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September 27, 2026Sep 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 conservatives collapse as Lee Jae-myung dominates political center

With just 19% approval, the People Power Party faces identity crisis, weak leadership and no clear path forward

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 15, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s approach to US negotiations risks undermining national sovereignty

Seoul seeks to link OPCON transfer and nuclear processing to tariff relief, but this could erode its leverage with Trump

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 14, 2025
Analysis

Ukraine offers South Korea entry to Europe’s defense core — but at a price

Joint ventures with European firms could cement Seoul’s role in NATO but risks legal, political and strategic backlash

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 9, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s AI centralization plan risks backfire without institutional buy-in

Efforts to sideline the finance ministry and empower technocrats face untested leadership and delivery risks

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 7, 2025
Analysis

Lee Jae-myung’s unscripted presser signals policymaking will start from the mic

South Korean president’s remarks reflected a preference for fast, top-down governance over ministry white papers

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 3, 2025
Analysis

Donald Trump’s new tariff threat to Japan sounds alarm bells in South Korea

Veteran ROK negotiators return to negotiate Washington’s trade measures, but past playbooks may no longer apply

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 2, 2025
Analysis

South Korea’s market surge defies grim economic and trade fundamentals

KOSPI surges above 3,130 as investors ignore GDP downgrade, rate cuts, demographic decline and fiscal constraints

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 1, 2025
Month In Review

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

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

Analysis

Beijing’s cloud push in Seoul risks undermining US-South Korea tech cooperation

Alibaba Cloud gains ground in ROK, deepening China’s ties with Korean firms despite US calls for digital decoupling

John LeeJohn LeeJune 26, 2025
Analysis

Japanese leader’s move to skip NATO summit reveals opening for Seoul-Tokyo ties

Ishiba signaled respect to South Korea, but his uncertain political future highlights fragility of bilateral cooperation

John LeeJohn LeeJune 25, 2025
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