Defense & Security
South Korea in October 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from October 1 to 28, 2025, and key outlook for November 2025
October 31, 2025
Trump’s nuclear submarine approval exposes enduring asymmetry in US-ROK alliance
Symbolic green light grants momentum, but congressional and legal barriers will keep Seoul dependent on Washington
October 30, 2025
Lee Jae-myung’s export drive tests Seoul’s ability to safeguard defense secrets
President’s T.O.P. plan targets global arms dominance but lacks the central authority needed to secure technology
October 28, 2025
South Korea steadies markets, readies missiles and courts Trump-Xi — Ep. 103
The Korea Pro team dissects Seoul’s rate hold, defense exports and nuclear ambitions as Gyeongju’s APEC summit looms
October 24, 2025
US refusal to share advanced Navy system leaves South Korea isolated at sea
Washington’s tech export restriction reflects doubts over Seoul’s cyber reliability and highlights alliance asymmetry
October 22, 2025
China targets Hanwha Ocean’s affiliates over US shipbuilding sanctions dispute
Beijing bans transactions with Hanwha’s US-linked units over alleged support for Washington’s Section 301 investigation
October 15, 2025
US deterrence doctrine increasingly puts South Korea in China’s crosshairs
Pentagon official’s testimony ties ROK arsenal to broader regional deterrence, not just efforts to counter North Korea
October 10, 2025
China’s rare earth curb, Japan’s new leader and Europe’s steel tariffs — Ep. 101
The Korea Pro team breaks down Beijing’s export orders, Tokyo’s political shift and Europe’s protectionist surge
October 10, 2025
South Korea’s arms export boom faces hard political limits in Europe
Political trust and Ukraine alignment now weigh more heavily than price or speed in Europe’s defense procurement drive
October 8, 2025
China’s stance and US volatility converge to raise South Korea’s security risks
Pacific Forum survey shows China’s positions unchanged while Washington’s inconsistency undermines alliance trust
October 7, 2025
