ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Lee

John Lee is the Managing Editor of Korea Pro, based in Seoul, where he leads daily executive briefings, in-depth analyses and high-level events for business leaders, diplomats and policy professionals. Since joining Korea Pro in 2022, he has expanded the platform’s coverage of South Korea’s economy, trade and foreign policy and moderates its flagship Korea Business Forum and Seoul Circuit series. Before taking the helm at Korea Pro, John contributed to NK News and Korea Pro as a writer focused on South Korean foreign policy and U.S.-ROK relations. His work blends on-the-ground reporting with data-driven analysis of South Korea’s political economy, economic security and its evolving role in global affairs.

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Huang’s Nvidia exit and Lutnick’s precarious position raise stakes for Seoul

Uncertainty over chip giant’s future come as commerce secretary’s woes risk affecting Korean chip plants in China

John LeeNovember 13, 2026

Analysis

Democratic Congress could protect US troops while delaying Seoul’s defense goals

Proposed OPCON reporting rules may constrain command transfer as nuclear submarine and fuel talks remain unresolved

John LeeNovember 11, 2026

Analysis

South Korea moves to incentivize marriage, but neglects issues facing the unwed

Removing financial obstacles could help boost birth rate, even as inheritance law leaves unregistered couples exposed

John LeeNovember 9, 2026

Analysis

Seoul’s $350B US investment pledge faces a second set of rules in Congress

Korean law demands commercial returns, but a Democratic bill would prioritize U.S. jobs, suppliers and new disclosures

John LeeNovember 5, 2026

Analysis

Binance’s $6.36B hack exposes gaps in South Korea’s financial cyber defenses

Seoul has tightened penalties after repeated breaches, but gaps in sharing attack warnings leave financial firms exposed

John LeeNovember 3, 2026

Month In Review

South Korea in October 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from October 1 to 30, 2026, and key outlook for November 2026

Jeongmin Kim | John Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PROOctober 30, 2026

Analysis

South Korea’s petrochemical rescue faces a reckoning over who pays the bill

Creditors are extending repayment deadlines as new production in Ulsan tests the value of planned factory closures

John LeeOctober 26, 2026

Analysis

South Korea’s US$744 billion climate change plan faces first financial test

Public lenders are hitting financing targets, but K-GX must show which projects create new investment and cut emissions

John LeeOctober 21, 2026

Analysis

SK Hynix’s China plans pose test for US semiconductor investment goals

Washington must weigh tighter equipment controls for allies in China against financing for new American NAND plant

John LeeOctober 19, 2026

Analysis

South Korea’s rate hike risks hitting indebted households hardest

Households and SMEs face brunt of higher rates even as mortgage lending stays firm, complicating central bank’s path

John LeeOctober 15, 2026

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Lee

More articles by 'John Lee'

Huang’s Nvidia exit and Lutnick’s precarious position raise stakes for Seoul

Democratic Congress could protect US troops while delaying Seoul’s defense goals

South Korea moves to incentivize marriage, but neglects issues facing the unwed

Seoul’s $350B US investment pledge faces a second set of rules in Congress

Binance’s $6.36B hack exposes gaps in South Korea’s financial cyber defenses

South Korea in October 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead

South Korea’s petrochemical rescue faces a reckoning over who pays the bill

South Korea’s US$744 billion climate change plan faces first financial test

SK Hynix’s China plans pose test for US semiconductor investment goals

South Korea’s rate hike risks hitting indebted households hardest

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