Briefings
South Korea’s record current account surplus reshapes the won’s outlook
Semiconductor exports overwhelmed energy costs and offset the capital outflows that had long suppressed the currency
August 7, 2026
South Korea’s 10 million older workers expose retirement’s widening economic gap
A record workforce masks a two-decade stretch between career exit and retirement that pensions still fail to bridge
August 6, 2026
South Korea core inflation hits two-year high as overall prices slow to 2.8%
Bank of Korea minutes show economists urging higher rates, warning that the chip windfall is now lifting prices
August 5, 2026
South Korea’s memory chip prices hit records as cost lands on its own industry
DRAM contract prices rose to $24 in July from $5.30 a year earlier, and Samsung’s phone division lost 700 billion won
August 4, 2026
Lee Jae Myung turns South America into South Korea’s next supply chain bet
Argentinian oil, Chilean minerals and Brazilian scale part of regional strategy to diversify trade and resource access
August 3, 2026
Fed’s split rate freeze leaves South Korea facing prolonged uncertainty
Three votes for a hike, firm inflation language and Middle East risks cloud the outlook for US rates and Korean markets
July 31, 2026
SK Hynix’s record quarter reinforces global AI investment despite volatility
AI memory demand, long-term customer contracts and hyperscaler spending point to continued infrastructure expansion
July 30, 2026
Foreign residents hold South Korea’s population flat as working-age base shrinks
Korean nationals fall for fifth year, working-age share drops below 70% for first time, men in their 20s decline 3.8%
July 29, 2026
South Korea plans for lower gas demand while preparing for higher LNG use
Seoul forecasts declining baseline consumption but keeps a higher planning scenario as AI demand remains uncertain
July 28, 2026
Chey Tae-won keeps control of SK despite 944 billion won divorce ruling
Cash settlement preserves SK ownership stability but shifts attention to leverage, governance and investor confidence
July 27, 2026
