GMS Focus
GMS Focus is a weekly segment from Arirang Radio's morning news magazine Good Morning Seoul. Host Lina Kwon and guest Morten Larsen examine complex current events in and outside Korea, including cultural heritage, ideologies, trade wars, and global environmental issues. The show provides context to help listeners understand the broader scope of these stories.
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Brexit and Regrexit
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about calls for a return to the EU resurfacing in the UK.
France Mass Protests
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about France, the Land of Revolution- and the history of mass protests and social conflicts today.
AI and International Relations
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about AI development from international relations' perspective.
US-China Summit
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the key takeaways from the latest US-China summit, the political motivations behind repeated Trump-Xi meetings, and the future direction of US-China relations.
Saudi's Houthi Rebels
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, as well as their military capabilities, security strategies, and the international situation.
US Investment Negotiations
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about key issues in U.S. investment negotiations and Korea’s response strategy.
Tariffs: Economic tool or Diplomatic Weapon?
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about whether tariffs are an economic policy tool or a diplomatic weapon.
The Future of Unmanned Weapons
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the future of unmanned weapons, using Ukraine as a case study.
Wang Yi's Visit
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the future of Korea-China relations and stability on the Korean Peninsula in light of Wang Yi’s visit to South Korea.
Prolonged Hormuz Standoff
Dr. Yoo Jihoon, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses will talk about the prolonged standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s demands, the U.S. response, and South Korea’s energy security.
US-South America Tour
Retired Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the outcomes of the president's U.S.–South America tour and its geopolitical and economic significance
U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the contents and significance of the U.S.–Saudi nuclear agreement and its impact on South Korea
Mark Carney's Vision of Canada
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Mark Carney's discussion of his vision for a new Canada beyond the Trump era.
NATO-Korea Security Strategy
Dr. 유지훈, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses will talk about the changing NATO and South Korea’s security strategy.
Keir Starmer's Resignation
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about British politics and the outlook for the next prime minister in light of Keir Starmer’s resignation.
South Korea and G7
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about South Korea on the G7 stage- the achievements and challenges in summit diplomacy.
Jimmy Lai
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Jimmy Lai, the billionaire businessman who has become a symbol of democracy
June 3rd Local Election
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the June 3rd local election results and the effects on the Lee administration.
6.3 Local Elections Preview
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Korea's 6.3 local elections and its previews.
US-China Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the analysis of the outcomes of the U.S.-China summit and South Korea’s response strategy.
Mexico's New Leadership
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about new leadership in Mexico, the land of machismo- and President Sheinbaum’s appeal to young people.
UAE OPEC Withdrawal
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about how the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC will affect future oil prices and the international political landscape.
Paik Seung-hoon (HUFS)
Paik Seung-hoon, Principal Researcher at HUFS Institute of Middle East Studies talks about the background behind the collapse of the second U.S.-Iran talks and the repercussions for both countries.
Korea-Poland Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the future of bilateral cooperation following the South Korea-Poland summit.
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the results and repercussions of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks.
Trump NATO Withdrawal
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the possibility of Trump withdrawing from NATO and the resulting debate on the reorganization of the global security order.
US-Iran and Korea's Position
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about South Korea’s diplomatic and security strategy amid the prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict.
Takaichi US Visit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the Outcomes of Takaichi’s visit to the U.S., the implications of the delay in the U.S.-China Summit, and South Korea’s stance amid the complex situation.
Hormuz Troop Demands
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about South Korea’s decision amid U.S. trade pressure and demands to send troops to the Hormuz Strait.
China's Two Sessions
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about key agendas of China's two sessions that began last week and interests in the Iran war.
U.S. Attack on Iran
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the background and development of the U.S. attack on Iran, and the future of the Middle East.
Supreme Court on Trump Tariffs
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about U.S. supreme court's invalidation of Trump tariffs: scope of application, Trump's backlash, and South Korea's response.
Nuclear Competition
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the last US-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty expiring and our role and task amid concerns over nuclear competition.
Trump and America Passing
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Trump's first year of rampage and the reshaping of the international order through “America Passing”.
1 Year of Trump 2.0
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about 1 year of 'Trump 2.0' and how shifts in traditional ROK-US relations impact security and the economy.
Korea's Summit with China and Japan
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the achievements and significance of the consecutive Korea–China and Korea–Japan summit meetings.
Trump, Greenland and Europe
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the true intent behind Trump wanting to annex Greeland and Europe's reaction.
Korea-China Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about President Lee's visit to China and Korea's position with the Taiwan conflict, as well as the latest on US' removal of Venezuela's president Maduro.
2025 Korea Foreign Policy
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about South Korea’s major foreign policy issues in 2025—from U.S. tariff negotiations and China relations to AI and supply chains, inter-Korean division, and Russia–North Korea cooperation.
Pax Silica Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the US-led Pax Silica Summit and its implications for global semiconductor supply chains and geopolitics.
Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the surface-level causes and historical roots of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute.
US threats against Venezuela
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the fundamental causes of U.S. threats against Venezuela and trends in U.S. public opinion.
China-Japan tensions
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about persistent China-Japan tensions, Trump's Intervention, and South Korea's position in the matter.
China-Japan Conflict
Kim So-young, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of International Studies, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, will talk about the background of the deterioration in China–Japan relations, the responses by both countries, and the impact on neighboring nations.
US-Korea Trade Agreements
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the political and economic interpretation of key points in the Korea-U.S. trade agreement
New York’s First Muslim Mayor, Mamdani
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about New York’s First Muslim Mayor, Mamdani.
APEC 2025 Comprehensive Assessment
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about APEC 2025 KOREA's key agendas, national responses, and challenges for regional international relations.
Japan's New PM Takaichi
Professor Kim Soyoung at the Nagoya University of Commerce and Business will talk about the political background of Japan's new prime minister Sanae Takaichi and changes in Japan-South Korea and Japan-U.S. Relations.
Gaza ceasefire
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the fragile Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the ongoing hostage-prisoner exchanges, claims about Trump’s role, and what risks could still derail the peace
The Rise of Right-Wing Radicalism
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Japan stepping on the accelerator of right-wing shift and the rise of global right-wing radicalism
Korea's Diplomatic Position
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will reexamine the role of the UN and Korea's diplomatic position through the 2025 general assembly.
Macron's Austerity Policies
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about France's rage towards Macron's austerity policies and decades-long French protests.
President Lee's 100 Days in Foreign Affairs
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about President Lee Jae-myung's 100-Day review on policy, key tasks and foreign affairs
NK-China-Russia Alliance
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about North Korea-China-Russia's alliance seen through China's Victory Day and South Korea's response.
New Cold War
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about results of the Korea-U.S. Summit and the new Cold War.
Korea Japan Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the impact of the Japan-South Korea summit on industrial and security cooperation between the two countries and on the South Korea-US summit.
Trump-Putin Summit
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the Trump-Putin summit, the future of the war in Ukraine, and South Korea's position in all of it.
Post-BREXIT UK and EU
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about UK seeking to project both soft and hard power in a post-Brexit world.
Tariff Agreement Analysis
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the political interpretation of the Korea-U.S. aariff agreement and prospects for the upcoming summit.
US Tariffs in Other Nations
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the approaching deadline for US tariff negotiations and the current negotiation status with other countries, as well as South Korea's tactic preparations.
Special Diplomatic Envoy
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the idea behind President Lee's special diplomatic envoy and what we can expect.
Latest in Trade Talks
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the latest developments in these high stakes trade talks.
S. Korea's NATO Partnership
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about South Korea's partnership with NATO and IP4 membership.
Middle East's Ceasefire and Durability
Paik Seung-hoon, Principal Researcher at the Institute of Middle East Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the United States' attack on Iran and its effects.
U.S. Attack on Iran
백승훈, Principal Researcher at the Institute of Middle East Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the United States' attack on Iran and its effects.
Anti-Trump Riots
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the U.S. and political turmoil amidst anti-Trump riots.
Presidential Appointments
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Presidential appointments outlined...preview of Lee Jae Myung administration's politics, policy directions.
Election Week Special-5. Environmental Policy
Yun Sun-Jin, Dean of SNU Graduate School of Environmental Studies will talk about the new government's environmental policies and the challenges.
Election Week Special-4. Social Policy
최현선, Professor of Public Administration at 명지 University analyzes the new government's social policies in areas such as medical care and labour.
Election Week Special-3. National Defense
최수온, a Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses about national defense in context with South Korea’s alliance with the United States.
Election Week Special-2. Economy
Prof. Yang Jun-seok of the Department of Economics at Catholic University will talk about the economic challenges facing the new government including supplemental budgeting, labor policy, social welfare for the elderly and the housing market.
Election Week Special-1. Diplomacy
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about foreign policy and how each candidate plans to engage with major countries such as the U.S., Japan and China.
UK's relationship with EU
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about UK's reset of relationship with EU post-Brexit.
Trump's Middle East Tour
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about President Trump's tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Israel
India-Pakistan Ceasefire
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about India-Pakistan ceasefire after the U.S. intervention.
Korea's Upcoming Election
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about the upcoming election in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung's legal risk and the conservatives' 'big tent'.
2+2 Trade Consultation
Prof. Yang Jun-seok of the Department of Economics at Catholic University will talk about the U.S.-Korea tariffs South Korea's strategy for the 'July package' and the impact of the June election
Yellow Sea's PMZ
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about China's claims over the Yellow Sea's Provisional Measure zone and its effect on the relations between Seoul and Beijing.
BOK's rate freeze
Prof. Yang Jun-seok of the Department of Economics at Catholic University will talk about the Bank of Korea's rate freeze and its relations to the Trump tariffs.
Syria's Diplomatic Relations
Prof. Kim Byung-joo of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will talk about Korea's diplomatic relations with Syria.
