Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • Seoul shares details of Korean vessels with Iran amid Hormuz transit talks
    Seoul shares details of Korean vessels with Iran amid Hormuz transit talks SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - South Korea has shared information on its vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz with Iran as part of ongoing negotiations over maritime transit, government sources said Tuesday. Jeong Byeong-ha, special envoy of the foreign minister, reportedly provided details about South Korean ships and crew members during talks with senior Iranian officials, focusing on the safety of vessels currently unable to pass through the strategic waterway. Iran had previously indicated that information on South Korean vessels would be necessary to coordinate any potential transit arrangements, officials said. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, a total of 26 South Korean vessels and 173 crew members remain unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul had previously maintained that all vessels, including those of South Korea, should be allowed to transit freely and had taken a cautious stance toward bilateral negotiations focused solely on Korean ships. Observers are now watching whether the latest information-sharing signals a shift in the government's approach. However, prospects for near-term progress remain uncertain following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, which analysts say could delay any meaningful resolution to the transit issue. 2026-04-14 10:13:30
  • Korean Air posts record Q1 revenue as Middle East risks loom
    Korean Air posts record Q1 revenue as Middle East risks loom SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - Korean Air posted record first-quarter revenue despite rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The airline said Monday it recorded 4.52 trillion won ($3.03 billion) in revenue and 516.9 billion won in operating profit for the first quarter on a standalone basis. Revenue rose 14.1 percent from a year earlier, marking the highest first-quarter performance in the company’s history. Operating profit climbed 47.3 percent year-on-year, while net profit increased 25.6 percent to 242.7 billion won. Korean Air said both passenger and cargo businesses contributed to improved earnings despite ongoing instability in the Middle East. Passenger revenue rose 7.3 percent from a year earlier to 2.61 trillion won, supported by solid travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday in February and increased sales on key transfer routes, including Europe. Industry officials said disruptions at Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, due to the regional conflict may have boosted transfer demand through Asian hub airports such as Incheon. According to aviation data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korean Air carried 8.04 million passengers in the first quarter, up 5 percent from a year earlier. Cargo revenue increased 3.5 percent to 1.09 trillion won. The airline attributed the growth to expanding fixed-volume contracts and flexible route operations, including additional charter and ad hoc flights on strong-demand routes to North America. Cargo volume reached 431,500 tons, up 2.7 percent from the same period last year. However, Korean Air warned that the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East would likely intensify in the second quarter, as rising fuel costs and exchange rate volatility weigh on profitability. A Korean Air official said the airline had shifted to an emergency management in April to prepare for surging fuel costs and would pursue cost efficiency measures. “We are strengthening our financial fundamentals and using this period as an opportunity to build a stable foundation for future growth,” the official said. 2026-04-13 17:10:48
  • Korean LCCs streamline routes and payroll on Gulf war impact
    Korean LCCs streamline routes and payroll on Gulf war impact SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - The Gulf war is not yet two months old, but South Korean low-cost carriers are already scaling back long-haul routes and trimming payroll as surging fuel costs and a weakening won curb overseas travel. T’way Air has begun accepting applications for unpaid leave from cabin crew, marking its first such program since August 2024, according to industry sources Monday. The airline said the move is intended to manage crew fatigue and adjust workloads following schedule changes. Industry officials, however, say it reflects mounting financial strain as the U.S.-Iran conflict drives up fuel costs and pressures the currency. T’way Air had already declared emergency management mode on March 16, becoming the first domestic carrier to take such action amid the crisis. The carrier has posted operating losses for two consecutive years, with a 12.3 billion won ($8.3 million) loss in 2024 widening sharply to 265.5 billion won in 2025, as higher fuel costs, exchange rate volatility and weakening demand compound its challenges. The strain is spreading across the low-cost carrier (LCC) sector. Data released by the office of Rep. Park Yong-gap showed that international flights operated by nine domestic LCCs fell from 40,111 to 39,006 in the month following the outbreak of the conflict, while cancellations rose from 479 to 604. Some carriers saw steeper pullbacks. Jin Air cut mid-haul flights by 27.7 percent, while T’way Air reduced operations by 12.6 percent but posted a cancellation rate of 31.2 percent. Cost pressures are being amplified by currency swings. Airlines typically pay for fuel, aircraft leases and maintenance in U.S. dollars, leaving them highly exposed to exchange rate volatility. The dollar has averaged close to 1,500 won in April, the highest since the 2008 global financial crisis. Jet fuel prices have also spiked, with Singapore benchmark aviation fuel rising to around $197 per barrel—more than double pre-conflict levels near $90—making it increasingly difficult to sustain marginal routes. Full-service carriers are not immune. Korean Air saw its long-haul cancellation rate jump from 0.2 percent to 3.9 percent after the conflict, largely due to airspace closures over Dubai and subsequent route adjustments. The government has begun preparing support measures. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a “concern” level resource security alert and launched a crisis response task force, while considering administrative support such as temporary relief on financial restructuring requirements. 2026-04-13 14:44:45
  • Seoul readying to redraw energy map with Hormuz substitutes in postwar order
    Seoul readying to redraw energy map with Hormuz substitutes in postwar order SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - It remains uncertain whether — or how — the war will wind down and the Strait of Hormuz will fully reopen after U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan on Saturday. But one thing is already clear: access to the strategic waterway along Iran and Oman will not return to what it was. Against those odds — and the rising cost burden — Seoul is moving to rethink its energy routes. A presidential envoy mission to Kazakhstan, Oman and Saudi Arabia is beginning to signal where those alternatives may lie. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik led a joint government-corporate delegation to the three countries this week, aiming to secure long-term crude oil and naphtha supplies in what is increasingly being viewed as a postwar energy order. Shipping data underscores the scale of disruption. Vessel activity in the Strait of Hormuz showed only a marginal uptick this week, with just four bulk carriers transiting between midnight and 8 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, according to MarineTraffic. Before the conflict erupted in late February, more than 100 ships passed through the strait daily. Traffic has since collapsed by more than 80 percent in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Even under the ceasefire framework, flows remain tightly controlled. A senior Iranian source said fewer than 15 vessels per day would be allowed to transit, with all movements subject to prior approval and strict protocols. “All vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz should, until further notice, use alternative routes designated by the IRGC Navy,” the force said, warning ships to avoid potential contact with naval mines. The new routing system effectively redraws the map. Traffic is being pushed closer to Iran’s Larak Island — home to military facilities — while previously used channels are now labeled “danger zones.” Nearly 2,000 vessels remain stranded near the chokepoint, including 26 South Korea-linked ships and seven Korean oil tankers. Rethinking supply lines South Korea’s energy dependence leaves little room for disruption. In 2025, crude imports were led by Saudi Arabia (33.6 percent), followed by the United States (17 percent), the United Arab Emirates (11.4 percent), Iraq (10.4 percent) and Kuwait (8.5 percent). Seoul has already moved to secure emergency volumes, including 24 million barrels from the UAE late last month — equivalent to just over eight days of consumption. But the buffer is thin. “We need about 2.8 million barrels per day. Even if Kazakhstan provides supplies, it would likely be less than 2 million barrels. It’s not easy to rely on that alone,” said Yoo Seung-hoon, professor at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. “The 24 million barrels secured from the UAE would last less than 10 days — about eight days. That’s not a huge amount. We need to secure supplies from Oman and other producers to sustain operations.” The geography of alternatives Oman is emerging as a key strategic option. Unlike most Gulf exporters, it can ship crude directly through the Arabian Sea without passing through Hormuz. Its main export terminals — including Duqm and Sohar — sit outside the strait, offering rare insulation from chokepoint risk. Kazakhstan, while landlocked, presents a different kind of workaround. Its extensive pipeline network connects inland fields to export terminals on the Caspian and Black Seas, allowing crude to reach global markets without touching Hormuz. “Cargoes from Kazakhstan can avoid the Red Sea and move via Russian routes before detouring around the Cape of Good Hope,” an industry official said. Since Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in 2023, such longer routes have already become more common despite higher costs and extended delivery times. In emergencies, safety is beginning to outweigh efficiency. GS Caltex has already tested the route, importing 80,000 tons of Kazakhstan’s CPC crude this week. The cargo, loaded via pipeline and shipped from Russia’s Novorossiysk port, arrived at the company’s Yeosu terminal. “We load the crude from pipeline shipments in Russia and transport it by tanker,” a GS Caltex official said. 2026-04-10 16:41:52
  • K9 howitzers expand in Europe with additional orders from Finland
    K9 howitzers expand in Europe with additional orders from Finland SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) -South Korea will export an additional 112 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Finland under a government-to-government (G2G) deal valued at 546 million euros ($634 million), marking a follow-up order from the Nordic country after its initial purchase in 2017. The agreement was signed in Helsinki between the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, representing the Korean government, and Finland’s defense ministry, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Under the contract, Hanwha Aerospace will supply 112 K9 howitzers. Finland previously acquired 96 units through a similar G2G agreement in 2017. The latest deal follows about seven months of negotiations involving KOTRA, Hanwha Aerospace, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Korean embassy in Finland. Officials from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung and Oli Ruutu, director general for resource policy at Finland’s defense ministry. The K9 howitzer has been in operation in Finland for eight years, where it has been deployed in harsh conditions including extreme cold and heavy snowfall. The additional order reflects continued confidence in the system’s mobility and firepower under such environments, officials said. The G2G export framework allows the Korean government to participate directly in contracts alongside private firms, supporting negotiations, legal reviews and communication with the purchasing country. The structure is designed to reduce risks for exporters and improve transparency in the contracting process. The follow-up order comes as South Korea’s defense exports continue to expand in Europe amid shifting security dynamics, including strains within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s war in Ukraine. The K9 howitzer is currently operated by more than 10 countries, including six NATO members. Upon increasing demand, Hanwha Aerospace has been ramping up manufacturing base in Europe. In February, the company began construction of a production facility in Romania, dubbed “H-ACE Europe,” to manufacture K9 howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles locally. The facility will include assembly, testing and maintenance capabilities, with localization rates targeted at up to 80 percent. Romania signed a deal in 2024 to purchase 54 K9 units and 36 K10 vehicles, becoming the 10th member of the K9 user group and the sixth NATO country to operate the system. 2026-04-10 07:49:38
  • HD Hyundai Heavy builds first ammonia-powered vessel, signaling shift in green shipping fuel race
    HD Hyundai Heavy builds first ammonia-powered vessel, signaling shift in green shipping fuel race SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has built the world’s first ammonia-powered gas carriers, marking a significant step toward commercializing next-generation eco-friendly vessels. According to shipbuilding industry sources Thursday, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a naming ceremony at its Ulsan shipyard for two 46,000-cubic-meter medium-sized gas carriers equipped with dual-fuel engines. The vessels are designed to run on ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), representing the first commercial-scale ammonia-fueled ships. The ships are equipped with safety systems including ammonia leak detection and recovery technologies, highlighting that ammonia-powered vessels are moving beyond experimental development and entering the commercialization phase. Pressure to decarbonize shipping has intensified in recent years as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens emissions regulations and major cargo owners increase environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements. Shipping companies are increasingly seeking alternatives to fossil fuel-based vessels to maintain long-term competitiveness. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has served as a transitional fuel, while methanol-powered ships have recently gained traction. However, LNG still produces carbon emissions, and methanol is not considered fully carbon-free. As a result, ammonia and hydrogen have emerged as leading candidates for zero-carbon maritime fuels. Ammonia is widely viewed as the most viable next-generation fuel due to its higher storage density compared with liquefied hydrogen and the ability to store it under less extreme conditions. It also produces no carbon dioxide emissions during combustion, making it a zero-carbon fuel. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that ammonia could account for up to 46 percent of shipping fuel by 2050, reflecting its technical and economic advantages. The company has also collaborated with global energy and shipping firms such as Exmar and Trafigura, securing not only technology validation but also early demand for ammonia-powered vessels. Challenges remain, however. Ammonia’s high toxicity makes safety a key concern, while the development of fuel supply infrastructure and cost competitiveness will determine the pace of adoption. Industry watchers say the focus of shipbuilding competition is shifting from order volume to commercialization of eco-friendly fuel technologies. As the transition moves from LNG to methanol and now ammonia, companies that secure early technological leadership are expected to gain an advantage. 2026-04-09 16:53:49
  • HMM union moves toward industrial action over headquarters relocation
    HMM union moves toward industrial action over headquarters relocation SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - Labor-management negotiations at HMM over the planned relocation of its headquarters have collapsed, raising the prospect of industrial action by the union. HMM’s land-based workers’ union said Thursday that talks with management regarding the headquarters relocation had broken down. The union added it plans to begin procedures for industrial action, including filing for mediation with the labor authorities. In a statement released the same day, the union expressed regret over the collapse of negotiations, blaming what it described as the company’s unilateral push to relocate the headquarters. “It is deeply regrettable that negotiations collapsed due to the company’s unilateral attempt to proceed with the headquarters relocation,” the union said. “Filing for mediation is an unavoidable step to protect the rights of our members.” Despite moving toward industrial action, the union emphasized that it remains open to continued dialogue with management. “Applying for mediation does not mean a breakdown in communication,” the union said. “We are always ready to sit down with management with an open attitude and seek a reasonable solution.” The union also urged the company to take a “sincere and forward-looking approach” in future negotiations. The breakdown in talks is expected to intensify labor-management tensions over the headquarters relocation. Depending on the outcome of mediation by the labor commission and whether the union secures legal grounds for industrial action, the dispute could escalate into collective actions such as strikes. The conflict comes as the headquarters relocation appears to be nearing finalization. On March 31, HMM’s board approved amendments to the company’s articles of incorporation to relocate its headquarters to Busan. The move is backed by major shareholders including Korea Development Bank, which holds a 35.42 percent stake, and Korea Ocean Business Corp., which owns 35.08 percent, giving them a combined stake exceeding 70 percent. Meanwhile, the recently enacted “Yellow Envelope Law” — revisions to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act — designates workplace relocation as a mandatory subject for labor-management negotiations. This has increased the likelihood that the relocation could trigger labor disputes if pursued without agreement. Industry observers are also watching closely, noting that the dispute could extend beyond a simple relocation issue and impact the broader shipping sector. As HMM is South Korea’s largest national shipping company, prolonged labor tensions could potentially lead to disruptions in logistics operations, they added. 2026-04-09 16:04:38
  • Hormuz reopening hinges on Iran control as Korean tankers await passage
    Hormuz reopening hinges on Iran control as Korean tankers await passage SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - The United States and Iran have agreed to a dramatic two-week ceasefire centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but when, how — and more importantly, at what cost — stranded South Korean vessels can pass safely remains uncertain. The presidential office in Seoul on Wednesday said the ceasefire had created conditions for resuming transit through the strait, adding that the government would step up coordination with shipping companies and communication with relevant countries to facilitate the passage of Korean vessels. “As Iran has indicated that transit will resume under coordination with its military and technical constraints, we are closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant countries to clarify specific transit methods and conditions,” an official said. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, who left Tuesday as special envoy leading a Korean delegation on an energy mission to Kazakhstan, Oman and Saudi Arabia, is expected to spearhead negotiations. The temporary truce, reached hours before a U.S. strike deadline, includes Iran allowing ship passage through the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments. President Donald Trump said he agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” as long as Iran ensures “the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.” But Tehran has signaled it retains control over who gets through. Iran has attacked at least 19 vessels near the Strait — which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman — since the start of the war. The nearly six-week disruption has choked global crude supply and rattled markets. On Wednesday morning, Iran’s foreign minister said, “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.” Iran and Oman are expected to charge ships for transit during the ceasefire period, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iran said vessels would be allowed to pass during the two-week pause, but only under coordination with its armed forces and subject to operational restrictions — effectively maintaining control over the waterway. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also emphasized “regulated transit” as part of its proposed peace framework, signaling that Tehran intends to retain leverage over the chokepoint even during the ceasefire. Shipping industry reports suggest restrictions may go further. According to Lloyd’s List, vessels transiting the strait are increasingly required to follow procedures linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including what industry sources describe as a de facto “toll-booth” system controlling maritime traffic. If sustained, such an arrangement would allow Iran to exert economic leverage without formally closing the strait. Seven Korean oil tankers are awaiting safe passage, with authorities closely watching whether they can transit within the ceasefire window. More broadly, 26 South Korea-linked vessels — including crude oil tankers, bulk carriers and gas carriers — remain stranded near the Persian Gulf, underscoring the stakes for the country’s energy security. Around 70 percent of South Korea’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making safe passage particularly critical. Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, signaled that control of the waterway remains central to Tehran’s strategy. In a radio interview on Wednesday, he criticized U.S. policy and suggested restrictions could persist as long as hostilities continue. “The responsibility for the current situation and the economic damage to other countries lies with the United States and the Trump administration,” he said. “Rather than blaming Iran, the world should criticize U.S. actions driven by Israel’s demands in a region that serves as a vital global energy corridor.” He added that restrictions could remain in place while conflict conditions persist. “The most important issue is who controls the Strait of Hormuz. Our objective is to manage and block all military and economic elements that could benefit the enemy,” he said. However, the ambassador said he had no specific information indicating that vessels were being required to pay tolls for transit through Iranian waters, appearing to downplay reports of such arrangements. His deputy told AJP separately, “We did not mention the name of any vessels or any country. It is a general regulation. Our minister also said in a statement this morning that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is possible, but only through coordination with Iran’s armed forces.” “I do not know about the technical limitations or the details,” he added. “This is not the end of the war — only a two-week ceasefire.” While the ceasefire has eased immediate fears of escalation, Iran has also proposed measures such as transit fees and continued coordination requirements, suggesting that passage may remain controlled rather than fully restored. The temporary nature of the truce adds further uncertainty. Officials say the two-week window is intended to allow negotiations, but it could collapse if hostilities resume. For South Korea, the coming days may prove decisive. If the seven oil tankers successfully transit the strait, the country could secure an estimated 14 million barrels of crude, offering relief to energy markets strained by the conflict. However, with Iran maintaining operational control and the ceasefire limited to two weeks, shipping companies and insurers remain cautious — leaving the safe passage of Korean vessels far from assured. Contribution by Joonha Yoo 2026-04-08 17:29:28
  • POSCO to directly hire 7,000 subcontractor workers in major labor overhaul
    POSCO to directly hire 7,000 subcontractor workers in major labor overhaul SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - POSCO has announced a sweeping plan to directly hire around 7,000 subcontractor workers at its steel mills, marking a significant move to address longstanding issues surrounding subcontracting structures in industrial workplaces. The steelmaker said Tuesday it has established a roadmap to directly employ subcontractor workers who support production operations at its Pohang and Gwangyang steel plants. The hiring will be carried out in phases. POSCO has traditionally operated under a subcontracting system as steel production requires 24-hour facility operation and involves significant variations in job functions. Under this structure, in-house employees and subcontractor workers have worked side by side on-site. However, the company has now decided to directly hire subcontractor workers engaged in support tasks closely related to production, representing a major shift in its labor structure. The move is also expected to resolve long-standing legal disputes over employment status that have persisted since 2011, as subcontracted workers filed lawsuits seeking recognition as POSCO employees. The company said the decision effectively brings an end to nearly 15 years of conflict. POSCO plans to conduct formal recruitment procedures for subcontractor workers who wish to join the company. The decision reflects the company’s intention to eliminate what is often referred to as the “outsourcing of risk” and fundamentally strengthen workplace safety management. A POSCO official said the direct hiring initiative would help innovate safety systems at industrial sites and strengthen future competitiveness in the steel industry based on a cooperative labor-management model. Industry sources said the decision was strongly driven by POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa, who indicated the company would clarify its direction to avoid prolonged legal disputes. Representatives of subcontractor workers welcomed the decision, saying it would help ease internal conflicts caused by long-running lawsuits. They added that they would contribute to building a safer workplace as part of POSCO. The large-scale integration between POSCO and its subcontractors is being viewed as a new model for labor-management cooperation in the industrial sector, as well as an attempt to overcome challenges facing the steel industry through mutual growth. 2026-04-08 09:22:46
  • Cheap drones reshape Iran war, raising risk of North Korea copycat
    Cheap drones reshape Iran war, raising risk of North Korea copycat SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - Low-cost drones are rapidly redefining modern warfare in the Iran conflict, exposing a growing cost imbalance that could have direct implications for the Korean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed Washington achieved most of its strategic objectives in the war, likening the 32-day campaign to major 20th-century conflicts. Yet the fighting has dragged on longer than expected, far from the swift outcome suggested in the early hours of the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Feb. 28. What has sustained Iran’s resistance is not its nuclear capability, but drones — inexpensive, scalable and increasingly effective. Military analysts now describe the conflict as a “cost war,” in which cheap weapons are used to exhaust far more expensive defense systems. Iran’s Shahed drones, costing under $50,000, are forcing the U.S. and its allies to deploy interceptor missiles priced in the millions. Patriot interceptors cost roughly $4 million per unit, while Tomahawk cruise missiles exceed $2 million, underscoring the widening economic asymmetry. The trend has already been demonstrated in Ukraine, where low-cost interceptor drones have evolved rapidly — from speeds of 100 mph to over 220 mph within a year — and are now produced at scale, with output reaching as many as 2,000 units per day. One system, the “Sting” drone, costs around $2,000, a fraction of the estimated $20,000 price tag of the attack drones it targets. This widening cost gap raises a fundamental concern: even technologically superior forces risk being overwhelmed by sustained waves of inexpensive unmanned systems. The implications are particularly acute in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions remain high. Analysts warn that the primary threat to oil tankers is not large naval engagements, but land-based anti-ship missiles and drone strikes. Securing maritime routes — and reopening the strait — has become central to any de-escalation scenario. Washington is already adapting. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the U.S. military has deployed a low-cost attack drone dubbed “Lucas,” developed by reverse-engineering Iran’s Shahed design. Costing between $10,000 and $55,000, the system marks a shift toward cheaper, mass-deployable strike capabilities. The drones were used in attacks on Iranian military targets, including drone production facilities and air defense nodes, contributing to an 83 percent drop in Iranian drone activity in the early phase of the war, according to U.S. officials. The deployment also marked the first use of one-way attack drones by the U.S. in this conflict. Originally designed for a potential confrontation with China, the Lucas system had been slated for Indo-Pacific deployment, with about 6,000 units ordered by the U.S. Marine Corps. The Iran war accelerated its operational debut. North Korea seen as potential beneficiary The spread of low-cost drone warfare is also raising concerns about North Korea, which could benefit from the evolving battlefield dynamics. Pyongyang has deepened military cooperation with Russia during the Ukraine war, gaining exposure to modern drone tactics. Analysts warn that as U.S. strikes degrade Iran’s domestic drone production, Tehran may seek offshore partners — with North Korea viewed as a plausible candidate. “The development and production of Shahed-type long-endurance suicide drones by North Korea appear highly likely,” said Jeon Kyung-joo and Kim Hong-seok of the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. They added that North Korean forces have improved operational capabilities through battlefield experience alongside Russian troops. A Ukrainian field commander also warned that adversaries are using ongoing conflicts as testing grounds. “North Koreans are advancing with the knowledge and experience they are acquiring here,” said Captain Oleh Shyriaiev, noting that such lessons could later be applied on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s drone program dates back decades but remained limited to outdated reconnaissance systems. Its recent deployment to Russia, however, is seen as a turning point, potentially enabling it to absorb production know-how and scale up its capabilities. Implications for South Korea For South Korea, the rise of low-cost drone warfare exposes a structural vulnerability. Seoul’s air defense architecture is built around high-end systems such as PAC-3, Cheongung-II, THAAD and the forthcoming L-SAM. While effective against ballistic missiles, these systems are ill-suited to counter low-flying drones. “THAAD is optimized for high-altitude ballistic missile interception and is not designed to engage low-flying drones or cruise missiles,” said Jeong Kyung-woon of the Korea Association of Military Studies. If North Korea deploys drones at scale, South Korea could face the same cost dilemma seen in the Middle East — using multimillion-dollar interceptors against threats that cost a fraction of that amount. Analysts say this underscores the urgency for Seoul to expand counter-drone capabilities, including electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons and low-cost interception systems. As the Iran conflict demonstrates, the future of warfare may be defined less by technological superiority than by cost efficiency — a shift that could reshape security dynamics far beyond the Middle East. 2026-04-03 15:19:45