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October 15, 2026Oct 15, 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 record employment rate is becoming a demographic illusion

Working-age employment is falling while an aging population and care sector hiring increasingly drive headline numbers

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 12, 2026
Analysis

US scrutiny of South Korea’s Network Act widens the sovereignty fight

An Aug. 20 briefing demand extends Washington’s pressure from Coupang into online speech and platform regulation

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 10, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s heat response improves faster than its public infrastructure

Seoul’s heat response improved, but record temperatures test whether welfare, labor rules, housing and power can cope

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 7, 2026
Analysis

Bank of Korea redraws small business lending as rate hikes reshape policy

Minutes show the central bank tightening monetary policy while the government expands targeted support for weaker firms

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 5, 2026
Analysis

The hidden cost of South Korea’s stronger won after US-Japan intervention

SK Hynix, tighter policy and market flows lifted the currency, but those forces may prove difficult for Seoul to repeat

John LeeJohn LeeAugust 3, 2026
Month In Review

South Korea in July 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from July 1 to 29, 2026, and key outlook for August 2026

John LeeJohn Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PROJuly 31, 2026
Analysis

Lee Jae Myung’s housing squeeze is arriving years ahead of his housing supply

2025 census shows a market split by geography, household size and building age as credit restrictions take effect first

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 30, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s AI ambitions depend on who captures value after San Francisco

AMD deal expands Seoul’s AI strategy, but long-term success depends on turning infrastructure into domestic innovation

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 27, 2026
Analysis

Seoul builds framework for $150B US shipbuilding pledge, but funding gaps remain

South Korea is creating institutions for implementation, but many projects remain preliminary and funding details scarce

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 24, 2026
Analysis

Why South Korea’s defense export success may not translate into drone dominance

Cheap military drones demand new supply chains, financing models and manufacturing economics unlike traditional weapons

John LeeJohn LeeJuly 22, 2026
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