In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by Korea Pro’s news trainee, Lina, for an engaging discussion on various topics.

First, the trio delves into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where South Korea signed numerous critical minerals and energy agreements. They explore how these deals align with South Korea’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals and how the country has been pursuing similar agreements with other regions.

Next, they examine South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, which revealed a modest increase in the country’s renewable energy target to 21.6% by 2030. The hosts discuss how this target compares to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries and the potential long-term trade disadvantages for South Korean businesses.

In a bittersweet moment, Lina announces that the following week will be her last as a news trainee at Korea Pro. She reflects on her favorite and most challenging assignments, the valuable lessons she learned during her time with the team and her future plans.

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the ongoing doctors’ strike in South Korea, with the Korean Medical Association planning a one-day general strike on Tuesday. They also touch on the government’s plan to increase the number of medical professors by 1,000 and the challenges Yoon will face upon his return from Central Asia, including tensions with North Korea. Finally, they mention the upcoming trilateral military exercise, Freedom Edge, between the U.S., South Korea and Japan.

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 14, 2024 

Audio edited by Joe Smith