KOREA PRO Podcast

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing controversy surrounding Japan’s Sado mine, which was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They discuss Japan’s rejection of South Korea’s request to acknowledge forced Korean labor at the mine and the potential political fallout for the Yoon administration’s foreign policy toward Japan. The hosts also explore the Democratic Party’s likely continued criticism of the government’s handling of the issue and the potential erosion of South Korean support for U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation post-Yoon.

Shifting gears, Jeongmin explains the rare bipartisan push to amend South Korea’s outdated espionage laws, which have remained unchanged since 1953. While lawmakers claim the proposed bills aim to establish a South Korean version of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, Jeongmin notes the conspicuous absence of a registration clause and the adoption of broad, vague language that could excessively expand the definition of espionage. They also discuss the potential strain on South Korea’s international relations and a reported incident involving the leak of Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Black Panther tank technology to a rival South Korean company.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John highlight the upcoming National Liberation Day on Aug. 15, during which President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to announce the country’s new reunification roadmap. They also preview the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield military drill scheduled for the following week, noting that it will reportedly not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario.

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. 8, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea’s economic challenges as it finds itself caught between the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan’s divergent monetary policies. They discuss the potential impact on the South Korean won and the Bank of Korea’s dilemma in balancing concerns about inflation and stimulating growth, amid contrasting data points such as increased exports in July and a contraction in GDP in the second quarter.

The conversation then shifts to the recent agreement between the U.S., South Korea and Japan to institutionalize their trilateral cooperation, with a commitment to maintaining peace in the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Jeongmin and John explore the implications of this declaration and the South Korean defense ministry’s reluctance to provide further details.

Next, the hosts discuss Japan’s Sado Gold Mine being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and South Korea’s decision to end its opposition, citing Tokyo’s commitment to acknowledge the history of forced Korean labor at the site.

Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the week ahead, including South Korea’s appointment of a new ambassador to Australia and the Yoon administration’s review of structural changes that will reintroduce the first lady’s office.

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. 1, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing fallout from the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official. They discuss how this case has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), with both sides trading accusations about their interactions with Terry.

The conversation then shifts to a legislative proposal by DP lawmaker Park Sun-won. Park has suggested amending South Korea’s Criminal Act to introduce a law similar to the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). This proposed amendment aims to broaden the scope of the current law, which only addresses espionage related to “enemy states” (specifically North Korea), to include friendly nations and quasi-enemy states.

Jeongmin and John provide an in-depth analysis of the potential implications of this proposed law. They explore how such legislation could impact various sectors, including universities, think tanks, and businesses. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of implementing a FARA-like law in South Korea, considering the country’s geopolitical position and its relationships with various international actors.

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 July 26, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss the Czech government’s selection of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred negotiation partner for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the European country. They begin by discussing how the announcement will likely impact South Korea’s nuclear energy sector, its domestic political ramifications and how it might affect the U.S.-ROK alliance in the future due to KHNP’s ongoing legal dispute with Westinghouse Electric Company over intellectual property rights.

The conversation then shifts to last week’s assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, exploring its potential impact on the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential ramifications for South Korea should Trump return to office.

Next, the hosts then delve into the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official, for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of South Korea. Jeongmin and John examine the charges against Terry.

Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming ruling People Power Party (PPP) leadership race, set for July 23. They discuss the key candidates, including Han Dong-hoon, and analyze the party’s internal divisions between pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon factions in the wake of the party’s defeat in April’s parliamentary election.

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 July 18, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s trip to the U.S. where he visited the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii and attended the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. They discuss Yoon’s bilateral meetings with various world leaders.

Next, the hosts analyze the labor ministry’s report on South Korea’s employment numbers reaching a 15-month high. John speculates that a significant portion of the numbers may be attributed to senior citizens seeking part-time employment, as the proportion of South Koreans above 65 years old approaches 19.51%, putting the country on the brink of becoming a super-aged society.

The discussion then shifts to the ongoing backlash faced by Han Dong-hoon, the former interim leader of the People Power Party, as he runs for the party’s leadership. The hosts touch upon reports of Han “ghosting” the first lady’s text messages and his attempts to distance himself from Yoon, which have been used against him by other leadership candidates.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming impeachment hearings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, set to be unilaterally held by the opposition Democratic Party on July 19, coinciding with the first anniversary of a marine’s death that sparked allegations of interference in the investigation by top officials.

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 July 11, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by David C. Kang, professor of International Relations and Business at the University of Southern California. The wide-ranging discussion delves into the complexities of the U.S.-South Korea alliance as both countries navigate domestic political shifts and face evolving challenges in the region.

Kang shares his insights on South Korea’s considerations surrounding potential domestic nuclear weapons development, the limitations of U.S. security assurances and the missed opportunity of the Hanoi Summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The conversation also explores the impact of a potential Trump return to the White House on the alliance, as well as the U.S. role in supporting democracy in Asia.

The discussion touches upon potential conflict points between South Korea and the U.S., including trade tensions and policy differences toward Japan and China. Kang also offers recommendations for U.S. and South Korean leaders in addressing regional challenges, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and economic solutions beyond military measures.

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 July 4, 2024. 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea’s economic outlook and demographic challenges.

They begin by examining the impending retirement of second-generation baby boomers and its projected impact on South Korea’s economic growth over the next decade. The hosts also discuss Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s optimistic economic projections and contrast them with John’s analysis of key indicators that suggest a more vulnerable economy. The discussion covers the won’s performance against the dollar, its impact on exports and the government’s currency interventions.

Next, they explore the finance ministry’s recently announced $30 billion aid package for small businesses and President Yoon Suk-yeol’s criticism of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s cash handout proposal.

Jeongmin and John then shift gears to discuss an analysis written by a new contributor, Ruy Valdes, concerning a trend among South Korean youth: excessive caffeine consumption for academic performance. They share personal experiences from their time as students and education sector workers.

Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming departure of Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, recounting the controversies surrounding his tenure, including his “betting on China’s defeat” remark and its political fallout.

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 July 5, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John dive into the latest developments in South Korean politics and a tragic industrial accident.

The duo begins by discussing the main opposition Democratic Party’s recent victories in the tug-of-war over committee leadership and the party’s decision to weaken anti-corruption rules in its charter. They also touch on the confirmed frontrunners for the ruling People Power Party’s leadership race and their sudden shift to advocating nuclear armament on the 74th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

Next, Jeongmin and John delve into the devastating lithium factory fire that occurred south of Seoul on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 23 people, mostly foreign workers. They explore the reasons behind the high number of casualties, the dangers associated with lithium batteries and similar accidents that have occurred elsewhere, such as the Tesla Megapack fires in Australia. The hosts also raise questions about the factory’s compliance with the Serious Accident Punishment Act and the application of this law to foreign workers.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John discuss the ongoing doctors’ strike and South Korea’s stance on potentially providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, despite public opposition.

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 June 27, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into recent geopolitical developments affecting the Korean Peninsula.

The duo begins by examining the recent 2+2 vice-ministerial talks between South Korea and China, noting the unusual discrepancy in the timing and content of their respective press releases.

Next, they analyze Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea and the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. The hosts explore various interpretations of this agreement, from an automatic defense pact to a quasi-alliance, and how it reflects the discrepancies between U.S. and ROK perspectives on the Nuclear Consultative Group.

John provides insights on how Putin’s moves might be aimed at cornering South Korea, given its alignment with Western sanctions against Russia. The duo also considers the potential pressure this puts on China, given its complex relationships with Russia, North Korea and South Korea.

The conversation then shifts to South Korea’s efforts to diversify its arms exports, with recent developments in Poland and Romania. The hosts discuss how this expansion of South Korea’s defense industry might influence regional dynamics and Putin’s calculus.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John ponder the future of the U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral partnership in light of the strengthening of Russia-DPRK ties. They raise questions about the partnership’s sustainability beyond Yoon’s presidency and in the event of potential changes in U.S. leadership.

Finally, the hosts touch on domestic politics, discussing the judicial risks facing the main opposition Democratic Party leader and the potential implications for the party’s future if Lee Jae-myung is forced to step down.

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 June 20, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith

In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by Korea Pro’s news trainee, Lina, for an engaging discussion on various topics.

First, the trio delves into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where South Korea signed numerous critical minerals and energy agreements. They explore how these deals align with South Korea’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals and how the country has been pursuing similar agreements with other regions.

Next, they examine South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, which revealed a modest increase in the country’s renewable energy target to 21.6% by 2030. The hosts discuss how this target compares to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries and the potential long-term trade disadvantages for South Korean businesses.

In a bittersweet moment, Lina announces that the following week will be her last as a news trainee at Korea Pro. She reflects on her favorite and most challenging assignments, the valuable lessons she learned during her time with the team and her future plans.

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the ongoing doctors’ strike in South Korea, with the Korean Medical Association planning a one-day general strike on Tuesday. They also touch on the government’s plan to increase the number of medical professors by 1,000 and the challenges Yoon will face upon his return from Central Asia, including tensions with North Korea. Finally, they mention the upcoming trilateral military exercise, Freedom Edge, between the U.S., South Korea and Japan.

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 June 14, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith