Briefings
South Korea-Saudi defense agreement deepens cooperation beyond arms sales
The MOU shifts ties toward research and localization as Seoul’s defense exports face scaling pressures
February 10, 2026
Takaichi landslide stabilizes ties but tightens South Korea’s economic margins
LDP’s mandate reduces political friction while increasing yield, fiscal and industrial policy spillovers for Seoul
February 9, 2026
South Korea ramps up auto spending as export certainty erodes amid tariffs
Seoul positions industrial policy as insurance as autos face tariff risk and softer electric vehicle demand
February 6, 2026
US and South Korea affirm nuclear cooperation while tariff escalation proceeds
Seoul’s readouts stress implementation milestones as US trade action advances through administrative channels
February 5, 2026
South Korea’s inflation slows to target but central bank caution remains intact
Energy-driven disinflation masks steady services inflation and leaves policy exposed to oil and currency volatility
February 4, 2026
South Korea’s record January surplus rests on an extraordinary chip price surge
Semiconductor contract prices jumped between 300 and 700%, driving export gains that mask narrow exposure
February 3, 2026
US watches South Korea’s surpluses while steering clear of FX escalation
Washington maintained formal monitoring but used careful language to decouple won depreciation from intent
February 2, 2026
Fed pause near neutral shifts focus from rate cuts to credibility risks
Fed signals policy has reached a neutral range leaving markets to price volatility guidance and institutional trust
January 30, 2026
US tariff threat exposes widening gaps in Seoul’s trade and lawmaking signals
White House cites legislative delays as Seoul confirms undisclosed US letter on digital issues and trade uncertainty
January 29, 2026
Rising bond yields tighten Korea’s financial conditions even without a rate hike
BOK data shows market rates rising even before Japan shock, limiting room to ease despite steady policy pressures
January 28, 2026
