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More articles by 'John Lee'
Itaewon crowd crush memorial becomes flash point in political fight over tragedy
Conservative Seoul government risks fueling politicization of disaster after stopping mourners from setting up altar
February 6, 2023
Yoon Suk-yeol pays respect to ROK dictator in latest appeal to conservative base
South Korean president needs conservative stronghold behind him, but paying homage to Park Chung-hee carries risks
February 3, 2023
An outsider candidate could soon lead South Korea’s conservative party
An unpopular president and resilient opposition leader may be incentivizing conservatives to give Ahn Cheol-soo a chance
February 2, 2023
Why local politics will prevent Yoon Suk-yeol from sending weapons to Ukraine
Facing a combative opposition and even harsher geopolitical landscape, Yoon will demur from sending direct military aid
February 1, 2023
South Korean president plays dangerous game by wading into party leadership race
Yoon Suk-yeol forced frontrunner from race for ruling party chair but risks discord if he backs a remaining candidate
January 27, 2023
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
