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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.

Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from Jan. 1 to 27, 2026, and key outlook for February 2026

Analysis

Trump’s tariff 180 underscores the dangers of South Korea’s alliance assumptions

Seoul’s expectations for predictability are colliding with Washington’s erratic trade and defense policies

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 27, 2026
Analysis

Global central banks speak as US policy uncertainty spills into Korea’s outlook

Powell dispute and tariff ambiguity raise the cost of volatility for highly open economies like South Korea

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 15, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s 2026 growth plan rests on narrow, benign external assumptions

Export resilience and chip pricing underpin baseline, leaving growth exposed to tariff shocks and financial volatility

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 13, 2026
Analysis

Homeplus crisis exposes how South Korea’s retail rules distort capital flows

Restrictions designed for brick-and-mortar commerce now amplify structural decline and investment asymmetry

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 9, 2026
Analysis

Lee-Xi summit shows South Korea stabilizing China ties amid alignment pressure

Limited agreements and careful rhetoric highlight an effort to contain friction without strategic concessions

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 6, 2026
Analysis

Venezuela strike narrows room for restraint and shifts risk onto US allies

Use of force without clear process raises uncertainty for countries that depend on alliance predictability

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 5, 2026
Profiles

Lee Hye-hoon poised to take control of South Korea’s new budget ministry

Former conservative lawmaker with deep fiscal credentials tapped to step into powerful role to reshape state spending

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 1, 2026
Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from Dec. 1 to 26, 2025, and key outlook for January 2026

Jeongmin KimJeongmin Kim | John Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PRODecember 29, 2025
Analysis

South Korea mobilizes capital as tactical shield to defend won’s 1,500 threshold

Tax incentives and pension fund hedging shifts signal a pivot to financial protectionism ahead of 2026 local elections

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 24, 2025
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