ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PRESIDENT'S ARREST

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Thursday January 16th here in Seoul.

I'm Min Sunhee.

Today we start with the latest on the local political front amid the president's arrest and trial before touching upon the economic impact of this leadership vacuum.

For more I have Steven Borowiec with Nikkei Asia here in the studio.

Steven welcome back.

I also have Professor Kim Yong-Jin at Sogang University with us virtually.

Professor Kim it's good to have you on.

1) Steven, let's begin with latest from the Constitutional Court where a second hearing took place this afternoon for the impeachment trial against the president.

2) Meanwhile, Steven, what are some of the updates surrounding the arrest of the president by anti-corruption investigators for questioning yesterday?

3) Professor Kim, what have been the economic repercussions of Korea's political unrest?

4) Professor Kim, the Bank of Korea today decided to hold steady its benchmark interest rate at 3 percent.

5) Steven, a major variable for the Korean economy this year is the shift in U.S. trade policy.

6) Professor Kim, Mr. Trump had earlier floated the idea of imposing blanket tariffs of between 10% and 20% on all U.S. imports.

7) Steven, Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group has been seeking to better reach out to the incoming Trump administration amid tariff concerns.

8) Professor Kim, Hyundai invested heavily in the U.S. to qualify for EV tax credits under the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act.

9) Steven, one Korean industry that has its fingers crossed for brighter prospects under Mr. Trump is the shipbuilding industry here.

10) And Professor Kim, what more can you tell us about Korea's shipbuilding industry?

11) Meanwhile, Steven, back on Trump tariffs.

12) Here in Korea, Professor Kim, the central bank earlier claimed "Trump tariffs pose a greater threat to Korea's economy than its political turmoil."

13) Steven, some foreign media have suggested Korea may look into boosting energy imports from the U.S. to appease Mr. Trump.

14) Professor Kim, what are your thoughts on ways for Korea to navigate the Trump administration's protectionist trade policy?

All right.