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February 05, 2025

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

Saudi Arabian megaproject promises windfall for South Korea but carries risks

Yoon has shown few qualms about economic cooperation with Middle Eastern state despite seeking to boost human rights

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 22, 2022
Analysis

The network fee fiasco that could cripple South Korea’s internet

Proposed law would penalize popular content providers and discourage investment, while abandoning net neutrality

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 15, 2022
Analysis

Tragic factory death sets Yoon administration up for showdown with labor unions

Boycott against bakery chain could could fuel labor-led protests against the unpopular, pro-business president

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 10, 2022
Analysis

The South Korean government’s morphing response to its failure in Itaewon

Some officials are taking responsibility for deadly crush, but may be too late to stop public outrage from boiling over

John LeeJohn LeeNovember 3, 2022
Analysis

Rejecting refugees a missed chance for Seoul to stand up to Russian aggression

Yoon administration tiptoeing around ties with Moscow despite saying it wants to do more to defend democratic freedoms

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 18, 2022
Analysis

South Korea’s response to falling birth rates shows the world what not to do

Government offers piecemeal subsidies while ignoring systemic issues like gender inequality, as demographic crisis looms

John LeeJohn LeeOctober 4, 2022
Analysis

South Korea eyes closer ties with Canada as it seeks to shore up supply chains

Two sides aligned on range of issues, but Yoon administration’s clumsy diplomacy could stand in way of better relations

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 26, 2022
Analysis

How the war in Ukraine complicates South Korea’s nuclear export plans

Seoul scored major victory with successful bid to build Egyptian nuclear plant but now must work with Russian firm

John LeeJohn LeeSeptember 6, 2022
Analysis

Shared worldviews drive growing defense ties between South Korea and Australia

Weapons deals support ROK’s domestic R&D and boost supply chain resiliency with democratic partner in region

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 25, 2022
Analysis

South Korea pivots to the Middle East, selling both weapons and K-pop cool

Saudi Arabia looks to Korea as it seeks to diversify away from oil, but human rights issues may limit cooperation

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 18, 2022