Michelle Ye Hee Lee
@myhlee.bsky.social
Washington Post Tokyo/Seoul Bureau Chief, covering Japan, the two Koreas and beyond. Mom to two needy cats & a rambunctious golden retriever. michelle.lee@washpost.com
Pinned
How the few freedoms North Koreans enjoyed have vanished since the pandemic
The city of Hyesan, just over the river from China, once offered a glimpse of a more open North Korea. Now it exemplifies Kim Jong Un’s mounting authoritarianism.
wapo.st
New: Our deep-dive into life in Hyesan, a North Korean border city close to China, to learn how the few freedoms North Koreans enjoyed have vanished since the pandemic.
The Washington Post partnered with Asia Press to reach three residents currently living in Hyesan.
Gift link: wapo.st/4lzqExQ
The Washington Post partnered with Asia Press to reach three residents currently living in Hyesan.
Gift link: wapo.st/4lzqExQ
Ran a half marathon for the second time! The final 3 miles were uphill *and* the final 6 miles were against the wind 😩 but we conquered this cursed course and I set a new PR. We ran the “End of the Land” race in Haenam, a town in the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Ran a half marathon for the second time! The final 3 miles were uphill *and* the final 6 miles were against the wind 😩 but we conquered this cursed course and I set a new PR. We ran the “End of the Land” race in Haenam, a town in the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula.
Best time of the year in Seoul 🍁🍂🍃
November 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Best time of the year in Seoul 🍁🍂🍃
Several South Korean firms have pulled or prolonged a pause on investment in U.S. projects after a massive immigration raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia that resulted in hundreds of Koreans arrested. By @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Some South Korea firms pulled projects after Hyundai immigration raid
Reluctance to do business in the U.S. after a massive Hyundai immigration raid could make it tougher for South Korea to fulfill its pledge of $350 billion in U.S. investments.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Several South Korean firms have pulled or prolonged a pause on investment in U.S. projects after a massive immigration raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia that resulted in hundreds of Koreans arrested. By @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Delicious dinner, inspiring conversation, and Korean American power ✨ With the great @minjinlee.bsky.social & Chef Edward Lee in Seoul.
November 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Delicious dinner, inspiring conversation, and Korean American power ✨ With the great @minjinlee.bsky.social & Chef Edward Lee in Seoul.
Just opened this app to see so much baseball commentary/hyperventilation. Reminds me of the fun Twitter days. Go sports!
All the thinkpieces about Bluesky don't account for the fact that it's occasionally 100% wall-to-wall baseball on here
November 2, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Just opened this app to see so much baseball commentary/hyperventilation. Reminds me of the fun Twitter days. Go sports!
China shot back to Trump's social media post saying he approved South Koreans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, by urging South Korea and the US to “fulfill their nuclear non-proliferation obligations.”
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
China reminds South Korea of NPT obligations after Trump OKs nuclear submarine
The US president’s abrupt granting of approval to Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine appears to have touched a nerve with Beijing
english.hani.co.kr
October 31, 2025 at 12:12 PM
China shot back to Trump's social media post saying he approved South Koreans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, by urging South Korea and the US to “fulfill their nuclear non-proliferation obligations.”
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Takaichi and Lee's gifts: Lee gave Takaichi K-cosmetics and Korean seaweed after she expressed her personal “love” for both items. Takaichi gifted Lee with a set of go stones and bowls in Kamakura, a sister city of Lee's hometown, Andong.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
Japanese and South Korean leaders agree to boost ties in first meeting
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first in-person talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC regional summit Thursday evening.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 31, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Takaichi and Lee's gifts: Lee gave Takaichi K-cosmetics and Korean seaweed after she expressed her personal “love” for both items. Takaichi gifted Lee with a set of go stones and bowls in Kamakura, a sister city of Lee's hometown, Andong.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Michelle Ye Hee Lee
TOMORROW: join @asiapolicy.asiasociety.org for a rapid reactions webinar to the outcomes of Trump's Asia tour. With Wendy Cutler, @myhlee.bsky.social, @shayhouston.bsky.social, and @emmachanlettavery.bsky.social. Register to attend: asiasociety.org/policy-insti...
October 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
TOMORROW: join @asiapolicy.asiasociety.org for a rapid reactions webinar to the outcomes of Trump's Asia tour. With Wendy Cutler, @myhlee.bsky.social, @shayhouston.bsky.social, and @emmachanlettavery.bsky.social. Register to attend: asiasociety.org/policy-insti...
It’s been a newsy few weeks with Japanese politics and Trump’s Asia trip, with so many stories and deadlines. My brain needs a minute, so here are pics of Darcy with her two best friends at doggy daycare, Peanut and Barley. 🥹
October 31, 2025 at 12:45 AM
It’s been a newsy few weeks with Japanese politics and Trump’s Asia trip, with so many stories and deadlines. My brain needs a minute, so here are pics of Darcy with her two best friends at doggy daycare, Peanut and Barley. 🥹
On his nearly week-long swing through Asia, President Donald Trump accepted glittering gifts. But there was one thing the president wanted that he didn’t get: a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Free link to our analysis on the one gift that got away:
wapo.st/4hx23ba
Free link to our analysis on the one gift that got away:
wapo.st/4hx23ba
Analysis | Trump wanted one gift in Asia he didn’t get: A visit with Kim Jong Un
The North Korean leader has grown closer to Moscow since he and Trump met in 2019 and did not respond to the U.S. president’s public push for a meeting.
wapo.st
October 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM
On his nearly week-long swing through Asia, President Donald Trump accepted glittering gifts. But there was one thing the president wanted that he didn’t get: a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Free link to our analysis on the one gift that got away:
wapo.st/4hx23ba
Free link to our analysis on the one gift that got away:
wapo.st/4hx23ba
Reposted by Michelle Ye Hee Lee
This will require Congressional Authorization of both houses and is not a certainty.
October 30, 2025 at 11:26 AM
This will require Congressional Authorization of both houses and is not a certainty.
President Donald Trump said he has authorized South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, allowing access to military technology possessed by few other nations. Details are scarce, but it’s a big deal for South Korea, facing growing security concerns with North Korea and China.
wapo.st/3JxtkOd
wapo.st/3JxtkOd
wapo.st
October 30, 2025 at 3:45 AM
President Donald Trump said he has authorized South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, allowing access to military technology possessed by few other nations. Details are scarce, but it’s a big deal for South Korea, facing growing security concerns with North Korea and China.
wapo.st/3JxtkOd
wapo.st/3JxtkOd
In South Korea, Trump secures a trade deal — and a glittering crown. The trade agreement will lower U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15 percent in exchange for $350 billion in investment.
Gift link to our story from Gyeongju:
wapo.st/4qCYULk
Gift link to our story from Gyeongju:
wapo.st/4qCYULk
In South Korea, Trump secures a trade deal — and a glittering crown
The trade agreement will lower U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15 percent in exchange for $350 billion in investment, a Korean official said.
wapo.st
October 29, 2025 at 1:27 PM
In South Korea, Trump secures a trade deal — and a glittering crown. The trade agreement will lower U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15 percent in exchange for $350 billion in investment.
Gift link to our story from Gyeongju:
wapo.st/4qCYULk
Gift link to our story from Gyeongju:
wapo.st/4qCYULk
Wow. This crown...
"It's really beautiful. I'd like to wear it right now," Trump says.
"It's really beautiful. I'd like to wear it right now," Trump says.
October 29, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Wow. This crown...
"It's really beautiful. I'd like to wear it right now," Trump says.
"It's really beautiful. I'd like to wear it right now," Trump says.
President Trump is in South Korea, where he will receive a national honor and a gold crown, and meet business and political leaders -- and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Gift link to today's story, which will be updated throughout the day: wapo.st/4qCYULk
Gift link to today's story, which will be updated throughout the day: wapo.st/4qCYULk
Trump to receive national honor, gold crown during trip to South Korea
Trump is attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea, where he will meet business and political leaders - and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
wapo.st
October 29, 2025 at 4:57 AM
President Trump is in South Korea, where he will receive a national honor and a gold crown, and meet business and political leaders -- and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Gift link to today's story, which will be updated throughout the day: wapo.st/4qCYULk
Gift link to today's story, which will be updated throughout the day: wapo.st/4qCYULk
Trump speech at APEC CEO summit so far (30 minutes in) is a greatest hits of his stump speech: electoral college wins, cutting regulations, shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea, bashing the Biden admin for not drawing enough foreign investments to the U.S..... also, "Barack Hussein Obama"
October 29, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Trump speech at APEC CEO summit so far (30 minutes in) is a greatest hits of his stump speech: electoral college wins, cutting regulations, shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea, bashing the Biden admin for not drawing enough foreign investments to the U.S..... also, "Barack Hussein Obama"
Of course
Toyota says it did not explicitly promise Trump new $10 billion investment in US reut.rs/4qyCASU
Toyota says it did not explicitly promise Trump new $10 billion investment in US
Japan's Toyota Motor did not explicitly promise a new $10 billion investment in the United States, a senior executive from the Japanese automaker said on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump mentioned a potential investment of that size.
reut.rs
October 29, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Of course
Trump has landed in South Korea. He will speak at the APEC conference, and then meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Lee will present Trump with the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa," the highest decoration of the South Korean government, and gift Trump a replica of a Silla dynasty gold crown.
October 29, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Trump has landed in South Korea. He will speak at the APEC conference, and then meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Lee will present Trump with the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa," the highest decoration of the South Korean government, and gift Trump a replica of a Silla dynasty gold crown.
Reposted by Michelle Ye Hee Lee
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lined up Ford and Toyota pickups outside the Akasaka Palace. The semiotics of US-Japan summits are always a rich text but we're discovering new levels this time around.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
迎賓館に日米トラック展示「経済連携の象徴」 トランプ氏来訪時 - 日本経済新聞
政府は28日の日米首脳会談の会場となった東京・元赤坂の迎賓館の前庭に、米自動車大手フォード・モーターとトヨタ自動車のピックアップトラックなどを展示した。外務省幹部は「日米がともに支え合い成長していく経済連携の象徴と捉えてほしい」と解説
www.nikkei.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lined up Ford and Toyota pickups outside the Akasaka Palace. The semiotics of US-Japan summits are always a rich text but we're discovering new levels this time around.
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
Reposted by Michelle Ye Hee Lee
Watch this space. South Korea is pressing the Trump administration on enrichment and reprocessing: ”We asked the United States to allow the same level as Japan, and there was a positive response from the United States.” biz.chosun.com/en/en-scienc...
South Korea seeks U.S. approval to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel
South Korea seeks U.S. approval to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel Seoul presses washington to allow domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing rights
biz.chosun.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Watch this space. South Korea is pressing the Trump administration on enrichment and reprocessing: ”We asked the United States to allow the same level as Japan, and there was a positive response from the United States.” biz.chosun.com/en/en-scienc...
Less than a week into her tenure, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi positioned herself to become President Trump’s top ally in Asia with a charm offensive that catered to Trump’s soft spots: golf, gold, deals and the Nobel Peace Prize. Our story on today’s summitry:
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Japan’s new leader tries to charm Trump with gold, golf and deal on rare minerals
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump inked a rare-earth minerals deal ahead of Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Less than a week into her tenure, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi positioned herself to become President Trump’s top ally in Asia with a charm offensive that catered to Trump’s soft spots: golf, gold, deals and the Nobel Peace Prize. Our story on today’s summitry:
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on Tuesday signed a deal to cooperate on critical minerals, as the U.S. seeks to limit dependency on China for the materials that are essential components in everything from cellphones to jet engines. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Trump signs rare earth minerals deal with Japan ahead of China meeting
Trump met with new Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, who heralded the start of a “new golden age” in the bilateral relationship following tricky trade talks.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:49 AM
President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on Tuesday signed a deal to cooperate on critical minerals, as the U.S. seeks to limit dependency on China for the materials that are essential components in everything from cellphones to jet engines. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Takaichi told Trump that she intends to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She also presented him papers about the intended nomination during their bilateral meeting. (Unclear yet what the papers are)
October 28, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Takaichi told Trump that she intends to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She also presented him papers about the intended nomination during their bilateral meeting. (Unclear yet what the papers are)
Op-ed in the @washingtonpost.com by Kurt Campbell, a former U.S. deputy secretary of state: "In the Tuesday meeting, Takaichi would do well to channel Abe’s approach to Trump in the U.S. president’s first term and Thatcher’s approach to Ronald Reagan."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Japan’s new prime minister has two excellent models for Trump summit
Sanae Takaichi would do well to channel Shinzo Abe and Margaret Thatcher in her U.S. dealings.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Op-ed in the @washingtonpost.com by Kurt Campbell, a former U.S. deputy secretary of state: "In the Tuesday meeting, Takaichi would do well to channel Abe’s approach to Trump in the U.S. president’s first term and Thatcher’s approach to Ronald Reagan."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Reposted by Michelle Ye Hee Lee
Following Trump's Asia trip, join @asiapolicy.asiasociety.org and Wendy Cutler, @myhlee.bsky.social, Shay Wester, and @emmachanlettavery.bsky.social to unpack the outcomes and implications of Trump’s Asia tour on Oct. 31 at 8:30 AM. asiasociety.org/policy-insti...
Assessing Trump’s Asia Tour
Join ASPI for a timely webinar to unpack the outcomes of President Trump’s visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
asiasociety.org
October 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Following Trump's Asia trip, join @asiapolicy.asiasociety.org and Wendy Cutler, @myhlee.bsky.social, Shay Wester, and @emmachanlettavery.bsky.social to unpack the outcomes and implications of Trump’s Asia tour on Oct. 31 at 8:30 AM. asiasociety.org/policy-insti...