South Korea’s Trade Balance Becoming More Extreme
KITA data reveals that over time, South Korea is undergoing an increasing level of trade polarization (i.e. greater degrees of trade imbalances) vis- à-vis its trading partners.
Five Challenges for the Park Geun-hye Administration
As Park Geun-hye takes office as South Korea’s first female president, she comes into power at a time of contradictions and challenges.
By Design: A Look at Korea’s Fashion Industry
After years of being under the radar, Korean designers are increasingly being noticed by the world of haute couture of London, Paris, Milan, and New York.
The Potential for Early Political Risks in the Park Administration
The Park administration will inherit an economy that is emerging from the global financial crisis in a better position than most other advanced economies. However, the challenges cannot be underestimated and financing election promises will be difficult.
Should South Korea’s Space Program Go Private?
South Korea joins an elite group of countries by launching its first rocket into space.
Could a Third North Korean Nuclear Test Strain U.S.-South Korea Coordination?
If the North Korean leadership tests another nuclear device, it might actually do more to separate U.S.-ROK coordination than the anticipated engagement of North Korea from the incoming Park Geun-hye administration.
10 Things to Watch for on the Korean Peninsula in 2013
By Nicholas Hamisevicz, Chad O’Carroll, Seongjin James Ahn, and Troy Stangarone Last year saw a series of significant events on the Korean peninsula. The year…
The Bank of Korea Shows Foresight in Holding Rates Steady
While some were disappointed earlier this month that South Korea’s central bank decided against easing up on nation’s key interest rate, the Bank of Korea’s decision is actually what the country’s economy needs in this moment: prudence and restraint.
South Korea: Middle Power but not a Mediator between the U.S. and China
By Nicholas Hamisevicz As countries in Asia emerge from this year of elections and transitions, the role and rise of China in the region will…
Park Geun-hye Wins South Korean Presidency But Big Issues Ahead
By Nicholas Hamisevicz A year of transitions finishes in historic fashion as South Korea elects Park Geun-hye as its first female president. Her election capped…