KOREA PRO Podcast
A weekly conversation about the most important news in politics, business, economy and society shaping South Korea right now. A quick, smart and to the point briefing hosted by KOREA PRO’s Jeongmin Kim and John Lee.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 11
- Latest publication
- Sep 25, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 10, 2026
Latest episodes
Lee-Trump talks, US investment pressure and Mexico trip — Ep. 150 (opens the original)
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On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to New York for the U.N. General Assembly, where he outlined a three-part vision for “peaceful coexistence” with North Korea and held a 30-minute meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. They then turn to South Korea’s difficult investment negotiations with Washington, including proposals involving a Texas gas power plant, Westinghouse and the Alaska LNG pipeline. The episode also
Hormuz deployment, France nuclear deal and Olympic Park protests — Ep. 149 (opens the original)
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On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha discuss South Korea’s consideration of a possible military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. They examine Seoul’s fact-finding mission to the Middle East, the military assets reportedly under consideration and the political dilemma facing President Lee Jae Myung as Washington presses allies for greater involvement while Iran warns of repercussions. They then turn to Lee’s summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and agreemen
Veteran general tapped for defense minister as Cabinet dispute grows — Ep. 148 (opens the original)
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On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, John is joined by Alannah Hill to discuss President Lee Jae Myung’s nomination of retired General Kang Shin-chul as South Korea’s next defense minister. They examine Kang’s experience managing the U.S.-ROK alliance, his support for the government’s military academy reforms and OPCON transfer, as well as the scrutiny he is likely to face over the military’s failed response to North Korean drone incursions in 2022. They then turn to controversy over
South Korea’s drone push falters as police reform raises alarm — Ep. 147 (opens the original)
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On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha discuss South Korea’s troubled push to build up its drone capabilities after two low-cost loitering munition prototypes crashed within seconds during a Navy demonstration for journalists. They examine what the failed test says about procurement, coordination between defense agencies and the difficulty of developing an indigenous drone industry that can compete on both price and scale. They then turn to mounting scrutiny of South K
Trump cuts UFS drills as Kim summit push rattles alliance — Ep. 146 (opens the original)
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On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to substantially reduce the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, forcing South Korea and the U.S. to cut the drills from 11 days to five after preparations were already underway. They break down what the abrupt change means for alliance readiness and plans to transfer wartime operational control to Seoul, including how reduced training could disrupt assessments of Sou
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