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October 21, 2026Oct 21, 2026

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KOREA PRO

KOREA PRO

KOREA PRO is an essential resource providing objective insights and analysis on the most important stories and issues in South Korea, on topics ranging from foreign relations and politics to society and economics.

Briefings

South Korean markets reopen as oil and bond yields test chip-led rally

Post-Chuseok trading will show if semiconductor strength can offset higher borrowing costs and energy pressure

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 28, 2026
Podcast

Lee-Trump talks, US investment pressure and Mexico trip — Ep. 150

Seoul pushes North Korea diplomacy, weighs costly US projects and looks to deepen ties with Mexico

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 25, 2026
Briefings

South Korea builds diplomatic case for limited Hormuz role in talks with Iran

Seoul backs safe passage and international efforts as questions grow over its promised Hormuz contribution

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 25, 2026
Briefings

ADB’s 3.2% South Korea forecast raises stakes for chips, rates and fiscal policy

AI exports are driving a sharper recovery than expected, but energy costs and inflation still threaten domestic spending

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 24, 2026
Briefings

South Korea’s tightening cycle shifts pressure from housing to borrowers

Higher rates may cool Seoul housing and household debt while spreading refinancing stress through weaker firms

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 23, 2026
Briefings

Kang Hoon-sik resignation offer now tests Lee Jae Myung’s personnel reset

Chief of staff’s possible exit would answer pressure over failed nominations but cost Lee a key crisis manager

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 22, 2026
Briefings

Lee draws red line on South Korea’s military role around Strait of Hormuz

Seoul leaves room for stronger maritime protection while ruling out direct participation in the widening Iran war

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 21, 2026
Briefings

South Korea braces for higher-for-longer US rates after Fed’s latest hike

The Fed now sees rates near 4% through 2027, adding pressure to the won, Korean bonds and dollar-funded investment

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 18, 2026
Briefings

South Korea’s offshore won push shifts reform from promise to execution

Seoul now needs foreign banks to use RFI-K and build the liquidity that earlier currency reforms have yet to prove

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 17, 2026
Briefings

South Korea’s trade windfall faces first test from worsening energy shock

Record terms-of-trade gains give Seoul a buffer, but higher oil costs threaten to erode it in the months ahead

KOREA PROKOREA PROSeptember 16, 2026