Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
Japan’s election, Seoul’s security calculus and court reform in Korea — Ep. 119
Sanae Takaichi’s supermajority, deepening Saudi defense ties and South Korea’s judicial overhaul debate
February 13, 2026
South Korea’s judicial reform push raises questions over legal finality
Bills allowing constitutional complaints and Supreme Court expansion could reshape dispute resolution and investor risk
February 12, 2026
South Korea and Netherlands launch 2+2 economic security dialogue
Seoul and the Hague formalize foreign and industry coordination on export controls, AI governance and supply chains
February 12, 2026
Why South Korea’s nuclear submarine plan is stalling inside the US system
Election cycles, nonproliferation safeguards and trade disputes narrow the path from approval to execution
February 10, 2026
South Korea-Saudi defense agreement deepens cooperation beyond arms sales
The MOU shifts ties toward research and localization as Seoul’s defense exports face scaling pressures
February 10, 2026
US tariff threats turns Korea’s investment bill into a governance stress test
Donald Trump compresses Seoul’s parliamentary timelines and expose unresolved disputes over funding and oversight
February 9, 2026
Takaichi landslide stabilizes ties but tightens South Korea’s economic margins
LDP’s mandate reduces political friction while increasing yield, fiscal and industrial policy spillovers for Seoul
February 9, 2026
South Korea ramps up auto spending as export certainty erodes amid tariffs
Seoul positions industrial policy as insurance as autos face tariff risk and softer electric vehicle demand
February 6, 2026
How the new US forum for critical minerals shifts risk to allies like Seoul
FORGE raises expectations for partners to do more to strengthen supply chains, but leaves them open to the costs
February 5, 2026
US and South Korea affirm nuclear cooperation while tariff escalation proceeds
Seoul’s readouts stress implementation milestones as US trade action advances through administrative channels
February 5, 2026
