Analysis
Currency stability becomes test of credibility for US-South Korea alliance
New law links tariff reductions and capital deployment to won stability, creating consequences if volatility accelerates
November 26, 2025
Japan-China tensions expose limits of South Korea’s fragile thaw with Tokyo
Dispute over Taiwan undermines Seoul’s strategic ambiguity and reveals unresolved mistrust in ROK-Japan cooperation
November 25, 2025
Defense cooperation falters as Seoul and Tokyo clash over symbolic sovereignty
Refueling denial and drill cancellation reveal how nationalist pressure threatens operational readiness and US strategy
November 24, 2025
Nuclear submarines force issue of how far Seoul publicly aligns with US goals
US officials openly tie program to countering China, setting expectations that South Korea has sought to downplay
November 21, 2025
US approval of AI chip exports to Gulf states creates new risks for South Korea
Middle East chip approvals offer short term stability but impose compliance burdens and intensify rivalry with Taiwan
November 20, 2025
South Korea escapes Lone Star liability, but not the risk of lawsuits
Despite annulment of $273M payout, Seoul still faces task of improving regulatory clarity to attract foreign investors
November 19, 2025
Strategic ambition meets fiscal reality in South Korea’s new alliance commitment
Pledge to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and fund US troops collides with tightening domestic fiscal pressures
November 18, 2025
South Korea rebuilds military leadership to restore credibility after crisis
Mass turnover clears stalled promotions and resets command culture, while upcoming appointments shape future direction
November 17, 2025
Why South Korea spurns marijuana legalization even as other countries mellow out
Strong social stigma and a legacy of authoritarian drug crackdowns mean strict controls are likely here to stay
November 14, 2025
South Korea pivots from labor expansion to economic realism after major reform
Labor minister’s cautious stance on banning overnight deliveries signals a new emphasis on stability, protecting SMEs
November 13, 2025
