Domestic Politics
South Korea pegs May oil imports at 87% of normal amid supply strain
Seoul secures alternative crude flows but flags petrochemical and construction bottlenecks as war disruptions persist
April 27, 2026
South Korea’s offshore wind strategy tests limits of foreign capital
Rising costs and non-market based frameworks are making Korea a harder market for global developers to justify
April 24, 2026
Why South Korea’s record trade surplus signals a strategic step backward
An anti-hoarding decree on petrochemicals keeps import costs low, while old habits delay Seoul’s diversification efforts
April 22, 2026
South Korea businesses face hard choices as energy disruption persists
Seoul secures oil supply, but businesses must decide which costs to absorb, pass on or redesign as risks linger
April 17, 2026
Smart regulation push, Middle East diplomacy and defense continuity — Ep. 128
Vague reform agenda unfolds alongside oil supply efforts and continued U.S.-ROK coordination on defense
April 17, 2026
South Korea secures oil supply, locking in higher costs and tighter logistics
Seoul locks in 273 million barrels and naphtha, but longer routes and logistics strain raise costs and delivery risks
April 15, 2026
Lee Jae Myung’s Israel posts reveal risks of communicating with social media
President’s social media style blurs line between domestic politics and official policy, raising diplomatic costs abroad
April 13, 2026
South Korea braces for prolonged disruption after US-Iran talks fail
Seoul keeps emergency measures in place, warning energy, logistics recovery will lag even if diplomacy resumes
April 13, 2026
South Korea enters policy trap as BOK holds rates before leadership shift
Oil shock, weaker won and fiscal expansion leave incoming governor with limited room to manage inflation or growth
April 10, 2026
Semiconductor surge, security shifts and Middle East risks — Ep. 127
Short-term gains for Korean chipmakers as energy shocks, defense reforms and Iran tensions raise uncertainty
April 10, 2026
