Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations
Why South Korea still hesitates over a military logistics pact with Japan
The two countries acknowledge the pact’s strategic value, but historical memory and public opinion still constrain Seoul
June 17, 2026
South Korea eyes postwar role in Iran as Trump weighs $300bn reconstruction fund
Seoul sees opportunities in Iran again, but sanctions relief and investment rules will depend on US-Iran talks
June 17, 2026
Seoul turns Iran war lessons into long-term energy strategy with Riyadh
South Korea signs energy pact while expanding cooperation into minerals and industry despite easing tensions in the Gulf
June 16, 2026
Trump’s Iran peace deal spares South Korea from hardest choices
Agreement to open Strait of Hormuz ends crisis before Seoul discovered if it could sustain its balancing act
June 15, 2026
Lee’s Italy trip reveals Seoul’s growing focus on Europe and economic security
From digital trade to AI and industrial policy, the visit showed why Europe matters more to Korea than before
June 15, 2026
Record Coupang penalty, local elections fallout and new PM nominee — Ep. 136
South Korea’s largest e-commerce company comes under renewed scrutiny while NEC grapples with mounting public distrust
June 12, 2026
South Korea delivers record penalty as Coupang case enters new phase
Appeals are expected, but regulators have now established a formal account of the breach and its aftermath
June 12, 2026
Europe’s new economic playbook gives South Korea a larger strategic role
The Brussels summit highlighted cooperation that reaches far beyond the original Korea-EU free trade deal
June 11, 2026
South Korea turns US investment pledge into long-term state policy
New rules create a 20-year framework for managing alliance-linked investments and strategic projects
June 10, 2026
South Korea adapts to a security landscape shaped by China and doubt about US
IISS Korea Chair Lami Kim discusses alliance shifts, nuclear submarines and Seoul’s defense strategy
June 8, 2026
