Japan’s election, Seoul’s security calculus and court reform in Korea — Ep. 119

In this week’s episode, NK News’ Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy joins John Lee. They  discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory, delivering a two-thirds parliamentary supermajority that could pave the way for long-sought constitutional revisions. They delve into how uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy and alliance commitments is influencing both Seoul and Tokyo as they reassess defense self-sufficiency and trilateral cooperation. The episode also covers South Korea’s expanding defense partnership with Saudi Arabia, where a new memorandum of understanding signals a shift from one-off arms sales to longer-term joint research and development. The pair discuss how deeper industrial cooperation aligns with Riyadh’s localization goals under Vision 2030 and Seoul’s ambition to solidify its position in the Middle East, while also considering potential friction with U.S. defense exporters. Shifting to domestic politics, the episode examines contentious judicial reform proposals in South Korea’s National Assembly. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party are advancing plans to expand the Supreme Court and adjust the relationship between the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.  The episode concludes with a look at the week ahead, including legislative maneuvering before the Lunar New Year holiday, continued developments surrounding U.S. tariff discussions and the unfolding Coupang saga.  About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill