Business & Economy
After restraint, Lee Jae Myung probes how far he can shift to the left
Early rhetorical changes suggest the administration is reassessing constraints before any formal policy moves
January 8, 2026
Private hiring takes center stage in Bank of Korea’s cautious 2026 labor outlook
Central bank says consumption must hold as private jobs remain weak despite steady headline employment
January 8, 2026
Thailand’s use of Korean-made jets against Cambodia poses arms exports quandary
Seoul’s subdued response highlights uneven application of export rules depending on commercial and geopolitical exposure
January 7, 2026
KOSPI breaks 4,500 as market optimism rises alongside currency pressures
The KOSPI surge advances Lee Jae Myung’s market pledge but coincides with reserve drawdowns and won weakness
January 7, 2026
Lee-Xi summit seeks stability as South Korea moves to stabilize China ties
The state visit prioritized procedural dialogue and risk containment over resolving deeper strategic disputes
January 6, 2026
South Korea consolidates green budget power within climate ministry
Move reflects declining dominance of finance ministry as line ministries gain greater budget authority
January 5, 2026
How South Korea enters 2026 across politics, security and trade — Ep. 113
Record trade figures, postponed war games and mounting domestic political strain come into sharper focus
January 2, 2026
South Korea crossed $700 billion in exports, but volume growth stayed muted
Export values surged in 2025 but shipment volumes barely grew raising questions about durability and spillover effects
January 2, 2026
The US-South Korea alliance avoided rupture but lost its old buffers in 2025
With North Korea receding, USFK ambiguity, investment pressure and routine policy choices now shape alliance credibility
January 1, 2026
Lee Hye-hoon poised to take control of South Korea’s new budget ministry
Former conservative lawmaker with deep fiscal credentials tapped to step into powerful role to reshape state spending
January 1, 2026
