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] By 2043, Japan's population may drop to less than 100 million, and South Korea's may drop to less than 40 million. Valdai Club
• [New] The Western System, led by the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and South Korea, will continue to drive bleeding-edge technology. MIT Initiative for New Manufacturing Substack
• [New] South Korea's Samsung is expanding AI chip production, and Europe, through its European Chips Act, aims to double its share of global semiconductor manufacturing by 2030. The Geopolitics
• [New] Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan are expected to have the highest share of older people by 2050. Aon
• [New] Life DWP in South Korea is projected to rise from KRW 188.2 trillion (US$ 140.2 billion) in 2025 to KRW 234.3 trillion (US$ 174.4 billion) in 2030, implying a CAGR of 4.5% between 2025 and 2030. Insurance Business
• [New] General insurance direct written premiums (DWP) in South Korea will increase from KRW 33.7 trillion (US$ 25.1 billion) in 2025 to more than KRW 39.1 trillion (US$ 29.1 billion) by 2029. Insurance Business
• [New] South Korea's Financial Services Commission has approved changes to insurance business supervisory regulations that will gradually extend the payout period for insurance sales commissions to as long as seven years and link a larger share of remuneration to policy maintenance. Insurance Business
• [New] Motor gross written premiums will reach KRW 25 trillion (US$ 18.6 billion) by 2029, up from a projected KRW 20.9 trillion (US$ 15.6 billion) in 2025, implying a compound annual growth rate of around 4.5%. / South Korea Insurance Business
• [New] Investors are excited by the possibility that Hyundai could be making a breakthrough in deploying AI humanoid robots in real-world settings. / South Korea AOL
• [New] In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to complete 18-21 months of military service, a system designed to deter any threat of aggression from rival North Korea. SKY
• [New] We expect EM exports to remain resilient in 2026 given the ongoing surge in AI and chip innovation, as China, South Korea and Taiwan are the major beneficiaries of the global technology cycle. State Street
• [New] The coming months will likely see a surge in tech-diplomacy as both nations compete for talent from neutral regions like India, South Korea, and the European Union. FinancialContent
• [New] South Korea is expected to exceed US$ 700 billion in annual exports for the first time, in large part due to the strength of the semiconductor sector. The Daily Star
• [New] South Korea will finalize stablecoin regulations in Q1 2026, mandating 100% reserves and guaranteed user redemption rights. BeInCrypto
• [New] South Korea is piloting an AI-powered ambulance platform using 10 models to automate documentation, predict patient deterioration, support pre-triage, and guide hospital transfers, aiming to improve emergency response efficiency and patient survival. Vault Bioventures
• [New] Trip.com's 2026 Global Travel Trends forecasts a vibrant year of broad mobility and immersive experiences, with Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Turkey emerging as standout destinations with strong booking growth. Travel + Leisure
• Easing visa requirements for Chinese group tours to South Korea and for visitors to China are expected to stimulate short-term inbound demand, particularly during peak holiday periods. TravelMole
• Investors are watching for a rotation into laggard markets like India, while South Korea's reforms could sustain its rally. Whalesbook
• Overly restrictive policies risk stifling innovation and fragmenting markets, as seen in South Korea. Interactive Crypto
• South Korea's precedent might embolden other nations to tighten rules, fragmenting markets further. Interactive Crypto
• Emerging economies such as India, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia have significant development potential. Stellar Market Research

Last updated: 21 January 2026