Korea Pro Logo
November 14, 2026Nov 14, 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 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
Analysis

Lee Jae-myung’s foreign policy faces reckoning as US tariff deadline nears

With 25% tariffs imminent, Seoul is under pressure to deliver parity with Japan and EU or recalibrate fast

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 28, 2025
Analysis

Japanese ruling party’s election loss gives South Korea room to maneuver with US

As Tokyo resists trade concessions in rightward shift, Seoul has a chance to win tariff relief and enhance its position

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 22, 2025
Analysis

Controversy around gender minister pick threatens Lee Jae-myung’s momentum

Kang Sun-woo’s abuse allegations and rape law stance spark coalition backlash and strain Lee’s early public support

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 21, 2025
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
1 … 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 … 43