The business groups' main trading companies like Samsung Co. (No. 22) and Daewoo Corp. (No. 24) are no longer the largest companies outside Japan.

CNN: Inside The 1000 Ranks

One thing's certain: the small players just don't have the money to market their devices over there, whereas Samsung and LG got to get local pop groups to sing and dance about their phones Gangnam style .

ENGADGET: Editorial: HTC's departure from South Korea proves a tough fight for foreign brands

LG, one of South Korea's biggest groups, is facing increased competition from rivals like Samsung.

BBC: LG Group unveils plans to boost investment