In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha examine how economic security, domestic politics and supply-chain strategy are increasingly colliding for South Korea.

They begin with the special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law preparations, discussing why prosecutors concluded the episode was the result of prolonged institutional erosion rather than an isolated abuse of power.

The conversation then turns to economic security. The hosts assess the launch of the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative and Korea Zinc’s $7.5 billion U.S. smelter project, focusing on how allied coordination is shifting geopolitical compliance costs onto private firms.

They also discuss South Korea’s record ICT exports and third-quarter corporate data, unpacking how surging semiconductor shipments to China and rising chaebol profitability are masking deepening stress among small and medium-sized enterprises.

The episode concludes with a look ahead to an upcoming ban on the free provision of disposable plastic cups at various business establishments, including cafes, under a comprehensive “de-plastics” policy.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson