Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
South Korea in November 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from Nov. 1 to 26, 2025, and key outlook for December 2025
November 28, 2025
BOK faces narrow policy options as currency volatility tests growth, stability
Central bank holds policy rate steady at 2.5% as won’s depreciation constrains monetary freedom
November 27, 2025
Currency stability becomes test of credibility for US-South Korea alliance
New law links tariff reductions and capital deployment to won stability, creating consequences if volatility accelerates
November 26, 2025
Japan-China tensions expose limits of South Korea’s fragile thaw with Tokyo
Dispute over Taiwan undermines Seoul’s strategic ambiguity and reveals unresolved mistrust in ROK-Japan cooperation
November 25, 2025
Defense cooperation falters as Seoul and Tokyo clash over symbolic sovereignty
Refueling denial and drill cancellation reveal how nationalist pressure threatens operational readiness and US strategy
November 24, 2025
South Korea stakes new Middle East strategy on Cairo summit and SHINE initiative
Seoul uses summit to launch long-term diplomatic and industrial blueprint, to build strategic pillar beyond US and China
November 24, 2025
US-ROK defense deal, AI chip hierarchy and Lone Star fallout — Ep. 107
Joint fact sheet expands defense ties and costs, US chip controls reshape AI race and Lone Star win raises new risks
November 21, 2025
Nuclear submarines force issue of how far Seoul publicly aligns with US goals
US officials openly tie program to countering China, setting expectations that South Korea has sought to downplay
November 21, 2025
US approval of AI chip exports to Gulf states creates new risks for South Korea
Middle East chip approvals offer short term stability but impose compliance burdens and intensify rivalry with Taiwan
November 20, 2025
South Korea turns to UAE to extend AI semiconductor boom amid global demand risk
Expanded cooperation in data centers and energy aims to prolong export momentum but leaves structural reform unresolved
November 20, 2025
