BOK chief welcomes stronger won in containing AI-fueled inflation SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) —Bank of Korea Gov. Shin Hyun-song welcomed further won appreciation to contain inflationary pressure fueled by South Korea’s exceptional chip windfall and defended restrictive monetary policy despite geopolitical headwinds. Speaking at an International Monetary Fund Governor Talk in Bangkok on Tuesday, Shin discussed how the BOK is balancing low inflation, exchange-rate flexibility and financial stability as the global AI upcycle collides with October 14, 2026

IMF lifts South Korea's growth outlook to 3.3% on chip boom SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised South Korea's growth forecast for this year to 3.3 percent from 2.6 percent, as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven demand for semiconductors helped offset the drag from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. The IMF's October World Economic Outlook raised the forecast by 0.7 percentage points for the second consecutive time, bringing the total increase since April to 1.4 percentage points from 1.9 pe October 13, 2026

Can the Korea-U.S. alliance withstand a test of political trust? SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - For all the assurances of an ironclad alliance and public displays of presidential rapport, South Korea-U.S. ties appear increasingly vulnerable to the whims of an American president who boasts about having a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The U.S. military commitment remains intact, with about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea. Seoul and Washington continue to coordinate on North Korea, share intelligence and maintain combined October 12, 2026

Seoul warns Coupang as controversies deepen SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - South Korea's antitrust chief urged Coupang on Monday to do more to protect the smaller businesses that sell on its platform. The U.S.-listed e-commerce company already faces scrutiny over its treatment of suppliers, a massive data breach, workplace safety and its lobbying in Washington. "Coupang should fulfill its social responsibilities in proportion to its growth and become a company that protects the rights of weaker parties," said Ju Bi October 12, 2026

South Korea weighs lobbying registration and disclosure rules SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - South Korea's Justice Ministry is reviewing a proposal to introduce a formal lobbyist registration system requiring individuals and organizations seeking to influence legislation to disclose their activities. The ministry commissioned a study on lobbying regulations from Hong Wan-sik, a law professor at Konkuk University, and received the findings in June. The report recommends requiring lobbyists to register and publicly disclose their activities, October 12, 2026

Korea Inc.'s delinquencies simmer beneath the chip halo SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) — Strip away the chip halo and stress is deepening across corporate Korea, with overdue loans growing far faster than lending as elevated financing costs push vulnerable smaller companies closer to default. Delinquent corporate loans at domestic banks reached 10.1 trillion won ($7.6 billion) in the second quarter, more than triple the 2.9 trillion won recorded at the end of 2021, according to Bank of Korea data submitted to Democratic Party lawmaker A October 12, 2026

Samsung, SK hynix to cover 80% of chip power grid costs in Honam: KEPCO SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) — Samsung Electronics and SK hynix would have to shoulder about 80 percent of the 1.4 trillion won ($1.05 billion) needed to build the initial power supply network for a major semiconductor manufacturing complex in South Korea's southwestern Honam region unless government funding is provided, the head of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) said Monday. KEPCO President and CEO Kim Dong-cheol outlined the cost-sharing arrangement during a parlia October 12, 2026

BOK chief Shin to attend G20, IMF-World Bank meetings SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) — Bank of Korea Gov. Shin Hyun-song will leave for Bangkok on Tuesday to attend G20 finance chiefs' meetings and the IMF-World Bank annual meetings, the central bank said Monday. Shin will attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting to discuss the global economy, economic growth and global imbalances with counterparts and officials from international financial institutions. He will also take part in the International Monet October 12, 2026

Earlier rate hikes preemptive, next moves data-dependent: BOK chief SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) —Preemptive interest-rate hikes in July and August had bought South Korean monetary policymakers time and room to maneuver as they weigh incoming data and financial risks before deciding their next move, Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song said. “We will determine the timing and pace of further rate increases while closely monitoring inflation, growth and financial stability,” Shin said Monday in opening remarks at his first parliamentary October 12, 2026

Korea's early-October exports doubled from a year ago at fresh high SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) — South Korea's chip-led export sizzle remains robust, with outbound shipments doubling from a year earlier to $26.1 billion in the first 10 days of October, with chips filling nearly half of them. Exports rose 102.0 percent from a year earlier, while imports increased 65.5 percent to $22.3 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $3.8 billion, according to preliminary data from the Korea Customs Service (KCS). The headline increase was amplified by October 12, 2026