Briefings
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
Seoul bets on frontier technologies to build South Korea’s next industries
Government wants today’s mega projects to finance future industries as supply-chain and power constraints loom larger
August 13, 2026
US polysilicon tariffs raise pressure on Korean firms to produce in America
Seoul will seek relief as Section 232 measures reward US production and raise pressure on suppliers operating abroad
August 12, 2026
South Korea sets late-2028 target to free Gwangju air base for mega chip cluster
Military relocation, US coordination and year-end power supply leave little room for delays in Seoul’s Honam plans
August 11, 2026
South Korea’s health insurance deficit puts Lee’s health agenda under strain
A 3.9 trillion won first-quarter shortfall comes as Seoul seeks more funding for regional and essential medical care
August 10, 2026
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
