Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
South Korea in August 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 29, 2025, and key outlook for September 2025
September 1, 2025
US tightens export controls on Samsung and SK Hynix’s China-based fabs
Washington ends Biden-era waivers, requiring new licenses that block expansions and upgrades, raising supply chain risks
September 1, 2025
Trump-Lee summit: praise, pledges and partisan risks — Ep. 95
The Korea Pro team dissects the White House summit, $150B in deals and the role of disinformation in alliance politics
August 29, 2025
South Korea’s pay-to-play deal with Trump anchors firms in a risky US economy
Signs of slowing growth and Trump’s politicization of Federal Reserve raise long-term risks for ROK firms
August 28, 2025
US, South Korea push nuclear cooperation amid clash over KHNP’s autonomy
Vice ministerial meeting highlights SMR deals, but Westinghouse settlement clouds Korean utility company’s future role
August 28, 2025
Trump-Lee summit prompts Beijing warning on US-South Korea alignment
China state media says Seoul risks ‘tying its destiny’ to US and abandoning pragmatic dual-track strategy with Beijing
August 27, 2025
South Korea bets $150 billion on US as Trump ties tariffs to investments
Sweeping MOUs and mega-deals highlight Seoul’s gamble to embed in US supply chains while upgrading the alliance
August 27, 2025
Trump’s social media post nearly derails first White House summit with Lee
South Korean president’s flattery contained tensions, but disinformation networks show risks to alliance stability
August 26, 2025
Trump, Lee hold first summit marked by praise, trade tension and awkward optics
Unusual call for ownership of USFK land added volatility to cordial summit focused on trade, energy and trilateral ties
August 26, 2025
Lee-Ishiba summit signals unity but fails to narrow gaps on China and history
South Korea and Japan pledged deeper ties, but policy divides and weak frameworks risk reducing summit to symbolism
August 25, 2025
