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Exclusive: Palantir Inks HD Hyundai Deal Worth Hundreds of Millions, CEO Bullish on Korea

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U.S. data analytics firm Palantir has signed an expanded software agreement with South Korea’s HD Hyundai, a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The agreement deepens a partnership that began in 2021 and strengthens Palantir’s presence in heavy industry in South Korea. The companies held a signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Palantir set up temporary offices. While Palantir declined to disclose financial terms, the deal broadens earlier collaboration into an enterprise-wide arrangement.

Palantir’s software integrates data from across operations and uses automation and artificial intelligence to guide decision-making. With HD Hyundai, the technology has been applied to shipbuilding, construction equipment and energy-related operations. The companies have said HD Hyundai is now building ships around 30% faster by using Palantir tools to better manage materials, machinery, planning and schedules.

Palantir chief executive Alex Karp said he is “very bullish” on South Korea, calling it an innovative and dynamic market. He added that while Palantir remains primarily focused on the United States, Korea stands out as a key international opportunity as global demand for the company’s software continues to grow.

Fintech Airwallex Buys South Korea’s Paynuri in Asia Expansion

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Australia-founded fintech Airwallex has acquired South Korea’s Paynuri, securing key local licences that will allow it to operate directly in the country as it accelerates expansion across Asia.

Airwallex said the deal grants it Paynuri’s Payment Gateway and Prepaid Electronic Payment Instrument licences, along with a Foreign Exchange Business registration. Financial terms were not disclosed. Co-founder and president Lucy Liu said the acquisition removes reliance on third-party intermediaries and enables direct operations in South Korea.

The company plans to launch global business accounts and payment acquiring services in South Korea in 2026, followed later by spend-management products. Airwallex also aims to build a local team of about 20 staff by the end of 2026 across sales, compliance, and product support.

The move follows a December funding round that valued Airwallex at $8 billion, around 30% higher than its previous valuation. General manager for Asia-Pacific Arnold Chan said South Korea’s fast-growing ecommerce and entertainment sectors offer strong opportunities for Korean businesses expanding overseas.

Airwallex reported $1.2 billion in annualised revenue and $266 billion in annualised transaction volume in December, underscoring its rapid global growth.

South Korea Postpones Decision on Google’s Map Data Export Request

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South Korea has once again delayed its decision on Google’s request to export detailed map data, saying it will wait until the company provides additional documentation required for review, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Tuesday.

The ministry’s National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) has given Google 60 business days — until February 5, 2026 — to submit the necessary materials before a final ruling is made.

The request involves Google’s plan to transfer 1:5,000-scale map data — equivalent to 50 meters per centimeter — to servers outside the country. Google says this level of detail is necessary for accurate navigation services, comparable to those offered by domestic firms Kakao Corp and Naver.

South Korea previously rejected similar requests from Google in 2007 and 2016, citing national security concerns about storing sensitive geographical data overseas.

In September, Google said it would comply with South Korea’s security requirements, including ensuring that coordinate data for locations within the country are not displayed to users inside or outside South Korea and agreeing to blur images of security-sensitive facilities.

However, the ministry stated that Google has not yet submitted an updated application reflecting these commitments. The inconsistencies between the company’s previous statements and its formal submissions have complicated the review process.

The dispute comes as Seoul and Washington continue talks on trade and security agreements, adding geopolitical weight to the outcome of Google’s mapping request.