Episodit
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In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by Korea Pro’s junior correspondent Joon Ha to explore recent developments in South Korea’s economic, diplomatic and educational sectors.
The discussion begins with an analysis of the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, marking the first reduction in four and a half years. The team examines the potential implications of this move for South Korea’s economy.
Next, they turn their attention to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to the Czech Republic. The team delves into Yoon’s efforts to encourage Prague to finalize its decision to collaborate with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power in constructing the European country’s nuclear power plant.
Joon Ha then presents insights from his recent analysis for Korea Pro, focusing on the Bank of Korea’s proposal to reform the country’s university admissions system, which aims to address economic inequality stemming from South Korea’s highly competitive academic culture.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin notes that South Koreans have returned to work following the Chuseok holidays, including the National Assembly. She highlights two significant developments: the renewed push for a special prosecutorial investigation into the first lady and the main opposition party’s unilateral passage of a bill mandating state support for regional gift vouchers.
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 Sept. 19, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John explore recent developments in South Korea’s defense, business and economic sectors.
The discussion begins with a review of the REAIM Summit Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining human control over AI in military applications. The hosts analyze the summit itself and its implications for future conflicts and arms races.
Next, they delve into a new enforcement decree that allows South Korean companies to collect necessary personal information without explicit user consent. Jeongmin and John examine the potential impacts on business operations and consumer privacy.
The conversation then shifts to economic matters, starting with the South Korean government’s decision to freeze national health insurance premiums for the second consecutive year. They also explore the financial watchdog’s decision to tighten regulations on illegal money lenders, considering both the protective measures for vulnerable populations and the potential consequences for those with limited borrowing options.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview next week’s upcoming events, including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting and its potential impact on South Korea’s monetary policy, the critical shortage of emergency room doctors and Iraq’s expected purchase of South Korea’s Cheongung-II missile defense system.
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 Sept. 12, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
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In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by junior news reporter Joon Ha to discuss the latest developments in South Korean politics, defense, trade, and society.
The two begin by discussing a surprising statement from South Korea’s Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo, who suggested that the U.S. nuclear umbrella might weaken if Donald Trump is reelected. John and Joon Ha analyze the implications of this unusually frank comment about U.S. elections from a high-ranking South Korean official.
The discussion then moves to South Korea’s defense industry, focusing on Hanwha Ocean’s recent memorandum of understanding with Polish defense firm WB Group for submarine cooperation. They explore the challenges South Korea faces in naval exports compared to its success in land-based military equipment sales to Poland.
On the trade front, John and Joon Ha examine South Korea’s agreement with Western Australia on clean energy and key minerals, particularly lithium. They discuss the strategic importance of this deal in diversifying supply chains away from China and the potential challenges involved.
The conversation shifts to South Korea’s nuclear power ambitions, with a focus on the recent selection of South Korea as the preferred bidder for a Czech nuclear power plant project. John and Joon Ha delve into the legal challenges posed by U.S. and French competitors and their potential impact on Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company’s export plans.
In societal news, the duo discusses the ongoing investigation into Telegram’s role in deepfake sex crimes following Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France. They also touch on Telegram’s recent compliance with content removal requests and its apology for its handling of digital sex crimes.
Finally, John gives a preview of upcoming events, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s final visit to South Korea before stepping down and next week’s Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference co-hosted by South Korea, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
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 Sept. 5, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John dive into South Korea’s latest policy challenges and social issues.
The discussion begins with an analysis of the recently approved 2025 budget proposal. Our hosts break down the winners and losers, highlighting increased support for high-tech sectors, healthcare and defense, while noting reduced allocations for public housing, infrastructure and regional spending.
The conversation then shifts to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s pension reform plans, aimed at addressing generational imbalances and ensuring the pension fund’s long-term sustainability. Jeongmin and John examine the proposed tiered premium rates designed to ease the burden on younger workers and the political context surrounding these reforms.
The hosts also touch on the recent passage of the bipartisan Nursing Act, which Yoon had previously vetoed, and its connection to the ongoing doctors’ strike over increased medical school admission quotas.
Lastly, Jeongmin and John discuss a deepfake pornography scandal that has rocked the nation, involving scores of men generating illicit images of women they know and using encrypted messaging apps to share such images.
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. 29, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John begin by discussing the Bank of Korea’s decision to maintain its interest rate for the 13th consecutive time, the longest streak to date, amid record-high household debt of $1.4 trillion. The hosts explore the paradox of increasing real estate investments despite personal debt levels, touching on practices like gap investment and the misuse of the government’s housing lottery system.
The conversation then shifts to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, noting that even prominent figures like main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung have been affected. Jeongmin and John analyze the government’s response, including the expectation of a peak by month’s end and the challenges posed by a shortage of treatment drugs. They discuss the focus on treating vulnerable populations in the absence of previous pandemic mandates.
Lastly, the hosts delve into the changing hiring practices of South Korean conglomerates in response to the country’s aging population. They examine the shift from traditional mass exam-style open recruitment to hiring older, more experienced workers, and consider the implications for costs and innovation, especially in high-tech companies.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview several upcoming events, including a potential visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to South Korea in September, the National Assembly plenary session focusing on non-controversial public welfare issues, the postponement of Lee Jae-myung’s meeting with Han Dong-hoon, and the continuation of the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise.
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. 22, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
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 -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing controversy surrounding Japan’s Sado mine, which was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They discuss Japan’s rejection of South Korea’s request to acknowledge forced Korean labor at the mine and the potential political fallout for the Yoon administration’s foreign policy toward Japan. The hosts also explore the Democratic Party’s likely continued criticism of the government’s handling of the issue and the potential erosion of South Korean support for U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation post-Yoon.
Shifting gears, Jeongmin explains the rare bipartisan push to amend South Korea’s outdated espionage laws, which have remained unchanged since 1953. While lawmakers claim the proposed bills aim to establish a South Korean version of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, Jeongmin notes the conspicuous absence of a registration clause and the adoption of broad, vague language that could excessively expand the definition of espionage. They also discuss the potential strain on South Korea’s international relations and a reported incident involving the leak of Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Black Panther tank technology to a rival South Korean company.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John highlight the upcoming National Liberation Day on Aug. 15, during which President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to announce the country’s new reunification roadmap. They also preview the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield military drill scheduled for the following week, noting that it will reportedly not include a North Korean nuclear attack scenario.
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. 8, 2024
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea’s economic challenges as it finds itself caught between the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan’s divergent monetary policies. They discuss the potential impact on the South Korean won and the Bank of Korea’s dilemma in balancing concerns about inflation and stimulating growth, amid contrasting data points such as increased exports in July and a contraction in GDP in the second quarter.
The conversation then shifts to the recent agreement between the U.S., South Korea and Japan to institutionalize their trilateral cooperation, with a commitment to maintaining peace in the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Jeongmin and John explore the implications of this declaration and the South Korean defense ministry’s reluctance to provide further details.
Next, the hosts discuss Japan’s Sado Gold Mine being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and South Korea’s decision to end its opposition, citing Tokyo’s commitment to acknowledge the history of forced Korean labor at the site.
Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the week ahead, including South Korea’s appointment of a new ambassador to Australia and the Yoon administration’s review of structural changes that will reintroduce the first lady’s office.
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. 1, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into the ongoing fallout from the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official. They discuss how this case has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), with both sides trading accusations about their interactions with Terry.
The conversation then shifts to a legislative proposal by DP lawmaker Park Sun-won. Park has suggested amending South Korea’s Criminal Act to introduce a law similar to the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). This proposed amendment aims to broaden the scope of the current law, which only addresses espionage related to “enemy states” (specifically North Korea), to include friendly nations and quasi-enemy states.
Jeongmin and John provide an in-depth analysis of the potential implications of this proposed law. They explore how such legislation could impact various sectors, including universities, think tanks, and businesses. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of implementing a FARA-like law in South Korea, considering the country’s geopolitical position and its relationships with various international actors.
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 July 26, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss the Czech government’s selection of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred negotiation partner for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the European country. They begin by discussing how the announcement will likely impact South Korea’s nuclear energy sector, its domestic political ramifications and how it might affect the U.S.-ROK alliance in the future due to KHNP’s ongoing legal dispute with Westinghouse Electric Company over intellectual property rights.
The conversation then shifts to last week’s assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, exploring its potential impact on the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential ramifications for South Korea should Trump return to office.
Next, the hosts then delve into the indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and White House official, for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of South Korea. Jeongmin and John examine the charges against Terry.
Finally, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming ruling People Power Party (PPP) leadership race, set for July 23. They discuss the key candidates, including Han Dong-hoon, and analyze the party’s internal divisions between pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon factions in the wake of the party’s defeat in April’s parliamentary election.
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 July 18, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s trip to the U.S. where he visited the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii and attended the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. They discuss Yoon’s bilateral meetings with various world leaders.
Next, the hosts analyze the labor ministry’s report on South Korea’s employment numbers reaching a 15-month high. John speculates that a significant portion of the numbers may be attributed to senior citizens seeking part-time employment, as the proportion of South Koreans above 65 years old approaches 19.51%, putting the country on the brink of becoming a super-aged society.
The discussion then shifts to the ongoing backlash faced by Han Dong-hoon, the former interim leader of the People Power Party, as he runs for the party’s leadership. The hosts touch upon reports of Han “ghosting” the first lady’s text messages and his attempts to distance himself from Yoon, which have been used against him by other leadership candidates.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John preview the upcoming impeachment hearings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, set to be unilaterally held by the opposition Democratic Party on July 19, coinciding with the first anniversary of a marine’s death that sparked allegations of interference in the investigation by top officials.
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 July 11, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John are joined by David C. Kang, professor of International Relations and Business at the University of Southern California. The wide-ranging discussion delves into the complexities of the U.S.-South Korea alliance as both countries navigate domestic political shifts and face evolving challenges in the region.
Kang shares his insights on South Korea’s considerations surrounding potential domestic nuclear weapons development, the limitations of U.S. security assurances and the missed opportunity of the Hanoi Summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The conversation also explores the impact of a potential Trump return to the White House on the alliance, as well as the U.S. role in supporting democracy in Asia.
The discussion touches upon potential conflict points between South Korea and the U.S., including trade tensions and policy differences toward Japan and China. Kang also offers recommendations for U.S. and South Korean leaders in addressing regional challenges, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and economic solutions beyond military measures.
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 July 4, 2024.
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John delve into South Korea’s economic outlook and demographic challenges.
They begin by examining the impending retirement of second-generation baby boomers and its projected impact on South Korea’s economic growth over the next decade. The hosts also discuss Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s optimistic economic projections and contrast them with John’s analysis of key indicators that suggest a more vulnerable economy. The discussion covers the won’s performance against the dollar, its impact on exports and the government’s currency interventions.
Next, they explore the finance ministry’s recently announced $30 billion aid package for small businesses and President Yoon Suk-yeol’s criticism of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s cash handout proposal.
Jeongmin and John then shift gears to discuss an analysis written by a new contributor, Ruy Valdes, concerning a trend among South Korean youth: excessive caffeine consumption for academic performance. They share personal experiences from their time as students and education sector workers.
Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming departure of Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, recounting the controversies surrounding his tenure, including his “betting on China’s defeat” remark and its political fallout.
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 July 5, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John dive into the latest developments in South Korean politics and a tragic industrial accident.
The duo begins by discussing the main opposition Democratic Party’s recent victories in the tug-of-war over committee leadership and the party’s decision to weaken anti-corruption rules in its charter. They also touch on the confirmed frontrunners for the ruling People Power Party’s leadership race and their sudden shift to advocating nuclear armament on the 74th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.
Next, Jeongmin and John delve into the devastating lithium factory fire that occurred south of Seoul on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 23 people, mostly foreign workers. They explore the reasons behind the high number of casualties, the dangers associated with lithium batteries and similar accidents that have occurred elsewhere, such as the Tesla Megapack fires in Australia. The hosts also raise questions about the factory’s compliance with the Serious Accident Punishment Act and the application of this law to foreign workers.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John discuss the ongoing doctors’ strike and South Korea’s stance on potentially providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, despite public opposition.
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 27, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
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 -
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 -
In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss a range of developments in South Korea and beyond.
First, Jeongmin and John delve into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s surprise announcement regarding potentially vast oil and gas reserves off the country’s east coast. They analyze the government-commissioned study by U.S. firm Act-Geo, the many unknowns surrounding the reserves and the potential economic and market implications of the news.
Next, the duo examines the recent election of South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker, Woo Won-sik, and the jockeying among lawmakers to lead various committees in the 22nd National Assembly.
They then turn to the ongoing tensions between South Korea and Japan, discussing the recent agreement to put aside differences over the 2018 radar lock-on dispute and the divergent narratives in South Korean and Japanese media regarding Japan’s withdrawn request for South Korea to accept the use of the “rising sun” flag by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The conversation shifts to South Korea’s role as chair of the U.N. Security Council for a month, with Jeongmin and John exploring the largely symbolic nature of the position, the potential pressure on South Korea to speak out on global affairs and the likelihood of the country using the opportunity to highlight North Korea’s sanctions violations and human rights abuses.
Finally, the co-hosts wrap up by discussing the recently concluded Korea-Africa summit, the agreements reached on trade, business cooperation and sustainable resource development and the challenges South Korea faces in competing with established players in the African market.
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 5, 2024
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-host John is joined by news trainee Lina to discuss a range of pressing issues in South Korea.
First, John and Lina dive into the latest scandal surrounding President Yoon Suk-yeol. They examine fresh allegations that suggest he may have meddled in the investigation into a marine’s death from last year, and how this will likely spur opposition parties to attempt to call for another special prosecution investigation just two days after they failed in the same bid.
Next, John and Lina examine the conflict between the Seoul City government and organizers of the Seoul Queer Culture Festival, discussing how it reflects broader societal and political attitudes towards LGBTQ events and communities in South Korea and the potential impact on the country’s international reputation.
The duo then tackles the issue of nuclear waste management in South Korea, analyzing the potential economic repercussions and the impact on the country’s trade relations if a permanent disposal solution for high-level radioactive waste is not found soon.
Finally, Lina shares her insights and experiences from her recent interviews regarding the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education’s removal of books from school libraries. She discusses the challenges she faced in gathering information and perspectives, highlights memorable interviews and explores the potential effects of the book removals on the future of sex education and gender equality discussions in South Korea.
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 May 30, 2024.
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss Samsung Electronics’ appointment of Jun Young-hyun as the new head of its semiconductor division. They explore the challenges Jun will face in maintaining Samsung’s leadership position in the global semiconductor sector.
The duo also examines the South Korean presidential office’s decision to maintain the country’s short-selling ban until a “reliable system” is in place and what this might mean for domestic and international investors.
Jeongmin and John then discuss the presidential office’s apology for the confusion caused by the government’s recently announced measures to regulate overseas direct purchases and its subsequent decision to cancel the proposed regulation. These measures would have required a Korea Certification (KC) safety mark for 80 product categories.
The co-hosts also discuss the ongoing tensions between Naver and Line Yahoo, as Line Yahoo has stated that it will not be transferring its operations in Southeast Asia and other markets outside Japan to Naver, threatening Naver’s overseas expansion plans.
Finally, they provide a quick rundown of next week’s summit diplomacy, with South Korea set to hold bilateral summits with the United Arab Emirates and Japan, as well as a trilateral summit with Japan and China.
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 May 23, 2024.
Audio edited by Joe Smith -
In this week’s episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, co-hosts Jeongmin and John discuss the unexpected election of five-term lawmaker Woo Won-shik as the National Assembly speaker and the strategies employed by Woo and his rival, Choo Mi-ae.
The duo also examines the first lady’s recent public appearance amid the ongoing Dior bag scandal, with the latest investigations focusing on the pastor who deliberately gifted her the bag. They analyze President Yoon Suk-yeol’s pledge to support non-union workers and its potential impact on the Democratic Party and unions.
Jeongmin and John explore Naver’s growing concerns over its stake in LY Corp. and how ROK politicians are using the issue to push anti-Japanese narratives. They also discuss the implications of U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to maintain or raise tariffs on Chinese exports for South Korean businesses.
In the tech sphere, the co-hosts highlight the government’s support for R&D on low-noise hydrogen fuel cell generators and KAIST researchers’ proposal for mass-producing nano-threads for smart fabrics.
Finally, they discuss South Korea’s foreign minister Cho Tae-yul’s visit to Beijing and its significance for the upcoming South Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit and the second round of Special Measures Agreement negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea.
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 May 16, 2024.
Audio edited by Joe Smith - Näytä enemmän
