The Fed is easing while Japan tightens, reshaping where global capital goes. Higher Japanese yields can pull funds toward safe assets & blunt inflows into Korean equities, even as US cuts support risk appetite. Divergence raises stakes for Korea’s FX and financial stability. keia.org/the-peninsul...

NEW: How China Weaponizes Trade—And How to Fight Back 🎙️ Ellen Kim's new book reveals hundreds of cases of Chinese economic coercion. Surprising finding: G7+ has more leverage than they realize—especially in critical minerals. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAGiQk6DMvk

In case you missed it: a joint GABI, KEI, and INC workshop on how AI is reshaping energy demand, nuclear power’s role, and supply chain resilience. 🎥 https://youtu.be/5pJhPSBQDY4?si=fHhuhG_W8A-PYB6V

North Korean arrivals to South Korea stayed low in 2025 (224), but integration outcomes are improving. A new survey shows 81.2% are satisfied with life in the South—the highest since polling began in 2011. Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

What does South Korea’s aging population mean for the Asia-Pacific economy? This piece looks at how APEC 2025 pushed demographic change onto the regional policy agenda. 🔗 https://keia.org/the-peninsula/how-apec-2025-laid-the-path-for-addressing-south-koreas-demographic-challenge/

ICYMI: Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha sat down with Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens for a wide-ranging conversation on the U.S.-Korea alliance, from the $350B Korean investment and workforce challenges to the North Korea-Russia military axis and the future of wartime operational control. Worth a watch!

Korea–China ties may be entering a period of cautious stabilization after the Lee–Xi summit. New analysis looks at unresolved economic tensions, renewed negotiations, and the growing impact of U.S.–China competition on Seoul’s diplomacy. 👉 Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Trump’s latest tariff threat against South Korea traces back to how last year's deal was built: ➡️A White House fact sheet instead of an FTA ➡️An investment MOU requiring legislative follow-up ➡️A Korean National Assembly split over ratification Read the full analysis here: https://bit.ly/3Z5lijS

AI is driving massive new power demand. On Eye on Korea, Dr. Yongsoo Hwang and KEI’s Scott Snyder discuss why U.S.–South Korea nuclear cooperation could be key to powering the AI economy. 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbpQNpwwt_0

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung is testing “pragmatic diplomacy” between China and Japan. KEI’s Tom Ramage and Ellen Kim break down what his early moves signal for Seoul’s regional strategy. 👉 https://bit.ly/4t41ZVO

In case you missed it, we celebrated #KoreanAmericanDay 2026 with CKA through a great conversation on AI, leadership, and global impact at the National Press Club. 🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doImH570lFI

As AI transforms jobs in the U.S. and South Korea, cooperation on AI and semiconductors is becoming critical for labor market stability. It highlights how coordinated policy and supply chains can help manage disruption and support long-term growth. 👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/4rev5A2

South Korea’s economy is rebounding. New analysis from Randall S. Jones shows fiscal expansion, monetary easing, and rising consumer confidence supporting growth, with GDP projected to rise from ~1.0% in 2025 to ~2.0% in 2026. 👉 Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Happening tomorrow — KEI, GABI, and INC host Nuclear Energy Leadership for AI-Driven Growth and Energy Security, exploring how nuclear power can support AI growth and energy security. 🗓 Jan 21, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM ET | 📍 KEI Event Space bit.ly/4r2Pjwy

Happening today! 🎉 Come join us in celebrating #KoreanAmericanDay with an inspiring evening on AI, leadership, and global impact. 🗓️ January 13, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:45 PM 📍 National Press Club, Washington DC We’d love to see you there!

🎙️ Eye on Korea is out! Bruce Klingner explains why the U.S.–South Korea alliance feels both more stable and more uncertain—a true “Schrödinger’s alliance.” ▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAx9...

KEI’s 2025 Year in Review series is out now. We look back at the key political, economic, and security trends that shaped the Korean Peninsula and the U.S.–Korea relationship in 2025. Read the series on The Peninsula: https://keia.org/commentary/the-peninsula/

Kick off 2026 by celebrating Korean American Day at a special evening forum on January 13, 2026, hosted by the Council of Korean Americans in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute of America. ➡️ Register here: share.hsforms.com/1IHXFPlxHRS-...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone here at KEI!

🎥 New Eye on Korea Episode! Troy Stangarone joins KEI to discuss how the Trump administration’s tariff framework is reshaping U.S.–Korea economic ties, from autos and EVs to semiconductors and shipbuilding. ▶️ Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQHMwJMakA

Bruce Klingner argues the U.S.–South Korea alliance faces its most serious test yet, as a more transactional U.S. approach raises doubts about security commitments and forces Seoul to balance U.S. and China ties. ➡️ Read the full brief: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Q3 growth surprised forecasters. South Korea grew about 5% SAAR as domestic demand rebounded, while U.S. growth is estimated 3.6%. William Brown notes the momentum but flags lingering structural risks for Korea. ➡️ Read more: https://bit.ly/4iZjq55

📘 New issue of Korea Policy is out now! Vol. 3, Issue 2 examines a strategic reset of the U.S.–ROK alliance under Trump and Lee, from security shifts to trade, tariffs, shipbuilding, and energy cooperation. 🔗 Read more: keia.org/issue/korea-...

Robert King explains why UN condemnation of North Korea’s human rights abuses held for a 20th straight year, despite political change in Washington and Seoul. Even engagement-minded governments faced limits set by the severity of Pyongyang’s record. ➡️ Full analysis: keia.org/the-peninsul...

🇺🇸🇰🇷 South Korean investment is powering Arizona and the U.S. Southwest 🔋⚡ On Dec 5, KEI partnered with Global Ties Arizona and Thunderbird School of Global Management for a roundtable on EV batteries, semiconductors, and Korean FDI driving growth and jobs.

Daniel Sneider says the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy signals a retreat, leaving Asia to manage the fallout as allies take on more security and focus shifts to trade. ➡️ Read full analysis: keia.org/the-peninsul...

🇺🇸🇰🇷 South Korean investment is reshaping Central Texas. On Dec 3, KEI and Opportunity Austin hosted a roundtable with Ambassador Kang, senior MOFA officials, and industry leaders on Samsung’s fabs and FDI boosting the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

Korean investment is reshaping coastal Georgia. KEI hosted a roundtable with the Savannah Economic Development Authority at the Hyundai Metaplant, where officials highlighted how Korean FDI is building a high-skilled manufacturing base, a global supply-chain hub, and a leader in EV production.

North Korea is adjusting to intensifying great-power rivalry. Scott Snyder and Ellen Kim explain how Pyongyang is strengthening ties with Russia, reengaging China, and using geopolitical competition to expand its leverage and ease pressure. ➡️ Read the full analysis: https://bit.ly/3MmhyXV

Happening now at Georgia Tech! KEI and Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School are bringing together government, industry, and research leaders to discuss why Georgia plays a critical role in South Korea’s economic and technology strategy. If you’re on campus or in Atlanta, join us! https://bit.ly/48eXAak

South Korea saw breakthroughs at APEC 2025, including U.S. tariff and investment deal, a new tech partnership with Washington, fresh AWS and NVIDIA investments, and renewed diplomacy with China and Japan. APEC also advanced work on AI and the FTAAP framework. Read more ➡️ keia.org/the-peninsul...

The U.S. and South Korea released new guidance on the “Trump Round,” preserving Korea’s USD 350B investment package, keeping preferential tariff treatment, refining semiconductor rules, and adding commitments on digital services and standards. Read full analysis: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Hyundai’s $7.6B Metaplant is turning Savannah into a hub for clean-energy innovation and advanced manufacturing. The latest Inside the Investment shows how this project is creating jobs, building supplier networks, and shaping America’s EV future. Watch here: https://bit.ly/49RhsBk

Yesterday, KEI hosted a discussion on the future of U.S.–South Korea shipbuilding under the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) initiative. 🎥 Watch the full recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twDSUEjV-Wk

🚨 Happening in 1 hour! Join KEI at 10am ET for a discussion on the future of U.S.–Korea shipbuilding under the “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)” initiative. 🔴 Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/twDSUEjV-Wk?feature=share

While Americans may be in favor of a South Korean navy equipped with nuclear-powered submarines, recent survey data shows most do not support Korea getting nuclear weapons. The data underscores continued trust in alliances over proliferation. 🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/49LXMPh

The Supreme Court will decide whether the president can use IEEPA to impose tariffs without Congress. ⚖️ Overturning them could aid Seoul and open the door to tariff relief 💼 Upholding them would cement the “Trump Round” and expand White House trade power Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

The U.S. and South Korea have agreed on a deal deepening trade and defense ties, including nuclear-powered submarine and tariff coordination. But as KEI’s Ellen Kim writes, the details—tariff rulings, and OPCON transfer—will decide how durable it is. Full analysis: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Explore the future of U.S.–Korea shipbuilding with KEI on Nov 12, 10–11 a.m. ET. From Hanwha’s Philly Shipyard acquisition to MASGA, discover the opportunities and challenges ahead. 📍 KEI Event Space | 💻 Live on YouTube RSVP Here: https://share.hsforms.com/1FahmEB8NTz643WcvuGs8rQ2ztzy

🚨The U.S. and South Korea took a major step toward finalizing a $350B investment package and a 15% tariff rate on Korean imports. The deal splits $200B in cash investments and $150B in shipbuilding projects. Full analysis from KEI ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/369fwtyx

Why South Korea Should Pursue a Digital Trade Deal with the U.S.? As digital policy gaps widen between Seoul and Washington, a bilateral digital trade agreement could bridge differences and set shared standards for the global digital economy. Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

KEI President Scott Snyder explores how Trump-era tariffs reshaped trade with South Korea and other partners—and what a new “Trump Round” could mean for the future of the U.S.–Korea economic relationship. 🎥 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrf7...

KEI’s Future of Korea program in Grand Rapids highlighted how people-to-people exchanges keep the U.S.–Korea alliance strong. From campus talks to local business visits, Dr. Ellen Kim emphasized the power of connection in shaping our shared future. Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Philadelphia is emerging as a hub for innovation and global trade—making it a natural partner for South Korea. During KEI’s Future of Korea visit, our team met with local leaders to discuss new opportunities in tech, life sciences, and infrastructure. Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

As Japan welcomes PM Sanae Takaichi, a new U.S.–Japan investment MOU reshapes ally relations—$550 B for U.S. projects, but under Washington’s control. What does it mean for Seoul’s own $350 B deal? 🔗 Read more via KEI: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Today’s @Koreaeconinst panel explored how President Lee Jae Myung’s “flexible” diplomacy differs from his predecessors—balancing between Washington & Beijing while facing early tests in Japan and inter-Korean ties. 🎥 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJYH5sAofqA&t=5s

🎥TUNE IN LIVE! The Lee Jae Myung Administration's Regional Diplomacy with China and Japan Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJYH...

Happening TODAY (2–3 p.m. ET)! Join us for a panel on “The Lee Jae Myung Administration’s Regional Diplomacy with China and Japan.” How is Seoul navigating ties with Beijing and Tokyo under its “pragmatic diplomacy”? 📍 KEI Event Space | 💻 Live on YouTube RSVP here: https://shorturl.at/ZRckS

🎥TUNE IN LIVE! What to Expect from APEC 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwqKaobMVP0

📣 Happening today! Join KEI & the National Center for APEC for an exclusive preview of this year’s APEC Summit in South Korea. 🕑 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET 📍 KEI Event Space (DC) or YouTube Live 🔗 RSVP: https://bit.ly/48X5hCt 🎥 Watch live: https://bit.ly/3KJjfhx