South Korea

노동시장 미스매치 현황과 정책적 제언

Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade | Local Language | AcademicThink | May 2, 2025 | UndeterminedEmployment

Min Soon-hong's research highlights the evolving labor market dynamics in South Korea, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. While the service industry faced significant employment challenges, the manufacturing sector demonstrated a quicker recovery. Manufacturing employment remained resilient compared to the service industry, only experiencing a minor decline in early 2020 before rebounding in the second half of the year.

The study reveals that employment shocks varied across manufacturing categories. Temporary workers and self-employed individuals with employees faced more substantial impacts, while permanent workers and self-employed without employees remained largely unaffected. Larger manufacturing companies with over 300 employees outperformed smaller firms in terms of employment recovery, showing increases beyond pre-COVID levels.

Employment trends further reveal diverse outcomes among industries. The pharmaceutical sector showed consistent growth both before and after the pandemic, whereas industries such as non-metallic minerals, primary metals, and printing have seen declines. In contrast, sectors like electronic components, computers, and others have experienced improvements post-COVID. The findings suggest a nuanced landscape in the manufacturing industry, with significant variability across different segments.

Korea Herald | English | News | May 2, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea has successfully conducted weapons tests on its new 5,000-metric-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon-class vessel, as reported by state media. The tests took place over two days following the ship's launch ceremony, assessing its weapon systems and combat performance. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the tests, which included the firing of various missiles and other weapons. Kim emphasized the need to enhance naval nuclear capabilities and adopt a stronger maritime defense posture.

Military experts suggest that the Choe Hyon-class destroyer is equipped with a Hwasan-class cruise missile system, which could potentially carry nuclear warheads. This development indicates North Korea's aim to establish a second-strike capability through sea-based platforms. South Korean analysts noted that the destroyer's technologies closely resemble those of Russian military systems, hinting at possible technological cooperation between North Korea and Russia. There are speculations that North Korea may have received advanced weapons technology from Russia in exchange for military support in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In addition to the destroyer tests, North Korea has commenced preparations for constructing a new vehicle bridge over the Tumen River to connect with Russia. This follows a prior agreement during a summit between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The new bridge, planned to be built downstream from an existing railway bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Yonhap | English | News | May 2, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Navy conducted maritime drills off the western and southern coasts of South Korea earlier this week, aimed at enhancing defense readiness against North Korean maritime threats. The four-day exercise, which began on April 28, involved around 20 surface ships and approximately a dozen aircraft from the Second and Third Fleets.

The Second Fleet, responsible for the Yellow Sea defense, utilized various warships, including the 3,100-ton ROKS Seoul frigate. The exercises also included U.S. Forces Korea's AH-64E attack helicopters, with a focus on training response measures against North Korean special forces and submarines, as well as logistics procedures at sea.

In the southern waters, the Third Fleet dispatched the ROKS Gyeongnam frigate along with other vessels for live-fire training activities. The drills are part of ongoing efforts to bolster defense capabilities amid persistent regional tensions.