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