South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance reviewed external developments that could affect the domestic economy in the second half of 2026 amid geopolitical instability, changing trade policies and expanding protectionism. The review focused on U.S. artificial intelligence investment and related risks, Japan's new strategic investment framework, the policy direction of the United Kingdom's new government and the economic effects of extreme weather in the European Union. The ministry instructed its economic and finance attachés across 15 countries and 18 diplomatic missions to monitor policy changes and market movements and promptly report emerging issues. The network supports international economic and financial cooperation and gathers policy intelligence from host governments and international organizations.