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January 22, 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 plan to curb protests set to face fierce backlash

Yoon administration says it seeks to maintain public order, but critics see effort to roll back basic democratic right

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 26, 2023
Analysis

How testimony by opposition leader’s confidant impacts South Korean politics

Former deputy governor’s bombshell accusations may upend reconciliation between Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jae-myung

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 20, 2023
Analysis

Financial turbulence: Pilots’ strike threatens Asiana Airlines’ merger plans

Korean Air likely to negotiate with pilots as it could face liability for employee wage disputes post-merger

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 18, 2023
Analysis

How South Korea’s transactional diplomacy threatens Indo-Pacific partnerships

The juggling of regional cooperation values and European economic interests could impact Seoul’s international standing

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 14, 2023
Analysis

Why South Korea’s outreach to NATO could pose problems at home

Diplomacy toward bloc brings potential to expand Seoul’s export market, but risks relations with Beijing and Moscow

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 12, 2023
Analysis

Why South Korean lawmakers are renouncing their right to immunity from arrest

Critics have condemned use of privilege as ‘bulletproof vest,’ but others see safeguard against executive overreach

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 6, 2023
Analysis

How a payment dispute with Indonesia puts Seoul’s defense export goals at risk

Unpaid dues and new defense purchases have cast shadow on Jakarta’s commitment to joint KF-21 program with South Korea

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 4, 2023
Analysis

An eye on China, South Korea charts a course for closer ties with Vietnam

Yoon Suk-yeol sought to diversify supply chains and boost defense cooperation during state visit, but pitfalls remain

John LeeJohn LeeJune 26, 2023
Analysis

How US investors’ court victory over South Korea could spur financial reform

Loss will bleaken ROK’s reputation but may incentivize Seoul to work to boost credibility as foreign investment hub

John LeeJohn LeeJune 21, 2023
Analysis

The ‘pathless path’: Cho Kuk hints at independent run in South Korean election

Cho Kuk’s potential candidacy may split DP’s base, presenting a key test for the party’s unity and leadership

John LeeJohn LeeJune 13, 2023
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