The year 2025 marked a major phase in India-South Korea economic relations, as multiple reputable Korean companies established new operations or expanded their presence across the country. From entertainment and retail to banking operations and manufacturing, Korean businesses are increasingly viewing India as a long-term strategic destination rather than just an emerging market.
- Entertainment Industry See a Major Korean Entry
One of the major highlights of this year was the arrival of ‘HYBE’, the global entertainment company best known for managing leading K-pop artists. In 2025, HYBE officially launched its Indian subsidiary in Mumbai ‘HYBE India’, establishing a direct presence in one of Asia’s largest entertainment hubs.
The company aims to work closely with Indian artists, introduce professional training systems, and create content with international reach. With India’s strong entertainment ecosystem and expanding digital audience, HYBE’s presence is expected to open new doors for cultural collaboration between the two countries.
Another major entertainment companies, ‘JYP Entertainment’ and G-DRAGON’s agency ‘Galaxy Corp.’, also drew attention during the year. Although JYP and Galaxy Corp. did not officially open an office in India in 2025, reports of its plans to enter the Indian market demonstrate rising interest among Korean entertainment companies in India’s rapidly growing fan base.
- Korean Retail Finds Space in Indian Cities
India also witnessed the entry of ‘Emart24’, a well-known Korean convenience store chain. The company opened its first Indian outlet in Pune in 2025, introducing Indian consumers to Korean style convenience retail.
The store offers a variety of Korean snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat food, catering to the rising interest in Korean food and lifestyle trends among Indian consumers. Emart24 is seen as the beginning of wider retail expansion in urban Indian markets.
- Popular Korean Snack Brand ‘Pepero’ Launches in India
The Indian food and beverage market welcomed ‘Pepero’, the well-known Korean biscuit stick brand, in 2025. Launched by ‘Lotte India’ in Haryana. The launch targets younger consumers and reflects the increasing influence of Korean food culture in India.
- Strengthening Financial Links Through Banking Expansion
In the financial sector, ‘Hana Financial Group’ strengthened its Indian presence by opening new branches in Mumbai and Devanahalli (near Bengaluru) during 2025. These branches are designed to support corporate clients, facilitate cross-border trade, and strengthen financial cooperation between Indian and Korean businesses.
The expansion is intended to better support both Korean companies operating in India and Indian businesses engaged in global trade, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors.
- Manufacturing Remains a Strong Focus
Korean manufacturing investment also gained in 2025. ‘HS Hyosung’ also announced plans to expand its production in India by setting up a tyre-cord manufacturing facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This project is expected to contribute to job creation and support India’s automotive supply chain.
These investments show Korea’s faith in India as a manufacturing base and align with India’s broader move towards industrial growth and self-reliance.
The entry and expansion of Korean companies in 2025 represents a wider shift in global business strategies. As economic and cultural ties between India and South Korea continue to deepen, the presence of Korean companies in India is expected to grow more strongly in the years ahead.
Written by- Aanchal Pathak
About the Author-
Hello, I’m Aanchal Pathak, a law student with a deep love for Korean culture. Whether it’s the language, K-pop, K-dramas, or the rich traditions, Korea has a special place in my heart. Writing about it is my way of exploring my passion and sharing the beauty of this culture with others.