Lee-Trump talks, US investment pressure and Mexico trip — Ep. 150

On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to New York for the U.N. General Assembly, where he outlined a three-part vision for “peaceful coexistence” with North Korea and held a 30-minute meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.  They then turn to South Korea’s difficult investment negotiations with Washington, including proposals involving a Texas gas power plant, Westinghouse and the Alaska LNG pipeline.  The episode also examines Lee’s upcoming visit to Mexico, where trade, energy, aerospace and defense cooperation are expected to feature prominently, as well as South Korea’s response to instability in the Middle East and rising oil prices.  Finally, they look at Boston Dynamics’ deployment of humanoid robots at manufacturing facilities in Georgia and what greater automation could mean for entry-level industrial jobs.  About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill