In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent defense reshuffle, which saw the appointment of Kim Yong-hyun as the new defense minister, Shin Won-sik as the new national security adviser and Chang Ho-jin as the new special advisor for diplomatic security. The hosts analyze the significance of these appointments and their timing and what they reveal about Yoon’s foreign policy priorities.

The conversation then shifts to the voluntary disclosure of electric vehicle (EV) battery information by South Korean and foreign automakers. With 35% of South Korean EVs using Chinese batteries, the hosts explore the potential implications of this disclosure, including supply chain disruption issues and the growing media attention on the use of Chinese batteries.

Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John delve into the recent corruption scandals at Woori Bank, where executives and employees were found to have bypassed standard screening processes and provided the bank’s previous chairman and his family with millions of dollars in inappropriate loans.

They also touch upon the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military drill, which reportedly will not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario and Yoon’s National Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15. Finally, the hosts preview the upcoming National Assembly plenary session on Aug. 28, which is expected to focus on non-contentious public livelihood bills, such as the special law on rental fraud.

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 Aug. 14, 2024

Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson