Just wanted to get some opinions. My wife and I are based in Seoul for the next 18 months and will be doing regular overseas travel (1-2 long haul per month) but after that will be returning to the states. She currently has 70K in NWA Worldperks and we've been crediting miles to that account for the past couple of trips. She flies primarily in full fare economy. Do you guys think it makes sense to switch to Skypass as our primary program or stay with NWA? Does status with NWA confer any benefits while traveling with KE?

Thanks in advance for the any thoughts.

KE is rather good about honoring partner FFP's elite benefits, especially Skyteam Elite Plus; priority luggage tags are fairly systematic, and an empty adjacent seat in Y not uncommon, more than what my 'home' carrier AF-KL does for its own elites. Priority check-in is an useful perk in Asia.

As for switching over to KE Skypass, I wouldn't do it, unless planning to reach the Morning Calm Premium level with its lifetime ST E+ status @half a million miles. Redemption levels with Skypass are much higher, especially intra-Asia, and competing Morning Calm members are plentiful out of Korea.
Between the Morning Calm and Morning Calm Premium level 450K miles stand, a wasteland only a longterm Seoul-based FF can consider breaching (in other words, one would be low-level elite for many years with mileage that would yield higher levels on other FFPs).

Also, do check the eligible fare classes, as KE is somewhat stingy there.

There are various reasons why KE's program is not all that competitive with other ST partners. Most importantly, you have to do a lot of flying on their own metal to qualify. NW, on the other hand, is a good choice for ST flyers who are temporarily based in Asia, due to very reasonably priced Asian C awards.