Global Affairs Lab

1. Introduction The rapid expansion of digital platforms has transformed the structure of the global economy. Online platforms increasingly function as central gateways through which users access digital services, conduct commerce, and interact socially. As their scale and influence grow, policymakers around the world have begun reassessing how regulatory frameworks should evolve to address the structural power of large technology platforms. In recent years, the global policy

Secure Korea, A path to unified peninsular defence

Chloe, a French chef When I was born and trained as a cook in France, Korea was a distant and unfamiliar country to me. While my friends were immersed in K-pop and Korean dramas, I was devoted solely to the kitchen—my knives, my craft, and the traditions of French cuisine. With a firm belief that French cuisine represented the pinnacle of gastronomy, I nurtured a dream of becoming a renowned chef. Then, an unexpected connection appeared in my life. I discovered that the baker

Bruno Costa, Former Pilot For over 30 years, I worked as an aircraft pilot in Brazil, traveling across many countries around the world. Among them, Korea remained unfamiliar to me for a long time. However, I still vividly remember my first landing at Incheon International Airport while working for a foreign airline. Its vast scale, efficient operations, and meticulous service clearly demonstrated how rapidly the country had developed. Interestingly, it was my family that brou

Freelance Writer Takahasi Saeko Born and raised in Japan, I am now living in Korea with my husband and our two children. My relationship with my Korean husband dates back to 2008. We first met through a Zainichi Korean friend, and after seven years of dating, we got married. Today, I run a small café in Korea while continuing my life as a writer. In Japan, I worked as both a journalist and a writer, and I still contribute articles to newspapers and magazines. One day, I hope

By Budi Santoso Budi Santoso is a Southeast Asian graduate student studying international relations in Korea. Global attention is turning to Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, where BTS is set to hold its long-awaited comeback concert. As one of the world’s most influential music groups returns to the stage, ARMY from across the globe—especially from Southeast Asia, where the Korean Wave enjoys immense popularity—are flocking to Korea in large numbers. Reports of ARMY bo

Lucid White Secretary-General, China–Korea Cultural Cooperation Research Association 1. The Middle East War and Its Implications for South Korea The Middle East war that erupted on February 28, 2026—triggered by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities—has been rapidly escalating following Iran’s sweeping retaliatory attacks. Tehran has launched missiles and drones not only toward Israel but also against neighboring countries hosting U.S. military

Executive Summary This report examines global data protection standards through the lens of South Korea’s regulatory response to the large-scale data breach involving Coupang. Affecting approximately 33.7 million user accounts, the incident provides a useful case study for understanding how governments respond when personal data exposure reaches population-scale proportions. Rather than assessing the incident as a company-specific or country-specific controversy, this analysi

In a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, U.S. President Donald Trump made a striking announcement about the future of American naval shipbuilding. Detailing plans for a new class of frigates for the United States Navy, he confirmed that the project will involve close collaboration with a South Korean firm, Hanwha, calling it a “good company” and signaling a broader strategic partnership. “Last week, the Navy announced a brand new class of frigate and they’re