Hanwha Asset Management launched the PLUS K-Manufacturing Core Companies Active ETF, targeting Korean semiconductor, shipbuilding, and defense sectors. Vice President Choi Young-jin stated the Korean manufacturing resurgence reflects structural change driven by global supply chain restructuring, not a temporary semiconductor cycle upturn. Korea has emerged as a strategic manufacturing partner for the US and allies due to advanced capabilities in semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, defense systems, and power infrastructure. Choi emphasized that manufacturing capacity has become a premium asset as US-China competition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts elevated supply chain security as a national priority.
Hanwha Asset Management Launches Active ETF Targeting Korean Manufacturing Sectors
Hanwha Asset Management launched the PLUS K-Manufacturing Core Companies Active ETF. Choi Young-jin stated in an interview with Money Today that the ETF selects companies at the center of global strategic industries within Korean manufacturing, rather than focusing on a single sector. The fund employs active management to adjust sector weightings in response to market changes and industry cycles. Choi noted that while recent semiconductor earnings improvements have concentrated capital flows into large semiconductor stocks, creating performance disparities across manufacturing sectors, the structural growth trend will persist. He advised investors to focus on long-term industry growth rather than short-term price fluctuations, stating that timing is less important than time — global supply chain restructuring, AI infrastructure investment, defense rearmament, and shipbuilding revaluation will unfold over years to decades.
Global Supply Chain Restructuring Drives Korean Manufacturing Revaluation
Choi Young-jin attributed the Korean manufacturing resurgence to global order shifts rather than cyclical factors. He stated that semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, defense systems, nuclear power, and power equipment are now recognized as national strategic assets. The US and Europe are strategically shifting from efficiency-focused Chinese manufacturing to allied-nation partners. Choi stated that Korea, having competed intensely with China while advancing manufacturing infrastructure in semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, defense, and power equipment, has positioned itself as a core manufacturing partner for the US and allies. He emphasized that the ability to produce semiconductors, build ships, supply weapons on schedule, and construct power grids and energy infrastructure now determines national competitiveness and corporate value.
Hanwha Asset Management Pursues International ETF Listings in London, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi
Choi Young-jin stated that attracting global investment capital into the Korean market is a key objective for K-manufacturing investment. The PLUS K-Manufacturing Core Companies Active ETF is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is pursuing listings on the London Stock Exchange, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Hanwha Asset Management plans to strengthen its product lineup in areas where Korea holds global competitiveness, including K-manufacturing, defense, power infrastructure, and AI hardware.
FAQ
What sectors does the Hanwha Asset Management PLUS K-Manufacturing Core Companies Active ETF target?
The ETF targets Korean companies in semiconductors, shipbuilding, and defense sectors. The fund employs active management to adjust sector weightings based on market changes and industry cycles.
Why does Hanwha Asset Management view Korean manufacturing as a structural investment opportunity?
Vice President Choi Young-jin stated that global supply chain restructuring driven by US-China competition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts has elevated Korea as a strategic manufacturing partner for the US and allies. Korea's advanced capabilities in semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, defense systems, and power infrastructure position it as a core supplier in global strategic industries.
