Briefings
South Korea unveils aggressive new tools to penalize workplace deaths
Disclosure mandates, public bid bans and emergency work halts to replace courts as frontline tools against fatalities
August 14, 2025
Lee prepares for high-stakes first summit with Trump in Washington this month
First US-ROK summit to test Lee Jae-myung’s ability to defend trade gains and navigate Trump’s likely defense demands
August 13, 2025
Lee Jae-myung pardons Cho Kuk, opening new political fault lines in South Korea
Liberation Day pardon restores Cho’s political rights, sparking debate over his role in ruling party’s strategy
August 12, 2025
South Korea extends review of Google’s mapping data export amid US trade tension
Tariff deal without written terms could make mapping dispute a bargaining chip for Trump and Lee as lobbying accelerates
August 11, 2025
South Korea’s fragile rebound leans on chips and temporary consumption aid
KDI flags risks to chip exports and construction jobs, with cash vouchers masking deeper fragilities in domestic demand
August 8, 2025
South Korea names 41 businesses for failing gender equity compliance mandates
Companies falling short on female hiring standards face procurement penalties and reputational exposure
August 7, 2025
South Korea’s inflation flatlines but food prices and vouchers add new pressure
Bank of Korea highlights inflation volatility as telecom discounts, cash vouchers and US tariffs complicate outlook
August 6, 2025
Korea Eximbank projects 3-4% Q3 export drop as US tariffs start to bite
South Korea’s export gains from chip demand face pressure as front-loaded orders fade and tariff impacts deepen in H2
August 5, 2025
South Korea eyes swift Trump-Lee summit amid fragile tariff deal and US demands
Non-binding $350 billion investment promise hangs over summit agenda, with defense, tech and China policy all in play
August 4, 2025
US, South Korean defense chiefs reaffirm deterrence as tariff deal reshapes ties
Hegseth and Ahn emphasize joint drills and extended posture following tariff agreement and USFK tour changes
August 1, 2025
