top of page
All Articles
Global Affairs Lab


A New Path to Growth Through U.S.–ROK Robotics Cooperation
This image is unrelated to the commentary As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the focus of industrial innovation is expanding beyond software into robotics and automation, where AI interacts directly with the physical world. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Silicon Valley Physical AI Super Connect served as an important milestone, demonstrating South Korea and the United States' shared commitment to fostering robotics as a key driver of future economic growth. The
Jul 12 min read


Born in America, Connected in Korea
he competition for AI is no longer defined only by algorithms and semiconductors. For artificial intelligence to work in industries and daily life, it needs fast, stable, and low-latency networks. Even the most advanced AI model cannot move the real world if it is not properly connected. In the AI era, network competitiveness is becoming national competitiveness. The United States stands at the center of AI innovation. Leading AI companies, cloud platforms, and GPU ecosystems
Jun 301 min read


A Comparative Analysis of the EU Digital Markets Act and Korea’s Digital Platform Regulation
Korea’s Ex Post and Flexible Approach within the Global Trend of Digital Regulation Digital platforms have become core infrastructure across search, app stores, online advertising, e-commerce, social networking services, and digital intermediation. They are no longer merely private services that connect consumers and businesses. Rather, they exert structural influence over data flows, advertising allocation, app distribution, app-store access, business-user conditions, and th
Jun 256 min read


Beyond Submarines: Canada Needs a Digital Maritime Partner
The recent Globe and Mail report highlighting Canada's search for new submarine maintenance facilities reveals an important reality: Canada's future submarine program is no longer simply a competition over platforms. The greater challenge lies in sustaining those submarines over decades while facing a severe shortage of skilled labour. Canada's marine industry is already experiencing significant workforce constraints. Shipyards on both coasts are competing for a limited pool
Jun 232 min read


'Korea' as a Strategic Testbed for Global Digital Governance
1. Introduction: Korea’s Strategic Market Positioning Korea is a market whose digital user density and openness to emerging technologies exceed what its population size alone would suggest. The Korean government is currently recalibrating its regulatory framework to establish fair competition in platform markets. This analysis argues that U.S. Big Tech companies should view Korea’s regulatory environment not merely as a constraint, but as a strategic variable for strengthenin
Jun 233 min read


Speed or Delay? Another Choice Facing Canada's Submarine Program
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada As the Canadian government moves forward with plans to build a new submarine maintenance facility in the Halifax region, the discussion surrounding the country's next-generation submarine program is expanding beyond the acquisition of vessels themselves to the broader issue of industrial capacity. The facility, expected to operate under a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) model, is likely to become a critical piece of infrastructure sup
Jun 202 min read


Hanwha’s LNG Partnership: A Potential Catalyst for the MASGA Vision
Hanwha Ocean recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the proposed Kanata LNG project in British Columbia, Canada. While the agreement is centered on LNG development, its significance could extend well beyond the energy sector. Announced as Canada prepares to make a final decision on its next-generation submarine program, this partnership may underscore Hanwha’s broader intention to expand its presence in North America—potentially moving beyond shipbuilding an
Jun 192 min read


The Roar of Summer Echoes Again in North America
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be another significant milestone in the history of Korean football. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will be played in some of the most advanced sporting venues in the world. Modern stadiums, cutting-edge technology, extensive transportation networks, and world-class facilities will provide an ideal environment for both players and fans. As football returns to North America on its grandest stage, South
Jun 163 min read


Will Canada Choose a Submarine or a Partnership?
As Canada moves closer to selecting a winner for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), the competition appears to be evolving beyond a simple comparison of submarine specifications. Increasingly, the question is not only who can build the best submarine, but who can become Canada's most reliable long-term strategic partner. A recent example is HD Hyundai's agreement with the University of British Columbia (UBC) to collaborate on advanced naval technologies, including
Jun 152 min read


Two Paths Beneath the Sea
Canada’s next-generation submarine competition is more than a procurement decision. It also highlights two different approaches to modern conventional submarine technology. South Korea’s KSS-III and Germany’s Type 212CD are both highly capable platforms, yet they emphasize different propulsion philosophies. Germany’s submarine design is centered on hydrogen fuel-cell Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). By generating electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and l
Jun 101 min read


A Letter That Revealed the True Meaning of Veterans
A recent story about Korean War veterans receiving handwritten letters from students serves as a powerful reminder of what military service truly means. The students expressed gratitude for the freedom and peace they enjoy today, while the veterans were deeply moved to know that their sacrifices had not been forgotten. The exchange demonstrated that even after decades, the bond between those who served and the generations they protected remains strong. We often describe veter
Jun 91 min read


Heroes Returning Home: A Promise Preserved Through the U.S.–ROK Alliance
The Korean War was more than a conflict on the Korean Peninsula; it was a collective effort by nations determined to defend freedom and stability. Among them, the United States played a pivotal role, committing significant forces to support South Korea's survival and recovery. From that shared sacrifice emerged the U.S.–ROK Alliance, which has served as a cornerstone of regional security and cooperation for more than seven decades. The recent repatriation ceremony in Seoul se
Jun 91 min read


Accelerating Nuclear Cooperation: A Strategic Opportunity for South Korea
Reference Image | U.S. Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine Illinois under construction at Groton Shipyard, Connecticut (2015). Source: AP. The recent agreement between South Korea and the United States to accelerate follow-up negotiations on nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear energy cooperation represents far more than a routine diplomatic development. The emphasis on producing tangible results quickly suggests that both governments recognize the growing urgency of t
Jun 32 min read


Canada’s Submarine Project: Another Testing Ground for K-Defense
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik’s recent visit to Canada carries significance far beyond a routine diplomatic schedule. This is because Canada’s next-generation submarine project—a massive undertaking valued at up to 60 trillion KRW—presents a crucial opportunity for South Korea’s defense industry to once again prove its competitiveness on the global stage. Driven by fast delivery times, cost competitiveness, and superior technology, South Korean defense companies h
Jun 22 min read


South Korea–U.S. Nuclear Talks Highlight Shared Security and Strategic Interests
The launch of South Korea–U.S. consultations on nuclear-powered submarines and expanded nuclear cooperation reflects growing efforts by both countries to strengthen maritime security and long-term strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime trade routes become increasingly important and regional naval capabilities continue to evolve, Seoul has sought to enhance its ability to conduct extended underwater operations while improving its overall defense readine
Jun 21 min read


Beyond Arms Exports: Hanwha Ocean’s Strategic Partnership Bid in Canada
Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) has emerged as one of the most closely watched defense procurement programs in the world. Valued at up to KRW 60 trillion, the project aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarine fleet and strengthen Canada’s maritime security capabilities. With the world’s longest coastline and growing strategic challenges in the Arctic—including increased Russian activity, Chinese interest in the region, and evolving NATO commitments—
Jun 11 min read


Standing Alongside the Royalty of Pop: Why BTS is the Definitive Choice for the World Cup’s First-Ever Halftime Show
[Photo] Global Citizen (Global Citizen)
May 282 min read


U.S. Closely Watches South Korea’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Project
South Korea has officially unveiled its roadmap for developing the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine, marking the beginning of a long-term national project that combines maritime security, advanced industry, and strategic infrastructure. The government aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s, followed by operational deployment later in the decade. The project, named the “Jangbogo-N Project,” is being described as more than a simple naval sh
May 272 min read


At a Crossroads: Canada's Maritime Security and the Future of Its Undersea Fleet
May 27, 2026 A Strategic Assessment of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) and South Korea's KSS-III Platform 1. Executive Summary Based on recent analysis by the Global Affairs Lab, this report evaluates the trajectory of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), a multibillion-dollar acquisition crucial to Ottawa's national defense. Plagued by chronic availability issues with its aging Victoria-class fleet, Canada faces a critical undersea defense gap. As the g
May 275 min read


Hanwha Ocean Emerges as Strong Contender for Canada's Next-Generation Submarine Program
Hanwha Ocean is drawing attention as a leading contender in Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), a major initiative to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines. The program, which could involve up to 12 submarines, is considered one of the largest naval modernization efforts in Canadian history. The company is offering the KSS-III (Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class) submarine, a platform already in active service with the Republic of Korea Navy. By leveraging a proven
May 271 min read
bottom of page
