South Korea enters policy trap as BOK holds rates before leadership shift
Oil shock, weaker won and fiscal expansion leave incoming governor with limited room to manage inflation or growth
April 10, 2026
ANALYSIS, OPINION & MORE
Semiconductor surge, security shifts and Middle East risks — Ep. 127
Short-term gains for Korean chipmakers as energy shocks, defense reforms and Iran tensions raise uncertainty
South Korea urges regional coordination as Middle East war drives energy risks
Seoul outlines price controls and 26.2 trillion won budget as ASEAN+3 officials warn of rising downside pressures
Failing to score ‘decisive’ win in Iran, Trump turns to punish allies yet again
With conflict unresolved, Washington signals consequences for partners as energy and logistics remain constrained
South Korea backs Hormuz reopening as ceasefire masks deeper risks
Seoul welcomes US-Iran truce and calls for free navigation, even as Tehran signals controlled access to key strait
South Korea-Japan evacuation diplomacy highlights ceiling on defense ties
Humanitarian coordination improves, but gaps in command, doctrine and strategy constrain deeper military integration
Chip profits rise as supply shocks squeeze South Korea’s broader economy
Samsung and LG post strong results, but rising costs and supply disruption point to mounting pressure across chip sector
Semiconductor surge, security shifts and Middle East risks — Ep. 127
Short-term gains for Korean chipmakers as energy shocks, defense reforms and Iran tensions raise uncertainty
Trump’s mixed signals, energy risks and South Korea’s security role — Ep. 126
Mixed signals from Washington as Seoul faces security demands, energy disruptions and domestic policy challenges
Oil shock fallout, reported Russia imports and KF-21 rollout — Ep. 125
Rising prices strain the economy as South Korea explores new supply options and navigates shifting alliances
Iran war fallout on global alliances, energy deals and BTS comeback — Ep. 124
Policy reversals on Iran test alliances as South Korea confronts rising oil prices and domestic pressures
Energy shock, US missile defense asset shifts and new trade probes — Ep. 123
Seoul weighs price controls, potential US missile defense redeployments and Washington opens Section 301 investigations
Iran escalation, Seoul’s response and Google map’s breakthrough — Ep. 122
From shipping risk in the Strait of Hormuz to emergency market measures in Seoul, plus Google’s HD map export approval
The ‘employee’ POV: What the Yellow Envelope Act changes for labor and unions
Beyond expanded bargaining rights, the amendment shifts liability rules, union eligibility and enforcement leverage
US tightens Section 232 tariffs, reshaping South Korea’s export exposure
New system simplifies compliance but expands enforcement scope, creating uneven sectoral impacts for Korean firms
South Korea-France supply chain deals deepen ties but sharpen rivalry
Agreements on nuclear energy, minerals and tech align supply chains even as EU policy risks limiting market access
South Korea restarts Kori-2, advancing nuclear reactor life-extension push
Kori-2 returns to service after upgrade, marking first execution of aging reactor extension pipeline through 2030
South Korea’s KF-21 ambitions faces uncertainty amid financing and trust issues
Indonesia negotiations highlight growing reliance on state-backed financing and uneven partner commitment dynamics
Trump’s mixed signals, energy risks and South Korea’s security role — Ep. 126
Mixed signals from Washington as Seoul faces security demands, energy disruptions and domestic policy challenges
