Weekly news : 4th-10th August 2025
- Hana Mazouzi
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
1.Fierce Korea–China Battle Over €2.8 Billion French Container Ship Deal
France’s CMA CGM, the world’s 3rd-largest shipping company, is preparing to order 12 LNG dual-fuel container ships worth approximately €2.8B.
Korean and Chinese shipbuilders are competing fiercely for the contract.
The key Korean contenders for this contract are HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries. As for China, the contenders are CSSC, Hudong-Zhonghua, and Jiangnan Shipyard. The key issue at hand is China’s price advantage in the shipbuilding market. Chinese bids are up to $43M cheaper per ship, with some offers as low as $207M.
Whereas Korea’s technology edge is that the Korean yards promote better dual-fuel tech and on-time delivery. The geopolitical leverage is also to take into consideration, as the U.S. plans port fees on China-built ships, potentially tipping scales toward Korean builders.
HD Hyundai holds strong European relevance as it is favored in the current bidding process due to its prior $2.57 billion deal with CMA CGM for smaller container ships, highlighting a trusted and proven partnership in the region. CMA CGM still has strong ties with Chinese yards, with 30% of its fleet built in China.
A win for a Korean yard would reinforce industrial ties between France and Korea, building on HD Hyundai’s recent €2.57B deal with CMA CGM for smaller vessels.
2.Economic Impact of BLACKPINK Concert in Paris
On August 2, 2025, the Stade de France became the stage for a truly unique cultural moment: BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated concert in France. This wasn’t just a music event; it was a celebration of the group’s status as global trendsetters in both K-pop and the luxury fashion world. Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has transcended music to become muses for major luxury brands, with Jisoo as global ambassador for Dior Beauty, Jennie for Chanel, Lisa for Louis Vuitton, and Rosé for Givenchy. The group’s powerful cultural influence was evident in the phenomenal demand from fans, leading to the addition of a second concert in Paris. This mirrors the kind of massive, diverse crowds BLACKPINK has drawn to Paris fashion shows, where they have become icons bridging youth culture, luxury, and global pop trends. From people across different social backgrounds to fashion insiders, BLACKPINK’s presence has created a unique cultural phenomenon, strengthening the ties between Korea and France in both entertainment and luxury industries.
BLACKPINK’s concert in Paris is also a significant economic driver. In the weeks leading up to the show, local hotels reported price increases of up to 40%, reflecting strong demand from international fans traveling to the city. The surge in tourism also boosts restaurants, retail shops, and transportation services, creating a wide-reaching economic ripple effect.
Ticket sales for BLACKPINK concerts have shattered records, with VIP and premium tickets reselling at prices up to five times their face value, in some cases reaching $12,000. This demand underscores the group’s global influence and highlights how major K-pop events have become important drivers for local economies, especially in cultural hubs like Paris. For French businesses and the tourism sector, BLACKPINK’s presence signals a powerful opportunity to engage with a passionate, international audience and benefit from the growing cultural exchange between Korea and Europe.
3.Korean brand Amorepacific Confirms Global Leadership with Strong Results in Europe
The Korean beauty giant reported +8.9% revenue growth and +555% operating profit increase. Growth was notably strong in China and the Americas, but Europe also showed impressive growth at +11%, reflecting a rising appetite for K-beauty products across the continent. This signals significant opportunities for Korean brands in the European market, which is becoming an increasingly important hub for expansion.
For French and European companies, Amorepacific’s success is a clear example of how Korean brands are gaining ground globally and an inspiration for deepening commercial ties between France and Korea in the beauty and cosmetics sector.
4.French Pop-Up Event Showcases French Expertise in Seoul
Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo is hosting a 100% French pop-up, organized by the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) until August 25.
Featuring French beauty, fashion, gastronomy, and lifestyle brands, this event offers a great opportunity for French companies to connect with Korean consumers eager for French culture. The FKCCI pop-up exemplifies strong economic and cultural collaboration between the two countries.
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