South Korea recorded a deficit of nearly 9 trillion won in knowledge service trade during the first half of the year. The main reason is the increase in overseas online service subscription fees, particularly AI service usage fees. On the other hand, K-pop concerts and drama exports have been booming, leading to record high surpluses in culture and leisure services. Information and communication services saw a reduction in surplus size, while deficits in professional and business services decreased slightly. Regionally, Asia recorded a surplus, while North America and Europe experienced deficits.
