Domestic Politics
Why Yoon’s death penalty case matters beyond the courtroom in South Korea
Judicial restraint is likely, but divided conservative responses could prolong political uncertainty after the ruling
January 14, 2026
South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for Yoon in martial law case
Prosecutors use maximum sentence to close ambiguity around emergency powers despite low execution likelihood
January 14, 2026
Homeplus crisis exposes how South Korea’s retail rules distort capital flows
Restrictions designed for brick-and-mortar commerce now amplify structural decline and investment asymmetry
January 9, 2026
China diplomacy and alliance uncertainty collide for Seoul this week — Ep. 114
Lee’s Xi summit, reaction to U.S. action in Venezuela and muted arms export response shape a tense policy moment
January 9, 2026
After restraint, Lee Jae Myung probes how far he can shift to the left
Early rhetorical changes suggest the administration is reassessing constraints before any formal policy moves
January 8, 2026
South Korea consolidates green budget power within climate ministry
Move reflects declining dominance of finance ministry as line ministries gain greater budget authority
January 5, 2026
How South Korea enters 2026 across politics, security and trade — Ep. 113
Record trade figures, postponed war games and mounting domestic political strain come into sharper focus
January 2, 2026
Lee Hye-hoon poised to take control of South Korea’s new budget ministry
Former conservative lawmaker with deep fiscal credentials tapped to step into powerful role to reshape state spending
January 1, 2026
Lee singles out industrial safety as economic priority in New Year address
Workplace deaths reframed as a growth constraint as president hints at expanded inspections without timelines
January 1, 2026
Why Lee Jae Myung’s livestreamed briefings may quietly weaken state capacity
Public accountability gains may come at the cost of bureaucratic fear risk aversion and slower policy execution
December 31, 2025
