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October 12, 2026Oct 12, 2026

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joon Ha Park

Joon Ha Park

Joon Ha Park is a correspondent at Korea Risk Group. He has previously written on issues related to the two Koreas at The Peninsula Report, and appeared on ABC News Australia, Deutsche Welle and Monocle Radio. He specializes in offering in-depth analyses of South Korea’s defense policy, security relations and domestic politics for Korea Pro.

Analysis

Ruling party dominates local elections but Seoul denies complete political sweep

Democratic Party expands control nationwide while Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon and party rivals gain new momentum

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkJune 4, 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

Why identifying HMM Namu’s attacker may create problems for South Korea

Investigators may eventually identify the perpetrator, but Seoul’s shipping exposure limits how far policy can move

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 27, 2026
Profiles

South Korea’s next Assembly speaker could accelerate Lee Jae Myung’s agenda fast

Cho Jeong-sik is expected to prioritize legislative speed, constitutional reform and executive coordination

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 22, 2026
Analysis

South Korea’s local races tighten as conservatives regain political ground

Seoul and Busan contests reveal growing voter concern over concentrated power under the ruling Democratic Party

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 19, 2026
Analysis

Japan’s arms export shift could reshape South Korea’s defense future

Tokyo’s alliance-centered defense strategy may pressure Seoul in high-end weapons markets and joint development

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 13, 2026
Analysis

Seoul faces rising pressure after South Korean-linked ship strike in Hormuz

Officials avoid blaming Iran for attack so far, wary of expected pressure to join U.S.-led maritime operations

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 11, 2026
Profiles

Seoul mayoral race tests local governance model beyond district level

Chong Won-o seeks to scale Seongdong track record citywide as housing policy and central coordination take focus

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 8, 2026
Analysis

Haegung export signals South Korea’s pivot to plug-in defense sales model

Malaysia contract opens new markets while shifting integration and export decisions beyond Seoul’s control

Joon Ha ParkJoon Ha ParkMay 7, 2026
Analysis

South Korean ship fire raises the stakes for Seoul in Middle East war

Trump’s claim of Iranian strike leaves Lee balancing maritime security, citizen safety and alliance pressure

Jeongmin KimJeongmin Kim | Joon Ha ParkMay 5, 2026
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