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.
An analytical look at the main developments from October 1 to 28, 2025, and key outlook for November 2025
A conservative populist and a progressive nationalist align on industrial sovereignty, redefining the US-ROK alliance
Equity boom driven by AI, semiconductors and shipbuilding masks fragile domestic demand and policy inertia
Export-driven growth sustains optimism and short-term confidence while slowing progress on fiscal and structural reform
As Taipei invests in innovation and fiscal prudence, Seoul risks stagnation amid chaebol dominance and debt
Rising employment and welfare spending fail to restore confidence among youth who view stimulus as political theater
Washington’s push for Seoul to use Westinghouse’s AP1000 in Riyadh’s bid exposes limits of industrial autonomy
Yellow Envelope Act’s expansion of labor rights could expose corporations to industrial action over US investment plans
Third quarter profit surge driven by AI demand amid US and Chinese regulations that confine Seoul’s industrial strategy
Science ministry audit reveals weak data systems and coordination problems that threaten Seoul’s AI leadership goals
Specialist news and analysis,
research tools, and unique data sets
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