Domestic Politics
Lee Jae Myung calls CPTPP entry unavoidable but says deal won’t come in his term
South Korean president offers farmers more support and floats export levy, but leaves Japan’s demand unresolved
October 28, 2026
Border tensions, alliance strains dominate South Korea’s parliamentary audits
Lawmakers pressed officials on North Korean mines, US intelligence curbs, OPCON timelines and a rift with Ukraine
October 27, 2026
Migrants now drive South Korea’s population growth as non-migrant numbers fall
Data show settled families replacing temporary workers, while policy and politics lag behind
October 27, 2026
South Korea’s prosecution reform reshapes how crimes reach the courtroom
Police now lead most investigations while prosecutors review evidence and request further work under tighter deadlines
October 22, 2026
South Korea to legalize abortion pills despite unresolved gaps in the law
Seoul aims to approve the drug in 2027, but unresolved rules on consent, pharmacy dispensing and liability cloud access
October 16, 2026
KOSPI plunge, Kamala Harris visit and Lee’s staffing shake-up — Ep. 153
South Korean chip stocks tumble as former US vice president visits Seoul and Lee appoints new chief of staff
October 16, 2026
South Korea’s industrial accident disclosures flag contractor safety risks
Ministry identifies failures in workplace hazard checks and safety managers’ duties across 81 disclosed accident cases
October 16, 2026
South Korea’s Cabinet vetting crises expose decades of presidential resets
A history of presidential responses to nomination disputes, from Lee Myung-bak’s questionnaires to the latest reshuffle
October 14, 2026
South Korea’s Arctic shipping gamble faces a tough test after first voyage
PanStar Acro returned to Busan without loaded import cargo as Seoul prepares a new trial and weighs its 2030 ambitions
October 13, 2026
Song Young-gil’s comeback renews scrutiny of his North Korea and Russia views
An ex-Incheon mayor and party chief, Song has defended engagement with Moscow while sharply criticizing Zelensky
October 9, 2026
