Technology & Cyber
South Korea extends chip R&D work hours, but next government could reverse it
Longer R&D hours give Samsung and SK Hynix an edge, but Lee Jae-myung’s potential win could reverse gains
March 13, 2025
US considers labeling South Korea ‘sensitive,’ placing strain on the alliance
Defense and tech restrictions under the potential measure would undermine Seoul’s security posture and export ambitions
March 12, 2025
South Korea’s retail sector faces reckoning as Homeplus files for receivership
Slow digital adoption and rising competition from e-commerce platforms have left legacy retailers struggling to compete
March 5, 2025
South Korea boosts tech export restrictions, softens stance on Russia
MOTIE tightens control on advanced tech, signals nuanced position by easing humanitarian medical exports to Moscow
February 26, 2025
South Korea passes K-Chips Act but semiconductor policy still in limbo
New tax incentives provide relief, but labor and regulatory hurdles create long-term uncertainty for chipmakers
February 18, 2025
Yoon’s trial, China’s trade retaliation and U.S.-ROK diplomacy — Ep. 60
The Korea Pro team unpacks the latest political, economic, and geopolitical developments shaping South Korea
February 7, 2025
South Korea faces supply chain shock as China restricts rare metal exports
China’s export curbs deepen Seoul’s dilemma between securing supply chains and staying aligned with Washington
February 7, 2025
South Korea’s new law forces Big Tech to offer real-time customer support
Mandated live support for major platforms could drive compliance costs higher and spark resistance from US tech giants
February 5, 2025
Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong acquitted as court clears him of merger fraud
The ruling removes a major legal hurdle for Samsung, clearing the way for M&A investments in AI and chip expansion
February 4, 2025
South Korea in January 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from January 1 to 31, 2025, and key outlook for February 2025
February 3, 2025
