South Korea finance minister nominee Lee Hyung-il said the economy is at a turning point: the AI boom is driving a semiconductor upswing that is lifting chip exports and investment, strengthening the recovery. He warned risks remain from chip-cycle volatility, global interest-rate shifts and geopolitical tensions. Lee said a 3% growth outcome this year is within reach and per-capita income could rise toward $40,000, but urged using the upcycle to cultivate new growth engines and bolster resilien

South Korea finance minister nominee Lee Hyung-il said the economy is at a turning point: the AI boom is driving a semiconductor upswing that is lifting chip exports and investment, strengthening the recovery. He warned risks remain from chip-cycle volatility, global interest-rate shifts and geopolitical tensions. Lee said a 3% growth outcome this year is within reach and per-capita income could rise toward $40,000, but urged using the upcycle to cultivate new growth engines and bolster resilience to trade uncertainty and geopolitical risks, including the Middle East conflict.