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October 16, 2026Oct 16, 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 exports highlight semiconductors’ pivotal role in AI growth

ROK is one of a few countries shaping pace of global AI adoption, promising windfalls but unbalancing country’s trade

John LeeJohn LeeJune 22, 2026
Analysis

Trump’s Iran peace deal spares South Korea from hardest choices

Agreement to open Strait of Hormuz ends crisis before Seoul discovered if it could sustain its balancing act

John LeeJohn LeeJune 15, 2026
Analysis

Europe’s new economic playbook gives South Korea a larger strategic role

The Brussels summit highlighted cooperation that reaches far beyond the original Korea-EU free trade deal

John LeeJohn LeeJune 11, 2026
Analysis

Democratic victory masks deeper political battles already shaping 2030

Election strengthened Lee Jae Myung today, but raises new questions about succession, housing and opposition renewal

John LeeJohn LeeJune 5, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s submarine push raises bigger questions about alliance roles

As Seoul expands military capabilities, Washington and Seoul are likely debating future security responsibilities

John LeeJohn LeeJune 3, 2026
Analysis

China’s outbound investment rules complicate South Korea’s AI ambitions

Meta-Manus cases shows how Beijing could use the new regulations to restrict use of its technology and talent overseas

John LeeJohn LeeJune 2, 2026
Analysis

Why a dormant South Korea-Japan military pact has returned to Seoul’s agenda

Ahn Gyu-back’s ACSA remarks reveal how OPCON, North Korea and alliance demands are reshaping defense debates

John LeeJohn LeeJune 1, 2026
Month In Review

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

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

John LeeJohn Lee | Joon Ha Park | KOREA PROMay 29, 2026
Analysis

Bank of Korea confronts AI boom and inflation risks after leadership change

New Governor Shin Hyun-song faces overlapping challenges from energy shocks, chip costs and financial fragmentation

John LeeJohn LeeMay 28, 2026
Analysis

How a submarine voyage to Canada could strain Seoul’s strategy toward China

Real-time interoperability tests by ROK vessel underscore how defense exports carry geopolitical consequences

John LeeJohn LeeMay 25, 2026
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