Domestic Politics
US tariff threat exposes widening gaps in Seoul’s trade and lawmaking signals
White House cites legislative delays as Seoul confirms undisclosed US letter on digital issues and trade uncertainty
January 29, 2026
Why South Korea’s fake news amendment raises institutional risks beyond intent
By coupling content judgments with civil, criminal and administrative penalties, law alters long-term speech governance
January 28, 2026
Trump’s tariff 180 underscores the dangers of South Korea’s alliance assumptions
Seoul’s expectations for predictability are colliding with Washington’s erratic trade and defense policies
January 27, 2026
South Korea tax agency sharpens enforcement as revenue pressure mounts in 2026
NTS targets multinationals and cross border risks while holding audit volumes steady and expanding litigation capacity
January 27, 2026
How Coupang’s breach became a durable political confrontation in South Korea
Administrative enforcement, nationalist framing and public opinion aligned to sustain scrutiny long after disclosure
January 26, 2026
Coupang dispute enters treaty terrain as investors trigger arbitration clock
ISDS notice formalizes a regulatory clash Seoul had sought to contain while narrowing diplomatic room for maneuver
January 23, 2026
Seoul folds manufacturing AI push into sweeping 2026 livelihood policy package
M.AX alliance emerges as industrial signal inside a Cabinet-backed rollout centered on household relief
January 22, 2026
Why South Korea’s conservative rebranding playbook is finally failing
Past recoveries relied on progressive failure, not internal renewal — a pattern now strained after Yoon’s martial law
January 21, 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
Death penalty politics, Seoul-Tokyo optics and central bank caution — Ep. 115
Yoon Suk Yeol’s trial outlook, Lee-Takaichi chemistry and rate decisions frame a fragile policy mix
January 16, 2026
