Briefings
South Korea unveils record $193B trade insurance and $9.8B tariff relief
Lee administration reframes subsidies and loans as industrial policy, but risks moral hazard and global scrutiny
September 4, 2025
South Korea’s inflation dips to 1.7% as SK Telecom rebate skews CPI data
Food and processed goods remain elevated despite 1.7% headline rate, complicating fiscal and monetary coordination
September 3, 2025
South Korea proposes record 2026 budgets for science and industry resilience
Lee administration boosts basic research and AI factories, but fiscal strain and US dependence raise long-term risks
September 2, 2025
US tightens export controls on Samsung and SK Hynix’s China-based fabs
Washington ends Biden-era waivers, requiring new licenses that block expansions and upgrades, raising supply chain risks
September 1, 2025
Bank of Korea holds rate at 2.5% as housing debt and Fed risks loom large
Seoul balances fiscal stimulus with financial stability as Powell signals US slowdown and tariff-driven inflation
August 29, 2025
US, South Korea push nuclear cooperation amid clash over KHNP’s autonomy
Vice ministerial meeting highlights SMR deals, but Westinghouse settlement clouds Korean utility company’s future role
August 28, 2025
South Korea bets $150 billion on US as Trump ties tariffs to investments
Sweeping MOUs and mega-deals highlight Seoul’s gamble to embed in US supply chains while upgrading the alliance
August 27, 2025
Trump, Lee hold first summit marked by praise, trade tension and awkward optics
Unusual call for ownership of USFK land added volatility to cordial summit focused on trade, energy and trilateral ties
August 26, 2025
Lee puts Japan ahead of US, betting on trilateral strength before Trump summit
Shuttle diplomacy resumes with joint announcement, boosting Seoul’s credibility for trade and security talks with Trump
August 25, 2025
US equity push in Samsung raises sovereignty fears ahead of Trump-Lee summit
White House plan to convert CHIPS Act subsidies into stakes in chipmakers triggers alarm over industrial autonomy
August 22, 2025
