Vol. 128 Economy Check: One Year After Martial Law (English Edition)

  • 2025-12-04
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▪ Downside risks jumped right after martial law was declared on Dec. 3, 2024.

▪ Before martial law, domestic demand was weakening while exports—especially chips—were strong.

▪ After martial law, private sector economic sentiment indicators contracted significantly, with real indicators declining with a lag.

▪ Immediately after martial law, financial and currency markets became more volatile due to Trump's tariff policies and domestic political uncertainty.

▪ Korea's economic growth rate in Q1 2025 recorded 0%.

▪ From Q2 2025, the economy improved as confidence recovered, chips entered a super-cycle, and stimulus spending began.

▪ Recently, financial markets calmed down as trade uncertainty eased and chips performed well, but currency markets saw bigger exchange rate swings.

▪ After martial law, the economy temporarily became more volatile and unstable but gradually steadied as confidence recovered and trade conditions improved.