Defense & Security
Houthi seizure of Mokha sharpens South Korea’s Hormuz deployment dilemma
Red Sea risks strengthen Seoul’s case for action while exposing limits of a narrow military mission focused on Hormuz
September 11, 2026
Hormuz deployment, France nuclear deal and Olympic Park protests — Ep. 149
Seoul weighs military involvement in Middle East, expands energy cooperation with Paris, ends sports federation blockade
September 11, 2026
Lee uses Paris summit to expand South Korea’s technology and supply options
Samsung-Mistral, Naver and KHNP-Orano deals add commercial weight to a wider Korea-France industrial framework
September 10, 2026
South Korea leans on Europe as Hormuz deployment choices grow narrower
Lee is using a British-French framework to preserve a limited role as war, Iran and DP resistance constrain Seoul
September 9, 2026
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
