2025 Year in Review: Old Trade Order, Meet the New Trade Order
The new way of doing trade is now largely conditional, transactional, and leveraged by strategic industries
How Lee Jae Myung Hopes to Rebuild Leverage on the Korean Peninsula
A stronger focus on defense by denial could enhance stability and reassure Pyongyang that dialogue remains possible.
Japan’s Succession Battle Pits Moderates Against the Right—and Korea Is Watching
The path ahead in Japan is likely to be fraught with ongoing political instability until the party wins a new election and regains its majority.
What a New Prime Minister in Japan Could Mean for Relations with South Korea
The upcoming LDP leadership race will test whether Seoul and Tokyo can preserve the fragile progress made in recent years.
What Lee Jae Myung’s Washington Debut Says About South Korea’s Foreign Policy
Trump and Lee are off to a good start, but it’s crucial for both that substantive discussions and agreements are codified in writing.
What Lee Jae Myung’s Liberation Day Speech Reveals About His Trade and Foreign Policies
The president’s speech revealed true pragmatism on trade and foreign policy, but early signs suggest Seoul clings to other familiar narratives.
Recalibration in South Korea and the Indo-Pacific
Pressure falls on the Lee administration to manage the U.S.-Korea alliance and restore comity among contending parties at home amid severe polarization.
South Korean Critical Mineral Development in Africa
Sourcing critical minerals for the clean energy transition will be paramount to future economic success.
Cuba Opens Embassy in Seoul and North Korea Makes Its Displeasure Known
The opening of full diplomatic ties between Seoul and Havana is a clear reflection of the current economic and political realities on the Korean Peninsula.
The Ongoing Search for Justice for Korean-American Adoptees
Official apology is the first step in bringing justice to Korean-American adoptees victimized by the corrupt nature of old South Korean policies.