South Korea overseas direct investment rises 32% in Q2 2026

South Korea's overseas direct investment (ODI) rose 32.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, reaching US$20.52 billion compared to US$15.5 billion in the same period the previous year. According to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the growth was driven primarily by the financial and communication sectors. Investment in the financial and insurance industry increased by 33.4 percent to US$10.48 billion, while information and communication sector investment more than tripled to US$2.73 billion.

Geographically, investment in the United States saw a 53.6 percent increase to US$8.86 billion, and investment in Japan rose sharply to US$2.46 billion. This outward expansion is being fueled by domestic challenges, including a mature market and a rapidly aging population, prompting Korean financial groups and insurers to seek growth through international mergers and acquisitions.

Samsung Group's insurance affiliates are among those exploring global opportunities, with Samsung Life Insurance Co. reportedly considering a stake in US-based Principal Financial Group Inc. Analysts suggest these moves are a strategic effort to diversify global portfolios and replicate the successful international expansion models used by Japanese financial institutions.