Domestic Politics
Lee Jae-myung slams 15.9% loan rates for South Korea’s most vulnerable borrowers
Rising household debt and pressure on non-bank lenders heighten concerns over risks of political intervention in lending
September 10, 2025
South Korea’s widening gender wage gap threatens growth in key industries
New report reveals female wages falling faster than men’s, undermining industrial strategy and capital market reforms
September 10, 2025
Lee administration announces plans for sweeping government reorganization
Overhaul would abolish prosecutor’s office and split economic ministries, risking institutional disruption
September 9, 2025
South Korea secures release deal after US raid detains 300 workers
More than 300 Koreans were detained in Georgia, revealing visa gaps and fueling doubts about US reliability as a partner
September 8, 2025
South Korea’s drought crisis shows costs of poor preparation for climate shocks
From wildfires to flood, extreme weather events are straining the ROK+1 economy and placing communities at risk
September 5, 2025
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 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
