South Korean Newspapers Lead With Chip Workweek Rules, AI Export Warning, CPTPP Comments

The Donga Ilbo reported that the government is looking to revise the 52-hour workweek exemption rule for the chip sector. The Maeil Business Newspaper carried the headline “AI letup to lead to US$10 bln fall in chip exports,” while the Korea Economic Daily examined an unexpected chip boom and “the way to avoid ‘resource course.’” The Hankyoreh reported that AI is taking good jobs and that the quality of employment for young people is worsening.

On trade policy, the Segye Times reported that Lee mentioned making up for farmers and fishers over CPTPP entry. The JoongAng Ilbo reported that Lee said final CPTPP entry would be difficult within his term. The Korea Herald reported that Lee backs CPTPP entry but vowed to protect farmers and fishers.

Other headlines included the Kyunghyang Shinmun’s “Tax policy loses trust”; the Kookmin Daily’s report that a hospital prescribes all kinds of drugs for diet and tells people to endure it even when their hands shake; and the Seoul Shinmun’s report that North Korea’s exports to China reached US$480 million.

The Chosun Ilbo reported that the Democratic Party is “infinitely” repeating impeachment and special prosecution moves. The Hankook Ilbo reported that a traditional Korean music lecturer committed sexual crimes against a student over four years through “grooming.” The Korea Times reported that a Coupang dispute has become a bellwether for Korea’s treatment of U.S. firms, according to a former AMCHAM chief. The Korea JoongAng Daily reported that 10 percent of people in their 20s and 30s have a migrant background.