In this week’s episode, Jeongmin and Joon Ha dive into the fissure within the ruling People Power Party as presidential nominee Kim Moon-soo files a court injunction to block party efforts to replace him, accusing leaders of coercion to merge his candidacy with former Acting President Han Duck-soo. Kim has threatened to form a surprise “big tent” alliance with unexpected political figures, reportedly including former Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jeung, if dropped.

The duo also unpacks the Seoul High Court’s decision to delay Democratic Party nominee Lee Jae-myung’s retrial, giving him a clear pathway to the presidency. They break down the Czech court’s injunction against Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power’s $18 billion nuclear deal, and the duo look ahead to the Taeguk military exercise, campaign rallies and possible TV debates.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim), Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner) and correspondent Joon Ha Park (@joonhawrites), 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, May 8, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson