Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
Trump moves to clarify tariff policy, curtailing flexibility for South Korea
Executive order formalizes tariff tiers, complicating Seoul’s bid for exemptions ahead of July tariff deadline
May 1, 2025
Samsung’s record quarter belies rising risks from weaponized US trade policy
Tariffs, export controls and AI market fragmentation reveal South Korea’s growing exposure to Washington’s decisions
April 30, 2025
Opposition enlists trade hawk Kim Hyun-chong for post-Yoon foreign strategy
As Trump-era tensions return, Democratic Party turns to seasoned dealmaker to protect South Korea’s national interests
April 25, 2025
Shifting polls, Moon Jae-in’s indictment and rising geopolitical risks — Ep. 73
Lee Jae-myung’s lead grows as Moon is indicted for bribery while friends and foes redraw Northeast Asia’s map
April 25, 2025
Why South Korea will concede to US plans to use troops on peninsula for Taiwan
Trump’s Indo-Pacific pivot leaves Seoul little room to object, but it has leverage to bargain for strategic returns
April 24, 2025
South Korea probes reports that China warned firms over rare earth exports to US
Trade ministry says it’s still verifying facts with Beijing and companies amid rising supply chain security concerns
April 24, 2025
China exploits South Korea’s strategic paralysis in Yellow Sea expansion
While Beijing installs platforms, Seoul balances trade, alliance and leadership vacuum as it weighs cost of pushing back
April 23, 2025
South Korea’s chip exports surged in March ahead of U.S. tariff deadline
Semiconductor surge preceded tariff announcement, signaling lower export expectations for the second quarter
April 23, 2025
South Korea in danger of strategic eclipse as US and Japan redraw security map
Tokyo’s proposal for new East Asia theater structure risks eroding ROK relevance without active presidential leadership
April 22, 2025
Markets rattle as tariff chaos unfolds and Korea’s primaries heat up — Ep. 72
Trump’s shifting tariff threats sow confusion, while South Korea’s presidential hopefuls throw their hats in the ring
April 18, 2025
