Briefings
South Korea’s Nuri success shifts focus from launch proof to space industry
Seoul must build launch demand, cut costs and transfer more operational control to industry before Nuri is replaced
October 8, 2026
Supreme Court vacancy hardens into constitutional showdown over Cho Hee-dae
Failed consultations now threaten to rewrite the informal rules that have long governed South Korean Supreme Court picks
October 7, 2026
South Korea’s crude shift tests how far Saudi oil dominance can endure
Aramco’s deep Asia discounts will test whether Korea’s lower Saudi share marks structural change or a wartime response
October 6, 2026
Trump’s Alaska LNG threat tests South Korea’s US investment safeguards
Trump left the threatened penalty vague, but Seoul now faces an early test of how usable its safeguards really are
October 5, 2026
Shinhan Bank data leak could trigger wider scrutiny across South Korean lenders
Regulators are examining how attackers reached loan-related data and whether weaknesses exist at other banks
October 2, 2026
South Korea’s tax windfall gives Seoul new room to spend and borrow less
Seoul’s revised forecast opens room for targeted support and lower bond issuance, but much of the gain is cyclical
October 1, 2026
South Korea puts worker relocation at center of semiconductor, AI strategy
Seoul is shifting beyond capital spending as it tries to create durable labor markets around semiconductor and AI hubs
September 30, 2026
South Korea’s CPTPP review enters harder phase as domestic costs emerge
Government estimates show gains for manufacturing but losses for agriculture and fisheries as consultations widen
September 29, 2026
South Korean markets reopen as oil and bond yields test chip-led rally
Post-Chuseok trading will show if semiconductor strength can offset higher borrowing costs and energy pressure
September 28, 2026
South Korea builds diplomatic case for limited Hormuz role in talks with Iran
Seoul backs safe passage and international efforts as questions grow over its promised Hormuz contribution
September 25, 2026
