Korea Economic Institute of America’s Post

In the final piece of a three-part series on South Korea's healthcare system, KEI's Nonresident Distinguished Fellow Randall Jones discusses government measures and reforms needed to ensure equitable access to healthcare for #ThePeninsula. https://bit.ly/4dQQNns

This week, Frieze Seoul returns for its third edition of the annual global art fair, drawing international buzz. KEI's Interim Director J. James Kim writes about South Korea's emergence as a leading force in the global art market for #ThePeninsula https://bit.ly/3B1dc2G

Strict controls, families held hostage, and severe consequences make defections rare for North Korean government officials. However, most senior government officials who defect are diplomats abroad. Nonresident Distinguished Fellow Robert King writes for #ThePeninsula https://lnkd.in/ejbbaGbe

On July 17, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as the preferred bidder over US company Westinghouse and France’s Electricite de France (EDF) for the construction of new nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic, valued at ~$18 billion USD. This success boosts President Yoon's push to revitalize nuclear energy at home and abroad, but ongoing legal disputes with Westinghouse over technology rights pose challenges. KEI's Nonresident Fellow Haeyoon Kim writes for #ThePeninsula https://bit.ly/4e5T5yM

President Yoon's unification vision misses the mark with South Korea's MZ Generation, who prioritize economic stability and peaceful coexistence over ideological goals. To gain support, the administration must demonstrate how unification would tangibly benefit both the country and individual South Korean citizens, and clarify the link between unification, peace, and stability, rather than relying on ideological rhetoric. KEI's Nonresident Fellow Saeme Kim writes for #ThePeninsula https://bit.ly/3AJqLDV

📰 Samsung SDI and General Motors (GM) have finalized an agreement to jointly invest $3.5 bn into a new EV battery manufacturing plant in Indiana. The facility expects to have an initial production capacity of 27 GWh annually and commence operations in 2027. The joint venture is expected to make a significant impact on the regional economy, creating ~1,600 jobs in the area and securing a reliable supply of advanced battery cells necessary for electric vehicle production. https://bit.ly/4e2PeSW

South Korea could address the economic impact of an aging population by increasing temporary labor migration suggests Michael Clemens at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. KEI's Nonresident Fellow Darcie Draudt-Véjares analyzes Clemens' report for #ThePeninsula https://lnkd.in/ej3eCXw7

S. Korea maintained a trade surplus in July, with strong exports totaling ~$57.5 bn and imports amounting to $53.8 bn. Along with other recently released trade figures, KEI's Interim Director Je Heon (James) Kim unpacks underlying trends for #ThePeninsula https://bit.ly/4cMfL62

Korea’s rising healthcare costs, fueled by an aging population and expanded NHI coverage, require policies for healthy aging, less hospital use, and better long-term care. KEI's Nonresident Distinguished Fellow Randall Jones writes for #ThePeninsula 🚑 🏥 https://lnkd.in/eQ2UuJit