South Korea

The economy shows strong corporate-led investment in strategic technologies. Hyundai is investing billions in an AI and robotics hub, while Samsung is launching its Galaxy S26 series and winning key semiconductor races. The Bank of Korea held rates steady and lifted its growth forecast, signaling underlying confidence.

• 9South Korean crypto exchange accidentally sends billions in Bitcoin to users
• 6Samsung launches Galaxy S26 with varying prices across countries
• 5Hyundai invests billions in AI and robotics hub in South Korea
• 3Bank of Korea Holds Rates Steady, Lifts Growth Forecast
• 3Samsung wins ‘world’s first’ battle in HBM4 race

Domestic politics are dominated by the legal proceedings against former President Yoon and a major corporate scandal involving Coupang. A court is set to rule in Yoon's insurrection trial, while Coupang's interim CEO was ordered to testify before the US Congress over a data breach.

• 1Court to Rule in Yoon's Insurrection Trial
• 1US Congress Orders Coupang Interim CEO to Testify at House Committee

Security tensions with North Korea have sharply escalated. Kim Jong Un has vowed to expand the nuclear arsenal and unveiled new nuclear-capable rocket launchers, while simultaneously signaling openness to US talks. In response, South Korea and the US are preparing for large-scale Freedom Shield military drills in March.

• 9North Korea unveils new nuclear-capable rocket launchers ahead of party congress
• 5South Korean authorities raid spy agency over alleged drone flights to North Korea
• 2(LEAD) S. Korea seeks to reinstate no-fly zone under suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact
• 2Ministry Pledges Action to Prevent Recurrence of Drone Intrusions into N. Korea
• 1Teen cyclist hit by Hyundai driver in Volgodonsk

Society is focused on a nascent demographic shift, with multiple reports indicating a second consecutive annual rise in the birth rate, attributed to a post-COVID wedding boom. This positive signal is set against a backdrop of recurring wildfires and a fire in Seoul's tourist district.

• 2South Korea's birth rate rises for second year to 0.80
• 2S. Korean Citizens Recommended for Nobel Peace Prize
• 2Gyeongju Wildfire Extinguished Again after Reigniting
• 1Fire breaks out in Seoul's tourist district
• 1South Korea sees most births in 15 years as post-Covid wedding boom kicks in