Domestic Politics
South Korea in July 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from July 1 to 29, 2026, and key outlook for August 2026
July 31, 2026
Lee Jae Myung’s housing squeeze is arriving years ahead of his housing supply
2025 census shows a market split by geography, household size and building age as credit restrictions take effect first
July 30, 2026
Foreign residents hold South Korea’s population flat as working-age base shrinks
Korean nationals fall for fifth year, working-age share drops below 70% for first time, men in their 20s decline 3.8%
July 29, 2026
South Korea plans for lower gas demand while preparing for higher LNG use
Seoul forecasts declining baseline consumption but keeps a higher planning scenario as AI demand remains uncertain
July 28, 2026
South Korea’s oil squeeze, Seoul mayor ruling and KNDA breach — Ep. 142
Middle East turmoil raises costs for Seoul as Mayor Oh Se-hoon appeals conviction and diplomats’ data is exposed
July 24, 2026
South Korea’s prosecution reform faces political reckoning over police failures
DP says stronger safeguards can replace prosecutors’ direct investigative role, but recent cases have intensified doubts
July 23, 2026
Court ruling leaves Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon’s political future in doubt
The first-instance conviction raises the prospect of leadership change in Seoul while appeals keep Oh in office for now
July 23, 2026
UNESCO ensures Sado will remain a recurring South Korea-Japan dispute
The World Heritage Committee has embedded the issue in a review process that will shape Seoul-Tokyo diplomacy for years
July 20, 2026
South Korea begins biggest overhaul of the won since the Asian financial crisis
The roadmap would allow offshore won trading and settlement around the clock, reshaping foreign access to Korean markets
July 20, 2026
Lee’s economic gamble, BOK hike and military academy reform — Ep. 141
South Korea bets on public investment while facing inflation pressure, weak won risks and criticism over defense reform
July 17, 2026
