ABOUT THE AUTHOR
More articles by 'John Lee'
How Yoon’s off-the-cuff remark about Iran could strain diplomatic relations
Tehran miffed after South Korean president appears to liken Iran to North Korea
January 17, 2023
How domestic politics and geopolitics influence South Korea’s nuclear calculus
Yoon Suk-yeol appeared to back a nuclear program if DPRK threat worsens, but ROK is far from making this a reality
January 12, 2023
How investing in Cambodia can help South Korea balance against China
As ties with Vietnam flourish, Seoul has ample reason to pursue long-term economic and diplomatic outreach to Phnom Penh
January 9, 2023
Yoon’s tax cut plans for semiconductor industry set up clash with opposition
Seoul likely to frame proposal as necessary for national security, though it comes at time of economic uncertainty
January 3, 2023
Why Seoul’s military budget won’t budge even after North Korean drone debacle
President blames cuts to drone operations for security failures, but parties are in no mood for another budget fight
December 27, 2022
Why a South Korean defense contractor is betting on green shipping
Hanwha’s acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding promises new growth trajectories but faces financial and production hurdles
December 26, 2022
Big year for South Korean arms sales masks vulnerabilities in national defense
ROK faces ammunition shortages and shrinking troop numbers even as weapons industry seeks to project military strength
December 16, 2022
Anti-China xenophobia spurs ROK proposal to restrict foreigners’ voting rights
New bill reflects how fear of China is stirring up concerns about outside political influence in South Korea
December 7, 2022
Yoon’s crackdown on labor union strike latest politicization of the rule of law
South Korean president responds to union’s demands for higher wages and safety standards with jail time and heavy fines
December 5, 2022
Will South Korea be the next country to host a Tesla gigafactory?
ROK economy has a lot to like for automaker, but Elon Musk distractions and labor unions may be difficult to overcome
November 30, 2022
Get the Daily Briefing
Start your day with
the South Korea stories that matter most –
as selected by 
