Business & Economy
Homeplus crisis exposes how South Korea’s retail rules distort capital flows
Restrictions designed for brick-and-mortar commerce now amplify structural decline and investment asymmetry
South Korea signals caution after China tightens dual use export rules on Japan
Officials stress indirect exposure and preparedness while avoiding moves that could disrupt Seoul’s diplomacy
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
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
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
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
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
South Korea consolidates green budget power within climate ministry
Move reflects declining dominance of finance ministry as line ministries gain greater budget authority
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
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














