Karl Friedhoff
@kfriedhoff.bsky.social
Marshall M. Bouton Fellow for Asia Studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
I never knew that my emails, filled to the brim with complete sentences and a coherent narrative, were such a work of art. I'm bout to start printing these out and hanging them on the walls.
November 13, 2025 at 2:45 AM
I never knew that my emails, filled to the brim with complete sentences and a coherent narrative, were such a work of art. I'm bout to start printing these out and hanging them on the walls.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
When Lee Jae-myung entered office, many in South Korea’s business community braced for a sharp left turn.
His progressive campaign rhetoric on labor rights and taxation had boardrooms preparing for confrontation.
koreapro.org/2025/11/aft...
His progressive campaign rhetoric on labor rights and taxation had boardrooms preparing for confrontation.
koreapro.org/2025/11/aft...
After bracing for hard-left turn, Seoul’s business elite warm to Lee Jae-myung - Korea Pro
When South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office earlier this year, many in the country’s business community were anxious about what changes the new administration would bring, bracing for a sharp leftward turn in policy. Lee’s progressive reputation — bolstered by pro-labor campaign pledges and talk of higher taxes — had boardrooms on edge. Yet […]
koreapro.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:26 AM
When Lee Jae-myung entered office, many in South Korea’s business community braced for a sharp left turn.
His progressive campaign rhetoric on labor rights and taxation had boardrooms preparing for confrontation.
koreapro.org/2025/11/aft...
His progressive campaign rhetoric on labor rights and taxation had boardrooms preparing for confrontation.
koreapro.org/2025/11/aft...
This is exactly the problem with the critical minerals lists. Copper and coal have market solutions. But their addition here only adds to the costs/use of taxpayer dollars that should be used elsewhere.
Trump Administration Adds Copper, Coal to Critical Minerals List
The US added copper, silver and uranium to a government list of critical minerals as the Trump administration broadens its scope of what commodities it deems vital to the American economy and national...
www.bloomberg.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:20 AM
This is exactly the problem with the critical minerals lists. Copper and coal have market solutions. But their addition here only adds to the costs/use of taxpayer dollars that should be used elsewhere.
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I find the Parthenon sculptures at the BM to be wholly underwhelming. Just admit it and return them. The much better room is the Bassai frieze. That entire room is magical.
The Marbles film review — documentary puts Parthenon sculptures under scrutiny
David Wilkinson’s nuanced film looks back at how they were acquired and asks where they should reside
search.app
November 7, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I find the Parthenon sculptures at the BM to be wholly underwhelming. Just admit it and return them. The much better room is the Bassai frieze. That entire room is magical.
In my career, literally all of my direct bosses have been women. And I feel comfortable that they would identify as "liberal feminists." I can attest they were fantastic to work for and lovely people.
November 7, 2025 at 1:52 AM
In my career, literally all of my direct bosses have been women. And I feel comfortable that they would identify as "liberal feminists." I can attest they were fantastic to work for and lovely people.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
Aunties and Grannies! And my grandfather.
Acupressure (probably originated in India) may be 5,000 years old. Acupuncture (China spreading to Korea and Japan) is almost as old. Reflexology (from the US) is over 100 years old.
Acupressure (probably originated in India) may be 5,000 years old. Acupuncture (China spreading to Korea and Japan) is almost as old. Reflexology (from the US) is over 100 years old.
November 7, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Aunties and Grannies! And my grandfather.
Acupressure (probably originated in India) may be 5,000 years old. Acupuncture (China spreading to Korea and Japan) is almost as old. Reflexology (from the US) is over 100 years old.
Acupressure (probably originated in India) may be 5,000 years old. Acupuncture (China spreading to Korea and Japan) is almost as old. Reflexology (from the US) is over 100 years old.
I haven't read the paper, yet, so this may be totally off. But this was something I've been anticipating. I've long (anecdotally) hypothesized that expertise/interest on Korea is on the rise, and that would inevitably siphon off expertise/interest from Japan.
A new paper by Dr. Adam P. Liff (@adampliff.bsky.social) on Japan foreign policy expertise in U.S. academia, published as part of the new USJF Research series, highlights the accelerating disappearance and calls for renewed investment in future generations of scholars.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF Publishes New Paper by Adam P. Liff on Declining Japan Foreign Policy Expertise in U.S. Academia
USJF publishes Dr. Adam P. Liff's paper on the decline of Japan's foreign policy expertise in U.S. academia, urging renewed investment in future scholars and practitioners.
us-jf.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I haven't read the paper, yet, so this may be totally off. But this was something I've been anticipating. I've long (anecdotally) hypothesized that expertise/interest on Korea is on the rise, and that would inevitably siphon off expertise/interest from Japan.
Korean grannies been swearing by foot/brain connection for decades. Centuries? Those jagged stone walking paths in parks across the country serve a real purpose.
Nike's first neuroscience-based footwear "designed from the brain down"
Sportswear brand Nike has unveiled its Mind 001 and Mind 002 trainers, designed in collaboration with neuroscientists to improve the connection between mind and body.
www.dezeen.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Korean grannies been swearing by foot/brain connection for decades. Centuries? Those jagged stone walking paths in parks across the country serve a real purpose.
A sitting US Senator posting an ITYSL meme. You love to see it.
November 7, 2025 at 12:26 AM
A sitting US Senator posting an ITYSL meme. You love to see it.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
Related: We need more mainstream resistance music right now.
November 5, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Related: We need more mainstream resistance music right now.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
"Most critical minerals are not energy-transition minerals, and most energy-transition minerals are not critical minerals"
The Minerals Security concept proposed by Daniel Franks (@Uqueensland) seems more relevant to me. I want to be on the sustainability boat, not in the war one...
The Minerals Security concept proposed by Daniel Franks (@Uqueensland) seems more relevant to me. I want to be on the sustainability boat, not in the war one...
How the rush for critical minerals is neglecting human needs | Nature
A focus on national security alone is limiting people’s access to key materials. A focus on national security alone is limiting people’s access to key materials.
www.nature.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:20 PM
"Most critical minerals are not energy-transition minerals, and most energy-transition minerals are not critical minerals"
The Minerals Security concept proposed by Daniel Franks (@Uqueensland) seems more relevant to me. I want to be on the sustainability boat, not in the war one...
The Minerals Security concept proposed by Daniel Franks (@Uqueensland) seems more relevant to me. I want to be on the sustainability boat, not in the war one...
If you happen to be in Seoul, cannot recommend highly enough making the day trip to Museum San. One of my favorite museums.
Inspired by Rome’s Pantheon: An Underground Art Cave in South Korea
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
If you happen to be in Seoul, cannot recommend highly enough making the day trip to Museum San. One of my favorite museums.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
@csis.org @victordcha.bsky.social joins @cnbc.com to discuss how China’s recent policies are reshaping the U.S.–South Korea alliance and regional security.
Watch here: www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
Watch here: www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
China's policy 'failure' is pushing South Korea closer to the United States: CSIS
Victor Cha of CSIS says Japan and South Korea's buildup in its' nuclear capabilities is 'good', as long as it happens within the U.S.' Alliance. He also discusses the importance for South Korea to bui...
www.cnbc.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:22 PM
@csis.org @victordcha.bsky.social joins @cnbc.com to discuss how China’s recent policies are reshaping the U.S.–South Korea alliance and regional security.
Watch here: www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
Watch here: www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
This gets at diff. approaches from the right/left in Korea. Politicians on right blurt out, "Hey, we need nukes!" Those on left will do work to put the entire system in place. Public opinion on both sides is supportive. It's less mentioned, but this issue has bipartisan public support.
idk...nuke subs made sense for Aus because of its distance from the rest of Asia, but ROK defense is focused on DPRK and they've been hesitant to become more involved in regional security so it doesn't seem necessary.
Also hard to ignore that they're linking this to enrichment/reprocessing rights
Also hard to ignore that they're linking this to enrichment/reprocessing rights
This is a good move by Trump. Similar to AUKUS pact with Australia under Biden. www.wsj.com/world/asia/a...
October 31, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This gets at diff. approaches from the right/left in Korea. Politicians on right blurt out, "Hey, we need nukes!" Those on left will do work to put the entire system in place. Public opinion on both sides is supportive. It's less mentioned, but this issue has bipartisan public support.
As an avid college football fan, nothing I'd love to see more than LSU in even more chaos. Tommy Tuberville the obvious terrible choice. But he'll no doubt go for George Lombardi because "they named the trophy after him."
From @theathletic.com: LSU parted ways with athletic director Scott Woodward just days after firing head coach Brian Kelly, and after criticism from Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana. nyti.ms/4olmpH8
October 31, 2025 at 3:22 PM
As an avid college football fan, nothing I'd love to see more than LSU in even more chaos. Tommy Tuberville the obvious terrible choice. But he'll no doubt go for George Lombardi because "they named the trophy after him."
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
Have you seen this? Points to ROK government for understanding the assignment.
October 29, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Have you seen this? Points to ROK government for understanding the assignment.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
I went back and looked at the long thread I did on old Twitter when Takaichi ran in 2021 that looked at her career up until 2012/2013. Posting the screenshots here.
October 22, 2025 at 8:35 PM
I went back and looked at the long thread I did on old Twitter when Takaichi ran in 2021 that looked at her career up until 2012/2013. Posting the screenshots here.
"It is hard for me to accept that there are still some who believe South Korea cannot secure self-reliant national defense and must rely on others for its defense," Lee said.
Lee vows aggressive R&D push for defense exports, military self-reliance
President Lee Jae Myung said Monday his administration will push for research and development through increased government spending to nurture Korea's defense a
www.koreaherald.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"It is hard for me to accept that there are still some who believe South Korea cannot secure self-reliant national defense and must rely on others for its defense," Lee said.
South Korea pulling out all the stops here as negotiations on $350bn investment--and other issues--drag on.
South Korea mulls awarding highest order to Trump during APEC visit
South Korea is considering awarding US President Donald Trump its highest national honor in recognition of his role in promoting peace and security on the Korea
www.koreaherald.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
South Korea pulling out all the stops here as negotiations on $350bn investment--and other issues--drag on.
"“When victors judge the vanquished, it creates an enduring misery of defeat and hardship for future generations." --PM Takaichi
A Gathering Storm in Tokyo Shadows Seoul’s APEC Moment - Korea Economic Institute of America
South Korea faces the prospect of a new Japanese government less inclined to confront historical issues.
keia.org
October 21, 2025 at 12:54 PM
"“When victors judge the vanquished, it creates an enduring misery of defeat and hardship for future generations." --PM Takaichi
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
IMO, this takes the US in the wrong direction long-term in trying to stand up secure supply chains. These facilities need to be distributed across allies and partners not concentrated in the US. But US largesse is going to distort the market.
Saltend: Major UK rare earths refinery scrapped in favour of US
The project would have given the UK a strategic foothold in the rare earths industry.
www.bbc.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
IMO, this takes the US in the wrong direction long-term in trying to stand up secure supply chains. These facilities need to be distributed across allies and partners not concentrated in the US. But US largesse is going to distort the market.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
Next season...
7pm - Chicago Med
8pm - Chicago Fire
9pm - Chicago PD
10pm - Chicago Pope
7pm - Chicago Med
8pm - Chicago Fire
9pm - Chicago PD
10pm - Chicago Pope
October 17, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Next season...
7pm - Chicago Med
8pm - Chicago Fire
9pm - Chicago PD
10pm - Chicago Pope
7pm - Chicago Med
8pm - Chicago Fire
9pm - Chicago PD
10pm - Chicago Pope
Really interesting results for support for legalizing same-sex marriage in Korea. This kind of polling is done rarely.
"◎ 직전 조사인 2023년 대비 동성결혼 법제화 찬성이 6%포인트 줄고, 반대가 7%포인트 늘었다. 2019년까지 20%포인트를 넘던 찬반 격차가 2021년 14%포인트, 2023년 11%포인트까지 점진 감소했으나, 이번에 다시 24%포인트로 벌어졌다. 2년 전에 비해 20·30대, 성향 진보층에서 찬성 약화, 보수층에서 반대 강화된 결과다. 더 긴 흐름으로 보면 중장년층은 10여 년 전보다 수용적, 20·30대는 역행 양상이다."
October 17, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Really interesting results for support for legalizing same-sex marriage in Korea. This kind of polling is done rarely.
Reposted by Karl Friedhoff
www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/rep... ◎ 전반적 직무 평가 수치는 직전 조사(9월 23~25일)와 별반 다르지 않으나, 부정 평가 이유는 적잖이 바뀌었다. 추석 전에는 조희대 대법원장 사퇴 압박과 진실 공방, 내란 재판부 변경 등 여당 주도 사안 언급이, 이번에는 외교, 중국, 부동산 관련 지적이 늘었다.
한국갤럽조사연구소
www.gallup.co.kr
October 17, 2025 at 1:13 AM
www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/rep... ◎ 전반적 직무 평가 수치는 직전 조사(9월 23~25일)와 별반 다르지 않으나, 부정 평가 이유는 적잖이 바뀌었다. 추석 전에는 조희대 대법원장 사퇴 압박과 진실 공방, 내란 재판부 변경 등 여당 주도 사안 언급이, 이번에는 외교, 중국, 부동산 관련 지적이 늘었다.