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October 18, 2024

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

Why a South Korean defense contractor is betting on green shipping

Hanwha’s acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding promises new growth trajectories but faces financial and production hurdles

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 26, 2022
Analysis

Big year for South Korean arms sales masks vulnerabilities in national defense

ROK faces ammunition shortages and shrinking troop numbers even as weapons industry seeks to project military strength

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 16, 2022
Analysis

Anti-China xenophobia spurs ROK proposal to restrict foreigners’ voting rights

New bill reflects how fear of China is stirring up concerns about outside political influence in South Korea

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 7, 2022
Analysis

Yoon’s crackdown on labor union strike latest politicization of the rule of law

South Korean president responds to union’s demands for higher wages and safety standards with jail time and heavy fines

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 5, 2022
Analysis

Will South Korea be the next country to host a Tesla gigafactory?

ROK economy has a lot to like for automaker, but Elon Musk distractions and labor unions may be difficult to overcome

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 30, 2022
Analysis

The three big drivers of the South Korean defense industry

Seoul may very well succeed in goal of making ROK a top 4 global weapons exporter — if it can overcome supply issues

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 28, 2022
Analysis

Saudi Arabian megaproject promises windfall for South Korea but carries risks

Yoon has shown few qualms about economic cooperation with Middle Eastern state despite seeking to boost human rights

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 22, 2022
Analysis

The network fee fiasco that could cripple South Korea’s internet

Proposed law would penalize popular content providers and discourage investment, while abandoning net neutrality

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 15, 2022
Analysis

Tragic factory death sets Yoon administration up for showdown with labor unions

Boycott against bakery chain could could fuel labor-led protests against the unpopular, pro-business president

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 10, 2022
Analysis

The South Korean government’s morphing response to its failure in Itaewon

Some officials are taking responsibility for deadly crush, but may be too late to stop public outrage from boiling over

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 3, 2022