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More articles by 'Joon Ha Park'
South Korea in September 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from September 1 to 28, 2026, and key outlook for October 2026
September 30, 2026
Lee’s Hormuz red line tests South Korea’s leverage in $350 billion US talks
Washington wants more allied support and Korean capital as Seoul tries to protect limits built into last year’s deal
September 22, 2026
Trump’s Cheongung social media post tests Seoul’s refusal to arm to Ukraine
Korean law does not bar wartime transfers outright, leaving readiness and Russia as stronger reasons for restraint
September 16, 2026
South Korea leans on Europe as Hormuz deployment choices grow narrower
Lee is using a British-French framework to preserve a limited role as war, Iran and DP resistance constrain Seoul
September 9, 2026
Kang Shin-chul’s unusual rise now faces its hardest test at defense ministry
A career general trusted by rival governments must sell contentious reforms to the military establishment that made him
September 1, 2026
South Korea in August 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 28, 2026, and key outlook for September 2026
August 31, 2026
How South Korean presidents learned to live with an unpredictable US ally
From Nixon to Trump, Seoul has repeatedly had to adapt when Washington changed the military terms of the alliance
August 27, 2026
Trump’s UFS decision raises stakes for South Korea on OPCON and submarines
Washington’s abrupt exercise cut shows how unrelated disputes could complicate Seoul’s biggest defense priorities
August 21, 2026
South Korea-Japan ties weather history as ACSA and CPTPP tests now loom
Seoul and Tokyo can contain historical disputes, but deeper military and economic ties face domestic political limits
August 18, 2026
DP leadership race tests Lee Jae Myung’s grip on South Korea’s ruling party
Kim Min-seok and Jung Chung-rae offer competing models as Lee’s ratings fall and lawmakers look toward the 2028 election
August 13, 2026
