Koreans Push Back Against Abuse of Power by Franchises
Scandals have led to a pushback against Korean franchises.
Korea’s New Craving for Kakao Bank
Kakao Bank launched its internet-only banking service on Thursday, July 27, meeting unprecedented enthusiasm from Korean users.
Moon Jae-in’s Economic Agenda Three Months In
As this week marks the end of Moon Jae-in’s first three months in office, what does the administration’s economic reform agenda look like so far and how is it being received?
As Chinese Tourists Continue to Drop, Korea Turns to the Middle East
As several KEI analyses have shown, South Korea’s tourism industry has been one of the main casualties of China’s economic retaliation over deployment of the THAAD missile defense system.
Pyongyang’s Deficit Soars: Won Steady But for How Long?
ICBMs are not the only things soaring in North Korean skies. Comprehensive second quarter data released by China Customs last week shows a huge jump in North Korea’s trade deficit with China.
What Do the Trump Administration’s NAFTA Objectives Mean for the KORUS FTA?
Last week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its Summary of Objectives for the NAFTA Renegotiation, providing a window into how the administration may pursue updating the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).
Since Trump’s Election, the U.S.-Korea Trade Deficit Has Been Reduced by One-Third
Last March, President Donald Trump directed the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to prepare an Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits within 90 days.
What Does the Call for a KORUS FTA Special Meeting Mean for Korea?
If present trends continue, the U.S. may experience a lower bilateral merchandise trade deficit with Korea in 2017 than we have seen for the past several years – all without any action by USTR.
One Small (and Medium) Step for Korea’s Economy
The future of Korea’s economy may depend on SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) just as much as is does on the large traditional companies, the chaebol.
Overcaffeinated? Korea’s Ubiquitous Coffee Shop Culture
One thing that shocks most first time visitors to Korea is the ubiquity of coffee shops. You can’t find anywhere in Seoul that isn’t a short walk to the nearest café. The sheer magnitude of Korea’s passion for coffee is best expressed through numbers: Korea boasts the highest per capita number of cafes in the world.