Analysis
How the new US forum for critical minerals shifts risk to allies like Seoul
FORGE raises expectations for partners to do more to strengthen supply chains, but leaves them open to the costs
February 5, 2026
US 2026 defense strategy shifts deterrence responsibility to South Korea
NDS treats Seoul’s military capability as settled, reallocating deterrence duties without new command authority
February 4, 2026
Norway’s Chunmoo deal signals shift in NATO frontline states’ deterrence logic
Oslo’s choice reflects how delivery timelines, munition supply and production geography now shape defense procurement
February 3, 2026
Lee Jae Myung’s housing push tests presidential authority before local elections
President ties political credibility to enforcement as markets test whether housing policy will buckle under pressure
February 2, 2026
Canada’s submarine project tests limits of South Korea’s defense export model
Ottawa’s bid underscores how long-term naval programs allow buyers to extract wide-ranging economic concessions
January 29, 2026
Why South Korea’s fake news amendment raises institutional risks beyond intent
By coupling content judgments with civil, criminal and administrative penalties, law alters long-term speech governance
January 28, 2026
Trump’s tariff 180 underscores the dangers of South Korea’s alliance assumptions
Seoul’s expectations for predictability are colliding with Washington’s erratic trade and defense policies
January 27, 2026
How Coupang’s breach became a durable political confrontation in South Korea
Administrative enforcement, nationalist framing and public opinion aligned to sustain scrutiny long after disclosure
January 26, 2026
Coupang breach exposes rising regulatory and political risk in Korea’s platform
Fallout exposes how data security failures are reshaping enforcement incentives, compliance costs and public trust
January 23, 2026
Temporary fixes become policy as South Korea manages rising financial stress
Repeated extensions of temporary stabilization measures reveal strain between capital mobility and an ageing framework
January 22, 2026
