Korea officially began its phased inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in April, with foreign capital expected to flow into the domestic government bond market in stages through November. Market analysts estimate that approximately USD 52–62 billion in passive funds tracking the WGBI will flow into Korea, potentially helping stabilize the exchange rate and lower government bond yields. However, the overall impact is expected to depend on market conditions, with ongoing exchange rate volatility stemming from the Middle East war and the staggered timing of capital inflows potentially limiting the scope for any sharp short-term appreciation of the Korean won or steep decline in bond yields.

Samsung Electronics reported record quarterly results for the first quarter, posting KRW 57 trillion in operating profit and KRW 133 trillion in revenue. Quarterly operating profit surged 755% year on year, exceeding the company's total operating profit for the previous year, while quarterly revenue and operating profit both exceeded KRW 100 trillion and KRW 50 trillion respectively, for the first time. The strong performance was driven primarily by the semiconductor business, supported by rising DRAM and NAND prices amid robust AI demand. Analysts have subsequently revised Samsung Electronics' full-year operating profit forecast upward to more than KRW 300 trillion. Nevertheless, a prolonged Middle East war could dampen investment, while slowing growth in the company's finished-goods operations poses an additional downside risk.

According to the Economically Active Population Survey in March 2026 released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, Korea's youth unemployment rate reached 7.4% in the first quarter, its highest first-quarter level in five years. Weakness in key industries such as manufacturing and construction, coupled with job losses in professional and IT occupations as AI adoption has expanded, contributed to the deterioration in youth employment. The number of youths in professional and IT fields has declined for two consecutive years since generative AI adoption began in earnest, and in February reached its lowest level since the relevant data series began.

The Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange held a public seminar to gather feedback on a proposed new review framework under which parent–subsidiary listings would be restricted in principle. Under the proposal, the review process would be expanded beyond subsidiaries created through spin-offs to include relistings of companies established through cash contributions or acquisitions, as well as demergers undertaken as part of holding-company conversions. Reviews would focus on operational and managerial independence and investor protection. The proposal would also require parent company boards to fulfill their duty of loyalty to shareholders, assess the impact of subsidiary listings on shareholder interests, and establish appropriate shareholder protection measures.

Korea's real GDP grew 1.7% quarter on quarter in the first quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2020. Growth was driven primarily by a 5.1% increase in IT exports led by semiconductors, while private consumption, construction investment, and equipment investment also increased. Supported by higher export prices for semiconductors and other products, real GDI rose 7.5% from the previous quarter. However, with the continuing conflict in the Middle East, the Composite Consumer Sentiment Index fell below the baseline of 100 in April for the first time in a year, while inflation expectations increased. These developments raised concerns that the economic impact of the conflict could become more pronounced beginning in the second quarter.

Courts ruled in favor of Netflix and Meta in successive lawsuits challenging corporate tax assessments, dealing a setback to the tax authorities' efforts to tax global technology companies. It found that the companies' Korean subsidiaries were not involved in developing or operating services provided by their headquarters and therefore could not be regarded as permanent operations in Korea. The rulings have reinforced concerns that the current corporate tax framework is limited in its ability to tax global digital platform companies. They have also renewed debate over the disparity in tax burdens between global technology companies and domestic platform operators. Experts have suggested that Korea consider introducing a digital tax tailored to its own regulatory environment, drawing on international precedents.

Samsung Electronics and its labor union reached a tentative agreement on the 2026 wage negotiations just 90 minutes before a planned general strike, following months of conflict over performance-based compensation. Under the agreement, 12% of the company's annual operating profit will be allocated to the performance bonus pool, with the full after-tax amount distributed in company shares. The two sides also agreed to suspend the existing cap on performance bonuses for the next 10 years. The union subsequently suspended the planned strike, and the tentative agreement was formally ratified through a union vote on May 27.

The government downgraded Korea's oil supply security alert by one level, from "Alert" to "Caution," following a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran to end hostilities and resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With tanker traffic resuming, procurement rates for crude oil and naphtha improved. Meanwhile, Korea's dependence on crude oil transported through the Strait declined from 70% to 50%. Emergency energy conservation measures, including alternating-day vehicle restrictions for public institutions and a five-day rotation system for passenger cars at public parking facilities, were lifted. Temporary measures supporting alternative crude oil imports and strategic oil-stockpile swaps were also discontinued, although supply stabilization measures for naphtha and petrochemical feedstocks will remain in place for the time being.