The Korea Pro Podcast’s end-of-year roundup episode — Ep. 112

In this year-end episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha reflect on how political volatility, external trade pressure and strategic industrial cooperation shaped South Korea’s risk environment in 2025. They begin with the Jan. 18 storming of a Seoul court by pro-Yoon protesters, discussing why the episode marked a rare breach of assumptions around judicial security and highlighted growing stress on democratic institutions. The conversation then turns to South Korea’s succession of acting presidents, examining how prolonged caretaker leadership has diluted authority, slowed decision-making and complicated policy coordination. The hosts also assess the expanding use of tariffs as political tools rather than economic instruments and U.S.-ROK shipbuilding cooperation. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, 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 Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson