In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and Joon Ha return to Seoul after covering APEC in Gyeongju, where President Lee Jae-myung and Donald Trump finalized a U.S.-ROK tariff deal following months-long negotiations. The team explains new details on the $350 billion investment package, tariff reductions and how the agreement was received at home.

They then unpack Lee’s request for U.S. approval of nuclear-powered submarines — Seoul’s proposal to Trump during the summit. The hosts also examine expert views on related challenges and defense implications, as well as reactions from China’s foreign ministry and the South Korean public.

Next, they discuss Lee’s summits with Xi Jinping and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, and detail Nvidia's pledge to supply over 260,000 of its advanced AI chips to the ROK government and conglomerates after CEO Jensen Huang’s meetings with Samsung and Hyundai leaders. The episode closes with an explanation of Pete Hegseth’s visit to Seoul and Lee’s upcoming budget address at the National Assembly.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down how South Korea is tightening monetary and strategic discipline ahead of next week’s high-stakes APEC meetings.

They begin with the Bank of Korea’s decision to keep interest rates at 2.5% — a move to anchor the won and curb housing risks while signaling fiscal restraint before President Donald Trump’s visit and final trade talks with Washington.

Next, they turn to Seoul’s expanding defense diplomacy at ADEX 2025, including Estonia’s move toward the K239 Chunmoo and Poland’s submarine project, and the launch of the KSS-III Batch-II submarine that underscores Seoul’s maturing deterrence posture.

The team then examines Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s push to revise the U.S.-ROK 123 Agreement, granting Seoul more flexibility in nuclear-fuel processing and deepening its quest for energy sovereignty.

Finally, they preview the APEC week in Gyeongju — from Trump’s one-night stop and Xi Jinping’s industrial diplomacy to the APEC CEO Summit where Nvidia’s Jensen Huang joins Korea’s chaebol leaders — as Seoul braces for a defining moment in global diplomacy.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.

Audio edited by Lina Park

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha examine how South Korea is being pulled deeper into the U.S.-China confrontation just as it prepares to host both Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the Gyeongju APEC summit.

They begin with Beijing’s unprecedented sanctions on five U.S.-linked Hanwha Ocean affiliates — a signal that China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law is now targeting South Korean firms for cooperating with Washington.

Next, they turn to Seoul’s crisis diplomacy in Cambodia and Samsung Electronics’ record-breaking third-quarter profit, discussing how the company’s AI-driven recovery exposes the limits of South Korea’s industrial autonomy under U.S. export rules and Chinese controls.

Finally, the team looks ahead to next week’s key events — the Seoul ADEX defense expo, parliamentary audits of the military, judiciary and environmental agencies, and the anticipated state visits by Trump and Xi that could redefine Seoul’s room for maneuver in a divided world.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha examine how global policy shifts are closing South Korea’s room for neutrality.

They begin with China’s Orders 61 and 62, sweeping export-control measures that extend Beijing’s authority to overseas manufacturers and leave South Korean firms trapped between competing U.S. and Chinese trade laws.

Next, they turn to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi’s victory in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race sets the stage for her likely confirmation as prime minister on Oct. 15, testing the stability of Seoul-Tokyo relations just as cooperation had solidified.

Finally, the team analyzes Europe’s proposed steel quota cuts and 50% tariffs, which mirror Washington’s protectionism and squeeze Korean mills out of major Western markets amid China’s export glut.

They close by previewing next week’s developments — Japan’s prime ministerial election and the resumption of South Korea’s parliamentary audits following the Chuseok holidays.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha dissect a week dominated by U.S. volatility and South Korea’s response. They start with Washington’s first government shutdown since 2019, examining its implications for trade negotiations, U.S. Forces Korea operations and the Bank of Korea’s policy outlook.

The team then unpacks the Trump administration’s proposed semiconductor-content tariffs, a measure that could upend Seoul’s $350 billion investment-for-tariff deal and strike at the heart of South Korea’s export economy. They also discuss the U.S. decision to clear Seoul of currency manipulation, and why it offers only fleeting relief.

Turning to domestic policy, the hosts analyze President Lee Jae-myung’s new “self-reliant defense” doctrine and the ruling party’s abolition of the breach of trust crime, a landmark shift in corporate law. They close with the government data hub fire that has paralyzed ministries weeks before the APEC summit, exposing vulnerabilities in South Korea’s digital infrastructure.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down a consequential week for South Korea’s diplomacy and markets. They start with President Lee Jae-myung’s high-profile trip to the United Nations, where he unveiled his END (Exchange, Normalization, Denuclearization) peace plan, presided over a Security Council debate on AI and held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish President Karol Nawrocki and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The team then examines Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s trilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Lee’s own sharp remarks about “submissive attitudes” toward the U.S. alliance.

Finally, they turn to the domestic economy: the IMF’s downbeat growth forecast and the government’s proposed crackdown on opaque share buybacks, which signal a broader effort to tighten corporate governance and reassure foreign investors.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha unpack a fast-moving week for South Korea’s economy and diplomacy.

They begin with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut — the first since Dec. 2024 — and analyze how the move could influence the Bank of Korea’s next steps, capital flows and the won.

The team then dissects the Trump administration’s warning that South Korea will face higher tariffs unless it accepts the same trade terms as Japan, noting Seoul officials’ unusually blunt remarks that the U.S. is no longer the free-trade partner it once was. They also explore Mexico’s plan to impose 50% tariffs on vehicles from countries without a free-trade agreement, a policy that could squeeze South Korean automakers and limit Seoul’s trade flexibility.

Next, Jeongmin and Joon Ha turn to President Lee Jae-myung’s newly announced 123 key policy tasks, outlining the administration’s broad domestic and economic agenda. In particular, they look at Seoul’s security and foreign policy agenda, including the administration’s ambition to complete OPCON transfer and reorganize the Marine Corps into a fourth quasi branch of the ROK Armed Forces.They discuss how these priorities are likely to shape both near-term governance and South Korea’s longer-term growth strategy.

Finally, the hosts look ahead to upcoming developments on Lee’s expected keynote address at the United Nations on Sept. 23and other key events shaping the weeks ahead.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha examine a turbulent stretch for U.S.-ROK relations and President Lee Jae-myung 100-day-old administration. They start with the dramatic ICE raid on Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution’s battery-plant project in Georgia, where more than 300 South Korean engineers were detained before a chartered flight carried them home. The team traces the raid’s origins, the swift diplomatic response from Seoul and the broader questions it raises about U.S. visa policy and the investment climate for Korean firms.

Next, they break down Lee Jae-myung’s 100-day press conference, highlighting his criticism of the U.S. raid, his call for national unity and his policy priorities on economic recovery and renewable energy. The hosts assess how Lee’s direct style and focus on communication are shaping perceptions at home and abroad.

Finally, they look ahead to Freedom Edge trilateral military drills between the U.S., South Korea and Japan, and to the intensifying race within Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Lina examine a turbulent week for South Korea’s trade, defense and domestic agenda. They discuss how a U.S. appeals court ruling against Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs threatens to upend Washington’s negotiations with trade partners, including Seoul.

They also weigh South Korea’s official decision to join the CPTPP, considering the domestic backlash it faces from farmers and the politically sensitive issue of lifting Japanese seafood restrictions.

The hosts then turn to defense and foreign policy, noting President Lee Jae-myung’s absence from China’s military parade while National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik shook hands with Kim Jong Un, and previewing Lee’s upcoming UNGA speech that will highlight AI and global security rather than North Korea.

Finally, they look ahead to Lee’s first 100-day press conference under the banner of “recovery and growth for the future.”

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down the first summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. They analyze how a last-minute social media post from Trump nearly derailed the talks, why Lee relied on flattery to keep the meeting cordial and how the U.S. president’s land-ownership remark highlighted the volatility now embedded in the alliance.

The hosts also examine South Korea’s record $150 billion in new investment pledges, including landmark deals in aviation, energy, shipbuilding and critical minerals. They discuss how these commitments secure tariff relief but deepen Seoul’s exposure to Trump’s transactional trade framework.

Finally, they consider how partisan disinformation networks in both countries are shaping alliance management, and what the summit reveals about the risks of diplomacy under an unpredictable U.S. president.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha dissect revelations about the hidden clause in Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Korea Electric Power Corporation’s (KEPCO) settlement with Westinghouse Electric, which critics argue binds South Korea’s nuclear exports under U.S. control for the next half-century. They examine the political fallout in Seoul and why President Lee Jae-myung is unlikely to raise the matter in his upcoming talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The hosts also preview Lee’s Aug. 23 summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, noting the rare symmetry between their recent Aug. 15 speeches, which balanced historical acknowledgment with forward-looking cooperation.

Finally, they turn to Lee’s Aug. 25 summit with Trump, weighing the risks of an unpredictable U.S. president revisiting tariffs and trade concessions, and recap the week ahead, including the People Power Party leadership race and the Seoul Circuit event on ROK-Japan relations.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha examine the decision to postpone key Ulchi Freedom Shield drills to September due to South Korea’s summer heatwave. They also discuss USFK commander General Xavier Brunson’s recent remarks on the potential for a rushed transfer of operational wartime control (OPCON) and Seoul’s ambitious plan to achieve that transition within President Lee Jae-myung’s term. 

The hosts also break down Lee’s newly announced five-year blueprint, outlining 123 national policy tasks built around constitutional reform, balanced economic growth and strengthened diplomatic security. They look at the political and economic stakes of the plan, as well as the nomination of Lee Chan-jin to head the Financial Supervisory Service.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John dive into President Lee Jae-myung’s escalating confrontation with major firms after a series of deadly workplace accidents, with POSCO and SPC under fresh scrutiny. They examine what the government’s shift toward aggressive administrative penalties means for business.

The hosts also break down why inflation remains volatile despite a steady consumer price index and why South Korea’s export outlook is darkening amid U.S. tariffs.

They then turn to the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield drills — including the decision to postpone half of the planned field exercises — and preview next week’s ROK-Vietnam summit and President Lee’s Aug. 15 Liberation Day address.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John unpack the Lee administration’s $350 billion pledge to the U.S. — a last-minute concession that averted a sweeping 25% tariff on South Korean exports to the U.S.

The hosts examine how the agreement, announced just before the Aug. 1 deadline, includes $100 billion in U.S. energy purchases and $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation, but remains largely informal and unenforceable.

Jeongmin and John also explore structural risks to South Korea’s energy and shipbuilding pledges, including limited U.S. capacity, Jones Act restrictions and permitting delays. They compare the deal to Japan and the EU’s earlier arrangements, which involved similar headline figures.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

At Korea Pro’s July Seoul Circuit dinner, leading China scholar John Delury joined Jeongmin Kim, Executive Director of Korea Risk Group, for a timely conversation on China’s strategic outlook under South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung.

The discussion explored Beijing’s past playbook for dealing with Seoul, how U.S. and European allies view South Korea amid shifting global alignments, and how a second Trump administration could reshape the region’s security dynamics.

In this episode, we share the moderated portion of the event.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John Lee and Joon Ha unpack a week of sharp developments in South Korea’s domestic and foreign policy landscape.

They begin with the last-minute postponement of the U.S.-ROK 2+2 economic and security dialogue. With the Aug. 1 deadline for trade negotiations looming, the hosts assess whether the delay signals tactical pressure from Washington as Seoul resists opening its rice and beef markets — and what alternatives, like LNG imports or defense purchases, may be on the table.

Next, they turn to the collapse of two cabinet nominations. Gender minister nominee Kang Sun-woo withdrew after backlash over her remarks on sexual consent and staff treatment, while education minister nominee Lee Jin-sook was dropped due to plagiarism accusations. The hosts explore what these withdrawals mean for the administration’s reform agenda and internal vetting process.

Also featured is Korea Pro’s latest investigation into the Korea Foundation. John introduces Chad O’Carroll’s expose on how the government-linked nonprofit directed $9.4 million to U.S. think tanks without registering under U.S. foreign agent laws. Joon Ha also promotes his own new analysis on President Lee Jae-myung’s plan to centralize oversight of defense exports, aimed at improving coordination and boosting South Korea’s competitiveness in key arms contracts.

Key developments to watch in the week ahead include the expected rescheduling of the postponed 2+2 tariff talks, with both sides aiming to meet before the Aug. 1 deadline. Sunday marks the anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, likely to bring official statements and memorial events. Meanwhile, confirmation reports for the unification, veterans, and defense ministers are still pending at the National Assembly, though the president is expected to act swiftly once they are adopted.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin Kim and Joon Ha delve into major political developments in South Korea, starting with defense minister nominee Ahn Gyu-baek’s comments on completing the transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S. within five years. The remarks drew swift denial from the presidential office.

The hosts then turn to the turbulent cabinet confirmation hearings. Unification minister nominee Chung Dong-yang was criticized for avoiding the term “main enemy” in reference to North Korea, while the gender minister nominee faced scrutiny over past staff treatment and a cautious approach to anti-discrimination and sexual consent laws. The education minister nominee was also questioned over plagiarism allegations related to student work.

On the diplomatic front, the podcast explores the administration’s announcement of special envoys to 14 countries, including a former Doosan chief named as the U.S. envoy after a previous pick raised concerns. The episode also looks ahead to key trilateral meetings, pending confirmations, Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s legal developments and the upcoming rollout of supplementary cash vouchers.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

This week, the Korea Pro team unpacks how South Korea is navigating a convergence of economic strain, corporate turbulence and diplomatic urgency.

The episode begins with the Bank of Korea’s decision to hold its base interest rate at 2.5%, even as Seoul’s housing market accelerates and household debt surges. The team then dives into U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all South Korean imports beginning Aug. 1.

A minor opposition lawmaker also alleged that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration illegally transferred military equipment to Ukraine under a lease agreement, sidestepping legal oversight. If substantiated, the case could constrain President Lee Jae-myung’s ability to expand non-lethal aid or strengthen NATO ties.

Next, the team turns to Samsung Electronics’ steep Q2 earnings drop. With operating profit down, the team discusses what this means for South Korea’s tech leadership and macroeconomic stability.

The team covers plans for a three-way meeting among U.S., South Korean and Japanese senior diplomats on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia. If finalized, this would mark the first high-level trilateral meeting since Lee took office.

Concurrently, ROK national security adviser Wi Sung-lac has proposed a “comprehensive package deal” that links tariffs, investment and security in one negotiation framework. Wi also suggested an early summit between Lee and Trump — a move aimed at de-escalating tensions and reinforcing South Korea’s role as a strategic partner.

In the week ahead, the team looks to the next round of confirmation hearings for Lee’s Cabinet nominees and South Korea’s upcoming Constitution Day, as the new administration continues to shape its policy direction amid rising domestic and international challenges.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. 

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week’s episode, the Korea Pro team breaks down Beijing’s formal invitation for President Lee Jae-myung to attend China’s Sept. 3 Victory Day military parade — a move that echoes Park Geun-hye’s 2015 attendance but lands in a far more polarized geopolitical climate. The team discusses how Lee is likely to approach the decision and what’s at stake for Seoul’s positioning between Washington and Beijing.
The team also reflects on Lee’s first presidential press conference — from its tone and theatrical “lucky draw” format to the substance of his responses on foreign policy, corporate reform and the anti-discrimination law.
The episode then shifts to South Korea’s record-breaking arms deal with Poland. The July 2 agreement will send 180 K2 Black Panther tanks abroad in a deal reportedly worth over $6 billion — nearly double the 2022 package. Unlike the first shipment, this deal includes extensive tech transfer and local assembly, cementing South Korea’s role in Poland’s rearmament push.
Looking ahead, the trio preview next week’s trilateral defense chiefs’ meeting in Seoul, ongoing trade talks in Washington and deepening special probes targeting former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s inner circle, including a travel ban on the former first lady.
About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. 

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this week’s episode, the Korea Pro team explores President Lee Jae-myung’s decision to skip the NATO summit in the Hague, citing domestic concerns and the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. His absence prompted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to also bow out, signaling an unusual moment of deference from Tokyo and a potential opportunity to formalize improving bilateral ties.

The team also reviews Lee’s growing Cabinet, with key appointments to the foreign affairs, unification and defense portfolios now in place — though eight major ministries, including finance and justice, remain without confirmed leadership.

Finally, the team examines the KOSPI’s rise above 3,100 and explains why it doesn’t reflect the broader state of South Korea’s economy.

Looking ahead, the team discusses mounting legal trouble for former President Yoon Suk-yeol, as a special counsel seeks to bar him from travel and pursue a detention warrant over his aborted martial law plan.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. 

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson