Tech sell-off, changing demographics and frontline readiness — Ep. 143

This week, the team discusses the KOSPI’s sharp reversal despite record earnings from SK Hynix and major investment announcements during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to San Francisco, examining why concerns about future spending and returns continue to weigh on technology stocks. The conversation also looks at the heavy losses suffered by investors in leveraged single-stock exchange-traded funds and the government’s decision to restrict new listings and advertising just weeks after allowing the products to enter the market. The team then breaks down South Korea’s latest census, including the growing role of foreign residents in keeping the population stable, the rise of Vietnamese communities and the growing mismatch between smaller households and a housing market still centered on large apartments. Later, they discuss the arrival of new U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel and the diplomatic challenges she faces. The episode also covers concerns over frontline military readiness after a South Korean Army corps reportedly removed ammunition belts from machine guns without informing the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 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, July 30, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill