South Korea’s Salt Farm Problem: How Local Labor Failures Create Trade Risk
The Sinan salt farm case reflects deeper governance challenges linking demographic decline, rural labor markets, enforcement capacity, and global supply-chain scrutiny.
Kim Jong Un Builds a Wall With South Korea at Party Congress
Kim Jong Un’s speech at the Ninth Party Congress covered familiar themes on economic and military development and preconditions for dialogue with the United States, but revealed deep antagonism toward South Korea.
The Trump Administration’s Next Trade Moves After IEEPA Ruling
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on IEEPA tariffs, the Trump administration maintains substantial authority to pursue aggressive trade policies.
What the Ninth Party Congress Tells Us About Where North Korea Is Headed
North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress focused on goals related to economic development, military capabilities, and self-reliance.
South Korea’s Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals as FORGE Chair
South Korea must move beyond domestic measures on critical minerals and develop a more refined multilateral strategy to enhance global supply chain stability.
Takaichi’s Landslide Victory and What It Means for South Korea
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s victory in the lower house elections poses both opportunities and risks for the Korea-Japan relationship.
The Coupang Data Breach: A Timeline
South Korea’s largest online retailer suffered a massive data breach last year that exposed the personal information of more than 33 million users.
What Happens to the U.S.-Korea Trade Deal With IEEPA Off the Table?
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.
South Korea Faces Policy Bind as GDP Contracts
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.
Redrawing America’s Security Bargains in Northeast Asia
The Trump administration’s attempts to redraw the security bargains with South Korea and Japan are creating growing tension and uncertainty.