South Korea’s continuing political extremism
Significance. South Korea is experiencing a surge in political extremism among its youth, driven by economic frustration, social disillusionment, and digital radicalization.
2025 02 27
Limited debate and extremist ideology clouds Korea’s position on Taiwan
Significance. South Korea’s lack of discussion on a Taiwan conflict leaves its leadership and public unprepared. As a key U.S. ally and regional player, South Korea will face pressure to take a position.
2025 02 19
Gen-Z disaffection to increase as foreign investors enter rental market
Significance. Foreign investors are rapidly expanding into South Korea’s monthly rental market, which will exacerbate Gen-Z’s existing frustrations with housing affordability. Traditionally reliant on jeonse—a long-term deposit-based rental system—young Koreans now face rising monthly rents as jeonse options dwindle.
2025 02 17
Tariffs present challenge to ROKUS relationship
Significance. The imposition of tariffs under President Donald Trump threatens the stability of the South Korea-U.S. relationship, which relies heavily on mutual economic and security cooperation.
2025 02 16
Social media regulation on the political agenda
Event or Trend: Pro-Yoon Suk-yeol rallies in Seoul on 18-19 January saw a surge in anti-China rhetoric and conspiracy theories, particularly allegations of Chinese interference in Korea's 2020 general elections. These unverified claims were propagated widely through social media and after repetition by conservative lawmakers have entered mainstream political discourse.
2025 01 21
South Korea imposes martial law
Event or Trend: On 3 December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats from pro-North Korean elements and accusing the opposition of anti-state activities.
2024 12 03
Yoon’s uneasy future with Trump
The Yoon administration’s close alignment with the Biden administration has been a defining feature of South Korea’s recent foreign policy. This tight partnership may now face significant challenges with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
2024 11 24
South Korea’s anxiety regarding Trump and North Korea
There is growing South Korean concern that Donald Trump will negotiate with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un to accept North Korea's nuclear arsenal in exchange for halting its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
2024 11 24
Institutionalizing the trilateral partnership
The leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan announced the establishment of a trilateral secretariat during the APEC summit in November 2024. This institutionalization aims to strengthen security cooperation.
2024 11 19
South Korea broadens espionage laws
The South Korean government is set to amend its espionage laws, previously focused on activities aiding North Korea, to encompass actions supporting other foreign powers.
2024 11 17