Analysis
South Korea’s KF-21 rollout tests defense exports under energy shock
Mass production milestone collides with supply constraints, raising questions over delivery and export execution
March 26, 2026
Markets price in uncertain de-escalation as South Korea faces energy shock
Won recovery contrasts with LNG outage, naphtha shortage and emergency economic teams preparing for prolonged disruption
March 25, 2026
Philippines defense shift tests South Korea’s export model edge
Manila’s pivot to deterrence and alignment changes procurement criteria, challenging Korea’s cost-driven approach
March 24, 2026
South Korea’s slow response to Hormuz crisis exposes strategic constraints
Alliance pressures and sanctions risks limit South Korea’s ability to secure energy access amid rising prices
March 23, 2026
South Korea weighs Russian oil return as sanctions loosen slightly
US exemptions open a narrow window, but refining constraints and Europe ties complicate any shift in policy
March 20, 2026
US interceptor shortages test reliability of THAAD coverage in South Korea
Rising missile demand and limited production capacity may constrain replenishment timelines for South Korea defenses
March 19, 2026
Trump rejects allied support in Hormuz as pressure shifts to Seoul
Europe refuses deployment, Japan weighs options and South Korea faces rising alliance and security constraints
March 18, 2026
Donald Trump’s call for Hormuz ships tests South Korea’s role in global security
Washington’s request highlights debate over whether Seoul will help protect sea lanes that underpin its economy
March 16, 2026
South Korea constitutional reform debate returns amid doubts over timing
Assembly Speaker proposes limited amendment referendum with June elections as political momentum from crisis fades
March 13, 2026
US trade investigation puts South Korea’s state-backed growth strategy at risk
Section 301 probe could bring Korean technology sectors and industrial subsidies under Washington’s scrutiny
March 12, 2026
