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As Japan’s controls on chemical exports threaten South Korea’s high-tech sector, politicians and businesses are digging in for the long haul. (Montage by Michael Tsang)
The Big Story

Inside the lose-lose trade fight between Japan and South Korea

Samsung's chip business faces "burdens" from Tokyo's new export controls

MITSURU OBE and KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writers | South Korea

TOKYO/SEOUL -- Most weekends, the Uniqlo shop in the Hyundai Department Store just north of Seoul is buzzing with customers looking to pick up some of the Japanese chain's trendy, low-cost clothing. But on a recent Sunday in July, it was deserted -- a result of the growing "Boycott Japan" movement spreading across South Korea.

South Koreans have also stopped buying cars, beer, cosmetics and just about anything else bearing the label "Made in Japan." Some are even canceling their summer holidays. "We planned to go to Okinawa in August, but we changed our plan to Jeju," said Ha, a manager of a Seoul-based financial company. "My wife also told me not to go to Uniqlo anymore."

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