Nuri launch, bank cyber breach and Seoul-Kyiv tensions — Ep. 152

On this week’s episode of the Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin, John and Joon Ha discuss the successful fifth launch of South Korea’s Nuri rocket, which placed five primary Earth observation satellites into orbit, as well as the growing role of private companies such as Hanwha Aerospace and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in the country’s space program.  They then turn to a cyber breach affecting Shinhan Bank and other financial institutions, examining how attackers allegedly used an AI-assisted security tool to identify vulnerabilities and why the incident has raised broader concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in cyberattacks against the financial sector.  The episode also examines the deepening diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Kyiv over two North Korean prisoners of war, as well as reports that fuel loaded in South Korean waters was later delivered to Russia aboard sanctioned vessels.  Finally, they discuss Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Seoul and prospects for expanded cooperation in shipbuilding, trade and maritime security, before turning to South Korea’s sweeping prosecution reform and the challenges facing the new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, police and prosecution service as the country adjusts to the new system.  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 Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill Editor’s note: Shortly after this episode was recorded on Thursday, Oct. 8, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would recall its ambassador to Ukraine amid the ongoing diplomatic dispute over Kyiv’s disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The announcement came approximately five minutes after recording concluded and is therefore not discussed in the episode.