Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
South Korea builds Central Asia ties around minerals, industry and finance
New C5+1 ministerial meetings show Seoul pairing resource access with Korean technology, investment and policy finance
September 15, 2026
South Korea turns to Central Asia as Iran war tests its energy resilience
Lee Jae Myung seeks lasting oil supply ties as China, Russia and Middle East disruptions narrow Seoul’s options
September 14, 2026
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
China’s Taiwan pressure may reveal more disciplined strategy toward South Korea
Beijing has made its red line clear but could stop short of THAAD-style retaliation to preserve improving bilateral ties
September 7, 2026
Lee and Macron face first major test of Korea-France strategic upgrade
Seoul wants concrete gains in security, technology and business from the global strategic partnership launched in April
September 7, 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
