South Korean Growth Tops All Estimates on AI-Fueled Export Boom

Surging global demand for artificial intelligence technology fueled a first-quarter rebound for South Korea, giving the export-dependent economy momentum as it now grapples with surging energy prices and waning consumer confidence.

Gross domestic product grew 1.7% in the three months through March from the previous quarter, the Bank of Korea said Thursday. That marked a reversal from a contraction in the final quarter of 2025 and the fastest expansion since the third quarter of 2020.