In a significant stride for national security and technological prowess, South Korea successfully launched its first indigenous military reconnaissance satellite on a SpaceX Falcon rocket, marking a new era of satellite-based intelligence and surveillance. The ROK government aims to launch many more in the coming year, but there are challenges ahead. Amid a spike in regional tensions and the space race with North Korea, the Korea Pro team discusses the potential military and civilian applications of these satellites. The conversation also turns to South Korea's internal political dynamics such as the implications of the Cabinet reshuffle on South Korea's economic and diplomatic strategies, as well as the impact of China's export control of urea. This week’s episode features the following members of the Korea Pro team: Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner) About the podcast: The KOREA PRO Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Jeongmin Kim and John Lee, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring South Korean politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Stay informed, stay ahead, and never miss a beat on Korean affairs that matter. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Dec. 7, 2023. Audio edited by Lina Park