Briefings
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
Seoul folds manufacturing AI push into sweeping 2026 livelihood policy package
M.AX alliance emerges as industrial signal inside a Cabinet-backed rollout centered on household relief
January 22, 2026
South Korea turns to tax incentives to steer overseas capital back home
Seoul plans time-limited deductions to encourage equity repatriation and FX hedging without direct currency action
January 21, 2026
Lee-Meloni summit highlights South Korea’s cautious approach to European ties
Summit delivered political reassurance and sectoral MOUs but avoided binding commitments on defense or economic security
January 20, 2026
Seoul braces for talks after Trump invokes national security powers on chips
South Korea downplays immediate hit while Taiwan deal highlights how market access may hinge on US discretion
January 19, 2026
BOK holds rates as won volatility tightens South Korea’s monetary policy options
With inflation easing and growth improving, exchange rate pressure now defines how far and how fast policy can move
January 16, 2026
