South Korea's economy barely grew in the fourth quarter of 2024, missing market expectations, as domestic demand was hurt in part by the country's worst political crisis in decades, raising bets for more fiscal and monetary support to revive growth.

South Korea’s economy is under strain as political instability and a plunging won disrupt growth. Learn how the weak currency, rising inflation, and global trade risks are shaping the future of Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

The data showed private consumption weakened and construction investment remained in contraction in the fourth quarter. Exports edged up on demand for semiconductors and other information-technology goods.