Tuesday, September 22, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

South Korea · Country watch

Won Strengthens, US Investment Briefing

The Korean won's appreciation challenges electronics firms, while the government prepares to discuss a major US-bound investment project.

· · 5 sources

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in South Korea are mixed today. The Korean won's appreciation challenges electronics manufacturers, potentially affecting profitability. Meanwhile, the government is set to discuss a significant US-bound investment project, indicating potential growth opportunities. KT&G's expansion in Kazakhstan highlights ongoing business development efforts.

In this briefing KT&G · Yuanta Securities · Bank of Korea · Korean won · National Assembly (South Korea) · Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • manufacturing

KT&G expands cigarette business in Kazakhstan

​元大證券LOGO
​元大證券LOGO Karen0130, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

KT&G is accelerating its cigarette business growth in Kazakhstan through expanded distribution networks and local production, according to eDaily. Yuanta Securities maintains a 'buy' rating for KT&G, with a target price of 250,000 won, citing improved cash flow and shareholder returns from the completed initial global production investments.

Impact KT&G's expansion in Kazakhstan boosts its overseas revenue potential and shareholder value.

Sources: eDaily ↗

Markets

  • technology
  • manufacturing

Stronger won pressures chip and display firms

exterior of the Bank of Korea Museum
exterior of the Bank of Korea Museum Sean Young, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Korean won's recent appreciation is posing a risk to the profitability of Korean chipmakers and display manufacturers, according to Korea.net. The won strengthened from 1,480 to 1,450 against the US dollar, impacting companies reliant on dollar-denominated transactions. Brokerages have started to adjust their earnings estimates for the third quarter, reflecting concerns over reduced competitiveness in international markets.

Impact Electronics manufacturers face reduced profitability due to the stronger won impacting dollar-denominated sales.

Sources: Korea.net ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • public-sector
  • finance

Gov't to brief on US-bound investment project

The South Korean government will brief the National Assembly on the first US-bound investment project under its $350 billion commitment to the United States, The Korea Herald reports. The briefing, scheduled for Tuesday, will be held for the National Assembly's trade, industry, energy, SMEs, and startups committee. This project marks a significant step in the bilateral economic cooperation following the summit deal.

Impact Investors and companies involved in US-South Korea trade will be affected by the upcoming investment project details.

Watch The government will brief the National Assembly on Tuesday. · 22 September 2026

Sources: The Korea Herald ↗

Also today in South Korea

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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The same day elsewhere