In this week’s episode, Jeongmin and Joon Ha analyze the chaotic weekend that led to Kim Moon-soo becoming the People Power Party’s presidential candidate after a dramatic series of reversals. Jeongmin breaks down an overnight decision by the PPP leadership to retract Kim’s candidacy, followed by a party poll that ultimately reinstated him after Han Duck-soo’s withdrawal.

The duo then explores the newly released ten-point policy visions of the three main presidential candidates, with Lee Jae-myung emphasizing post-crisis recovery and state-led technological sector innovation, Kim Moon-soo focusing on pro-business deregulation and stronger national defense, and minor candidate Lee Jun-seok positioning himself as a reformer for younger generations.

The team also unpacks the recent temporary agreement between the U.S. and China to dramatically reduce tariffs for a 90-day window and the South Korean officials’ cautious response amid ongoing global trade uncertainties. They look ahead to the upcoming presidential debates and other election-related schedules throughout the rest of May, building up until the June 3 snap election.

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 15, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson