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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 October 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from October 1 to 28, 2025, and key outlook for November 2025

Analysis

Trump-Lee summit dismantles old ideologies as economic nationalism takes hold

A conservative populist and a progressive nationalist align on industrial sovereignty, redefining the US-ROK alliance

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 29, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s stock market soars, but institutional risk grows underneath

Equity boom driven by AI, semiconductors and shipbuilding masks fragile domestic demand and policy inertia

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 27, 2025
Analysis

The illusion of strength: South Korea’s AI chip boom hides deeper reform risks

Export-driven growth sustains optimism and short-term confidence while slowing progress on fiscal and structural reform

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 24, 2025
Analysis

Taiwan surges ahead as South Korea’s middle class loses purchasing power

As Taipei invests in innovation and fiscal prudence, Seoul risks stagnation amid chaebol dominance and debt

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 21, 2025
Analysis

Symbolic governance erodes trust as South Korea’s fiscal populism expands

Rising employment and welfare spending fail to restore confidence among youth who view stimulus as political theater

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 20, 2025
Analysis

South Korea weighs US reactor request that could erode its nuclear sovereignty

Washington’s push for Seoul to use Westinghouse’s AP1000 in Riyadh’s bid exposes limits of industrial autonomy

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 17, 2025
Analysis

South Korean CEOs seek Trump’s favor as labor risks rise at home

Yellow Envelope Act’s expansion of labor rights could expose corporations to industrial action over US investment plans

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 16, 2025
Analysis

Samsung’s record profit exposes limits of South Korea’s industrial autonomy

Third quarter profit surge driven by AI demand amid US and Chinese regulations that confine Seoul’s industrial strategy

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 14, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s AI ambitions run up against infrastructure and governance failings

Science ministry audit reveals weak data systems and coordination problems that threaten Seoul’s AI leadership goals

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 13, 2025
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