Defense & Security
Canada’s submarine project tests limits of South Korea’s defense export model
Ottawa’s bid underscores how long-term naval programs allow buyers to extract wide-ranging economic concessions
January 29, 2026
Trump’s tariff 180 underscores the dangers of South Korea’s alliance assumptions
Seoul’s expectations for predictability are colliding with Washington’s erratic trade and defense policies
January 27, 2026
US defense strategy tightens expectations for allies as Korea takes center stage
Pentagon’s 2026 plan calls for primary allied responsibility while leaving US support deliberately undefined
January 26, 2026
How Brussels reads Seoul’s China outreach and where tolerance quietly ends
EU accepts South Korea’s engagement with Beijing but cumulative ambiguity caps extent of security and industrial ties
January 20, 2026
Death penalty politics, Seoul-Tokyo optics and central bank caution — Ep. 115
Yoon Suk Yeol’s trial outlook, Lee-Takaichi chemistry and rate decisions frame a fragile policy mix
January 16, 2026
Why Yoon’s death penalty case matters beyond the courtroom in South Korea
Judicial restraint is likely, but divided conservative responses could prolong political uncertainty after the ruling
January 14, 2026
Lee tests managed China diplomacy as Beijing keeps control over outcomes
Yellow Sea signals and cultural talks point to process driven engagement with few binding commitments from China
January 12, 2026
China diplomacy and alliance uncertainty collide for Seoul this week — Ep. 114
Lee’s Xi summit, reaction to U.S. action in Venezuela and muted arms export response shape a tense policy moment
January 9, 2026
After restraint, Lee Jae Myung probes how far he can shift to the left
Early rhetorical changes suggest the administration is reassessing constraints before any formal policy moves
January 8, 2026
Thailand’s use of Korean-made jets against Cambodia poses arms exports quandary
Seoul’s subdued response highlights uneven application of export rules depending on commercial and geopolitical exposure
January 7, 2026
