Olympus to Exit Korean Camera Market

Olympus Korea will discontinue its camera business on June 30 due to low profitability and will shift its focus on medical equipment and science solutions.

The Korean unit of the Japan-headquartered firm that makes optics and photography products will also close its store and online shopping mall next month.

Olympus Korea will keep operating the service facility for repairing and exchanging products until March 31, 2026.

The company tried to improve its profitability with mirrorless cameras and interchangeable lenses, but as South Korea's camera market shrank considerably, it had to withdraw from the business.

Among Olympus Korea's other offerings are endoscopy and surgical equipment and microscopes.

The company has a medical training and education center in Incheon, which it opened in 2017.

Olympus Korea denied that their decision is in support of an ongoing anti-Japan sentiment and boycott all Japanese products in South Korea.