Defense & Security
Five early flashpoints for South Korea’s incoming presidential administration
From alliance signals to fiscal moves, the first month will test the next government’s capabilities and priorities
June 3, 2025
South Korea in May 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from May 1 to 31, 2025, and key outlook for June 2025
June 2, 2025
South Korea sidelined as US urges Asian allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense
US defense secretary excludes Seoul from key remarks while pushing a defense target even Washington doesn’t meet
June 2, 2025
South Korea faces strategic dilemma as China expands Yellow Sea presence
South Korean experts call for strategy shift as Beijing blurs civilian and military boundaries offshore
May 29, 2025
China’s Yellow Sea no-sail zone sparks South Korea’s interagency response
No-sail zone declared in disputed EEZ area draws muted response from Seoul amid presidential transition
May 28, 2025
US troop review highlights South Korea’s strategic drift in leadership vacuum
Seoul’s caretaker government was not consulted as the Pentagon eyes a potential 4,500-troop reduction
May 23, 2025
South Korean presidential candidates’ defense platforms diverge by ideology
Lee backs OPCON transfer, Kim echoes Yoon’s nuclear doctrine, Lee Jun-seok targets personnel and Kwon rejects hard power
May 22, 2025
South Korea seeks deeper role in US defense supply chain through MRO talks
Arms procurement agency seeks to anchor Korean firms in US defense logistics amid trade talks and political transition
May 22, 2025
South Korea’s candidates diverge on alliance, trade and North Korea strategy
Presidential contenders offer competing slogans on diplomacy and defense, but fall short on plans for execution
May 21, 2025
South Korea eyes defense gains in India’s tough but lucrative arms market
Seoul’s latest K9 deal signals deeper ambitions, but experts warn India’s procurement politics remain a major hurdle
May 20, 2025
