Defense & Security
KOSPI plunge, Kamala Harris visit and Lee’s staffing shake-up — Ep. 153
South Korean chip stocks tumble as former US vice president visits Seoul and Lee appoints new chief of staff
October 16, 2026
Song Young-gil’s comeback renews scrutiny of his North Korea and Russia views
An ex-Incheon mayor and party chief, Song has defended engagement with Moscow while sharply criticizing Zelensky
October 9, 2026
South Korea’s missile defense push raises new questions over wartime stocks
New systems improve interception, but Seoul has not shown that stocks and factories could sustain repeated large salvos
October 7, 2026
Lee-Zelensky feud exposes South Korea’s widening Ukraine policy dilemma
Kyiv’s refinery strikes are colliding with Seoul’s approach to energy security, North Korea and Central Asia
October 5, 2026
North Korean mine dispute, new Lee advisers and US investment pressure — Ep. 151
Seoul navigates a sensitive DMZ incident while pushing engagement and resisting premature claims over Alaska LNG
October 2, 2026
North Korean POW dispute tests Seoul-Kyiv trust and future Ukraine policy
Conflicting accounts of the transfer deal raise questions over aid, intelligence sharing and future POW cooperation
October 1, 2026
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
Lee draws red line on South Korea’s military role around Strait of Hormuz
Seoul leaves room for stronger maritime protection while ruling out direct participation in the widening Iran war
September 21, 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
