Business & Economy
Tariffs, CPTPP, military parade and UN speech — Ep. 96
The Korea Pro team unpacks Trump’s tariff fight, Korea’s CPTPP bid, Gangneung’s drought and Lee’s global diplomacy
September 5, 2025
South Korea extends SME loan terms to 15 years, entrenching fiscal liabilities
Seoul’s move to ease burdens on shuttered firms shifts private debt risks onto state, raising sustainability questions
September 5, 2025
South Korea’s CPTPP gambit aims to diversify ties but risks farmer backlash
Joining trade pact faces Japan veto and domestic opposition, despite promising supply chain integration, Mexico access
September 4, 2025
South Korea unveils record $193B trade insurance and $9.8B tariff relief
Lee administration reframes subsidies and loans as industrial policy, but risks moral hazard and global scrutiny
September 4, 2025
Chips and ships: India’s bid to deepen South Korea ties faces tough obstacles
Unreliable infrastructure and limited Korean investment stall industrial partnership growth despite diplomatic meetings
September 3, 2025
South Korea’s inflation dips to 1.7% as SK Telecom rebate skews CPI data
Food and processed goods remain elevated despite 1.7% headline rate, complicating fiscal and monetary coordination
September 3, 2025
South Korea proposes record 2026 budgets for science and industry resilience
Lee administration boosts basic research and AI factories, but fiscal strain and US dependence raise long-term risks
September 2, 2025
South Korea in August 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 29, 2025, and key outlook for September 2025
September 1, 2025
US tightens export controls on Samsung and SK Hynix’s China-based fabs
Washington ends Biden-era waivers, requiring new licenses that block expansions and upgrades, raising supply chain risks
September 1, 2025
South Korea’s Yellow Envelope Act cements labor-first regulatory era
With weak opposition and DP dominance, businesses face lasting compliance, litigation and competitiveness risks
August 29, 2025
