Analysis
South Korea’s conservatives collapse as Lee Jae-myung dominates political center
With just 19% approval, the People Power Party faces identity crisis, weak leadership and no clear path forward
July 15, 2025
South Korea’s approach to US negotiations risks undermining national sovereignty
Seoul seeks to link OPCON transfer and nuclear processing to tariff relief, but this could erode its leverage with Trump
July 14, 2025
Kim Min-seok’s appointment deepens concerns over South Korea’s power imbalance
Confirmed without opposition support, Kim’s elevation highlights growing executive dominance under the Democratic Party
July 11, 2025
Why the delayed Itaewon investigation starts with no guarantee of accountability
Facing limited authority and uncertain political support, investigation risks repeating failures of the Sewol probe
July 10, 2025
Lee Jae-myung slows nuclear expansion while backing reactor exports abroad
South Korea’s new energy strategy curbs domestic growth but supports export deals in Europe and beyond
July 10, 2025
Ukraine offers South Korea entry to Europe’s defense core — but at a price
Joint ventures with European firms could cement Seoul’s role in NATO but risks legal, political and strategic backlash
July 9, 2025
South Korea faces no-win dilemma over China’s Victory Day invitation
How Seoul handles Beijing’s invitation could reshape perceptions among allies and adversaries alike, experts say
July 8, 2025
South Korea’s AI centralization plan risks backfire without institutional buy-in
Efforts to sideline the finance ministry and empower technocrats face untested leadership and delivery risks
July 7, 2025
Lee Jae-myung’s unscripted presser signals policymaking will start from the mic
South Korean president’s remarks reflected a preference for fast, top-down governance over ministry white papers
July 3, 2025
Donald Trump’s new tariff threat to Japan sounds alarm bells in South Korea
Veteran ROK negotiators return to negotiate Washington’s trade measures, but past playbooks may no longer apply
July 2, 2025
