Episodit
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In this week’s episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha dive into another turbulent week for South Korea’s politics and economy.
They start with U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy: a 10% “baseline” tariff on all countries, combined with “reciprocal” tariffs on many trade partners. South Korea was hit particularly hard with a 26% rate, leading to a dip in local markets.
Next, they unpack the results of South Korea’s recent by-elections, where progressive parties came out on top. Despite fierce competition between the main opposition Democratic Party and the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, the ruling People Power Party suffered major losses — a setback partly attributed to Yoon’s impeachment hearing and the government’s response to recent wildfires.
They also discuss the Constitutional Court’s announcement that it will issue its ruling on Yoon’s impeachment on Friday, April 4. The decision comes after a prolonged deliberation period, raising questions about possible divisions among the justices.
Looking ahead, as South Korea braces for social unrest regardless of the ruling, Korea Pro will hold a public webinar just hours after the Constitutional Court’s Friday ruling to break down the verdict and its implications for the country. Listeners can RSVP at events.koreapro.org.
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 Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this week’s episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down a dramatic week in South Korean politics, trade and disaster response.
They begin with the Constitutional Court’s decision to reinstate Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reversing his December impeachment. The ruling found Han’s failure to appoint Constitutional Court justices unconstitutional — but not impeachable.
Next, the trio discusses the Seoul High Court’s acquittal of main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung on election law charges. With prosecutors appealing the case to the Supreme Court and the presidential race heating up, they assess how the ruling all but secures Lee’s path to the presidency.
Then they unpack U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping 25% tariff on all autos and parts, citing national security to sidestep trade deals like the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. They break down what this means for South Korea’s trade relations with the U.S. and how firms like Hyundai and Korean Air are scrambling to safeguard U.S. market access with massive investment and purchase pledges.
Finally, they turn to the worst wildfire in South Korea’s history. With at least 27 people dead, historical landmarks destroyed and vast farmland scorched, the fire has exposed the nation’s demographic vulnerabilities — including senior firefighters battling relentless flames — and raised urgent questions about the state of rural infrastructure and long-term agricultural recovery.
Looking ahead: South Korea is set to resume short selling on March 31, and the U.S. will unveil its new “reciprocal tariffs” policy on April 2.
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 Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
Puuttuva jakso?
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In this episode, John and Joon Ha break down the biggest headlines in South Korean news this week.
First, they discuss the main opposition Democratic Party’s announcement that it plans to launch impeachment proceedings against Acting President Choi Sang-mok, citing Choi’s failure to appoint a Constitutional Court nominee. John and Joon Ha go into how this move could deepen political instability and increase market volatility as the country awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.
Next, they analyze the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady, which has left the Bank of Korea (BOK) with limited policy options as household debt rises and the U.S.-Korea rate gap widens. John explains why the BOK faces a difficult balancing act between supporting domestic demand and preventing capital flight.
Finally, they cover South Korea’s decision to tighten anti-dumping measures on Chinese steel imports following the U.S.’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum. John explains how Beijing’s muted response reflects a strategic wait-and-see approach amid South Korea’s political uncertainty.
John and Joon Ha close by noting that the Constitutional Court will issue its ruling on former Acting President Han Duck-soo’s impeachment on Monday, which means that Yoon’s impeachment ruling may be announced next week.
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 Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, John and Joon Ha break down the latest developments in South Korea.
First, they discuss reports that the U.S. is considering designating South Korea as a “sensitive country,” which could limit high-tech exports and tighten U.S. security controls on key industries. John explores how this move could disrupt South Korea’s semiconductor, AI and defense sectors and posits this move could be a trade negotiations tactic.
Next, they discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on steel and aluminum, which have hit South Korea hard. John explains how some in Seoul are downplaying these tariffs, which apply to every steel exporter, but that these tariffs may make South Korean exports less competitive than U.S. steel.
Then, Joon Ha analyzes the Constitutional Court’s decision to reject the impeachment of Board of Audit and Inspection Chair Choe Jae-hae and three prosecutors involved in the investigation of first lady Kim Keon-hee. He then explains how President Yoon Suk-yeol’s release from custody has galvanized protesters on both sides of the aisle as the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Yoon’s impeachment in the coming days.
In the week ahead, John notes that all eyes will be on the Constitutional Court as Yoon and the rest of the country await his judgment.
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 Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin hosts a joint Korea Pro-NK Pro briefing with Andrei Lankov and Jumin Lee to analyze the political and security implications of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.
Andrei discusses how North Korea, now economically buoyed by Chinese and Russian support, views South Korean politics with growing indifference — unless Donald Trump revives sanctions relief talks. He explains why Pyongyang sees South Korea as a “broken ATM” and why North Korea is more focused on military and strategic gains from Russia than engaging with Seoul.
Jumin examines how a potential Lee Jae-myung presidency could reshape South Korea’s domestic and foreign policy. He argues that Lee is more politically pragmatic than his progressive predecessors, likely focusing on consolidating power at home while managing a complex relationship with both the U.S. and China.
The panel also explores how Trump’s second administration could change the U.S.-ROK alliance, the likelihood of renewed nuclear talks with North Korea and whether South Korea might pursue a more independent foreign policy in response to growing tensions with China and Russia.
Andrei Lankov is a Director at NK News and writes exclusively for the site as one of the world’s leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984 to 1985. In addition to his writing, he is also a Professor at Kookmin University.
Jumin Lee is a Korean trial attorney and former ROK Air Force officer. He is the author of a book that argues why South Korea needs an anti-discrimination law. He is based in Los Angeles.
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 Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down the latest developments shaping South Korea’s economy, defense, and diplomacy.
First, they discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest trade salvo, where he falsely claimed that South Korea imposes tariffs on U.S. goods four times higher than vice versa. With Seoul issuing a strongly worded response, John discusses the ROK’s trade concerns with the U.S.
Next, Joon Ha analyzes the botched military exercise in Pocheon, where a South Korean KF-16 mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training zone, injuring 15 civilians and damaging multiple buildings.
Finally, the team examines South Korea’s latest inflation figures, which show the Consumer Price Index slowing to 2.0% in February, yet the Life Cost Index rising to 2.6% — suggesting that everyday expenses still feel high for consumers.
In the week ahead, Jeongmin mentions that the Constitutional Court may issue its ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.
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 Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down the latest twists in South Korea’s political and diplomatic landscape.
First, they analyze President Yoon Suk-yeol’s final defense in his impeachment trial, where he justified his martial law declaration as a “communication tool” to alert the public about national crises. The team examines whether this argument holds weight and what it signals about Yoon’s political strategy.
Next, they discuss growing tensions between South Korea and China after Beijing’s ambassador publicly warned against rising anti-China rhetoric in Seoul. With Yoon repeatedly accusing China of election interference, Beijing may be signaling its displeasure.
Finally, the team dissects former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon’s new memoir on Yoon’s martial law declaration. Han appears to be distancing himself from Yoon as a calculated move to reenter politics.
Plus, a look ahead at the Constitutional Court’s latest ruling on Acting President Choi Sang-mok’s justice appointments and what it means for South Korea’s political landscape.
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 Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha break down two major developments shaking South Korea’s political and diplomatic landscape.
First, they analyze former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s Thursday testimony in President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment trial, where he contradicted Yoon’s claims that the Dec. 3 martial law declaration was meant to last only a few hours. Han’s statements suggest Yoon expected the emergency decree to last at least two days, raising further questions about the legality of the move.
On the foreign policy front, the team discusses Jeongmin’s participation in last week’s Munich Security Conference. The trio delves into the growing rift between the U.S. and its European allies following U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech at the event. With Washington shifting away from values-based diplomacy and embracing a more transactional approach, the team ponders how South Korea must rethink its own foreign policy strategy going forward.
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 Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, John and Joon Ha discuss former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which — unlike in 2018 — do not exempt South Korea in exchange for import quotas. The duo analyzes potential ripple effects on South Korea’s steel industry and the broader economy, particularly if Trump follows through on additional tariffs targeting semiconductors and EV batteries.
On the foreign policy front, John and Joon Ha unpack South Korea’s ongoing diplomatic challenges. With the first U.S.-Japan summit of the new Trump administration already held, South Korean officials risk playing catch-up in trilateral and bilateral negotiations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Munich, ahead of a tentative ROK-Japan-China trilateral meeting in late March. The discussion also touches on U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remarks that Ukraine’s security must not fall under NATO’s Article 5 commitments — a shift that could push European countries to boost defense spending, creating new export opportunities for South Korean arms firms.
Domestically, the Constitutional Court may soon wrap up witness testimonies in President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment trial, setting the stage for a ruling by late February or early March — unless ongoing disputes over judicial appointments delay the process. The duo also breaks down new allegations of election meddling, as all six opposition parties push for a special counsel investigation into Yoon’s alleged involvement in the 2022 and 2023 elections. Meanwhile, new polling data suggests Yoon’s impeachment remains deeply polarizing, though nearly 70% of centrist voters now support his removal.
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 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s ongoing martial law trial, where military commanders have given conflicting testimonies about whether Yoon ordered troops to detain opposition lawmakers and close the National Assembly.
The team also breaks down the Constitutional Court’s ruling against Acting President Choi Sang-mok’s truncated judicial appointments, a decision welcomed by the Democratic Party and criticized by the ruling People Power Party. While Choi has acknowledged the ruling, he insists that a bipartisan agreement is necessary before finalizing the last judicial appointment.
On the economic front, China has retaliated against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs by imposing export controls on tungsten and other rare earth metals essential for semiconductor production.
Meanwhile, South Korean government ministries have banned the use of DeepSeek’s R1 LLM on official computers, citing security concerns, aligning with similar measures taken by the U.S. government.
In diplomacy, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich, marking the first high-level U.S.-ROK engagement under the new Trump administration. This meeting follows a flurry of U.S.-Japan diplomatic interactions, including an upcoming summit between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Finally, South Korea’s industry ministry has confirmed that while oil and gas reserves likely exist under the East Sea, there is little evidence to suggest they are economically viable — affirming long-standing expert assessments.
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 Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss three key developments impacting South Korea’s political and economic landscape.
First, Donald Trump has officially taken office as the 47th President of the United States. While South Korea was not mentioned in his inaugural address or his executive orders, his remarks about a potential review of the USMCA may hint at how his administration could approach the KORUS FTA. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call, but discrepancies in their press briefings suggest possible diverging priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Next, Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong made an unprecedented call for fiscal stimulus to revive South Korea’s struggling economy. Although both the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party might agree on supplementary budgets, the timeline for action may hinge on the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment and the potential scheduling of the next presidential election.
Finally, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has requested the prosecution indict Yoon over his failed martial law bid. Yoon has exercised his right to remain silent, further highlighting the CIO’s limitations in enforcing compliance. Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has petitioned the Constitutional Court to review election laws following his recent conviction for disseminating false information during the 2022 presidential campaign.
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 Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
This special episode of The Korea Pro Podcast features a live recording from our latest Seoul Circuit event, held on Jan. 16, 2025. Unlike our usual 15-minute studio podcasts, this 45-minute discussion was moderated by Jeongmin, Korea Pro’s editorial director, over dinner and drinks.
The event’s speakers included Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, and Mason Richey, professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, president of the Korea International Studies Association and editor-in-chief of The Journal of East Asian Affairs.
Together, they explored the limitations of conventional Washington-centric perspectives — often referred to as “the Washington blob” — in analyzing Korean Peninsula issues. They discussed how geographical distance, institutional biases and regional complexities influence and sometimes distort global perceptions of South and North Korea.
Tune in to this special episode for an engaging and nuanced conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about the Korean Peninsula.
While this episode features the moderated discussion, the Q&A session that followed was conducted under the Chatham House Rule and is not included here. For exclusive insights and the chance to engage directly with stakeholders in Seoul, consider joining our next Seoul Circuit event.
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 Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, Jeongmin and John analyze the arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol, just 43 days after he declared martial law. They discuss the reported refusal of Presidential Security Service agents to follow orders to protect Yoon from arrest, the arrest of the PSS Acting Chief and Acting President Choi Sang-mok’s role in signaling a potential stand-down.
The discussion then turns to the Bank of Korea’s decision to maintain its key interest rate at 3%, halting recent cuts amid concerns over currency volatility and the South Korean won’s approach to the 1,500 won-per-dollar threshold.
Jeongmin and John also dissect Pete Hegseth’s Senate confirmation hearing as Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s written statement referring to North Korea as a nuclear state raises troubling implications for South Korea, suggesting the incoming Trump administration might sideline Seoul in renewed direct negotiations with Kim Jong Un.
Finally, the team previews the week ahead, including Trump’s Monday inauguration. They theorize Trump’s silence on Yoon’s impeachment and arrest reflects either a strategic focus on other priorities — Ukraine, Israel and Greenland — or advice to avoid parallels between Yoon’s actions and Trump’s own charges with attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential 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 Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode, the Korea Pro team dives into the currency fluctuations affecting South Korea’s economy and discusses the implications of the recently signed memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy exports. They also analyze the potential reintroduction of the special counsel investigation into Yoon’s martial law declaration and its implications for South Korea’s legal framework.
The discussion moves to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea and the Biden administration’s appointment of Joseph Yun as the charge d'affaires to the country following Ambassador Philip Goldberg’s departure.
Finally, the team previews the week ahead, including a possible New Year’s press conference by South Korea’s leadership and the attendance of prominent South Korean business leaders at Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington, D.C. Notable attendees include Chung Yong-jin of Shinsegae Group and Ryu Jin of the Federation of Korean Industries.
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 Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha analyze a turbulent week in South Korean politics. They begin with the appointment of Acting President Choi Sang-mok following Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment last Friday, the plane crash at Muan International Airport over the weekend and Choi’s polarizing decisions to appoint only two Constitutional Court justices while vetoing special counsel bills.
The team delves into the unprecedented warrant issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest and the escalating standoff between law enforcement and the Presidential Security Service outside Yoon’s residence. They discuss the legal and military chain-of-command uncertainties, as pro-Yoon protesters continue to rally and the warrant’s expiration looms.
The episode concludes with an exploration of the broader implications for South Korea’s institutional integrity, alliance with the U.S. and defense operations, as well as key events to watch in the coming week, including a likely request to extend the arrest warrant for Yoon.
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 Thursday and Friday, Jan. 2 and 3, 2025.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and John explore the mounting political crisis surrounding Acting President Han Duck-soo. The discussion begins with Han’s decision to delay appointing Constitutional Court justices until bipartisan agreement is reached, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
The duo then unpacks the main opposition Democratic Party’s (DP) push to pass an impeachment bill against Han and the escalating debate between the DP and the ruling People Power Party over the number of parliamentary votes required to remove him from office — 151 or 200.
Looking ahead, Jeongmin and John discuss the possibility that the Constitutional Court could decide to prioritize resolving the procedural dispute over Han’s impeachment before proceeding with President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment. Additionally, South Korea’s ongoing political stability will likely lead to increased economic volatility.
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 Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha dive into revelations about the scale of South Korea’s Dec. 3 martial law operation. The hosts examine the deployment of over 1,500 troops armed with advanced weaponry, including sniper rifles and anti-drone guns, as well as the implications of over 10,000 rounds of ammunition being prepared. The team discusses public and political reactions to these revelations, as well as potential long-term impacts on trust in government and military accountability.
The discussion then shifts to Acting President Han Duck-soo’s veto of six bills, analyzing his constitutional and fiscal concerns and how this will likely impact Han’s relationship with the main opposition party for the next few months.
Finally, the episode explores the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut and its impact on South Korea’s economy. With the won at a 16-year low and inflationary pressures mounting, the hosts discuss the finance ministry’s response and the difficult policy choices facing the Bank of Korea.
Looking forward, John and Joon Ha discuss the ongoing investigations by prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials into Yoon’s martial law declaration, and how it will likely dominate South Korea’s news headlines in the coming week.
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 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha dissect President Yoon Suk-yeol’s televised address defending his martial law declaration. The discussion begins with a detailed analysis of the president’s key arguments, including his revelations about election system vulnerabilities and accusations that the opposition Democratic Party has paralyzed state functions.
The conversation then turns to the immediate political ramifications, exploring how Yoon’s defiant stance — including his refusal to resign — might affect Saturday’s impeachment vote and the ruling People Power Party’s efforts to arrange an “orderly exit” for the president.
The hosts also examine the economic dimension of the crisis through the lens of the finance ministry’s emergency response to market turbulence. They discuss the significance of Tuesday’s opposition-led budget passage, which slashed $2.87 billion in spending without government consent, and analyze how continued political instability could impact South Korea’s financial markets and broader economy.
Looking ahead, the team evaluates various scenarios for resolving the crisis, including the prospects for a negotiated political settlement, impeachment proceedings and the challenges of maintaining stable governance amid unprecedented constitutional tensions.
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 Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
In this special joint episode for Korea Pro and NK News, Korea Pro’s editorial director Jeongmin Kim is joined by editor John Lee and junior news reporter Joon Ha Park to dissect South Korea’s unprecedented political turmoil.
The team breaks down last night’s dramatic events, including President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration, the military’s storming of the National Assembly and the swift revocation of martial law by lawmakers.
Jeongmin shares insights from the ground, while Joon Ha outlines the night’s events and the reactions from political parties and analyzes the speech that triggered the crisis. The episode explores Yoon’s rationale, his references to North Korea and “anti-state factions” and how Pyongyang might seek to exploit the situation.
Finally, the team discusses the immediate fallout, including impeachment proceedings, Cabinet resignations and the broader implications for South Korea’s democracy and stability.
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 Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson -
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 - Näytä enemmän
