Lim Sangwoo Reporter
South Korea's Arms Export Law Still Reflects a $100 Million Era as Sales Reach $15–20 Billion
Experts at Ilchon Law Firm say South Korea's defense laws remain built for domestic supply, even as exports have grown to $15–20 billion a year. They point to end-user rules and local-production and technology-transfer issues as bottlenecks.
Nine in 10 Korean retirees take severance as a lump sum, but an IRP pension could cut their tax by up to half
Economist Hong Chun-uk says most Korean retirement savings sit in low-yield, capital-guaranteed products that trail inflation. He urges workers to review their plan type, consider a switch to DC before wage peak, and take severance through an IRP.
Andong Soju's Third Brew Turns Rice Wine Into Spirit, Using a Method Rare in Soju
Park Jae-seo, Republic of Korea Food Master No. 6, makes Andong Soju with a three-stage fermentation known as the Samyang method. The craft traces back 500 years to his ancestor Park Jin.
Bond Yields Hit 24-Year High as Governments Keep Spending While Central Banks Raise Rates
Government bond yields have reached their highest level since 2002 because tight monetary policy and expansionary fiscal policy are pulling in opposite directions. An analysis from The Man Who Explains the Economy (Kim Kwang-seok TV) points to geopolitics, heavy bond issuance, wars and elections.
Kwak Soo-jong urges youth to adopt business mindset during overseas travel
During a recent visit to Osaka, Japan, Dr. Kwak Soo-jong observed the profound impact of Japan's "Lost 30 Years" and urged South Korean youth to adopt a business-oriented perspective when traveling abroad. He emphasized that the government and corporations must provide practical financial and diplomatic support rather than merely encouraging overseas expansion through words.
"Even Pizza Shops are Collapsing": Self-Employed Face Bankruptcy Crisis Amid Interest Rate Shock
While South Korea's semiconductor boom masks economic indicators, self-employed individuals and youth are facing a severe recession and deepening "K-shaped" polarization. High interest rates and the structural flaws of franchise systems are driving many small business owners toward bankruptcy.
US shifts to 'breathing space' strategy to maintain superpower status, demanding more from allies
The United States is transitioning from a "benevolent hegemon" to a "transactional" power, seeking to maintain its global leadership by requiring allies to take on more defense responsibilities. This strategic shift comes amid intensifying US-China competition and rising security tensions in Europe and the Middle East.
"Senate to be held by Republicans, House to be retaken by Democrats"... Will Trump strengthen external pressure?
Professor Min Jeong-hun of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy analyzes the likely outcomes of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections and how they will impact the Trump administration's foreign and trade policies. The analysis suggests that while Republicans may retain the Senate, Democrats are likely to retake the House, potentially leading to a scenario where the administration relies heavily on executive orders to push its agenda.
"5 million won needed per month after retirement"... 32% of people in their 40s dream of this retirement plan
A mini-survey conducted by Mirae Asset Investment and Pension TV reveals that people approaching retirement demand higher monthly cash flows, with those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s showing significant interest in retirement planning.
Targeting 268,000 Housing Units in Seoul Metropolitan Area... 99,000 Units Commenced This Year
The South Korean government is implementing a massive housing supply plan for the Seoul metropolitan area, with 99,000 units already having commenced construction, representing approximately 37% of the annual target.
Microloans for Faithful Repayers: What to Watch Out for When Registering Automatic Transfer Accounts?
The Credit Counseling and Recovery Service (CCRS) provides microloans to individuals faithfully fulfilling debt adjustment programs, but users must carefully manage repayment plans and account settings to avoid delinquency.
US Treasury Yields Surpass 5%... Warnings of AI Bubble Burst and Stock Price Correction
Professor Kim Young-ik warns that rising US Treasury yields, which have reached their highest levels since 2002, could trigger a decline in stock prices and a contraction in AI-related investments. He highlights structural imbalances caused by fiscal deficits and a lack of demand for US debt as primary drivers of high interest rates.
"The 40,000 Won Butterfly Effect"... Support for Youth's 'First Lifetime Pension' to Begin in 2027
A video featuring financial YouTuber Park Gom-hui and the National Pension Service explains strategic ways for the 2030 generation to utilize the National Pension and introduces a new support system for youth starting in 2027.
It's Not Computation Speed but 'Data Movement' That Determines AI Performance... Acceleration of Infrastructure Redesign
The standard for AI performance competition is shifting from computational power to data management capabilities. As Large Language Models (LLM) and Agentic AI expand, the efficiency of storing and delivering massive amounts of data to computing devices has become a key variable in determining system cost and performance.
SK hynix presents memory-centered servers to tackle AI data bottlenecks
SK hynix unveiled memory pooling, computing and storage solutions at OCP Global Summit 2026, presenting its vision for memory-centered AI infrastructure. The company demonstrated systems designed to improve resource use, accelerate data sharing and reduce service response delays.
US inflation surge adds pressure on South Korean stocks as AI leadership shifts
US producer prices rose 1.3% in September from the previous month, exceeding market expectations and adding to uncertainty over interest rates. Professor Kim Kwang-seok said South Korean stocks also face pressure from a shift in AI market leadership, arguing that stocks outside the leading group are not investment candidates.
Two productions from CJ ENM studios earn International Emmy® Awards nominations
A THOUSAND BLOWS and HYPER KNIFE have been nominated in separate categories at the 54th International Emmy® Awards. Studios within CJ ENM’s international and domestic network participated in producing the two dramas.
Hong Chun-uk links stock market volatility to sharp capital shifts
Hong Chun-uk identified rising interest rates in the United States and money moving from Europe to the United States as factors behind recent stock market swings. He outlined momentum and contrarian investment strategies as a stronger won makes it easier for foreign investors to sell shares in South Korea.
South Korea’s Chipmakers Urged to Broaden Partnerships Beyond NVIDIA
A three-way discussion on The Man Who Explains the Economy (Kim Kwang-seok TV) examined how Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and other chipmakers in South Korea could sustain their competitiveness. Participants highlighted HBM prices, shareholder returns and cooperation with companies such as AMD as key considerations.
Daehung Softmill Says Youth Employment Leap Incentive Helps Hiring and Benefits
Daehung Softmill says the Youth Employment Leap Incentive has eased labor costs, supported employee benefits and helped it recruit young workers. The company plans about six additional hires in the second half of the year as it trains younger employees to become skilled technicians.
SK hynix outlines a future of AI memory built through design-stage collaboration
At SEDEX 2026 in Seoul, SK hynix presented memory products for AI infrastructure and said it aims to work with customers on solutions from the architecture design stage. The company also showcased social initiatives, including an AI memory care service that drew about 600 participants in Icheon and Gwangju this year.
Park So-yeon on Why Markets Are Hard to Predict and How the Kelly Criterion Guides Risk
Shinyoung Securities director Park So-yeon said investors should build principles and systems that can withstand different market conditions rather than focus on predicting prices. She linked risk management and appropriate bet sizing to Edward Thorp, Claude Shannon and the Kelly criterion.
Kia PBV Conversion Operations Team Takes Responsibility for Customized Vehicle Production and Quality
As Kia's Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) business accelerates, the company is establishing a centralized "Conversion Center" to handle everything from production to quality management for customized vehicles. This system replaces the traditional method where customers had to find separate specialty vehicle manufacturers after purchasing a base vehicle.
SK hynix Verifies Semiconductor Lifespan Through Accelerated Testing... Expanding the Role of Quality Assurance
As semiconductor processes advance and usage environments like AI infrastructure expand, the importance of reliability and the role of quality assurance in managing the entire product lifecycle are growing. SK hynix is enhancing product competitiveness by proactively verifying potential risks through accelerated testing methods.