In this special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin sits down with Andrew Yeo to analyze the implications of a second Trump presidency for the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The discussion examines how South Korean policymakers might be preparing for various scenarios and their impact on regional security dynamics.

The conversation delves into potential shifts in the U.S. Forces Korea’s role and mission under a second Trump administration. Yeo discusses how USFK could face greater pressure for strategic flexibility in regional contingencies, particularly as Washington increasingly prioritizes China and broader Indo-Pacific challenges. 

Turning to economic concerns, Yeo breaks down the risks of Trump’s proposed blanket tariffs on trade partners and their potential impact on South Korean investments in the U.S., particularly in sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. The discussion examines how South Korean companies might need to reassess their U.S. investment strategies, and explores potential strategies for managing trade tensions.

Looking ahead, they discuss broader implications for U.S. global leadership and what Trump’s electoral success reveals about American voters’ embrace of economic nationalism. Yeo suggests that while some of Trump’s policies may endure after he leaves office, the U.S. will likely remain an “indispensable partner” in regional security despite evolving domestic political dynamics. Their discussion also touches on how future South Korean administrations might navigate these evolving dynamics, especially given domestic political transitions expected in the coming years.

Guest: Andrew Yeo is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Center for East Asia Policy Studies and SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korean Studies at The Brookings Institution.

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 Monday, Nov. 25, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson