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Economy

Coverage of the economy, markets, industry, labor, trade, and financial policy across Korea and the global economy.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk follows markets, labor, inflation, investment, and policy shifts shaping Busan and the wider Korean economy.

South Korea’s ‘Disengaged Workforce’ Hits Record High
EconomyMar 17, 2025

South Korea’s ‘Disengaged Workforce’ Hits Record High

For the first time, South Korea’s economically inactive population among young adults has surpassed 500,000, with 30-somethings exiting the workforce at record rates. Experts warn of severe long-term consequences if urgent labor reforms are not implemented.

America’s Financial Crisis as Debt Rises and Wages Stagnate
EconomyFeb 9, 2025

America’s Financial Crisis as Debt Rises and Wages Stagnate

The U.S. faces a financial crisis as debt hits $1.17 trillion and wages stagnate. With 37 million Americans in poverty, rising costs are deepening economic insecurity. Will policy changes like a higher minimum wage and credit card rate caps offer relief, or will financial instability worsen?

South Korea’s Political Turmoil and Its Economic Fallout
EconomyJan 17, 2025

South Korea’s Political Turmoil and Its Economic Fallout

South Korea’s economy is facing one of its most challenging periods following the unprecedented declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol, a decision swiftly reversed amid public and political backlash. The brief yet impactful episode has not only rattled financial markets but also created ripples of uncertainty across sectors ranging from consumer spending to foreign investment. The declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, shocked both domestic and international observers. S

Stalled Social Mobility in South Korea
EconomyDec 19, 2024

Stalled Social Mobility in South Korea

A recent report from Statistics Korea has highlighted a concerning trend in South Korea’s socio-economic landscape: income mobility, a key indicator of social mobility, has become increasingly stagnant. According to the "2017–2022 Income Mobility Statistics," the majority of individuals in the country remain locked within the same income quintile from year to year, with only 34.9% of people changing their income bracket in 2022. This figure represents a slight decrease from 35.0% in 2021 and 35.

Economic Turmoil Deepens: Rising Foreclosures and Political Unrest Shake Markets
EconomyDec 8, 2024

Economic Turmoil Deepens: Rising Foreclosures and Political Unrest Shake Markets

South Korea is navigating a perfect storm of economic and political instability as a surge in property foreclosures coincides with rising financial market volatility. November 2024 saw a record-breaking 4,865 foreclosure filings, the highest in over three years, while political unrest has driven the won-dollar exchange rate to its highest level in 15 years. With households and investors alike grappling with the fallout, the country faces mounting pressure to stabilize its economy. The number of

From Clothing to Transport: Where Koreans Cut Back Most
EconomyDec 3, 2024

From Clothing to Transport: Where Koreans Cut Back Most

South Korea's economy is sending troubling signals as middle-aged households, a vital backbone of the nation's economic activity, face unprecedented financial strain. The third quarter of 2024 saw a historic decline in business income for households led by those in their 40s, a demographic traditionally considered economically stable and robust. According to Statistics Korea’s latest report, the average household income rose by 4.4% year-on-year to 5.26 million KRW. However, a deeper analysis r

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