Briefings
South Korea slips to ninth in US imports under Trump tariffs
Export share falls to lowest level since 1988 as Washington weighs narrowing metals tariff enforcement
February 19, 2026
Moody’s affirms South Korea at Aa2 as fiscal pressures mount
Stable outlook holds but government debt set to exceed 60% of GDP by 2030 as growth slows toward a 2% ceiling
February 18, 2026
South Korea passes small modular reactor special act
National Assembly creates science ministry-led control tower and five year master plan for next-gen nuclear energy
February 17, 2026
South Korea activates tariff linked investment panel before law passes
MOTIR launches temporary system to review US bound projects as special act remains pending in National Assembly
February 16, 2026
South Korea moves to tighten delisting rules in KOSDAQ reset
Reforms could triple potential delistings as regulators compress survival timelines and raise market cap thresholds
February 13, 2026
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
