Defense & Security
Inside the Seoul circle using Lee’s Arctic push to bring Russia in from the cold
Song Young-gil’s network seeks renewed Kremlin ties, while European diplomats warn Seoul about sanctions and trust
November 13, 2026
AI deepfakes of North Korean troops expose South Korea’s crisis response risks
Fabricated border images spread internationally as Seoul faces questions about verifying military claims during a clash
November 12, 2026
Democratic Congress could protect US troops while delaying Seoul’s defense goals
Proposed OPCON reporting rules may constrain command transfer as nuclear submarine and fuel talks remain unresolved
November 11, 2026
South Korea’s DMZ access push puts UN Command’s armistice powers to the test
Three ruling party-sponsored bills seek greater control over civilian entry, but Seoul and the UNC disagree on authority
November 10, 2026
North Korea’s cluster warheads put South Korea’s wartime resilience to test
Allied airfield drills and civilian backup plans offer safeguards, but unexploded bomblets could delay operations
November 6, 2026
US midterm fallout, Korea’s $350B deal and Trump-Kim summit prospects — Ep. 156
Democratic gains raise questions over wartime command transfer, investment oversight and renewed North Korea diplomacy
November 6, 2026
South Korea adds future mine-clearance option to Cheonghae deployment plan
The government wants an expanded mandate south of Oman while pledging to keep its forces outside the war with Iran
November 6, 2026
South Korea’s female conscription debate tests the military’s ability to adapt
Officer shortages, inadequate facilities and gaps in victim protection complicate Seoul’s options for expanding draft
November 2, 2026
South Korea in October 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from October 1 to 30, 2026, and key outlook for November 2026
October 30, 2026
Lee’s online backlash, US alliance tensions and political theatrics — Ep. 155
Lee Jae Myung faces backlash over immigration remarks as defense minister questions US military support
October 30, 2026
