On this week’s episode, the team unpacks how the sudden escalation in the Middle East is reverberating in Seoul. They break down the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran and the ensuing missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, then turn to the immediate questions for South Korea: energy security, shipping risk and market volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz. 

They also discuss President Lee Jae Myung’s emergency response, including a 100 trillion won market-stabilization package, possible steps to curb fuel-price gouging and efforts to shore up oil and gas supplies, while weighing how long South Korea’s reserves might last if disruption drags on.

The episode then shifts to key developments at home: the government’s long-delayed decision to allow Google to export high-definition map data under conditions shaped by security concerns and U.S. trade pressure, and renewed friction in the alliance after a contentious U.S. aerial drill near sensitive airspace and conflicting accounts over whether an apology was issued. 

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing 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, March 5th, 2026.

Audio edited by Alannah Hill