Kimchi Circuit

South Korea’s GDP grew by 1.2% in Q3, marking the highest quarterly rebound in six quarters. President Lee insists the economy is finally shaking off the post-pandemic blahs — though daily exports dropped 6.1%, giving trade statisticians a few gray hairs..

Jobs (Kinda) Galore
September saw 193,000 more Koreans clock in versus last year, nudging unemployment down to a brisk 2.2%. Even your barista is feeling optimistic, thanks to rising consumer sentiment (CSI: 109.8). But the business sector’s mood? Still a bit “meh”.

Inflation—Not Just for Your Grocery Basket
Prices are up 2.4% year-on-year, led by agricultural products and petroleum. If your favorite kimchi just got pricier, it’s not just you: CPI excluding food and energy still rose by 2.2%.

Semiconductors Save the Day
Samsung’s chips are on fire—exports up 3.6% in October. Korea is moving ahead with “AI Transformation” and “Ultra-Innovative Economy” projects, hoping that a bit of silicon magic will rub off on other sectors too.​

Nonviable Companies Drag Growth
Zombie firms are slowing GDP by 0.5%. If your boss looks pale and never blinks, check his pulse—and your company ledger.​

Bond Index Dream Comes True
Korea gets the nod for FTSE Russell’s World Government Bond Index, boosting global investor confidence and probably justifying that celebratory soju shot.​

K-pop’s World Domination
BTS, NewJeans, and the latest rookies continue flooding global playlists. Seoul’s street fashion is blending virtual reality and sustainability—think AR-powered hanbok made from vegan tofu silk.

K-dramas: Stream Full Speed Ahead
“Squid Game” season 2 rumors swirl, but this autumn’s real star is “Ex-Girlfriend from Outer Space,” proving there’s no limit to genre mash-ups (or ex drama).

Food Fight: Kimchi vs. Inflation
Streetside kimchi stew puts luxury dining to shame. If inflation bites too hard, might be time for DIY—bonus points if your recipe goes viral.

Korea–US: Seasoned Allies, Subtle Drama
Trade talks sizzle as the two countries tiptoe over AI, chips, and North Korea sanctions. Korea also worries about U.S. tariff measures possibly putting a damper on export parties.​

North Korea: All Quiet (for Now)
No major missile news, but Pyongyang’s latest threat? More “unpredictable behavior.” Stay tuned for updates and tabloids.

Did you know? The world’s first robotic barista café opened in Busan. Good news: It makes latte art. Bad news: You still can’t get its number.

193,000 — New jobs created, year-over-year for September. That’s roughly the population of Ulsan, suddenly in the workforce.​

If Korea’s economic recovery is a K-drama, will the plot twist be good jobs or zombie companies? Grab your morning coffee and speculate wildly.