The Korean company, which said no decision had been taken on a filing, was responding to Korean reports which prompted it to apply for a trading halt in Singapore, pending clarification.

Local reports said the company was expected to file in Korea as early as Friday after a loan request was turned down by Korea Development Bank (KDB).

The Singapore and Seoul-listed owner is reported to have asked the state lender, which is touted as a possible buyer of the company, for KRW 200bn ($178m).

According