Domestic Politics
Lee Jae-myung’s 123 national tasks signal costly shift for Korean business
Sweeping reforms tighten labor, data and carbon rules while opening new but heavily conditioned market opportunities
September 26, 2025
South Korea’s financial regulator targets corporate buybacks with tougher rules
Draft rules demand semiannual disclosure of buyback plans and stricter penalties for inaccurate reporting
September 26, 2025
South Korea wins US nod to enrich uranium but faces costly road to autonomy
Pact allows 20% enrichment under safeguards, but Russian supply risks and need for significant investment pose barriers
September 24, 2025
South Korea tests alliance limits with China outreach ahead of APEC summit
Growing discomfort with American coercion is driving subtle diplomatic realignment, though hard limits remain
September 19, 2025
Fed cut, Trump tariff threat and Lee’s 123 tasks — Ep. 98
The Korea Pro team examines US rate cuts, tariff tensions, Mexico’s auto duties and the Lee’s sweeping policy agenda
September 19, 2025
South Korea faces rising labor costs as government pushes shorter workweek
Shorter workweek and overtime ban raise costs that could erode competitiveness unless hourly productivity surges
September 18, 2025
South Korea unveils grand industrial and energy plan amid mounting fiscal strain
Cabinet approves seven national tasks with trillion-won ambitions, testing Seoul’s budgets and political resolve
September 17, 2025
South Korean automakers at risk of US losses as tariff gap widens with Japan
US duties on Korean cars puts Seoul at a competitive disadvantage in largest overseas market amid tense trade talks
September 16, 2025
South Korea sets profit-linked fines for firms with repeated workplace deaths
Companies with three or more annual fatalities face penalties up to 5% of operating profit and risk license cancellation
September 16, 2025
South Korea retreats on capital gains tax changes to calm markets and investors
Decision to keep 5 billion won threshold ends weeks of turmoil but raises doubts about long-term fiscal discipline
September 15, 2025
