South Korea’s drone push falters as police reform raises alarm — Ep. 147

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 Korea’s police ahead of major prosecutorial reforms set to take effect on Oct. 2. Recent cases involving mishandled murder and missing-person investigations have raised fresh questions about whether the police are prepared to assume greater investigative authority, and whether the government is building adequate checks and balances into the new system. The episode also looks at controversy surrounding the Gwangju Biennale after organizers initially stopped referring to a planned Taiwan Pavilion by that name following reported complaints from the “Chinese side.” They discuss what the episode reveals about self-censorship, China’s influence and the tension between Gwangju’s democratic symbolism and the foundation’s handling of the dispute. 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, August 27, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill