Briefings
South Korea reshapes Trump’s $350 billion demand into phased investment plan
$20 billion annual ceiling averts market strain, turning tariff talks into long-term platform for industrial cooperation
October 30, 2025
South Korea’s economy expands sharply even as consumer sentiment sours
Solid export gains mask weakening sentiment as tariff negotiations and trade risks dampen household outlook
October 29, 2025
South Korea clinches free trade deal with Malaysia to expand Indo-Pacific reach
FTA boosts Seoul’s role in ASEAN supply chains and secures tariff cuts on electric vehicles, steel and digital services
October 28, 2025
Lee Jae-myung begins ASEAN trip ahead of high-stakes APEC in Gyeongju
Two-day Malaysia visit precedes Trump’s arrival and a packed diplomatic week testing South Korea’s regional leadership
October 27, 2025
Bank of Korea holds rate steady to curb housing risks, steady won
Third straight on-hold decision underscores Seoul’s focus on stability ahead of Trump visit and key US trade talks
October 24, 2025
AI boom propels South Korea’s chip exports to record highs despite US tariffs
Semiconductor surge bolsters Seoul’s tariff negotiation stance but deepens exposure to volatile AI infrastructure demand
October 23, 2025
Takaichi’s historic rise brings new uncertainty to South Korea-Japan relations
Her nationalist background and fragile coalition test Tokyo’s stability as Seoul seeks to preserve “pragmatic” diplomacy
October 22, 2025
Bank of Korea chief rejects liquidity easing as Seoul housing pressures persist
Rhee Chang-yong aligns with Seoul’s Oct. 15 housing curbs, signaling policy restraint before this week’s rate decision
October 21, 2025
South Korea adds jobs at fastest pace in 19 months, but output lags behind
Despite strong hiring in September, growth is driven by low-value service jobs while output and wages stagnate
October 20, 2025
South Korean yields climb while KOSPI breaks record amid trade hopes
Stocks rally on tariff deal optimism even as bond markets flash caution and household borrowing slows
October 17, 2025
