5 stories
South Korea is on track for 2.7% GDP growth in 2026, powered by record semiconductor exports — but nearly one million small businesses shut down last year, and three-year survival rates for new shops have collapsed to the low 30% range.
South Korea's GDP growth forecast is set to be revised sharply upward on the back of a booming semiconductor sector, but rising inflation risks, a new U.S. Federal Reserve chair, and shifting global trade dynamics mean the road ahead is anything but smooth.
South Korea's GDP growth forecast is set to jump from 2.0% to as high as 2.6%, driven by an AI-powered semiconductor boom — but rising inflation, a new U.S. Fed chair, and shifting biotech geopolitics are adding fresh complications to the outlook.
South Korea's central bank is set to revise its 2025 growth forecast sharply upward on the back of a semiconductor-driven Q1 surge, even as a new U.S. Federal Reserve chair, dollar pressure, and shifting global biotech regulations add layers of uncertainty to the outlook.
South Korea's KOSPI stock index broke the historic 7,000-point barrier for the first time, fueled by a semiconductor and AI-driven rally — but experts warn the country's over-reliance on chips makes the milestone fragile without investment in next-generation industries.