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

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