Analysis
Samsung’s record profit exposes limits of South Korea’s industrial autonomy
Third quarter profit surge driven by AI demand amid US and Chinese regulations that confine Seoul’s industrial strategy
October 14, 2025
South Korea’s AI ambitions run up against infrastructure and governance failings
Science ministry audit reveals weak data systems and coordination problems that threaten Seoul’s AI leadership goals
October 13, 2025
US deterrence doctrine increasingly puts South Korea in China’s crosshairs
Pentagon official’s testimony ties ROK arsenal to broader regional deterrence, not just efforts to counter North Korea
October 10, 2025
China’s rare earth controls collide with US tariffs, stranding South Korea
Beijing’s export licenses and Washington’s reciprocal trade laws leave Korean firms exposed to two incompatible regimes
October 9, 2025
South Korea’s arms export boom faces hard political limits in Europe
Political trust and Ukraine alignment now weigh more heavily than price or speed in Europe’s defense procurement drive
October 8, 2025
China’s stance and US volatility converge to raise South Korea’s security risks
Pacific Forum survey shows China’s positions unchanged while Washington’s inconsistency undermines alliance trust
October 7, 2025
Takaichi’s rise to power poses critical test for fragile South Korea-Japan ties
Conservative set to be Japan’s next leader risks clashing with Lee Jae-myung, as nationalism endangers cooperation
October 6, 2025
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
