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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

Currency stability becomes test of credibility for US-South Korea alliance

New law links tariff reductions and capital deployment to won stability, creating consequences if volatility accelerates

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 26, 2025
Analysis

Japan-China tensions expose limits of South Korea’s fragile thaw with Tokyo

Dispute over Taiwan undermines Seoul’s strategic ambiguity and reveals unresolved mistrust in ROK-Japan cooperation

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 25, 2025
Analysis

Nuclear submarines force issue of how far Seoul publicly aligns with US goals

US officials openly tie program to countering China, setting expectations that South Korea has sought to downplay

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 21, 2025
Analysis

US approval of AI chip exports to Gulf states creates new risks for South Korea

Middle East chip approvals offer short term stability but impose compliance burdens and intensify rivalry with Taiwan

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 20, 2025
Analysis

South Korea escapes Lone Star liability, but not the risk of lawsuits

Despite annulment of $273M payout, Seoul still faces task of improving regulatory clarity to attract foreign investors

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 19, 2025
Analysis

Strategic ambition meets fiscal reality in South Korea’s new alliance commitment

Pledge to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and fund US troops collides with tightening domestic fiscal pressures

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 18, 2025
Analysis

South Korea pivots from labor expansion to economic realism after major reform

Labor minister’s cautious stance on banning overnight deliveries signals a new emphasis on stability, protecting SMEs

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 13, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s nuclear submarine plan upends the AUKUS order

Trump’s approval expands cooperation beyond the Anglosphere, heightening nonproliferation fears and US shipyard strain

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 7, 2025
Analysis

Trump-Xi detente exposes South Korea to a world of regulatory dependence

Managed globalization leaves Korean industries tied to rival licensing systems that control access to materials and tech

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 4, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s tariff truce with US trades long-term risks for near-term calm

Seoul’s $350 billion deal averts a liquidity crisis but leaves its semiconductor exports exposed to Section 232 tariffs

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 3, 2025
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