South Korean battery shares advanced after the U.S. Department of Transportation publicly criticized Ford’s battery technology partnership with China’s CATL, reinforcing expectations that tighter U.S. scrutiny of Chinese battery technology could benefit Korean suppliers. Samsung SDI rose 3.76% to 552,000 won, while LG Energy Solution, SK Innovation and battery-materials companies also gained. NH Investment & Securities raised Samsung SDI’s target price 22% to 730,000 won, citing improved ESS orders, battery-order competitiveness and U.S. capacity additions, while Yuanta Securities lifted SK Innovation’s target to 200,000 won on improving SK On losses and refining and lubricants earnings. Separately, BNK Securities remained cautious on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix amid memory-market risks, while IBK Investment & Securities raised its target for HD Hyundai Heavy Industries after strong vessel and engine orders.