William Gallo
@williamgallo.bsky.social
VOA Seoul bureau chief/regional correspondent. Posting in a personal capacity.
www.williamwgallo.com
www.williamwgallo.com
Reposted by William Gallo
This is very different from how it has been reported in the Japanese press, but this is *exactly* what they've been worried about in Tokyo.
November 27, 2025 at 12:47 AM
This is very different from how it has been reported in the Japanese press, but this is *exactly* what they've been worried about in Tokyo.
Since early September, U.S. forces have launched at least 21 separate strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. By comparison, at least 28 U.S. strikes in Somalia have occurred during that same time, according to AFRICOM.
100th Somalia strike of year shows AFRICOM mission that outpaces even US action in Caribbean
U.S. Africa Command carried out its 100th airstrike of the year in Somalia.
www.stripes.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Since early September, U.S. forces have launched at least 21 separate strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. By comparison, at least 28 U.S. strikes in Somalia have occurred during that same time, according to AFRICOM.
South Koreans' confidence in domestic institutions is increasing, months after former President Yoon was removed from office for declaring martial law, a Gallup poll shows.
South Korea Restores Trust, Realigns Foreign Relations
New data from South Korea show rising confidence in institutions after a period of instability, alongside shifting views of foreign powers.
news.gallup.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:50 PM
South Koreans' confidence in domestic institutions is increasing, months after former President Yoon was removed from office for declaring martial law, a Gallup poll shows.
South Korea intends to abolish provisions obligating soldiers and civil servants to follow superiors’ commands even when they may be improper or unlawful.
S. Korea pushes for soldiers, civil servants to have right to refuse unlawful orders
The South Korean government is moving to remove long-standing obedience requirements for civil servants and soldiers, on the heels of former President Yoon Suk
www.koreaherald.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:12 PM
South Korea intends to abolish provisions obligating soldiers and civil servants to follow superiors’ commands even when they may be improper or unlawful.
Reposted by William Gallo
Following Australia's lead, Malaysia aims to implement a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 from next year
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
Govt bans social media for children under 16 from next year
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil says he expects all platforms to implement this ruling and prohibit the opening of new accounts by anyone under 16.
www.freemalaysiatoday.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Following Australia's lead, Malaysia aims to implement a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 from next year
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
Reposted by William Gallo
The tiny House majority about to get a little tinier for some months after MTG's last day on January 5th, 2026.
November 22, 2025 at 1:57 AM
The tiny House majority about to get a little tinier for some months after MTG's last day on January 5th, 2026.
Gallup/Kettering Poll:
"Only about a quarter of Americans agree or strongly agree that government decisions generally reflect what the majority
of people want."
"Only about a quarter of Americans agree or strongly agree that government decisions generally reflect what the majority
of people want."
Kettering Foundation-Gallup Research Hub
Explore U.S. public opinion on the state of democracy, with data from over 20,000 adults in the inaugural Gallup-Kettering Foundation study.
www.gallup.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Gallup/Kettering Poll:
"Only about a quarter of Americans agree or strongly agree that government decisions generally reflect what the majority
of people want."
"Only about a quarter of Americans agree or strongly agree that government decisions generally reflect what the majority
of people want."
The top US commander in Korea makes the case for an "east-up" perspective of the region (see map below).
Gen. Xavier Brunson says it highlights the strategic military importance of the Korean Peninsula.
www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-...
Gen. Xavier Brunson says it highlights the strategic military importance of the Korean Peninsula.
www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-...
November 19, 2025 at 1:04 AM
The top US commander in Korea makes the case for an "east-up" perspective of the region (see map below).
Gen. Xavier Brunson says it highlights the strategic military importance of the Korean Peninsula.
www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-...
Gen. Xavier Brunson says it highlights the strategic military importance of the Korean Peninsula.
www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-...
"South Korea is uneasy beneath the American umbrella and wants a say in how that protection works. That’s not freedom exactly, but it is not dependency either. It is something more awkward, more grown-up."
Seoul’s Nuclear Script: South Korea’s Quiet Redefinition of Deterrence - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea
Two Korean-language-only volumes reveal how Seoul is redefining deterrence and testing the ...
www.38north.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:24 AM
"South Korea is uneasy beneath the American umbrella and wants a say in how that protection works. That’s not freedom exactly, but it is not dependency either. It is something more awkward, more grown-up."
"Even if we take the government at its word, it would still mean Korea is spending $3.3 billion annually, or three times the amount it is paying for defense costs at present."
Seoul’s pledge of $33 billion in support to USFK shows growing defense burden under Trump
Experts say a clause on “comprehensive support” for US Forces Korea in the recently released fact sheet on security agreements between the US and Korea could be cause for concern
english.hani.co.kr
November 17, 2025 at 9:44 PM
"Even if we take the government at its word, it would still mean Korea is spending $3.3 billion annually, or three times the amount it is paying for defense costs at present."
"Utilization of that submarine to counter China, I think is a natural expectation," Caudle said.
U.S. naval chief says utilizing S. Korea's nuclear sub to counter China is 'natural expectation' | Yonhap News Agency
By Lee Minji SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Joint Press Corps-Yonhap) -- The U.S. chief of naval operat...
en.yna.co.kr
November 17, 2025 at 3:23 AM
"Utilization of that submarine to counter China, I think is a natural expectation," Caudle said.
Another big US-ROK joint statement:
Both countries agreed to create a roadmap to expedite the process to transfer wartime operational control to South Korea.
The document also omits any mention of maintaining the current US troop level.
Both countries agreed to create a roadmap to expedite the process to transfer wartime operational control to South Korea.
The document also omits any mention of maintaining the current US troop level.
media.defense.gov
November 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Another big US-ROK joint statement:
Both countries agreed to create a roadmap to expedite the process to transfer wartime operational control to South Korea.
The document also omits any mention of maintaining the current US troop level.
Both countries agreed to create a roadmap to expedite the process to transfer wartime operational control to South Korea.
The document also omits any mention of maintaining the current US troop level.
"It may be necessary to establish new measures, in consultation with the IAEA and others, to verify that nuclear-powered submarine fuel is not diverted for nuclear weapons development."
Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet on Nuclear Submarines, Tariffs Imminent
Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet on Nuclear Submarines, Tariffs Imminent Fact sheet details tariff cuts, security agreements; further nuclear negotiations expected
www.chosun.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:29 AM
"It may be necessary to establish new measures, in consultation with the IAEA and others, to verify that nuclear-powered submarine fuel is not diverted for nuclear weapons development."
South Korea's president, unveiling details of new US-South Korea agreements:
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the international community. Only the national interest is eternal."
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the international community. Only the national interest is eternal."
대한민국 대통령실
대한민국 대통령 공식 홈페이지
www.president.go.kr
November 14, 2025 at 5:54 AM
South Korea's president, unveiling details of new US-South Korea agreements:
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the international community. Only the national interest is eternal."
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the international community. Only the national interest is eternal."
"The option of constructing our nuclear-powered submarine in the U.S. was never mentioned," says South Korea's national security advisor.
(2nd LD) Lee announces joint fact sheet on trade, security agreements with U.S. | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, comments, photo)By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap...
m-en.yna.co.kr
November 14, 2025 at 5:29 AM
"The option of constructing our nuclear-powered submarine in the U.S. was never mentioned," says South Korea's national security advisor.
Reposted by William Gallo
"The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel." www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
Joint Fact Sheet on President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with President Lee Jae Myung
President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) welcomed President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America (United States or U.S.) for a
www.whitehouse.gov
November 14, 2025 at 2:08 AM
"The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel." www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
A good overview of how the US-South Korea alliance is changing during the second Trump administration. Some potentially transformative discussions going on.
South Korea Redefines Alliance Burden Sharing After Trump’s Asia Visit - Korea Economic Institute of America
The U.S. push for allies to shoulder greater security burdens converges with South Korean efforts to deepen autonomy.
keia.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:17 AM
A good overview of how the US-South Korea alliance is changing during the second Trump administration. Some potentially transformative discussions going on.
However, Takaichi did clarify that — at least for the time being — her administration would adhere to the pledge.
“At this stage, the government maintains the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a policy guideline,” she said.
“At this stage, the government maintains the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a policy guideline,” she said.
Takaichi sidesteps commitment to decades-old nonnuclear principles www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
Takaichi sidesteps commitment to decades-old nonnuclear principles
The prime minister refrained from saying her government would maintain Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles, leaving the door open for a potential revision.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM
However, Takaichi did clarify that — at least for the time being — her administration would adhere to the pledge.
“At this stage, the government maintains the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a policy guideline,” she said.
“At this stage, the government maintains the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a policy guideline,” she said.
South Korea's left-leaning government has maintained its support for a U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations, Yonhap reports. Many observers didn't expect this, since the Lee admin is pursuing engagement with North Korea.
Seoul keeps backing U.N. resolution against N. Korean human rights violations | Yonhap News Agency
By Kim Seung-yeon SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has maintained its support for...
en.yna.co.kr
November 12, 2025 at 7:42 AM
South Korea's left-leaning government has maintained its support for a U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations, Yonhap reports. Many observers didn't expect this, since the Lee admin is pursuing engagement with North Korea.
Reposted by William Gallo
Gov't to launch task force to identify officials involved with martial law attempt koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Gov't to launch task force to identify officials involved with martial law attempt
The government will launch a task force under the prime minister's office to investigate and take disciplinary action against public officials involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration ...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Gov't to launch task force to identify officials involved with martial law attempt koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
"South Korea is one of only three countries — along with China and North Korea — where Google Maps does not support driving or walking directions."
Korean gov't again postpones decision to let Google export hi-res map data
The Korean government has postponed its decision on whether to allow Google to export the country's high-resolution map data, delaying the review for a third time.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:39 AM
"South Korea is one of only three countries — along with China and North Korea — where Google Maps does not support driving or walking directions."
Reposted by William Gallo
A citizens group has sent a letter to Japan’s govt requesting the withdrawal of US Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base. These intermediate-range missiles were deployed in Sept for drills. The group fears the extended deployment is to normalise their presence. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235...
米タイフォン撤去申し入れ、市民 岩国基地に展開、常態化懸念：北海道新聞デジタル
米軍岩国基地（山口県岩国市）の機能強化に反対する広島、山口両県の市民団体は10日、米軍が岩国に展開した中距離ミサイル発射装置「タイフォン」の撤去が大幅に遅れており、常態化の懸念があるとして、米軍に撤...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 11, 2025 at 4:51 AM
A citizens group has sent a letter to Japan’s govt requesting the withdrawal of US Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base. These intermediate-range missiles were deployed in Sept for drills. The group fears the extended deployment is to normalise their presence. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1235...
Reposted by William Gallo
INGRAHAM: A Chinese diplomat said the prime minister of Japan should be beheaded. These are not our friends are they in China?
TRUMP: Well, a lot of allies aren't our friends either
TRUMP: Well, a lot of allies aren't our friends either
November 11, 2025 at 12:19 AM
INGRAHAM: A Chinese diplomat said the prime minister of Japan should be beheaded. These are not our friends are they in China?
TRUMP: Well, a lot of allies aren't our friends either
TRUMP: Well, a lot of allies aren't our friends either
"Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stuck to her guns during Diet deliberations on Nov. 10, declining to withdraw a pledge to provide support to Taiwan if it came under attack and Japan felt threatened."
Takaichi doesn’t budge from past controversial comments | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stuck to her guns during Diet deliberations on Nov. 10, declining to withdraw a pledge to provide support to Taiwan if it came under attack and Japan felt threatened.
www.asahi.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 AM
"Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stuck to her guns during Diet deliberations on Nov. 10, declining to withdraw a pledge to provide support to Taiwan if it came under attack and Japan felt threatened."
"This year's joint statement is also reported to exclude the phrase 'maintaining the current level of US troops in South Korea'... this reflects discussions on reducing US troops in South Korea."
Editorial: Joint Statement Omits 'Kim Regime End' and 'U.S. Troop Maintenance' Phrases
Editorial: Joint Statement Omits Kim Regime End and U.S. Troop Maintenance Phrases Shift aligns with Lee Jae-myungs summit bid, Trumps Nobel bid, heightening risks
www.chosun.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:06 AM
"This year's joint statement is also reported to exclude the phrase 'maintaining the current level of US troops in South Korea'... this reflects discussions on reducing US troops in South Korea."