Briefings
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
KDI lifts South Korea growth outlook as AI chip boom broadens recovery
Semiconductor exports and investment drive a sharp 2026 upgrade, but weak jobs and wages leave domestic gains uneven
August 20, 2026
South Korea weighs new AI support system as global model race intensifies
Seoul will expand Nvidia GPU support for the three surviving teams while considering larger push toward frontier models
August 19, 2026
Kim Min-seok wins DP leadership, strengthening Lee Jae Myung’s party grip
Victory gives Lee a trusted ally atop the ruling party, but Jung Chung-rae’s camp retains a Supreme Council majority
August 18, 2026
Industry minister heads to Washington as Korea faces yet more US trade pressure
Trade minister’s abrupt dismissal comes as Seoul faces demands on US investment, tariffs and tougher rules of origin
August 17, 2026
Lee Jae Myung speeds up Seoul housing supply as financing risks rise
New plan targets 230,000-plus homes while expanding project finance support and cutting years from public site timelines
August 14, 2026
