In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and Joon Ha examine Seoul's defense industry push with Ottawa, as Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries signed deals with Canadian firms related to next-generation submarine project, amid Seoul’s ongoing pursuit to become the world's fourth-largest defense exporter by 2030.

The hosts then analyze President Lee Jae-myung’s directive to abolish criminal prosecution for fact-based defamation, a 1953 law criticized by U.N. and other human rights agencies — while unpacking the Democratic Party’s controversial “Fake News Eradication Act” that critics warn could create new chilling effects on speech.

Later, the team breaks down Seoul’s new 2035 carbon emissions target of 53-61% reduction from 2018 baselines, which sparked immediate pushback from major business associations citing competitiveness risks.

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, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson