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December 22, 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

An outsider candidate could soon lead South Korea’s conservative party

An unpopular president and resilient opposition leader may be incentivizing conservatives to give Ahn Cheol-soo a chance

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 2, 2023
Analysis

Why local politics will prevent Yoon Suk-yeol from sending weapons to Ukraine

Facing a combative opposition and even harsher geopolitical landscape, Yoon will demur from sending direct military aid

John LeeJohn LeeFebruary 1, 2023
Analysis

South Korean president plays dangerous game by wading into party leadership race

Yoon Suk-yeol forced frontrunner from race for ruling party chair but risks discord if he backs a remaining candidate

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 27, 2023
Analysis

How Yoon’s off-the-cuff remark about Iran could strain diplomatic relations

Tehran miffed after South Korean president appears to liken Iran to North Korea

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 17, 2023
Analysis

How domestic politics and geopolitics influence South Korea’s nuclear calculus

Yoon Suk-yeol appeared to back a nuclear program if DPRK threat worsens, but ROK is far from making this a reality

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 12, 2023
Analysis

How investing in Cambodia can help South Korea balance against China

As ties with Vietnam flourish, Seoul has ample reason to pursue long-term economic and diplomatic outreach to Phnom Penh

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 9, 2023
Analysis

Yoon’s tax cut plans for semiconductor industry set up clash with opposition

Seoul likely to frame proposal as necessary for national security, though it comes at time of economic uncertainty

John LeeJohn LeeJanuary 3, 2023
Analysis

Why Seoul’s military budget won’t budge even after North Korean drone debacle

President blames cuts to drone operations for security failures, but parties are in no mood for another budget fight

John LeeJohn LeeDecember 27, 2022
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