Briefings
ADB’s 3.2% South Korea forecast raises stakes for chips, rates and fiscal policy
AI exports are driving a sharper recovery than expected, but energy costs and inflation still threaten domestic spending
September 24, 2026
South Korea’s tightening cycle shifts pressure from housing to borrowers
Higher rates may cool Seoul housing and household debt while spreading refinancing stress through weaker firms
September 23, 2026
Kang Hoon-sik resignation offer now tests Lee Jae Myung’s personnel reset
Chief of staff’s possible exit would answer pressure over failed nominations but cost Lee a key crisis manager
September 22, 2026
Lee draws red line on South Korea’s military role around Strait of Hormuz
Seoul leaves room for stronger maritime protection while ruling out direct participation in the widening Iran war
September 21, 2026
South Korea braces for higher-for-longer US rates after Fed’s latest hike
The Fed now sees rates near 4% through 2027, adding pressure to the won, Korean bonds and dollar-funded investment
September 18, 2026
South Korea’s offshore won push shifts reform from promise to execution
Seoul now needs foreign banks to use RFI-K and build the liquidity that earlier currency reforms have yet to prove
September 17, 2026
South Korea’s trade windfall faces first test from worsening energy shock
Record terms-of-trade gains give Seoul a buffer, but higher oil costs threaten to erode it in the months ahead
September 16, 2026
South Korea builds Central Asia ties around minerals, industry and finance
New C5+1 ministerial meetings show Seoul pairing resource access with Korean technology, investment and policy finance
September 15, 2026
Lee Jae Myung stakes political capital on keeping South Korea fuel prices stable
Seoul is using refinery price caps, export controls and supply diversification to shield households from the oil shock
September 14, 2026
Hyundai Steel deal gives Yellow Envelope Act its first real-world test
First principal-subcontractor agreement shows how employer duties may expand issue by issue under the new labor law
September 11, 2026
