Briefings
South Korea inflation rises again as BOK weighs path after back-to-back hikes
Telecom base effects lift the headline, while service prices and oil risks complicate the BOK’s expected October pause
September 3, 2026
South Korea’s record 2027 budget puts semiconductor windfall to work now
Lee Jae Myung’s government channels surging tax revenue into a new Future Response Fund and strategic investment
September 2, 2026
South Korea’s export boom masks a widening split across the real economy
July data show flat output, weak domestic demand and surging investment as the semiconductor windfall reshapes growth
September 1, 2026
Lee replaces key ministers as housing woes expose limits of his first team
Finance and land promotions favor insiders as defense returns to a former general and Blue House policy control expands
August 31, 2026
South Korea’s chip windfall brings second straight Bank of Korea rate hike
Central bank sees stronger consumption and persistent inflation as semiconductor income spreads through the economy
August 28, 2026
South Korea’s business sentiment climbs as chip boom widens policy dilemma
Stronger exporter confidence contrasts with weak domestic demand as central bank weighs whether to raise rates again
August 27, 2026
Hyundai wage deal sets stage for South Korea’s next retirement age battle
Union wage protections could shape how companies respond to longer careers, youth hiring and automation after reform
August 26, 2026
South Korea’s job rebound masks weak hiring as fewer positions disappear
MODS data show first-quarter employment gains came mainly from lower job destruction as job creation barely improved
August 25, 2026
Future Response Fund would give Seoul more control over future tax windfalls
New mechanism would redirect part of tax booms into AI, regional growth, education and fiscal stabilization reserves
August 24, 2026
South Korea restores China security channel after nearly five-year freeze
Restored talks add institutional depth to warmer relations, but deep Korean distrust of China limits any strategic shift
August 21, 2026
