Profiles
Kang Shin-chul’s unusual rise now faces its hardest test at defense ministry
A career general trusted by rival governments must sell contentious reforms to the military establishment that made him
September 1, 2026
New PPP floor leader takes center stage as conservatives confront Yoon legacy
Jeong Jeom-sig, a Yoon ally, faces an early test as conservatives debate re-election and political renewal
June 19, 2026
Why Lee Jae Myung tapped a former Naver CEO to become prime minister
Former Naver chief Han Seong-sook’s rapid rise reflects the president’s focus on AI, startups and growth
June 12, 2026
South Korea’s next Assembly speaker could accelerate Lee Jae Myung’s agenda fast
Cho Jeong-sik is expected to prioritize legislative speed, constitutional reform and executive coordination
May 22, 2026
Seoul mayoral race tests local governance model beyond district level
Chong Won-o seeks to scale Seongdong track record citywide as housing policy and central coordination take focus
May 8, 2026
Trump taps Michelle Steel for South Korea envoy role amid regional strain
Seoul-born former lawmaker brings anti-China stance and campaign-style politics to a key US alliance post in Asia
April 20, 2026
From war reporter to conservative warrior, Lee Jin-sook reshapes media power
Lee used institutional power to reshape media governance debates, drawing praise and criticism across political spectrum
March 27, 2026
Lee taps Park Hong-keun to lead Korea’s new budget ministry in fiscal shift
Four-term lawmaker and Lee ally takes charge of revived planning ministry as Seoul centralizes fiscal strategy
March 10, 2026
Han Byung-do takes the helm as scandal forces ruling party into defensive mode
After Kim Byung-kee’s collapse, DP opts for procedural control and discipline over factionalism ahead of June election
January 16, 2026
South Korea’s credibility play in nuclear talks puts Rim Kap-soo at the center
Career nonproliferation expert is tasked with expanding fuel-cycle rights while reassuring the US on precedent and trust
January 2, 2026
