One year ago today, the Trump administration announced its "Liberation Day" tariffs on South Korean imports. KEI research found no compelling economic rationale. 95% of U.S. exports to South Korea already entered tariff-free under KORUS FTA. Read the full report 👇 keia.org/publication/lufta...

⚡ Energy infrastructure is becoming a national security issue. At KEI’s forum with LG, experts discussed how AI-driven electricity demand, resilient power systems, and domestic energy storage supply chains are reshaping America’s energy future. 🔋💻🌎 Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs43...

North Korea’s human rights record is getting worse, not better⚠️ The UN is pushing for concrete benchmarks on Food 🍽️ , Movement 🚶, Labor rights 🛠️, Disability rights ♿ , and The right to life ⚖️ As Pyongyang tightens internal controls, the challenge is turning concern into action 🌍 shorturl.at/hrvYo

The war in Iran is exposing South Korea’s energy vulnerabilities ⚠️⚡ Risks tied to the Strait of Hormuz could reshape Seoul’s energy strategy and sharpen concerns over long-term energy security 🌍⛽ Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Read our latest newsletter below or at the link our bio. 📰 https://koreaeconomicinstitute.substack.com/p/kei-weekly-the-iran-war-is-stress

HAPPENING NOW AT KEI: The future of energy security, an exclusive event with LG Energy Solution.

The Iran war is stress-testing South Korea’s energy model. ⚠️⛽️ South Korea’s heavy reliance on oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz is exposing a major strategic vulnerability and raising tougher questions about energy security, supply shocks, and diversification. 🇰🇷🛢️📉 keia.org/the-peninsul...

🚨 HAPPENING TOMORROW: Learn how one of Korea’s largest companies is helping build a more secure energy future in the United States. Join us for a timely discussion on energy security, investment, and U.S.–Korea cooperation. 🔗 RSVP here: share.hsforms.com/1UawZqu77TnG...

What does the Iran conflict mean for deterrence on the Korean Peninsula? 🌏 In KEI’s latest Eye on Korea, Dr. Jeonghun Min and Scott Snyder discuss THAAD, alliance readiness, nuclear debates, and the wider impact on the U.S.-ROK alliance. ⚠️🇰🇷🇺🇸 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDWF...

Trump’s Middle East campaign is putting new strain on the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Scott Snyder explains how fears of abandonment and entrapment are intensifying at the same time, raising hard questions for Seoul. keia.org/the-peninsul...

Limited spots left! RSVP now to learn how the U.S. and South Korea are powering future economic growth amid energy security challenges. RSVP by scanning the QR code below or by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4shk2a3

The war in Iran is becoming an alliance stress test for South Korea 🇰🇷 KEI’s Ellen Kim examines the pressure over troop deployments, the risks of Hormuz disruption 🛢️, and how North Korea could benefit 🚀 Read: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Eye on Korea Ep. 29 with @mireyasolis.bsky.social digs into the U.S.-Japan summit, trade deals, investment MOUs, critical minerals, and what it all means for Korea. https://youtu.be/YqrzF5J1Kf4?si=qQXHp9XuzLx8n_Ft

📅UPCOMING EVENT: Learn how one of Korea's biggest companies is building a more secure energy future in America. RSVP by scanning the QR code below or by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4shk2a3

South Korea’s National Assembly passed the Special Act on Strategic Investment Management, paving the way for up to $350B in Korean investment in the U.S. under last fall’s bilateral MOU. 🇰🇷🇺🇸 Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

How does the war in Iran reshape nuclear strategy in Northeast Asia? KEI’s Daniel Sneider examines what Iran’s experience could mean for South Korea and Japan as doubts over U.S. extended deterrence grow. 🌏 Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha joined KEI’s 2025 U.S.–ROK Public Diplomacy Caravan across Georgia, Texas, and Arizona to see how South Korean investments in EVs, semiconductors, and batteries are creating jobs and strengthening the U.S.–Korea partnership.

U.S.–China economic competition is reshaping global trade. Mary E. Lovely breaks down tariffs, rare earth export controls, and why allies like South Korea matter for U.S. de-risking strategies. Watch the full discussion: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj7p...

South Korea’s labor enforcement challenges are not just a domestic issue. KEI examines how abuse allegations tied to salt farms in Sinan County and a U.S. import ban on Taepyung Salt Farm show how local labor failures can create wider trade and reputational risks. keia.org/the-peninsul...

LIVE EVENT: Securing America’s Energy Future Join LG for its first public forum in Washington DC on rising electricity demand, resilient power infrastructure, energy storage, and domestic supply chains. 🗓️ March 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. EST 📍 Korea Economic Institute RSVP: shorturl.at/IwBcx

NEW🎥: KEI brought a senior Korean delegation led by Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha to Georgia, Texas, and Arizona to see Korean investments in America up close. Watch our recap and see what they thought: https://youtu.be/fiBZdPM_qwA?si=pUnQARdy3zzlQ6em

KEI breaks down the $350 billion U.S.-South Korea investment MOU and why it is putting Seoul under pressure, from tariffs and leverage to the broader stakes for the U.S.-Korea economic relationship. Read more: keia.org/the-peninsul...

Subscribe to KEI Weekly now to get networking and event invites, news, analysis, data, and more delivered to your inbox every week! Click the link in our bio or the link below. 👉 https://koreaeconomicinstitute.substack.com/p/kei-weekly-what-south-koreas-350b

KEI is accepting applications for a Communications Intern in Washington, DC. You’ll get hands-on experience supporting digital content strategy, social media, event promotion, and turning policy research into clear, engaging content. Apply here: keia.org/jobs/communi...

ICYMI: @koreaeconinst.bsky.social + @iips.bsky.social discussed what the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy means for U.S. alliances with South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Watch: www.youtube.com/live/ef7wqej...

Happening NOW @koreaeconinst.bsky.social + @iips.bsky.social break down the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy and what it means for the Indo-Pacific—incl. alliances with ROK, Japan, and Taiwan. Join us: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef7w...

Last chance to RSVP — tomorrow at 10 a.m. Join @koreaeconinst.bsky.social and @iips.bsky.social for a discussion on the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy and what it means for the Indo-Pacific and U.S. alliances. Details & RSVP: keia.org/event/americ...

Recent strikes on #Iran raise energy security risks for South Korea. Over 60% of Korea’s oil comes from the Middle East, and nearly 40% of global seaborne crude passes through the Strait of Hormuz. What does this mean for Seoul? keia.org/the-peninsul...

Interested in policy communications and U.S.–Korea relations? KEI is hiring a Communications Intern in Washington, DC. Great opportunity to work on digital content, social media, and policy communications focused on U.S.–Korea relations. Apply soon: https://bit.ly/4l1HvcK

ICYMI: NK military modernization and lessons from Ukraine are reshaping deterrence. KEI hosted @nktpnd.bsky.social y.social, Vann Van Diepen, Rachel Minyoung Lee for a discussion moderated by @ariusderr.bsky.social on what this means for the U.S.-ROK alliance. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbqL...

Mark your calendar! On Mar 3, 10:00–11:30am ET, @koreaeconinst.bsky.social + @iips.bsky.social discuss the 2026 National Defense Strategy and what it means for the Indo-Pacific. Fireside chat with Randall Schriver + Scott Snyder RSVP: keia.org/event/americ...

🔴🎥WE'RE LIVE! Learn what North Korea's latest conventional and nuclear weapons advancements mean for the U.S.-ROK alliance. Watch and submit questions to the panel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbqLautcPcs

Happening tomorrow: North Korea’s Military Modernization and the Future of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. We’ll break down what Pyongyang’s modernization drive means for deterrence and alliance readiness. 🗓️ Tue, Feb. 24, 2026 | 10–11am ET 📍 KEI, 1800 K St NW, 3F, DC RSVP NOW: https://bit.ly/4tN7Dfv

🔴WE'RE LIVE! Tariffs on Trial: The IEEPA Ruling and What Comes Next https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNp7GZC244A

LAST CHANCE TO RSVP: SCOTUS struck down Trump’s use of IEEPA for tariffs—what’s next for U.S. trade tools and deals (ROK/Japan/EU)? Join KEI today (Feb 23) 4:15–5:00pm ET in-person or online. RSVP: share.hsforms.com/1AFNjUouJT7W... Watch: www.youtube.com/live/PNp7GZC...

⚖️ The Supreme Court just struck down the president's tariff authority, but the president can pull other legal levers to keep tariffs in place. This means South Korea's $350 billion investment commitment is unlikely to unravel. Read the full analysis at the link in our bio.

The Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariff authority — but the trade agenda isn't over. The White House still has the tools to keep pressure on. Read KEI's full analysis here ➔ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/what-happens-to-the-u-s-korea-trade-deal-with-ieepa-off-the-table/

🚨EMERGENCY EVENT: Tariffs on Trial: The IEEPA Ruling and What Comes Next RSVP Here: https://share.hsforms.com/1AFNjUouJT7Wsehw2s4lNIg2ztzy

China is gaining ground in quantum & data centers—with real implications for the AI race. CFR's Jonathan Hillman breaks down U.S. economic security strategy and Korea's role in winning the tech competition. 🎧 Eye on Korea Ep. 27 ⬇️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC-Taype2pY

As the U.S. looks to rebuild its shipbuilding base, South Korea’s experience offers useful lessons in industrial strategy, workforce development, and government–industry coordination. 🔎 Learn more about Korea’s shipbuilding model in our Eye on Korea Series: https://bit.ly/46ZnIoi

Two years after the Camp David summit, U.S.–South Korea–Japan cooperation is entering a new phase shaped by leadership transitions and new security and economic challenges. This report offers expert and emerging leader perspectives on sustaining trilateral momentum. 🔗 keia.org/publication/...

🗓️ Next week | 10–11 a.m. ET: North Korea is wrapping up a five-year military modernization plan and holding its Ninth Party Congress—what new weapons are in play, what it means for the U.S.–ROK alliance, and what Kim might do next. RSVP now: lnkd.in/ecDR8hZA

South Korea’s Q4 GDP fell 0.3% (~-1.2% annualized), tightening the policy bind: cut rates to revive investment and risk a weaker won—or hold steady and keep growth soft. Korea still posted a $50.4B current account surplus in 2025, but FX/confidence tradeoffs remain. 🔗 keia.org/the-peninsul...

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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to keep up to date on the economic, political, and security issues affecting the U.S.-South Korea partnership! https://open.substack.com/pub/koreaeconomicinstitute/p/kei-weekly-february-13-2026?r=6g78le&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

For decades, stability in Northeast Asia has rested on U.S. security bargains with South Korea and Japan. Daniel Sneider examines how recent U.S. strategies may be redrawing those arrangements, raising questions about extended deterrence and alliance stability. 🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4ktriws

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...