Domestic Politics
South Korean won slides toward fresh lows as authorities lean on FX coordination
MOEF, BOK and pension fund move to manage volatility as structural dollar demand limits scope for direct intervention
December 19, 2025
South Korea’s K-shaped recovery: Conglomerates soar as SMEs stagnate in Q3
Headline growth returns to 2.1%, but divergence between tech exports and domestic services signals deepening crisis
December 18, 2025
South Korea’s democratic safeguards face scrutiny after martial law revelations
The special counsel findings show how emergency powers and personnel control eroded safeguards long before Dec. 3
December 16, 2025
China signals corporate coercion as South Korea cements US pivot
Ambassador Dai Bing issues veiled economic retaliation threat against chaebol if Seoul crosses Beijing’s red lines
December 12, 2025
Tariffs rise as Korea confronts deepening labor and capital strain — Ep. 110
Mexico’s duties hit supply chains as job demand crashes, firms halt 2026 plans, Fed eases and Peru signs major K2 deal
December 12, 2025
Korea Pro 2026 Investor Risk Index reveals deep structural economic split
Alliance sectors boom while domestic firms face insolvency and labor collapse amid capital flight and policy paralysis
December 10, 2025
Lee Jae Myung orders review of compulsory probe rights for state agencies
President argues social cost of criminal law is high and pushes for massive fines enforced by agency discretionary acts
December 10, 2025
South Korea labor demand hits 1998 crisis level as private hiring turns ice cold
Job opening ratio drops to lowest since Asian Financial Crisis while youth exodus from manufacturing accelerates rapidly
December 9, 2025
South Korean chaebol freeze investment plans in revolt against Lee Jae Myung
Business lobby survey shows 60% of top firms have halted 2026 capital investment plans, citing tax and labor risks
December 8, 2025
Why South Korea’s 2026 budget institutionalizes state risk
Government offloads industrial policy debt onto state bank’s balance sheet, creating massive target for US trade hawks
December 5, 2025
