Yoon sentencing push, Coupang sovereignty row and KF-21 concerns — Ep. 130

This week’s Korea Pro Podcast begins with a look at major legal developments involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol, including prosecutors seeking a heavier sentence in one case and an appeals court ruling related to former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case. The episode then turns to the growing dispute over Coupang, following a letter from dozens of U.S. Republican lawmakers criticizing what they called discriminatory action against the U.S.-listed company.  On defense and foreign policy, the hosts examine South Korea’s bid for Canada’s submarine project, the export prospects for the KF-21 fighter jet and concerns that prioritizing defense exports could affect South Korea’s own military modernization.  Finally, the episode looks at South Korea’s latest economic indicators, including strong export and manufacturing figures driven by semiconductors, while noting continued weakness in consumption and services.  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, April 29th, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill