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March 07, 2025Mar 07, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Lee

John Lee

John Lee is the editor of KOREA PRO, based in Seoul. Prior to that, he was a contributor for NK News and KOREA PRO. His focus is on South Korean foreign policy and ROK-U.S. relations.

Analysis

South Korea’s retail sector faces reckoning as Homeplus files for receivership

Slow digital adoption and rising competition from e-commerce platforms have left legacy retailers struggling to compete

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 5, 2025
Month In Review

South Korea in February 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from Feb. 1 to 28, 2025, and key outlook for March 2025

Opinion

Power without trust: Potential pitfalls of Lee Jae-myung’s likely presidency

Lee may become president, but half of South Korea will see him as a criminal who escaped justice to seize power

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 28, 2025
Analysis

South Korea faces tense monetary future amid an escalating global currency war

As nations devalue their currencies, the BOK combats inflation while balancing economic growth with market stability

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 24, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s 2025 budget ignores trade and debt risks at its peril

With most funds deployed in early 2025, the government may lack flexibility to respond to worsening economic conditions

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 19, 2025
Analysis

South Korea passes K-Chips Act but semiconductor policy still in limbo

New tax incentives provide relief, but labor and regulatory hurdles create long-term uncertainty for chipmakers

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 18, 2025
Analysis

How South Korea’s next president will likely respond to Trump’s tariffs

With US trade pressure rising, Seoul must decide whether to push back or make strategic concessions to Washington

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 14, 2025
Analysis

Trump’s tariffs hit South Korean steel hard as US trade war expands

With no quota relief, South Korea braces for economic fallout from the return of aggressive protectionism

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 11, 2025
Analysis

Trump and Ishiba tighten US-Japan alliance as South Korea watches on warily

Japan secures stronger security and economic commitments while South Korea risks marginalization amid leadership turmoil

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 10, 2025
Analysis

Lee Jae-myung’s China pivot could reshape South Korea’s trade and security

Facing US tariffs and China’s export controls, Lee must navigate economic pragmatism without jeopardizing alliance

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 7, 2025
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