Briefings
South Korea and Japan back supply chain cooperation without fast tracking CPTPP
National Security Adviser says Seoul reaffirmed trade pact interest but kept talks at working level
January 15, 2026
South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for Yoon in martial law case
Prosecutors use maximum sentence to close ambiguity around emergency powers despite low execution likelihood
January 14, 2026
Fed Chair Powell says DOJ subpoenas pose threat to US central bank independence
Markets brace for impact on Korean won stability ahead of central bank’s monetary policy board meeting this week
January 13, 2026
South Korea moves to dismantle capital market controls to chase MSCI upgrade
Roadmap targets FX settlement custody and disclosure gaps that weigh on developed market classification status
January 12, 2026
South Korea signals caution after China tightens dual use export rules on Japan
Officials stress indirect exposure and preparedness while avoiding moves that could disrupt Seoul’s diplomacy
January 9, 2026
Private hiring takes center stage in Bank of Korea’s cautious 2026 labor outlook
Central bank says consumption must hold as private jobs remain weak despite steady headline employment
January 8, 2026
KOSPI breaks 4,500 as market optimism rises alongside currency pressures
The KOSPI surge advances Lee Jae Myung’s market pledge but coincides with reserve drawdowns and won weakness
January 7, 2026
Lee-Xi summit seeks stability as South Korea moves to stabilize China ties
The state visit prioritized procedural dialogue and risk containment over resolving deeper strategic disputes
January 6, 2026
South Korea consolidates green budget power within climate ministry
Move reflects declining dominance of finance ministry as line ministries gain greater budget authority
January 5, 2026
South Korea crossed $700 billion in exports, but volume growth stayed muted
Export values surged in 2025 but shipment volumes barely grew raising questions about durability and spillover effects
January 2, 2026
