Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
South Korea’s record January surplus rests on an extraordinary chip price surge
Semiconductor contract prices jumped between 300 and 700%, driving export gains that mask narrow exposure
February 3, 2026
US watches South Korea’s surpluses while steering clear of FX escalation
Washington maintained formal monitoring but used careful language to decouple won depreciation from intent
February 2, 2026
Tariff pressure from Trump, tech laws and alliance tensions — Ep. 117
How US tariff threats, digital platform legislation and domestic infighting are colliding in Seoul
January 30, 2026
South Korea in January 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from Jan. 1 to 27, 2026, and key outlook for February 2026
January 30, 2026
Canada’s submarine project tests limits of South Korea’s defense export model
Ottawa’s bid underscores how long-term naval programs allow buyers to extract wide-ranging economic concessions
January 29, 2026
US tariff threat exposes widening gaps in Seoul’s trade and lawmaking signals
White House cites legislative delays as Seoul confirms undisclosed US letter on digital issues and trade uncertainty
January 29, 2026
Trump’s tariff 180 underscores the dangers of South Korea’s alliance assumptions
Seoul’s expectations for predictability are colliding with Washington’s erratic trade and defense policies
January 27, 2026
How Coupang’s breach became a durable political confrontation in South Korea
Administrative enforcement, nationalist framing and public opinion aligned to sustain scrutiny long after disclosure
January 26, 2026
US defense strategy tightens expectations for allies as Korea takes center stage
Pentagon’s 2026 plan calls for primary allied responsibility while leaving US support deliberately undefined
January 26, 2026
Coupang dispute enters treaty terrain as investors trigger arbitration clock
ISDS notice formalizes a regulatory clash Seoul had sought to contain while narrowing diplomatic room for maneuver
January 23, 2026
