Analysis
US Treasury’s ‘zero-leakage’ Iran push creates fresh risks for South Korea
Korean firms face tighter screening and Hormuz exposure, while Washington’s strategy still depends heavily on China
August 25, 2026
South Korea’s Arctic gamble could pay off even if the route stays niche
PanStar Acro’s pilot may matter most for shipbuilding, ports and expertise even if regular service stays limited
August 24, 2026
Trump’s UFS decision raises stakes for South Korea on OPCON and submarines
Washington’s abrupt exercise cut shows how unrelated disputes could complicate Seoul’s biggest defense priorities
August 21, 2026
South Korea’s retirement age push could make companies hire fewer young workers
Hyundai dispute revives evidence that keeping older staff longer can weaken youth hiring without wider labor reform
August 20, 2026
Trump’s Iran demand ignores the limits of South Korean military power abroad
Seoul lacks the access, logistics and strategic incentive to sustain combat operations far from the Korean Peninsula
August 19, 2026
South Korea-Japan ties weather history as ACSA and CPTPP tests now loom
Seoul and Tokyo can contain historical disputes, but deeper military and economic ties face domestic political limits
August 18, 2026
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
