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February 15, 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

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
Analysis

South Korea’s next president could reset Russia relations amid global shifts

Economic pragmatism could replace Yoon’s ideological diplomacy as Seoul navigates energy, trade and security concerns

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 5, 2025
Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from January 1 to 31, 2025, and key outlook for February 2025

Analysis

DeepSeek’s open-source AI poses new threats to South Korean security

North Korea and China could use nonproprietary AI like R1 to boost capabilities in cyberwarfare, disinformation and more

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 30, 2025
Analysis

DeepSeek disruption and US tariffs could sideline South Korea from AI revolution

The ROK risks becoming a mere chip supplier for US and Chinese AI giants instead of leading tech innovation

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 29, 2025
Analysis

Lee Jae-myung pivots to pragmatism as he eyes South Korea’s presidency

Opposition leader’s shift to pro-business policies seeks to court moderates and investors amid political polarization

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 24, 2025
Analysis

Trump returns to power with policies that could strain US-South Korea relations

Trade conflicts, military costs and exclusion from diplomacy with North Korea pose risks for Seoul’s future

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 21, 2025
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