Analysis
Lee Jae-myung’s self-reliant defense plan undermined by dependence on US systems
Plan for military sovereignty relies on satellites, drones and networks that remain years from full capability
October 2, 2025
South Korea turns to Europe to hedge against exploitative US trade policy
Seoul is quietly accelerating defense, research and climate partnerships with the EU in strategic push to diversify ties
September 30, 2025
US chip tax threatens to render meaningless South Korea’s $350B trade deal
Proposed trade controls on imported electronics show no agreement can restrain Trump administration’s protectionism
September 29, 2025
Lee Jae-myung’s 123 national tasks signal costly shift for Korean business
Sweeping reforms tighten labor, data and carbon rules while opening new but heavily conditioned market opportunities
September 26, 2025
South Korea’s record budget slashes foreign aid and halves humanitarian funds
Lee Jae-myung plans to cut foreign aid by 19%, threatening Seoul’s hard-won credibility as an emerging global donor
September 25, 2025
South Korea wins US nod to enrich uranium but faces costly road to autonomy
Pact allows 20% enrichment under safeguards, but Russian supply risks and need for significant investment pose barriers
September 24, 2025
Drone incursions against NATO highlight South Korea’s lingering vulnerability
While Poland downed Russian UAVs, Seoul still lags behind in efforts to stop North Korea’s battlefield-tested drones
September 23, 2025
Lee Jae-myung denounces ‘submissive mindset’ in bid to reframe ROK defense
President’s sharp rhetoric signals psychological and strategic shift in South Korea’s alliance posture with US
September 22, 2025
South Korea tests alliance limits with China outreach ahead of APEC summit
Growing discomfort with American coercion is driving subtle diplomatic realignment, though hard limits remain
September 19, 2025
South Korea faces rising labor costs as government pushes shorter workweek
Shorter workweek and overtime ban raise costs that could erode competitiveness unless hourly productivity surges
September 18, 2025
