South Korea economy · May 2026

Hyundai registers the Elantra and Mighty brands in Russia, signaling a potential return to the Russian market. South Korea’s fiscal deficit shrinks to a six-year low. Global funds ramp up their exit from Korean stocks as a record rally extends. The world’s biggest stock rally ignites speculative mania in Korea. Economic chiefs express concern over a Samsung strike and call for dialogue; Samsung Electronics urges the union to resume talks as a strike threat looms (ongoing coverage).