Briefings
US-Japan summit signals tight defense ties and economic rivalry with South Korea
Tokyo cements its role as Washington’s top partner, raising pressure on Seoul to secure strategic and economic position
February 10, 2025
South Korea faces supply chain shock as China restricts rare metal exports
China’s export curbs deepen Seoul’s dilemma between securing supply chains and staying aligned with Washington
February 7, 2025
Korean inflation surges as weak won drives up import costs and energy prices
Rising prices, trade uncertainty and currency volatility challenge government’s ability to respond to mounting pressures
February 6, 2025
South Korea’s new law forces Big Tech to offer real-time customer support
Mandated live support for major platforms could drive compliance costs higher and spark resistance from US tech giants
February 5, 2025
Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong acquitted as court clears him of merger fraud
The ruling removes a major legal hurdle for Samsung, clearing the way for M&A investments in AI and chip expansion
February 4, 2025
US imposes 25% tariffs on Canada over opioid crisis, raising Korea trade fears
North American trade tariffs spark global supply chain disruptions challenging Seoul amid leadership crisis
February 3, 2025
Fed holds rates steady, putting South Korea in a bind
Slower US rate cuts could restrict the BOK’s ability to ease policy despite growing pressure to support weak demand
January 31, 2025
Morgan Stanley slashes South Korea’s 2025 growth outlook to 1.5%
The global investment bank’s forecast highlights weak domestic demand and rising trade risks amid global uncertainty
January 30, 2025
Trump’s chip tariffs pledge threatens global semiconductor supply chains
US tariffs risk increasing costs, limiting exports and increasing dependency on China as Seoul faces limited options
January 29, 2025
Trump’s hardline diplomacy with Colombia raises red flags for South Korea
Diplomatic spat shows Washington’s willingness to penalize allies on immigration, trade and security disputes
January 28, 2025
