South Korea's economy barely grew in the fourth quarter of 2024, as the country's worst political crisis in decades hurts already weakened domestic demand and threatens to further sap growth in a year of rising external risks under a second Trump presidency.

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.

South Korea's economy grew less than expected in the fourth quarter, data showed Thursday, as it was hit by the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law that hit consumer confidence and domestic demand.