loader from loading.io

320 - South Korean Chaebols & The Korea Discount

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Release Date: 06/08/2024

376 - The State of AI in 2025 show art 376 - The State of AI in 2025

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Artificial Intelligence is no longer something from the future — it is already here. From helping people work faster to causing job losses, AI is changing how we live and work. But are we ready for these big changes? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about how AI is changing the modern workplace. They explain what generative AI is, how companies are using it to improve productivity, and the problems it is causing — especially for young people starting their careers. Insights Skip and Dez’s conversation will help you understand...

info_outline
374 - Crowded Skies: The Commercial Satellite Boom show art 374 - Crowded Skies: The Commercial Satellite Boom

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief You’ve seen them streak across the sky — tiny points of light that are not stars. Satellites are now so numerous, they are changing the night sky and creating new challenges.  Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at the booming business of commercial satellites. From SpaceX’s Starlink to Amazon’s Project Kuiper, they examine how private companies are transforming space into the next frontier of global internet infrastructure.  Insights This episode will enhance your understanding of satellite technology while...

info_outline
372 - The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots show art 372 - The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Robots competing in a half marathon? It might sound like science fiction, but it recently happened in Beijing. Humanoid robots are moving out of the lab and into the real world — and the race to bring them to market is heating up. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the fast-growing industry of humanoid robots. From Tesla’s Optimus project to China’s state-backed 'robot schools', they discuss the companies pushing development forward, the technology powering these machines, and the economic forces shaping this emerging market....

info_outline
370 - Meat the Future: New Zealand’s Red Meat Industry in Transition show art 370 - Meat the Future: New Zealand’s Red Meat Industry in Transition

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief When people think of New Zealand, they often imagine green fields and lots of sheep. But the country’s red meat industry — beef and lamb — is facing big changes. Global trade problems, climate rules, and new food trends are creating serious challenges. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at New Zealand’s red meat industry and how it is changing. They explain the history of the industry, its importance to the economy, and the problems it now faces.  Insights Skip and Samantha help you understand important business topics...

info_outline
368 - Hong Fu Bets Big on India show art 368 - Hong Fu Bets Big on India

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief You might not recognize the name Hong Fu Industrial Group — but chances are, you've worn their products. As the second-largest manufacturer of sports shoes in the world, Hong Fu produces footwear for major brands like Nike and Adidas. Now, with changing global markets, Hong Fu is making a big move into India. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan dive into the story of Hong Fu Industrial Group, a Taiwanese OEM powerhouse in the sports footwear industry. They explain Hong Fu's $130 million investment in a new factory in Tamil Nadu, India, and...

info_outline
366 - Geographical Indications & Jamaican Rum show art 366 - Geographical Indications & Jamaican Rum

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Some products are famous because of where they come from — like Champagne from France or Scotch whisky from Scotland. Products like these are protected by something called a Geographical Indication, or GI. A GI means the product must be made in a certain place and follow certain rules. But sometimes, these rules can cause problems. In Jamaica, a new rule about Jamaican rum is causing a big debate. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explain what Geographical Indications are and why they are important in international business. They look at...

info_outline
364 - China's game-changing pharmaceutical and biotech industry show art 364 - China's game-changing pharmaceutical and biotech industry

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief China is fast becoming a major player in the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Once focused primarily on generic and me-too drugs, Chinese companies are now making headlines with innovative breakthroughs in oncology and gene therapy. Foreign investors are taking notice, pouring billions into partnerships and research projects across the country. But can China maintain this momentum — or will political pressure and consumer skepticism slow things down? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore how China’s pharmaceutical and...

info_outline
362 - Time Shift: The Economic Impact of Daylight Saving show art 362 - Time Shift: The Economic Impact of Daylight Saving

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Daylight Saving Time — a simple clock adjustment with far-reaching consequences. As countries debate whether to keep, ditch, or make DST permanent, the economic and health implications of this time-shifting practice are coming under increasing scrutiny. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the origins, impact, and ongoing debate surrounding Daylight Saving Time (DST). From its wartime beginnings to modern economic studies, they examine how DST affects everything from energy consumption to productivity, retail sales, and even...

info_outline
360 - Rare Earth Minerals Explained show art 360 - Rare Earth Minerals Explained

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Rare Earth Elements are everywhere — in your phone, your car, even your headphones — and the world can’t function without them. As demand for green tech and high-performance electronics surges, so does the race to secure reliable access to these crucial elements.  Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan dive deep into the world of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). They clarify the difference between Rare Earth Elements and Rare Earth Minerals, explain why these materials are vital to modern industries, and unpack the geopolitical tensions...

info_outline
358 - Brazil’s Currency and Debt Crisis show art 358 - Brazil’s Currency and Debt Crisis

Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English

Brief Brazil is facing a currency and debt crisis as investor confidence in the country’s economic policies plummets. Since President Lula da Silva returned to office in 2023, increased public spending and rising debt levels have fueled concerns about Brazil’s financial stability. The Brazilian Real has weakened significantly, inflation remains high, and interest rates are soaring. Can Brazil pull itself out of this downward spiral, or is the crisis just beginning? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan break down Brazil’s economic turmoil....

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Brief

South Korea's economic landscape has been significantly shaped by its large family-owned conglomerates, known as chaebols. These entities have driven the nation's rapid development, but also face criticism for their dominant market position and governance issues.

Overview

Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine the world of South Korean chaebols and the phenomenon known as the Korea Discount. They explore the history and structure of these powerful business entities, their economic influence, and the controversies surrounding them. Their discussion also covers how these conglomerates impact the valuation of South Korean companies on the global stage, and the reasons behind the Korea Discount.

Insights

Skip and Dez’s discussion offers a valuable resource for enhancing English listening comprehension and expanding business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include:

  1. The origin and evolution of chaebols in South Korea.
  2. The economic dominance of chaebols and their relationship with the South Korean government.
  3. The Korea Discount and its implications for the valuation of South Korean companies in the global market.
  4. The challenges and criticisms faced by chaebols, including issues of nepotism, lack of transparency, and corporate governance.

In summary

D2B 320 provides a comprehensive analysis of South Korean chaebols and the Korea Discount, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of these family-run conglomerates and their significant impact on the country's economy. From their historical roots to the modern challenges they face, this episode explores the complex role chaebols play in South Korea's economic landscape.

Take action

Stay informed about the latest developments in South Korea's corporate world and its implications on the global economy. Engage with Skip, Dez, and the D2B community on social media to share your thoughts and discuss the potential future of chaebols and the Korea Discount.

Do you like what you hear?

Become a D2B Member today for access to our interactive audio scripts, bonus Down to Vocabulary, and Member-only D2B episodes.