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JapanEconomy3 days ago

AI nation: Is it boom, bubble or both for South Korea?

This opinion piece by William Pesek examines South Korea's growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) as a central driver of its economic and technological strategy. The article discusses the rapid rise of the KOSPI stock index, linking it to investments in AI and questioning whether this growth represents a genuine boom or a speculative bubble. It highlights the increasing integration of AI into various sectors, including stocks, exports, and national policy.

Opinion

Stocks, exports and national strategy are increasingly tied to a single tech bet

William Pesek

June 18, 2026 05:05 JST

The KOSPI share index's vertical climb above the 8,800 mark is either the wonder of Asian finance -- or a glaring AI asset bubble. (Nikkei montage/Source photo by Reuters)

William Pesek is an award-winning Tokyo-based journalist and author of "Japanization: What the World Can Learn from Japan's Lost Decades."

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Source document: The KOSPI share index's vertical climb above the 8,800 mark

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Nikkei AsiaIndependent🔒Center
AI nation: Is it boom, bubble or both for South Korea?

This opinion piece by William Pesek examines South Korea's growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) as a central driver of its economic and technological strategy. The article discusses the rapid rise of the KOSPI stock index, linking it to investments in AI and questioning whether this growth represents a genuine boom or a speculative bubble. It highlights the increasing integration of AI into various sectors, including stocks, exports, and national policy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents an analytical perspective without overtly favoring one side. It raises questions about the potential overvaluation of AI-driven growth but does so in a balanced manner, acknowledging both the opportunities and risks associated with South Korea's focus on AI. There is no clear sl

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