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About the author

John Lee

John Lee

John Lee is the Managing Editor of Korea Pro, based in Seoul, where he leads daily executive briefings, in-depth analyses and high-level events for business leaders, diplomats and policy professionals. Since joining Korea Pro in 2022, he has expanded the platform’s coverage of South Korea’s economy, trade and foreign policy and moderates its flagship Korea Business Forum and Seoul Circuit series. Before taking the helm at Korea Pro, John contributed to NK News and Korea Pro as a writer focused on South Korean foreign policy and U.S.-ROK relations. His work blends on-the-ground reporting with data-driven analysis of South Korea’s political economy, economic security and its evolving role in global affairs.

More articles by 'John Lee'

North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago

North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago

Foreign influence, especially from South Korea, is a far more dangerous threat than sanctions or COVID-19

North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago
John Lee
John Lee August 3, 2021
North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship

Prominent defectors like Park often align themselves with conservatives in South Korea and the U.S.

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship
John Lee
John Lee June 23, 2021
Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Controversy over Kim Il Sung’s memoirs is a reminder that fundamental rights have become politicized in South Korea

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda
John Lee
John Lee May 26, 2021
With diplomacy going nowhere, it’s time to accept the status quo with North Korea

With diplomacy going nowhere, it’s time to accept the status quo with North Korea

Military action would end in disaster, and lifting sanctions would set a dangerous precedent

With diplomacy going nowhere, it’s time to accept the status quo with North Korea
John Lee
John Lee June 23, 2019
Why Moon Jae-in’s North Korea policy isn’t working

Why Moon Jae-in’s North Korea policy isn’t working

With Trump and Kim refusing to budge, the South Korean President is headed for failure

Why Moon Jae-in’s North Korea policy isn’t working
John Lee
John Lee April 18, 2019
After Trump, what? Moon Jae-in’s fragile legacy on North Korea

After Trump, what? Moon Jae-in’s fragile legacy on North Korea

Though he has succeeded in flattering the U.S. President, history will not be kind to the ROK leader

After Trump, what? Moon Jae-in’s fragile legacy on North Korea
John Lee
John Lee November 19, 2018
Why a breakout of war on the peninsula is the least of South Korea’s worries

Why a breakout of war on the peninsula is the least of South Korea’s worries

Stuck between "American First" and Byungjin, Seoul needs to steel itself for uncertainty

Why a breakout of war on the peninsula is the least of South Korea’s worries
John Lee
John Lee November 1, 2017
How North Korea won this round of tensions

How North Korea won this round of tensions

Poor leadership in Seoul and Washington has given Pyongyang the upper hand

How North Korea won this round of tensions
John Lee
John Lee August 16, 2017
How Donald Trump is seriously undermining the South Korea-U.S. alliance

How Donald Trump is seriously undermining the South Korea-U.S. alliance

From the "armada" to THAAD, it seems each new blunder alienates Seoul more and more

How Donald Trump is seriously undermining the South Korea-U.S. alliance
John Lee
John Lee April 30, 2017
Kim Jong Nam’s killing shows that talking to North Korea is pointless

Kim Jong Nam’s killing shows that talking to North Korea is pointless

The brutal crime shows that the DPRK is not a normal country

Kim Jong Nam’s killing shows that talking to North Korea is pointless
John Lee
John Lee March 7, 2017