Domestic Politics
Hormuz deployment, France nuclear deal and Olympic Park protests — Ep. 149
Seoul weighs military involvement in Middle East, expands energy cooperation with Paris, ends sports federation blockade
September 11, 2026
South Korea leans on Europe as Hormuz deployment choices grow narrower
Lee is using a British-French framework to preserve a limited role as war, Iran and DP resistance constrain Seoul
September 9, 2026
South Korea tests its Hormuz limits as Trump pressure builds across alliance
Seoul is weighing a limited maritime role that could protect energy flows while setting a new baseline for US demands
September 4, 2026
Veteran general tapped for defense minister as Cabinet dispute grows — Ep. 148
Kang Shin-chul’s nomination, Yong Hye-in’s dual-role controversy and proposal for longer school days
September 4, 2026
Tving security failures hand Seoul a new test after the Coupang dispute
MSIT found 39.5 million accounts exposed as weak controls put Korea’s privacy enforcement and consistency under scrutiny
September 4, 2026
South Korea’s record 2027 budget puts the chip windfall under central control
A new 162 trillion won fund and 55-year overhaul of education transfers shift more fiscal power to the executive branch
September 3, 2026
South Korea’s record 2027 budget puts semiconductor windfall to work now
Lee Jae Myung’s government channels surging tax revenue into a new Future Response Fund and strategic investment
September 2, 2026
South Korea in August 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from August 1 to 28, 2026, and key outlook for September 2026
August 31, 2026
Lee replaces key ministers as housing woes expose limits of his first team
Finance and land promotions favor insiders as defense returns to a former general and Blue House policy control expands
August 31, 2026
South Korea’s drone push falters as police reform raises alarm — Ep. 147
Prototype crashes expose defense challenges while high-profile cases cast doubt on expanded police authority
August 28, 2026
