A New Status for South Korea as a Global Health Leader?

Despite Korea's early successes in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent survey suggests that fewer Americans see South Korea as an ideal partner in global health...

North Korean Economy Shrinks in 2020

North Korea’s real GDP fell by 4.5% in 2020, the steepest decline since 1997 during the “Arduous March,” when North Korea was hit by famine.

Broad Policies Unable to Manage Competing Economic Demands

Policies intended to encourage spending amid the pandemic may have exacerbated South Korea’s housing market crisis.

Economic Woes Discourage Corporate Discipline

An anxious public becomes increasingly opposed to punishing companies that are seen as growth leaders.

Political promises falter in the face of economics

South Korea’s political establishment struggles to reduce the country’s reliance on nuclear energy given the country’s economic demands.

How South Korea Can Upgrade its Strategic Partnership with Vietnam

South Korea and Vietnam are both regional middle powers caught by strategic dilemmas amid intensifying U.S.-China competition.

Seoul Housing Prices Speak to Larger Social Problems

The government focuses on housing issues after the ruling Democratic Party’s loss in the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections, but bigger challenges remain.

The Biden Trade Agenda: The First 100 Days and Beyond

South Korea’s Adaptable Engagement with Iran

Seoul explores a more flexible bilateral relationship with Iran as the Biden administration signals openness to recommitting to the JCPOA.

Growth and Climate Change Mitigation At Odds

The South Korean government’s dual aim of promoting economic growth while pursuing carbon neutrality faces headwinds.

North Korea’s COVID-19 Vaccine Cold Chain Challenge

For North Korea to return to some semblance of its pre-COVID existence it will need to vaccinate its population, but acquiring the necessary vaccines will...

The Friction Between Employment and Property

The government’s new proposal to protect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) comes into conflict with property owners.

Prospects for Trade Policy and U.S.-Korea Trade Under the Biden Administration

Building the Seoul Metro System, Part 2: Plastic

Seoul's near-optimal metro system was not built by accident. Seoul adopted tools that facilitated people’s ability to access the public transportation system, most notably a...

Building the Seoul Metro System, Part 1: Steel

Seoul's near-optimal metro system was not built by accident. The government made an early commitment to building an extensive network of tracks.