- According to a Bank of Korea report, a 'chipflation' phenomenon has emerged post-pandemic where cheaper goods have seen larger price increases than expensive goods. This has aggravated the burden on vulnerable populations. - Corporate sales in 2023 fell 1.1% year-over-year, marking the first decline in three years since 2020. Weak semiconductor industry performance is cited as a major cause. - The number of parental leave takers has decreased for the first time due to declining birth rates. In 2023, those starting parental leave numbered 195,000, a 3% decrease compared to the previous year. - Stock prices related to quantum technology have shown gains in domestic markets following the US New York stock exchange. However, some observers point out that commercialization of quantum technology is still distant and express concerns about overheating. - Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok stated that the government does not hold a negative stance toward virtual assets and will monitor policy changes by the US Trump administration.
