Briefings
Democrats tighten grip on South Korea as local election map turns blue
Broad victories expand ruling party’s influence while NEC ballot shortages fuel challenges from the opposition
June 4, 2026
South Korea cuts EUV bottlenecks as AI chip race accelerates worldwide
New rules slash deployment timelines for ASML lithography systems as Seoul seeks faster semiconductor expansion
June 3, 2026
Deadly Hanwha Aerospace explosion puts spotlight on defense industry risks
Investigators will examine structural causes as Seoul pushes defense exports and advanced industrial growth
June 2, 2026
US, South Korea signal deeper shift in peninsula defense at Shangri-La Dialogue
Hegseth and Ahn separately backed a larger South Korean security role through OPCON, spending and modernization
June 1, 2026
South Korean household spending rises despite weak real income growth
Households spent more despite weak real income gains while Seoul expanded transfer and energy support measures
May 29, 2026
Seoul formally points to Iranian missile in Hormuz strike on South Korean vessel
Foreign ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador but avoided accusing Tehran of deliberately targeting the HMM Namu
May 28, 2026
South Korea launches nuclear submarine plan with Washington in focus
Seoul’s naval ambitions depend as much on fuel access and diplomacy as submarine engineering
May 27, 2026
Kevin Warsh’s new Fed regime may tighten South Korea’s economic options
New Federal Reserve leadership may narrow Bank of Korea flexibility amid inflation, energy risks and won pressure
May 26, 2026
‘Tank Day’ fallout pushes Shinsegae into legal and political territory
Police action and President Lee Jae Myung’s comments broaden a marketing crisis into governance risk
May 25, 2026
South Korea deepens Gulf financing push as Hormuz risks reshape policy
Seoul unveils $6 billion Middle East support package while pursuing supply-chain resilience and energy security
May 22, 2026
