South Korea Draws 73% GS25 Sales Jump as KOSPI's Top Return Fuels 'Premium'
Updated
Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 14
South Korea Draws 73% GS25 Sales Jump as KOSPI's Top Return Fuels 'Premium'
2 articles · Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 14
Summary
South Korea is increasingly being treated as a global "premium" rather than a "discount," with interest spreading beyond stocks into consumer demand, language study and diplomatic postings.
73% growth in GS25's foreign sales in the first quarter and Korean textbooks outselling French titles by more than 3-to-1 at a Manhattan Barnes & Noble point to that broader shift.
The change followed last year's KOSPI surge—the world's best return—driven largely by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as the AI boom pulled investors toward Korea.
Geopolitical conflict and weaponized supply chains have also raised the value of "trusted" manufacturing hubs, benefiting Korea's mix of semiconductors, shipbuilding, nuclear power, autos and K-content influence.
The report argues Seoul should now "Sell Korea" at a premium, while warning the new status may still prove temporary if it rests more on AI and geopolitics than structural competitiveness.