Defense & Security
Hanwha’s Austal bid shows where South Korea’s MASGA plan may be heading
US policy is steering Korean shipbuilders toward American yards, where access brings financial and technology risks
September 8, 2026
South Korea tests its Hormuz limits as Trump pressure builds across alliance
Seoul is weighing a limited maritime role that could protect energy flows while setting a new baseline for US demands
September 4, 2026
Veteran general tapped for defense minister as Cabinet dispute grows — Ep. 148
Kang Shin-chul’s nomination, Yong Hye-in’s dual-role controversy and proposal for longer school days
September 4, 2026
Kang Shin-chul’s unusual rise now faces its hardest test at defense ministry
A career general trusted by rival governments must sell contentious reforms to the military establishment that made him
September 1, 2026
South Korea in August 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 28, 2026, and key outlook for September 2026
August 31, 2026
South Korea’s drone push falters as police reform raises alarm — Ep. 147
Prototype crashes expose defense challenges while high-profile cases cast doubt on expanded police authority
August 28, 2026
How South Korean presidents learned to live with an unpredictable US ally
From Nixon to Trump, Seoul has repeatedly had to adapt when Washington changed the military terms of the alliance
August 27, 2026
Trump’s UFS decision raises stakes for South Korea on OPCON and submarines
Washington’s abrupt exercise cut shows how unrelated disputes could complicate Seoul’s biggest defense priorities
August 21, 2026
Trump cuts UFS drills as Kim summit push rattles alliance — Ep. 146
Abrupt shortening of major US-ROK exercise raises readiness and OPCON questions as Seoul backs renewed diplomacy
August 21, 2026
South Korea restores China security channel after nearly five-year freeze
Restored talks add institutional depth to warmer relations, but deep Korean distrust of China limits any strategic shift
August 21, 2026
