The former DPK chief secured a win in the party leadership primary in Seoul.

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 👀 Today’s Email about:

• Some South Koreans, unsure about relying on America's "nuclear umbrella," are pushing for the country to build its own nuclear weapons.

• The former DPK chief secured a win in the party leadership primary in Seoul.

• "Made in Korea" tells the story of a British boy band that experienced the K-pop transformation, combining their music with the distinct style of Korean pop culture.

NEWS 📰

Some South Koreans, unsure about relying on America's "nuclear umbrella," are pushing for the country to build its nuclear weapons.

Some South Koreans are increasingly pushing for the country to develop its own nuclear weapons, expressing doubts about the reliability of America's "nuclear umbrella." Despite decades of U.S. assurances to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary, North Korea has continued to expand its nuclear arsenal and engage in provocative actions, leading to growing security concerns in the South.

The fear of North Korea's nuclear capabilities has been exacerbated by recent geopolitical shifts, including the revival of a defense agreement between North Korea and Russia. Additionally, the potential re-election of former President Donald Trump, who has shown a less stable commitment to the U.S.-South Korea alliance, has intensified these anxieties.

Polls indicate a growing number of South Koreans support the idea of developing an independent nuclear arsenal. Although the South Korean government officially disavows this pursuit, the debate is becoming more mainstream, with some conservative politicians and analysts advocating for it. However, significant obstacles remain, including the lack of technical capabilities and political will to build nuclear weapons.

Strengthening conventional military capabilities, such as reconnaissance and missile defense, is seen by some experts as a more viable approach to countering the North Korean threat. The future of South Korea's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella may depend on the outcome of upcoming political events, particularly in the United States.

The former DPK chief secured a win in the party leadership primary in Seoul

Rep. Lee Jae-myung has secured an overwhelming victory in the final round of primaries held in Seoul, with 92.43 percent of the votes from registered party members. This victory positions him strongly to become the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) for a second term during the upcoming national convention. Lee's success in accumulating nearly 90 percent of votes across 17 rounds of primaries and from party members abroad underscores his dominance in the party.

Lee had previously resigned in June to comply with party rules requiring the party chair to step down to run for reelection. As a prominent figure in the liberal party, Lee is also seen as a leading candidate for the next presidential election in 2027, despite being involved in several scandals, including a high-profile land development case in Seongnam.

ENTERTAINMENT 🌄

"Made in Korea" tells the story of a British boy band that experienced the K-pop transformation, combining their music with the distinct style of Korean pop culture.

Millions of screaming fans, a global phenomenon, and a multi-billion pound industry—no, it's not Taylor Swift this time. We're talking about K-pop. With four of 2023's top 10 best-selling acts hailing from South Korea, the British music scene is eager to join the trend. Enter Dear Alice, a newly formed boy band created for the BBC One talent show, Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience.

The band members—Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly, and Reese—didn’t know each other before auditioning individually and being brought together by the show. They were flown to Seoul for 100 days of intense K-pop training, which typically takes years rather than months. Their experience involved rigorous vocal coaching, intricate choreography, and a bit of Korean sightseeing.

The show is a collaboration between the BBC, K-pop agency SM Entertainment, and Moon&Back Media, with industry veterans like Dawn Airey and Nigel Hall involved. K-pop expert Hee Jun Yoon, known for her critical eye, provides weekly feedback on the band's performance, often harshly, which the members admit they needed to improve.

Despite the challenges, the band members emphasize the importance of the support system provided by the show, which included welfare and life coaches. They also relied on each other for emotional support, growing closer throughout the process.

Dear Alice's name was inspired by a Seoul restaurant, with "Dear" symbolizing a letter to their fans, and "Alice" representing "a love I can't explain." The group hopes that their fusion of British and Korean influences will lead to success. Whether they’ve signed a record deal remains under wraps, but they’re continuing to rehearse hard, driven by the brutal but necessary feedback they received during their journey.

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