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October 27, 2026Oct 27, 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 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
Analysis

South Korea’s Vietnam strategy risks backlash without stronger accountability

Lee-To meeting reaffirms bilateral goals, but reputational risks and weak compliance cast doubt on follow through

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 11, 2025
Analysis

South Korean public backs tariff deal, but support could be ephemeral

Lee administration highlight success, but deal’s ad hoc nature raises economic and diplomatic uncertainties

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 8, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s new era of corporate punishment begins with POSCO crackdown

Lee Jae-myung’s response to workplace deaths signals rising legal, financial and reputational risks for major firms

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 7, 2025
Month In Review

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

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

Analysis

South Korea makes $350 billion concession to dodge Trump’s tariff hammer

Seoul’s vague investment pledges made under duress trade leverage for short-term reprieve, leaving long-term uncertainty

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 31, 2025
Analysis

Samsung’s headline-grabbing Tesla chip deal masks its foundry limitations

$16.4B contract does little to address conglomerate’s structural weaknesses, threatening Seoul’s AI and chip ambitions

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 30, 2025
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