Defense & Security
U.S. troop cut order in Germany stokes fears of USFK drawdown in South Korea
Hegseth orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany within six months to a year
May 4, 2026
Yoon sentencing push, Coupang sovereignty row and KF-21 concerns — Ep. 130
Legal developments in Seoul meet US pressure over Coupang and debate over South Korea’s defense industrial priorities
May 1, 2026
South Korea in April 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from April 1 to 24, 2026, and key outlook for May 2026
April 30, 2026
Uranium site claims, THAAD questions and and global energy push — Ep. 129
Debate over North Korea facilities coincides with THAAD concerns and expanded outreach to India and Vietnam
April 24, 2026
Smart regulation push, Middle East diplomacy and defense continuity — Ep. 128
Vague reform agenda unfolds alongside oil supply efforts and continued U.S.-ROK coordination on defense
April 17, 2026
South Korea faces export-readiness trade-off amid Gulf defense push
Oil deals with Saudi and UAE coincide with rising missile demand, exposing production limits and readiness trade-offs
April 16, 2026
South Korea and Poland upgrade ties as defense, industrial links deepen
Leaders elevate relations to comprehensive strategic partnership anchored in arms deals and supply chain cooperation
April 14, 2026
Semiconductor surge, security shifts and Middle East risks — Ep. 127
Short-term gains for Korean chipmakers as energy shocks, defense reforms and Iran tensions raise uncertainty
April 10, 2026
Failing to score ‘decisive’ win in Iran, Trump turns to punish allies yet again
With conflict unresolved, Washington signals consequences for partners as energy and logistics remain constrained
April 9, 2026
South Korea-Japan evacuation diplomacy highlights ceiling on defense ties
Humanitarian coordination improves, but gaps in command, doctrine and strategy constrain deeper military integration
April 8, 2026
