In the latest episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, Lina and Joon Ha discuss the much-anticipated first formal meeting between opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and President Yoon Suk-yeol since Yoon's inauguration. The episode highlights how Lee’s surprise speech to the press allowed the opposition to dominate the optics. However, the outcome remained ambiguous, with both sides presenting differing narratives of the discussion and leaving several high-profile issues unresolved.

The episode also delves into upcoming political events, including Choo Mi-ae, the frontrunner for speaker of the National Assembly, nominations for the next ruling and opposition floor leaders, a plenary session to pass the revised Itaewon probe bill, a contentious bill for a special investigation into the death of a marine last year, and updates on the doctors' strikes.

Lastly, the Korea Pro team discusses socio-economic issues, such as the controversy over universal cash vouchers and the financial pressures faced by small and medium-sized business owners. They also explore the recent rise of unmanned shops and the associated social challenges.

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 May 1, 2024. 

Audio edited by Joe Smith