S. Korea's first big defense export under new gov't — momentum for top 4 defense power?

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

On the eve of the very first "K-Defense Day," Korea has signed its largest-ever individual defense export contract under the new administration — finalizing a deal to supply 180 K2 tanks to Poland, estimated at over $6.5 billion U.S. dollars.

This marks the second stage of a broader strategic agreement that has already seen Korean arms becoming a mainstay in Europe's shifting security landscape.

At the same time, Michael Vaccaro, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Defense Trade Controls, is in Seoul.

He delivered a keynote speech outlining the Trump administration's new defense export policy, just as he is set to begin closed-door meetings with Korea's top defense contractors.

With eyes on Eastern Europe, Washington, and beyond, is Korea's ambition to become a global top-four defense power finally within reach?

For more on this, we're joined in the studio by Mason Richey, professor of International Politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Welcome

Also joining us online is Kim Yong-Jin, professor of Sogang Business School.

1. (KIM) Let's start with the headline itself — Hyundai Rotem has now officially finalized the second supply contract for K2 tanks to Poland. From a business perspective, how significant is this deal for Korea's defense industry and its global competitiveness?

2. (KIM) Building on that — this contract includes not just the standard K2GF tanks, but also the K2PL model tailored to Polish requirements. Why are localized variants like these such a competitive edge? And how valuable are the long-term MRO services tied to them?

3. (RICHEY) Now on the political side — this deal was stalled for nearly three years and even saw a change of government in Poland. How much did geopolitical factors — especially the war in Ukraine — drive this agreement over the line?

4. (RICHEY) Looking at comparative advantages — one of Korea's strongest selling points is timely delivery. Prof. Richey, how critical is delivery speed in today's defense diplomacy, especially when rival models like Germany's Leopard and the U.S. Abrams face bottlenecks?

5. (KIM) Looking ahead — many say this deal opens the door to more countries. What other markets are showing interest in K-Defense exports right now, and what specific strategies should Korean firms pursue to break into those regions?

6. (RICHEY) Let's zoom out to the broader structure — Korea's "One Team" model, with unified coordination between government agencies and private firms, is gaining attention. How does this compare with how traditional defense exporters operate?

7. (RICHEY) Turning to the U.S. — Vaccaro's keynote speech emphasized that cooperation with allies was central to U.S. security and cited Trump's recent executive orders on arms sales, and the maritime industry. What do these shifts signal about Washington's defense exports strategy, and how should Korea position itself in response?

8. (KIM) And more practically — Vaccaro is holding one-on-one meetings with Korean firms this week. What kinds of barriers or policy concerns are companies like Hanwha and Korea Aerospace Industries likely to raise in those talks?

9. (RICHEY & KIM) As we close out — both of you have touched on Korea's industrial and geopolitical momentum. With the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit now stepping in and the line between civilian and military tech growing thinner, what do you each see as Korea's biggest opportunity — and biggest challenge — as it tries to position itself as a tech-driven defense powerhouse?