When it appears that Donald Trump's favorite Korean is North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, the government in Seoul has reason to worry about the possible re-election of the former U.S. president in November.

The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should follow the example of many other governments and prepare for this eventuality, a process known as "Trump-proofing."

It is important to understand the reasons for a Trump victory to help guide Seoul in responding to what is likely to happen in a second Trump presidency. Opinion polls in the United States point to one main election issue: the state of the American economy.

On the surface, Americans should be happy about how their economy is performing. It is growing at a faster rate than any other advanced economy, the stock market is hitting record highs, and the unemployment rate is low. What's there not to like?

But Americans are worried about high government debt levels, the worst inflation rate in years and illegal immigration. At least 60 percent of households are living from paycheck to paycheck, credit card debt is at record levels, food prices remain stubbornly high and housing prices are no longer affordable for many.

Trump has successfully tapped into this anxiety,........

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