Domestic Politics
Iran war fallout on global alliances, energy deals and BTS comeback — Ep. 124
Policy reversals on Iran test alliances as South Korea confronts rising oil prices and domestic pressures
March 20, 2026
South Korea weighs rationing and wartime budget in energy contingency planning
Seoul reviews demand controls and emergency fiscal measures as prolonged disruption tests policy limits
March 18, 2026
South Korea’s June 3 local elections timeline from primaries to vote
Key dates from NEC procedures to party nominations and early voting ahead of nationwide local elections on June 3
March 17, 2026
Donald Trump’s call for Hormuz ships tests South Korea’s role in global security
Washington’s request highlights debate over whether Seoul will help protect sea lanes that underpin its economy
March 16, 2026
South Korea constitutional reform debate returns amid doubts over timing
Assembly Speaker proposes limited amendment referendum with June elections as political momentum from crisis fades
March 13, 2026
Energy shock, US missile defense asset shifts and new trade probes — Ep. 123
Seoul weighs price controls, potential US missile defense redeployments and Washington opens Section 301 investigations
March 13, 2026
US trade investigation puts South Korea’s state-backed growth strategy at risk
Section 301 probe could bring Korean technology sectors and industrial subsidies under Washington’s scrutiny
March 12, 2026
South Korea weighs fuel price controls, tax relief as oil shock rattles markets
Cabinet reviews stabilization tools as Middle East tensions threaten to raise transport costs and consumer prices
March 11, 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
South Korea’s June elections will test Lee’s governing power nationwide
Races across 17 provinces and cities will reveal whether ruling party can extend national strength into regional power
March 6, 2026
