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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

South Korea’s record job gains hide a worsening youth employment crisis

Youth jobs fell for 16th straight month in August, underscoring structural issues that Seoul’s AI push can’t mask

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 10, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s widening gender wage gap threatens growth in key industries

New report reveals female wages falling faster than men’s, undermining industrial strategy and capital market reforms

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 10, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s drought crisis shows costs of poor preparation for climate shocks

From wildfires to flood, extreme weather events are straining the ROK+1 economy and placing communities at risk

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 5, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s CPTPP gambit aims to diversify ties but risks farmer backlash

Joining trade pact faces Japan veto and domestic opposition, despite promising supply chain integration, Mexico access

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 4, 2025
Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 29, 2025, and key outlook for September 2025

Jeongmin KimJeongmin Kim | John Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PROSeptember 1, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s Yellow Envelope Act cements labor-first regulatory era

With weak opposition and DP dominance, businesses face lasting compliance, litigation and competitiveness risks

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 29, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s pay-to-play deal with Trump anchors firms in a risky US economy

Signs of slowing growth and Trump’s politicization of Federal Reserve raise long-term risks for ROK firms

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 28, 2025
Analysis

Hidden clause in US nuclear deal puts South Korea’s industrial autonomy at risk

Reported clause granting 50-year oversight and royalties raises sovereignty concerns as KHNP competes for reactor bids

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 21, 2025
Analysis

South Korea turns to Kang Kyung-wha to anchor US alliance in the Trump era

Veteran diplomat’s success hinges on rallying support from Congress, Pentagon and businesses before policy shocks land

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 19, 2025
Analysis

South Korea readies petrochemical overhaul as sector faces deep crisis

Oversupply from China and Middle East leaves Korean firms exposed, raising risks for banks, jobs and policymakers

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 18, 2025
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