KOREA PRO Podcast

In this week's episode, Jeongmin and Joon Ha analyze the chaotic weekend that led to Kim Moon-soo becoming the People Power Party's presidential candidate after a dramatic series of reversals. Jeongmin breaks down an overnight decision by the PPP leadership to retract Kim's candidacy, followed by a party poll that ultimately reinstated him after Han Duck-soo's withdrawal. The duo then explores the newly released ten-point policy visions of the three main presidential candidates, with Lee Jae-myung emphasizing post-crisis recovery and state-led technological sector innovation, Kim Moon-soo focusing on pro-business deregulation and stronger national defense, and minor candidate Lee Jun-seok positioning himself as a reformer for younger generations. The team also unpacks the recent temporary agreement between the U.S. and China to dramatically reduce tariffs for a 90-day window and the South Korean officials' cautious response amid ongoing global trade uncertainties. They look ahead to the upcoming presidential debates and other election-related schedules throughout the rest of May, building up until the June 3 snap election. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim), Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner) and correspondent Joon Ha Park (@joonhawrites), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, Jeongmin and Joon Ha dive into the fissure within the ruling People Power Party as presidential nominee Kim Moon-soo files a court injunction to block party efforts to replace him, accusing leaders of coercion to merge his candidacy with former Acting President Han Duck-soo. Kim has threatened to form a surprise “big tent” alliance with unexpected political figures, reportedly including former Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jeung, if dropped. The duo also unpacks the Seoul High Court's decision to delay Democratic Party nominee Lee Jae-myung's retrial, giving him a clear pathway to the presidency. They break down the Czech court's injunction against Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power's $18 billion nuclear deal, and the duo look ahead to the Taeguk military exercise, campaign rallies and possible TV debates. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim), Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner) and correspondent Joon Ha Park (@joonhawrites), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

At Korea Pro's April Seoul Circuit dinner, essayist Colin Marshall (No Summarizing Korea) led a wide-ranging discussion on the complexities of South Korean political identity. Drawing from years of observation, Marshall explored how the country's ideological divisions often defy Western left-right frameworks. In this episode, we share the moderated portion of the event. The Q&A session has been omitted, as it took place under Chatham House Rule. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

This week's episode opens with Jeongmin walking us through a rollercoaster week in South Korean politics. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung secured the party's presidential nomination over former Gyeonggi governor Kim Dong-yeon last week, while the People Power Party (PPP) narrowed its primary field to former party leader Han Dong-hoon and former labor minister Kim Moon-soo. The team then breaks down the dramatic sequence that followed: a surprise Supreme Court ruling in Lee's election law case, and — just one hour later — Acting President Han Duck-soo's resignation and public address, setting the stage for his own presidential run. They then discuss key implications from the week's political chaos, including the National Assembly's surprise bipartisan agreement on a supplementary budget and the potential for the eventual PPP nominee to form an alliance with Han. John discusses the cyber attack that has struck SK Telecom, affecting 23 to 25 million users whose identities may have been compromised. Finally, the trio looks ahead to a critical deadline on May 3, when the PPP will decide which of its final two contenders will be its nominee for the presidential election, and previews the fast-approaching May 11 candidate registration deadline. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, Jeongmin opens with her analysis of South Korea's shifting voter blocs, where former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's “centrist” repositioning has expanded his lead ahead of the snap presidential election. Jeongmin and Joon Ha then break down the legal and political aftershocks of former President Moon Jae-in's indictment for alleged bribery, and assess the People Power Party's decision to narrow its primary field to four contenders. Jeongmin and John follow with a wide-ranging discussion on the region's changing security landscape — from Japan's “one theater” concept to China's new fixed platform in the Yellow Sea, to Washington quietly shifting U.S. Forces Korea's mission. Finally, Jeongmin looks ahead to next week's key developments in the race, including the two main parties' selection of their respective nominees for the upcoming presidential election. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, John breaks down the global economic and political turbulence sparked by Donald Trump's on-again, off-again tariff policies. As Washington wavers between imposing, pausing, withdrawing and threatening new tariffs, several countries — including South Korea — have begun bilateral talks to seek exemptions. John explains how the resulting uncertainty is paralyzing corporate investment and destabilizing markets. Then, Jeongmin and Joon Ha walk listeners through the latest developments in South Korea's snap presidential election. The ruling People Power Party has narrowed its candidate pool from 11 to eight, while the Democratic Party faces an uphill battle to present a viable challenge to Lee Jae-myung's overwhelming lead. The team also discusses the U.S. Department of Energy's inclusion of South Korea on its list of sensitive countries, and what the South Korean government might be able to do about it going forward. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha unpack a dramatic week in South Korea's economic and political landscape. They begin with U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt reversal on “reciprocal tariffs,” which briefly calmed global markets on Thursday but left South Korea bracing for more uncertainty. John explains how bond yields, stock prices and investor sentiment all flashed warning signs before Trump hit pause. The trio then turns to South Korea's fast-moving presidential race, now officially underway after last week's Constitutional Court decision to uphold former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. With public officials required to resign 30 days before party primaries, major political figures are stepping forward — including Lee Jae-myung, Kim Moon-soo and Ahn Cheol-soo — with more expected to join in the days ahead. Finally, they preview a key date on the calendar: April 15, when the U.S. Department of Energy will formally designate South Korea as a “sensitive country,” a move that could reshape bilateral energy cooperation and tech export controls. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this special episode, Jeongmin hosts professors Erik Mobrand and Cho Hee-kyung for a quick-fire Korea Pro briefing analyzing the historic Constitutional Court ruling on Friday that removed President Yoon Suk-yeol from office — making him the second South Korean president impeached and removed by the court. Jeongmin kicks off with a comprehensive 10-minute summary of the Constitutional Court's ruling, detailing how the justices unanimously voted to uphold Yoon's impeachment and explaining the language they used in their decisive verdict.  Jeongmin summarizes the court's extensive deliberation process, and outlines how the justices structured their evaluation around five specific grounds for impeachment. She explains how the court comprehensively rejected almost all of Yoon's defenses, including his claim that the martial law was merely a “warning” or a “plea” with no legal basis in the constitution. Professor Cho explains the reasons behind the court's unanimous ruling and the political context behind the decision's delay. She discusses how the timing may have been influenced by the appellate court's March decision to acquit main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung of his election law violation conviction, along with how the justices evaluated contested witness testimony and hearsay evidence differently than in a criminal proceeding. Professor Mobrand examines the political implications of Yoon's removal, arguing that the democratic resilience shown by ordinary citizens created a powerful check on executive overreach. He challenges the framing of South Korea's society as simply “polarized,” suggesting that specific politicians have deliberately exacerbated divisions rather than this reflecting deep societal rifts. The panel explores why the military largely refused to fully implement Yoon's martial law orders, institutional weaknesses exposed by this constitutional crisis, and what reforms are most urgently needed — including reducing concentrated power in the presidential office and prosecutorial authority. Erik Mobrand is a professor of Korean Studies at Seoul National University's Graduate School of International Studies, an expert on political transformation in Korea with a focus on the interplay of informal power and formal institutions. Cho Hee-kyung is a professor at Hongik University's College of Law whose research spans international economic law, intellectual property, human rights and media law. Editor's Note: During the discussion, Professor Cho referred to the appellate Seoul High Court that handed down the verdict on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on March 26 erroneously as the Supreme Court. This clarification has been noted for accuracy. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on the night of Friday, April 4, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha dive into another turbulent week for South Korea's politics and economy. They start with U.S. President Donald Trump's latest trade policy: a 10% “baseline” tariff on all countries, combined with “reciprocal” tariffs on many trade partners. South Korea was hit particularly hard with a 26% rate, leading to a dip in local markets. Next, they unpack the results of South Korea's recent by-elections, where progressive parties came out on top. Despite fierce competition between the main opposition Democratic Party and the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, the ruling People Power Party suffered major losses — a setback partly attributed to Yoon's impeachment hearing and the government's response to recent wildfires. They also discuss the Constitutional Court's announcement that it will issue its ruling on Yoon's impeachment on Friday, April 4. The decision comes after a prolonged deliberation period, raising questions about possible divisions among the justices. Looking ahead, as South Korea braces for social unrest regardless of the ruling, Korea Pro will hold a public webinar just hours after the Constitutional Court's Friday ruling to break down the verdict and its implications for the country. Listeners can RSVP at events.koreapro.org. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week's episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down a dramatic week in South Korean politics, trade and disaster response. They begin with the Constitutional Court's decision to reinstate Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reversing his December impeachment. The ruling found Han's failure to appoint Constitutional Court justices unconstitutional — but not impeachable. Next, the trio discusses the Seoul High Court's acquittal of main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung on election law charges. With prosecutors appealing the case to the Supreme Court and the presidential race heating up, they assess how the ruling all but secures Lee's path to the presidency. Then they unpack U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping 25% tariff on all autos and parts, citing national security to sidestep trade deals like the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. They break down what this means for South Korea's trade relations with the U.S. and how firms like Hyundai and Korean Air are scrambling to safeguard U.S. market access with massive investment and purchase pledges. Finally, they turn to the worst wildfire in South Korea's history. With at least 27 people dead, historical landmarks destroyed and vast farmland scorched, the fire has exposed the nation's demographic vulnerabilities — including senior firefighters battling relentless flames — and raised urgent questions about the state of rural infrastructure and long-term agricultural recovery. Looking ahead: South Korea is set to resume short selling on March 31, and the U.S. will unveil its new “reciprocal tariffs” policy on April 2. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, John and Joon Ha break down the biggest headlines in South Korean news this week. First, they discuss the main opposition Democratic Party's announcement that it plans to launch impeachment proceedings against Acting President Choi Sang-mok, citing Choi's failure to appoint a Constitutional Court nominee. John and Joon Ha go into how this move could deepen political instability and increase market volatility as the country awaits the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. Next, they analyze the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to hold rates steady, which has left the Bank of Korea (BOK) with limited policy options as household debt rises and the U.S.-Korea rate gap widens. John explains why the BOK faces a difficult balancing act between supporting domestic demand and preventing capital flight. Finally, they cover South Korea's decision to tighten anti-dumping measures on Chinese steel imports following the U.S.'s new tariffs on steel and aluminum. John explains how Beijing's muted response reflects a strategic wait-and-see approach amid South Korea's political uncertainty. John and Joon Ha close by noting that the Constitutional Court will issue its ruling on former Acting President Han Duck-soo's impeachment on Monday, which means that Yoon's impeachment ruling may be announced next week. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, John and Joon Ha break down the latest developments in South Korea. First, they discuss reports that the U.S. is considering designating South Korea as a “sensitive country,” which could limit high-tech exports and tighten U.S. security controls on key industries. John explores how this move could disrupt South Korea's semiconductor, AI and defense sectors and posits this move could be a trade negotiations tactic. Next, they discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs on steel and aluminum, which have hit South Korea hard. John explains how some in Seoul are downplaying these tariffs, which apply to every steel exporter, but that these tariffs may make South Korean exports less competitive than U.S. steel. Then, Joon Ha analyzes the Constitutional Court's decision to reject the impeachment of Board of Audit and Inspection Chair Choe Jae-hae and three prosecutors involved in the investigation of first lady Kim Keon-hee. He then explains how President Yoon Suk-yeol's release from custody has galvanized protesters on both sides of the aisle as the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Yoon's impeachment in the coming days. In the week ahead, John notes that all eyes will be on the Constitutional Court as Yoon and the rest of the country await his judgment. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin hosts a joint Korea Pro-NK Pro briefing with Andrei Lankov and Jumin Lee to analyze the political and security implications of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. Andrei discusses how North Korea, now economically buoyed by Chinese and Russian support, views South Korean politics with growing indifference — unless Donald Trump revives sanctions relief talks. He explains why Pyongyang sees South Korea as a “broken ATM” and why North Korea is more focused on military and strategic gains from Russia than engaging with Seoul. Jumin examines how a potential Lee Jae-myung presidency could reshape South Korea's domestic and foreign policy. He argues that Lee is more politically pragmatic than his progressive predecessors, likely focusing on consolidating power at home while managing a complex relationship with both the U.S. and China. The panel also explores how Trump's second administration could change the U.S.-ROK alliance, the likelihood of renewed nuclear talks with North Korea and whether South Korea might pursue a more independent foreign policy in response to growing tensions with China and Russia. Andrei Lankov is a Director at NK News and writes exclusively for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984 to 1985. In addition to his writing, he is also a Professor at Kookmin University. Jumin Lee is a Korean trial attorney and former ROK Air Force officer. He is the author of a book that argues why South Korea needs an anti-discrimination law. He is based in Los Angeles. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down the latest developments shaping South Korea's economy, defense, and diplomacy. First, they discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's latest trade salvo, where he falsely claimed that South Korea imposes tariffs on U.S. goods four times higher than vice versa. With Seoul issuing a strongly worded response, John discusses the ROK's trade concerns with the U.S. Next, Joon Ha analyzes the botched military exercise in Pocheon, where a South Korean KF-16 mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training zone, injuring 15 civilians and damaging multiple buildings. Finally, the team examines South Korea's latest inflation figures, which show the Consumer Price Index slowing to 2.0% in February, yet the Life Cost Index rising to 2.6% — suggesting that everyday expenses still feel high for consumers. In the week ahead, Jeongmin mentions that the Constitutional Court may issue its ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down the latest twists in South Korea's political and diplomatic landscape. First, they analyze President Yoon Suk-yeol's final defense in his impeachment trial, where he justified his martial law declaration as a “communication tool” to alert the public about national crises. The team examines whether this argument holds weight and what it signals about Yoon's political strategy. Next, they discuss growing tensions between South Korea and China after Beijing's ambassador publicly warned against rising anti-China rhetoric in Seoul. With Yoon repeatedly accusing China of election interference, Beijing may be signaling its displeasure. Finally, the team dissects former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon's new memoir on Yoon's martial law declaration. Han appears to be distancing himself from Yoon as a calculated move to reenter politics. Plus, a look ahead at the Constitutional Court's latest ruling on Acting President Choi Sang-mok's justice appointments and what it means for South Korea's political landscape. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down two major developments shaking South Korea's political and diplomatic landscape. First, they analyze former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's Thursday testimony in President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial, where he contradicted Yoon's claims that the Dec. 3 martial law declaration was meant to last only a few hours. Han's statements suggest Yoon expected the emergency decree to last at least two days, raising further questions about the legality of the move. On the foreign policy front, the team discusses Jeongmin's participation in last week's Munich Security Conference. The trio delves into the growing rift between the U.S. and its European allies following U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's speech at the event. With Washington shifting away from values-based diplomacy and embracing a more transactional approach, the team ponders how South Korea must rethink its own foreign policy strategy going forward. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, John and Joon Ha discuss former U.S. President Donald Trump's latest 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which — unlike in 2018 — do not exempt South Korea in exchange for import quotas. The duo analyzes potential ripple effects on South Korea's steel industry and the broader economy, particularly if Trump follows through on additional tariffs targeting semiconductors and EV batteries. On the foreign policy front, John and Joon Ha unpack South Korea's ongoing diplomatic challenges. With the first U.S.-Japan summit of the new Trump administration already held, South Korean officials risk playing catch-up in trilateral and bilateral negotiations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Munich, ahead of a tentative ROK-Japan-China trilateral meeting in late March. The discussion also touches on U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks that Ukraine's security must not fall under NATO's Article 5 commitments — a shift that could push European countries to boost defense spending, creating new export opportunities for South Korean arms firms. Domestically, the Constitutional Court may soon wrap up witness testimonies in President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial, setting the stage for a ruling by late February or early March — unless ongoing disputes over judicial appointments delay the process. The duo also breaks down new allegations of election meddling, as all six opposition parties push for a special counsel investigation into Yoon's alleged involvement in the 2022 and 2023 elections. Meanwhile, new polling data suggests Yoon's impeachment remains deeply polarizing, though nearly 70% of centrist voters now support his removal. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's ongoing martial law trial, where military commanders have given conflicting testimonies about whether Yoon ordered troops to detain opposition lawmakers and close the National Assembly. The team also breaks down the Constitutional Court's ruling against Acting President Choi Sang-mok's truncated judicial appointments, a decision welcomed by the Democratic Party and criticized by the ruling People Power Party. While Choi has acknowledged the ruling, he insists that a bipartisan agreement is necessary before finalizing the last judicial appointment. On the economic front, China has retaliated against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs by imposing export controls on tungsten and other rare earth metals essential for semiconductor production. Meanwhile, South Korean government ministries have banned the use of DeepSeek's R1 LLM on official computers, citing security concerns, aligning with similar measures taken by the U.S. government. In diplomacy, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich, marking the first high-level U.S.-ROK engagement under the new Trump administration. This meeting follows a flurry of U.S.-Japan diplomatic interactions, including an upcoming summit between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Finally, South Korea's industry ministry has confirmed that while oil and gas reserves likely exist under the East Sea, there is little evidence to suggest they are economically viable — affirming long-standing expert assessments. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss three key developments impacting South Korea's political and economic landscape.   First, Donald Trump has officially taken office as the 47th President of the United States. While South Korea was not mentioned in his inaugural address or his executive orders, his remarks about a potential review of the USMCA may hint at how his administration could approach the KORUS FTA. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call, but discrepancies in their press briefings suggest possible diverging priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.   Next, Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong made an unprecedented call for fiscal stimulus to revive South Korea's struggling economy. Although both the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party might agree on supplementary budgets, the timeline for action may hinge on the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment and the potential scheduling of the next presidential election.   Finally, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has requested the prosecution indict Yoon over his failed martial law bid. Yoon has exercised his right to remain silent, further highlighting the CIO's limitations in enforcing compliance. Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has petitioned the Constitutional Court to review election laws following his recent conviction for disseminating false information during the 2022 presidential campaign.   About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

This special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast features a live recording from our latest Seoul Circuit event, held on Jan. 16, 2025. Unlike our usual 15-minute studio podcasts, this 45-minute discussion was moderated by Jeongmin, Korea Pro's editorial director, over dinner and drinks.   The event's speakers included Chad O'Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, and Mason Richey, professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, president of the Korea International Studies Association and editor-in-chief of The Journal of East Asian Affairs.   Together, they explored the limitations of conventional Washington-centric perspectives — often referred to as “the Washington blob” — in analyzing Korean Peninsula issues. They discussed how geographical distance, institutional biases and regional complexities influence and sometimes distort global perceptions of South and North Korea.   Tune in to this special episode for an engaging and nuanced conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about the Korean Peninsula. While this episode features the moderated discussion, the Q&A session that followed was conducted under the Chatham House Rule and is not included here. For exclusive insights and the chance to engage directly with stakeholders in Seoul, consider joining our next Seoul Circuit event. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, Jeongmin and John analyze the arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol, just 43 days after he declared martial law. They discuss the reported refusal of Presidential Security Service agents to follow orders to protect Yoon from arrest, the arrest of the PSS Acting Chief and Acting President Choi Sang-mok's role in signaling a potential stand-down. The discussion then turns to the Bank of Korea's decision to maintain its key interest rate at 3%, halting recent cuts amid concerns over currency volatility and the South Korean won's approach to the 1,500 won-per-dollar threshold. Jeongmin and John also dissect Pete Hegseth's Senate confirmation hearing as Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's written statement referring to North Korea as a nuclear state raises troubling implications for South Korea, suggesting the incoming Trump administration might sideline Seoul in renewed direct negotiations with Kim Jong Un. Finally, the team previews the week ahead, including Trump's Monday inauguration. They theorize Trump's silence on Yoon's impeachment and arrest reflects either a strategic focus on other priorities — Ukraine, Israel and Greenland — or advice to avoid parallels between Yoon's actions and Trump's own charges with attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode, the Korea Pro team dives into the currency fluctuations affecting South Korea's economy and discusses the implications of the recently signed memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy exports. They also analyze the potential reintroduction of the special counsel investigation into Yoon's martial law declaration and its implications for South Korea's legal framework. The discussion moves to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea and the Biden administration's appointment of Joseph Yun as the charge d'affaires to the country following Ambassador Philip Goldberg's departure. Finally, the team previews the week ahead, including a possible New Year's press conference by South Korea's leadership and the attendance of prominent South Korean business leaders at Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington, D.C. Notable attendees include Chung Yong-jin of Shinsegae Group and Ryu Jin of the Federation of Korean Industries. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha analyze a turbulent week in South Korean politics. They begin with the appointment of Acting President Choi Sang-mok following Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment last Friday, the plane crash at Muan International Airport over the weekend and Choi's polarizing decisions to appoint only two Constitutional Court justices while vetoing special counsel bills. The team delves into the unprecedented warrant issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials for President Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest and the escalating standoff between law enforcement and the Presidential Security Service outside Yoon's residence. They discuss the legal and military chain-of-command uncertainties, as pro-Yoon protesters continue to rally and the warrant's expiration looms. The episode concludes with an exploration of the broader implications for South Korea's institutional integrity, alliance with the U.S. and defense operations, as well as key events to watch in the coming week, including a likely request to extend the arrest warrant for Yoon. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 2 and 3, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John explore the mounting political crisis surrounding Acting President Han Duck-soo. The discussion begins with Han's decision to delay appointing Constitutional Court justices until bipartisan agreement is reached, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition. The duo then unpacks the main opposition Democratic Party's (DP) push to pass an impeachment bill against Han and the escalating debate between the DP and the ruling People Power Party over the number of parliamentary votes required to remove him from office — 151 or 200. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John discuss the possibility that the Constitutional Court could decide to prioritize resolving the procedural dispute over Han's impeachment before proceeding with President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. Additionally, South Korea's ongoing political stability will likely lead to increased economic volatility. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha dive into revelations about the scale of South Korea's Dec. 3 martial law operation. The hosts examine the deployment of over 1,500 troops armed with advanced weaponry, including sniper rifles and anti-drone guns, as well as the implications of over 10,000 rounds of ammunition being prepared. The team discusses public and political reactions to these revelations, as well as potential long-term impacts on trust in government and military accountability. The discussion then shifts to Acting President Han Duck-soo's veto of six bills, analyzing his constitutional and fiscal concerns and how this will likely impact Han's relationship with the main opposition party for the next few months. Finally, the episode explores the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest interest rate cut and its impact on South Korea's economy. With the won at a 16-year low and inflationary pressures mounting, the hosts discuss the finance ministry's response and the difficult policy choices facing the Bank of Korea. Looking forward, John and Joon Ha discuss the ongoing investigations by prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials into Yoon's martial law declaration, and how it will likely dominate South Korea's news headlines in the coming week. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha dissect President Yoon Suk-yeol's televised address defending his martial law declaration. The discussion begins with a detailed analysis of the president's key arguments, including his revelations about election system vulnerabilities and accusations that the opposition Democratic Party has paralyzed state functions. The conversation then turns to the immediate political ramifications, exploring how Yoon's defiant stance — including his refusal to resign — might affect Saturday's impeachment vote and the ruling People Power Party's efforts to arrange an “orderly exit” for the president. The hosts also examine the economic dimension of the crisis through the lens of the finance ministry's emergency response to market turbulence. They discuss the significance of Tuesday's opposition-led budget passage, which slashed $2.87 billion in spending without government consent, and analyze how continued political instability could impact South Korea's financial markets and broader economy. Looking ahead, the team evaluates various scenarios for resolving the crisis, including the prospects for a negotiated political settlement, impeachment proceedings and the challenges of maintaining stable governance amid unprecedented constitutional tensions. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this special joint episode for Korea Pro and NK News, Korea Pro's editorial director Jeongmin Kim is joined by editor John Lee and junior news reporter Joon Ha Park to dissect South Korea's unprecedented political turmoil. The team breaks down last night's dramatic events, including President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration, the military's storming of the National Assembly and the swift revocation of martial law by lawmakers. Jeongmin shares insights from the ground, while Joon Ha outlines the night's events and the reactions from political parties and analyzes the speech that triggered the crisis. The episode explores Yoon's rationale, his references to North Korea and “anti-state factions” and how Pyongyang might seek to exploit the situation. Finally, the team discusses the immediate fallout, including impeachment proceedings, Cabinet resignations and the broader implications for South Korea's democracy and stability. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin sits down with Andrew Yeo to analyze the implications of a second Trump presidency for the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The discussion examines how South Korean policymakers might be preparing for various scenarios and their impact on regional security dynamics. The conversation delves into potential shifts in the U.S. Forces Korea's role and mission under a second Trump administration. Yeo discusses how USFK could face greater pressure for strategic flexibility in regional contingencies, particularly as Washington increasingly prioritizes China and broader Indo-Pacific challenges.  Turning to economic concerns, Yeo breaks down the risks of Trump's proposed blanket tariffs on trade partners and their potential impact on South Korean investments in the U.S., particularly in sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. The discussion examines how South Korean companies might need to reassess their U.S. investment strategies, and explores potential strategies for managing trade tensions. Looking ahead, they discuss broader implications for U.S. global leadership and what Trump's electoral success reveals about American voters' embrace of economic nationalism. Yeo suggests that while some of Trump's policies may endure after he leaves office, the U.S. will likely remain an “indispensable partner” in regional security despite evolving domestic political dynamics. Their discussion also touches on how future South Korean administrations might navigate these evolving dynamics, especially given domestic political transitions expected in the coming years. Guest: Andrew Yeo is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Center for East Asia Policy Studies and SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korean Studies at The Brookings Institution. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and Joon Ha discuss a long-awaited visit by a Ukrainian defense delegation to Seoul and its meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol and other top officials. While Ukraine's reported weapons wish list includes air defense systems and artillery shells according to local media exclusives, the team examines why Seoul is maintaining strategic ambiguity in its official response, particularly given uncertainties about future U.S. policy direction under Trump. The conversation then turns to yet another rupture in ROK-Japan relations over a memorial service for Korean forced labor victims at Japan's Sado gold mine. Joon Ha explains how the appointment of a controversial Japanese representative led to separate commemorations, challenging recent diplomatic progress despite Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's supposedly dovish stance on historical issues. Jeongmin analyzes the Bank of Korea's unexpected decision to cut its benchmark rate to 3%, examining the central bank's concerns about external trade risks and weak domestic demand. She also discusses the surprising third-quarter uptick in South Korea's birth rate – the first increase in over a decade — while exploring how post-COVID marriage patterns might explain this shift among women in their 30s. Looking ahead, the team previews next week's critical budget negotiation deadline, noting an unusual convergence between the ruling and opposition parties' economic positions that could facilitate an agreement despite traditional partisan divisions. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, the entire Korea Pro team joins to unpack the biggest events this past week. Joon Ha begins by discussing the Seoul Central District Court's verdict against Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who received a suspended one-year prison sentence for violating election laws during his 2022 presidential campaign. The team examines how this conviction could impact South Korea's already polarized political landscape. The discussion then shifts to John's insights on a developing investigation into former Moon administration officials over alleged THAAD-related intelligence leaks to China and domestic anti-THAAD activists. John explores how the Yoon administration might leverage this investigation to challenge the opposition's defense credentials, while also highlighting concurrent cases of Chinese technological espionage targeting South Korean firms. Jeongmin provides a critical analysis of recent government data showing record-high employment rates among married women. While some attribute this increase to President Yoon Suk-yeol's birth rate and childcare initiatives, Jeongmin reveals a more nuanced picture, examining how economic necessities, ongoing childcare challenges and persistent structural inequalities are driving these employment trends. Looking ahead, the team previews Lee Jae-myung's upcoming sentencing hearing on Monday for alleged subornation of perjury charges, considering how this additional legal challenge could further impact his political future and the Democratic Party's trajectory. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by junior news reporter Joon Ha to examine the implications of president-elect Donald Trump's key cabinet nominations and their potential impact on U.S.-ROK relations. The discussion begins with an analysis of Marco Rubio's selection as Secretary of State, exploring how his hawkish stance on North Korea might align with Seoul's interests while potentially complicating South Korea's diplomatic outreach to Cuba. They also delve into Pete Hegseth's nomination as Defense Secretary, examining his military background, and Mike Waltz's previous statements on USFK's potential role in regional contingencies, particularly regarding Taiwan. The conversation then shifts to President Yoon Suk-yeol's diplomatic agenda at the APEC summit in Peru, where he is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Joe Biden. John and Joon Ha discuss the likelihood of Yoon and Ishiba seeking early engagement with the incoming Trump administration to present a unified position on regional security matters. The duo also examines a developing political crisis in South Korea, where recently revealed recordings suggest Yoon's potential involvement in local election interference. Joon Ha explains the legal implications of these allegations, drawing parallels to similar charges faced by previous South Korean presidents. Looking ahead, a Seoul court will deliver its verdict for main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's election law violation case on Friday, which may have a significant impact on South Korea's 2027 presidential race. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John examine the wide-ranging implications of Donald Trump's election victory for South Korea. The discussion begins with an analysis of how Trump's return to the White House could affect Seoul's defense posture, including growing skepticism about the U.S. nuclear umbrella despite recent initiatives like the Washington Declaration. They explore how this might amplify calls for an independent South Korean nuclear program and raise questions about the recently finalized Special Measures Agreement. The conversation then turns to economic implications, particularly regarding the future of the Inflation Reduction Act. While Trump has promised to dismantle this legislation, John explains why Republican congressional support for the act's job-creating benefits in red states might complicate these plans. He suggests that instead of abolishing the law outright, Trump might pivot from the current subsidy-based approach to a tariff-focused strategy. Jeongmin highlights the diplomatic dynamics at play, noting President Yoon Suk-yeol's swift congratulatory message to Trump and their subsequent 12-minute phone call, where North Korea emerged as a key topic. The hosts discuss the significance of their planned meeting and Yoon's explicit acknowledgment of Trump's “Make America Great Again” platform. Looking ahead, the team examines how Seoul might navigate the challenges posed by Trump's America First policies, from potential defense cost-sharing negotiations to preserving key elements of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The discussion emphasizes South Korea's likely efforts to maintain stable alliance relations while protecting its economic interests. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John examine three major developments affecting South Korea's international relations and business interests. The discussion opens with an analysis of South Korea's evolving response to North Korea's military support for Russia in Ukraine. While Seoul is considering sending observers to Ukraine, Jeongmin and John explore why decisions about potential weapons support might remain in limbo until after the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The conversation then turns to Beijing's detention of a South Korean national on industrial espionage charges. This marks the first such case since China's anti-espionage law update in April 2023. Jeongmin and John contrast this with South Korea's own outdated espionage laws, which have remained unchanged since the 1950s despite parliamentary discussions that took place in the summer due to the Sue Mi Terry case. The final segment focuses on the Czech government's decision to temporarily pause contract negotiations with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power following legal challenges from American and French competitors. While Seoul remains optimistic, Jeongmin and John explore the complex geopolitical factors that could influence the final outcome. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John invite listeners to Korea Pro's upcoming Seoul Circuit event on Nov. 7, featuring a special discussion with Arirang TV's lead correspondent Sooyoung Oh about the U.S. presidential election's implications for South Korea. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin is joined by Joon Ha, Korea Pro's correspondent, to discuss South Korea's potential shift in Ukraine policy and developments in defense capabilities. They begin by examining South Korea's increasingly clear signals about potentially providing weapons to Ukraine, triggered by an apparent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. They discuss how this development may have crossed Seoul's previously stated "red line" and the government's new framework for military aid, shifting from "lethal vs. non-lethal" to "offensive vs. defensive" weapons categorization. The conversation then turns to South Korea's plans to deploy domestically produced drones by year's end, complementing the recently announced procurement from Poland. They also discuss the Polish president's scheduled visit to South Korean defense manufacturers and ongoing negotiations for a second round of K2 tank exports. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and Joon Ha preview the second anniversary of the Itaewon disaster and potential political tensions surrounding memorial attendance, as well as South Korea's decision to increase electricity fee for large industrial users while freezing household rates. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by Joon Ha, Korea Pro's junior news reporter, to discuss recent developments in South Korean literature, diplomacy and international relations. The duo begin by celebrating Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the second Korean to receive a Nobel Prize. Joon Ha highlights the international acclaim for Han's work and the role of translators in bringing Korean literature to a global audience. They also touch on the controversial blacklisting of cultural figures, including Han, during the Park Geun-hye administration. The conversation then shifts to last week's meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Laos. John and Joon Ha analyze the leaders' efforts to continue the rapprochement process while navigating domestic political sensitivities, particularly in light of Ishiba's ceremonial offering to the Yasukuni Shrine. The duo then discusses former U.S. President Donald Trump's claims about South Korea's financial contributions for U.S. troop presence. They examine the potential implications for U.S.-ROK relations if Trump were to win the upcoming U.S. presidential election, considering the recent negotiations of the 12th Special Measures Agreement. Looking ahead, John notes the anticipated meeting between Yoon and ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, discussing the potential impact of recent by-election victories on their relationship and party dynamics. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha, Korea Pro's junior correspondent, discuss South Korea's recent diplomatic and economic initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. The hosts begin by examining President Yoon Suk-yeol's diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia, focusing on the president's state visits to the Philippines and Singapore, exploring the implications of these strengthened bilateral ties for South Korea's regional influence. The conversation then turns to the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. John and Joon Ha discuss the significance of this agreement, particularly its emphasis on supply chain resilience, smart cities and green energy collaboration. The duo then delve into the recent defense talks between South Korea and Japan, considering how these discussions fit into the broader context of trilateral cooperation with the United States and the response to North Korea's growing military ties with Russia. John and Joon Ha then shift gears to discuss South Korea's inclusion in the FTSE Russell World Government Bond Index (WGBI). They break down the importance of this development, discussing the potential for substantial foreign capital inflows and its implications for South Korea's bond market and overall economy. They also explore the challenges that come with this inclusion, such as regulatory uncertainties and the potential for increased market volatility. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Oct. 10, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John delve into recent geopolitical events and their potential impact on South Korea. The discussion opens with an analysis of Shigeru Ishiba's appointment as the new Japanese prime minister. They explore the implications of Ishiba's more dovish stance toward South Korea, contrasting it with his rival Sanae Takaichi's hawkish position. The hosts consider the potential trajectory of South Korea-Japan relations under Ishiba's leadership, acknowledging the constraints posed by conservative factions within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party. Next, they turn their attention to Iran's recent missile attacks on Israel and turn the discussion toward South Korea's missile defense capabilities. The hosts weigh the cost-effectiveness of further investments in missile defense against the development of offensive capabilities, particularly in light of the threat posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea. Looking ahead, the hosts discuss South Korean prosecutors' decision not to pursue legal action against the first lady in the Dior bag scandal. They also touch on President Yoon Suk-yeol's declining approval ratings and the rumored tensions between the president and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon over the investigation of the first lady. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Oct. 2, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha explore recent developments in South Korea's economic and industrial landscape. The discussion begins with an analysis of the intensifying takeover battle for Korea Zinc as Young Poong and MBK Partners increase their bid to $1.7 billion. The team examines the potential implications for the company's future projects and the broader impact on workers and supply chains. Next, they turn their attention to South Korea's $7.5 billion AI manufacturing initiative. John and Joon Ha compare this investment to those of regional competitors and discuss the challenges South Korean companies may face in the global AI race. The conversation then shifts to South Korea's projected tax revenue shortfall for 2024. The team delves into the causes of this shortfall, the government's approach to addressing it and the potential economic implications. Additionally, they explore the significance of the resumed South Korea-Japan talks on continental shelf development, marking the first such discussion in nearly four decades. Looking ahead, John and Joon Ha touch on the upcoming visit of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and its potential impact on bilateral relations. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Sept. 26, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by Korea Pro's junior correspondent Joon Ha to explore recent developments in South Korea's economic, diplomatic and educational sectors. The discussion begins with an analysis of the Federal Reserve's decision to cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, marking the first reduction in four and a half years. The team examines the potential implications of this move for South Korea's economy. Next, they turn their attention to President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to the Czech Republic. The team delves into Yoon's efforts to encourage Prague to finalize its decision to collaborate with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power in constructing the European country's nuclear power plant. Joon Ha then presents insights from his recent analysis for Korea Pro, focusing on the Bank of Korea's proposal to reform the country's university admissions system, which aims to address economic inequality stemming from South Korea's highly competitive academic culture. Looking ahead, Jeongmin notes that South Koreans have returned to work following the Chuseok holidays, including the National Assembly. She highlights two significant developments: the renewed push for a special prosecutorial investigation into the first lady and the main opposition party's unilateral passage of a bill mandating state support for regional gift vouchers. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Sept. 19, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John explore recent developments in South Korea's defense, business and economic sectors. The discussion begins with a review of the REAIM Summit Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining human control over AI in military applications. The hosts analyze the summit itself and its implications for future conflicts and arms races. Next, they delve into a new enforcement decree that allows South Korean companies to collect necessary personal information without explicit user consent. Jeongmin and John examine the potential impacts on business operations and consumer privacy. The conversation then shifts to economic matters, starting with the South Korean government's decision to freeze national health insurance premiums for the second consecutive year. They also explore the financial watchdog's decision to tighten regulations on illegal money lenders, considering both the protective measures for vulnerable populations and the potential consequences for those with limited borrowing options. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview next week's upcoming events, including the U.S. Federal Reserve's meeting and its potential impact on South Korea's monetary policy, the critical shortage of emergency room doctors and Iraq's expected purchase of South Korea's Cheongung-II missile defense system. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Sept. 12, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by junior news reporter Joon Ha to discuss the latest developments in South Korean politics, defense, trade, and society. The two begin by discussing a surprising statement from South Korea's Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo, who suggested that the U.S. nuclear umbrella might weaken if Donald Trump is reelected. John and Joon Ha analyze the implications of this unusually frank comment about U.S. elections from a high-ranking South Korean official. The discussion then moves to South Korea's defense industry, focusing on Hanwha Ocean's recent memorandum of understanding with Polish defense firm WB Group for submarine cooperation. They explore the challenges South Korea faces in naval exports compared to its success in land-based military equipment sales to Poland. On the trade front, John and Joon Ha examine South Korea's agreement with Western Australia on clean energy and key minerals, particularly lithium. They discuss the strategic importance of this deal in diversifying supply chains away from China and the potential challenges involved. The conversation shifts to South Korea's nuclear power ambitions, with a focus on the recent selection of South Korea as the preferred bidder for a Czech nuclear power plant project. John and Joon Ha delve into the legal challenges posed by U.S. and French competitors and their potential impact on Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company's export plans. In societal news, the duo discusses the ongoing investigation into Telegram's role in deepfake sex crimes following Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France. They also touch on Telegram's recent compliance with content removal requests and its apology for its handling of digital sex crimes. Finally, John gives a preview of upcoming events, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's final visit to South Korea before stepping down and next week's Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference co-hosted by South Korea, the Netherlands, and Singapore. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Sept. 5, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John dive into South Korea's latest policy challenges and social issues. The discussion begins with an analysis of the recently approved 2025 budget proposal. Our hosts break down the winners and losers, highlighting increased support for high-tech sectors, healthcare and defense, while noting reduced allocations for public housing, infrastructure and regional spending. The conversation then shifts to President Yoon Suk-yeol's pension reform plans, aimed at addressing generational imbalances and ensuring the pension fund's long-term sustainability. Jeongmin and John examine the proposed tiered premium rates designed to ease the burden on younger workers and the political context surrounding these reforms. The hosts also touch on the recent passage of the bipartisan Nursing Act, which Yoon had previously vetoed, and its connection to the ongoing doctors' strike over increased medical school admission quotas. Lastly, Jeongmin and John discuss a deepfake pornography scandal that has rocked the nation, involving scores of men generating illicit images of women they know and using encrypted messaging apps to share such images. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Aug. 29, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John begin by discussing the Bank of Korea's decision to maintain its interest rate for the 13th consecutive time, the longest streak to date, amid record-high household debt of $1.4 trillion. The hosts explore the paradox of increasing real estate investments despite personal debt levels, touching on practices like gap investment and the misuse of the government's housing lottery system. The conversation then shifts to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, noting that even prominent figures like main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung have been affected. Jeongmin and John analyze the government's response, including the expectation of a peak by month's end and the challenges posed by a shortage of treatment drugs. They discuss the focus on treating vulnerable populations in the absence of previous pandemic mandates. Lastly, the hosts delve into the changing hiring practices of South Korean conglomerates in response to the country's aging population. They examine the shift from traditional mass exam-style open recruitment to hiring older, more experienced workers, and consider the implications for costs and innovation, especially in high-tech companies. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview several upcoming events, including a potential visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to South Korea in September, the National Assembly plenary session focusing on non-controversial public welfare issues, the postponement of Lee Jae-myung's meeting with Han Dong-hoon, and the continuation of the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Aug. 22, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss President Yoon Suk-yeol's recent defense reshuffle, which saw the appointment of Kim Yong-hyun as the new defense minister, Shin Won-sik as the new national security adviser and Chang Ho-jin as the new special advisor for diplomatic security. The hosts analyze the significance of these appointments and their timing and what they reveal about Yoon's foreign policy priorities. The conversation then shifts to the voluntary disclosure of electric vehicle (EV) battery information by South Korean and foreign automakers. With 35% of South Korean EVs using Chinese batteries, the hosts explore the potential implications of this disclosure, including supply chain disruption issues and the growing media attention on the use of Chinese batteries. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John delve into the recent corruption scandals at Woori Bank, where executives and employees were found to have bypassed standard screening processes and provided the bank's previous chairman and his family with millions of dollars in inappropriate loans. They also touch upon the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military drill, which reportedly will not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario and Yoon's National Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15. Finally, the hosts preview the upcoming National Assembly plenary session on Aug. 28, which is expected to focus on non-contentious public livelihood bills, such as the special law on rental fraud. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Aug. 14, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing controversy surrounding Japan's Sado mine, which was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They discuss Japan's rejection of South Korea's request to acknowledge forced Korean labor at the mine and the potential political fallout for the Yoon administration's foreign policy toward Japan. The hosts also explore the Democratic Party's likely continued criticism of the government's handling of the issue and the potential erosion of South Korean support for U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation post-Yoon. Shifting gears, Jeongmin explains the rare bipartisan push to amend South Korea's outdated espionage laws, which have remained unchanged since 1953. While lawmakers claim the proposed bills aim to establish a South Korean version of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, Jeongmin notes the conspicuous absence of a registration clause and the adoption of broad, vague language that could excessively expand the definition of espionage. They also discuss the potential strain on South Korea's international relations and a reported incident involving the leak of Hyundai Rotem's K2 Black Panther tank technology to a rival South Korean company. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John highlight the upcoming National Liberation Day on Aug. 15, during which President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to announce the country's new reunification roadmap. They also preview the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield military drill scheduled for the following week, noting that it will reportedly not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Aug. 8, 2024 Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea's economic challenges as it finds itself caught between the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan's divergent monetary policies. They discuss the potential impact on the South Korean won and the Bank of Korea's dilemma in balancing concerns about inflation and stimulating growth, amid contrasting data points such as increased exports in July and a contraction in GDP in the second quarter. The conversation then shifts to the recent agreement between the U.S., South Korea and Japan to institutionalize their trilateral cooperation, with a commitment to maintaining peace in the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Jeongmin and John explore the implications of this declaration and the South Korean defense ministry's reluctance to provide further details. Next, the hosts discuss Japan's Sado Gold Mine being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and South Korea's decision to end its opposition, citing Tokyo's commitment to acknowledge the history of forced Korean labor at the site. Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the week ahead, including South Korea's appointment of a new ambassador to Australia and the Yoon administration's review of structural changes that will reintroduce the first lady's office. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Aug. 1, 2024  Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing fallout from the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official. They discuss how this case has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), with both sides trading accusations about their interactions with Terry. The conversation then shifts to a legislative proposal by DP lawmaker Park Sun-won. Park has suggested amending South Korea's Criminal Act to introduce a law similar to the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). This proposed amendment aims to broaden the scope of the current law, which only addresses espionage related to “enemy states” (specifically North Korea), to include friendly nations and quasi-enemy states. Jeongmin and John provide an in-depth analysis of the potential implications of this proposed law. They explore how such legislation could impact various sectors, including universities, think tanks, and businesses. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of implementing a FARA-like law in South Korea, considering the country's geopolitical position and its relationships with various international actors. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on July 26, 2024  Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss the Czech government's selection of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred negotiation partner for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the European country. They begin by discussing how the announcement will likely impact South Korea's nuclear energy sector, its domestic political ramifications and how it might affect the U.S.-ROK alliance in the future due to KHNP's ongoing legal dispute with Westinghouse Electric Company over intellectual property rights. The conversation then shifts to last week's assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, exploring its potential impact on the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential ramifications for South Korea should Trump return to office. Next, the hosts then delve into the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official, for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of South Korea. Jeongmin and John examine the charges against Terry. Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming ruling People Power Party (PPP) leadership race, set for July 23. They discuss the key candidates, including Han Dong-hoon, and analyze the party's internal divisions between pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon factions in the wake of the party's defeat in April's parliamentary election. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on July 18, 2024  Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into President Yoon Suk-yeol's trip to the U.S. where he visited the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii and attended the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. They discuss Yoon's bilateral meetings with various world leaders. Next, the hosts analyze the labor ministry's report on South Korea's employment numbers reaching a 15-month high. John speculates that a significant portion of the numbers may be attributed to senior citizens seeking part-time employment, as the proportion of South Koreans above 65 years old approaches 19.51%, putting the country on the brink of becoming a super-aged society. The discussion then shifts to the ongoing backlash faced by Han Dong-hoon, the former interim leader of the People Power Party, as he runs for the party's leadership. The hosts touch upon reports of Han “ghosting” the first lady's text messages and his attempts to distance himself from Yoon, which have been used against him by other leadership candidates. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming impeachment hearings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, set to be unilaterally held by the opposition Democratic Party on July 19, coinciding with the first anniversary of a marine's death that sparked allegations of interference in the investigation by top officials. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on July 11, 2024  Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by David C. Kang, professor of International Relations and Business at the University of Southern California. The wide-ranging discussion delves into the complexities of the U.S.-South Korea alliance as both countries navigate domestic political shifts and face evolving challenges in the region. Kang shares his insights on South Korea's considerations surrounding potential domestic nuclear weapons development, the limitations of U.S. security assurances and the missed opportunity of the Hanoi Summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The conversation also explores the impact of a potential Trump return to the White House on the alliance, as well as the U.S. role in supporting democracy in Asia. The discussion touches upon potential conflict points between South Korea and the U.S., including trade tensions and policy differences toward Japan and China. Kang also offers recommendations for U.S. and South Korean leaders in addressing regional challenges, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and economic solutions beyond military measures. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on July 4, 2024.  Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea's economic outlook and demographic challenges. They begin by examining the impending retirement of second-generation baby boomers and its projected impact on South Korea's economic growth over the next decade. The hosts also discuss Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's optimistic economic projections and contrast them with John's analysis of key indicators that suggest a more vulnerable economy. The discussion covers the won's performance against the dollar, its impact on exports and the government's currency interventions. Next, they explore the finance ministry's recently announced $30 billion aid package for small businesses and President Yoon Suk-yeol's criticism of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung's cash handout proposal. Jeongmin and John then shift gears to discuss an analysis written by a new contributor, Ruy Valdes, concerning a trend among South Korean youth: excessive caffeine consumption for academic performance. They share personal experiences from their time as students and education sector workers. Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming departure of Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, recounting the controversies surrounding his tenure, including his “betting on China's defeat” remark and its political fallout. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on July 5, 2024  Audio edited by Joe Smith