menu_open Columnists
Yoonki Lee

Yoonki Lee

The Diplomat

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Trump’s Hormuz Warship Request Puts South Korea-US Alliance to the Test

President Lee Jae-myung faces a difficult dilemma as he seeks to uphold the South Korea-U.S. alliance while avoiding entanglement in a drawn-out war...

17.03.2026 9

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

South Korea and the Philippines Expand Ties in Nuclear Energy and Critical Minerals

By expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, South Korea seeks to share its expertise and deepen collaboration in key sectors.

06.03.2026 10

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

During Lula’s Visit, South Korea and Brazil Agree to Revive Mercosur Trade Talks

Amid intensifying China-U.S. rivalry and global trade volatility, middle powers such as South Korea and Brazil are diversifying their supply chains...

28.02.2026 10

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

Takaichi’s Landslide Victory Draws Mixed Responses in South Korea

Takaichi’s tenure got off to a promising start with South Korea, but concerns remain that Japan’s rightward shift might upend the relationship.

13.02.2026 30

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

South Korea’s Parliament Mounts Rare Bipartisan Effort to Avert US Tariffs

Both President Lee Jae-myung and the National Assembly want to send a clear message to Trump that they are working to expedite implementation of the...

07.02.2026 10

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

The Coupang Probe Is a South Korea-US Diplomatic Row in the Making

Despite the South Korean government’s efforts to downplay speculation linking the tariff hike to the Coupang probe, concerns continue to grow as...

30.01.2026 7

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

How North Korea Views the NATO-US Rift Over Greenland

Pyongyang was oddly quiet over the U.S. military action in Venezuela – but it’s been outspoken about U.S. threats to seize control of Greenland.

22.01.2026 20

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

South Korea’s Delicate Balancing Act Amid China-Japan Discord

As frictions mount with each other, both Beijing and Tokyo are courting Seoul.

16.01.2026 20

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

What’s at Stake for the China-South Korea Summit: Avoiding a 2nd THAAD Dispute

Lee's visit is positive sign for China-South Korea relations. But both sides must heed the lessons from the THAAD dispute.

31.12.2025 10

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee

The Return of Factional Conflict in South Korea’s Foreign Policy

Interministerial discord made a recent comeback, pitting the so-called “self-reliance faction” against the “pro-alliance faction” over how...

24.12.2025 10

The Diplomat

Yoonki Lee