Analysis
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
South Korea’s drone warrior plan faces hurdles beyond training and hardware
Experts warn Seoul’s initiative may stall without institutional reform, feedback loops and doctrinal flexibility
September 17, 2025
South Korean automakers at risk of US losses as tariff gap widens with Japan
US duties on Korean cars puts Seoul at a competitive disadvantage in largest overseas market amid tense trade talks
September 16, 2025
South Korea retreats on capital gains tax changes to calm markets and investors
Decision to keep 5 billion won threshold ends weeks of turmoil but raises doubts about long-term fiscal discipline
September 15, 2025
Favorability divide widens between South Korea and Japan amid Tokyo turmoil
Poll shows rising South Korean goodwill but entrenched Japanese skepticism, complicating Lee Jae-myung’s outreach
September 12, 2025
