(Photo=Motion Elements) South Korean consumer confidence fell sharply in December, reversing recent gains and underscoring the pressures that a strong U.S. dollar and persistent inflation are exerting on households in export-sensitive economies often seen as early indicators of global demand shifts. The Bank of Korea’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 2.5 points from November to 109.9, marking the steepest monthly decline

(Photo=Nongshim) A glossy, high-concept advertisement for South Korea’s iconic Shin Ramyun instant noodles has racked up more than 130 million views on YouTube in its first month, a viral reception that underscores how the country’s pop culture machinery is reshaping global marketing, turning even packaged food into a form of entertainment. The campaign, launched in November by food giant Nongshim,

South Korea’s National Tax Service has initiated a large-scale, high-priority audit of e-commerce leader Coupang, with a significant focus on examining transactions between its Korean operations and its U.S. headquarters, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. The probe follows a major data breach at the company earlier this year. On December 22, approximately 150 investigators from the Seoul

Photo=Samsung Samsung Electronics on Wednesday laid out its vision for artificial intelligence as an embedded, seamless part of everyday living, previewing its strategy ahead of the world’s largest consumer tech show in January. In a promotional video and statement, the South Korean tech giant said the theme of its annual “The First Look” event will be “Your Companion to AI

Photo=Motionelements Economic participation and employment rates among North Korean defectors in South Korea have improved this year, narrowing key gaps with the general population, according to a government-affiliated survey released Wednesday. The findings suggest progress in long-term integration while highlighting disparities that persist. Data from the North Korean Refugees Foundation indicates the labor force participation rate for defectors rose to