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October 15, 2026Oct 15, 2026

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Lee

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.

Analysis

South Korea’s won faces a new test as foreign bond buying loses momentum

With WGBI entry ending in November, pension fund swaps and Washington’s investment demands loom over currency policy

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 13, 2026
Analysis

Trump’s Russian diesel deal may leave South Korea’s refining boom intact

Damaged Russian refineries and tight Asian fuel supplies may keep Korean export margins high despite Trump’s pledge

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 12, 2026
Profiles

Song Young-gil’s comeback renews scrutiny of his North Korea and Russia views

An ex-Incheon mayor and party chief, Song has defended engagement with Moscow while sharply criticizing Zelensky

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 9, 2026
Analysis

South Korea bank hacks expose weak links beyond core financial systems

Regulators widen checks as attackers target employee, contractor and loan systems outside banks’ protected cores

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 6, 2026
Analysis

Lee-Zelensky feud exposes South Korea’s widening Ukraine policy dilemma

Kyiv’s refinery strikes are colliding with Seoul’s approach to energy security, North Korea and Central Asia

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 5, 2026
Analysis

Trump’s Korea investment victory lap masks safeguards Seoul still controls

Texas is approved, nuclear remains conditional and Alaska LNG will show how costly Seoul’s right to walk away may be

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 1, 2026
Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from September 1 to 28, 2026, and key outlook for October 2026

John LeeJohn Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PROSeptember 30, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s CPTPP push exposes the cost of turning trade gains into consensus

Lee wants exporters to help fund the losers from trade, but legal hurdles and foreign demands complicate the bargain

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 29, 2026
Analysis

AI storage boom gives South Korea battery makers an EV overcapacity lifeline

LGES, Samsung SDI and SK On can repurpose US plants, but LFP costs and China exposure could sharply limit the payoff

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 28, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s Mexico strategy runs into the hard limits of USMCA politics

Washington and Mexico City want more regional content, raising costs for Korean suppliers tied to factories in Mexico

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 25, 2026
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