Briefings
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
South Korea tax agency sharpens enforcement as revenue pressure mounts in 2026
NTS targets multinationals and cross border risks while holding audit volumes steady and expanding litigation capacity
January 27, 2026
US defense strategy tightens expectations for allies as Korea takes center stage
Pentagon’s 2026 plan calls for primary allied responsibility while leaving US support deliberately undefined
January 26, 2026
Coupang dispute enters treaty terrain as investors trigger arbitration clock
ISDS notice formalizes a regulatory clash Seoul had sought to contain while narrowing diplomatic room for maneuver
January 23, 2026
