The Intelligence from The Economist He’s got Seoul: South Korea’s new leader
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Jun 4, 2025 
Oret Ogunbi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on how the African diaspora is reshaping Afrobeats and its worldwide influence. He highlights the genre's evolution and the challenges local artists face in achieving recognition. Luke Lithgow, a science writer, discusses groundbreaking genetic research on dingoes, questioning the effectiveness of traditional culling practices and their conservation implications. Together, they explore pressing issues in South Korea's political landscape and global cultural shifts.
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Lee's Pragmatic Leadership Shift
- Lee shifted from being a progressive populist to emphasizing pragmatic policies.
- He now supports market-friendly reforms and maintains alliances with the US and Japan.
South Korea's Domestic Challenges
- South Korea faces a battered economy and political uncertainty following the previous administration's crisis.
- Addressing economic growth and demographic decline will be key challenges for Lee's presidency.
Balancing East Asian Diplomacy
- Lee seeks a balanced foreign policy maintaining cooperation with China while reinforcing the US alliance.
- This balancing act is increasingly difficult amid US-China geopolitical tensions.