Briefings
U.S., South Korea launch second round of tariff talks amid looming July deadline
With Lee Jae-myung leading polls, Seoul’s urgency contrasts with expected shift in trade negotiation stance
May 21, 2025
Years-long SK Telecom breach draws opposition fire, international concern
Attack draws political heat at home and renewed scrutiny abroad over Seoul’s cyber security standards
May 20, 2025
South Korea’s manufacturing employment share falls to record low
Manufacturing sector's proportion of total employment drops to 15.5% despite production gains as hiring freezes persist
May 19, 2025
South Korea doubles deposit cap to 100 million won amid market uncertainty
South Korea’s move covers banks, pensions, and mutual finance groups following liquidity concerns at Saemaul Geumgo
May 16, 2025
South Korea faces sub-1% growth in 2025, signaling deepening growth malaise
State-run think tank warns fiscal limits have reached a limit as trade shocks and weak construction drag recovery
May 15, 2025
US-China tariff truce leaves South Korea pressed for time and leverage
Seoul’s negotiators proceed blind in their trade talks with Washington as China secures broader concessions and time
May 14, 2025
South Korea’s top candidates lay out starkly different visions ahead of election
Lee proposes state-driven innovation and reform while Kim calls for liberalization and institutional rollback
May 13, 2025
Kim Moon-soo clinches PPP nomination after failed attempt to install Han
Ruling party unable to mount credible electoral opposition as poll shows majority backing for Lee Jae-myung
May 12, 2025
Fed pause widens BOK options but highlights Korea’s stagnation warning signs
Falling income, weak investment and poor consumption point to deeper trouble for South Korea’s economy
May 9, 2025
Seoul High Court delays Lee Jae-myung’s trial until after election day
Decision grants frontrunner temporary legal shield as court cites fairness and Democratic Party pushes immunity bill
May 8, 2025
