When K-pop diplomacy hits Brussels

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of South Korea's partnership with Europe amidst various diplomatic and defense issues, alongside a light-hearted look at football drama in Brussels.

South Korea’s president is in Brussels for the first EU-South Korea summit in three years — a visit that starts with K-pop diplomacy but quickly moves to chips, trade, defense and China. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at why Seoul has become such an important partner for Europe and why South Korea’s role in Europe’s rearmament push is also politically awkward. The due also discuss Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tightening her grip on another strategic file: defense. We unpack how the EU’s new Security Strategy is being shaped inside the Berlaymont, why the diplomatic service is being pushed to the margins and why capitals are watching closely. And finally: With the World Cup about to kick off, Brussels has its own football drama. The European Parliament’s annual football cup has produced coalition teams, fair-play penalties and now a handshake row between the Greens and the ECR. If you have comments, do send us a voice note or a message us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Zoya Sheftalovich

Guest: Ian Wishart

Topics covered

• K-pop diplomacy
• EU-South Korea relations
• defense
• trade
• chips
• European Parliament football

Keywords

• K-pop diplomacy
• EU-South Korea summit
• defense strategy
• Ursula von der Leyen
• European Parliament
• football drama
• trade relations
• chips
• rearmament
• China

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: South Korea, EU, European Parliament

Places: Brussels

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