Trump Announces 15% Tariff Deal with South Korea — Avoids Higher Trade Penalties

In a move that surprised some but had been building for weeks, President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with South Korea that will impose a 15% tariff on South Korean imports. The deal helped Seoul avoid steeper tariffs — originally set at 25% — and was announced just one day before the U.S.’s self-imposed August 1 deadline for countries to finalize trade terms or face increased duties.

1. Core Terms of the Deal: A 15% Tariff Secured

The Trump administration had warned that, beginning August 1, imports from various nations would face higher tariffs unless trade deals were signed. For South Korea — a major exporter of semiconductors, automobiles, and steel — that meant the looming threat of a 25% tariff. Instead, the two countries struck what Trump described as a “Full and Complete Trade Deal.”

“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea.”
– President Donald Trump, via Truth Social

The announcement followed a series of last-minute trade policy rollouts and came as Japan had already negotiated a 15% tariff rate with the U.S., putting pressure on Seoul. The 15% rate matches the tariff terms recently granted to Japan and the European Union.

The deal also includes a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea into the U.S. economy. Considering that South Korea posted a record $56 billion trade surplus with the U.S. last year, many in Seoul have welcomed the outcome as a positive result.

The 15% tariff will apply to key South Korean exports such as automobiles and semiconductors. However, steel and aluminum will be taxed at a higher 50% rate, in line with global U.S. standards — a blow to Korea’s other leading export sectors.

2. President Lee Jae Myung Welcomes the Agreement

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung praised the agreement, saying it puts South Korea on equal or even better footing compared to other countries.

Lee also confirmed the establishment of a $350 billion bilateral investment fund, of which $150 billion will be directed toward a shipbuilding partnership. In a Facebook post, Lee described the agreement as “the first major trade challenge” since taking office in June and declared, “We have overcome a major hurdle.”

“Through this deal, we have eliminated uncertainty over our export conditions and ensured that tariffs on our goods are no higher than those faced by our main trade rivals.”
– President Lee Jae Myung, via Facebook

3. A Key Win for Korea: No Expanded U.S. Access to Korean Rice or Beef Markets

One of the most sensitive sticking points for South Korea was its domestic agricultural market. The government successfully resisted U.S. pressure to further open rice and beef imports — a move that would have triggered widespread protests from Korean farmers.

Instead, the investment portion of the deal strategically supports Korea’s stronghold in global shipbuilding. $150 billion will go toward helping the U.S. expand its shipbuilding capabilities — including military ships — at a time when its own industry is in decline. Korea, second only to China in global shipbuilding, sees this as a win-win: addressing U.S. security needs while reinforcing its own industrial strength.

The rest of the $350 billion investment appears to come from funds already pledged during the Biden administration but not yet deployed — aimed at bolstering U.S. manufacturing of electric vehicles, semiconductors, and batteries.

The agreement does not touch on the military alliance between the U.S. and South Korea or the billions Washington spends annually to support Korean defense against North Korea.

Trump has previously threatened to withdraw U.S. troops unless South Korea paid more. While some negotiators considered bundling that issue into the current talks, it has been deferred to a separate summit, set to occur within two weeks during President Lee’s visit to Washington. That summit may include another major financial commitment from Seoul.

4. Additional Terms: LNG Purchase, Tariff Reductions on Autos

As part of the deal, Trump said South Korea agreed to purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other U.S. energy products, though details on timing and structure remain unclear.

Trump also noted that President Lee would visit the White House within two weeks. Under the agreement, South Korea will reduce tariffs on U.S. products — including cars, trucks, and agricultural goods — to zero. In return, the U.S. will lower tariffs on Korean-made cars from 25% to 15%. Additionally, tariffs on Korean semiconductors and pharmaceuticals will not be more punitive than those on products from other nations. Crucially, Korea’s rice and beef markets remain closed to further U.S. access.

In parallel business developments, Korea’s LG Energy Solution signed a $4.3 billion deal to supply Tesla with energy storage system batteries, and Samsung Electronics finalized a $16.5 billion semiconductor supply agreement with the U.S. automaker.

5. Negotiation Timeline and Comparative Outcomes

Senior Korean officials — including Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo — were in Washington for intensive negotiations leading up to the agreement. It is believed they met directly with Trump before the announcement.

After Japan secured its own tariff deal earlier this month, Seoul found itself in an increasingly pressured position. In contrast to the 15% rate granted to South Korea, Trump announced on the same day a 25% tariff on Indian imports and a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil.

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Conclusion

This agreement marks a strategic win for South Korea, securing favorable tariff terms without yielding on sensitive domestic issues such as agricultural imports. For the U.S., it aligns with Trump’s protectionist trade agenda while securing massive investments and energy deals. The next round of talks — centered on defense cost-sharing — will further test the balance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance under Trump’s second term.

2025. 7. 31., 한미 관세 협상 타결 및 주요 내용

도널드 트럼프 대통령은 한국과의 협정을 통해 한국산 수입품에 대해 15%의 관세를 부과할 것이라고 밝혔다. 이로써 더 높은 관세를 피할 수 있게 되었다. 이번 합의는 트럼프 대통령이 백악관에서 한국 정부 관계자들과 회동한 직후 발표되었으며, 8월 1일이라는 자의적인 마감 시한을 앞두고 무더기로 발표된 무역 정책 발표 중 하나였다.

협상의 핵심 내용 : 15% 관세 부과

트럼프는 8월 1일부터 여러 국가로부터의 미국 수입품에 대해 더 높은 관세를 부과하겠다고 예고한 바 있다. 반도체, 자동차, 철강의 강력한 수출국인 한국의 경우, 25%의 관세율이 적용될 예정이었다.도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령은 한국산 수입품에 15%의 관세를 부과하기로 했다고 발표하며, 이를 “완전하고 포괄적인 무역 합의”라고 표현했다.

나는 미국이 대한민국과 전면적이고 완전한 무역 합의를 체결했다는 사실을 발표하게 되어 기쁘다

트럼프의 SNS '트루스 소셜(Truth Social)'

이번 발표는 미국과 각국이 관세 인상 대상이 되지 않기 위해 협정을 맺어야 하는 8월 1일 마감일을 하루 앞두고 나왔다. 한국은 이번 합의가 없었더라면 25% 관세를 부과받을 뻔했다.

트럼프 행정부는 최근 자동차 및 제조업의 주요 경쟁국인 일본과도 15% 관세 수준으로 합의를 이끌어냈으며, 이에 따라 한국에 대한 압박이 점차 커지고 있었다. 15%의 관세율은 일본과 유럽연합(EU)과의 미국 무역 협정에서 결정된 관세율과 동일하다.

이번 합의에는 한국이 미국에 3,500억 달러(한화 약 461조 원)를 투자하는 내용도 포함되어 있으며, 지난해 미국과의 무역에서 560억 달러 이상의 흑자를 기록한 점을 고려할 때 한국 내에서는 일종의 '성과'로 평가받고 있다.

15% 관세는 자동차와 반도체 등 한국의 주력 대미 수출 품목에 적용된다. 하지만 철강과 알루미늄은 글로벌 기준에 따라 50%의 높은 관세가 부과될 예정이다. 이들 품목은 한국의 또 다른 수출 효자 산업이기도 하다.

이재명 대통령은 이번 합의에 대해 긍정적으로 평가

"한국이 다른 나라들과 동등하거나 더 나은 조건을 확보했다"

이재명 한국 대통령은 목요일 이 협정이 한국을 다른 국가들과 동등하거나 더 유리한 조건에 놓이게 할 것이라고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 양국이 3,500억 달러 규모의 투자기금을 설립하기로 합의했으며, 이 중 1,500억 달러는 조선업 파트너십에 투입될 것이라고 말했다. 그는 페이스북에 올린 성명에서 이번 협정을 “현 정부 출범 이후 첫 대규모 무역 과제”라 칭하며, “우리는 중요한 장애물을 극복했다”고 덧붙였다.

“이번 협정을 통해 정부는 수출 조건에 대한 불확실성을 제거하고, 미국이 우리의 수출품에 부과하는 관세가 주요 무역 경쟁국에 비해 낮거나 같도록 했다”

'미국산 쌀과 쇠고기에 대한 시장 개방 확대 요구를 끝내 받아들이지 않았다'. 

한국은 농업 보호를 위해 미국산 쌀과 특정 종류의 쇠고기 수입을 엄격히 통제하고 있으며, 이러한 규제가 완화될 경우 농민들이 대규모 시위를 예고했던 상황이었다.

3,500억 달러 중 1,500억 달러는 미국의 선박 건조, 특히 군함 제작을 돕는 데 사용될 예정이다. 이는 한국의 핵심 전략이었다. 한국은 중국을 제외하면 세계에서 가장 많은 선박을 건조하는 조선 강국이며, 최근 미국의 조선업과 해군력이 쇠퇴하고 있는 상황에서 미국의 안보 우려를 해결함과 동시에 자국 산업을 강화할 수 있는 기회를 잡은 것이다.

나머지 투자금 대부분은 바이든 행정부 시절 한국이 이미 약속했지만 아직 이행되지 않은 금액에서 나올 전망이다. 전기차, 반도체, 자동차 제조를 위한 미국 내 생산을 지원하기 위한 자금이 여기에 해당된다.

이번 협정은 한미 군사동맹이나 미국이 북한에 대비해 한국 방위를 위해 지출하는 수십억 달러 규모의 방위비 문제에는 영향을 미치지 않는다.

과거 트럼프 대통령은 한국이 방위비 분담금을 더 부담하지 않으면 주한미군을 철수시키겠다고 위협한 바 있으며, 이는 여전히 서울에 부담으로 남아 있다. 이번 무역협상 과정에서 일부 협상가들은 이 방위비 문제도 함께 다루는 방안을 검토했지만, 결국 이는 2주 후 이재명 대통령의 방미 정상회담에서 다뤄질 것으로 보인다. 이 자리에서 한국이 또 한 차례 거액을 제시해야 할 수도 있다.

트럼프 대통령은 지난 1월 복귀 이후 연이어 수입품에 대한 관세 부과를 추진해왔으며, 앞으로도 다수의 국가에 관세를 예고하고 있다.

그는 이러한 관세가 미국 제조업을 활성화시키고 일자리를 보호할 것이라고 주장하고 있다.

하지만 그의 불안정한 대외 무역 정책은 세계 경제에 혼란을 초래하고 있으며, 비판자들은 이러한 관세가 오히려 미국 소비자에게 상품 가격 상승을 가져오고 있다고 경고하고 있다.

미국에 대한 추가 협상 조건

트럼프는 이번 협정의 일환으로 한국이 미국 내 프로젝트에 3,500억 달러를 투자하고, 액화천연가스(LNG)와 기타 에너지 제품 1,000억 달러어치를 구매하기로 했다고 밝혔다.

이 투자 계약이 어떤 방식으로 구조화될지, 그리고 어느 기간에 걸쳐 이행될지는 즉각적으로 명확히 드러나지 않았다. 

트럼프는 추가적인 투자가 추후 발표될 것이라고 전했다. 그는 또한 이 대통령이 향후 2주 이내 백악관을 방문해 자신과 회담을 가질 것이라고 밝혔다.

트럼프는 또 한국이 미국산 제품 – 자동차, 트럭, 농산물 등을 포함 – 을 자국 시장에 수입할 것이며 이에 대한 관세를 부과하지 않기로 했다고 밝혔다. 대통령실은 이번 합의에 따라 미국은 한국산 자동차에 대한 관세를 기존 25%에서 15%로 인하할 것이라고 밝혔다. 또한 한국산 반도체와 의약품에 대해 부과되는 관세는 다른 국가들과 비교해 불리하지 않으며, 한국의 쌀과 쇠고기 시장은 추가로 개방되지 않는다고 덧붙였다.

또한 한국 배터리 제조업체 LG에너지솔루션은 테슬라에 에너지 저장용 배터리를 공급하는 43억 달러 규모의 계약을 체결했다고 이 사안에 정통한 소식통이 로이터에 전했다.

회담 진행 상황과 비교 성과

구윤철 부총리 겸 기획재정부 장관, 김정관 산업통상자원부 장관, 여한구 통상교섭본부장 등 한국 고위 관료들이 워싱턴을 방문해 미국 고위 인사들과 협상을 진행했으며, 협정 발표 직전 트럼프와 회동한 것으로 보인다.

이번 달 초 일본이 트럼프가 예고한 고율 관세를 15% 수준으로 낮추는 협정을 체결한 이후, 한국에 대한 압박이 커져 왔다. 이러한 막판 협상 국면에서, 한국의 삼성전자는 테슬라와 165억 달러 규모의 반도체 계약을 체결했다.

한편, 한국에 대한 15% 관세와는 대조적으로, 트럼프는 수요일 인도산 수입품에 대해 25%, 브라질산 수입품에 대해 50%의 관세를 부과한다고 밝혔다.



국내 4대 금융지주, 이자 장사로만 10조 넘게 벌었다. 상반기에만...

사실, 은행주는 그다지 인기있는 종목은 아니(었)다. 최근 몇 년과 같이 은행주가 지속적인 성장세를 보인 적도 많지 않았고, 금융정책에 따라서 울고 웃는 종목이라는 인식이 강해서 더욱 그럴 것이다. 

그런데, KB은행을 비롯해 우리나라의 4대 금융사가 상반기에만 이자장사로 21조를 벌어들였다. 이 금액은 당기순이익으로, 매출액이 아니라는 점이 더욱 놀랍다. 물건을 파는 건 아니니, 수익은 모든 '돈'일 수밖에 없지만, 인건비며 관리비 등을 모두 뺀 진짜 수익만 이 정도 규모라는 거다. 

국민, 신한, 하나, 우리 등 4대 금융지주의 상반기 당기순이익은 10조 3254억원으로 전년 동기 대비 10.5% 증가한 수치다. 시장의 금리가 하락한 점도 성과가 개선된 요인이 됐다. 2024년 실적에 손실을 가져온 '홍콩 H 지수 주가연계 증권(ELS)'에 대한 부담도 날렸다. 더불어 수수료 등 비이자 이익도 늘어났다. 

4대 금융이 상반기에 벌어들인 비이자이익은 7조 2103억원 수준으로 이 역시 전년 동기 대비 6.5%가 늘어난 수치다. 

"최근 국내 증시가 들석이면서 증권 중개수수료 같은 순수수료이익이 늘었다. 환율변동폭도 줄어들면서 외환 관련 손익도 크게 증가했다.  - 은행권 관계자 -"

도대체 얼마 만큼 벌었길래...

이 글이 주목한 이자 이익을 살펴보자. 일단 이자이익은 지속적인 증가세를 타고 있다. 4대 은행이 얻은 상반기 순이자이익은 21조 927억원을 기록하여, 전년 동기 대비 1.5% 늘었다. 실상은 지난 해에도 엄청난 이익을 얻은 셈이다. 

기준금리가 인하된 영향으로 순이자마진은 줄어들었지만, 주택담보대출 등을 통한 은행의 여신규모는 크게 증가했기 때문이다. 은행별로 보면, KB은행(국민은행)의 상반기 당기숭이익은 3조 4357억원으로 지난 해보다도 23.8%가 증가한 규모다. 

KB금융의 뒤를 이은 금융사는 신한금융으로 3조 374억원을 달성했다. 그 다음이 하나금융으로 2조 3010억원을 기록했다. 마지막이 우리금융이다. 우리금융의 경우는 유일하게 상반기 순이익이 줄었다. 지난 해 1조 5613억원에서 올해 1조 5513억원이다. 100억원 규모의 역성장이지만, 여타의 금융사들의 증가세를 감안하면 자체 이익의 감소만 계산할 건 아니다. 

우리금융에서는 명예퇴직 비용을 비롯해, 디지털 분야에의 미래성장투자 확대 등으로 비용이 증가한 점이 최종 실적에 반영된 탓이라고 설명하고 있다. 

금융사들의 시장과 정부 눈치보기?

4대 금융지주의 핸금배당은 해마다 증액되고 있는 추세다.

은행의 이자장사에 대한 비판과 비난은 물론 어제 오늘의 일은 아니다. 그 때문인지, 은행들은 시장의 눈치를 보는 듯한 제스처를 취하고 있다. 주주환원이니 사회공헌계획이니 하는 것들이 그것이다.

KB은행은 주당 920원의 현금배당을 발표했다. 거기거 그치지 않고 8500억원 규모의 자사주 소각을 발표했다. 신한금융과 하나금융도 자사주 매입 및 소각을 발표한 상황이다. 주택담보대출에 대한 정부규제로 인해, 이자장사가 이전만 못할 것이라는 예측도 있다. 

하지만, 시중은행이 인터넷 뱅킹이나 대체 금융에 절대적으로 유리한 위치를 점하고 있는 것이 대출상품의 거래다. 자본주의의 기본은 돈을 빌리고 이자를 내는 금융체계를 근간으로 한다. 은행이 돈을 빌리는 역할을 주된 기능으로 하지 않을 날이 오기는 어려울 것 같다. 

이미 너무 올라버린 은행주지만, 성장과 배당 모두를 챙길 수 있는 종목으로 은행주 만한 게 있을까 싶어진다. 



From “Crisis” to “Alliance”? The Korean Media’s Sudden Shift on Elon Musk and Samsung

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, center, poses with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, sixth from left, during the latter's visit to Samsung Electronics' semiconductor lab in Silicon Valley, Calif., May 10, 2023.

Not long ago, Korean media outlets were obsessed with portraying Elon Musk as a liability. From raising concerns over his erratic behavior to amplifying political friction after his party formation and clash with Donald Trump, many headlines painted Tesla as a company in crisis.

But now, seemingly overnight, the narrative has shifted—Musk is suddenly a “strategic ally.” Why? Because Samsung Electronics just landed a deal to manufacture Tesla’s next-gen AI chips. And in promoting Samsung, the media has gone as far as to reframe this straightforward business deal as a bilateral alliance.

A Curious Word Choice: “Alliance” for a Supply Contract?

Let’s be clear: calling this an “alliance” stretches the term to its breaking point.

When Samsung sources hard drives from Fujitsu or communication chips from Qualcomm, no one refers to those relationships as “alliances.” Even when the suppliers are multinational giants larger than Samsung in market cap, the Korean tech behemoth never framed them as equals—it was always a clear vendor-client dynamic.

This mindset has long trickled down to how Samsung treats domestic suppliers, who are often referred to using the Korean term “hacheong” (하청), roughly translating to “subcontractor”—a word with distinctly hierarchical overtones, historically borrowed from Japanese. In Korea, being a hacheong firm has often meant being in a dependent, sometimes even exploitative, relationship with a larger buyer.

So, why now the sudden diplomatic language when Samsung is the supplier, not the buyer?

Supply ≠ Alliance: Understanding the Tesla-Samsung Deal

Let’s put this in perspective.

Tesla didn’t choose Samsung Electronics out of sentiment or shared values. It was a competitive bidding process. Tesla initially approached TSMC to manufacture its upcoming AI6 chips, but TSMC—already at capacity with massive orders from Nvidia—declined. That’s when Tesla began exploring Samsung as an alternative, leading to the agreement announced post-CES 2025.

Samsung then coordinated with partners like Soulbrain to assess feasibility, repurposed parts of its production line, and successfully secured the contract six months later.

But calling that outcome a “strategic alliance”? That’s wishful branding at best.

TSMC and Nvidia: The Bigger Picture

It’s also worth scrutinizing why TSMC, despite the scale of Tesla’s $17 billion order, turned it down. Was it just about capacity?

Unlikely.

TSMC has already aligned itself closely with Nvidia’s road map, focusing on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production and AI chip development. With Nvidia publicly committing to centralizing AI semiconductor production in Taiwan, TSMC had little incentive to divert focus to Tesla’s niche AI6 chips. In contrast, Samsung is still building out its AI semiconductor client base—and it needed the win.

Ironically, Samsung’s very commitment to Tesla might reduce its ability to prioritize HBM development, making it even harder to compete with TSMC for Nvidia’s business down the line.

So… Where Will These Chips Actually Go?

Even with the deal in place, Tesla’s chips won’t roll off Samsung’s lines for a few more years. That makes the deal irrelevant to Tesla’s short-term challenges—namely, its declining EV sales and the uncertain roadmap for its much-hyped robotaxi platform.

Still, it’s a step Musk had to take. The AI6 chips are expected to power Tesla’s autonomous vehicles and the Optimus humanoid robot. Their massive computing capacity may also open up wider applications in AI inference, a core growth area. Inference chips, after all, are designed to run AI models and make real-time decisions.

Markets responded positively: Tesla shares jumped 4.2% on the day the deal was announced.

The Real Strategic Player? It Might Be Nvidia

There’s reason to suspect that Nvidia is watching all of this very closely.

Rumors suggest that Nvidia may be deliberately slow-walking Samsung’s HBM certification process—not to stall, but to maintain flexibility. By keeping Samsung in the loop (but not yet fully qualified), Nvidia gains more leverage in managing supply volume and geographic distribution. At some point, Nvidia might even lean on Samsung for AI chips destined for the Chinese market.

This is speculative, but one thing is clear: Samsung is no longer in a dominant position. It must chase deals like this and label them “alliances” to maintain strategic relevance.

Samsung, Politics, and Optics

There’s also a domestic political angle.

The Korean media’s glowing coverage of the Tesla deal—complete with talk of alliances and historic partnerships—conveniently comes just after Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong emerged from years of legal battles. The implication being floated? “Free Lee, and business booms.”

It’s a neat narrative—but one that masks a more complex reality: this is not a partnership of equals, but a business transaction born out of opportunity, timing, and necessity.

“Even If You Buy Fakes, You’re Totally Safe?” — Why Korean IP Law Lets Counterfeit Shoppers Off the Hook

K-pop fans and fashionistas might find this surprising: in South Korea, buying a counterfeit luxury item — what we casually call a "knockoff" — is not a crime. Yes, you read that right. You can knowingly purchase a fake Chanel handbag or a replica Rolex, and you won’t face any legal consequences.

But how is this even possible?

Only Sellers Get Punished, Not Buyers

South Korea’s intellectual property laws are oddly one-sided. While the law harshly penalizes those who manufacture, distribute, or sell counterfeit goods, it turns a blind eye to those who buy them.

Under Article 230 of the Korean Trademark Act, infringing on trademark rights — for example, by producing or selling fake branded goods — can land you in jail for up to 7 years or cost you a ₩100 million fine (about $75,000). But if you're just a consumer? No worries. You’re off the hook, legally speaking.

Even if you knew it was fake when you bought it, there's no criminal liability. Social embarrassment? Maybe. Legal action? None.

Other Countries Take a Tougher Stand

Not every country is this lenient. In places like France and Italy — both proud homes of global luxury brands — even the act of purchasing counterfeit goods is punishable by law. You could face up to 3 years in prison or be fined €300,000 (over $325,000).

These countries view buying fakes as part of the problem, not just a personal fashion choice.

The Song Jia Scandal: A Wake-Up Call?

In 2022, influencer Song Jia (aka FreeZia) wore counterfeit luxury items on TV and social media. She was dragged through the mud by the public, issued an awkward handwritten apology, and disappeared from the spotlight for a while.

But here’s what’s shocking: there was nothing illegal about what she did.

Despite the uproar, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) did nothing. No law was broken. No legislation followed. It was a PR scandal, not a legal one.

Who Helped Kim Keon-hee Navigate the Loophole?

Then came the controversy involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who claimed that a luxury necklace she was seen wearing was, in fact, a knockoff she purchased. Some speculate she might’ve received legal advice from someone well-versed in IP law — maybe even an official from the Patent Office itself.

Was this a smart legal move or a glaring loophole in our system? Why has KIPO ignored calls to update the law to hold buyers of counterfeit goods accountable, like other countries have done?

That’s a question lawmakers should be pressed to answer.

The Toothless Reward Program

To be fair, KIPO does run a “counterfeit reporting reward system.” Citizens can report counterfeit distribution online or offline and receive a reward if a violation is confirmed. The system is backed by special judicial police (특사경) who investigate counterfeit-related crimes.

But again — the target is the seller, not the buyer.

So if your friend buys a fake Louis Vuitton purse, there’s nothing stopping her — and nothing you can do to stop her either, even if you report it.

And yet, KIPO proudly announces every year that reports are increasing. Shouldn’t the number go down if enforcement were effective?

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Bottom line? In South Korea, fakes can be bought without fear — not because we tolerate counterfeits, but because our laws simply don’t recognize buying them as a problem. It’s time we asked why.

K-POP Demon Hunters Is a Global Hit! But...

K-POP Demon Hunters Is a Global Hit – But Why Aren’t Korean Entertainment Stocks Rising With It?

Netflix’s animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters (aka “케데헌”) is making waves across the globe. With its dazzling visuals, K-pop-inspired characters, and fast-paced action, it’s more than just a streaming hit — it’s helping to fuel global curiosity about Korean pop culture and K-pop as a phenomenon.

But here’s the catch: none of this success is doing much for Korean entertainment stocks.

Let’s be clear — this isn’t about Bang Si-hyuk’s fraud or breach-of-trust scandal. It’s about something far more basic: whoactually made K-Pop Demon Hunters. Yes, the animation draws heavily on Korean aesthetics, talent, and of course, the irresistible magnetism of K-pop idols. But at the end of the day, the series is a Sony production, not a Korean one.

In fact, K-Pop Demon Hunters is officially classified as a U.S.-based Netflix Original animated series. It might be Korean in style, but not in origin or ownership. The copyright belongs to Sony. Korean producers, singers, and visual artists may have contributed their skills, but they don’t own the final product.

There’s a Korean proverb that captures this situation perfectly:

“The bear does the tricks, but the human collects the money.”

In this case, K-pop does the tricks, while Sony and Netflix walk away with the profits.

So any hope that Korean entertainment stocks might benefit from the show’s popularity? Probably wishful thinking. Sure, Korean audiences are hyping it up: “They really captured the feel of K-pop girl groups and boy bands!” or “They even showcased Korean cultural details that we often miss ourselves!” But all of that buzz just ends up promoting the show — and boosting Sony’s and Netflix’s returns.

To be fair, this isn’t a market crisis. It’s not like Korean entertainment stocks are crashing overnight. But the reality is that the flagship of Korea’s entertainment sector — HYBE — is already under pressure from internal turmoil. And looking ahead, it may be time to face the truth: the world has already studied, understood, and absorbed the K-pop formula.

We’re past the point of nationalist pride or “K-content boosterism.” What begins in Korea might very well end in Hollywood.

HYBE stock's recent trend

For now, Korean idols are still in the spotlight, backed by Korean capital and trained through a rigorous domestic system. But once the idol-making machinery — the growth systems, the fan service models, the global marketing blueprints — are fully replicated abroad, we’ll likely start seeing idol groups funded and controlled by Japanese, American, or even Chinese investors.

And chances are, we’ll fall in love with them anyway — especially if they look and feel “Korean enough.”

[Major League] Hye-Sung Kim’s Blazing Speed

He's sliding to steal the 2nd base!

Hye-Sung Kim’s Blazing Speed Keeps Him Perfect in the Majors: 12-for-12 on Stolen Bases

LA Dodgers infielder Hye-Sung Kim (27) continues to turn heads with his electric base running. With 12 stolen bases and zero failed attempts, he’s maintaining a perfect 100% success rate — an increasingly rare feat in Major League Baseball.

On July 23 (KST), Kim started as the second baseman and No. 7 hitter against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. He went 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a stolen base, slightly dipping his season average from .320 to .317 (40 hits in 126 at-bats). But more importantly, he broke out of a 10-at-bat hitless slump and showed once again why his speed is such a critical asset to the Dodgers lineup.

Breaking the Slump — and the Game Open

After going hitless in his previous three games (8 at-bats), Kim also started slow in this one, grounding out in the 2nd and striking out in the 4th. But he delivered when it mattered most. In the bottom of the 6th, with 2 outs and runners on second and third, Kim jumped on the very first pitch — a 99.3 mph fastball from reliever Louie Varland — and drilled a line drive up the middle for a clutch 2-RBI single. It narrowed the gap to 5-6 and marked his 15th RBI of the season.

Even the Dodgers' broadcast crew on SportsNet LA was excited. Analyst Orel Hershiser noted, “He’d been struggling at the plate, grounding out and striking out, but this time he stayed low on the fastball and barreled it right back up the middle.”

Speed That Changes the Game

Once Kim reached first, all eyes were on him. Commentator Joe Davis said, “Kim Hye-Sung has been absolutely perfect when it comes to base stealing in the majors,” setting the stage for what came next.

On the second pitch of Miguel Rojas’ at-bat, Kim took off. Catcher Christian Vázquez fired a quick throw to second, and second baseman Willi Castro tagged fast — but Kim slid in headfirst, barely beating the tag with his left hand. Stolen base No. 12. Still zero caught stealing.

Hershiser was stunned: “He outran the pitcher’s delivery and the catcher’s pop time. It was like watching someone fly between first and second base.” Davis added, “Kim went 13-for-13 in steals with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Now he’s 12-for-12 in the big leagues. That’s 25 straight successful attempts.”

Elite Speed, Elite Precision

Kim’s sprint speed clocks in at 28.7 ft/sec, placing him in the top 14% of MLB players. But it’s not just raw speed — his timing off the pitcher, explosive start, and flawless slides are textbook examples of base-running excellence.

Back in the KBO League, Kim was already an elite base stealer. Between his 2017 debut and the 2023 season, he recorded 211 stolen bases with just 37 failures, a success rate of 85.1% — second only to Kim Ji-chan (Samsung Lions) among Korean players with over 100 steals.

Now in MLB, Kim is taking it to the next level.

One of Only Four

Among the 78 players in the majors with 10 or more stolen bases this season, only four remain perfect:

• Byron Buxton (Twins) – 17

• Trevor Story (Red Sox) – 17

• George Springer (Blue Jays) – 10

• Hye-Sung Kim (Dodgers) – 12

That puts Kim in elite company — and the only newcomer among them.

The Speed Weapon Dodgers Needed

The Dodgers have needed this burst of speed. Shohei Ohtani, who stole 59 bases last year, has just 13 so far this season as he balances pitching duties again. While Andy Pages (8) and Mookie Betts (6) contribute occasionally, none possess Kim’s explosive gear.

Currently just one steal behind Ohtani, it seems inevitable that Kim will soon take over as the Dodgers' team leader in stolen bases. And with every game, he’s proving that speed — when paired with smarts — is still one of the most dangerous tools in baseball.

What Yasukuni Shrine Teaches Us About Memory, Power, and Nationalism

Homepage of Yasukuni Shrine's Yushukan

The Weight of Yasukuni Shrine: More Than Just a “War Criminals Shrine”

It’s honestly too simplistic for us to just say, “Oh, there’s a shrine in Japan where war criminals are enshrined,” or “Every year, influential politicians go there to make offerings.” The scale and meaning of Yasukuni Shrine in Japan are on a whole different level. And let’s be clear: even when we criticize, saying things like “remove the Korean conscripts from the enshrinement” or “the Prime Minister shouldn’t make offerings,” those complaints mostly stay within domestic Korean discourse.

To Japanese people, Korean criticisms don’t even register as a passing concern. Sometimes it feels like the more we protest, the more they double down. The presence of Yasukuni Shrine is unshakeable from the outside. Calling Japan a “war criminal nation” may sound righteous, but in practice, it only strengthens misguided nationalist sentiments among Japanese conservatives.

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A Glimpse Inside: The Yūshūkan Museum

The photos below show the reception area of the Yūshūkan, the museum located within Yasukuni Shrine’s grounds. I didn’t go inside — I already know what’s on display, and frankly, I didn’t feel the need to pay the 200–300 yen entry fee to step into that glorified space.

From the entrance, you’re greeted by murals tracing the path of the Japanese Imperial Army’s advance from the Korean Peninsula into China. Inside, you’ll find war cannons, firearms, swords used by commanders, and even handwritten farewell letters from soldiers.

I couldn’t help but think: How emotionally stirring must this be for Japanese visitors? And then I wondered — do we, in Korea, even have any place remotely as polished and emotionally charged as this?

Compared to Yūshūkan, Korea’s War Memorial feels chaotic, almost shabby — even evoking a sense of despair. The contrast between Korea’s memorials, still echoing with the remnants of dictatorship, and Yasukuni Shrine’s carefully curated imperialist nostalgia is stark. Maybe that’s why I chose not to go inside this time.

Zero-Sen Fighter

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A Shrine to the “Honored Dead” — and a Masterclass in Narrative Control

On Yasukuni Shrine’s official website, you’ll find images of Yūshūkan’s walls lined with photos of kamikaze pilots. Interestingly, the name “Yūshūkan” is taken from the Chinese classic Xunzi (순자) and loosely translates as, “A gentleman, in his leisure, strives to embody the spirit of the scholar-warrior.”

For the Japanese, the message here is clear: Learn from those who nobly sacrificed their precious lives for the nation.

At the entrance, there’s even a fighter pilot statue, standing proudly. Visitors first pass through a glass-walled reception building before entering the main museum. Right outside, there’s a Zero fighter jet parked, nose up as if ready to soar into the sky. It’s all designed to showcase might and grandeur.

And I couldn’t help but think: We’ve imported the bad habit of erecting statues of dictators — why didn’t we import these kinds of exhibition techniques?

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The Machinery of Empire on Display

The Zero fighter, surrounded by countless heroic tales, shares the stage with Japan’s infamous Yamato battleship — both drenched in layers of romanticized nostalgia. Steven Spielberg even poked at this mythmaking in his film Empire of the Sun. But let’s be honest: beyond the early-war prowess, the Zero was ultimately a fragile machine, prone to going up in flames after minor attacks.

They also display a steam locomotive, decorated with the rising sun flag — reminiscent of the one Itō Hirobumi might have ridden to Harbin Station. In Japan, railroads were potent imperial symbols, so it’s no surprise they feature prominently.

Beside the train stands a howitzer. While smaller than the naval guns left behind on Saipan, it represents the type of artillery the Japanese Army dragged through China and Burma — and along with them, Korean laborers and comfort women.

You’ll also find machine guns, cannons, and cockpit parts, all carefully preserved. None of it was discarded as mere war relics; they’ve been polished and sanctified, transforming the aggressors into heroes, defenders of the homeland.

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A Legacy They Want to Pass Down

Standing there, I felt like the Zero fighter, the howitzer, and the locomotive weren’t just military artifacts — they were sacred heirlooms. Just as Japan’s imperial family guards its Three Sacred Treasures, this space seemed designed to whisper, “Here are the secret tokens of Imperial Japan — not for outsiders, but for us, to pass on through generations.”