KOREA PRO Podcast

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, the entire Korea Pro team joins to unpack the biggest events this past week. Joon Ha begins by discussing the Seoul Central District Court’s verdict against Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who received a suspended one-year prison sentence for violating election laws during his 2022 presidential campaign. The team examines how this conviction could impact South Korea’s already polarized political landscape.

The discussion then shifts to John’s insights on a developing investigation into former Moon administration officials over alleged THAAD-related intelligence leaks to China and domestic anti-THAAD activists. John explores how the Yoon administration might leverage this investigation to challenge the opposition's defense credentials, while also highlighting concurrent cases of Chinese technological espionage targeting South Korean firms.

Jeongmin provides a critical analysis of recent government data showing record-high employment rates among married women. While some attribute this increase to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s birth rate and childcare initiatives, Jeongmin reveals a more nuanced picture, examining how economic necessities, ongoing childcare challenges and persistent structural inequalities are driving these employment trends.

Looking ahead, the team previews Lee Jae-myung’s upcoming sentencing hearing on Monday for alleged subornation of perjury charges, considering how this additional legal challenge could further impact his political future and the Democratic Party’s trajectory.

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, Nov. 21, 2024.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by junior news reporter Joon Ha to examine the implications of president-elect Donald Trump’s key cabinet nominations and their potential impact on U.S.-ROK relations. The discussion begins with an analysis of Marco Rubio’s selection as Secretary of State, exploring how his hawkish stance on North Korea might align with Seoul’s interests while potentially complicating South Korea’s diplomatic outreach to Cuba. They also delve into Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Defense Secretary, examining his military background, and Mike Waltz’s previous statements on USFK’s potential role in regional contingencies, particularly regarding Taiwan.

The conversation then shifts to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s diplomatic agenda at the APEC summit in Peru, where he is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Joe Biden. John and Joon Ha discuss the likelihood of Yoon and Ishiba seeking early engagement with the incoming Trump administration to present a unified position on regional security matters.

The duo also examines a developing political crisis in South Korea, where recently revealed recordings suggest Yoon’s potential involvement in local election interference. Joon Ha explains the legal implications of these allegations, drawing parallels to similar charges faced by previous South Korean presidents.

Looking ahead, a Seoul court will deliver its verdict for main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung’s election law violation case on Friday, which may have a significant impact on South Korea’s 2027 presidential race.

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, Nov. 14, 2024.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John examine the wide-ranging implications of Donald Trump’s election victory for South Korea. The discussion begins with an analysis of how Trump’s return to the White House could affect Seoul’s defense posture, including growing skepticism about the U.S. nuclear umbrella despite recent initiatives like the Washington Declaration. They explore how this might amplify calls for an independent South Korean nuclear program and raise questions about the recently finalized Special Measures Agreement.

The conversation then turns to economic implications, particularly regarding the future of the Inflation Reduction Act. While Trump has promised to dismantle this legislation, John explains why Republican congressional support for the act’s job-creating benefits in red states might complicate these plans. He suggests that instead of abolishing the law outright, Trump might pivot from the current subsidy-based approach to a tariff-focused strategy.

Jeongmin highlights the diplomatic dynamics at play, noting President Yoon Suk-yeol’s swift congratulatory message to Trump and their subsequent 12-minute phone call, where North Korea emerged as a key topic. The hosts discuss the significance of their planned meeting and Yoon’s explicit acknowledgment of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” platform.

Looking ahead, the team examines how Seoul might navigate the challenges posed by Trump’s America First policies, from potential defense cost-sharing negotiations to preserving key elements of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The discussion emphasizes South Korea’s likely efforts to maintain stable alliance relations while protecting its economic interests.

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, Oct. 31, 2024.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John examine three major developments affecting South Korea’s international relations and business interests.

The discussion opens with an analysis of South Korea’s evolving response to North Korea’s military support for Russia in Ukraine. While Seoul is considering sending observers to Ukraine, Jeongmin and John explore why decisions about potential weapons support might remain in limbo until after the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The conversation then turns to Beijing’s detention of a South Korean national on industrial espionage charges. This marks the first such case since China’s anti-espionage law update in April 2023. Jeongmin and John contrast this with South Korea’s own outdated espionage laws, which have remained unchanged since the 1950s despite parliamentary discussions that took place in the summer due to the Sue Mi Terry case.

The final segment focuses on the Czech government’s decision to temporarily pause contract negotiations with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power following legal challenges from American and French competitors. While Seoul remains optimistic, Jeongmin and John explore the complex geopolitical factors that could influence the final outcome.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John invite listeners to Korea Pro’s upcoming Seoul Circuit event on Nov. 7, featuring a special discussion with Arirang TV’s lead correspondent Sooyoung Oh about the U.S. presidential election’s implications for South Korea.

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, Oct. 31, 2024.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin is joined by Joon Ha, Korea Pro's correspondent, to discuss South Korea's potential shift in Ukraine policy and developments in defense capabilities.

They begin by examining South Korea's increasingly clear signals about potentially providing weapons to Ukraine, triggered by an apparent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. They discuss how this development may have crossed Seoul's previously stated "red line" and the government's new framework for military aid, shifting from "lethal vs. non-lethal" to "offensive vs. defensive" weapons categorization.

The conversation then turns to South Korea's plans to deploy domestically produced drones by year's end, complementing the recently announced procurement from Poland. They also discuss the Polish president's scheduled visit to South Korean defense manufacturers and ongoing negotiations for a second round of K2 tank exports.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and Joon Ha preview the second anniversary of the Itaewon disaster and potential political tensions surrounding memorial attendance, as well as South Korea’s decision to increase electricity fee for large industrial users while freezing household rates.

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, Oct. 24, 2024.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by Joon Ha, Korea Pro’s junior news reporter, to discuss recent developments in South Korean literature, diplomacy and international relations.

The duo begin by celebrating Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the second Korean to receive a Nobel Prize. Joon Ha highlights the international acclaim for Han’s work and the role of translators in bringing Korean literature to a global audience. They also touch on the controversial blacklisting of cultural figures, including Han, during the Park Geun-hye administration.

The conversation then shifts to last week’s meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Laos. John and Joon Ha analyze the leaders’ efforts to continue the rapprochement process while navigating domestic political sensitivities, particularly in light of Ishiba’s ceremonial offering to the Yasukuni Shrine.

The duo then discusses former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about South Korea’s financial contributions for U.S. troop presence. They examine the potential implications for U.S.-ROK relations if Trump were to win the upcoming U.S. presidential election, considering the recent negotiations of the 12th Special Measures Agreement.

Looking ahead, John notes the anticipated meeting between Yoon and ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, discussing the potential impact of recent by-election victories on their relationship and party dynamics.

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 Oct. 17, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha, Korea Pro’s junior correspondent, discuss South Korea’s recent diplomatic and economic initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.

The hosts begin by examining President Yoon Suk-yeol’s diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia, focusing on the president’s state visits to the Philippines and Singapore, exploring the implications of these strengthened bilateral ties for South Korea's regional influence. The conversation then turns to the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. John and Joon Ha discuss the significance of this agreement, particularly its emphasis on supply chain resilience, smart cities and green energy collaboration.

The duo then delve into the recent defense talks between South Korea and Japan, considering how these discussions fit into the broader context of trilateral cooperation with the United States and the response to North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia.

John and Joon Ha then shift gears to discuss South Korea's inclusion in the FTSE Russell World Government Bond Index (WGBI). They break down the importance of this development, discussing the potential for substantial foreign capital inflows and its implications for South Korea’s bond market and overall economy. They also explore the challenges that come with this inclusion, such as regulatory uncertainties and the potential for increased market volatility.

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 Oct. 10, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John delve into recent geopolitical events and their potential impact on South Korea.

The discussion opens with an analysis of Shigeru Ishiba’s appointment as the new Japanese prime minister. They explore the implications of Ishiba’s more dovish stance toward South Korea, contrasting it with his rival Sanae Takaichi’s hawkish position. The hosts consider the potential trajectory of South Korea-Japan relations under Ishiba’s leadership, acknowledging the constraints posed by conservative factions within Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party.

Next, they turn their attention to Iran’s recent missile attacks on Israel and turn the discussion toward South Korea’s missile defense capabilities. The hosts weigh the cost-effectiveness of further investments in missile defense against the development of offensive capabilities, particularly in light of the threat posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea.

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss South Korean prosecutors’ decision not to pursue legal action against the first lady in the Dior bag scandal. They also touch on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declining approval ratings and the rumored tensions between the president and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon over the investigation of the first lady.

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 Oct. 2, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha explore recent developments in South Korea’s economic and industrial landscape.

The discussion begins with an analysis of the intensifying takeover battle for Korea Zinc as Young Poong and MBK Partners increase their bid to $1.7 billion. The team examines the potential implications for the company’s future projects and the broader impact on workers and supply chains.

Next, they turn their attention to South Korea’s $7.5 billion AI manufacturing initiative. John and Joon Ha compare this investment to those of regional competitors and discuss the challenges South Korean companies may face in the global AI race.

The conversation then shifts to South Korea’s projected tax revenue shortfall for 2024. The team delves into the causes of this shortfall, the government’s approach to addressing it and the potential economic implications.

Additionally, they explore the significance of the resumed South Korea-Japan talks on continental shelf development, marking the first such discussion in nearly four decades.

Looking ahead, John and Joon Ha touch on the upcoming visit of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and its potential impact on bilateral relations.

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 Sept. 26, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by Korea Pro’s junior correspondent Joon Ha to explore recent developments in South Korea’s economic, diplomatic and educational sectors.

The discussion begins with an analysis of the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, marking the first reduction in four and a half years. The team examines the potential implications of this move for South Korea’s economy.

Next, they turn their attention to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to the Czech Republic. The team delves into Yoon’s efforts to encourage Prague to finalize its decision to collaborate with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power in constructing the European country’s nuclear power plant.

Joon Ha then presents insights from his recent analysis for Korea Pro, focusing on the Bank of Korea’s proposal to reform the country’s university admissions system, which aims to address economic inequality stemming from South Korea’s highly competitive academic culture.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin notes that South Koreans have returned to work following the Chuseok holidays, including the National Assembly. She highlights two significant developments: the renewed push for a special prosecutorial investigation into the first lady and the main opposition party’s unilateral passage of a bill mandating state support for regional gift 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 Sept. 19, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson