Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
Lee prepares for high-stakes first summit with Trump in Washington this month
First US-ROK summit to test Lee Jae-myung’s ability to defend trade gains and navigate Trump’s likely defense demands
August 13, 2025
South Korea’s Vietnam strategy risks backlash without stronger accountability
Lee-To meeting reaffirms bilateral goals, but reputational risks and weak compliance cast doubt on follow through
August 11, 2025
South Korea extends review of Google’s mapping data export amid US trade tension
Tariff deal without written terms could make mapping dispute a bargaining chip for Trump and Lee as lobbying accelerates
August 11, 2025
South Korean public backs tariff deal, but support could be ephemeral
Lee administration highlight success, but deal’s ad hoc nature raises economic and diplomatic uncertainties
August 8, 2025
Seoul cracks down on firms as inflation risks rise and UFS drills shift — Ep. 92
Jeongmin and John unpack Seoul’s crackdown on corporate safety, cash voucher risks and UFS delays
August 8, 2025
Digital memory project rewrites Korean War remembrance on forgotten battlefield
A grassroots tour near the DMZ uses QR codes and videos to revive a British battle where official memory fell silent
August 8, 2025
Trump and Xi key to South Korea’s APEC summit as attendance remains uncertain
Washington’s reduced tariffs and a planned bilateral meeting give Seoul leverage to press for US and Chinese presence
August 6, 2025
Seoul-Tokyo goodwill grows among youth but historical tensions quietly persist
Shifting political landscapes in South Korea and Japan could reverse progress driven by security and generational shifts
August 5, 2025
South Korea eyes swift Trump-Lee summit amid fragile tariff deal and US demands
Non-binding $350 billion investment promise hangs over summit agenda, with defense, tech and China policy all in play
August 4, 2025
South Korea in July 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from July 1 to 30, 2025, and key outlook for August 2025
August 1, 2025
