April 18, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Fretwell

James Fretwell

James Fretwell is a writer based in Seoul, South Korea. He was an analyst at NK News, and he has often discussed the two Koreas in interviews on the BBC, ABC News Australia, Deutsche Welle and elsewhere.

Analysis

The Rising Sun will rise again? ROK fears of Japanese militarism linger on

Controversy over South Korea’s attendance at Japan’s fleet review reflects precarious efforts to improve relations

James FretwellJames FretwellNovember 9, 2022
Analysis

Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power spells trouble for South Korea

China doubled down on competition with US at party congress, jeopardizing 30 years of fruitful cooperation with Seoul

James FretwellJames FretwellOctober 27, 2022
Analysis

King Kakao: Tech giant fights to keep its crown after server outage scandal

Company behind South Korea’s main messenger faces regulation to ensure such incidents don’t threaten national security

James FretwellJames FretwellOctober 21, 2022
Analysis

Yoon moves to scrap gender ministry in appeal to anti-feminist supporters

Closing ministry would mark a step backward for South Korean women, though opposition party could block president’s plan

James FretwellJames FretwellOctober 13, 2022
Analysis

How Russia’s brain drain could be South Korea’s gain

Government says it wants to attract highly skilled workers, even if public mostly opposed to long-term immigration

James FretwellJames FretwellOctober 6, 2022
Analysis

Harris and Yoon all smiles, but future trouble may lurk for US and South Korea

The allies appear to be at odds on U.S. tax credits for South Korean EVs, gender equality, and the Taiwan issue

James FretwellJames FretwellSeptember 29, 2022
Analysis

Yoon’s talks with Biden fall far short of promised US-ROK summit

South Korean president made little progress on thorny bilateral issues, as his foul language stole the show

James FretwellJames FretwellSeptember 22, 2022
Analysis

South Korea has to follow US on Russia, but risks economic and security fallout

Seoul faces oil import regulations and closer Russia-North Korea ties, but opportunities to sell arms to a shaken Europe

James FretwellJames FretwellSeptember 15, 2022
Analysis

South Korea set to lose big if US and Iran can’t agree on new nuclear deal

Seoul agreed to expand economic relations with Tehran but was thwarted by Trump’s withdrawal from previous agreement

James FretwellJames FretwellSeptember 8, 2022
Analysis

Try as it might, South Korea can’t escape tensions over Taiwan

Washington wants Seoul to take stand against Beijing’s aggression, but China sees Korea as US base for island’s defense

James FretwellJames FretwellSeptember 2, 2022