Global Scans · South Korea · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: South Korea may go nuclear if Trump cancels the missile deployment and leaves the country alone facing the North's threats. With the President facing an impeachment vote and mass demonstrations on the streets political and economic turmoil may follow. Chinese markets has already shaken South Korea, where central bankers downgraded their forecasts for economic growth.

• [New] Emerging Hub Development: South Korea's push to develop Busan as an Arctic logistics gateway could create new feeder or consolidation nodes over the next 3-5 years. TRADLINX Blogs
• [New] Google could potentially replace local providers on platforms that rely on online maps - like Airbnb and Uber, which do work in South Korea but use Korean mapping tools. CNN
• [New] Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region, projected to achieve a 25.2% CAGR through 2032, fueled by robust textile manufacturing capabilities in China and India combined with South Korea's advanced electronics ecosystem. Newstrail
• [New] Geopolitical tensions, including U.S. export restrictions and bans on government use in countries like Italy and South Korea, could limit its global expansion. Ainvest
• [New] Geopolitical tensions, supply chain vulnerabilities (as seen during COVID-19), and overdependence on East Asia (Taiwan, South Korea) have prompted nations to diversify supply chains. KPs 21st Century IAS Academy
• [New] Intense diplomatic outreach by D.C. and Beijing to Seoul must be expected, because if China can split either South Korea, Japan, or both from the USA the way it's already taken out the so-called Quad that was supposed to include India, isolating Taiwan in a crisis gets a lot easier. Rogue Systems Recon
• [New] Taiwan might have the support of the United States and its allies, such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and several smaller Pacific Rim countries in the event of an invasion. Stimson Center
• [New] South Korea's domestic goal is to recycle 70% of plastic waste by 2030, from 52% in 2023. Emergen Research
• [New] South Korea has seen a spike in food safety violations with the arrival of summer, highlighting concerns over contamination risks and inspection failures. FoodNavigator-Asia.com
• [New] South Korea has proven to be a reliable and strong American ally in advancing freedom, opportunity, and prosperity in eastern Asia and around the globe. The Heritage Foundation
• [New] Major Korean telecommunications companies are developing the traffic management systems that will be needed worldwide as other countries eventually follow South Korea's lead. Business Aviation
• [New] The success or failure of South Korea's approach will determine whether urban air mobility can work in other security-conscious urban environments worldwide. Business Aviation
• [New] The bold strategy could boost chaebol companies like Samsung, LG, Naver and Hyundai as they take the lead in government-supported AI initiatives ts2. / South Korea TS2 Space
• [New] Geopolitical risks intensify as U.S.-China semiconductor rivalry forces supply chain bifurcation, with Nvidia shifting production to India/South Korea while losing $20 B in potential revenue from halting China H20 production. Ainvest
• [New] South Korea, particularly Jeju Province, launched the Plastic Zero Island campaign, aiming toward plastic-free goals by 2040. Precedence Research
• [New] South Korea's advancing military capabilities and the Lee administration's more tempered approach toward North Korea and desire to take a more robust role in paying for South Korean security provides an opportunity. The Diplomat
• [New] Another of Lee's top priorities is safeguarding South Korea's economy at a time of unpredictable U.S. trade decisions, global supply chain concerns, and worsening U.S.-China relations. Council on Foreign Relations
• South Korea's life insurance sector is projected to grow steadily, reaching 206.2 trillion won (US$ 157.9 billion) in direct written premiums by 2029, up from 182.7 trillion won (US$ 139.8 billion) in 2025, representing a 3.1% compound annual growth rate. Insurance Business
• South Korea's 2024 defence spending hit $44.6 billion, with a projected 2% compound annual growth rate through 2030. Ainvest
• South Korea's general insurance sector is on track to exceed KRW 39.1 trillion (US$ 29.1 billion) in direct written premiums (DWP) by 2029. Insurance Business
• South Korea's automotive industry is the most exposed to the impending tariff threat. Ainvest
• South Korea will abandon the previous Yoon administration's 8.15 Unification Doctrine, which emphasized establishing a free, democratic, and unified nation on the Korean Peninsula. Institute for the Study of War

Last updated: 10 September 2025