Eye on Korea

Chaos by Design? Inside U.S.-South Korea Trade and Tariff Negotiations | Ep. 14

Michael Beeman, former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea, and APEC, joins KEI President and CEO Scott Snyder to unpack what’s really driving U.S.–South Korea trade negotiations under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Drawing from his time at USTR and insights from his book Walking Out: America’s New Trade Policy in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond, Dr. Beeman explains Trump’s 25% tariff rate threat on South Korea, why economic security and non-tariff measures dominate the White House agenda, and why he thinks South Korea is unlikely to escape a double-digit tariff rate—even after negotiations and even if newly elected President Lee Jae-myung holds a successful summit in Washington.
The conversation touches on the growing use of Section 232 tariffs, the challenges of sectoral tariffs on autos, steel, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, and what early trade deals with the UK and Vietnam signal for Korea. President Snyder and Dr. Beeman also discuss digital trade, country of origin rules, and how transshipment through China fits into the bigger picture.
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You can find Dr. Beeman’s book, Walking Out: America’s New Trade Policy in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond, here: https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Out-Americas-Policy-Asia-Pacific/dp/1931368740
https://www.sup.org/books/politics/walking-out
A recording of KEI’s November 2024 event with Dr. Beeman is available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/8LTrlsvBuTo?si=elMGFBk7F4XtYhGM
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

How a China–U.S. Rivalry Is Moving South Korea and Australia Closer Together | Ep. 13

Dr. John Blaxland, Director of the Australian National University’s North America Liaison Office and an expert in international security and intelligence, joins KEI President & CEO Scott Snyder for a deep dive into the evolving Australia-South Korea relationship.
The conversation covers Dr. Blaxland’s forthcoming article in Korea Policy, highlighting how Australia and South Korea are increasingly engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with greater independence from the U.S. We also examine the growing defense-industrial ties between the two countries, the impact of the AUKUS agreement and its Pillar 2 technology-sharing scheme, and the strategic opportunities for deeper Australia-South Korea collaboration. Dr. Blaxland adds perspectives on political alignment, trade resilience, and the challenges of navigating transactional U.S. foreign policy.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]
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Eye on Korea is distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 License, which can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

South Korea Has a New President - What Comes Next? | Ep. 12

In this episode of Eye on Korea, KEI President Scott Snyder sits down with former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg for a wide-ranging conversation on South Korea's domestic political transformation with the election of new president Lee Jae-myung, and its implications for foreign policy and U.S.-ROK relations. Ambassador Goldberg reflects on the final months of his tenure in Seoul, including the declaration of martial law and impeachment proceedings of former president Yoon Suk Yeol.
Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Goldberg assesses the health of Korean democracy, the shifting dynamics of the U.S.-Korea alliance under new leadership in both countries, and the growing strategic tension between economic ties to China and security cooperation with the U.S. We discuss South Korea’s global rise in industries like semiconductors and EVs, the demographic and economic challenges ahead, and the evolving posture toward North Korea in the face of renewed ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]______Eye on Korea is distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 License, which can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

U.S.-South Korea Alliance in Transition: What’s Next Under New Leadership? | Ep. 11

In this episode of Eye on Korea, KEI President Scott Snyder speaks with Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute about how the U.S.-South Korea alliance might evolve in a second Trump administration and under new leadership in Seoul. Drawing from Cronin’s new report, Strategic Alignment in an Era of Uncertainty, the episode examines how the two allies could recalibrate defense cooperation, navigate shifting command structures, and manage extended deterrence in a more volatile security environment.
Dr. Cronin outlines a series of policy recommendations focused on defense industrial cooperation, technological competitiveness, and evolving command structures, including the ongoing discussion around wartime operational control. He also addresses challenges related to extended deterrence and debates surrounding South Korea’s nuclear policy, as well as the future of the Nuclear Consultative Group and other bilateral coordination mechanisms.
The episode also looks at the future of U.S.-Korea-Japan trilateral coordination in light of political transitions across all three countries. While recent progress has strengthened ties, upcoming anniversaries and unresolved historical issues could once again test the relationship. Cronin points to practical steps that sub-national actors in both countries can take to maintain momentum, regardless of political shifts at the top.
Read Dr. Cronin's full report here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Strategic+Alignment+in+an+Era+of+Uncertainty+Patrick+Cronin.pdf
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Do Americans Support South Korean Investment in the U.S.? | Ep. 10

KEI’s Director of Public Opinion and External Relations James Kim joins the show to speak about his recently published report, “Untethered Sentiments: How Politics, Visibility, Perception, and Demographic Differences Shape American Views on Foreign Investment and Trade.” Together with host and President Scott Snyder, the two dive into the report’s examination of sentiments in the United States around the changing landscapes of trade and direct foreign investment.
From the report: Since his inauguration on January 20, the president has moved swiftly to sign numerous executive orders, including a sweeping new tranche of tariffs on key goods. Among them are 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, auto tariffs, and the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs targeting a wide swath of imports. Foreign multinational corporations have begun rerouting supply chains, building up inventories, and expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States—while others have pulled backinvestment plans due to heightened uncertainty.
In this volatile environment, how the American public perceives trade, tariffs, and foreign investment is of critical importance. To assess these attitudes, the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), in partnership with YouGov, conducted an original survey from December 17, 2024, to January 2, 2025. The survey involved 1,734 respondents matched to a representative sample of 1,500 across ten states, selected to reflect variations in the levels of South Korean foreign direct investment (FDI) andethnic Korean population. The study examined how state-level FDI visibility and individual perceptions influence attitudes toward trade and investment, employing both descriptive statistics and experimental methods, including image-based framing and discrete choice conjoint analysis.
Read the full report here: https://keia.org/publication/untethered-sentiments-how-politics-visibility-perception-and-demographic-differences-shape-american-views-on-foreign-investment-and-trade/
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Why South Korea Can’t Ignore U.S. Economic Uncertainty | Ep. 9

In this episode of Eye on Korea, we speak with Professor Barry Eichengreen (UC Berkeley) about the evolving role of the U.S. dollar in the global economy and the far-reaching implications of its potential decline as the world's reserve currency.
Professor Eichengreen speaks to what this shift could mean for U.S. financial and geopolitical leverage, why Korea and other allies are navigating economic ties with growing caution, and how current U.S. trade and tariff policies are reshaping global financial norms.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

AUKUS, South Korea, and the Future of Indo-Pacific Security | Ep. 8

Former Pentagon official Abraham Denmark joins the show to unpack the strategic future of AUKUS and what it means for South Korea. Drawing on his prominent role in the partnership’s rollout, Abraham explains why AUKUS is more than submarines — and how the pact’s second pillar, focused on advanced technologies like AI, cyber, and quantum, opens new doors for broader U.S. ally participation.
We discuss what it would take for South Korea to collaborate more deeply on defense innovation, why shipbuilding and uncrewed systems are rising priorities, and how Seoul can position itself in a changing Indo-Pacific defense landscape. Denmark also shares insights on the challenge of adapting to a potentially transactional U.S. foreign policy, and why steady engagement will be key in a second Trump administration.
Other topics include: foreign military sales reform, the growing strategic role of South Korea’s defense industry, and what a values-based alliance really looks like in an era of shifting geopolitics.
Mr. Abraham M. Denmark is a Partner at The Asia Group (TAG), where he co-leads the Defense & National Security Practice and supports multiple country teams across TAG. With over 20 years of experience inside and outside of government, Mr. Denmark is a leading specialist in the security and geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and on U.S. strategy and policy toward the region. Mr. Denmark most recently served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III (2022-2024). In this role, Mr. Denmark led and coordinated the Department of Defense’s efforts to develop and implement the historic AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.Like and subscribe to the Korea Economic Institute of America on YouTube for more U.S.-South Korea news, analysis, politics and more!
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

What a War Over Taiwan Might Mean for the U.S.-ROK Alliance | Ep. 7

KEI’s Fellow and Director of Academic Affairs Clint Work joins the show to speak about his recently published report, “Siloed No More: The U.S.-ROK Alliance and a Taiwan Conflict.” Accompanied by KEI’s Director of Communications Arius Derr, the two dive into the report’s examination of sentiments in both South Korea and the United States around a potential conflict over Taiwan, as well as the possibilities of how that conflict would play out.
More about the report: this project was motivated by and builds upon earlier research tracing the evolution and apparent alignment of U.S. and South Korean signaling on Taiwan, wherein the South Korean government adopted a more outspoken position regarding “the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait” and framed it in increasingly expansive terms—as a regional and global issue yet also directly linked to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The previous research indicated the U.S.-ROK alliance faced a gap between its topline diplomatic rhetoric on Taiwan and its preparedness to navigate an actual conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan and the attendant risk of a simultaneous conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
This project aimed to go beyond diplomatic rhetoric. Forty-two interviews were conducted from June 2024 to February 2025 in both Washington and Seoul. Most were in-person interviews with some conducted virtually or by written response via email. Through these interviews with U.S. and ROK current and former government officials, think tank experts, and academics—as well as open-source research—this project offers insight on the evolution and state of U.S.-ROK alliance discussions on a Taiwan conflict, key challenges obstructing such discussions, and critical variables or dynamics the alliance would have to navigate in the event of a conflict.
Read the full report here: https://keia.org/publication/siloed-no-more-the-u-s-rok-alliance-and-a-taiwan-conflict/
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Why America’s Manufacturing Future Depends On South Korea | Ep. 6

Former U.S. government official Don Graves joins the show to break down key issues in trade and investment, from cleantech and semiconductors to AI and robotics. He explains why these are “smart” investments for South Korea and what U.S. companies can unlock in the Indo-Pacific market through greater trade on the peninsula.
We discuss the long-term impact of the CHIPS Act and how it’s making it easier to attract South Korean and other foreign companies to the U.S. Graves also analyzes why tariffs may be a useful tool when applied thoughtfully, how unpredictability could undercut South Korean investment, and what Hyundai’s massive new steel plant and LNG purchase commitments are redefining what it means to be “Made in America.”
Other key topics include refinery capacity, and why the White House is right to be concerned about unfair Chinese trade practices—though a trade war isn’t the best way to respond. Plus, why the future of AI and quantum computing runs through South Korea and why neither the U.S. nor South Korea can fully leverage the gains from these technologies unless they are fully in sync.
Don Graves served as the 19th Deputy Secretary of Commerce under the Biden administration, where he led policy development on a range of issues including national security, bilateral trade, industrial strategy, and commercial space development. Mr. Graves served as Economic Growth Coordinator for Puerto Rico and was a member of the Helsinki Commission. He is currently a fellow at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service. Prior to his service in the Biden administration, Mr. Graves was the Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations at Key Bank.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

How South Korea Is Helping the U.S. Modernize Its Shipbuilding Industry | Ep. 5

The U.S. shipbuilding industry is facing major challenges, but could South Korea be the key to revitalizing it? In this episode of Eye on Korea, we explore the growing collaboration between Korean and American shipbuilders, the role of AI and automation in naval production, and the legislative efforts that could reshape the future of naval defense manufacturing. Our guest, Steve Brock, retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy, shares his insights on how South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding expertise could help revitalize U.S. shipyards. He discusses the recent Philly Shipyard acquisition by Hanwha Ocean, the evolving role of submarines in national security, and the impact of AI-driven innovation on naval production. We also examine the challenges and opportunities that come with increased foreign involvement in U.S. defense manufacturing and what it means for the future of military readiness.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]