Why North Korea Isn’t Interested in Economic Reform
By Troy Stangarone As often happens with North Korea, there have recently been suggestions that the regime may be interested in engaging in economic reforms….
One Year After the KORUS FTA
The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, or KORUS FTA, has now been in effect for one year and, as with any agreement, it is natural to reflect on what the FTA has achieved.
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.
Dr. Strangelove and the Special Economic Zone: Balance and Imbalance in China’s Long-Range North Korea Strategy
The Chinese leadership generally fails to appreciate satire, but they have surely noted the wild and Strangelove-esque behavior of their erstwhile socialist ally North Korea.
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.
Korea and the Seesaw between U.S. and China’s Asia Policies
As new leadership settles takes hold in China and the United States, how will their respective foreign policies towards Asia impact countries like Korea?