Briefings
Trump slashes tariffs on Japan, raising stakes for South Korea’s trade talks
US-Japan agreement includes agricultural access and LNG pledges; Seoul now under pressure to respond quickly
July 24, 2025
US, South Korea launch Chinook engine MRO pilot to deepen defense ties
New program positions Korean firms in US supply chain but exposes cyber compliance vulnerabilities
July 23, 2025
South Korea’s new foreign minister outlines reform agenda to restore trust
Cho Hyun criticizes past missteps, vows to end politicization, flatten MOFA hierarchy and rebuild diplomatic credibility
July 22, 2025
Deadly floods deepen risk to South Korea’s rural policy and US trade talks
Seventeen dead and widespread damage raise political costs for Lee Jae-myung’s tariff agenda amid farm sector unrest
July 21, 2025
South Korean industries minister nominee vows US-style tax credits for chips
Tax chief nominee pledges crackdown on market manipulation while easing business audit burden
July 18, 2025
Korean agricultural groups threaten mass protests over possible US market access
Farmers demand trade minister’s resignation as US reportedly presses Korea on beef and genetically modified crop imports
July 17, 2025
Lee government prepares for record heatwave with electricity rate relief
As heat intensifies, government will also offer utility relief and $362M in emergency funds for vulnerable groups
July 16, 2025
Lee sends special envoys to Europe amid uncertainty over US delegation
Presidential office maintains cautious stance on China Victory Day parade as conservative pundits signal support
July 15, 2025
US-ROK-Japan talks highlight fragile unity on tech, trade and security
Meeting highlights diplomatic continuity but exposes limitations under Trump’s transactional foreign policy
July 14, 2025
BOK freezes rates amid Seoul housing spike and rising household debt risks
Central bank keeps rates flat days after budget passage, exposing fractured response to mounting economic stress
July 11, 2025
