On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha discuss President Lee Jae Myung’s new economic growth strategy for the second half of 2026, including his push for the state to play a much more active role as an investor in South Korea’s future industries.
They also break down the Bank of Korea’s decision to raise the base rate to 2.75%, as inflation, rising energy prices, household debt and a weak won continue to create financial stability concerns.
The episode then turns to the Lee administration’s proposal to merge South Korea’s three main military academies into a single institution, a plan the government says would improve jointness and modernize officer education.
John and Joon Ha also revisit South Korea’s defense export ambitions after Hanwha Ocean’s loss in Canada’s submarine procurement competition, looking at how Seoul is shifting attention to Southeast Asian markets such as Thailand and the Philippines as it seeks to become one of the world’s top arms exporters.
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, July 16, 2026.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
koreapro.org. Innehållet i podden är skapat av koreapro.org och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
