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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

China’s rare earth controls collide with US tariffs, stranding South Korea

Beijing’s export licenses and Washington’s reciprocal trade laws leave Korean firms exposed to two incompatible regimes

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 9, 2025
Analysis

China’s stance and US volatility converge to raise South Korea’s security risks

Pacific Forum survey shows China’s positions unchanged while Washington’s inconsistency undermines alliance trust

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 7, 2025
Analysis

Takaichi’s rise to power poses critical test for fragile South Korea-Japan ties

Conservative set to be Japan’s next leader risks clashing with Lee Jae-myung, as nationalism endangers cooperation

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 6, 2025
Month In Review

South Korea in September 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from September 1 to 30, 2025, and key outlook for October 2025

Analysis

US chip tax threatens to render meaningless South Korea’s $350B trade deal

Proposed trade controls on imported electronics show no agreement can restrain Trump administration’s protectionism

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 29, 2025
Analysis

South Korea wins US nod to enrich uranium but faces costly road to autonomy

Pact allows 20% enrichment under safeguards, but Russian supply risks and need for significant investment pose barriers

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 24, 2025
Analysis

Lee Jae-myung denounces ‘submissive mindset’ in bid to reframe ROK defense

President’s sharp rhetoric signals psychological and strategic shift in South Korea’s alliance posture with US

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 22, 2025
Analysis

South Korea tests alliance limits with China outreach ahead of APEC summit

Growing discomfort with American coercion is driving subtle diplomatic realignment, though hard limits remain

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 19, 2025
Analysis

South Korean automakers at risk of US losses as tariff gap widens with Japan

US duties on Korean cars puts Seoul at a competitive disadvantage in largest overseas market amid tense trade talks

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 16, 2025
Analysis

South Korea retreats on capital gains tax changes to calm markets and investors

Decision to keep 5 billion won threshold ends weeks of turmoil but raises doubts about long-term fiscal discipline

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 15, 2025
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