In general, it is a popular term used within the name of many Japanese and Korean firms, meaning 'construction' for big projects.

Other Japanese companies, including Fujitsu, also have sued South Korean firms.

"An increasing number of capital-intensive Korean firms are positioning themselves to assemble high-tech components in China."

"The offset agreement just opened up the opportunity for a South Korean firm to make a bid," he added.

Foreign analysts have expressed the fear that the investigation could inhibit them from making frank assessments of Korean firms.

"If you write anything bad about Korean firms, you don't know what will happen," said Andrew Pratt, a business consultant here.

The Korean firm says the new model heralds a "striking departure from the boxy minivan image" typically associated with the segment.

In 2009 Bolivia was negotiating with Japanese, French, and Korean firms to begin extraction.

Avon believes that its patents have been infringed by a South Korean firm making what are quite simply copies.

The South Korean firm would only say that it is a "fortified glass".