Briefings
South Korea and Netherlands launch 2+2 economic security dialogue
Seoul and the Hague formalize foreign and industry coordination on export controls, AI governance and supply chains
February 12, 2026
Coupang breach sets enforcement template as MSIT formalizes conclusions
Science ministry formalizes breach findings, setting timelines for inspections and follow-on enforcement across agencies
February 11, 2026
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
