Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s victory in the lower house elections poses both opportunities and risks for the Korea-Japan relationship.

South Korea’s largest online retailer suffered a massive data breach last year that exposed the personal information of more than 33 million users.

The Trump administration’s ability to levy tariffs in other ways will likely persuade South Korea to keep its investment commitments under the tariff deal.

Data shows that 2025 GDP rose 1 percent above 2024, but a surge in the third quarter did not continue through the end of the year.

The Trump administration’s attempts to redraw the security bargains with South Korea and Japan are creating growing tension and uncertainty.