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September 29, 2026Sep 29, 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.

Month In Review

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

An analytical look at the main developments from March 1 to 27, 2026, and key outlook for April 2026

Analysis

South Korea’s KF-21 rollout tests defense exports under energy shock

Mass production milestone collides with supply constraints, raising questions over delivery and export execution

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 26, 2026
Analysis

Markets price in uncertain de-escalation as South Korea faces energy shock

Won recovery contrasts with LNG outage, naphtha shortage and emergency economic teams preparing for prolonged disruption

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 25, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s slow response to Hormuz crisis exposes strategic constraints

Alliance pressures and sanctions risks limit South Korea’s ability to secure energy access amid rising prices

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 23, 2026
Analysis

South Korea weighs Russian oil return as sanctions loosen slightly

US exemptions open a narrow window, but refining constraints and Europe ties complicate any shift in policy

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 20, 2026
Analysis

Donald Trump’s call for Hormuz ships tests South Korea’s role in global security

Washington’s request highlights debate over whether Seoul will help protect sea lanes that underpin its economy

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 16, 2026
Analysis

US trade investigation puts South Korea’s state-backed growth strategy at risk

Section 301 probe could bring Korean technology sectors and industrial subsidies under Washington’s scrutiny

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 12, 2026
Analysis

South Korea petrochemical restructuring faces new risks from oil shock

President’s review of fuel market intervention raises concerns over feedstock costs and sector’s restructuring momentum

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 11, 2026
Analysis

South Korea moves toward fuel price ceiling as oil surge narrows policy options

Seoul prepares for intervention under petroleum law as $100 oil revives debate over inflation, markets and energy policy

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 9, 2026
Analysis

Iran war exposes structural risks in South Korea’s global trade model

Conflict shows how maritime chokepoints can quickly destabilize energy imports, financial markets and policy planning

John LeeJohn LeeMarch 5, 2026
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