving yourself, and also being individual. The group also has several world tours and bagged awards which makes the group rose to fame. They are also the first Korean group to receive a certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their single "Mic Drop". The group is also the first Korean act to top the Billboard 200 with their studio album "Love Yourself: Tear" (2018) and hit the top of the US charts with their albums "Love Yourself: Answer" (2018) and "Map of the Soul: Persona" (2019), making the BTS the first group since the Beatles to earn three number one albums in less than a year. "Love Yourself: Answer" also set South Korea's Gaon Album Chart's all-time monthly record, previously set by "Love Yourself: Tear" and became the first Korean album certified Platinum in the United States.

Following their Love Myself anti-violence campaign in partnership with UNICEF, BTS participated in the United Nations 73rd General Assembly and became the youngest ever recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit from the President of South Korea due to their contributions in spreading Korean culture and language (Hallyu Wave).

P Nation is a South Korean Record Label and Entertainment agency, founded by Park Jae-sang also known as PSY. It was founded on January 24 2019 but still lives on in 2021.

Park Jae-sang (stage name: PSY) is a singer, songwriter, producer, and now the CEO of his own agency "P Nation", PSY is globally known as the mega-hit K-pop singer of "Gangnam Style", "Gentleman", and "Daddy" featuring 2NE1 member, and now a soloist CL. He debuted on the 18th of January year 2001 with his first album titled "PSY from the Psycho World". Prior to his debut, he also appeared on Cho PD’s album "Stardom Version 2.0" in the year 1999. He also had a collaboration with Kim Jang Hoon for "Ring for Me One Again" and "Once Again, Republic of Korea" last 2010. PSY also composed Lee Seunggi’s "Because You’re My Woman", and Seo In Young’s "Cinderella". PSY has been recognized as one of the major contributors of Hallyu Wave all over the world, with the rise of his record-breaking "Gangnam Style" which has currently over 3 billion views and counting on YouTube, Hallyu Wave definitely rose to the top, making it a well-known around the world, gaining his worldwide fame.

On 24th of May year 2018, PSY was reported leaving YG Entertainment. After few rumors that the singer is reportedly establishing his own agency, on 23rd of January 2019, it was officially announced via Instagram that the entertainment label would be widely known as P Nation Entertainment.

Artists:

Ho Hyunju (stage name: Jessi). The former Lucky J member and a soloist were announced as the first artist to signed up to the entertainment, a day after the entertainment was established. She is known as a multi-talented singer and a rapper. Under the agency, she had released two singles titled "Who Dat B" and "Drip".

Kim Hyuna (stage name: HyunA). A former member of the K-pop Girl Group 4Minute and a former solo artist under Cube Entertainment. She was known to be a co-starred in PSY’s Gangnam Style music video in 2012, making her known as International Star and continues to rise after 4Minute disbandment. In 2018, Hyuna left Cube Entertainment after the company decided to terminate her contract from the label due to her relationship announcement with E’Dawn, a member of the K-pop boy band Pentagon under the same label. It was announced that the couple signed in under P Nation 2 days after the label was established.

Kim Hyojong (stage name: Dawn). Formerly known as E’Dawn, is a rapper, songwriter, composer, and a former member of the K-pop boy band Pentagon, and a member of a co-ed group Triple H, both under Cube Entertainment. E’Dawn debuted with Pentagon and Triple H from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, After the relationship with Hyuna was announced in public, Cube Entertainment has decided to terminate his contract following his relationship announcement. After a year, it was reported that E’Dawn, together with his girlfriend Hyuna announced that they had signed in under P Nation. In October 2019, PSY posted the photo of the couple through Instagram that their singles of both artists are done. Since then, E’Dawn’s stage name was changed as Dawn, On the 28th of October, the teaser photos of his solo debut single entitled "Money" were released.

Shin Hyoseob (stage name: CRUSH). He is a singer-songwriter, producer, one half-duo of "Masterpiece" (with Cheetah). He debuted as a soloist on 2014 of April 1st with the singles titled "Sometimes". He also released two other singles titled "Red Dress" and "Crush on You". CRUSH left Amoeba Culture agency after the end of his six-year contract. On the 17th of July 2019, It was announced that CRUSH signed under P Nation Entertainment.

P Nation also has Male and Female trainees, under the 20s, who are preparing to debut in a girl group or boy group. Also, Sports Seoul, a Korean media reported that PSY is currently recruiting Male and Female trainees to join the label. Insider has mentioned and revealed that the CEO is actively scouting and holding auditions to become trainees that wanted to join under P Nation. Auditions are also held in well-known vocal and dance academies in Korea. In addition, it was also mentioned by the insider that some trainees from a well-known entertainment company had decided to join P Nation. But PSY has mentioned that the entertainment will be known as a home of hip-hop artists, making Hip-hop as the main component of the said label. Also, it is said that he will focus on mainstream music and great stage performances. Aside from that, PSY had recently opened his own office and scouted development manager from famous entertainment labels to join P Nation which will train the upcoming idol group.