May 10, 2024
Korea Pro Banner
Korea Pro Banner

Defense & Security

As reunification hopes fade, South Koreans favor US alliance more than ever
Analysis

As reunification hopes fade, South Koreans favor US alliance more than ever

Anti-Americanism largely a thing of the past, though both ROK left and right favor indigenous nuclear program

As reunification hopes fade, South Koreans favor US alliance more than ever
Karl FriedhoffKarl Friedhoff November 21, 2022
Great power rivalry limits the extent to which Yoon and Xi can work together
Analysis

Great power rivalry limits the extent to which Yoon and Xi can work together

South Korea and China appeared at odds on North Korea and economic issues at first bilateral summit since pandemic

Great power rivalry limits the extent to which Yoon and Xi can work together
James FretwellJames Fretwell November 17, 2022
Security concerns nudge South Korea and Japan closer, with encouragement from US
Analysis

Security concerns nudge South Korea and Japan closer, with encouragement from US

First official summit reveals Yoon and Kishida want a reset, but nationalism remains a constant risk to progress

Security concerns nudge South Korea and Japan closer, with encouragement from US
Justin YeoJustin Yeo November 16, 2022
The Rising Sun will rise again? ROK fears of Japanese militarism linger on
Analysis

The Rising Sun will rise again? ROK fears of Japanese militarism linger on

Controversy over South Korea’s attendance at Japan’s fleet review reflects precarious efforts to improve relations

The Rising Sun will rise again? ROK fears of Japanese militarism linger on
James FretwellJames Fretwell November 9, 2022
Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power spells trouble for South Korea
Analysis

Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power spells trouble for South Korea

China doubled down on competition with US at party congress, jeopardizing 30 years of fruitful cooperation with Seoul

Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power spells trouble for South Korea
James FretwellJames Fretwell October 27, 2022
Redeploying US tactical nukes may not go far enough for South Koreans
Analysis

Redeploying US tactical nukes may not go far enough for South Koreans

New poll finds public lukewarm on idea, despite long-standing support for an indigenous nuclear program

Redeploying US tactical nukes may not go far enough for South Koreans
Karl FriedhoffKarl Friedhoff October 20, 2022
Rejecting refugees a missed chance for Seoul to stand up to Russian aggression
Analysis

Rejecting refugees a missed chance for Seoul to stand up to Russian aggression

Yoon administration tiptoeing around ties with Moscow despite saying it wants to do more to defend democratic freedoms

Rejecting refugees a missed chance for Seoul to stand up to Russian aggression
John LeeJohn Lee October 18, 2022
How anti-Japanism stunts South Korea’s ambition to enhance US alliance
Opinion

How anti-Japanism stunts South Korea’s ambition to enhance US alliance

Opposition party chief suggests Japan might re-invade Korea, and these views are surprisingly entrenched in the ROK

How anti-Japanism stunts South Korea’s ambition to enhance US alliance
Justin YeoJustin Yeo October 14, 2022
Ukraine war and North Korean threats push forward South Korea’s arms industry
Analysis

Ukraine war and North Korean threats push forward South Korea’s arms industry

Yoon administration has prioritized weapons exports, and experts say Seoul can quickly scale up to meet soaring demand

Ukraine war and North Korean threats push forward South Korea’s arms industry
Sojin JungSojin Jung October 11, 2022
How Russia’s brain drain could be South Korea’s gain
Analysis

How Russia’s brain drain could be South Korea’s gain

Government says it wants to attract highly skilled workers, even if public mostly opposed to long-term immigration

How Russia’s brain drain could be South Korea’s gain
James FretwellJames Fretwell October 6, 2022