Benjamin A. Engel
@benjaminaengel.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Korean Studies at Dankook University. Research interests: Korean modern history, US-Korea relations, democracy and human rights
Pinned
brill.com
My latest article is finally published: "Paving the Way for the Marlboro Man: Bilateral U.S.-South Korea Negotiations on Liberalizing the South Korean Cigarette Market, 1985–1988." 1/
brill.com/view/journal...
brill.com/view/journal...
PPP’s response to Maduro’s seizure might be the funniest: “Korea must not become Venezuela.“ As if the country is on the verge of descending into narcotic production and holds a vast wealth of natural resources. China Lee is now Venezuela Lee I guess 🙄
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-01...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-01...
Korean political parties disagree on how to view Venezuelan president's arrest
The two main political parties set differing priorities on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While the Democratic Party stressed protecting Koreans in Venezuela, the People Power Part...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:35 PM
PPP’s response to Maduro’s seizure might be the funniest: “Korea must not become Venezuela.“ As if the country is on the verge of descending into narcotic production and holds a vast wealth of natural resources. China Lee is now Venezuela Lee I guess 🙄
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-01...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-01...
North Korea: “Yet again another reason to never denuclearize. Thank you for the reminder.”
January 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM
North Korea: “Yet again another reason to never denuclearize. Thank you for the reminder.”
“We’re gonna run it.”
And then illusion of ending forever wars under Trump, for those who foolishly believed him, ended.
And then illusion of ending forever wars under Trump, for those who foolishly believed him, ended.
January 3, 2026 at 4:47 PM
“We’re gonna run it.”
And then illusion of ending forever wars under Trump, for those who foolishly believed him, ended.
And then illusion of ending forever wars under Trump, for those who foolishly believed him, ended.
This is pretty ridiculous. Coupang is a US firm in name only and is essentially seeking US intervention into an issue that is purely domestic Korean politics. But is interesting that Coupang has been successful where “Yoon again” folks haven’t been.
www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/com...
www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/com...
US politicians mobilize to shield Coupang - The Korea Times
Coupang's significant spending on lobbying politicians in the United States has apparently paid off, with Republicans criticizing the Korean govern...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
December 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
This is pretty ridiculous. Coupang is a US firm in name only and is essentially seeking US intervention into an issue that is purely domestic Korean politics. But is interesting that Coupang has been successful where “Yoon again” folks haven’t been.
www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/com...
www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/com...
ㅎㅎㅎ Kim Keon-hee to Yoon “We’re screwed because of you. You didn’t even serve in the military and you declared martial law?” In her pocket “next president project”
Political cartoon based on recent revelations that Yoon’s wife was extremely displeased when she heard he had declared martial law
Political cartoon based on recent revelations that Yoon’s wife was extremely displeased when she heard he had declared martial law
December 18, 2025 at 1:57 AM
ㅎㅎㅎ Kim Keon-hee to Yoon “We’re screwed because of you. You didn’t even serve in the military and you declared martial law?” In her pocket “next president project”
Political cartoon based on recent revelations that Yoon’s wife was extremely displeased when she heard he had declared martial law
Political cartoon based on recent revelations that Yoon’s wife was extremely displeased when she heard he had declared martial law
Korean universities use international students to fill out enrollment and buttress income, but the path to employment in Korea after graduation is tough. Graduates forced to work illegally to survive while hunting for a job they probably will never find
m.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
m.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Vietnamese graduate’s death renews scrutiny of Korea’s visa rules
A Vietnamese woman who died following an immigration raid at a factory in South Korea has become the focus of growing calls to loosen the country’s restrictive
m.koreaherald.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Korean universities use international students to fill out enrollment and buttress income, but the path to employment in Korea after graduation is tough. Graduates forced to work illegally to survive while hunting for a job they probably will never find
m.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
m.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Reposted by Benjamin A. Engel
Lunacy
Trump: "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled ... It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before — Until such time as they return to the USA all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us."
December 17, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Lunacy
The traditional conservatives of Korea haven't gone full "never Trump" though yet. They recognize their own party is a threat to democracy, but also see Lee Jae Myung as one as well. Lee tempts them with pragmatic (particularly foreign) policies, but...1/
Strong editorial in the conservative Chosun Ilbo about the state of the People Power Party. Denounces the fact that the party is protecting Yoon rather than moving on: "The PPP leadership is increasingly veering toward extremism rather than expanding its base."
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
Editorial: People Power Party’s ‘Yoon Again’ Push Risks Existential Crisis
Editorial: People Power Partys Yoon Again Push Risks Existential Crisis
www.chosun.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:20 AM
The traditional conservatives of Korea haven't gone full "never Trump" though yet. They recognize their own party is a threat to democracy, but also see Lee Jae Myung as one as well. Lee tempts them with pragmatic (particularly foreign) policies, but...1/
Strong editorial in the conservative Chosun Ilbo about the state of the People Power Party. Denounces the fact that the party is protecting Yoon rather than moving on: "The PPP leadership is increasingly veering toward extremism rather than expanding its base."
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
Editorial: People Power Party’s ‘Yoon Again’ Push Risks Existential Crisis
Editorial: People Power Partys Yoon Again Push Risks Existential Crisis
www.chosun.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Strong editorial in the conservative Chosun Ilbo about the state of the People Power Party. Denounces the fact that the party is protecting Yoon rather than moving on: "The PPP leadership is increasingly veering toward extremism rather than expanding its base."
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
www.chosun.com/english/opin...
Reposted by Benjamin A. Engel
“Hair-brained scheme” was right there for the taking… 👨🦲🐇
Lee administration's new plan to get young men on their side is to...cover hereditary baldness treatments under the National Healthcare system. Seems like a pretty dumb idea on many levels...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Hair loss should be under greater national health insurance coverage: Lee
President Lee Jae Myung asked the government to review the possibility of treatment for hereditary hair loss being covered under the mandatory national health i
www.koreaherald.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:56 AM
“Hair-brained scheme” was right there for the taking… 👨🦲🐇
Lee administration's new plan to get young men on their side is to...cover hereditary baldness treatments under the National Healthcare system. Seems like a pretty dumb idea on many levels...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Hair loss should be under greater national health insurance coverage: Lee
President Lee Jae Myung asked the government to review the possibility of treatment for hereditary hair loss being covered under the mandatory national health i
www.koreaherald.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Lee administration's new plan to get young men on their side is to...cover hereditary baldness treatments under the National Healthcare system. Seems like a pretty dumb idea on many levels...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Another fun history issue this week in Korean politics. Much different than the typical history wars and something you don't see come up often in political discourse. Makes one wonder how widespread belief in such pseudohistory is in Korea.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Lee Jae Myung‘s reference to disputed history book draws scrutiny from academics
Would you believe Korea once ruled all of Asia and much of Europe? So claims "Hwandan Gogi," a compilation of supposed ancient texts that purports to chronicle
www.koreaherald.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Another fun history issue this week in Korean politics. Much different than the typical history wars and something you don't see come up often in political discourse. Makes one wonder how widespread belief in such pseudohistory is in Korea.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
Should stop calling them "deals." They are steps on the path to further extortion. And the sooner countries openly recognize this and cooperate to push back against Trump the better.
The US has suspended the technology deal with the UK that was signed during Donald Trump's state visit
www.ft.com/content/afd4...
www.ft.com/content/afd4...
US suspends technology deal with the UK
Washington pushes for concessions from London on the broader trade relationship
www.ft.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Should stop calling them "deals." They are steps on the path to further extortion. And the sooner countries openly recognize this and cooperate to push back against Trump the better.
Stop calling these people (myself included) expats. They are migrants.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
From loneliness to rebuilding identity: Inside lives of expat spouses in Korea
On a weekday morning in Seoul, a group of women introduced themselves in a mix of accents: Indian, Danish, French, American, German and more. Some wheeled strol
www.koreaherald.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Stop calling these people (myself included) expats. They are migrants.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1063...
One of the first "history battles" under the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Lee cancels the national merit designation of a colonel who led the early operations to suppress the Jeju Uprising of 1948. 1/
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
President Lee Jae-myung Instructs Cancellation of Colonel Park’s National Merit Designation
President Lee Jae-myung Instructs Cancellation of Colonel Parks National Merit Designation Jeju Groups Demand Removal Over 4·3 Incident Role; Signboard Justifies Assassination
www.chosun.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:06 AM
One of the first "history battles" under the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Lee cancels the national merit designation of a colonel who led the early operations to suppress the Jeju Uprising of 1948. 1/
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
I spend about $1,500 annually for national healthcare here in South Korea for a family of 4. My copays for typical visits (flu, etc.) are less than $5. Prescriptions are typically less than $10. The state covers 95% of all cancer treatments. America is stupid.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/o...
Opinion | $27,000 a Year for Health Insurance. How Can We Afford That?
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:58 AM
I spend about $1,500 annually for national healthcare here in South Korea for a family of 4. My copays for typical visits (flu, etc.) are less than $5. Prescriptions are typically less than $10. The state covers 95% of all cancer treatments. America is stupid.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/o...
Lee Jae Myung, the Unification Church, and Steph Curry. Now there’s a headline I never thought I would see
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
President reportedly sought contact with NBA star Stephen Curry through Unification Church
A JoongAng Ilbo report has found that President Lee Jae Myung's presidential campaign sought to arrange contact with NBA star Stephen Curry through the Unification Church ahead of the 2022 election.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Lee Jae Myung, the Unification Church, and Steph Curry. Now there’s a headline I never thought I would see
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
PPP Floor leader at the time of martial law Choo Kyoung-ho encouraged PPP lawmakers to leave the National Assembly floor before the vote to rescind martial law according to indictment against him. Some PPP members then did in fact walk away. 1/
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
[단독] '계엄의 밤' 원내대표실 모인 국힘 의원들…한동훈에 "국회서 나가자" | 중앙일보
추경호 측, 계엄 해제 표결 당시 의원 이탈 유도
www.joongang.co.kr
December 9, 2025 at 4:33 AM
PPP Floor leader at the time of martial law Choo Kyoung-ho encouraged PPP lawmakers to leave the National Assembly floor before the vote to rescind martial law according to indictment against him. Some PPP members then did in fact walk away. 1/
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
Casual references to political opponents as "Nazis" or "Hitler" increasingly being used in Korea. Concerning because it doesn't properly contextualize just how awful the Nazis were. But Korea in general has a history with trivializing Nazism. 1/
www.koreaherald.com/article/1062...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1062...
Nazi, Hitler rhetoric enters Korean politics — and expats, experts are alarmed
References to Nazism and Adolf Hitler are appearing with increasing frequency in South Korea’s political discourse — raising concerns among foreign residents an
www.koreaherald.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Casual references to political opponents as "Nazis" or "Hitler" increasingly being used in Korea. Concerning because it doesn't properly contextualize just how awful the Nazis were. But Korea in general has a history with trivializing Nazism. 1/
www.koreaherald.com/article/1062...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1062...
Decided to relive the trauma of Dec. 3, 2024 by reading lots of media postmortems of Yoon's martial law attempt and was surprised to find my own name pop up. Glad to see someone read my article from last December.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
Martial law crisis revealed weak checks on Korea's presidency, but also resilience of country's democracy
Almost a year has passed since Dec. 3, 2024, when then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency martial law, stunning Korea and setting off a political crisis that continues to reverberat...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Decided to relive the trauma of Dec. 3, 2024 by reading lots of media postmortems of Yoon's martial law attempt and was surprised to find my own name pop up. Glad to see someone read my article from last December.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12...
The Lee Jae Myung administration is downgrading the importance of denuclearization in its inter-Korea policy and choosing to use the phrasing of pursuing a "Korean Peninsula without war or nuclear weapons." Sure to incite conservative outrage. 1/
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Lee to swap ‘denuclearization’ goal for ‘peninsula without nuclear weapons’ in North Korea policy blueprint
In a soon-to-be-released document outlining the Lee administration’s policy toward North Korea, emphasis is being placed on peaceful coexistence rather than denuclearization
english.hani.co.kr
December 2, 2025 at 5:08 AM
The Lee Jae Myung administration is downgrading the importance of denuclearization in its inter-Korea policy and choosing to use the phrasing of pursuing a "Korean Peninsula without war or nuclear weapons." Sure to incite conservative outrage. 1/
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Reposted by Benjamin A. Engel
South Korea intends to abolish provisions obligating soldiers and civil servants to follow superiors’ commands even when they may be improper or unlawful.
S. Korea pushes for soldiers, civil servants to have right to refuse unlawful orders
The South Korean government is moving to remove long-standing obedience requirements for civil servants and soldiers, on the heels of former President Yoon Suk
www.koreaherald.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:12 PM
South Korea intends to abolish provisions obligating soldiers and civil servants to follow superiors’ commands even when they may be improper or unlawful.
Australia is lovely, but Sydney’s airport works really hard to ruin any sliver of enjoyment upon arrival. Being worse than American airports is quite the feat
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Australia is lovely, but Sydney’s airport works really hard to ruin any sliver of enjoyment upon arrival. Being worse than American airports is quite the feat
I highly doubt this is due to a lack of interest. Rather it’s a failure of most Korean universities to have instructors capable of offering courses in English. Often “English” STEM classes are an English textbook with Korean-language lectures
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Foreign students numbers rise, but few of them studying STEM
The number of foreign students in Korea has grown over the past decade, but far fewer are studying natural sciences or engineering, according to new research.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:31 AM
I highly doubt this is due to a lack of interest. Rather it’s a failure of most Korean universities to have instructors capable of offering courses in English. Often “English” STEM classes are an English textbook with Korean-language lectures
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Funny meme in South Korea about recent China-Japan spat.
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
November 20, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Funny meme in South Korea about recent China-Japan spat.
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”