Analysis
Trump gives South Korea a new reason to accelerate wartime command transfer
The order to reduce joint drills strengthens Seoul’s case for OPCON while threatening evaluations needed to secure it
August 17, 2026
South Korea’s chip windfall lifts incomes but leaves job creation behind
Strong chip prices could keep GDI far ahead of GDP as policymakers manage weak hiring and rising domestic consumption
August 14, 2026
DP leadership race tests Lee Jae Myung’s grip on South Korea’s ruling party
Kim Min-seok and Jung Chung-rae offer competing models as Lee’s ratings fall and lawmakers look toward the 2028 election
August 13, 2026
South Korea’s record employment rate is becoming a demographic illusion
Working-age employment is falling while an aging population and care sector hiring increasingly drive headline numbers
August 12, 2026
China’s critical minerals grip threatens South Korea’s arms export advantage
Seoul’s speed and delivery edge faces pressure as rare earth and tungsten supply chains take years to diversify fully
August 11, 2026
US scrutiny of South Korea’s Network Act widens the sovereignty fight
An Aug. 20 briefing demand extends Washington’s pressure from Coupang into online speech and platform regulation
August 10, 2026
South Korea’s heat response improves faster than its public infrastructure
Seoul’s heat response improved, but record temperatures test whether welfare, labor rules, housing and power can cope
August 7, 2026
Jang Dong-hyeok’s greatest strength may be the People Power Party’s weakness
Opposition leader has failed to broaden party’s appeal, but internal divisions make immediate leadership change unlikely
August 6, 2026
Bank of Korea redraws small business lending as rate hikes reshape policy
Minutes show the central bank tightening monetary policy while the government expands targeted support for weaker firms
August 5, 2026
South Korea’s KDDX destroyer is finally moving, but its hardest test starts now
Hanwha Ocean inherits HD HHI’s design after years of legal conflict, putting execution and integration under scrutiny
August 4, 2026
