KOREA PRO Podcast

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

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John explore recent developments in South Korea’s defense, business and economic sectors.

The discussion begins with a review of the REAIM Summit Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining human control over AI in military applications. The hosts analyze the summit itself and its implications for future conflicts and arms races.

Next, they delve into a new enforcement decree that allows South Korean companies to collect necessary personal information without explicit user consent. Jeongmin and John examine the potential impacts on business operations and consumer privacy.

The conversation then shifts to economic matters, starting with the South Korean government’s decision to freeze national health insurance premiums for the second consecutive year. They also explore the financial watchdog’s decision to tighten regulations on illegal money lenders, considering both the protective measures for vulnerable populations and the potential consequences for those with limited borrowing options.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview next week’s upcoming events, including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting and its potential impact on South Korea’s monetary policy, the critical shortage of emergency room doctors and Iraq’s expected purchase of South Korea’s Cheongung-II missile defense system.

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. 12, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by junior news reporter Joon Ha to discuss the latest developments in South Korean politics, defense, trade, and society.

The two begin by discussing a surprising statement from South Korea’s Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo, who suggested that the U.S. nuclear umbrella might weaken if Donald Trump is reelected. John and Joon Ha analyze the implications of this unusually frank comment about U.S. elections from a high-ranking South Korean official.

The discussion then moves to South Korea’s defense industry, focusing on Hanwha Ocean’s recent memorandum of understanding with Polish defense firm WB Group for submarine cooperation. They explore the challenges South Korea faces in naval exports compared to its success in land-based military equipment sales to Poland.

On the trade front, John and Joon Ha examine South Korea’s agreement with Western Australia on clean energy and key minerals, particularly lithium. They discuss the strategic importance of this deal in diversifying supply chains away from China and the potential challenges involved.

The conversation shifts to South Korea’s nuclear power ambitions, with a focus on the recent selection of South Korea as the preferred bidder for a Czech nuclear power plant project. John and Joon Ha delve into the legal challenges posed by U.S. and French competitors and their potential impact on Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company’s export plans.

In societal news, the duo discusses the ongoing investigation into Telegram’s role in deepfake sex crimes following Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France. They also touch on Telegram’s recent compliance with content removal requests and its apology for its handling of digital sex crimes.

Finally, John gives a preview of upcoming events, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s final visit to South Korea before stepping down and next week’s Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference co-hosted by South Korea, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

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. 5, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John dive into South Korea’s latest policy challenges and social issues.

The discussion begins with an analysis of the recently approved 2025 budget proposal. Our hosts break down the winners and losers, highlighting increased support for high-tech sectors, healthcare and defense, while noting reduced allocations for public housing, infrastructure and regional spending.

The conversation then shifts to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s pension reform plans, aimed at addressing generational imbalances and ensuring the pension fund’s long-term sustainability. Jeongmin and John examine the proposed tiered premium rates designed to ease the burden on younger workers and the political context surrounding these reforms.

The hosts also touch on the recent passage of the bipartisan Nursing Act, which Yoon had previously vetoed, and its connection to the ongoing doctors’ strike over increased medical school admission quotas.

Lastly, Jeongmin and John discuss a deepfake pornography scandal that has rocked the nation, involving scores of men generating illicit images of women they know and using encrypted messaging apps to share such images.

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 Aug. 29, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John begin by discussing the Bank of Korea’s decision to maintain its interest rate for the 13th consecutive time, the longest streak to date, amid record-high household debt of $1.4 trillion. The hosts explore the paradox of increasing real estate investments despite personal debt levels, touching on practices like gap investment and the misuse of the government’s housing lottery system.

The conversation then shifts to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, noting that even prominent figures like main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung have been affected. Jeongmin and John analyze the government’s response, including the expectation of a peak by month’s end and the challenges posed by a shortage of treatment drugs. They discuss the focus on treating vulnerable populations in the absence of previous pandemic mandates.

Lastly, the hosts delve into the changing hiring practices of South Korean conglomerates in response to the country’s aging population. They examine the shift from traditional mass exam-style open recruitment to hiring older, more experienced workers, and consider the implications for costs and innovation, especially in high-tech companies.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview several upcoming events, including a potential visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to South Korea in September, the National Assembly plenary session focusing on non-controversial public welfare issues, the postponement of Lee Jae-myung’s meeting with Han Dong-hoon, and the continuation of the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise.

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 Aug. 22, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent defense reshuffle, which saw the appointment of Kim Yong-hyun as the new defense minister, Shin Won-sik as the new national security adviser and Chang Ho-jin as the new special advisor for diplomatic security. The hosts analyze the significance of these appointments and their timing and what they reveal about Yoon’s foreign policy priorities.

The conversation then shifts to the voluntary disclosure of electric vehicle (EV) battery information by South Korean and foreign automakers. With 35% of South Korean EVs using Chinese batteries, the hosts explore the potential implications of this disclosure, including supply chain disruption issues and the growing media attention on the use of Chinese batteries.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John delve into the recent corruption scandals at Woori Bank, where executives and employees were found to have bypassed standard screening processes and provided the bank’s previous chairman and his family with millions of dollars in inappropriate loans.

They also touch upon the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military drill, which reportedly will not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario and Yoon’s National Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15. Finally, the hosts preview the upcoming National Assembly plenary session on Aug. 28, which is expected to focus on non-contentious public livelihood bills, such as the special law on rental fraud.

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 Aug. 14, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson