Korea Economic Institute

08/13/2026

📝 North Korea Doubles Down on Its Alliance With Russia, For Now

As North Korea deepens its military and economic partnership with Russia, what does it mean for the war in Ukraine and regional security? 🌍🤝

In this analysis, Daniel Sneider examines Kim Jong Un's strategic calculus, the growing North Korea-Russia partnership, and the factors that could shape its future.

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Kim Jong Un’s strategic calculus toward the North Korea-Russia partnership depends on the outcome of the war in Ukraine and its economic and political impact on Russia.

08/13/2026

🎙️ New Episode | Eye on Korea

Can the United States and South Korea expand nuclear cooperation beyond the 123 Agreement? ⚛️🤝

In this episode, Joyce Connery discusses nuclear-powered submarines, the limits of commercial shipyards for naval nuclear work, the AUKUS precedent, and the future of U.S.-ROK nuclear cooperation.

▶️ Watch now:https://bit.ly/4gr62ai

President Donald Trump said South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine...

08/12/2026

📝 Why South Korea Cannot Reach Carbon Neutrality on Renewables Alone

In this analysis, Randall Jones argues that meeting Korea's climate goals will require not only expanding renewables, but also strengthening carbon pricing and maintaining a balanced energy mix, including nuclear power.

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Achieving South Korea’s objective of carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive plan to develop a range of renewable energy sources.

08/12/2026

📢 KEI is hiring!

Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Internship Program in Washington, DC.

We're seeking one Research Intern and one Communications Intern to join our team this fall.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4hvqYxT

08/10/2026

📬 New KEI Weekly!

Explore the latest analysis on South Korea's path to carbon neutrality, NATO defense cooperation, the U.S.-Korea nuclear partnership, and more.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4bItI7v

08/06/2026

📝 South Korea Wants to Be a NATO Partner, Not Just a Vendor

As NATO expands its defense industrial base, South Korea is seeking a deeper role beyond arms sales. 🤝🛡️

In this analysis, Troy Stangarone explores how closer cooperation with NATO could strengthen Korea's position in Europe's evolving defense market and support transatlantic security.

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Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposes a defense industry partnership between Korea and NATO that positions Korea as a participant in the alliance’s rearmament that helps fill critical gaps in the broader Western defense industrial complex.

08/05/2026

📝 ICYMI | South Korean Firms Are Powering U.S. Energy Storage

As AI data centers and advanced manufacturing drive electricity demand, battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important to U.S. grid reliability. ⚡

In this analysis, Soobeen Park and Hyun Jung "Jessie" Je examine how South Korean firms are expanding their role in strengthening U.S. energy storage, supply chain resilience, and energy security. 🤝

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Storing electricity is just as critical as the ability to generate it, making battery energy storage systems (BESS) an essential component of power systems.

08/04/2026

📝 The U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Is a Test Case for South Korean Uranium Enrichment

Could the U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear agreement shape the future of U.S.-South Korea nuclear cooperation? ⚛️🤝

In this op-ed, Ellen Kim argues that Washington and Seoul should strengthen diplomatic and institutional cooperation to address concerns over uranium enrichment and nuclear-powered submarine cooperation.

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U.S. and South Korean policymakers should develop diplomatic and institutional measures to address potential concerns and opposition surrounding nuclear-powered submarine and fuel cooperation.

08/03/2026

📬 New KEI Weekly!

Explore the latest analysis on U.S.-Korea trade and investment, energy storage, prediction markets, North Korea, and more.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4fz4JWy

08/03/2026

📝 Q2 2026 U.S.-South Korea Trade and Investment Ledger

South Korean investment in the United States continued to expand across strategic sectors in Q2 2026, including energy, AI, and defense. 🤝⚡

In this analysis, Tom Ramage highlights key developments and what they could mean for the future of U.S.-Korea economic cooperation.

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America’s new tariff framework comes alongside significant South Korean investment into strategic sectors across the United States.