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] Among the listed countries, South Korea is projected to record the highest CAGR at 23.9%. FactMr
• [New] South Korea is actively investing USD 1.2 billion to develop autonomous commercial vehicle infrastructure by 2027. Astute Analytica
• [New] South Korea, backed by synchronized regional frameworks under the APEC Carbon-Free Alliance, is growing offshore wind capacity on Jeju Island from 1 GW to 7 GW, increasing wind power's share from 20% to over 70%, to attain 100% renewable energy and hydrogen integration by 2035. Research Nester
• [New] Nominal gross domestic product is projected to jump 12.3% in 2026, matching the strongest growth since 1996, as soaring semiconductor prices sharply improve South Korea's terms of trade and lift export prices. Aju Press
• [New] South Korea is forecast to expand by 2.6%, supported by strong demand for semiconductors. DD India
• [New] The 2026 national budget tripled AI spending to 10.1 trillion won ($6.94 billion), and President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to make South Korea an AI G3 power by 2030. The Diplomat
• [New] South Korea's K-Robot Economy Plan targets 1 million robot installations by 2030, while the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act is channeling capital into highly automated semiconductor fabs. Persistence Market Research
• [New] South Korea is projected to advance at 10.6%, backed by life sciences investment and preventive health interest. FactMr
• [New] India's border tensions with both China and Pakistan have accelerated infantry modernization investment, while South Korea's threat environment from North Korea drives persistent demand for advanced soldier systems including night vision, body armour, and tactical communications. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 12 August 2026