(LEAD) Hyundai Merchant, shipowners in final talks over charter rate cut

(ATTN: ADDS more background, stock prices in paras 7-8)

SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Financially ailing Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. and the owners of ships that it leases are set to be in final talks here over a cut in charter rates, as creditors of the