A private think tank based in Korea forecasts the local economy to grow 2-point-8-percent this year,... a rate that would fall short of the 3 percent projected by the International Monetary Fund and the Korean government.
In its latest report, the Hyundai Research Institute stuck with the estimate it made late last year... but said the risks to growth have varied over the months.
It noted that the geopolitical risks stemming from nuclear and missile provocations by North Korea have somewhat subsided compared to the latter half of last year.
But on the other hand, it said Korean exports could be affected by a possible global trade war and unfavorable currency conditions,... while domestic consumption could be hit by rising household debt.
To counter those risks, the institute pointed to job creation as a mid-to-long term solution.